The MeidasTouch Podcast: "Fox Loses It on Air as Trump Sues Its Owner!!" – July 20, 2025
In this episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast, hosts Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas delve into the explosive developments surrounding former President Donald Trump’s lawsuit against Fox News' owner, Rupert Murdoch. The discussion weaves through the intricate dynamics of media bias, political maneuvering, and the broader implications for American democracy. Here's a detailed breakdown of the episode's key points, insights, and conclusions.
1. Trump’s Lawsuit Against Rupert Murdoch and Fox News [02:16 – 04:17]
Host’s Overview: The episode opens with the host highlighting the tumultuous relationship between Donald Trump and Fox News. Trump has initiated a lawsuit against Rupert Murdoch, the owner of Fox News and the Wall Street Journal, alleging defamation. The lawsuit centers on an article published by the Wall Street Journal claiming that Trump sent a birthday card to Jeffrey Epstein in 2003, asserting a close personal relationship ("we share our secrets together. Epstein never ages").
Notable Quote:
Host: "Donald Trump claims that the Wall Street Journal defamed him by printing an article about how Donald Trump allegedly sent a birthday card to Jeffrey Epstein for Epstein's 50th in 2003..." [02:16]
Discussion Highlights:
- Defamation Allegations: Trump contends that the portrayal of his relationship with Epstein is false and damaging.
- Fox's Reaction: The hosts criticize Fox News for not addressing the lawsuit or Epstein-related allegations directly, suggesting that as a state-affiliated media entity, Fox sidestepped substantial accountability.
2. Fox’s Deflection to Tulsi Gabbard and Obama Scandal [04:17 – 06:08]
Host’s Critique: Instead of tackling the pressing lawsuit, Fox News shifted focus to what the hosts describe as an "auto pen scandal" involving Tulsi Gabbard. Gabbard alleged misconduct by former President Obama related to Russian interference in U.S. elections.
Notable Quote:
Political Commentator: "Now, if that's not a grand conspiracy, I don't know what would be. Do you see crimes here?" [03:56]
Key Points:
- Deflection Tactics: Fox News is accused of diverting attention from the Trump lawsuit by creating irrelevant scandals.
- Host’s Skepticism: The hosts express confusion and frustration over Fox’s choice to spotlight Tulsi Gabbard’s claims, labeling them as baseless and distracting.
3. The Stephen Colbert Firing Controversy [06:08 – 09:18]
Storyline: The conversation transitions to the sudden non-renewal of Stephen Colbert’s contract by CBS amidst its merger with Skydance. The hosts suggest political interference, proposing that Trump's influence over the FCC played a role in Colbert's departure due to his critical jokes about Trump.
Notable Quote:
Political Analyst: "It's no doubt that we are in the very beginning stages of a new golden era for America... But I recently told the House speaker, we are winning so much that we only have about an hour to celebrate one victory before we move on to the next." [06:38]
Discussion Points:
- Media Censorship: The hosts argue that political pressures are stifling free speech in media, using Colbert’s firing as a prime example.
- Greg Gutfeld’s Commentary: Gutfeld’s remarks on 'hoaxes' perpetuated by Democrats are dissected, highlighting the polarization in media narratives.
4. Fox’s Attack on the Dignity Act and Congresswoman Salazar [09:18 – 15:45]
Issue at Hand: Laur Ingraham of Fox News targets Republican Congresswoman Salazar for her support of the Dignity Act, which provides pathways to citizenship for certain immigrant populations.
Notable Quote:
Political Commentator: "Where were these calls for dignity and for compassion when millions of American workers were displaced by cheap foreign labor or had their jobs offshored?" [14:43]
Analysis:
- Mockery and Racism: The hosts accuse Fox of using racist undertones to undermine legitimate legislative efforts, portraying the Dignity Act as detrimental to American workers.
- Personal Critique: The host expresses disapproval of Congresswoman Salazar, alleging she misled her constituents about Trump’s stance on immigration.
5. Racial Rhetoric and Zoran Mandami [15:45 – 17:32]
Controversial Statements: The discussion moves to Zoran Mandami, a political figure whom Fox allegedly maligns by associating him with extremist ideologies.
Notable Quote:
Political Analyst: "That could be anybody." [17:04]
Key Points:
- Undermining Leadership: Mandami’s policies and background are portrayed negatively, with the hosts suggesting that Fox uses racial fears to discredit political opponents.
- Host’s Stance: The hosts condemn the use of such rhetoric, labeling it as unadulterated racism aimed at manipulating public perception.
6. Conclusion and Host’s Reflections [17:32 – End]
Final Thoughts: Wrapping up the episode, the host reiterates the main criticisms against Fox News, emphasizing the network’s tendency to deflect from substantive issues by manufacturing scandals and engaging in biased reporting.
Notable Quote:
Host: "Donald Trump is more of a communist dictator right now than any communist dictator when he calls up companies. I don't like what you're doing. I don't like what you're doing." [18:01]
Overall Message: The hosts call for accountability in media, urging listeners to question biased narratives and seek truth amidst political and corporate maneuvering. They advocate for supporting democratic values and resisting media manipulation that threatens the integrity of American institutions.
Key Takeaways:
- Media Accountability: The episode underscores the importance of holding major media outlets accountable for biased reporting and deflection tactics.
- Political Influence: It highlights how political figures may influence media narratives to serve their agendas.
- Democratic Integrity: Emphasizing the necessity to uphold democratic principles against attempts to undermine them through misinformation and racism.
Engagement: Listeners are encouraged to stay informed, critically evaluate media sources, and support content that champions democracy and factual reporting. The episode serves as a call to action to recognize and resist media biases that threaten the foundational values of American society.