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Commentator
We are seeing in real time what a disaster Donald Trump's call with Vladimir Putin was yesterday. Donald Trump held a disastrous press conference today in the Oval Office. He said it was about building this golden dome, as he's calling it over the United States of America, this missile system that's going to cost hundreds of billions of dollars. But Donald Trump was asked about the breaking news that it looks like Russia is further amassing troops along the borders towards Finland and Norway. And whether that concerns Donald Trump. Here's his response.
Donald Trump
People actually love it.
Jim Acosta
Mr. President, on Russia, are you worried.
Donald Trump
About the reports on a military buildup along the borders towards Finland and Norway? No, I don't. I don't worry about that at all. They're going to be very safe. Those are two countries are going to be very safe.
Commentator
And the second is, sorry, now we can literally see where they are amassing their troops. So Vladimir Putin gave Donald Trump a big middle finger yesterday. And Donald Trump, they are saying he has no concerns. He says it doesn't concern him at all that our NATO allies are being threatened by Vladimir Putin like that. Now, what Donald Trump did want to talk about, though, was not that he wanted to talk about this fake Declaration of Independence that's in the Oval Office, which he claims will was the original one. And he just goes on this bizarre rant and says, I took it from a vault. I got the declaration from a vault. Here, play this clip.
Donald Trump
The usa, by the way, very importantly. So it's something that I've been looking forward to for a long time. And I just notice you, too, Jim, you're standing there. Behind you is a very important document, Declaration of Independence. And that was in the vault for many decades. Under. Right under this area, right. They have vaults with pictures on top of Abraham Lincoln. You see, that was the original Abraham Lincoln, the original Washington. And does everybody know who the middle was? General Grant. And so it's very exciting. You look over here, and above Ronald Reagan, you have Thomas Jefferson. That's Monroe from the Monroe Document. Document. And you know who that is, right? Andrew Jackson. So we have a lot of very exciting pictures. And on the other side, likewise, just some great, great presidents and great people. And the. These many of these, because people were asking about them. Many of them, almost all of them were in the vaults or nearby, but generally in the vaults downstairs.
Commentator
I mean, it's pretty pathetic that what concerns Donald Trump is finding a fake Declaration of Independence from a fake vault versus actually talking about the issues that matter to the American people. And here he is talking about what he calls this golden dome. He goes, it's going to be $175 billion in total. He says that there's 25 billion going to go to the golden dome. Here's what he says. Play this clip.
Donald Trump
It's incredible when you think of it. You're shooting bullets out of the air. I'm also pleased to report that the one big beautiful bill will include $25 billion for the golden dome to help construction get underway. That's the initial sort of a down posit. And we have probably you're talking about General, we're talking about $175 billion total cost of this when it's completed.
Commentator
So then he's asked like, so are you listening to military commanders or are you just winging this yourself? And Trump says, it's my idea to do this golden dome. He just likes the word gold and dome. And so now he's putting this golden dome over the United States. When we have systems in place that deal with this already. Here, play this clip.
Reporter
As you had mentioned at the beginning of your remarks that this was a campaign promise of yours, have military commanders asked for this system specifically? Because NORAD had said previously that the current system was adequate. So what does this get the United States?
Donald Trump
Somebody said before there really is no current system. We have have certain areas of missiles and certain missile defense, but there's no system. We just have some very capable weapons that hopefully we never have to use. But we have some very capable weapons now. This is a different league. There's never been anything like this. This is something that's going to be very protective. I think you can rest assured there'll be nothing like this. Nobody else is capable of building it either.
Reporter
Was that something that military commanders asked you for? Did they ask you to do this?
Donald Trump
Well, let me put it differently. I suggested it and they all, we love the idea, sir. It's the way it's got to be, right? But they want it and they wanted it badly once it was suggested. I don't know if they ever thought they would be lucky enough to have it.
Commentator
So Donald Trump is asked about the cost of his budget bill and programs like this. Donald Trump wants to increase the military budget to $1 trillion while gutting Medicaid, gutting supplemental nutrition assistance programs, gutting rental assistance programs. You know, he's taking away these key programs, but giving these tax cuts for the billionaires that many estimate estimate will cost at least 5.1 or at least 4 to 5 trillion dollars. So then Donald Trump continues this Lie where he says, look, we just brought in $5 trillion from the Middle East. I've just collected 5 trillion. So we're cool, we're good Here, play this clip.
Reporter
When you first announced this idea, critics said it would be prohibitively expensive, potentially ineffective, and could trigger an arms race in space. What do you say to those critics about that?
