The Pour Over Today - Epstein MAGA Rift, Syria Ceasefire, Trump vs. Powell, & More | 07.18.25

Episode Date: July 18, 2025

Today, we’re talking about the rift in Trump’s supporter base caused by the Epstein case, a ceasefire reached in the Syria-Druze conflict, Trump’s alleged attempt to fire Fed Chair Jerome Powell, and other top news for Friday, July 18. Stay informed while remaining focused on Christ with The Pour Over. Join over 1 million readers with our free newsletter here Looking to support us? You can choose to pay here Check out our sponsors! We actually use and enjoy every single one. Cru LMNT Upside Known and Loved Quince CCCU Surfshark Compelled Mosh Holy Post Podcast

Today's episode is brought to you by our lead sponsor, Crew. Hey, this is Bailey at The Poor Over. And this is Zan at The Poor Over. Today we're talking about the rift in Trump supporter base caused by the Epstein case, a ceasefire reached in the Syria-Jeruse conflict, Trump's alleged attempt to fire Fed Chair Jerome Powell, and other top news for Friday, July 18. Stay informed while remaining focused on Christ with the pour-over. Here's your quote of the day. He said, Love as I have loved you. We cannot love too much.

Amy Carmichael. Let's get started with some espresso shots. President Trump is digging in against his base over the Epstein case. After the DOJ announced there's no Epstein client list and reaffirmed his suicide, many Trump supporters cried cover-up. On Wednesday, Trump doubled down, calling it a, quote,

"'hoax' pushed by Democrats and foolish Republicans." On social media, he called critics, quote, hoax pushed by Democrats and foolish Republicans. On social media, he called critics, quote, weaklings and past supporters. The case has sparked a MAGA rift. Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino has clashed with AG Pam Bondi over withheld files. Some right-wing influencers, like Charlie Kirk, have quieted after speaking with Trump. Others, like Megyn Kelly and Laura Loomer are still demanding answers. Congress may get involved.

This week, Republican Speaker Mike Johnson requested the DOJ release its files on Epstein, and House Democrats are proposing amendments to this week's crypto legislation that would force the files release. files release. Culturally hot topics frequently make people think, speak, and act poorly, including us. We can respect others and represent God better if we're quick to listen and slow to speak. James 3.17 says, But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits,

unwavering, without pretense. A ceasefire in the Middle East has been reached for a conflict you likely haven't heard of. Syria announced Wednesday it had renewed a ceasefire with the Druze, a tight-knit religious minority of over 1 million people living in Syria, Lebanon, and Israel, following days of fighting between Druze militias and nomadic Bedouin fighters, another minority group, in the country's southern province of Soweta. Syria deployed its military to control the conflict,

but fighting escalated and residents accused government forces of killing Druze civilians. The ceasefire came after Israel intervened, launching airstrikes on Damascus, which hit Syria's military headquarters, in a reported effort to defend the Druze and prevent Syrian forces and Islamist militants from turning southern Syria into a, quote,

terror stronghold. Syrian forces have withdrawn from the region. interim president al-Sharah says his priority is to protect Druze citizens. The Syrian regime has been working to protect the Druze since the beginning of the war. The Syrian regime has been working to protect the Druze since. Peace in this world is temporary, but the peace we gain through Jesus is forever. As we pray for peace in the Middle East, remember our ultimate hope is in Christ, who's coming again one day to bring perfect, lasting peace.

No more wars, no more death, sadness, or pain. Micah 4.3 says, he will settle disputes among many peoples and provide arbitration for strong nations that are far away. They will beat their swords into plows and their spears into pruning knives. Nation will not take up the sword against nation

and they will never again train for war. Will he? Won't he? Can he? President Trump reportedly showed Republican lawmakers a draft termination letter for Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, but later said the firing was quote, highly unlikely. The stock market opposes Powell's potential pink slip, dipping each time it's suggested, but the president is publicly frustrated that Powell won't cut interest rates. The Fed maintains that Trump doesn't have the authority to fire Powell. The president appoints the Fed chair to a four-year term,

which requires Senate confirmation, but can only fire them for cause. The disagreement over when to cut rates doesn't merit cause, but the Trump administration suggests Powell has mismanaged a $2.5 billion renovation to Federal Reserve buildings. It's generally assumed that if the letter is ever sent, the Supreme Court will be forced to weigh in. Here's a verse to consider when things feel up in the air.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13, eight. and today and forever. Hebrews 13 8. With over 1,000 translations and every type of decorative edition, it's easy to forget how many people can't even get their hands on a single copy of the Bible in their native language. That's why we've partnered with Cru. Cru has missionaries in almost every country, but they need more Bibles. One missionary said, I've never seen such a thirst for the Word of God in my country. Let's quench that thirst. For just $24 a month, you can provide three people with Bibles every month.

As a bonus, Cru will provide meals to 12 hungry individuals through their humanitarian ministry and send you a free TPO coffee mug. Simply text POUR to 71326 or visit give.cru.org slash POUR. Again, that's texting P-O-U-R to 71326 or give.cru.org slash P-O-U-R. Message and data rates may apply. Available to U.S. addresses only. In other brews, here's a rapid round of updates. In other brews, here's a rapid round of updates. Uncle Sam's budget will likely get $9 billion slimmer.

At President Trump's request, the Senate passed a bill that would cancel previously approved foreign aid and funding to public broadcasting. Think NPR and PBS. It's expected to clear the House today. Supporters praise the fiscal trim. Critics say Congress is conceding too much of their spending authority to the White House. Tomorrowland's tomorrow is a little murky. A massive fire tore through the main stage at Belgium's Tomorrowland EDM festival site Wednesday, just two days before kickoff. No one was injured, but organizers say the stage

was severely damaged, and the cause remains unknown. The festival, set to begin today, draws tens of thousands of visitors from around Europe each year. Meta's high-profile privacy trial has settled, a day after it began. Shareholders had sued CEO Mark Zuckerberg and other meta-directors, saying they should use their personal piggy banks to reimburse the company

for fines and legal costs of user privacy violations. The trial promised testimony from the who's who of tech, but alas, the settlement's terms were not disclosed. Do you la boo boo? Pop Mart, the Chinese toy maker behind the viral doll, announced a 350% jump in profits as endorsements from Kim Kardashian and Lisa from Blackpink continue to fuel the craze. The $10 dolls, which look a little like they'd hang out where the wild things are,

have a booming resale market where they can fetch hundreds of dollars. Tuesday's MLB All-Star Game hit it out of the park. Tied after nine innings, it ended with the first-ever swing-off where three players from each team got three swings to try for a home run. Philly slugger Kyle Schwaber blasted all three for-homers for the National League, winning the game, MVP, and a cool crystal bat. That's all we have for today. Thanks so much for listening, TPO fam. If you're listening on the Apple Podcasts app, give us a five-star rating and drop a review. If you're listening

on Spotify, give us a follow and hit the notification bell to never miss a new episode. We're grateful for your support and hope you have a great weekend. Catch you on Monday. Turns out you're scrolling, browsing, and online shopping isn't so private. Hackers can access your personal info, conversations, and location details all with your IP address. Keep your deets out of hackers' hands with Surfshark.

Their VPN hides your IP address from prying eyes, letting you bypass geolocation tracking and keeping your scrolls and searches how they should be. Private. Try today at the link in the show notes.