Exclusive Interview with Congressman Krishnamoorthi on Trump Disasters

Summary

Episode Summary: Exclusive Interview with Congressman Krishnamoorthi on Trump Disasters

Podcast Information:

• Title: The MeidasTouch Podcast
• Host/Author: MeidasTouch Network (Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas)
• Episode: Exclusive Interview with Congressman Krishnamoorthi on Trump Disasters
• Release Date: February 24, 2025

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1. Introduction to the Episode

In this compelling episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast, hosts Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas delve into the tumultuous political landscape influenced by former President Donald Trump’s recent activities. The highlight of the episode is an exclusive interview with Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, who provides insightful commentary on Trump’s latest maneuvers and their impact on American democracy.

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2. Donald Trump’s Controversial Morning

The episode opens with Ben discussing a bewildering incident involving Donald Trump. At 00:30, Ben describes how Trump woke up to find the Department of Housing and Urban Development airing AI-generated videos depicting him in bizarre scenarios, such as kissing Elon Musk’s feet. This unsettling event sets the tone for the discussion on Trump’s recent actions.

Ben:

"Donald Trump's having quite the morning... Very weird."
[00:30]

Ben criticizes Trump for his relentless posting of inflated investment numbers, portraying himself as a savior of the American economy despite ongoing economic struggles.

---

3. Trump's Inflation of Investment Claims

Ben elaborates on Trump’s strategy of broadcasting exaggerated investment figures to bolster his image:

• $14.1 billion from Nippon Steel
• $20 billion from Hussein Sajwani
• $500 billion over four years from Apple
• $600 billion from Saudi Arabia

Ben:

"I feel like it's Dr. Evil $1 trillion just putting up numbers while he's like crashing our economy."
[01:10]

He juxtaposes these claims with Trump's policies that, in his view, undermine the economy by cutting Medicaid, reducing federal support, and distancing the U.S. from global alliances. Ben also highlights a poll indicating that 80% of Americans feel the economy is heading in the wrong direction, emphasizing the disconnect between Trump's rhetoric and public sentiment.

---

4. Constituents’ Response to Elon Musk’s Involvement

The conversation transitions to the controversial involvement of Elon Musk in government affairs. At 02:29, Congressman Krishnamoorthi expresses his concerns:

Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi:

"We're seeing wreckage across the government landscape... People are restless and they don't like what they're seeing."
[03:22]

Krishnamoorthi shares that his office received nearly 1,000 phone calls from constituents alarmed by Musk’s access to private information from the Federal Payment Service. He underscores that the backlash spans across political affiliations, including Republicans, Democrats, and Independents.

---

5. Republican Resistance to Oversight

The discussion delves into the reluctance of Republican colleagues to allow Elon Musk to testify before the Oversight Committee. At 08:12, Krishnamoorthi explains:

Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi:

"Because he'd have to tell the truth, Ben. He'd be under oath."
[08:26]

He criticizes Republicans for shielding Musk to avoid accountability, attributing this protection to Musk’s influence and threats of primary battles funded by his wealth.

---

6. Medicaid Cuts and Economic Hardships

Congressman Krishnamoorthi addresses the proposed $2.3 trillion cuts to Medicaid by Republicans, pointing out the severe consequences for millions of Americans dependent on this healthcare program.

Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi:

"Tens of millions of Americans losing access to their sole source of health care."
[04:16]

He emphasizes that these cuts are intended to fund tax reductions for the wealthy, exacerbating public frustration and economic distress.

---

7. Dan Bongino’s FBI Appointment

The episode takes a critical turn as Ben introduces a segment on Dan Bongino's unexpected appointment as the Deputy Director of the FBI. Through a brief audio clip, Bongino’s candid remarks about power and checks and balances are highlighted to question the suitability of his appointment.

Dan Bongino Clip:

"Power. That's all that matters... We have a system of checks and balances."
[09:28]

Ben uses this clip to underscore the dissonance between Bongino's statements and the expected professionalism within the FBI.

---

8. Economic Challenges Under Trump

Krishnamoorthi brings attention to various economic and health crises exacerbated during Trump's tenure:

• Avian Flu: Causing a spike in egg and grocery prices.
• Stock Market Declines: Negative impact on 401(k) accounts.
• Food Safety Issues: Outbreaks of salmonella and listeria.

Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi:

"Prices have gone up since Donald Trump became president... What is this guy focused on? He actually has an executive order banning paper straws."
[06:50]

These issues illustrate the broader economic instability and mismanagement perceived by the congressman.

---

9. Call to Action for Accountability in Washington

In the episode's concluding segment, Krishnamoorthi outlines a multi-faceted strategy to hold Republicans accountable and restore governance:

1. Public Awareness: Elevate and rally public opinion against harmful executive orders.
2. Litigation: Employ legal strategies both within Congress and through state attorneys general.
3. Legislative Action: Utilize upcoming votes on the budget and debt ceiling to influence outcomes.
4. Voter Engagement: Ensure transparency in how Republican colleagues vote and mobilize efforts to reclaim the House and the White House in future elections.

Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi:

"We have to lift up and speak up... make sure that everyone knows exactly how our Republican colleagues are voting."
[10:32]

He urges listeners to actively participate in the political process to effect meaningful change.

---

10. Closing Remarks

The episode wraps up with Ben thanking Congressman Krishnamoorthi for his insights and encouraging listeners to subscribe to the podcast. He emphasizes the importance of staying informed and engaged in the ongoing political discourse.

Ben:

"Congressmember Raja Krishnamoorthi, a MeidasTouch fan favorite. Thanks for coming on."
[12:09]

---

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Ben on Trump’s Economic Claims:

  "I feel like it's Dr. Evil $1 trillion just putting up numbers while he's like crashing our economy."
  [01:10]

• Congressman Krishnamoorthi on Public Outrage:

  "We're seeing wreckage across the government landscape... People are restless and they don't like what they're seeing."
  [03:22]

• Critique of Republicans Shielding Musk:

  "Because he'd have to tell the truth, Ben. He'd be under oath."
  [08:26]

• On Medicaid Cuts Impact:

  "Tens of millions of Americans losing access to their sole source of health care."
  [04:16]

• Dan Bongino’s Perspective on Power:

  "Power. That's all that matters... We have a system of checks and balances."
  [09:28]

• Call to Action for Accountability:

  "We have to lift up and speak up... make sure that everyone knows exactly how our Republican colleagues are voting."
  [10:32]

---

Conclusion

This episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast offers a thorough examination of the current political climate, highlighting the contentious actions of Donald Trump and the broader implications for American democracy. Through Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi’s insights, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the challenges facing the nation and the necessary steps to foster accountability and positive change.

---

Stay Connected:

• Subscribe: Ensure you never miss an episode by subscribing to The MeidasTouch Podcast.
• Follow Us: Continue the conversation on Instagram and join the MeidasMighty community.

Transcript

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[Ben]

Well, Donald Trump's having quite the morning. He woke up finding that at the Department of Housing and Urban Development, they're playing AI videos of Donald Trump kissing Elon Musk's feet. Very weird. Donald Trump then went on a posting tear to just post lots of things that have the number billions in front of him. So he goes. Investments in the US under President Trump. $14.1 billion bid from Nippon Steel. $20 billion from Hussein Sajwani. $500 billion over four years from Apple. 500 billion over four years from Stargate. 600 billion from Saudi Arabia. I feel like it's Dr. Evil $1 trillion just putting up numbers while he's like crashing our economy, taking away people's Medicaid, gutting our federal government, taking America out of our alliances. He's posting more about Apple has just announced a record $500 billion investment in the United States of America. Look, Apple's an American company and invest billions of dollars all the time. Yes, Donald, Apple is a big company. And isn't this one of the biggest tells when he starts going down this route, that he knows that people are pissed about the way he's handling everything. I showed a poll earlier this morning where it's like close to 80% of Americans feel the economy is. Is heading in the wrong direction. Donald Trump grifting, of course, selling bizarre pens. Get your pen today. He then keeps on posting that Elon is doing a great job, but I want to see him get more aggressive. Donald Trump says. And then it's email after email to his subscribers and to his people on his listserv saying, you want to come to Mar? A Lago? I don't invite anybody to my luxurious home, but I'll invite you. Invite you. Let me bring in Congressmember Raja Krishnamoorthy. Congressmember. What the heck in the world is going on here? People are. People are rising up, though. People are pissed, eh? They are.

