The MeidasTouch Podcast

Episode: Furious Zelenskyy Puts the Dagger in Trump Before Meeting
Date: September 6, 2025
Hosts: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas

Episode Overview

This episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast dives into the escalating tensions between Ukraine and Russia, zooming in on President Zelenskyy’s bold rebuke of Donald Trump’s stance on the war and international politics ahead of a critical meeting of pro-democracy leaders. The Meiselas brothers provide their trademark blend of insightful political analysis and irreverent banter, focusing on the global divide between authoritarian and democratic coalitions, Trump’s perceived weakness on the world stage, and the broader need for an international movement to defend democracy.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Zelenskyy’s Defiant Message to Trump and Putin

• Zelenskyy remains steadfast, directly refusing Trump’s suggestions to cede Ukrainian territory to Russia. The hosts highlight Zelenskyy’s specific shout-outs:

  “I will not give Donbas to Putin, Donald. I will not give Donetsk to Putin, Donald. I will not give Zaporizhia to Putin, Donald. We will not give up our land. They invaded Ukraine. This is war. We are standing up for our sovereignty, Donald.” [03:22, Ben summarizing Zelenskyy’s remarks]

• The Meiselas brothers explore the implications of Zelenskyy’s leadership and how the coalition of democratic allies is coalescing against what they dub the “coalition of the killing” (Putin, Kim Jong Un, Xi Jinping).

2. Show of Authoritarian “Strength” and Trump’s Reaction

• The brothers contrast the Tiananmen Square military parade put on by China after the Shanghai Cooperation Organization with Trump’s weak posturing.
• Chinese state media broadcasts the event as a clear signal to Trump. Trump’s response is labeled as embarrassing and ineffectual, with Trump being ridiculed for celebrating the authoritarian display.
• Quote:

  “To quite literally laugh in the face of how weak and pathetic Donald Trump is… It makes you look so weak.” [04:44, Ben]

Trump’s Disconnected Commentary

• Trump is played reacting to the authoritarian summit:

  “I thought it was a beautiful ceremony… They were hoping I was watching and I was watching. My relationship with all of them is very good.” [08:37, Trump]

• Commentary on how world leaders and enemies see weakness in Trump and his allies.

3. Venezuela Incident & Critique of Unilateral Military Action

• Discussion of J.D. Vance’s involvement in a controversial incident where 11 Venezuelans were killed at sea, allegedly terrorists, yet evidence is not provided.

• J.D. Vance’s vague justification:

  “I mean the legal authority… is that there are people who are bringing literal terrorists who are bringing deadly drugs into our country. And the President… ran on a promise of stopping this poison.” [10:33, Vance]

• The brothers criticize the lack of transparency, legal rationale, and Trump administration’s hawkish, reckless behaviors.

4. Zelenskyy’s Arrival in Paris & Alliance Building

• Coverage of Zelenskyy’s diplomatic tour in Paris, meeting with President Emmanuel Macron and the Nordic-Baltic (NB8) states.

• Emphasis on the united front:

  • Red carpet for Zelenskyy as a sign of respect and trolling toward Trump.
  • Zelenskyy and Finland’s President arriving in coordinated dress as a symbolic gesture.

• Praise for Biden’s achievement of expanding NATO with Finland and Sweden, contrasted with Trump’s repeated actions undermining alliances.

• Quote:

  “You want to talk about strength, how about former President Biden bringing Finland and Sweden into NATO? You don't get much stronger than that. As opposed to Donald Trump saying, ‘I wonder if they're conspiring against us, everybody.’” [13:55, Ben]

5. Trump’s Bizarre Press Conference with Polish President

• Trump asked what he’s doing to help fund Ukraine:

  “We've stopped giving Ukraine money. So that's how we do it.” [14:23, Trump]

• Critique from the hosts and Ukrainian voices:

  “To stop Russia's invasion, we've stopped helping the country being invaded. That's his logic.” [14:36, Ben quoting “Kate from Kharkiv”]

6. The Global Battle: Democracy vs. Authoritarianism

• Hosts tie the right-wing movements in the US (MAGA), UK (Nigel Farage), and elsewhere into a larger authoritarian network.
• Call to action: building international pro-democracy coalitions, citing “Midas Canada” led by Charlie Angus as a model.

7. Zelenskyy’s Plea & Situation Report

• Russian attacks escalate: 500 drones and 200+ missiles in a recent barrage.

• Zelenskyy describes ongoing talks for defense and future security guarantees:

  “We must all speak to America with one voice for our shared interests. One voice. Coalition of the willing versus the coalition of the killing. Because Donald Trump is so utterly weak and pathetic.” [18:31, Ben paraphrasing and quoting Zelenskyy]

• Listing of new European defense manufacturing, sanction efforts, and coordinated aid packages.

8. Putin’s “Ceasefire Offer” & Trump’s Absence

• Putin postures, offering a Moscow meeting with Zelenskyy, but otherwise blocks any progress on ending the war or granting security guarantees.
• Zelenskyy is willing to meet anywhere but Moscow.
• Trump, in contrast to Biden and other leaders, skips major meetings and only joins virtually—another sign, according to the hosts, of his diminished relevance.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Zelenskyy (Paraphrased by Ben):

  “There will be no gifts. To take [the territory], he [Putin] would have to sacrifice millions of his own people.”
  [03:15]

• Ben (On authoritarian summit):

  “You know who they sense weakness on, too? J.D. Vance. Or as California Governor Gavin Newsom calls him, ‘Just Dance Vance’.”
  [09:52]

• J.D. Vance (Dodging legal questions):

  “There are people who are bringing literal terrorists who are bringing deadly drugs into our country.”
  [10:33]

• Ben (On Zelenskyy’s Paris arrival):

  “Red carpet rollout… clear troll at Trump and showing Zelinsky respect. Also matching outfits, not suits. A subtle yet clear sign of respect and unity.”
  [12:56]

• Trump (Paris Press Conference):

  “This is the worst conflict and it's just going on and on… one's defense, one's offense. The offense moves a little bit, just a little bit. You take a look.”
  [14:48]

• Nigel Farage and Rep. Moskowitz (Congressional hearing humor):

  Moskowitz: “Oh, where are you going? ... So you're leaving to have lunch with the President, so.”
  Farage: “Free speech is one thing. Discretion is quite another, too.”
  [17:12]

Key Timestamps

• 03:15 – Zelenskyy’s fiery stance against Trump’s suggestions
• 08:37 – Trump’s response to the authoritarian leaders summit
• 10:22 – J.D. Vance questioned over Venezuelan incident
• 12:45 – Zelenskyy’s arrival and symbolism in Paris
• 14:23 – Trump declares stopping aid to Ukraine
• 16:53 – Nigel Farage’s awkward exchange in Congress
• 18:31 – Zelenskyy’s plea for unity and security guarantees
• 20:40 – Putin’s “offer” and Trump’s conspicuous absence from international meetings

Tone and Atmosphere

The episode blends urgency and humor, mixing sharp political critique with the brothers’ signature brotherly banter and unwavering support for democratic values. Their language is frank, biting (particularly toward Trump and authoritarian figures), and passionate about the stakes of the moment, urging listeners to remain vigilant and engaged.

For listeners who missed this episode:
You’ll come away with a strong sense of the current state of the Ukraine conflict, the divide between democratic and authoritarian world leaders, and the Meiselas brothers’ view of Trump’s global impact—underscored with notable quotes, pointed humor, and an unambiguous call to defend democracy both at home and abroad.