The MeidasTouch Podcast

Episode: Kristi Noem WALKS OUT of Hearing during CROSS-EXAM

Release Date: December 11, 2025
Hosts: Ben, Brett, Jordy Meiselas (MeidasTouch Network)

Episode Overview

This episode centers on South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem’s bombshell testimony before the House of Representatives, where she was harshly cross-examined by several Democratic Congress members. The main focus is Democratic Rep. Seth Magaziner’s withering line of questioning, which exposed the administration’s controversial deportations of veterans and families, as well as Noem repeatedly dodging accountability and ultimately walking out of the hearing, sparking heckles. The brothers break down the most impactful exchanges, adding their signature blend of sharp analysis and relatable humor.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Democratic Cross-Examination of Kristi Noem

• Seth Magaziner’s Master Class (00:48 – 04:42)

  • Rep. Magaziner confronts Noem about deporting military veterans, spotlighting the case of Se Jun Park and Jim Brown’s wife, Donna.
  • Noem is repeatedly pressed on her discretionary power to help, but deflects or gives only half-commitments.
  • Quote [Seth Magaziner, 01:34]:
    “Madam Secretary, how many United States military veterans have you deported?”
  • Magaziner highlights the human cost of deportations, framing Noem's responses as evasive and uncaring toward those who served the country.
  • Quote [Kristi Noem, 02:41]:
    “Sir, I’m grateful for every single person that has served our country and follows our laws.”
  • Magaziner notes Noem has broad authority for humanitarian exceptions, but she refuses a clear commitment.
  • Quote [Seth Magaziner, 04:03]:
    “Now, what possible explanation can there be for locking up his wife for four months when she has committed no crime other than writing a couple of bad checks for $80?”

• Other Notable Cross-Examinations:

  • Congresswoman McIver challenges Noem, highlighting disrespect and lack of cooperation ([04:47 – 05:16]).

  • Quote [McIver, 04:47]:
    “If you stop talking, you’ll listen to my questions. Crazy. Do you agree that using DHS resources to target members of Congress is an abuse of power?”

  • Dan Goldman presses Noem on the legal status of asylum seekers, catching her in legal contradictions ([05:40 – 07:55]).

  • Quote [Goldman, 05:53]:
    “Do you agree that asylum is a lawful pathway to immigrate to this country? Yes or no?”

  • Goldman's persistent questioning leads to Noem evading and not directly answering on whether her department is violating the law by deporting those with pending asylum cases.

  • Quote [Goldman, 06:46]:
    “Why are you filibustering? Why can’t you answer the question? It’s a simple question.”

  • Goldman sums up (07:07):
    “If you have an open asylum case, you are here lawfully. But the problem… is that you are not following the law… Unfortunately, that is exactly what’s happening.”

2. Kristi Noem Walks Out: The Aftermath (07:55 – 08:51)

• As pressure mounts, Noem abruptly claims to have “other commitments” (FEMA meeting) and leaves early.
• The audience heckles her as she exits.
• Quote [Narrator/Host, 08:23]:
  “And here she was heckled on the way out. Let’s play it.”

3. Bonus: Benny Thompson and Antifa Testimony (11:11 – 13:52)

• The hosts highlight a separate House hearing where Rep. Benny Thompson cross-examines an FBI official about the so-called “Antifa threat.”
• The official is unable to specify Antifa’s headquarters or membership, undermining Republican claims.
• Quote [Goldman, 12:27]:
  “So where is the Antifa headquarters?”
• Quote [Thompson, 13:05]:
  “Well, that’s very fluid. It’s ongoing… For us to understand that the same, no different than Al Qaeda and ISIS.”
• The questioning exposes the lack of substance behind claims that Antifa is America’s biggest domestic terrorist threat.

4. Congresswoman Ramirez Compiles Evidence Against Noem (14:16 – 16:51)

• Ramirez methodically lays out facts showing Noem’s department has detained US citizens and ignored court orders.
• Ramirez introduces ProPublica and NBC News reporting as official record.
• Quote [Ramirez, 14:54]:
  “Secretary Noem, again, you lied to the American people… ICE has arrested nearly 75,000 people with no criminal records.”
• Noem admits all deportation decisions at DHS are hers, then contradicts earlier claims of compliance.
• Quote [Ramirez, 16:10]:
  “You lied on the record and you lied to members of this committee. You violated court orders by not turning around deportation flights…”

5. Brothers React, Expose DHS Propaganda

• The hosts condemn DHS’s “cuffing season” videos targeting migrants, which used pop star Sabrina Carpenter’s music without permission.
• Host, 18:38:
  “...the Trump regime attacked Sabrina Carpenter, the pop star. And then Sabrina Carpenter got like 138 million views to her post. So then the Trump regime took it down because they were humiliated by a pop star.”
• California Governor Newsom’s viral counter-response (Trump allies depicted in “cuffing season” montage) is lauded.
• Episode closes highlighting the bravery of witnesses and the need for continued resistance and oversight.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Seth Magaziner, 01:34:
  “Madam Secretary, how many United States military veterans have you deported?”
• Kristi Noem, 02:41:
  “Sir, I’m grateful for every single person that has served our country and follows our laws.”
• Dan Goldman, 05:53:
  “Do you agree that asylum is a lawful pathway to immigrate to this country? Yes or no?”
• Congresswoman Ramirez, 14:54:
  “Secretary Noem, again, you lied to the American people.”
• Host, 18:38:
  “...the Trump regime attacked Sabrina Carpenter, the pop star. And then Sabrina Carpenter got like 138 million views to her post. So then the Trump regime took it down because they were humiliated by a pop star.”

Important Segment Timestamps

• 00:48 – Ben tees up Magaziner's devastating cross-examination
• 01:28 – Magaziner begins; Se Jun Park’s case
• 03:14 – Jim Brown & Donna’s deportation battle
• 04:47 – Congresswoman McIver confronts Noem on DHS abuses
• 05:44 – Dan Goldman catches Noem on asylum law
• 07:55 – Noem leaves the hearing, is heckled
• 11:11 – Benny Thompson grills FBI on Antifa
• 14:16 – Ramirez’s evidence montage: citizens detained, ignored court orders
• 16:10 – Direct accusation of lying; ICE flights to El Salvador
• 18:38 – Recap of DHS’s failed migrant propaganda, Sabrina Carpenter episode
• 19:00+ – Meidas brothers’ reactions, closing commentary

Summary Flow & Tone

The episode features rapid-fire recaps, sharp and often incredulous commentary, and clip analysis—punctuated by the hosts' trademark brotherly banter. The tone is direct, irreverent, pro-democracy, and empathetic to those targeted by DHS policies under Noem. The brothers highlight how skilled questioning by Democratic members exposed both legal vulnerabilities in Noem’s department and personal failures to support the country’s most vulnerable.

For Listeners Who Missed It

This episode slices through the noise: if you want to understand the scope of Kristi Noem’s controversial testimony, who she was up against, and why her walkout resonated as a watershed political moment, this summary covers the essential exchanges, memorable lines, and context—all through the urgent, passionate lens of the MeidasTouch crew.