Podcast Episode Summary: Fox News Panics On Air after Trump’s Biggest Loss
Podcast: The MeidasTouch Podcast
Episode Air Date: February 21, 2026
Hosts: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas
Main Topic: The panicked reaction at Fox News (“State Regime Media”) following the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down Donald Trump’s worldwide tariffs, the on-air meltdown, and the broader political ramifications and fact-checks.
Episode Overview
This episode dissects the right-wing media’s frenzied response after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Donald Trump’s global tariffs as unlawful. The Meiselas brothers use humor and meticulous fact-checking to highlight how Fox News personalities and Trump allies scrambled with misinformation, contradictions, and attempts to vilify the Supreme Court. The brothers play audio clips from Jameson Greer (Trump’s Trade Rep), Jesse Watters, Stephen Miller, Greg Gutfeld, Monica Crowley, and Senator Amy Klobuchar, offering sharp analysis and context at every turn.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. Fox News/Far-Right Media Reaction (01:34, 04:57, 05:55, 07:56, 09:26, 11:42, 13:34, 14:47)
- Instant Panic and Contradiction: Fox News hosts and Trump surrogates alternately attack and attempt to defend the Supreme Court’s decision.
- Outlandish Claims: Personalities like Stephen Miller and Monica Crowley assert Trump can and will find new legal avenues for tariffs, and claim fabricated economic achievements arising from tariffs.
- Desperate Messaging: Assertions range from calling the ruling a “trap” for Democrats (where Trump could allegedly send out rebate checks as a campaign stunt) to blaming others for economic pain caused by the tariffs.
2. Fact-Checking on Economic Claims (03:00-06:18)
- Misrepresentation of Data: The hosts debunk Trump-aligned claims, like Stephen Miller confusing GDP growth (1.4%) for inflation rates and Crowley’s pronouncement of “reduced deficit and debt” thanks to tariffs, noting the opposite is true.
- Impact of Tariffs: Tariffs caused other countries to form trade alliances excluding the U.S., hurting American economic interests.
3. Legal and Constitutional Issues (05:08, 07:56, 11:59, 14:57)
- Misuse of Emergency Powers: Trump's team used a 1977 statute (IEEPA) to justify tariffs, which was not its intended use. The Supreme Court deemed this unlawful.
- Supreme Court’s Role Upheld: Despite right-wing claims Trump “follows the Court,” he has publicly declared his intent to circumvent the ruling, moving forward with new tariffs and threats of embargoes.
4. Political Spin and Misinformation (05:55, 06:17, 07:30, 12:36, 13:34, 19:35)
- Fabricated Achievements: Claims such as “tariffs got us Greenland, the Panama Canal, and settled eight wars” are highlighted as pure fantasy.
- Refund Check Gimmick: Fox News pundits suggest Trump will turn court-mandated refunds into campaign advertising, putting his name on checks—a promise the brothers call another empty publicity stunt.
5. The Lone Voice of Reason (14:47-17:05)
- Sen. Amy Klobuchar’s Commentary: As the only guest giving a reasoned, legal assessment, Klobuchar explains that the Supreme Court rightly recognized Congress’s sole power to levy taxes and that the fastest, fairest refund process should be implemented for consumers and small businesses harmed by the tariffs.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
Jameson Greer (Trump’s Trade Rep):
"[President Trump] wanted to move quickly, he wanted to move flexibly, and most importantly, he was trying to respond to an emergency of our huge trade deficit we were left with under Biden. So it was an appropriate tool, was a necessary tool. Obviously we disagree along with three esteemed justices of the Supreme Court on the result today. So, we don’t regret it."
— [05:08]
Jesse Watters (Fox News Host):
"Democrats don’t even know it yet, but they just walked into a pretty big trap... Tariff stimmy checks with Trump’s name on it right before the midterms. I’m into it."
— [06:56], [07:30]
Greg Gutfeld:
"For all of the people, gloating, STFU. STFU. Shut the F up. Shut the F up. By the way, that’s basically what Donald Trump was saying during his deranged press conference."
— [09:26]
Stephen Miller (Trump Advisor):
"The net result of all this is we’re going to keep and grow the tariffs to bring back American manufacturing, which keeps prices low by incentivizing products to be made here in America."
— [07:56]
Amy Klobuchar (Senator):
"The Supreme Court has clearly ruled that he has to work with Congress. That Congress... has the power to tax and so yes, he should work with Congress, but he also has to stop doing these things that are clearly illegal that then lead to complete chaos in the economy."
— [14:57]
Monica Crowley:
"Over the last year, the calendar year 2025, President Trump’s tariffs have generated nearly $270 billion for the federal government. And those returns are coming to back to the American people. They’re coming back in the form of lower deficits, an overall lower national debt as we proceed with this. And it’s also generating tremendous economic growth, it’s generating private job creation, and it’s also generating a manufacturing boom."
— [19:35]
Timestamps for Major Segments
- Fox News initial reaction & summary of the meltdown — [01:34]
- Jameson Greer defends unlawful tariffs — [04:57–05:55]
- Jesse Watters' “trap” theory and fake rebate check spin — [05:55–07:34]
- Stephen Miller: escalate tariffs, threaten embargoes — [07:56–09:03]
- Greg Gutfeld’s on-air cursing & false equivalence to Biden — [09:26–09:49]
- Jesse Watters: “Not a dictator” argument, wild boasts about tariffs — [11:42–14:24]
- Sen. Amy Klobuchar’s reasoned rebuttal and call for legal action and refunds — [14:47–17:05]
- Monica Crowley’s economic fantasy — [19:35–20:17]
- Host closing commentary and takeaways — [20:19–20:33]
Episode Tone and Style
The Meiselas brothers bring their trademark blend of comedic banter, sharp legal analysis, and relentless fact-checking. The tone is pointedly critical of right-wing media’s willingness to distort facts and defend Trump’s unlawful acts, while showing sincere concern for ordinary Americans harmed by policy. They blend mockery (“State Regime Media”), incredulity at Fox News claims, and policy expertise for an episode that is both entertaining and substantive.
Summary Takeaway
This episode provides an unvarnished look at Fox News’s desperate spin in the aftermath of a major Trump legal loss—a Supreme Court decision that invalidates Trump’s tariff regime. The hosts debunk right-wing talking points, highlight the reckless ways Trump and his media surrogates undermine the rule of law, and remind listeners of the real economic and legal consequences for working Americans. Senator Amy Klobuchar’s intervention offers a glimmer of sanity and due process amid the bluster.
Essential listening for anyone wanting to understand both the facts and the political theater surrounding Trump’s tariffs, the Supreme Court’s authority, and the far-right media’s latest meltdown.