Last week, the Department of Justice released more than 3 million documents and images from the Epstein files. Many powerful, notable people were named, like Bill Gates, Elon Musk, and Prince Andrew.

But, what one thing that might have flown under the radar is the vast number of wealthy sports leaders in the files: like the owner of the New York Giants, the Washington Commanders’ majority owner, and the owner of the New England Patriots.

Pablo Torre and Jen discussed the systemic failure of holding powerful figures in America accountable, and also discussed the lackluster anticipation of the Winter Olympics and the cultural significance of Bad Bunny‘s upcoming Super Bowl performance.

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One of the most important steps to fight back against this authoritarian takeover in our government will be to take back Congress.

Without Maine, Democrats won’t be able to take back the Senate. After years of seeing Sen. Susan Collins fail to step up to Donald Trump, Maine Governor Janet Mills is determined to put her experience as a public servant to use.

And, Cait Conley [20:10] is a congressional candidate for New York’s 17th district which covers the Hudson Valley. She’s a blue collar worker, combat veteran, and is challenging Trump lapdog Mike Lawler. Jen and Cait talked about the needs going unaddressed in her district and the importance of restoring checks and balances.

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As part of Wednesday morning’s Coffee with the Contrarians, Norm Eisen and Jen Rubin caught up with Jim Acosta.

Jim’s celebrating his one year anniversary in independent media, and if you look at the current state of legacy media, it's never been more important to have voices like his.

We talked about what’s going on with the DHS appropriations funding bill, what the Trump Administration is trying to do to Alex Pretti and others who are peacefully demonstrating, and how we can collectively meet the moment.

Coffee with the Contrarians is live, every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday at 9:15am eastern on The Contrarian substack.

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As we’ve seen in Minnesota and elsewhere, The Department of Homeland Security has violently weaponized ICE against the American people. Enough is enough.

Jen spoke with Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) to discuss how Democrats in Capitol Hill can step up and fight back against a proposed DHS funding bill, and why accountability is paramount moving forward to protect Americans.

And, reporter Katie Phang [21:30] is on the ground in Minneapolis, and gave a firsthand account of everything she’s seen in the Twin Cities during a special edition of Coffee with the Contrarians.

Coffee with the Contrarians is live, every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday at 9:15am eastern on The Contrarian substack.

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Greenland, Iceland, whatever Trump is the name of the country has been spared from U.S. invasion — at least for now. What hasn’t been spared is the quickly deteriorating relationships with NATO allies.

Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Jen discuss NATO’s future, Trump’s submissiveness towards Russia, and the Democrats’ dilemma over an impending DHS appropriations bill.

The Contrarian is owned by nobody. Your paid subscription helps us bring you the brightest voices in politics & culture and fight every day against the Trump chaos machine. Join us on Substack.

As a part of this morning’s Coffee with the Contrarians, political commentator Maria Cardona joined Jen to discuss the latest in Minnesota. She’s a veteran of democratic campaigns and administrations, and shared what she’s hearing from residents now afraid to go out of their homes, and why Latino Trump voters now feel betrayed.

And, Reverend Paul Raushenbush [17:25] is the President and CEO of Interfaith Alliance. It’s an organization that aims to protect faith and freedom by respecting individual rights and fight back against the co-opting of religion from the right.

Jen and Rev. Raushenbush discussed how vital community, non-violent resistance, and hope can be when we fight autocracy — no matter your religious affiliation.

Coffee with the Contrarians is live every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 9:15am Eastern on The Contrarian substack.

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The Department of Justice is suffering from a wave of resignations. Departing attorneys and legal counsel are reportedly done with the bogus lawsuits and abuse of civil rights laws in Minnesota and elsewhere. To make matters worse, the DOJ is pushing for an investigation into Renee Good while rejecting pleas to look into Jonathan Ross.

Stacey Young is a former DOJ Civil Rights attorney and is now the Executive Director of Justice Connection. It’s a network of DOJ alumni who are now standing up for the rule of law and protecting former colleagues that are being targeted by this administration.

Stacey and Jen talked about what’s happening in Minnesota, the consequences of a prejudiced justice department, and the possibilities for state prosecution for crimes that were federally pardoned.

And, April Ryan had the chance to chat with Minnesota Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan [24:37]. They talked about how officials and faith leaders in the state are fighting back and why the Trump regime’s actions have nothing to do with keeping people in Minnesota safe.

The Tea with April Ryan is live every Thursday at 5pm Eastern on The Contrarian substack.

The Contrarian is owned by nobody. Your paid subscription helps us bring you the brightest voices in politics & culture and fight every day against the Trump chaos machine. Join us on Substack.

The Contrarian is owned by nobody. Your paid subscription helps us bring you the brightest voices in politics & culture and fight every day against the Trump chaos machine. Join us on Substack.

The Trump regime removed Venezuela’s president Nicolás Maduro, but the country’s power structure mostly remains, its oil infrastructure is decimated, and drug trafficking continues. Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA), ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee, talked to Jen about what could happen next in Venezuela, Iran, Greenland, and Taiwan.

And, on Monday, Senator Jeff Merkley [31:05] from Oregon released a new report analyzing Trump’s authoritarian playbook for the United States. In it, he highlights ten steps that are already in motion. He also discussed the horrific killing of Renee Good in Minnesota and how Congress can move to take back some of the power Trump has consolidated.

The Contrarian is owned by nobody. Your paid subscription helps us bring you the brightest voices in politics & culture and fight every day against the Trump chaos machine. Join us on Substack.

Today marks the one-year anniversary of The Contrarian, and what a year it has been for us and for America.

This work has never been more important, your support has never been more important. We are fighting every day to support the rule of law, the Constitution, and frankly, human decency.

To mark the occasion, Norm and Jen spoke with legal analyst and friend of The Contrarian Katie Phang during this morning’s special edition of Coffee with the Contrarians to discuss the lawsuits that Illinois and Minnesota have initiated.

April Ryan also joined to talk about the impeachment proceedings being initiated by Representative Robin Kelly of Illinois, the lawsuit against Pete Hegseth brought by Senator Mark Kelly, and why we should listen when Trump says white supremacist dog whistles.

The Contrarian is owned by nobody. Your paid subscription helps us bring you the brightest voices in politics & culture and fight every day against the Trump chaos machine. Join us on Substack.