MTracey podcast - Asking people at the Jersey Shore about Epstein

Episode Date: July 29, 2025

This past Saturday I did what every conscientious citizen should’ve been doing with their placid summer weekend: asking random people on the Jersey Shore about Jeffrey Epstein.The journey began improbably, when it turned out the very first guy we encountered had literally been on a boat tour of Epstein’s island. And it ended with a big barrel of laughs, as another guy, Bob, proved to be one of the most naturally funny people I have ever come across. He had me seriously cracking up. Along the way, other interviewees also provided some interesting commentaries. Just another day at the boardwalk in Seaside Heights, NJ.Why do I do this sort of thing? Not merely in search of cheap viral moments with a news peg, although I do personally think Bob deserves to go viral and then perhaps take over “The Late Show” on CBS. I would also argue there is genuine journalistic value in making a point to semi-regularly ask “normal people” what they think about major news events. Not only to gauge their opinion, but to sense how they’re processing information, and from what sources. One young woman told us she’d only heard about the Epstein controversy from a single video on TikTok, and therefore didn’t have a whole lot to add. Others admitted with admirable candor that they hadn’t formed any strong views one way or another, because while they might be vaguely aware of the controversy, they had not consumed enough information to comment intelligently.And then there were others who volunteered their preexisting knowledge of “Pizzagate.”I know there’s a whole genre of “content creation” where man-on-the-street interviews are used for lame stunts or ridiculous gossip. However, on principle, I think it can be a worthwhile endeavor. Here’s another such video I did recently, asking Staten Island residents on the Fourth of July about Trump bombing Iran. The answers were diametrically opposite to what we’d been told were the prevailing views within the “MAGA Base” — by which pundits generally mean a handful of outlier social media personalities and podcasters who are not meaningfully representative of anything in particular, except the curious incentives of contemporary media.I’m still thinking through to what extent the popular storyline of Epstein-infuriated MAGAs being in rebellion against Trump actually has any long-term political ramifications, or if that narrative is just another invention of lazy media pontificators (both traditional and “alternative”) who love nothing more than to report on alleged “rifts” bedeviling MAGA. The jury’s still out, but I lean toward the supposed MAGA dissension being greatly exaggerated — a function of chronic over-reliance on algorithmically-curated social media feeds to extrapolate larger political trends. Are some Trump supporters angry and disenchanted — particularly those with outsized visibility online? Sure. Are they meaningfully representative of the wider GOP electorate? I have my doubts. Although, I will acknowledge that Epstein resonates differently than other issues, like Iran or even immigration, because it impinges on what’s come to be a core tenet of online Right-Wing dogma: that society is perpetually governed by the omnipresence of Satanic child sex-trafficking rings, and their sadistic coverup. Trump was supposed to vanquish the Deep State and expose the pedophiles, but now he appears to be colluding with them, and may even be implicated himself. And it’s not as if he just politely informed the public that sorry, there is no master Epstein “file” after all — he’s repeatedly called the whole thing a “hoax,” and launched bizarre screeds against his own supporters. So, I could see this having some deeper long-term political impact that’s a bit difficult to quantify right now, although I still lean toward it having not nearly as much impact as many have over-eagerly suggested in the past several weeks.Either way, it’s still interesting and amusing to ask normal people IRL about Epstein.Here’s the new video on YouTube, if you prefer.Videography and editing credit to Meagan O’Rourke. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.mtracey.net/subscribe

All right, here, everybody. Michael Tracy here. So what better way to spend a Saturday afternoon in July? Then to come here to the lovely Jersey Shore, Seaside Park, New Jersey, and do something a little bit different. No, we are not going to be sunbathing, although maybe I'll be moved to do that afterwards. We're not going to be necessarily consuming the funnel cakes and the lemonade or playing arcade games because we're here to get some business done. And that business is to do what you all are demanding.

