The MeidasTouch Podcast: Exclusive Interview with Jim Acosta
Release Date: February 19, 2025

In the "Exclusive Interview with Jim Acosta" episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast, hosts Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas engage in a profound discussion with veteran journalist Jim Acosta. The conversation delves into the strained relationship between the press and the Trump administration, the challenges faced by the Associated Press (AP), misinformation propagated by White House press secretaries, and unmet campaign promises by former President Donald Trump.

1. Press Treatment by the Trump Administration

Ben initiates the conversation by addressing the deteriorating relationship between the press corps and the Trump administration. He poses a critical question to Acosta:

Ben [01:45]: "Have we reached the point where the press corps needs to boycott the press room, needs to just not show up? What do you think?"

Jim Acosta responds by emphasizing the urgency for the press to take a firmer stance:

Jim Acosta [02:02]: "...the press needs to do a bit more... when the White House bans the AP from the Oval Office, banning the AP from Air Force One... it has a major impact on the information that people are receiving around this country... I do think some serious consideration needs to be given to doing a bit more to stand up for our friends at the Associated Press..."

Acosta argues that the administration's actions against the AP—a cornerstone of American journalism—should prompt the press to reconsider their engagement strategies to uphold democratic values.

2. Impact on Major News Outlets

Ben probes deeper into the implications of the Trump administration's targeting of the AP:

Ben [04:39]: "You think the Trump administration's attack on the AP, given their longstanding reputation... it's really an attack on all the other kind of major outlets out there really trying to do reporting, that's why they're picking on the AP?"

Jim Acosta concurs, elaborating on the administration's broader agenda:

Jim Acosta [04:58]: "Absolutely. And I think they're trying to send a message... because the Associated Press won't go along with that... I worry it's a test case... they're gonna start doing it to other news organizations... it's a slippery slope from there."

Acosta highlights concerns that the administration's actions against the AP could set a precedent, potentially jeopardizing the autonomy of other reputable news organizations.

3. Misinformation from White House Press Secretaries

The conversation shifts to the role of White House press secretaries in disseminating information. Ben cites recent instances involving Caroline Levitt:

Ben [06:03]: "Let's talk about Caroline Levitt... lies about tens of millions of deceased people getting Social Security... this was quickly debunked... tens of millions of Americans now believe this..."

He presents a clip of Levitt making unfounded claims about fraudulent Social Security payments.

Jim Acosta critiques Levitt's credibility and the administration's approach to truth:

Jim Acosta [07:41]: "...she's on the team of liars... they're such bad liars... it's like anybody has kids out there, when your kid is telling you a tall tale... what's going on over at the White House right now."

Acosta draws parallels between current press secretaries and past figures known for misinformation, underscoring a pattern of deceit within the administration's communication strategies.

4. Unfulfilled Campaign Promises

Ben shifts focus to the unkept promises made during Trump's campaign, questioning their realization:

Ben [09:43]: "Donald Trump said that he was going to lower prices on day one... peace in Ukraine in 24 hours... instead, Trump sends Marco Rubio to meet with Sergey Lavrov in Saudi Arabia... driving around in a NASCAR racetrack... you think people are starting to get fed up across the country?"

Jim Acosta agrees, critiquing Trump's priorities and effectiveness:

Jim Acosta [10:35]: "...he's on the StubHub rapid rewards program... hasn't done that yet... he's just not gonna do that. He is essentially a part-time president... What the hell did we vote for here?"

Acosta underscores the discrepancy between Trump's promises and actions, highlighting his focus on personal appearances over substantive policy-making.

5. Jim Acosta's Current Endeavors

As the interview concludes, Ben inquires about Acosta's current work:

Ben [12:20]: "Jim, where can people find your reporting right now?"

Jim Acosta shares his ongoing projects and platforms:

Jim Acosta [12:29]: "Really building the plane mid-flight now on Substack... independent journalist... shows can be found on Apple Podcasts and YouTube... more to come..."

Ben encourages listeners to support Acosta's independent journalism:

Ben [13:13]: "Check out his Substack."

Conclusion

The interview between Jim Acosta and The MeidasTouch Podcast hosts offers a critical examination of the adversarial dynamics between the Trump administration and the press. Acosta's insights shed light on the dismantling efforts against established journalistic institutions like the AP, the propagation of misinformation by White House figures, and the gap between political rhetoric and tangible achievements. The discussion serves as a call to action for media professionals and the public to uphold democratic principles and demand accountability from those in power.

Notable Quotes:

• Jim Acosta [02:02]: "I do think some serious consideration needs to be given to doing a bit more to stand up for our friends at the Associated Press..."

• Jim Acosta [04:58]: "...I worry it's a test case... they're gonna start doing it to other news organizations... it's a slippery slope from there."

• Jim Acosta [07:41]: "...she's on the team of liars... what's going on over at the White House right now."

• Jim Acosta [10:35]: "...What the hell did we vote for here?"

This summary provides an overview of the key discussions from the episode, encapsulating the critical perspectives shared by Jim Acosta regarding press freedom, misinformation, and political accountability.