The MeidasTouch Podcast: "Fox News Can’t Hide as Trump Collapse Accelerates" – Detailed Summary

Overview

In the April 12, 2025 episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast titled "Fox News Can’t Hide as Trump Collapse Accelerates," hosts Ben Meiselas, Brett Meiselas, and Jordy Meiselas delve into the deteriorating state of Fox News amid the ongoing economic turmoil in the United States. The brothers dissect Fox News' attempts to shift blame for the economic downturn away from former President Donald Trump and towards President Joe Biden, offering a critical analysis of the state-run media's propaganda tactics. This episode is a comprehensive exploration of media bias, economic data interpretation, and the broader implications for American democracy.

Fox News' Narrative

Ben Meiselas opens the discussion by labeling Fox News as a "state regime media" that is struggling to maintain its narrative in light of the country's economic collapse. He criticizes the network for attempting to deflect responsibility from Donald Trump by blaming former President Biden for the economic issues. For instance, Ben points out how Laura Ingraham dedicated an entire show to accusing Biden of causing the economic downturn, using purported economic experts to support her claims.

Ben Meiselas [00:00]: "State regime media known as Fox is in free fall as it tries to brainwash its audience into not blaming Donald Trump on the economic collapse that is now taking place."

Ben's Counter-Analysis of Economic Data

The podcast delves into a detailed analysis of economic indicators, highlighting the role of Donald Trump's policies in the current economic situation. Ben references predictions from the Atlanta Federal Reserve, illustrating a trajectory from expected GDP growth under Trump to actual GDP contractions under his administration.

Ben Meiselas [00:57]: "Originally, if Donald Trump did nothing and just let former President Biden's economy go on overdrive, where there was GDP growth quarter after quarter, we were expecting 3.9% GDP growth in quarter one under Donald Trump. Then Donald Trump started messing with things and it was lower to 2.3% but still growth."

He emphasizes that Trump's imposition and fluctuation of tariffs significantly disrupted economic stability, leading to the current negative GDP projections.

Critique of Specific Fox News Personalities

The episode scrutinizes key Fox News figures and their roles in perpetuating the network's narrative. Caroline Levitt, identified by Ben as Trump's "chief propagandist," is a focal point. Ben mocks Levitt's attempts to portray Trump's actions as beneficial, comparing her to a fictional "manager for North Korea," underscoring his view of her propaganda.

Ben Meiselas [03:14]: "Caroline Levitt is basically the Trump version, I think a more ridiculous version of Pink Dress Lady, the chief propagandist for North Korea…"

Sean Hannity is also criticized for echoing the regime's talking points without substantive critique.

Ben Meiselas [05:18]: "Sean Hannity, who again, why I call it state regime media, is that they are an arm of the regime, right? That's what Fox is."

International Implications

Ben extends his critique to the international arena, arguing that Trump's policies are alienating the United States globally. He asserts that the administration's erratic economic decisions are causing instability, drawing unfavorable comparisons to authoritarian regimes.

Ben Meiselas [08:28]: "Corporate America is getting very at Donald Trump finally. And we're seeing countries across the world unite with each other, forming alliances that isolate and alienate the United States, viewing the US as this pariah state."

He also discusses the impact of rising treasury yields and the perceived volatility of the U.S. market, attributing these issues to Trump's leadership style.

Inconsistent Narratives on Tariffs and Economic Policies

The podcast addresses the conflicting messages from Fox News regarding tariffs. Ben highlights inconsistencies in the administration's stance, questioning the rationale behind pausing certain tariffs while continuing others.

Ben Meiselas [12:32]: "Jameson Greer, are tariffs, if tariffs are great, then why are you pausing some of them? If tariffs are bad, then why are you still implementing some of them?"

He cites a segment with Jameson Greer, the top U.S. Trade Representative, who downplays the projected costs of tariffs on American households, contrasting these claims with data from the Yale Budget Lab to argue against Fox News' portrayal.

Jameson Greer [12:25]: "A lot of those are Wall street analysts who have a lot to lose themselves in the first term. We put a lot of tariffs on China and we saw similar predictions. Those ended up being wrong. Inflation went down."

Conclusion

Throughout the episode, Ben Meiselas systematically dismantles Fox News' defense of Donald Trump's economic policies, presenting data-driven arguments and highlighting inconsistencies in Fox's reporting. The Meiselas brothers reinforce their commitment to providing objective analysis and advocating for democratic principles in the face of what they perceive as media manipulation and authoritarian tendencies within the current administration.

By the end of the episode, listeners are left with a critical perspective on Fox News' role in shaping public perception during a time of economic crisis, underscoring the podcast's mission to support democracy through informed and honest discussions.

Notable Quotes

• Ben Meiselas [00:00]: "State regime media known as Fox is in free fall as it tries to brainwash its audience into not blaming Donald Trump on the economic collapse that is now taking place."

• Caroline Levitt [03:14]: "Trump's trying to clean up Biden's chaos and it ain't easy."

• Sean Hannity [04:08]: "What is he asking of Americans at this time? He talked about transition costs, transition problems. Is he asking something specific for Americans to do?"

• Jameson Greer [12:25]: "A lot of those are Wall street analysts who have a lot to lose themselves in the first term. We put a lot of tariffs on China and we saw similar predictions. Those ended up being wrong. Inflation went down."

Final Thoughts

This episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast offers a thorough examination of Fox News' strategies in the midst of economic instability, challenging listeners to question mainstream media narratives and seek out objective truth. Through a blend of factual analysis and incisive commentary, the Meiselas brothers aim to educate and engage their audience in meaningful discourse about the state of American democracy and media integrity.