We do. And that is to ask random beachgoers about Jeffrey Epstein. Hey, you know, what's your name? Mike. So all anybody could talk about is this whole issue with Epstein and is there a cover-up. What is Trump up to? Are there prominent people whose improprieties are being concealed? from us what do you make of the whole thing well aside from trump um Epstein i floated around

this island even now and there's still stuff going on i would think but um i guess he got what he deserved anybody who had harmed children you know my book's no good and i'm sure in everybody's book it would be no good you think stuff's still going on there now well i don't know we went by there and there were guys walking around with machine guns oh you went there well on the outside of it you're not allowed to go on it but yeah we were in the virgin islands in may so i don't know what's going on but there's something going on like a boat tour or something and did they pointed out this is upsy island oh yeah we went around it a couple times didn't everybody clap or i yeah you did anything i stick out to you guys with machine guns but i don't know any landmarks

or anything just noteworthy yeah what was it that house. There was a boat that pulled up and it was like obvious that like people were there meeting them and then there was someone driving around in a golf cart. So definitely. With machine guns standing there. Really? Do you think it was like the government in control or some other?

I think it might be the government maybe took it over and they're using it for their own personal game as usual. So what did you make of it when you heard that the FBI direct? and the Attorney General under Trump put out that message saying, look, everybody, there's no list of prominent people who got caught up with Epstein. Nobody's being blackmailed. Forget about it. What was your reaction? My reaction would be someone that would talk about that to those specifics are guilty of it. Expand. What do you mean?

Well, I mean, they're talking about there's no list, which there is. There's nothing that happened on Epstein Island, which there was. his suicide was an accident or not an accident of suicide but I wouldn't be surprised if he's still roaming around I don't think he's dead so you think these people in Trump the Trump's administration are now in on it

well if they're on the list they sure are you know definitely and how about Trump himself like he seems to like be making crazy statements about it he's criticizing his own supporters he's saying it's a hoax

like what's going on with that I kind of really didn't pay any attention to that because I really, this is like actually the first I'm hearing to this because I kind of died off of all that crap. I'm just trying to enjoy life. Here, here. You know. Then again, the inquirer gets in the way and you got all these celebrities and politicians and pedophilia rings and all that other crap. So Pizza Gate. Oh.

So yeah, Pizza Gate. You're familiar with that as well, I guess. familiar with it all. And your basic understanding is that stuff is generally true? I would think so. They're not making all that up. I mean, you know, you can't make shit like that up. You know what I mean?

There's some stuff you can't, just can't make up. Do you consider yourself Republican, Democrat, independent? I'm going to stay away from that question. Fair enough. Fair enough. So, Andrew, what do you make of the controversy lately around this whole? Epstein issue. What is your interpretation of what's going on? My interpretation is there's probably a lot of dirt. I really don't think Trump's involved, but that's how they're trying

to sway it to get him to Democrats cover up on the Republicans. And that's probably a lot of people's names mentioned that nobody wants to come out. So what is Trump's involvement here? What is he doing exactly? Because some of his supporters have been very upset recently because a lot of people who are supporters of Trump and even in the administration now had suggested that there would be this release of the list that a lot of people were heavily anticipating and then they make this announcement that there's no list and he's criticizing his own supporters he's saying it's a hoax like what do you make of what's going on with Trump I'm sure there's a list and I'm sure there's something that people don't want to come out so instead of the saving the embarrassment they'll push it off for as long

as they can but I'm sure there's something there that they don't want to come out do you think Trump doesn't want it to come out? No, I don't think it's Trump. I think it's probably other officials that will snowball into a mess. And why would Trump be calling it a hoax? Maybe to say face, but from what I know from personal, that Trump hated Epstein and threw him out of Mar-a-Lago a long time ago, and they were friends a long time ago,

but I think he was morally disgusted after the fact of probably what he found out. So he was friends with Epstein a long time ago, and photos have come out, videos come out. There have been claimed to be letters that have been revealed that he sent to Epstein for his birthday or whatever. Do you think there's anything to be suspicious about in terms of his relationship,

or was he just like one of many people who consorted with this guy and you can't draw too many in for instance just because they went to a party together or something? I think socialites in New York City in the 90s all party together. So who knows what really happened, but I'm sure there are a lot of people

that were friends that wish they never associated with him. So in terms of what's alleged about Epstein, people say that there's this child sex trafficking ring and like a blackmail operation that Epstein used to implicate all these prominent people. And that's what everybody was expecting to come out, but has not yet been released for whatever reason. Do you think that what people fundamentally allege exists does exist? or are you a little doubtful or where do you fall on that? I don't know how big the scheme was. I'm sure there's things that people don't want to come out,

whether it's a one night or a scheme or a business or whatever, but I'm sure there's some things that people don't want to come out that they did that they're not proud of, and that's probably why that list is not coming out. And it could be Bill Clinton. Who knows? Like, you know, they said Clinton was on that plane a lot. So maybe he cut a deal, you know, who knows, it's politics.

