Colby Hall: Epstein, MAGA Media, and the Monster They Made
The politics of weaponizing conspiracy theories—and then losing control of them
The conspiracy theory industrial complex is starting to eat its own—and this week’s guest is here to explain why.
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In this episode, John Howell catches up with Mediaite founding editor Colby Hall to unpack the latest twist in the long-running Jeffrey Epstein saga, and how it’s now boomeranging on the very MAGA media figures who once amplified it. Hall calls it a case of “Frankenstein politics”—you build the monster to go after your enemies, but eventually it storms your own castle.
With the FBI memo officially debunking the existence of an Epstein “client list,” prominent Trump allies like Pam Bondi and Dan Bongino are now backpedaling—leaving their conspiracy-hungry audiences confused, angry, and increasingly disillusioned. For the first time in years, cracks are showing in the foundation of the Trump media machine. And Colby Hall has receipts.
In this episode:
Why MAGA influencers are suddenly quiet about Epstein
The politics of weaponizing conspiracy theories—and losing control of them
Pam Bondi’s disappearing “list” and Trump’s brush-off moment at a press conference
How media loyalty, ad revenue, and audience outrage collide
Tucker Carlson vs. Mark Levin: The new civil war on the right
