NOTE: If you are short on time, watch the video and complete this bell ringer activity: What did you notice? What did the story make you think about? What would you want to learn more about?
SUMMARY
As President Donald Trump continues to spar with parts of his political base over his handling of the Epstein files, attention is turning to the relationship between the two men. John Yang speaks with New York Times White House correspondent Luke Broadwater, who has written about what’s known about the Trump-Epstein relationship, to learn more.
View the transcript of the story.
News alternative: Check out recent segments from the News Hour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.
WARM-UP QUESTIONS
- Who is Jeffrey Epstein?
- How did Epstein and President Donald Trump's friendship begin, according to Broadwater?
- When was the last time Trump said he spoke to Epstein?
- What was Trump's reaction when Epstein was arrested in 2019, according to this piece?
- Why did Trump and Epstein become rivals, according Broadwater?
FOCUS QUESTIONS
- What did you know about the Epstein case prior to this lesson?
- Why do you think the Epstein case has stayed relevant for so long?
Media literacy: Do you think schools should teach about the Epstein case? Why or why not?
WHAT STUDENTS CAN DO
Keep in mind the sensitive issues involved in the Epstein case, a case where Epstein was found guilty of leading a criminal sex trafficking ring that resulted in the sexual abuse of many young women and underage girls. Read this article about the Epstein case to learn more, and discuss your thoughts with a family member or friend. Watch this News Hour piece Trump on defensive as MAGA base questions his Epstein connections and investigation. Why do you think Trump's supporters have had mixed reactions on how Trump has handled the Epstein files?
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