Donald Trump
Well, the wrong is about as close to perfect as you can have in terms of real production. I told you, Canada wants to be a part of it, which be, you know, fairly small expansion. But we'll work with them on pricing. We'll be dealing with them on pricing. They know about it very much. They've asked to be a part of it. Actually, they've asked us to be a part of it. I think it's something that is great. If you can afford to do it, we can afford to do it. You know, we took in $5.1 trillion in the last four days and the Middle east. And when you think about it, that's. This is a tiny fraction of that. But we make it all here. We're going to make it all here. We have. When I will tell you, an adversary told me, a very big adversary told me the most brilliant people in the world are silicon valleys, okay, he did.
Commentator
Not collect 5 trillion. He didn't even collect anywhere near that amount of money at all. Look, Saudi Arabia's entire annual GDP is 1.1 trillion. Qatar's annual GDP is 200 billion. And the United Arab Emirates GDP is 400 billion. You add all of those annual GDPs up, combined together, it is under $5 trillion. These countries are not giving their entire annual GDP to the United States of America. He's just coming up with a fake number the way he gives fake valuations for his properties to justify the fact that the deficit is going to increase by at least trillion. And if you listen to maga, Republican Congressmember Thomas Massie, he says that this GOP budget will increase the deficit by $20 trillion. Is what he says here. Donald Trump's brain misfires as he tries to say the word document. Play this clip.
Donald Trump
That's Monroe from the Monroe document. Document. And you know who that is, right? Andrew Jackson.
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Commentator
Here, Donald Trump tries to describe what the golden dome is. And he's like, think of it. You're shooting bullets out of the air. Again, he doesn't even know what he's talking about here. He's not saying complete sentences. Let's play this clip.
Donald Trump
It's incredible when you think of it. You're shooting bullets out of the air. I'm also pleased to report that the one big beautiful bill will include $25 billion for the golden dome to help construction get underway. That's the initial sort of a down posit. And we have probably. You're talking about General, we're talking about $175 billion total cost of this when it's completed.
Commentator
Then you have Pete Hegseth sucking up to Donald Trump showing this weird AI photo of golden Dom, the United States looking gold. And Hegseth is like, add this to the long list of promises made, promises kept. Dude, you said you were going to lower housing prices and make things more affordable. You said you were going to end the war in Ukraine in 24 hours, not this crap. Here, play this clip.
Donald Trump
Go ahead.
Jim Acosta
Well, Mr. President, add this to the long and growing list of promises made and promises kept.
Commentator
Here's Hegseth also sucking up to Donald Trump more and saying, yes, sir. I said, sir. This was a great vision, sir. Here, play this clip right here to talk about this.
Donald Trump
How about you closing it out?
Jim Acosta
Yes, sir. I mean, like I said, without your vision, willing to say and do things when other people wanted to look away and pretend like the threat didn't exist or be focused on foreign adventurism, some other threat that we've been told is affecting us. When you looked at the data, sir, from Russia to the communist Chinese and other and their capabilities, what they're trying to, to do, supersede us and threaten us, how do we find the best innovators, the best military leaders, the best companies? Tech companies. You mentioned open architecture. That's exactly right. So multiple companies can pour into this, sir, It's a layered defense. So if you miss that one you catch at the next. And it integrates existing technologies that can speak to each other so it moves quickly while also investing in further ranging space based interceptors. So our enemies, our adversaries are going to pay a lot of attention this just like they have to President Trump from day one. Sir, you're defending the homeland, defending the American people. It's going to benefit my kids, grandkids, all of ours in this room. So thank you for your leadership. As fast as we can.
Commentator
Now, just to remind you what Donald Trump had said after his call with Vladimir Putin. This was from a press conference before this one where Donald Trump was asked, you believe that Putin wants peace. So if Putin wants peace, Donald, then why is he continuing to send ballistic missiles to kill innocent Ukrainians and drones every single day? Ukraine's agreed to an unconditional cease fire. Putin has not. What do you say to that, Donald? Here's what he said.
Reporter
You mentioned that you believe Putin wants peace, but he just attacked Ukraine yesterday. So what makes you think that he wants peace?
Donald Trump
Well, he's in a war, you know, nobody said don't. It's, they're fighting, they're attacking, they're attacking each other and people are dying all the time. He's in a war, he's fighting a war. Nobody said he was going to stop. I think, is it terrible? Yeah, it's terrible. I do, I think it's terrible.
Reporter
President Biden was diagnosed.
Commentator
But one of the things Donald Trump has claimed is that during his call with Putin, Putin kept on mentioning Melania and saying Melania is very respected. Melania is a very respected person. Okay, she's not. And on Russian propaganda TV, they consistently show Melania nudes over and over again to mock Donald Trump. Here's what he said. Here, play this clip.