[Congressmember Raja Krishnamoorthy]

You Know, I think that you might have seen it, but as polls or poll numbers are dipping now, as people are paying attention to what's happening here, you know, some people talk about dei, I also talk about it, you know, Doge Elon and incompetence. And it is out of control, my friend. And we're seeing it kind of lay, you know, wreckage across the government landscape. My constituents made almost 1,000 phone calls into our office the day that they learned that Elon Musk had access to, you know, private information on the Federal Payment Service. They don't want any part of that. And these are Republicans, Democrats and Independents who are calling in. They aren't just Democrats, they aren't just liberals.

[Ben]

They.

[Congressmember Raja Krishnamoorthy]

They are people across the political spectrum. The more they learn. I think there is buyer's remorse that's taking hold as well.

[Ben]

You know, we've been covering these town halls of your Republican colleagues, and we're talking about in ruby red areas. We talked about, like, Georgia seventh, Oregon's fifth, the really red areas in Wisconsin, Oklahoma's first. And, you know, there are Republicans, Libertarians, who are there and saying, what the heck? Why are you giving my medical records and my private data to Elon? And it's so bizarre because these, like MAGA Republican Congress members have been living in Elon's algorithm. They look like legitimately, like, frozen and stunned. This is MAGA Republican Representative Grothman. Just watch this and I'll get your reaction to it.

[Congressmember Raja Krishnamoorthy]

Calling those people with different abilities leeches and losers and that they're leeching off the system. Yes, I have heard it from their own, own post.

[Ben]

I want the Elon Musers believe it. You don't believe it.

[Congressmember Raja Krishnamoorthy]

You can read it. You are in denial.

[Ben]

I'll Google it.

[Congressmember Raja Krishnamoorthy]

Google it.

[Ben]

Well, Congressmember Grothman says he doesn't believe it. Do you believe it?

[Congressmember Raja Krishnamoorthy]

Yeah, I do. And I think that these town halls are an indication that, you know, constituents are restless. They don't like what they're seeing. They don't like the fact that, you know, the Republicans are proposing upwards of $2.3 trillion in cuts to Medicaid. Think about that. That's almost a third of Medicaid. That would mean tens of millions of Americans losing access to their sole source of health care. And so, Ben, you know, this. This is. This is a. This is a program. Numerous programs like this touch Democrats, Republicans, Independents in blue states and red states. And I think that people are suddenly kind of becoming aware of just the consequences of what's about to happen. And why do they want these cuts? That's the other question that people are asking. Well, it turns out the answer is to fund tax cuts. Tax cuts for billionaires, oligarchs, broligarchs, special interests, you name it. And that just causes the smoke to come out of people's ears as well.

[Ben]

You know, it's like these Republicans have been so entrenched in Twitter, which is now X, they, like, live through these memes, and people need their Medicaid and their Medicare and their health care. And. And they want answers. And people are not satisfied with the dumb, excuse my language, dumb shit that Elon is posting on his social media. They want oversight. And they're just saying, why don't you just have this guy show up and testify then? And even your Republican colleagues are like, no, no, no, it's Eli. He's a billionaire. You know, we wouldn't do anything wrong. Why would he testify? I mean, that's. That's kind of. That's crazy.

[Congressmember Raja Krishnamoorthy]

It is. We were one vote short of having him testify before the Oversight Committee when we tried to subpoena him. But can I say one other thing that is wigging people out, really getting people upset, which is avian flu. This avian flu thing is out of control. It's causing the price of eggs and other groceries to skyrocket, for that matter. You might have seen this, but prices have gone up since Donald Trump became president.

[Ben]

This.

[Congressmember Raja Krishnamoorthy]

They've gone up. Not only that, but the stock market gains have disappeared since Donald Trump became president. And so people are starting to Notice that their 401ks are down, prices of groceries are up, sickness is up through avian flu. But also there's outbreaks of salmonella, outbreaks of listeria. And what is this guy focused on? He actually has an executive order banning paper straws. And I'm not making that up. I actually, I hope that your viewers go and look at this. He has an executive order on paper straws. So that's kind of the types of priorities that Donald Trump has right now.

