Rep. Jasmine Crockett accused President Trump of creating a “mob-like” environment that shields loyalists from accountability and intimidates lawmakers, calling the dynamic "abusive." She pressed officials, including Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel, over delayed Epstein files that were required to be released under law, warning the handling could prompt litigation. Crockett also criticized both parties' reluctance to confront the president, praised Gavin Newsom's media savvy, and expressed concern about Trump’s health based on medical opinions she has consulted.
Rep. Jasmine Crockett: Trump’s ‘Mob-Like’ Shield Protects Loyalists, She Says
Rep. Jasmine Crockett speaks onstage during the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on August 19, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. / Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images
Washington, D.C. — Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett accused President Donald Trump of protecting loyal associates — "no matter how serious" the alleged crimes — and described the relationship between the presidency and lawmakers as effectively "abusive." Crockett made the remarks during an interview with Joanna Coles on The Daily Beast Podcast, painting a portrait of a White House that intimidates critics and shields allies.
Crockett’s Warning About Intimidation
“He does have kind of like a mob-like situation set up where there are people that will come after you,” Crockett, 44, told Coles, explaining why many Republicans are reluctant to cross the president. She said members of both parties feel pressured and vulnerable and described taking personal precautions — including wearing a bulletproof vest — because she never knows when she might face a “big, big, big situation.”
Some Republicans broke away from Trump over the Epstein files. / Heather Diehl / Getty Images
“There are people that will threaten you, and you are constantly looking over your shoulder,” Crockett said. “If you’re close to him, you don’t have anything to worry about. But if you are on the opposite side of him, that’s when you become a bad person.”
Epstein Files and Oversight Push
As a member of the House Judiciary and Oversight Committees, Crockett has pressed officials over the delayed release of the so-called Epstein files. She said she sent a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel demanding explanations about Trump’s ties to the late sex offender and the Justice Department’s handling of the records. The documents were supposed to be released under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, but the files were not produced in full by the statutory deadline.
Crockett warned the handling of the records could expose officials to legal action and emphasized that accountability for survivors should not be treated as a partisan issue. “We’re not trying to protect pedophiles. And that is the message that we want to get across,” she said.
Crockett named California Governor Gavin Newsom as a Democrat who has been able to
Other Subpoena Issues
The congresswoman also noted that former President Bill Clinton and former First Lady Hillary Clinton have declined to appear for depositions after being subpoenaed by House Oversight Committee Republicans, complicating the committee’s efforts to obtain testimony.
Views On Democratic Leadership And Trump’s Health
Trump's hands have been scrutinized recently due to frequent bruising, which the White House attributes to aspirin usage and frequent handshakes. / Andrew Harnik / Getty Images
Asked about Democratic strategy, Crockett said Democrats sometimes “overthink stuff” and predicted that whoever adapts best to the moment will emerge as a leader. She cited California Gov. Gavin Newsom as an example of a politician who effectively uses social media to shape public conversation.
Crockett also voiced concerns about President Trump’s mental and physical fitness, saying she has consulted doctors and sent letters to medical professionals. “There are a number of medical professionals that believe that he is in bad, bad shape,” she said.
The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
About The Interview
New episodes of The Daily Beast Podcast are released multiple times per week. Full episodes and additional coverage are available through the publication’s podcast feed and YouTube channel.
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