Washington State Congressman Michael Baumgartner joined the Ari Hoffman Show to break down a whirlwind 48 hours on Capitol Hill, where new revelations surrounding the Jeffrey Epstein files and internal congressional communications ignited bipartisan controversy. Baumgartner also weighed in on the recent government shutdown and its economic ripple effects, while offering a candid assessment of Washington State’s political climate.
Epstein Vote Sparks Outrage After Texting Scandal Emerges
Congress voted overwhelmingly to advance the release of Epstein-related documents, but Baumgartner says the public support masks a troubling behind-the-scenes reality. A Democratic House member was caught texting with Jeffrey Epstein in real time during a 2019 congressional hearing, long after Epstein’s crimes were widely known.
Rep. Michael Baumgartner Blasts Democrats Over Epstein Revelations, Warns of Economic Fallout from Shutdown
“Democrats played political games, and people suffered for it.” pic.twitter.com/NVLI7Chuba
— Ari Hoffman 🎗 (@thehoffather) November 20, 2025
Baumgartner called the behavior “outrageous and shameful.”
“This Democrat member of Congress was texting Epstein to line up questions meant to target the Trump administration,” Baumgartner said. “They should be ashamed, and this member should be investigated.”
"We had a Democrat member actually texting with Jeffrey Epstein. We had Democrat leader Hakeem Jeffries, apparently, his fundraising firm was soliciting donations from Jeffrey Epstein even after he was convicted of sex trafficking…they should be ashamed of how they've been… pic.twitter.com/7wKw61Vvfr
— Ari Hoffman 🎗 (@thehoffather) November 20, 2025
He also criticized Democratic leaders for “cynically exploiting” the Epstein case for political gain while simultaneously ignoring involvement within their own ranks.
Baumgartner noted additional allegations, including reports that Hakeem Jeffries’ fundraising firm solicited donations from Epstein even after his conviction.
President Trump Signs Release of Documents
The legislation was signed by President Trump on Wednesday night. Baumgartner expects the administration to push for maximum transparency while ensuring that victims of sex trafficking are protected from unnecessary exposure.
“If Democrats could have dragged President Trump into this, they would have,” Baumgartner argued. “These documents have been in Joe Biden’s possession for four years, and that never happened.”
However, he cautioned that some information, such as material involving minors, must remain restricted.
Shutdown’s Economic Toll Still Unfolding
Shifting to economic concerns, Baumgartner addressed the recent government shutdown, which temporarily froze pay for federal workers and disrupted services nationwide.
“It hurt families worried about mortgages, it delayed flights, and it was completely unnecessary,” he said. “Democrats played political games, and people suffered for it.”
While Congress has reopened the government until January, he warned that the shutdown stalled consumer spending and shook investor confidence, effects now reflected in stock market instability.
Still, Baumgartner pointed to significant legislative progress made this year: lowered taxes, reduced regulation, and record increases in American energy production—all measures he argues will help the average consumer.
Washington State’s High Costs: “We Need Help From Olympia”
Baumgartner drew a sharp contrast between national economic improvements and Washington State’s growing affordability crisis. He blamed Olympia Democrats, particularly Attorney General Bob Ferguson, for policies that inflate the cost of living.
Washington’s gas prices, among the highest in the country, were a particular point of frustration.
“I was in New York recently, another blue state, and their gas prices were half of ours,” he said. “When energy costs rise, everything else rises, groceries, transportation, housing.”
He urged state leaders to cut taxes, ease regulations, and work with, rather than against, federal policymakers to bring costs down.
Messaging Challenges in a Deep-Blue State
Asked how Republicans can break through to voters in heavily Democratic regions such as Seattle, Baumgartner emphasized optimism and persistence.
“Those of us who believe in the free market need to keep plugging away,” he said. “People deserve affordability, safety, and the American dream, and our ideas deliver that.”
He noted that as recently as 2017, Republican control of the State Senate produced more balanced governance. Baumgartner stressed the need to recruit and support strong candidates who can win again, even in tough districts.
Sanctuary Policies and Public Safety Concerns
Baumgartner also criticized Washington’s sanctuary state policies, arguing they undermine public safety and contradict post-9/11 recommendations that law enforcement agencies must cooperate to prevent threats.
“When the state stops law enforcement from working together, it increases danger for everyone,” he said.
He added that Washington’s refusal to coordinate on immigration issues burdens taxpayers nationwide and complicates federal efforts to ensure safety during major upcoming events such as the World Cup.
Looking Ahead
Despite political tensions, Baumgartner expressed hope that Washington State can regain economic stability, improve safety, and reduce costs, if voters demand accountability from leaders in Olympia.
“We know limited government and competition create prosperity,” he said. “We just need to keep advocating those ideas.”
