In this week’s Brief: we break down a whirlwind week in U.S. politics—from the fallout surrounding the newly released Epstein files to what the shifting narrative means for President Trump and the broader Republican landscape. We also take a closer look at the growing fractures within the MAGA movement, including the tension playing out among voices like Tucker Carlson and Marjorie Taylor Greene. Then we zoom out to the global stage, diving into the UN’s response to Trump’s proposed Gaza peace plan and renewed chatter about Ukraine peace talks. And we talk about Tom Cruise’s honorary Oscar and why he’s earned it.

Through it all, we’re asking: how do we stay faithful, discerning, and hopeful as followers of Jesus in the middle of so much political noise?

Topics

• (00:00 ): Introduction
• (00:57 ): Political Turmoil among Republicans
• (03:02 ): MAGA Media Sphere and Internal Conflicts
• (05:23 ): Trump's Controversial Stances
• (16:10 ): Epstein Files: What We Know So Far
• (24:32 ): Trump's Lame Duck Status
• (28:30 ): Implications of the Epstein Files
• (30:19 ): Justice for Epstein's Victims
• (31:42 ): Spiritual Reflections and Challenges
• (37:03 ): Global Updates: Peace Plans and Redistricting
• (41:07 ): Tom Cruise gets an Oscar
• (42:41 ): Tune in and Happy Thanksgiving

Resources

• Send us your thoughts, questions, and topic ideas: culturebrief@denisonforum.org
• Culture Brief Instagram
• Watch on Youtube! 
• Sign-up for Denison Forum’s daily newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribe

Links mentioned in this episode:

• X Video: Survivors of Jeffrey Epstein come together for a video calling on Congress to release the Epstein files.
• The Atlantic: Epstein Returns at the Worst Time for Trump

Other articles on this week’s top headlines:

• Denison Forum: President Trump says the House should release Epstein files
• Denison Forum: Tom Cruise receives his first Oscar
• NYT: Once He Was ‘Just Asking Questions.’ Now Tucker Carlson Is the Question.
• Axios: MAGA's metastasizing mess
• Axios: Trump's Epstein U-turn
• Politico: Trump’s message to MAGA
• Politico: Greene turns a new leaf
• Politico: Why Trump can never win on Epstein
• CNN: Exposing MAGA media’s cracks
• WSJ: How Marjorie Taylor Greene Alienated Trump
• TIME: Who Else Was Mentioned in the Latest Epstein Emails
• Tangle: The Epstein emails.
• WSJ: What We’re Watching

About Conner Jones

Conner Jones is the Director of Performance Marketing at Denison Ministries and Co-Hosts Denison Forum's "Culture Brief" podcast. He graduated from Dallas Baptist University in 2019 with a degree in Business Management. Conner passionately follows politics, sports, pop-culture, entertainment, and current events. He enjoys fishing, movie-going, and traveling the world with his wife and son.

About Micah Tomasella

Micah Tomasella is the Director of Advancement at Denison Ministries and co-hosts Denison Forum's "Culture Brief" podcast. A graduate of Dallas Baptist University, Micah is married to Emily, and together they are the proud parents of two daughters. With an extensive background in nonprofit work, finance, and real estate, Micah also brings experience from his years in pastoral church ministry.

About Denison Forum

Denison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.