Donald Trump
And compassionate first lady, I would say she is very dedicated. In fact, if you look at just what I heard, Putin just said, they respect your wife a lot. I said, what about me? No, they, well, they like, they like Melania better. That wasn't good. I don't know if that was good. I'm okay with with it, I'm okay.
Commentator
And then in the other press conference, Donald Trump then talked about raising tariffs on aluminum, steel, cars and pharmaceutical. He goes, 50, 75, 100 maybe, who knows? We'll just raise it. Play this clip.
Donald Trump
25 years they were taking advantage of us. We never did anything. But now we're doing it to them and fairly, very. I'll tell you what modestly, but we'll be taking, and we are taking in right now, 25% in cars, 25% on steel and aluminum, 25% on other things, and that'll be going up to 50, 75, maybe 100 in some cases. We have to get our pharmaceutical industry back. Once we establish that in another couple of weeks, it'll start roaring back. It's already roaring back because they know we're doing it. And it's really been, you've done a great job.
Commentator
But he said the damage those pathetic statements are doing, it's hard to even quantify the damage being caused right there by Donald Trump because he continues to spread these lies or continues to then wake up and feel this way or that way about tariffs. And it's having a real effect on our economy and making America look like North Korea, frankly. So MAGA Mike Johnson holds a press conference while all of this is going on and he's asked the question, can you just talk to us about the budget? What the hell is going on here right now? And MAGA Mike, he just goes, I'm not even going to answer questions. I'm just going to give you my state regime talking points at this point here.
Mike Johnson
Play this clip to deliver and that's what you'll see this House do this week. Now, we're not going to take a lot of questions this morning because we've already done a ton of media with you in the halls. The president gave you a lot. We gave you a lot. What, what we're leaving to do right now is gather up the small subgroups in the in the House Republican conference and tie up the remaining loose ends. I'm very confident that we'll be able to do that. There's a great esprit de corps in the room this morning because everybody knows what's at stake. All the things we've talked about here this morning, we are going to get this done. So I'm gonna, this is a rare thing I'm gonna say hold the questions and let me go get back to work so we can finish this thing up. Okay. Thanks for being here this morning. Thanks for being here.
Donald Trump
You can take the question, I'm good.
Commentator
And then finally, you know, Donald Trump lying and saying the reason that he's cutting food assistance programs is he says that's going to get you more food. And then he lies. Gas prices are down to a buck 99. They're not a buck 99 anywhere in the country. He goes on to continue to lie and say that grocery prices are down and that inflation's down and things are going great, which is all a total lie. Play this clip.
Reporter
You campaign on lowering the price of groceries. How do you justify cutting food assistance in this bill?
Donald Trump
Let me. Let me just tell you. The cut is going to give everybody much more food because prices are coming, coming way down. Groceries are down. Eggs. You told me about eggs. You asked me a question about eggs my first week. You said eggs. I said, I just got here. Tell me about eggs. And it was going through. If you know that. Eggs now way down. Everybody's buying eggs. Groceries down. Energy's down. Gasoline is now buying. They're buying Gasoline now for $1.99. When I. If you look back, you'll see $354. This country, we're going to lose this country. Our country. I was respected all over the world. All over the world were respected. We were a laughingstock.
Commentator
A complete disaster right now unfolding in the White House. Weak. Pathetic. And that's Donald Trump's statement that he's not concerned about this clear and present threat to our NATO allies. It's showing utter weakness. And let's be clear, the only thing that Donald Trump did yesterday in his call with Putin, Putin was basically say, the United States is out. Putin, do whatever the hell you want. Ukraine, Good luck. America is out. After Donald Trump promised he was going to BRINGING Peace in 24 hours a week. Pathetic, vile piece of trash. That is Donald Trump, who deserves zero respect whatsoever. A stain on the United States of American history. Thanks for watching. Hit subscribe. Can't get enough Midas? Check out the Midas plus substack for ad. Free articles, reports, podcasts, daily recaps from Filipkowski and more. Sign up for free now@midasplus.com.
Detailed Summary of "Fatigued Trump Caves in Disaster Press Conference" Episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast
Release Date: May 20, 2025
Podcast: The MeidasTouch Podcast
Hosts: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas
In this episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast, the hosts—Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas—delve into the tumultuous press conference held by former President Donald Trump. Titled "Fatigued Trump Caves in Disaster Press Conference," the episode provides a comprehensive analysis of Trump's recent statements, policies, and the broader implications for American politics and international relations. The Meiselas brothers blend their signature humor and insightful commentary to dissect the events and rhetoric surrounding Trump’s latest political maneuvers.
The episode opens with a critique of Trump’s handling of Russia-related issues, particularly his recent call with Vladimir Putin and the subsequent press conference.