All right. Well, thanks for chatting with us for a minute. All right. Take care. Yep. Take care. How's it going well? What's your name? My name's Elliot. So what do you make of these recent developments around this whole Epstein saga as you put? That's a good word, by the way. I use that a lot. I'm interested to see if it's the breaking point for a lot of the Magafoke. You know, the tipping point, the point of no return.

Yeah, because, you know, a lot of Trump supporters, as I don't have to tell you, I guess, have been outraged, up in arms. Trump has been denouncing his supporters. What do you think is going on there? Why has Trump reacted in this way to this groundswell of a clamor for releasing the files that they claim don't exist? Or maybe they do. Who knows anymore? I think that here too, he's had free reign and has been held totally unaccountable. You've got to do whatever he wants and say whatever he wants, knowing that he's got a loyal cult-like following.

And I think it's the first time where maybe, hopefully, he might not be able to just talk his way out of it. Now, do you think that the supporters of his that are critical of him now, is it representative of, like, his voter base writ large or is a little bit exaggerated by, like, the loudest people on the internet? You know what I mean? I think that most people find the pedophilia to be a deal breaker. I don't think it's just, you know, the extremists or the, you know, the people closer to the middle. And now, do you think that fundamentally what people allege exist? this does exist, like a widespread child sex trafficking operation that's enforced by blackmail to implicate prominent people.

It's being covered up. Like, are you convinced that that is real? I'm not a conspiracy theorist, but for sure. To what extent? I don't know. Is it, you know, you're just taking vulnerable women in Florida and grooming them or, like, like you were saying more firmer sex trafficking? It's tough to say.

but to some extent absolutely and do you what about this is like blackmail component with the idea being that he entrapped prominent powerful men in sexually compromising situations maybe even filmed them

surreptitiously and then is using that to had used that to blackmail them a lot of people believe that element of the theory interesting I hadn't heard that angle but I'd believe it for sure in a lot of mob tactics all right we'll see appreciate it so what is your name ma'am

Mary Ann Martin Nice to meet you So you're just beginning to tell us What your perspective is on this whole Epstein controversy They'll never release his diary Because there's too many famous people Too many famous people will be in the news And they don't want that

Because they're just as guilty as he is Having sex with young girls And they're never going to release it What do you think is going on with Trump Because Oh now we're just I'll have people that want to hang me because I'm going to say he's probably on the top of the list. Why do you say that?

If he were a female, he'd be a whore. Now somebody will come after me and want to shoot me or hang me or, you know. We'll protect you. Because it's sort of been strange recently. A lot of his supporters are upset with him because people in his administration suggested there was going to be these revelations made. and they were going to put out some kind of list. But then, lo and behold, they released a statement saying, there is no list, there's nobody else who could be incriminated,

and the guy died by suicide, just as the government had maintained all along, and people were shocked and outraged. What do you make of that? I think, like I said, it's a cover-up. I don't think he committed suicide. I don't think so. Too many people at the top were involved, and they'll never release it.

Just like his girlfriend that's doing prison time, she's not going to talk. Are they trying to make some deal with her to get her to talk? That's the last I heard. Trump sent the Deputy Attorney General to the prison in Florida where she's incarcerated, and they had some kind of discussion. We don't know the full details,

but yes, it is an interesting development. Some people suggest that could be part of a cover-up, but who knows? Part of a cover-up. It's part of a cover-up. I think so. Do you think that these child sort of sex trafficking rings really are that pervasive? Or are people maybe exaggerating?

Or like, how do you view the prevalence or not of these sort of operations? I want to believe that people are exaggerating, but they're not. It happens. It's true. And it's pathetic. It's pathetic that people have to have sex with young children. You know, it's pathetic. It's a disgrace.

Have you heard about it or have you been privy to any information that gives you more confidence in the reality that this thing, that these sorts of things are actually are very common? Well, it's in the news every day. I mean, look at those girls from Cleveland and how many years they were locked in a cellar with that one of them, one of them, both of them had babies by him. and it happens. And I think it happens more than we want to think. Do you think it happens, especially a lot among elites? So like political elites, business elites, academic elites, the kind of people who were in Epstein's orbit?

Or do people just sort of want to believe that about the elites because they don't like the elites? And so they sort of want to believe the worst about him, or is it somewhere in the middle? No, I think it exists. and with the elites, it's not publicized as much as it should be. They kind of have money and they can keep it quiet for as long as possible. That's my opinion.

