Epstein, Encryption, and Vanishing Trust—The Weekly

Contribute to Politicology at politicology.com/donate To unlock Politicology+ visit politicology.com/plus This week, Ron Steslow and Hagar Chemali (Fmr. spokesperson for the U.S. Mission to the UN) examine how efforts to “protect democracy” can sometimes undermine its foundations. They unpack the ongoing Epstein investigation and what it reveals about the importance of impartial justice and truth. They dig into the U.K.’s Banter Bill and its chilling effect on free speech—an essential pillar of democratic society. And they discuss the Tornado Cash trial unfolding in Manhattan, and how it could set a precedent that reshapes Americans’ digital privacy rights. These aren’t just headline stories—they’re stress tests for the core values that make democracy function. Then, in Politicology+ they discuss Javier Milei proving his detractors wrong and the remarkable turn around in Argentina this year. Not yet a Politicology+ member? Don’t miss all the extra episodes on the private, ad-free version of this podcast. Upgrade now at politicology.com/plus. Find our sponsor links and promo codes here: https://bit.ly/44uAGZ8 Send your questions and ideas to [email protected] or leave a voicemail at ‪(703) 239-3068‬ Follow this week’s panel on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://x.com/HagarChemali Related Reading: WSJ- Justice Department Told Trump in May That His Name Is Among Many in the Epstein Files Axios - Deputy attorney general seeking meeting with Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell FP - Britain’s War on Speech Comes for the Pub NYTimes - As Trump Quits UNESCO, China Expands Influence - The New York Times Axios - The trial of a Tornado Cash developer begins Coindesk - Legitimate Privacy Tool or Dirty Money ‘Laundromat’? Lawyers Debate Role of Tornado Cash on Day 1 of Roman Storm Trial