In a recent conversation with podcast host Benny Johnson, Representative Tim Burchett (R-TN) expressed his belief that "good conservative" legislators are being ensnared in "honeypot" schemes, often involving sexual blackmail, orchestrated by influential individuals.
This discussion took place in the context of the imminent disclosure of 170 names from the Epstein client list.
Burchett suggested that those who "hate this country" and are indifferent to who holds office, collect damaging information on lawmakers to safeguard their investments. "They love their portfolios and they love their money more than they do anything else, Burchett stated. He further elaborated on the honeypot tactic, saying, "The Russians do that, and Im sure members of Congress have been caught up.
Burchett painted a vivid picture of how these schemes unfold. "Youre visiting, youre out of the country or out of town or youre in a motel or at a bar in DC and, whatever youre into, women, men, whatever, comes up and theyre very attractive and theyre laughing at your jokes. And youre buying them a drink. Next thing you know, youre in the motel room with them naked, and next thing you know you're about to make a key vote and what happens?"
He continued, "Some well-dressed person comes up and whispers in your ear 'Hey man there are tapes out on you. Were you in a motel room on whatever with whoever?'" Burchett explained how the honeypot scheme operates. "And then you're like 'Oh.' and [they] said, You really ought not be voting for this thing."
Burchett questioned the rationale behind conservative lawmakers voting for what he termed as "crazy stuff" emerging from Congress. He suggested that the fear of damaging information being released could influence voting behavior, stating, "it's human nature."
With a political career spanning several decades, Burchett said, "Ive been in this game my whole life. I spent 16 years in the state legislature in Tennessee and eight years as county mayor. And now Im in my fifth year in Congress. The stakes are higher. But the game is still the same."
In response to Johnson's interview, former Representative Madison Cawthorn posted on X, "It's all being exposed." In 2022, Cawthorn made headlines when he revealed he had been invited to "an orgy" in Washington, had been sexually solicited, and had witnessed other leaders using cocaine. He also faced accusations of sexual misconduct, which he denied, and was twice stopped by security for attempting to bring a loaded gun onto a plane.
In May 2022, a video of Cawthorn naked and making thrusting motions on top of another person in a bed went viral, leading to his loss of the congressional seat to then-GOP primary opponent Chuck Edwards later that month. Cawthorn attributed the negative press to a "coordinated strike from members of my own party colluding with the media."
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