And so do you think this is going to continue to be a problem for Trump? You know, it's been several weeks now, and this is all anybody can talk about. He's told everybody, forget about Epstein, nobody cares. And the uproar just keeps growing and growing and growing into. intensity, so how is this all going to pan out? Well, like he said, forget about Epstein. He's dead. You know, it's done.

But I think the truth should come out. I don't know why it took so long, but I think it should. All right. Thank you very much. Have a great day. So, what's your name? Bob. What do you make of this whole Epstein controversy?

Here they go. Talk to these guys about Epstein. I think the guy's a piece of shit in the point. pedifiable let he's dead let him go all we are saying is give peace a chance i'm out of my mind but that's all right how does she get so beautiful would you like to answer that question megan what was that i got to tell you i hate politics i hate what's going on we need love in the world guys like you who love everyone you just told me i should shop my head off. Well, that's good. I mean, for your own sake, I'm talking about it. I can't disagree with

that. So, so you think that he's dead. Everybody should move on because there's a lot of people who are demanding the files to be put out. They think there's a cover-up, but you don't buy into that? Believe me. Trump knew the guy, but believe me, he did not do anything wrong. He's a sick guy, but he's a reformed man and he's a wonderful president. Matter of fact, he may go down as the greatest president in the world. But it's over, man. I mean, the only person who knows is Giselle. And I want you and her to go to prison,

the metropolitan in Brooklyn, and interview her. Let's do it. Let's do it. You want to bring me along, no problem. The three of us, Bob, I, you're the one person in the world I would want to bring along to that interview. I tell you, her and I would be, we hit it off good. Believe me, I like skinny legs. You can reminisce about old parties and whatnot?

You know, actually, I met Donald Trump when he was a young man. He was a sick psycho. But God bless, he saw the light. Did you really meet him? I met him twice. And he was a psycho? Out of his marvels. And he's sick.

He enjoyed life. I mean, who marries five women and seven mistresses? It was a great guy. Do you understand what he's done? Are you a Democrat? Yeah, you're a liberal psycho. Yeah, I got it, I got it. I have not voted Democrat in a while.

I never watched politics in my life. I just hope everybody can get along. Just be like hard. Every day, how you're doing? You know? What school did you go to? What school did I go to? I went to high school in North Jersey,

and I went to college in Central Jersey. I'm a Jersey man through and through. How about you? I just want to be interviewed. This government on TV. FBI, Bianchi, homicide. Come in. So what would be your message to people who say,

Bob, you couldn't be wrong. This is an incredibly important issue. All these powerful elites, they're pulling the rug out from under us, and they promised us all these revelations that we're going to tell us how these depraved politicians actually operate and how can you say to just move on that's that's unacceptable I

agree there should be transparency whatever the hell they have they should release they shouldn't hide it how come Trump says we're not releasing it no he went to Department of Justice he went true but he said there's no list and so people were thinking there was going to be a list that was going to be put out he gave a hundred names and by the way you're on it I surrender guilty as charged if I was you As soon as it gets dark, run for your life. Now, why waste time on Fstein? We got wars going on.

Let's save people's lives. Here he comes again. Oh, my God, we're scary. And you're still married to that guy? God bless you, buddy. No, I'll rush for you. Sick people. You know what I'm saying?

Let's go on with what's important. People are dying every day. am I right nice tea I think you make a good point thank you buddy God bless you all right Bob

I love you appreciate it the best to you I wish you the best starting here starting now we'll be no more rehearsing our part

I'll see it all right everybody look I did my civic duty today I did what all of you watching really should have been doing today which is going to whatever public place is most convenient for you

and ask whomever you can about Epstein. Do not ask any accompanied children about Epstein. Do not ask any minors or anybody who could be remotely construed as minors about Epstein. That's how I'm going to insulate myself from any legal liability for doing these interviews. did not interview any minors. We did not interview anyone under 45, I hope. But you know what we did do? We got in touch with the people. We spoke to you, the honest man, the honest man and woman, the working men and women, they're recreating on a Saturday at the Jersey Shore men and women. And you know what? There's got to be some climactic resolution here.

associated with the ocean as a metaphor. I hope that a tidal wave comes and washes me away just to put an exclamation mark on what we were able to accomplish today together. So thank you. And may God bless the United States of America.