The MeidasTouch Podcast

Episode: Congressman Brendan Boyle Calls out Trump for Economic Disaster
Date: September 13, 2025
Host: MeidasTouch Network (with guest Congressman Brendan Boyle)

Main Theme and Purpose

This episode centers on the current economic challenges under Donald Trump’s administration, with a particular focus on newly released inflation data, the looming government shutdown, and the impact of recent Republican-backed legislation. The hosts, joined by Democratic Congressman Brendan Boyle, dissect Trump’s economic claims, Congressional GOP dysfunction, and the real-world consequences for American families. The discussion is infused with the show’s trademark humor, biting political commentary, and concern for democratic institutions.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Inflation and Economic Reality Check

[00:43–05:16]

• Ron Filipkowski provides an overview of the latest inflation data:
  • Core inflation: 3.1% year over year; overall inflation: 2.9%.
  • Price increases in everyday goods (e.g., coffee up 21%, audio equipment up 12%, toilet paper up 5%).
  • Trump falsely claims to have “completely eliminated inflation.”
• Trump attacks Fed Chair Jerome Powell (his appointee) on social media, blaming him for economic woes and threatening market confidence.
• Highlight: Kamala Harris' past debate warning (from 2024) cited:
  “Sixteen Nobel laureates have described his economic plan as something that would increase inflation and by the middle of next year would invite a recession.” – Kamala Harris ([02:43])

2. Trump’s Economic Promises and Reality

[03:23–05:16]

• Trump and surrogates, such as Howard Lutnick, keep moving the goalposts for promised economic growth (2026, then 2027).
• Trump claims massive, unprecedented factory construction and $17 trillion in new economic activity.
  • Congressman Boyle sarcastically questions the credibility of such exaggerated claims.

3. Debunking Trump’s Claims with Congressman Brendan Boyle

[05:16–10:12]

• Boyle sharply criticizes Trump and his allies for spreading outright falsehoods:
  • “Donald Trump lies as easily as you and I breathe. It’s such a spectacular lie though. $17 trillion... is approximately the size of the entire US GDP.” – Brendan Boyle ([08:37])
• Emphasizes the disconnect between Trump’s numbers ($17T claimed) and reality (increase in debt ceiling by $5T; yet no observable economic boom).
• Points out House Republicans’ slavish loyalty to Trump, prioritizing their political survival over accountability and service to the public.

4. Government Shutdown Looms

[10:12–12:53]

• Dysfunction in the Republican-led Congress has America again facing a government shutdown—with no real legislative progress or budget negotiation.
  • “Every six months under Republican control, we’re facing a government shutdown... If there is a government shutdown, it is because Republicans want a government shutdown.” – Brendan Boyle ([11:08])
• Shutdown deadline: Midnight, September 30th (start of fiscal year).
• Boyle notes the real-world impact and inconvenience of these manufactured crises, emphasizing preparations underway for his constituents.

5. Is the GOP Manufacturing Chaos?

[12:53–15:41]

• Ron asks whether the shutdown is incompetence, deliberate chaos, or a scapegoat strategy to blame Democrats as the economy deteriorates.
• Boyle speculates:
  • GOP infighting may result in stalling tactics.
  • Trump may want chaos to distract from a deteriorating economy and deeply unpopular legislation.
  • Highlights the “rebrand” of Trump’s legislative efforts (even Boyle can’t recall the new name), showing the public’s rejection.

6. Upcoming Health Care Crisis

[16:00–17:54]

• Boyle warns about the consequences of recent Republican legislation:
  • Obamacare subsidies end October 1st—“the biggest cut to Obamacare in American history” imminent.
  • Medicare cuts will follow three months later.
  • Medicaid cuts, though discussed, are not as immediate as the Obamacare and Medicare reductions.
  • Stresses the urgent need for public attention on the coming health care crisis, not just the shutdown drama.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Kamala Harris warning on Trump’s economy:
  “Sixteen Nobel laureates have described his economic plan as something that would increase inflation and by the middle of next year would invite a recession.”
  — Kamala Harris ([02:43])

• Boyle on Trump’s $17 Trillion Claim:
  “$17 trillion is approximately the size of the entire US GDP… The idea that suddenly there was this surge of $17 trillion is not just a lie or an exaggeration. It is so laughably false.”
  — Rep. Brendan Boyle ([08:37])

• On repeated shutdown crises:
  “It seems like it, because we do—it is every six months under Republican control, that we’re facing a government shutdown.”
  — Rep. Brendan Boyle ([11:08])

• On House Republican loyalty:
  “They care more about pleasing the toddler in the Oval Office than they care about actually bringing costs down for the American people.”
  — Rep. Brendan Boyle ([09:21])

• On the healthcare timeline:
  “Staring us in the face is the biggest cut to Obamacare in American history. And that will be followed three months later come January 1st by devastating cuts to Medicare.”
  — Rep. Brendan Boyle ([16:40])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Inflation and Trump’s Response: 00:43 – 05:16
• Kamala Harris Debate Clip: 02:43
• Trump's $17 Trillion Claim and Boyle’s Analysis: 08:37
• Shutdown Deadline and Fallout: 12:22 – 12:53
• Speculation on GOP Chaos: 13:48 – 15:41
• Healthcare Cuts (Obamacare/Medicare): 16:00 – 17:54

Flow & Tone

The episode balances sharp policy analysis with scathing wit and exasperation at the state of US politics, in line with the show’s blend of brotherly banter and pointed critique. Boyle and Ron maintain urgency about the real-life stakes behind the numbers—emphasizing that behind every statistic are working American families at risk from political dysfunction and misleading narratives.

Summary:
If you missed this episode, you’ll come away with a clear understanding of the current economic challenges under Trump, why recent inflation spikes are alarming, how government shutdown brinkmanship harms Americans, and the imminent health care cliff facing millions—all delivered with the signature MeidasTouch humor and drive to cut through political spin.