The MeidasTouch Podcast

Episode: Jack Schlossberg on Trump Failures and his Campaign

Date: March 9, 2026
Host: MeidasTouch Network (Ben, Brett, Jordy Meiselas)
Guest: Jack Schlossberg

Episode Overview

This episode centers around an in-depth interview with Jack Schlossberg, who is running for Congress in New York’s 12th District. The discussion delves into the failures of the current MAGA Republican leadership, specifically Donald Trump’s influence on the GOP, the state of American democracy, and Jack’s campaign policies focused on reforming Congress, addressing corruption, and making daily life more affordable for working Americans. Schlossberg’s candidacy is pitched as a generational opportunity to stand against Trumpism and advance real solutions.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Congressional Dysfunction and "MAGA Retreat"

• [02:05] The episode opens by critiquing the current state of Congress, highlighting how Republican lawmakers are attending a retreat at Trump’s Doral resort rather than addressing urgent national issues like the conflict with Iran and rising gas prices.

• The hosts ridicule Mike Johnson’s (a.k.a. “MAGA Mike”) comments equating “war” with “peace” and refusing meaningful Congressional oversight.

  • Ben mocks MAGA rationale:

    “War is peace and strength is weakness.” [05:25]

• Specific reference to GOP rhetoric and online postings from the Doral retreat that underscore the party’s drift toward exclusionary, extreme viewpoints.

2. Introducing Jack Schlossberg: Why Run Now?

• [06:25] Schlossberg expresses gratitude for being on the show and explains his motivation for running.

• Cites Congressional ineffectiveness and looming national crises as the main motivators.

  • Schlossberg:

    “Congress isn’t working for us, and that’s a huge reason why I’m running. We need a new generation with new energy, new creativity, and new ideas.” [06:30]

• Raises alarm about what’s at stake given the country’s 250th anniversary and the threats posed by Trump returning to power.

  • Schlossberg:

    “We can’t underestimate the stakes right now… This is our last chance to stop Trump.” [07:33]

3. Trump’s Pattern of Corruption and Self-Dealing

• [08:38] The hosts draw parallels between Trump’s personal business failures and the risks of further empowering him in government.

  • Ben:

    “He made these promises. It’s total, utter fraud. Everything is being destroyed... And what’s he doing on America’s 250th? He registered the Trump 250 trademark so he could put his name on flags and pins to make money off of it.” [09:17]

• Schlossberg recaps his framing of the national crisis:

  • A “cost crisis,” “corruption crisis,” and “constitutional crisis.”

  • Critiques Trump for personal enrichment, weakening the dollar, and exploiting national institutions.

  • Schlossberg:

    “He tells us what we want to hear, and then picks our pockets. It’s a slap in the face with one hand and he’s picking our pockets with the other.” [10:23]

4. Schlossberg’s Policy Platform for NY-12

• [11:18] Schlossberg breaks down his key proposals, focused on real-world impact:

  • Three-Part Housing Fairness Plan

    • Standard Renters Deduction (SRD):
      Renters can deduct rent from federal taxes—“like a mortgage interest payment.”
      • Schlossberg:

        “People love the SRD. I was walking down the street yesterday... a group of guys started cheering ‘Schlossberg! SRD!’” [11:56]

  • Ricochet Rule on Public Safety:

    • Penalize states that export illegal firearms to NY-12 and use receipts to bolster enforcement.
    • Address the statistic that 70% of guns used in NY crimes come from five states.

  • Jack’s Fast Track (Nonprofit Security Grants):

    • Double funding for houses of worship and nonprofits to improve security in wake of recent attacks.

  • Corruption Solution:

    • Teases an upcoming policy tied to Trump Tower, promising a bold approach to fighting corruption. [13:30]

  • Schlossberg:

    “We’re focused on those three crises: the cost crisis, the corruption crisis, and the constitutional crisis.” [13:01]

5. Grassroots Funding and Rejecting Dark Money

• [13:43] Emphasizes his campaign’s integrity pledge and small-donor structure.

  • Refuses money from corporate PACs, super PACs, and AI giants.

  • Campaign average donation is under $40, with 45,000 donors nationally.

  • Pitches himself as a maverick outsider challenging the entrenched special interests.

  • Schlossberg:

    “It might be kind of ironic given my family background, but I’m the outsider in this race. The numbers tell a story of a campaign powered by real people…” [14:38]

6. How Listeners Can Support or Learn More

• [15:15] Directs listeners (strong call to action):

  • Website: www.jackfornewyork.com

  • Encourages volunteering and small-dollar donations for a people-powered, grassroots campaign.

  • Schlossberg:

    “If you can chip in $5, it goes a long way. We can win this, but we’re going to need a lot of support.” [15:28]

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• “This is our last chance to stop Trump.” —Jack Schlossberg [07:33]
• “We’re in a three-part crisis: a cost crisis, a corruption crisis and a constitutional crisis.” —Jack Schlossberg [09:51]
• “He tells us what we want to hear, and then picks our pockets. It’s a slap in the face with one hand and he’s picking our pockets with the other.” —Jack Schlossberg [10:23]
• “It might be kind of ironic given my family background, but I’m the outsider in this race.” —Jack Schlossberg [14:38]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 02:05: MeidasTouch hosts discuss GOP retreat and war rhetoric
• 06:25: Jack Schlossberg introduced, motivates his run
• 08:38: Parallels between Trump’s business failings and political mismanagement
• 09:49: Schlossberg outlines the “three-part crisis” facing America
• 11:18: Detailed breakdown of Schlossberg’s core policy platform
• 13:43: Grassroots funding, anti-corruption pledge
• 15:15: How to learn more and get involved in his campaign

Tone and Style

The episode stays true to MeidasTouch’s signature: a mix of urgent, unapologetically pro-democracy advocacy, sharp-tongued humor at the MAGA GOP’s expense, and direct, passionate calls for political engagement.

Summary prepared for listeners seeking a substantive, accessible recap of the Jack Schlossberg episode of the MeidasTouch Podcast, March 9, 2026.