A heated confrontation erupted on CNN NewsNight on December 24, 2025, when liberal podcaster Adam Mockler claimed a government “cover-up” surrounding Jeffrey Epstein files was “larger than Watergate,” prompting sharp rebuke from Republican panelists and nearly causing the segment to spiral out of control.
The clash on the CNN program hosted by Abby Phillip centered on recently released photographs from the Epstein estate and questions about transparency in the handling of documents related to the deceased financier. Mockler, host of the Straight Shot No Chaser podcast, accused Pam Bondi of mishandling the release of Epstein-related materials and suggested a broader effort to shield Donald Trump from damaging revelations.
The exchange intensified when Joe Borelli directly confronted Mockler about his allegations. Borelli challenged Mockler to acknowledge whether evidence existed linking Trump to criminal activity in the documents.
“Hold on, let me hear you say it: there is no evidence in any of these documents that links Donald Trump to trafficking,” Borelli said to Mockler.
The two panelists began shouting at each other from close proximity, with Mockler responding with a question rather than a direct answer. When Borelli pressed again about evidence of crimes committed by Trump, Mockler ultimately admitted that no such evidence exists.
Tezlyn Figaro then entered the debate, tapping her nails on the desk for emphasis as she argued that the full extent of evidence remained unknown because all files had not been released. The segment concluded shortly after, with Borelli suggesting that once all files became public, he would be willing to continue the discussion.
The confrontation came amid ongoing controversy over photographs and documents related to Epstein’s connections with prominent figures. House Democrats on the House Oversight Committee received approximately 95,000 photos from the Epstein estate. In the middle of December, over 90 images were released, showing various public figures including Trump, Bill Clinton, Steve Bannon, Prince Andrew, Bill Gates, and Richard Branson.
House Oversight Committee Democrats stated the images “raise questions about Epstein’s relationships,” according to their social media posts accompanying the release. The photographs depicted Epstein alongside some of the world’s most powerful individuals, spanning political, business, and entertainment circles.
Trump addressed the newly released photographs, dismissing concerns about his appearance in them. Trump said he had not seen the photos but characterized them as inconsequential. He emphasized Epstein’s social prominence in Palm Beach and said, “Everybody knew Epstein and hundreds have photos with him,” seeking to minimize the significance of his documented association with the convicted sex offender. The president maintained he knew nothing about the latest developments.
The controversy has taken place against a backdrop of heightened tension between Trump and media organizations. In a post on Truth Social, Trump threatened to terminate network licenses over what he characterized as overwhelmingly negative coverage of his administration and the Republican Party.
Trump wrote that networks should have their licenses terminated for presenting content critical of his presidency. The statement marked another escalation in the president’s ongoing conflict with news organizations and entertainment figures who have scrutinized his administration.
Trump also attacked Stephen Colbert on Truth Social, calling the late-night host a pathetic trainwreck and suggesting the network should end his program. The feud between Trump and Colbert has been long-running, with neither figure concealing their mutual animosity.
Similarly, Trump has clashed with Jimmy Kimmel over comedic content, with FCC Chair Brendan Carr becoming involved in disputes over late-night programming. The attacks on media personalities came as Trump’s name appeared in materials related to Epstein, despite efforts by the Department of Justice to redact certain information.
During the CNN panel debate, Borelli had argued that Democrats and media outlets were desperately attempting to implicate Trump in wrongdoing without substantive evidence. The Republican panelist suggested his political opponents had repeatedly failed to establish criminal connections despite extensive focus on the Epstein case.
The exchange on CNN NewsNight illustrated the deep partisan divide surrounding the handling and interpretation of Epstein-related materials. Mockler’s invocation of Watergate—one of American history’s most significant political scandals—underscored the gravity with which some critics view the current situation, even as he acknowledged the absence of direct evidence tying Trump to criminal conduct.
The release of photographs and documents from Epstein’s estate has reignited questions about the financier’s relationships with powerful individuals across multiple spheres of influence. The ongoing debate over transparency, government accountability, and the scope of Epstein’s connections continues to generate intense political and public interest as more materials emerge from his estate.
The Department of Justice has faced scrutiny over its handling of documents related to Epstein, with critics questioning whether sufficient information has been made public. The tension between calls for full disclosure and efforts to protect privacy or national security interests remains unresolved as investigators continue reviewing the extensive collection of materials from Epstein’s properties.