Military Buildup Near Finland and Norway:
Trump was questioned about the reports of Russia amassing troops near Finland and Norway, key NATO allies. His response was dismissive:
“About the reports on a military buildup along the borders towards Finland and Norway? No, I don't. I don't worry about that at all. They're going to be very safe. Those are two countries are going to be very safe.”
(00:40)
The hosts express concern over Trump's apparent disregard for the escalating military tensions, emphasizing the potential threat to NATO allies.
A significant portion of the press conference was dedicated to Trump’s enigmatic "Golden Dome" project, a proposed missile defense system.
Description and Costs:
Trump introduced the concept, stating:
“I'm also pleased to report that the one big beautiful bill will include $25 billion for the golden dome to help construction get underway. That's the initial sort of a down posit. And we have probably... we're talking about $175 billion total cost of this when it's completed.”
(03:04)
Lack of Military Input:
When pressed about whether military commanders suggested this system, Trump claimed it was his idea:
“It's my idea to do this golden dome. He just likes the word gold and dome.”
(03:55)
The hosts criticize Trump for bypassing military expertise, questioning the feasibility and necessity of such an exorbitant project.
Trump made several contentious statements regarding the country’s budget and economic status.
Inflated Revenue Claims:
Trump asserted unprecedented revenue collection:
“We just brought in $5 trillion from the Middle East.”
(05:45)
The hosts debunk this claim by highlighting that the GDP of major Middle Eastern countries like Saudi Arabia ($1.1 trillion), Qatar ($200 billion), and the UAE ($400 billion) collectively total under $5 trillion, making Trump's assertion implausible.
Deficit Concerns:
The podcast discusses Republican Congressmember Thomas Massie’s warning that the GOP budget could increase the deficit by $20 trillion, contrasting it with Trump’s misleading financial statements.
Trump diverted part of his press conference to address his wife, Melania, amidst Russian propaganda that mocked her.
Melania’s Depiction:
Trump quipped:
“They respect your wife a lot. I said, what about me? No, they, well, they like, they like Melania better.”
(12:43)
The hosts interpret this as Trump’s attempt to regain control over his public image amid ongoing smear campaigns.
A segment of the press conference focused on Trump's stance on tariffs, which the hosts critique as economically damaging.
Proposed Tariffs:
Trump declared:
“We're taking in right now, 25% in cars, 25% on steel and aluminum, 25% on other things, and that'll be going up to 50, 75, maybe 100 in some cases.”
(13:19)
The hosts argue that such high tariffs could cripple industries, drawing comparisons to North Korea’s economic isolation.
Trump’s approach to the Ukraine conflict was another focal point, especially his claims of facilitating peace within 24 hours—a promise he failed to keep.
Peace Promises Unfulfilled:
Despite asserting that Putin desires peace, Trump faced criticism as Russian aggression in Ukraine continued unabated.
“He's in a war, he's fighting a war. Nobody said he was going to stop. I think, is it terrible? Yeah, it's terrible.”
(12:03)
The hosts highlight the ongoing violence in Ukraine as evidence against Trump's cited desire for peace.
Trump on the Golden Dome:
“It's incredible when you think of it. You're shooting bullets out of the air.”
(09:12)
Trump on Economic Claims:
“We have to get our pharmaceutical industry back. Once we establish that in another couple of weeks, it'll start roaring back.”
(13:19)
Jim Acosta’s Praise for Trump:
“President Trump from day one. Sir, you're defending the homeland, defending the American people.”
(10:24)
The Meiselas brothers offer a critical examination of Trump's press conference, highlighting several key issues:
Distracted Leadership:
Trump’s focus on the "Golden Dome" and personal anecdotes detracts from pressing national and international concerns, such as military threats and economic stability.
Economic Misinformation:
The hosts emphasize Trump's false claims about revenue and economic performance, underscoring the potential long-term damage to America's financial health.
International Relations Strain:
Trump's dismissive attitude towards NATO allies and ongoing conflicts, especially in Ukraine, raises alarms about the U.S.'s role on the global stage.
Propaganda and Image Control:
Attempts to defend Melania against Russian propaganda suggest a broader strategy to manipulate public perception amidst external attacks.
Policy Risks:
The proposed tariffs and increased military spending without expert consultation could lead to economic downturns and strained international relationships.
In this episode, The MeidasTouch Podcast provides a thorough critique of Donald Trump's recent press conference, dissecting his rhetoric, policy proposals, and the broader implications for American democracy and international relations. The Meiselas brothers combine their legal, media, and advertising expertise to offer listeners a nuanced perspective, urging critical examination of political narratives and leadership strategies. Their analysis serves as a crucial tool for understanding the complex landscape of modern American politics and the challenges posed by influential figures like Trump.
For more in-depth analyses and updates, subscribe to The MeidasTouch Podcast and join the MeidasMighty community.