Summary of "Fox News Loses It as Trump Suffers Bad News"
Podcast: The MeidasTouch Podcast
Hosts: Ben Meiselas, Brett Meiselas, Jordy Meiselas
Episode Release Date: April 17, 2025
Introduction
In the April 17, 2025 episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast, hosts Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas delve into the tumultuous media landscape surrounding former President Donald Trump. The episode, titled "Fox News Loses It as Trump Suffers Bad News," provides a critical analysis of Fox News' handling of negative developments related to Trump, highlighting the network's contentious relationship with the former president and the broader implications for media and democracy.
Fox News' Struggles with Negative Coverage of Trump
The Meiselas brothers begin by addressing a significant downturn in Fox News' demeanor as Trump faces adverse news. They dissect several high-profile moments and statements from Fox personalities that reflect the network's shifting stance.
1. Caroline Levitt's Plea to China
One of the focal points is Caroline Levitt, identified as Donald Trump's chief propagandist on Fox News. Levitt appears on air pleaing with China to engage in business with the United States, emphasizing the strength of American consumers. Ben highlights this shift, stating:
Ben [02:03]: "Tonight the ball is in China's court. They need to do business with the United States. They need the best thing on the face of the planet and that is the American consumer."
However, Brett criticizes the perceived weakness in these negotiations:
Brett [03:03]: "To negotiate a trade deal that's supposed to show strength looks like total weakness to me."
2. Trump's Controversial Comments on the Holocaust
The episode takes a sharp turn when Trump makes an unsettling remark about the Holocaust during his Fox News appearance. Brett questions the rationale behind Trump's statement, which downplays the atrocities by suggesting that some people received help:
Brett [04:05]: "What the hell is he even talking about?"
Ben reiterates the problematic nature of Trump's comments:
Ben [04:17]: "He said some people were treated good. All we got was slapped. We didn't get helped. We got slapped."
3. Pam Bondi's Remarks on Abrego Garcia
Attorney General Pam Bondi makes headlines with her harsh statements regarding Abrego Garcia, an American citizen detained in El Salvador. Bondi controversially claims that Garcia's family is better off without him and praises Trump for his actions:
Ben [04:43]: "Maryland is safer because he is gone. [...] every liberal journalist who has called him a Maryland man [...] should be apologizing tonight to President Trump."
Brett counters Bondi's claims by presenting factual inconsistencies and emphasizing the lack of criminal charges against Garcia:
Brett [07:14]: "One of the facts were in 2019, a cop who was disgraced [...] praised due process."
4. Trump Administration's Handling of Economic Indicators
A Trump official on Fox experiences technical glitches while discussing the economy, leading to confusion about the likelihood of a recession—a concern echoed by most economists. The hosts capture this moment:
Brett [05:27]: "But making predictions is difficult for anyone."
Ben adds context by linking the administration's economic policies to current market volatility:
Ben [05:00]: "Financial markets are forward looking. [...] There'll be volatility in the short run."
5. Sean Duffy on Air Traffic Controllers
Sean Duffy, Secretary of Transportation and former reality TV star, criticizes air traffic controllers for retiring after 25 years, questioning if it's a national security issue:
Ben [11:34]: "Should we have another calculation that happens because of the national security component of our airspace?"
Brett vehemently disagrees, defending the controllers' right to retire and criticizing the administration's stance:
Brett [12:32]: "These rich people hate Americans retiring [...] It's so effed up anyway."
6. Kevin McCarthy on Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell
Former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy blames Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell for economic woes, alleging that Powell's statements are detrimental:
Ben [16:22]: "Jerome Powell is giving you the data and who do they blame? They blame the messenger."
Brett underscores the administration's frustration with Powell's economic assessments:
Brett [17:29]: "Jerome Powell is looking at data [...] we're seeing signs of recession."
Comedic Elements and Host Banter
Amidst the serious political discourse, the Meiselas brothers intersperse humor to maintain an engaging tone. One notable segment features a skit about Fox News hosts eating "dirty bagels," satirizing the network's perceived lapses in professionalism:
Ben [09:01]: "This guy is definitely auditioning for the Pete Hegseth. Pete Hegseth would drop a bagel with cream cheese [...]"
Brett continues the jest, reflecting on the absurdity of the situation:
Brett [10:05]: "Life isn't all about these air traffic controllers [...] It's a gross game they're playing."
Key Quotes with Timestamps
- Ben [02:03]: "Tonight the ball is in China's court. They need to do business with the United States."
- Brett [04:05]: "What the hell is he even talking about?"
- Ben [04:17]: "We didn't get helped. We got slapped."
- Brett [07:14]: "One of the facts were in 2019, a cop who was disgraced [...]"
- Ben [11:34]: "Should we have another calculation because of the national security component?"
- Brett [12:32]: "These rich people hate Americans retiring [...] It's so effed up anyway."
- Ben [16:22]: "Jerome Powell is giving you the data and who do they blame? They blame the messenger."
Insights and Conclusions
The episode underscores a critical narrative: Fox News, traditionally a staunch supporter of Trump, is visibly faltering in its coverage as Trump grapples with negative news. The hosts argue that Fox's inconsistent and often contradictory statements reflect deeper issues within the network's allegiance and journalistic integrity. By highlighting specific instances where Fox personalities either contradict Trump's positions or display vulnerability, the Meiselas brothers suggest a decline in Fox's dominance and reliability as a news source.
Additionally, the hosts emphasize the importance of supporting democratic values and transparency in media. Their analysis extends beyond mere critique, advocating for accountability and factual reporting to safeguard democracy from partisan biases and misinformation.
Conclusion
In "Fox News Loses It as Trump Suffers Bad News," The MeidasTouch Podcast offers a comprehensive and critical examination of Fox News' portrayal of Donald Trump amidst challenging times. Through incisive commentary, highlighted by notable quotes and timestamped clips, the hosts present a compelling case for the necessity of honest and unbiased media in maintaining the health of democracy. Interwoven with their signature humor and brotherly banter, the episode serves as both an informative and engaging listen for followers of political discourse.