The MeidasTouch Podcast: Episode Summary
Title: Fox News Panics on Air as Trump Suffers Major Defeat
Release Date: May 29, 2025
Host/Author: MeidasTouch Network
Description: Hosted by the Meiselas brothers—Ben, a top lawyer and Colin Kaepernick’s business partner; Brett, a two-time Emmy-winning video editor; and Jordy, an award-winning advertising executive—the podcast blends comedy, brotherly banter, and in-depth political analysis to support democracy and engage millions globally.
1. Introduction to the Episode
In this episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast, the Meiselas brothers delve into the tumultuous reaction of Fox News following a significant legal setback for former President Donald Trump. The focus is on Fox News' handling of the news that a federal court struck down Trump's tariffs, analyzing the network's subsequent responses and the broader implications for media integrity and political discourse.
2. Fox News’ Reaction to Trump’s Tariff Defeat
The episode begins with the brothers outlining the recent legal defeat for Donald Trump, where a three-judge panel from the U.S. Court of International Trade blocked the majority of Trump's tariffs. This decision, based on an overreach of the Economic Powers Act, marked a pivotal moment, shaking Fox News to its core.
Notable Quote:
Speaker A [01:33]: "Fox News was in full collapse mode last night when a federal court struck down Donald Trump's tariffs against the world."
3. Laura Ingraham’s Live Coverage and Senator Kennedy Interview
A significant portion of the discussion centers on Laura Ingraham’s live interview with Senator Kennedy during the breaking news. The brothers critique Senator Kennedy’s unpreparedness and the strained interaction, highlighting the tension within Fox’s political narratives.
Notable Quotes:
Speaker A [01:33]: "Senator, your reaction? You mean that a federal judge has intervened with the other two branches' ability to make policy."
Senator Kennedy [01:33]: "I'm shocked. That hasn't happened since yesterday. It'll be appealed. I think it's pretty clear that the President has tariff authority."
4. Fox News’ Shift in Narrative and Handling of Guests
Following the tariff debacle, Fox News swiftly pivoted to other topics. The brothers observe how the network scrambled to maintain control of the narrative, shifting focus to different guests and issues to divert attention from the legal defeat.
Notable Quote:
Speaker B [02:45]: "So then Fox realized they had to kind of switch gears... Laura Ingraham just losing her patience with all of her guests at this point."
5. Jesse Watters’ Comments on SNAP Benefits and EBT Cards
The podcast highlights Jesse Watters’ controversial comments on SNAP benefits, where he falsely claims that recipients are using assistance to purchase designer bags. The brothers condemn this misinformation, emphasizing the harmful stereotypes perpetuated by such statements.
Notable Quotes:
Speaker A [05:59]: "Can you buy a designer bag with an EBT card?... if you actually cared about people who were relying on EBT cards and their children, you might limit what they could buy."
Speaker A [07:21]: "I just want to play basketball. Guys, like, leave me alone."
6. Defamation Lawsuit and Internal Fox Messaging
Addressing Fox News' defamation lawsuit against Dominion, the brothers discuss leaked internal messages revealing the hosts’ disdain for their audience and the intentional spread of false narratives for profit. This revelation underscores the network’s role in undermining trust and spreading misinformation.
Notable Quote:
Speaker B [07:57]: "One of the things we saw when Fox settled the defamation lawsuit against Dominion... they hated their audience."
7. Critique of Fox Hosts’ Agenda and Electoral Impact
The episode critiques Fox News hosts for pushing a specific political agenda, often at the expense of factual reporting and public interest. The brothers argue that such biased coverage not only misinforms the audience but also damages the network’s credibility and influence in shaping public opinion.
Notable Quote:
Speaker B [12:26]: "This is straight up authoritarianism 101... using the government to attack private universities."
8. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy’s Interview
Sean Duffy, the Transportation Secretary and former reality TV star, is scrutinized for his ineffective handling of public transportation issues. The brothers highlight his complaints about cleanliness and safety, criticizing his approach rather than his role.
Notable Quote:
Speaker A [11:44]: "If you want people to ride a subway, make it clean, make it safe. It's very, very simple."
9. Attacks on Universities and Political Figures
The discussion extends to Fox's aggressive stance against universities and political figures. Melania Trump’s spokesperson’s dismissal of conspiracy theories and the backlash against public figures like Caitlin Clark are examined as examples of Fox's broader strategy to undermine opponents and manipulate narratives.
Notable Quote:
Speaker A [15:28]: "Melania denies the story that Trump is going after Harvard because he and Baron were rejected... These are the elitists."
10. Public Perception and Polling Data
Using recent polling data, the brothers analyze Donald Trump’s declining popularity across various metrics, including the economy and foreign policy. They discuss how these figures may influence future elections and the Republican Party’s standing.
Notable Quote:
Speaker A [17:43]: "In polling, Marquette, Fox News... he's down 16 on the economy, down 14 on foreign policy, 26 on handling tariffs and 32 on cost of living."
11. Final Thoughts on Trump’s Position and Future
Concluding the episode, the brothers reflect on President Trump's strategic positioning following the tariff defeat. They suggest that Trump may be delegating issues to Europe and assess his potential influence moving forward, emphasizing the need for sustained political engagement and informed public discourse.
Notable Quote:
Speaker A [19:47]: "But it also seems like President Trump is about to wash his hands of this. He's going nowhere. He seems to be giving the problem to the Europeans."
Conclusion
In this episode, The MeidasTouch Podcast provides a critical examination of Fox News' handling of a major political event—the federal court’s striking down of Trump’s tariffs. Through incisive analysis, notable quotes, and in-depth discussions, the Meiselas brothers highlight the broader implications for media integrity, political accountability, and the state of American democracy. Their blend of humor and serious discourse offers listeners a comprehensive understanding of the intersection between media narratives and political developments.