“He’s Gonna Get Sued” - Billionaire DNC Mega Donor On Clinton, Epstein & Disney Revenge | PBD | 697

In this wide-ranging conversation, billionaire John Morgan discusses his journey from personal tragedy to building one of America's largest law firms, his political engagements spanning multiple administrations, his insights on wealth transfer and family legacy, and controversial topics such as Jeffrey Epstein, Bill Clinton, and Disney. The dialogue also touches on cultural observations about masculinity, political divides, business philosophy, and even personal anecdotes involving notable figures.

John Morgan's Path to Success

John Morgan traces his motivation for becoming a personal injury lawyer back to a life-changing event when his brother Tim became a quadriplegic following a Disney World accident. Coming from a poor background, Morgan was thrust into the legal battle for his brother's care, which steered him towards law with a clear purpose: to fight for the underdog against powerful corporations like Disney. His dedication and vision grew, leading to the foundation and expansion of Morgan & Morgan, now boasting thousands of employees and an expansive presence nationwide. He emphasizes patience as the key entrepreneurial skill, noting his late financial break at age 41 came after years of reinvesting profits into growing cities and managing losses.

The Genetic Seed of Entrepreneurship

Morgan discusses his observations on the traits shared by the ultra-successful, noting the recurring "paperboy" pattern among famous entrepreneurs, including Warren Buffett, Oprah Winfrey, and Walt Disney. He credits early hustle, grit, and an innate hunger born from hardship as key drivers of high achievement. From collecting beer bottles in a German refugee camp to selling baseball cards, Morgan believes these formative hustling experiences seed an entrepreneurial spirit that can't be taught.

Wealth Transfer and Family Legacy

Morgan delves into complex family and estate planning strategies to protect generational wealth. Each of his four children has a prenup, with strict stipulations that refusal to sign disqualifies inheritance. He positions himself as the "bad guy" to shield his children from difficult decisions. Shares in the firm are transferred to his children to ensure they have ongoing stake and income, supplemented by early gifting strategies to minimize tax burdens. For grandchildren, Morgan's approach includes a generational trust and a philanthropic foundation, where inheritance depends on the children's existing wealth level. He stresses the importance of instilling work ethic, noting his children never drove luxury cars or skipped weekend jobs to keep them "hungry." He also expresses concern about the third generation's possible loss of this legacy and independence.

Political Engagement and Bipartisan Relationships

Despite his status as a mega donor, Morgan maintains relationships across the political spectrum. He describes supporting prominent Democrats like Obama, Hillary Clinton, and Biden, as well as Republicans including Jeb Bush and local Florida leaders. He singles out his close bond with late Senator Ted Kennedy, whose friendship he treasures. Morgan candidly acknowledges shifting political landscapes, labeling himself now a "conservative capitalist" with some independent views. He critiques parts of the Democratic Party's turn toward socialism but also critiques the Republican Party's loss of moderation. He advocates for a third party to break the current two-party gridlock but doubts an independent run can succeed without party machinery.

Views on Bill Clinton and Hillary

Morgan shares personal anecdotes about Bill Clinton—dining together, witnessing his charm and stamina, and hearing Clinton assert he could still be president if he ran now, albeit at a different pace. While closer personally to Bill Clinton, Morgan respects Hillary Clinton but admits his relationship is more distant. He praises Clinton's political acumen, noting the balanced budget achieved during Clinton's presidency and reflecting that today's Democratic Party would see Bill Clinton as a Republican.

Analysis of Jeffrey Epstein and Associated Figures

Morgan firmly states he never met Epstein or handled any Epstein cases. He refutes claims that Bill Clinton ever visited Epstein's island, clarifying Clinton only flew on Epstein's planes. Morgan discusses Epstein's mysterious wealth and influence, suggesting Epstein was essentially a blackmailer with compromising videos used as leverage over powerful people. Morgan speculates on how Epstein's madam, Ghislaine Maxwell, might have safeguards like dead-man switches to protect such information. Morgan also candidly discusses the grotesque rumors about Epstein's personal characteristics in a humorous tone, while noting the intense public fascination and unknown full extent of Epstein's network.

Lawsuits and Battle with Disney

Morgan recounts his personal and professional history with Disney. After his brother's accident there, he grew embittered at the corporation's harshness. In recent years, Morgan launched a high-profile legal battle over intellectual property rights related to Steamboat Willie, Disney's iconic character. He created a provocative commercial leveraging the expired copyright as "purple cow" marketing—intentionally designed to provoke Disney and viewers alike. Morgan eventually sued Disney and won a declaratory judgement allowing him to use the character, symbolizing a full-circle retribution against the giant corporation.

Thoughts on Modern Masculinity and Relationships

Morgan discusses what he sees as a crisis among young men today, referencing "beta boys" and the cultural shifts that have led to fewer men getting married or having children. He stresses the importance of real-world socializing and networking as opposed to online dating or isolated living. Morgan advises young men to "get it out of their system" before marrying and highlights statistics showing much lower divorce rates for marriages begun after age 30. He underscores the value of effort in relationships and getting out into the world to meet people.