[Ben]

I'm all over paper strawgate. So my audience does. I play that clip over and over again. But, Congressman, walk through with us this issue about Elon Musk testifying before the Oversight Committee, because I hear a lot of people saying, then just have him testify. Have him justify everything that he's doing, the same way an FBI director would, at least in the Biden administration. We'll see what happens with Patel and Bongino, which we'll get to in a moment as well. You would have the chairman of the Joint Chiefs and the Biden Union, the AG Merrick Garland would show up. These people show up. So why can't Elon? Why, why? Who's voting where? Why is this being blocked?

[Congressmember Raja Krishnamoorthy]

Because he'd have to tell the truth, Ben. He'd be under oath. You'd have to put your hand up and actually swear to tell the truth under penalty of perjury. And that is why he's not appearing. And I think it's time.

[Ben]

Who's protecting him, though? Who's protecting him?

[Congressmember Raja Krishnamoorthy]

Our Republican colleagues. They don't want him to come up there and have to testify. And, oh, by the way, he's constantly threatening these Republicans if they don't do things that he wants. You may be getting to this, but one of the reasons why the Republicans in the Senate rubber stamped such controversial figures as Hegseth and Tulsi Gabbard and Cash Patel and RFK Jr. Is because Elon Musk threatened each of the wavering senators with primary battles that he would fund with his pack. And so he's threatening people, and they are doing his bidding, and one of them is not bringing him to testify before the House.

[Ben]

And speaking about some of these controversial picks, Congressmember, we learned on Sunday night that Dan Bongino, who's never worked in the FBI, is going to be the deputy director of the FBI. I'll just show you this quick clip of this guy.

[D]

Anything that matters is what, Chad? What matters? Anyone?

[Ben]

Power. Power.

[D]

You can see what. I'm out.

[Ben]

Power.

[D]

That is all that matters. No, it doesn't. And we have a system of checks and balances. That's a good one. That's really funny. We do.

[Ben]

I mean, what. What. What in the world. I mean, just what. What in the world is this? I mean, you know, Americans who aren't perpetually glued to Elon's memes and I guess right wing podcast culture. I mean, you know, hardworking Americans who are working on the farms, working in the factories, you know, supporting their family, working for the federal government, you know, raising families. They watching this and they're like, it's a gut. It's a gut punch, right? Like, it's. It's. Every day is like a. Is like a. What. What do you tell the American people right now?

[Congressmember Raja Krishnamoorthy]

Well, I. What I tell them is that please hold us accountable in Washington. I'm talking about Republicans and Democrats. We have to get this better. We have to do something about this. This is unacceptable. And that starts with, I think, three things. One, we have to lift up and, and speak up and speak out about these stories that are repeatedly popping up about people getting hurt by these moves with executive orders. And we have to rally public opinion around reversing these executive orders and these decisions by the Trump administration. Secondly, there is a litigation strategy, both inside of Congress from the committees, but also outside of Congress from the state attorneys generals and not for profits. Third, we have our votes and we're going to be required to vote on a budget. We're going to be required to vote on a debt ceiling in the next month. And I personally think that those votes, you know, obviously, if there's a shutdown or if we can't get a debt ceiling increase, that lies at the feet of the Republicans because they have majority, they have a trifecta. However, if they're going to come to us to rescue them, they're going to are going to be conditions. And then fourth, we have to hold them accountable. We have to make sure that everyone knows exactly how our Republican colleagues are voting, especially in those marginal districts. Because just as there is a Project 2025, there needs to be a Project 2026 taking back the house and then Project 2028 taking back the White House. That is what we need to be focused on right now, all four of those things.

[Ben]

Congressmember Raja Krishnamoorthy, a Midas Touch fan favorite. Thanks for coming on.

[Congressmember Raja Krishnamoorthy]

Thank you, buddy.

[Ben]

Everybody hit subscribe. Let's get to 5 million subscribers. Thanks for watching. Love this video. Continue the conversation by following us on Instagram. It is touched and help US blow past 750,000 followers.