Podcast Summary: "NOW IT'S MAGA THAT CAN'T FIGURE OUT WHAT'S WRONG WITH TRUMP"

Countdown with Keith Olbermann (iHeartPodcasts) – November 24, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode of Countdown with Keith Olbermann centers on a striking new phase in American politics: even Donald Trump's most ardent MAGA supporters, alongside critics on the left and center, are struggling to understand his latest behavior—which appears erratic, unmoored, and even disconcerting to his own base. Olbermann explores this confusing shift by dissecting Trump’s recent interactions (especially involving NYC Mayor-elect Zoran Mamdani), analyzing MAGA’s reaction to apparent inconsistencies, and speculating on Trump’s cognitive fitness. The episode weaves together sharp political commentary, media criticism, and personal anecdotes, delivered with Olbermann’s trademark wit, sarcasm, and intensity.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. MAGA’s Confusion Over Trump’s Behavior

• Opening Theme: For the first time in over a decade, every political faction is equally baffled by Trump's conduct.
  • "None of us knows what the hell is wrong with Trump." (Olbermann, 03:13)
• Mamdani Meeting: Trump was unusually friendly and deferential toward NYC's Mayor-elect Zoran Mamdani, even mimicking his style and appearing smitten.
  • "Trump was so smitten with Mayor Elect Zoran Mamdani... by Saturday, he was dressing like Mamdani." (Olbermann, 03:58)
• Right-wing figures expected Mamdani to be publicly humiliated or attacked, but instead, Trump seemed charmed—and the far right was thrown off.
  • Memorable Moment: Imagery of Trump asking Mamdani for style tips and departing the Oval Office "in love." (07:07–08:03)
• Excommunication of Marjorie Taylor Greene: Trump’s lack of support leads her to resign, illustrating his arbitrary alliances and growing dissatisfaction among MAGA icons.
  • "She realized Trump would not support her and therefore the cult would not support her." (Olbermann, 06:10)

2. MAGA’s Disillusionment & Internal Fracturing

• Confusion and Gloom: MAGA commentators openly express heartache and confusion about Trump’s erratic moves (supporting Mamdani, unclear Ukraine policies, etc.).
  • "Now they don't know what he's doing." (Olbermann, 21:52)
  • Read aloud: a plaintive note from a MAGA supporter lamenting Trump’s change, unsure how to continue justifying his actions. Quotes Jefferson Davis: "We put not our trust in princes, but we have trusted that Almighty God empowered Donald Trump to do the good, near impossible things this country needs to survive." (Olbermann, 21:52–22:55)

3. Media and Institutional Responses

• ABC/Disney’s New Strategy: After Trump attacked ABC reporter Mary Bruce, ABC neither engaged nor defended her individually, simply moving on—which deprived Trump of a meaningful target.
  • "They ignored all of it... and again Trump moved on while his cultists simmered." (Olbermann, 09:21–10:40)
• Right Wing Media Disarray: Even Fox’s Charles Gasparino said "the wheels are coming off the Trump presidency" after the Mamdani incident. (12:05–12:36)

4. Trump’s Foreign Policy and Military Blunders

• MAGA's frustration intensifies over Trump’s perceived appeasement of Putin in Ukraine, confused communication about Argentina, and bumbled signaling along the Texas-Mexico border.
  • "Apart from the implications, the State Department and the entire Trump foreign policy operation look like idiots. Not just internationally, but within MAGA." (Olbermann, 13:32)
• Domestic militarization fantasies—sending ICE or troops to NYC—remain unfulfilled, leaving MAGA disappointed.
  • "Their dream... sending ICE or SEAL Team 6 into New York City... they're not getting that." (17:19)

5. Trump and the Mystery of His Health

• Delves into Trump's recent MRI, his confusion about what body part was being scanned, and the possibility of anosognosia—a medical term for lack of awareness of one’s illness.
  • "What if he doesn't know what the MRI was for because whatever it was, he has anosognosia about it?" (Olbermann, 25:45)
  • Compares Trump to Woodrow Wilson post-stroke: outwardly rational, but unable to understand or accept his own deficiencies. (27:22–29:36)
  • Notable Quote: "For the first time in his dictatorship, none of us... know what in the hell is wrong with this guy Trump." (Olbermann, 29:46)

6. RFK Jr., Olivia Nuzzi, and Tabloid Scandal

• Updates on journalist Olivia Nuzzi’s alleged “catch and kill” operations for RFK Jr. while at New York Magazine, per Ryan Lizza’s exposé.
  • "She did catch and kill operations in... all of 2024, he emphasizes all of 2024. She was still employed by New York magazine until the story broke in September of 2024. That's not good for New York magazine." (Olbermann/Co-host, 40:15–40:34)
• Highly personal, gossipy, and at times self-referential segment, with revelations about Nuzzi’s professional conduct, relationships, and alleged manipulations.

7. Satirical and Cultural Asides

• The “Worst Persons in the World” segment lampoons right-wing reactionaries and media figures:
  • Example: Cat Turd and Laura Loomer fall for the joke that Mamdani will require NYC schoolchildren to learn Arabic numerals—revealing basic ignorance. (71:36–71:58)
  • Example: Larry Ellison’s rumored plans to merge CNN into CBS and possibly fire on-air talent at Trump’s behest. (66:16–68:41)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the MAGA Movement's Disorientation:

  "Trump’s malfunctions are usually a delight. They are their joy. They are their raison d’être. Yet this makes no sense to them."
  (Olbermann, 06:59)

• The Absurdity of the Trump-Mamdani Dynamic:

  "They thought Mamdani would leave the Oval office in chains. Instead, Trump left the Oval Office in love."
  (Co-host, 09:21)

• On Trump’s (Possible) Cognitive Decline:

  "How in the hell could you not know what they stuck you in the MRI tube for? Well, you did know, but whatever is wrong with your brain immediately erased it. Like a dream you try to remember as you wake up and it slips away from you like mercury on the floor..."
  (Olbermann, 29:36)

• Satirical Genius—Arabic Numerals Debacle:

  "Catt Turd responded, that’s not far enough. He should make every school kid in New York only speak Arabic. No English. The insane liberal Karens voted for this complete nut. Let them reap what they sow."
  (Olbermann, 71:37)

Important Timestamps

• Trump and Mamdani's Bizarre Meeting: 03:13–09:21
• Greene's Excommunication/Trump's Unpredictability: 06:10–07:32
• MAGA's Loss of Faith/Letter Reading: 21:52–25:45
• Anosognosia and Trump’s Health Analysis: 25:45–29:36
• Olivia Nuzzi/RFK Jr. Scandal Deep Dive: 39:38–59:11
• 'Worst Persons' Segment—Arabic Numerals Joke: 71:36–72:21

Tone & Delivery

Olbermann’s trademark style is present throughout: sardonic, blunt, and deeply informed, yet laced with absurdist humor. There’s a knowing weariness, particularly as he describes the disarray not just of his political opponents, but also the media, and, at times, even himself and his acquaintances.

Takeaway

Keith Olbermann’s November 24, 2025, episode captures a surreal moment in American political culture: when even Trump’s most diehard fans seem to lose their bearings, and the machinery of media and power—usually so reactive to Trump’s provocations—begins to just shrug and move onward. The episode is as much about the psychology of political fandom as about Trump himself, with trenchant insights, biting humor, and cautious warnings about cognitive competence and institutional rot.

For listeners new to the saga or unfamiliar with inside references:
This episode stands as a case study in political bewilderment as the lines dividing loyalist and opponent, farce and genuine peril, satire and scandal all blur—much like the era of Trump itself.