Today’s Headlines: The House is gearing up for a major vote on Wednesday to force the DOJ to release the Epstein files—and suddenly a lot more Republicans are ready to say “yes” now that it’s happening in public. Rep. Thomas Massie says they could have 100+ GOP votes and maybe even build a veto-proof majority. Meanwhile, Trump is trying to steer the conversation elsewhere, calling on AG Pam Bondi to investigate Epstein’s ties to Clinton, Larry Summers, Reid Hoffman, and JP Morgan—even though Donald Trump himself is the single most mentioned person across those emails. Trump also found time to wage war on Marjorie Taylor Greene, calling her “Marjorie Traitor Greene”. MTG went on CNN to say she’s “humbly sorry” for toxic politics and wants the Epstein files released, which… we’ll believe when we see it. In other Epstein-adjacent news, several employees at Ghislaine Maxwell’s prison were reportedly fired after a whistleblower exposed how much special treatment she’s been getting. The DOJ is also in settlement talks with Michael Flynn, who’s somehow demanding $50 million in damages for being prosecuted for lying to the FBI back in 2017. As for another distraction tactic, Trump implemented a major rollback of tariffs on beef, coffee, fruits, nuts, spices. He’s also rattling sabers with Venezuela as the USS Gerald Ford arrived in the Caribbean. Meanwhile ICE is expanding its aggressive raid tactics to Charlotte and New Orleans. And finally, Indiana lawmakers delivered Trump another L by refusing to redraw their state maps, despite his team begging them to come to the Oval Office so he can “convince” them.

Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:

AP News: Many House Republicans will back a bill to release Epstein files, leaders of the effort say

CNN: Trump says he’s asking Justice Department to investigate Epstein’s ties to slew of high-profile figures

CNN: Trump administration news as Epstein files vote approaches

CNN: Prison employees have been terminated after Ghislaine Maxwell’s email messages were shared, her lawyer says

The New Republic: Justice Department Prepares to Pay Trump Ally Michael Flynn Millions

WSJ: Trump Implements Major Rollback of Food Tariffs

NBC News: U.S. aircraft carrier arrives in the Caribbean Sea in major buildup near Venezuela

Axios: The cities Trump is targeting with ICE crackdowns next

Politico: Indiana redistricting push likely dead despite White House pressure

Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson

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