The MeidasTouch Podcast Episode Summary Episode Title: Fox Viewers Freak Out Over Trump’s Early Disasters
Release Date: February 24, 2025
Hosts: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas
Podcast: The MeidasTouch Podcast

Introduction

In the February 24, 2025 episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast, the Meiselas brothers delve into the growing disillusionment among Fox News viewers regarding former President Donald Trump’s administration. Combining sharp political analysis with their signature humor and brotherly banter, Ben, Brett, and Jordy explore the multifaceted reasons behind the shift in Fox's audience sentiment, the impact of Trump's policies on the economy, and the broader implications for American democracy.

Fox Viewers Turning Against Trump

The episode opens with Ron Filipkowski discussing the recent downturn in the stock market, setting the stage for a deeper conversation about Trump’s perceived failures. Filipkowski states, “At some point, you can try to put lipstick on an orange turd, but the turd will always surface” (00:26), illustrating the inherent challenges of masking economic and political shortcomings.

The brothers highlight a significant trend: Fox viewers who were once staunch supporters of Trump are now expressing regret over their support. Brett points out, “We’re seeing comments that are overly complimentary to Trump and Elon Musk to the point of being cultishly bizarre… Now we’re seeing these comments saying, ‘I regret voting for him,’” (00:26). This marks a dramatic shift from unwavering loyalty to vocal criticism among the network’s audience.

Social Media Backlash and Public Sentiment

The discussion transitions to the role of social media in amplifying viewer dissatisfaction. Jordy notes, “Fox viewers are flooding the comment sections with negative feedback, describing Trump’s leadership as turning America into a ‘Muppet show’ and labeling it as ‘cringe’” (00:26). The brothers emphasize that this backlash is not only internal but also visible across various social media platforms, indicating a widespread erosion of support.

Notable comments from viewers include:

• “You turned America into some Muppet show within days. So people are getting the bad economic data right now.”
• “Elon Musk just caught on a hot mic calling Donald Trump a complete con artist… Our country is a joke with him as president and Trump as king” (00:26).

These sentiments underscore a growing frustration with the administration’s direction, particularly concerning economic policies and leadership style.

Economic Downturn and Inflation Concerns

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to analyzing the current economic hardships attributed to Trump’s policies. The brothers discuss rising inflation, increasing grocery prices, and a crashing stock market. Filipkowski remarks, “Inflation is surging, grocery prices rising higher than ever. Right now, the market is crashing” (00:26). This economic instability is presented as a direct consequence of Trump’s leadership, exacerbating public discontent.

Brett adds, “Inflation is growing. The Fed is not going to be cutting interest rates anytime soon,” (02:06), highlighting the long-term challenges the economy faces under current policies. The brothers argue that these economic issues are eroding consumer confidence, leading to reduced spending and increased financial insecurity among Americans.

Alleged Plans to Alter the Postal Service

The conversation takes a critical turn towards Trump’s proposed changes to the United States Postal Service (USPS). Filipkowski asserts, “Trump plans to fire the United States Postal Service governing board and merge the Postal Service into the Commerce Department” (02:06). He vehemently criticizes this move as unconstitutional and detrimental to a long-standing American institution.

Congressmember Dan Boyer is quoted, reinforcing the illegality of such actions: “The Constitution gives Congress power to establish the U.S. Postal Service… Its status as an independent agency was also established by Congress and law” (02:06). The brothers argue that undermining the USPS would disrupt decades of reliable mail service, affecting everything from essential medications to the efficacy of e-commerce.

Media Portrayal of Trump and Elon Musk

The hosts also examine Fox’s portrayal of Elon Musk, noting a shift towards idolizing Musk as a “meme” figure. Filipkowski highlights Fox’s promotional tactics, such as displaying graphics and videos that depict Musk humorously: “Elon Musk’s like, I’m a meme. Now I’m a meme” (02:06). This approach, according to the brothers, trivializes serious economic and political issues by juxtaposing them with internet meme culture.

Larry Kudlow’s interjections provide additional context, with him commenting on the surreal blending of internet culture and serious politics: “I am become meme… it’s like living the meme” (01:43). The brothers suggest that this strategy is an attempt by Fox to maintain viewer engagement amidst growing dissatisfaction with Trump’s administration, but it ultimately undermines the network’s credibility.

Political Implications and Future Projections

Looking ahead, the brothers speculate on the potential fallout from the current political climate. Filipkowski warns, “We are a joke… Our country is a joke with him as president and Trump as king” (02:06). They predict increasing polarization and potential power struggles between Trump and influential figures like Musk, citing their conflicting personalities and egos as potential flashpoints.

Furthermore, the discussion touches on the broader implications for democracy. Filipkowski emphasizes, “The MeidasTouch Podcast combines brotherly love, comedy, news coverage, and deep discussions about supporting our democracy,” reinforcing the podcast’s mission to advocate for democratic principles amidst rising authoritarian tendencies.

Conclusion and Final Remarks

In the episode’s closing segments, the brothers address recent statements from Democratic Congressmember Jamie Raskin, who questions Elon Musk’s leadership over Dogecoin. Raskin’s remarks are presented to highlight the absurdity and confusion surrounding public figures’ involvement in cryptocurrency: “The administration took the position… that Elon Musk is not the head of Doge… Who is Doge?” (12:45). Filipkowski uses this to underscore the chaotic state of political discourse and the blending of serious economic issues with internet phenomena.

The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to support democratic institutions and stay informed about the evolving political landscape. The Meiselas brothers reaffirm their commitment to providing insightful and honest analysis, encouraging their audience to engage critically with the news and support the podcast’s mission to defend democracy.

Notable Quotes from the Episode

• Ron Filipkowski (00:26):
  “At some point, you can try to put lipstick on an orange turd, but the turd will always surface.”

• Ron Filipkowski (02:06):
  “Inflation is surging, grocery prices rising higher than ever. Right now, the market is crashing.”

• Brett Meiselas (02:06):
  “Inflation is growing. The Fed is not going to be cutting interest rates anytime soon.”

• Jamie Raskin (12:45):
  “The administration took the position in court this week that Elon Musk is not the head of Doge and is not leading Doge. So who is leading Doge?”

Key Takeaways

• Shift in Fox Viewership: A noticeable decline in support for Donald Trump among Fox News viewers, with increasing public criticism and regret expressed on social media.

• Economic Concerns: Rising inflation, increasing grocery prices, and a crashing stock market are central to the public’s dissatisfaction with Trump's administration.

• Postal Service Controversy: Trump’s proposed changes to the USPS are deemed unconstitutional and potentially harmful to essential services and the economy.

• Media Strategies: Fox News’s portrayal of Elon Musk as a meme reflects an attempt to engage viewers amidst declining trust, though it may undermine serious discourse.

• Democratic Vigilance: The episode underscores the importance of supporting democratic institutions and remaining vigilant against authoritarian shifts in leadership.

By dissecting these critical issues, The MeidasTouch Podcast provides listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the current political and economic landscape, emphasizing the need for informed and active participation in safeguarding democracy.