Inside Trump's Epstein files pivot

And Trump to host Saudi crown prince at White House today |

VIEW IN BROWSER MS NOW DAILY Understand today's news Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025   THE LATEST Behind Trump's Epstein 180: A fighting posture that turned 'too defensive' By Jake Traylor and Laura Barrón-López Behind Trump's Epstein 180: A fighting posture that turned 'too defensive' By Jake Traylor and Laura Barrón-López Facing the biggest Republican rebellion of his second term, President Donald Trump reversed course Sunday night and told House Republicans to vote for releasing the Jeffrey Epstein files — a capitulation that one White House aide described as abandoning a "losing battle" to kill legislation his own party was planning to defy him on.   In public, it was a surprising reversal. In private, Trump aides and allies were preparing for a loss, hoping the president would stay quiet. Ultimately, the president accepted the writing on the wall.   Trump's natural instinct is to fight. But on the potential release of the Epstein files, he's taken on "too defensive of a posture," said a person close to the White House granted anonymity to discuss internal thinking. That, they said, "undercuts a lot of his good instincts."   This is a preview of Jake Traylor and Laura Barrón-López's latest article. Read the full article here. TOP STORIES HAYES BROWN Trump's investment in MBS is a bad deal in the making The president is sure he's getting the better end of a deal with the Saudi crown prince. He shouldn't be so certain. Read more. DR. UCHÉ BLACKSTOCK This viral TikTok illustrates the pain of giving birth while Black Dallas Regional Medical Center said in a statement that it is "committed to providing compassionate, high-quality care to every person who comes through our doors." Read more. JORDAN RUBIN Judge cites 'disturbing pattern' in ordering disclosure of James Comey grand jury materials A judge noted "profound investigative missteps" that could "undermine the integrity of the grand jury proceeding" against the former FBI director. Read more. JA'HAN JONES New disclosures show Trump bought bonds affected by government policy changes The president has invested tens of millions of dollars in the last few months in corporate and municipal bonds. Read more.  TOP VIDEOS WAY TOO EARLY House poised to pass a bill today to force the release of the Epstein files WATCH NOW RACHEL MADDOW Hundreds show up for training to resist ICE, protect their neighbors WATCH NOW ANA CABRERA REPORTS Fmr. Sen. Boxer slams Speaker Johnson's comments on Pelosi: 'Lack of class' WATCH NOW DEADLINE: WHITE HOUSE ICE agents arrest more than 130 in Charlotte immigration operation WATCH NOW MORE FROM MS NOW On Nov. 15, we officially became MS NOW: My Source for News, Opinion, and the World. The same familiar and trusted hosts and journalists who make sense of what is happening in Washington, across the country, and around the world will still be here — on the same channel, at the same time. You'll find the same commitment to justice, progress, and the truth. We will continue to cover the day's news, ask the tough questions and explain how it all impacts you. This week on "The Best People," Nicolle Wallace speaks with American historian Heather Cox Richardson to discuss the significant realignment she sees happening in our democracy right now, and Americans waking up to the power they hold and finding their agency. Listen now and subscribe to MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts for early access, ad-free listening, and bonus content. 229 West 43rd St. New York, NY 10036 PRIVACY | CONTACT | UNSUBSCRIBE