By John Q. Hosedrinker 
On “The Daily Show,” Jon Stewart addressed Donald Trump’s recent trip to Scotland and his responses to questions about Jeffrey Epstein. Stewart highlighted Trump’s attempts to deflect questions about Epstein by suggesting the media was uninterested in a trade deal, and also included Trump’s denial of involvement. Trump’s rebuttals included dismissing the files as potentially fabricated and claiming he declined an invitation to Epstein’s island. Stewart humorously dissected Trump’s responses, finding them contradictory and absurd.
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Jon Stewart’s sharp critique of Donald Trump’s “privilege” comment regarding Jeffrey Epstein’s island is the core of the matter. The whole thing just reeked of something more than a simple misstep in language. Trump, when discussing his supposed non-involvement, stated, “I’ve never had the privilege.” Stewart’s response was immediate and cutting, essentially boiling down to, “The privilege? The f—?” This bluntness, a hallmark of Stewart’s style, perfectly captured the incredulity and disgust many felt at the choice of word.
The implication of “privilege” is what makes this whole thing so unsettling. It suggests not just exclusion, but a perceived missed opportunity to partake in something elite, something desirable, something… exclusive. It paints a picture of Trump, perhaps, regretting not being included in the sick activities that took place on Epstein’s island. The term itself is loaded, and in this context, it hints at the potential endorsement of the behavior taking place.
The whole affair, from the very beginning, has been a minefield of bad optics and seemingly calculated missteps. Trump’s past relationship with Epstein, his public comments about him, and his association with Ghislaine Maxwell paint a damning picture. Remember his words, “Terrific guy…he’s a lot of fun to be with…likes beautiful women as much as I do, and many of them are on the younger side.” These words, considered by many, and rightly so, as deeply inappropriate, now seem like a window into a lifestyle many thought was just a myth.
It’s important to be clear: The fact that Trump used the word “privilege” is not just a slip of the tongue. It’s a glaring signal, and Stewart’s visceral reaction is totally justified. It’s a reflection of the deeply troubling nature of the entire Epstein saga. It highlights the potential for exploitation, the abuse of power, and the sickening sense of entitlement that characterized the whole sordid affair. The comment is a symptom of a larger problem.
It’s also worth considering the context within which Trump often operates. He has, for years, cultivated an image of wealth, power, and exclusivity. He’s surrounded himself with people who embody those same traits, with the goal of convincing his followers that the elite are living the dream. His words seem carefully crafted to appear as if he is not *like* us, but *better* than us. But this situation reveals that the game is rigged against the rest of us.
The media has, in some cases, been slow to really push back on this sort of thing. The situation, however, demands it, and voices like Jon Stewart’s are essential in calling out this behavior. The whole thing underscores a deeper issue.
The phrase, “I never had the privilege” is, at best, tone-deaf, and at worst, a revealing glimpse into a mindset that seems to prioritize access and status over decency and morality. As the case progresses, the media should ensure that the truth is always told.