ting to suppress the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, amidst tension with MAGA Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene who supports the release of Epstein files. Trump has labeled Greene a traitor, creating fractures within the Republican base. Key Republican votes on releasing Epstein-related emails are expected, with Trump facing resistance within his party. In another segment, the future of Democratic Senate Leader Chuck Schumer is questioned due to dissatisfaction within his party, fueled by Schumer’s handling of the government shutdown. Potential challengers, like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, loom ahead of the 2028 elections. Also discussed is the public's discontent with Trump's handling of healthcare, seen as a pivotal issue for Democrats in upcoming elections. Finally, there's coverage of internal conflicts in the Democratic Party, such as Marie Gluesenkamp Pérez criticizing Rep. Chuy Garcia over his retirement announcement timing, and efforts by former NFL player Kyle Turley to reverse a new ban on many hemp products included in a recent government funding bill. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices1d:T418,

Trump begins staffing top roles in his second administration with loyalists and sycophants—and demands that the senators running for majority leader agree to embrace a process that would allow him to appoint whoever he wants without Senate confirmation. Jon, Lovett, and Tommy discuss whether Trump's opening moves are as chilling as we thought they'd be, what we do and don't know about his second-term plans, and how he might pursue revenge on his opponents. Then, Tommy speaks with New York Congressman Pat Ryan, who hung on in a tough district, about the lessons the Democratic Party needs to learn in order to win.

For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.

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