Business Philosophy and Lifestyle

Morgan defines himself primarily as a businessman and marketer, with law third on his list. He shares his approach of working in modest offices but living very well, stressing patience and long-term compounding as pillars for wealth. With ventures including law, banks, real estate, and attractions like Wonderworks and Alcatraz East, Morgan demonstrates a flair for combining entertainment with business. He also exposes some skepticism about typical corporate luxury, preferring an efficient, grounded lifestyle. His interests include collecting crime memorabilia and building unique tourist attractions.

Political Critiques: Florida and National Leaders

Morgan critiques Florida's recent political developments, particularly regarding tort reform laws that limit legal recourse for homeowners and medical negligence victims, which he blames partly on Governor Ron DeSantis's veto power wielded with insurance industry backing. He displays skepticism about political motives behind tax proposals like eliminating homestead property taxes, calling such moves political "gimmicks." Morgan expresses tentative support for several Florida Republican leaders, noting tensions between them and others. Nationally, he comments on Biden's presidency—recognizing his character and compassion but lamenting his delegation to staff and challenges with public perception due to health and cognitive issues.

Encounters with Famous Figures and Anecdotes

Throughout the conversation, Morgan peppers in stories involving celebrities and politicians, such as bowling with Bill Clinton, interactions with John Daly, and friendships with legal and political figures. He reflects fondly on experiences with prominent personalities, displaying a mix of admiration, sharp wit, and occasional irreverence that humanizes his billionaire status.

FLB Shoes and Entrepreneurial Ventures

Towards the end, Morgan promotes his FLB shoe line, emphasizing Italian craftsmanship and the meticulous two-year development process. He shares enthusiasm about the brand's success and international interest. This segue exemplifies Morgan's versatility as both a serious businessman and a marketer who understands lifestyle branding's power.

Views on Current Political Polarization and the Need for a Third Party

Morgan laments the growing polarization and lack of compromise in American politics. He notes that many voters identify as democratic socialists, creating sharp divides within the Democratic Party, and suggests that a viable third party could bridge this gap. However, he doubts such a movement could succeed nationally without established infrastructure and cites examples where unconventional candidates still needed party support.

Legacy of Donating and Political Influence

Morgan outlines his significant political donations over the years, notably supporting Obama, Hillary, Biden, and others. He stresses the importance of relationships, recounting how he aided Biden during a low point when few stood publicly behind him. He distinguishes politicians he's been closest to, like Ted Kennedy, compared with more transactional ties to others. His deep immersion in political circles is contrasted with a candid willingness to criticize and extract lessons from their successes and failures.

Reflection on Family and Generational Challenges

Morgan emphasizes discipline, responsibility, and earning mindset within his family to sustain wealth and avoid complacency. He fears the softening influence on grandchildren growing up with inherited luxury and privileges and stresses that the next generations need to find purpose beyond simply possessing wealth. His candid openness about managing sibling rivalries and differences speaks to the complexities of balancing business and family dynamics.

Commentary on Social Issues and Economic Solutions

Morgan advocates for raising the minimum wage to address affordability and reduce socio-economic disparities, citing his successful efforts in Florida. He acknowledges the challenges small businesses face with higher wages but supports gradual implementation. He also discusses the concept of reverse discrimination and legal battles related to political divides, tying these into his broader view of a nation seeking balance between justice for workers and sustainable economics.

Take on Modern Media and Political Campaigning

Morgan recounts observations of presidential debates, campaign strategies, and political narratives, including how media biases and campaign financing impact elections. He expresses disappointment with recent campaigns, especially criticizing Kamala Harris's rise and Biden's weakened presence, believing these dynamics contributed to political polarization and electoral outcomes.

Insight on Maintaining Business Growth

Discussing his law firm and various companies, Morgan explains how strategic reinvestment, enduring early losses, and patient capital deployment eventually lead to exponential growth—describing this as crossing the "Rubicon." His long-term vision and steady hand underpin his success and ability to sustain a large organization with thousands of employees across 50 states.

Views on Social Behavior and Cultural Change

Morgan touches on declining alcohol and social activity trends, connecting these to reduced interpersonal engagement and broader social consequences. Discussing his restaurant Wine Bar George, he laments the fall in wine consumption and nightlife, linking this to challenges young people face in forming relationships and communities.

The Role of Ethics and Legal Boundaries

He recounts navigating complex legal and ethical challenges, such as Bobby Kennedy Jr.'s transition from private practice to public service and the restrictions on financial gain during government roles. Morgan highlights the importance of ethical adherence even when inconvenient and shares anecdotes about politically charged conflicts within his own firm and connections.

Discussion of the "Finder, Minder, Grinder" Legal Team Model

Morgan explains the division of labor among lawyers: "finders" who bring in cases, "minders" who manage and oversee, and "grinders" who handle detailed legal work. He praises Bobby Kennedy Jr. as an excellent finder who attracts clients but less ideal for meticulous casework, underscoring how diverse legal talents contribute to firm success.

Personal Stories and Humor

The conversation is sprinkled with humor and playful banter, especially regarding sensitive topics such as Epstein's anatomy and the colorful characters surrounding Morgan's life and career. These moments reveal a candid, down-to-earth personality behind the high-profile legal titan, making the discussion both entertaining and informative.