The MeidasTouch Podcast: Jon Cryer on Trump’s Disaster Presidency Episode Release Date: April 23, 2025

In this compelling episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast, hosts Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas engage in a profound conversation with actor and producer Jon Cryer. The discussion centers around the tumultuous presidency of Donald Trump, drawing parallels to historical authoritarian regimes, and delves into Cryer's latest podcast project, The Man Who Calculated Death. This detailed summary captures the essence of their dialogue, highlighting key insights, notable quotes, and overarching themes.

1. Business Community's Disappointment with Trump

The episode opens with Host John addressing the growing frustration among business owners who initially supported Donald Trump. He shares messages from disappointed voters like Craig Fuller of Freight Affiliated Media and Azalea Banks, a musician, both expressing regret over their Trump support.

• Craig Fuller's Message: "I enthusiastically supported Trump's victory in the November election. I thought I was voting for pro-business policies and small targeted incremental tariffs. I did not vote for a neutron bomb to wipe out supply chains and small businesses 100 days in." [00:00]

• Azalea Banks' Reflection: "Okay, I think it's time everyone who voted for Trump admit that we made an effing mess here. Like, this is an absolute disaster." [00:00]

John further highlights bizarre events undermining Trump's presidency, such as Vladimir Putin gifting Trump a portrait and the negative portrayal in New York magazine, emphasizing the disillusionment within the business sector.

2. Introduction of Jon Cryer

John introduces Jon Cryer as a friend of the show and a fan of the MeidasTouch Network. Cryer is recognized for his role in Two and a Half Men and his production work, notably the podcast The Man Who Calculated Death, which explores the dark history of a scientist who built the first cruise missile for Adolf Hitler.

3. Jon Cryer's Perspective on Trump's Presidency

Cryer shares his astonishment at the candid admissions of regret among Trump supporters, noting, "It's pretty remarkable… Trump's honeymoon is very bumpy so far." [02:13] He compares Trump’s authoritarian tendencies to historical figures, expressing that Trump's actions align with his expectations of moving the U.S. towards authoritarianism without overt displays like tanks on street corners.

• On Trump's Strategy: "He'll be turning the United States into an authoritarian state through fear… using the levers of federal power for revenge." [03:22]

Cryer reflects on the entertainment industry's role in shaping Trump's public persona, stating, "We in the entertainment industry created this guy… He was always kind of a moron." [05:15] He criticizes Trump's lack of business acumen, attributing it to his consumption of Fox News and fabricated public image.

4. Historical Parallels and Authoritarianism

The conversation shifts to historical comparisons, with Cryer drawing lessons from the Weimar Republic and Hitler's rise to power. He underscores the subtlety of authoritarianism's onset, highlighting how incremental changes can lead to significant power consolidation.

• On Authoritarian Tactics: "Hitler did fascinating things. He made it easy… he put small impediments in front of people at first in terms of how they were going to live their lives." [11:43]

• On Public Adaptation: "It's going to take a people power style movement, a nonviolent people power movement that is going to protest." [15:19]

Cryer emphasizes the importance of democratic institutions and public awareness in resisting authoritarian shifts, noting historical rhymes rather than direct repetitions.

5. Jon Cryer's Podcast: "The Man Who Calculated Death"

Cryer elaborates on his podcast, The Man Who Calculated Death, which intertwines true crime with historical narrative. The podcast explores the life of Suzanne Rico’s grandfather, a scientist who engineered the first cruise missile for Hitler and grapples with the mysterious bombing that killed his wife.

• Podcast Genesis: "Suzanne spent the last six years of her life researching her family's history and found this dark mystery at the heart of it." [08:54]

• Relevance to Modern Times: "This story ends up being about a family surviving their country, falling to authoritarianism wasn't supposed to be relevant when we started this story, but unfortunately, events transpired." [08:54]

Through this project, Cryer draws parallels between past and present, using historical insights to shed light on contemporary political climates.

6. Signs of Hope and Optimism

Despite the grim assessment, Cryer offers a ray of hope. He acknowledges growing resistance among the populace and the rise of coordinated efforts to combat authoritarianism.

• On Public Resistance: "People are starting to understand how to fight back. I believe it's going to take a people power style movement, a nonviolent people power movement that is going to protest." [15:19]

• Optimism for Democracy: "We have better traditions of democracy, but much longer held institutions. So we have some real… It's not a perfect metaphor, but whenever authoritarianism is coming to your country, and it can come to any." [15:19]

Cryer remains hopeful that collective action and adherence to democratic principles can counteract the detrimental effects of Trump's policies.

7. Conclusion

The episode wraps up with John praising Jon Cryer's work and encouraging listeners to explore his podcast. The hosts reiterate the importance of understanding historical contexts to navigate current political challenges.

• Final Remarks: "The Man Who Calculated Death… it's beautifully produced as well. You bring in a lot of elements… It's really great." [16:52]

Jon Cryer expresses gratitude for the conversation, concluding the episode on a note of mutual appreciation and encouragement for ongoing resistance against authoritarian tendencies.

Key Takeaways:

• Disillusionment Among Trump Supporters: Significant business and cultural figures express regret over their initial support for Trump, citing detrimental policies and governance.

• Historical Insights: Cryer's discussions emphasize the importance of learning from historical authoritarian regimes to prevent similar occurrences in modern democracies.

• Role of Media and Entertainment: The shaping of Trump's public image by the entertainment industry has had lasting impacts on his political influence and public perception.

• Hope Through Collective Action: Despite challenges, there is optimism that informed and united efforts can restore and preserve democratic values.

For those interested in a deep dive into historical parallels with contemporary politics and understanding the underpinnings of authoritarianism, this episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast offers invaluable perspectives.