The Last Word With Lawrence O’Donnell - July 29 | Audio Only

Trump and Epstein Controversy - Trump changed his story about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, initially citing Epstein stealing employees from Mara Lago as the reason for their falling out, but previously stating it was because Epstein was a "creep" [2][3] - Trump acknowledged that Virginia Duay, an Epstein victim, was among the young women who worked at his spa and were "stolen" by Epstein [4][6] - Trump's comments contradict previous White House denials, which claimed Epstein was banned from Mara Lago for being a "creep" [7] - Senate Democrats are demanding answers regarding a secret meeting between Glenn Maxwell and Trump's Deputy Attorney General, Todd Blanch, and are concerned about a potential pardon for Maxwell [8] - The House Oversight Committee declined Glenn Maxwell's request for immunity in exchange for testimony [9] - New polling data indicates that 58% of Americans disapprove of Trump's handling of the Epstein files, and 86% support releasing the files [10] Political and Legal Implications - Senate Democrats are insisting that the Justice Department commit to denying a pardon or commutation to Maxwell in exchange for information [9] - Congressman Raja Krishna Murphy expressed concern that Trump's lawyer could influence Maxwell's testimony [10] - Trump is seeking to depose Rupert Murdoch in connection to a lawsuit over the Wall Street Journal's reporting on the Epstein birthday book [9] - Senator Dick Durban is demanding transcripts and recordings of Trump's Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanch's prison interviews with Glenn Maxwell [11] Economic and Policy Issues - Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester discussed a bipartisan housing package aimed at increasing housing supply and affordability [13][16][17] - Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester criticized Trump's economic policies, including tariffs and cuts to Medicaid [22][23] - 20 states are suing the Trump administration over demands for deeply personal data from over 41 million Americans receiving food assistance (SNAP) [30][33] - Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown stated that the Trump administration is attacking people who are simply hungry and need help [35] North Carolina Senate Race - Roy Cooper announced his candidacy for Senate in North Carolina and raised $3.4 million in 24 hours [12] - Democrats see an opportunity to pick up a Senate seat in North Carolina, left open by the retirement of Republican Senator Tom Tillis [12] - Anderson Clayton, chair of the North Carolina Democratic Party, believes Roy Cooper can flip the Senate seat in 2026 [12] - North Carolinians are feeling the impact of Republican policies in Washington DC, including rising insurance rates and the threat of tariffs [13]