The MeidasTouch Podcast: "Fox News in Complete Panic as Trump Screws Them"

Release Date: February 12, 2025
Host(s): Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas
Episode Title: Fox News in Complete Panic as Trump Screws Them

Introduction

In this compelling episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast, the Meiselas brothers—Ben, Brett, and Jordy—delve into the tumultuous relationship between former President Donald Trump and Fox News. Titled "Fox News in Complete Panic as Trump Screws Them," the episode explores the intricate dynamics of media support, political maneuvering, and the broader implications for American democracy. Through insightful discussions, clips, and sharp analysis, the brothers shed light on how Trump's actions are unsettling Fox News, challenging their editorial stance, and disrupting their traditional support mechanisms.

Fox News Under Siege: Covering Trump

The episode opens with the brothers asserting that Fox News is experiencing significant turmoil due to Trump's increasingly provocative rhetoric. According to them, Fox News is in a “spiral” as Trump continues to make “dangerous and psychotic” statements. The hosts argue that Fox feels compelled to protect Trump, leading to biased reporting that aligns with his agenda.

Notable Quote:

Brett (At 00:31): "Fox is just in a spiral right now as Donald Trump keeps saying more dangerous and psychotic things. Fox has to be state-run regime media. They got a cover for him, right?"

Minimizing Opposition: The Fox Strategy

The Meiselas brothers highlight Fox News' strategy to downplay opposition to Trump. They suggest that the network is attempting to normalize Trump's actions by minimizing resistance and portraying him as a leader who should be accepted without question.

Notable Quote:

Ben (At 01:33): "All these years I've been doing this, there have been elections that the candidate of my choice didn't win... I pointed out their flaws and fought for better ideas."

Impoundment of Funds: A Power Play

A significant portion of the discussion centers around Trump's attempts to impound federal funds—a move the brothers describe as authoritarian. They explain that impoundment involves the president withholding funds appropriated by Congress, thereby gaining unilateral control over federal spending.

Notable Quotes:

Brett (At 03:13): "Trump wants to impound, take the funds that Congress appropriated and keep it for himself. Rule like a dictator."

Ben (At 04:26): "President Trump and Elon Musk are trying to rein in out-of-control spending... He has put forward on the campaign trail ideas on that front."

The brothers critique Fox News for supporting Trump's impoundment efforts, arguing that it undermines democratic checks and balances.

Judiciary Challenges and Separation of Powers

The episode delves into the friction between Trump and the judiciary. The Meiselas brothers assert that Trump’s disregard for court orders is an attempt to erode the judicial branch’s authority, likening his actions to those of authoritarian leaders.

Notable Quotes:

Brett (At 06:48): "Trump is trying to eliminate the entire judicial branch because why even have judges if you're not going to follow their court orders?"

Ben (At 07:42): "The separation of powers means that there are three co-equal branches of government... But now, what Alina Haba is saying here is that the executive branch has ultimate authority. That's literally the opposite of separation of powers."

The brothers emphasize the importance of maintaining judicial independence and criticize Fox News for promoting narratives that encourage Trump to defy legal norms.

Targeting Palestinians: Demographic and Security Concerns

Another focal point is Fox News' coverage of Trump's foreign policy, specifically regarding Gaza and Palestine. The hosts argue that Fox is attempting to justify Trump's controversial stance by framing Palestinians as a demographic and security threat.

Notable Quotes:

Brett (At 01:57): "Trump talks about conquering Gaza... Fox is trying to get its viewers to be like, yeah, let's do it."

Ben (At 02:34): "The average Palestinian woman has five and a half babies. The average Israeli woman has only two and a half babies. So demographically, they're a threat."

The brothers critique this narrative as fearmongering and an attempt to rationalize extreme measures against Palestinians.

Fox News’ Use of Fear Tactics

The Meiselas brothers analyze how Fox News employs fear to manipulate its audience. By presenting threats—both domestic and international—they aim to instill a sense of urgency and danger, thereby justifying Trump's aggressive policies.

Notable Quotes:

Brett (At 16:52): "I'm afraid of the people walking the streets here every day because sanctuary cities will protect them."

Ben (At 16:08): "American energy production is finally opening up... America is ready to produce more energy."

The hosts argue that such tactics are designed to create a sense of fear, pushing viewers to support Trump’s hardline policies as a means of protection.

Fox News and Authoritarian Playbook

Highlighting a recurring theme, the brothers assert that Fox News is following an "authoritarian playbook" by aligning with Trump's attempts to centralize power and undermine democratic institutions. They argue that Fox is facilitating Trump's move towards authoritarianism by suppressing dissent and promoting undemocratic practices.

Notable Quotes:

Brett (At 08:53): "Trump should just rule like a dictator. That's what they're saying here."

Ben (At 15:11): "If this administration starts ignoring court orders, they're essentially eliminating the entire judicial branch."

Conclusion: The Implications for Democracy

In wrapping up, the Meiselas brothers express deep concern over the implications of Fox News' alignment with Trump's authoritarian tendencies. They stress the importance of media responsibility in upholding democratic values and warn against the dangers of media entities supporting undemocratic actions.

Final Notable Quotes:

Ben (At 15:11): "We expect this administration to follow the court orders. If he really wants to eliminate the third branch of government, there's gonna be enormous pushback from both Republicans and Democrats."

Brett (At 17:12): "He's the border czar... sanctuary cities are sanctuaries for criminals, bottom line."

The episode serves as a critical examination of the symbiotic relationship between media and political power, urging listeners to remain vigilant in preserving democratic integrity.

Key Takeaways

1. Media Complicity: Fox News is portrayed as being in a state of panic due to Trump’s unpredictable actions, leading to biased coverage that favors his agenda.

2. Authoritarian Tendencies: Trump's attempts to impound funds and defy judicial rulings are likened to authoritarian playbooks, with Fox News complicit in supporting these moves.

3. Fearmongering: The use of fear tactics, particularly concerning immigration and foreign threats, is a strategic move by Fox News to manipulate viewer perception and justify aggressive policies.

4. Separation of Powers Undermined: The episode underscores the critical role of judicial independence and warns against efforts to erode the checks and balances fundamental to American democracy.

5. Call to Action: The brothers advocate for media accountability and encourage listeners to critically evaluate the information presented by major news outlets.

Closing Thoughts

The MeidasTouch Podcast episode "Fox News in Complete Panic as Trump Screws Them" offers a thorough and incisive critique of Fox News’ coverage of Donald Trump. Through a blend of factual analysis and compelling commentary, Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas highlight the troubling implications of media alignment with political power, emphasizing the need for an informed and vigilant citizenry to safeguard democratic principles.