The MeidasTouch Podcast: "MAGA Mike Issues Retraction after Throwing Trump Under Bus"

Date: September 8, 2025
Hosts: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas

Main Theme & Purpose

This episode revolves around recent events concerning House Speaker Mike Johnson ("MAGA Mike") and his comments implicating Donald Trump as a confidential FBI informant in matters related to Jeffrey Epstein. The brothers analyze the political fallout, explore the Trump-Epstein relationship, and scrutinize Johnson's public retraction. They connect these developments to broader questions about transparency, accountability, and the ongoing probe of the Epstein files.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Mike Johnson’s Embarrassing Slip and Retraction

• Ben opens by recounting how Mike Johnson “accidentally incriminated Donald Trump” when suggesting Trump acted as a confidential FBI informant on Epstein (02:02).
• Johnson's office later issued a formal statement retracting and clarifying his comments, attempting to reframe Trump’s past actions as “heroic,” while distancing him from the informant claim (05:05).
• Ben points out the contradiction: “If you were the only one who you're saying was heroic here… why wouldn't you want those files released?” (05:05).
• The brothers note how these types of statements raise more questions about what’s being hidden in the Epstein files and why Republicans resist their release.

2. Trump’s Reaction and Narrative Spin

• After Johnson’s comments, Trump posted accusations that Democrats manufactured the Epstein controversy as a hoax, simultaneously deflecting attention and downplaying the severity and reality of Epstein’s crimes (05:54).
• Ben shreds Trump's retelling, highlighting his past moves as President: "During Ghislaine Maxwell's trial, you wished her well... And when Epstein allegedly died by suicide... you were in office" (05:54).
• Discussion about Alex Acosta, Trump’s Secretary of Labor and the prosecutor who gave Epstein a notorious “sweetheart deal,” adding layers to the suspicions (05:54).

3. The Trump-Epstein Real Estate Gambit

• The hosts reference exclusive details from Michael Wolff, Trump’s biographer, recounting a 2004 Palm Beach real estate deal:
  • Epstein brings Trump in for advice; Trump then buys the property out from under him for $41.4M.
  • In 2008, Russian oligarch Dmitry Rybolovlev buys the same property from Trump for $95M, demolishes it, fueling money-laundering suspicions (08:00-14:45).
• Epstein and Trump had a falling out over this betrayal, with Epstein later suspecting Trump tipped off authorities about him, initiating Epstein’s legal troubles (15:03).

4. Was Trump the Informant?

• Michael Wolff recounts Epstein’s belief: Trump, knowing Epstein’s activities and finances intimately, went to the police (dropped the "dime") as retaliation after their real estate fallout (15:03).
• The hosts frame this as less a heroic move and more an act of self-interest: “Confidential informants are often informants because they're involved in the underlying conduct and they're trading favors quid pro quos to get out of things” (02:02).

5. Still-Withheld Epstein Files & Political Gamesmanship

• Ben plays clips of Johnson echoing Trump, insisting the administration has already released everything in the Epstein files, and that further resolutions or floor votes are a moot point (13:47).
  • Johnson: “...it's sort of not necessary at the point because the administration is already doing this…” (14:01).
  • The brothers note the inconsistency, as many, including Reps. Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie, contend not all documents have been made public (13:47-14:45).
• The hosts question the motives of those blocking transparency, suggesting fear of their own names or those of allies being revealed (05:05, 21:01).

6. Epstein’s Own Words on Trump – Darker Implications

• Wolff shares more disturbing findings:
  • Epstein described photos Trump had with topless young girls; when Wolff suggested releasing them, Epstein replied, “I may be a pervert, but I'm not crazy. Trump is a man without any scruples” (19:54).
  • This prompts a chilling reaction from Wolff — “a chill went up my back then” (19:54).
• These revelations strengthen the episode’s core question: Was Trump protecting himself, not justice or victims?

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Johnson’s Retraction:
  "We have the tape of what you said where you said Trump was the FBI informant." — Ben (05:05)
• Mike Johnson's (original) statement:
  "He [Trump] was an FBI informant to try to take this stuff down." — Mike Johnson (played by Ben) (05:36)
• Epstein, via Michael Wolff:
  "He began to threaten [Trump] with, with lawsuits. He began to threaten him with going to the press and saying that Trump was a front man for a money laundering deal. Trump panics... Epstein believed... it was Trump who went to the police... and dropped the dime on him." — Michael Wolff (15:03)
• On the damning photographs:
  "I may be a pervert, but I'm not crazy. Trump is a man without any scruples." — Jeffrey Epstein via Michael Wolff (19:54)
• Ben, on the episode’s heart:
  "Very odd to center yourself in the story, unless, of course, you're trying to hide a lot of things, and indeed you are..." (02:02)
  "So I think this again opens up a lot of additional avenues for questioning. And now Maga Mike backtracking. So you decide for yourself." (21:01)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 02:02 – Ben introduces Johnson’s slip: claims Trump was FBI informant on Epstein; analysis of underlying implications.
• 05:05 – Johnson’s office walks back comments; Ben challenges the logic and transparency.
• 05:36 – Audio played of Johnson’s incriminating original statement.
• 05:54 – Trump’s defensive social media post dissected, highlighting contradictions from his presidency.
• 08:00-14:45 – Explains Palm Beach real estate deal involving Trump, Epstein, and Rybolovlev; money-laundering suspicions raised.
• 13:47-14:45 – Johnson’s interview downplaying need for House action on Epstein files; exits and political foot-dragging.
• 15:03 – Michael Wolff relates Epstein’s belief about Trump being the informant and the consequences.
• 19:54 – Wolff recounts Epstein’s comments about incriminating photos of Trump and refusal to release them.
• 21:01 – Ben sums up with open questions, emphasizing the episode’s themes.

Flow & Tone

The episode blends investigative seriousness with the brothers’ characteristically sharp, cheeky banter. Ben drives the legal analysis with clarity and urgency. The overall tone is skeptical, incredulous, and direct, often referring back to the hypocrisy and evasive language of those in power. The episode’s structure allows listeners unfamiliar with the political drama to grasp the potentially explosive connections between Trump, Epstein, and Congress’s ongoing reluctance to release critical documents.

Summary

This episode exposes the chaos and intrigue surrounding the Trump-Epstein saga, focusing on a revealing gaffe by House Speaker Mike Johnson and subsequent efforts to walk back explosive implications about Trump’s involvement. Through a blend of exclusive insights, direct quotes, and deep dives into political motives, the Meiselas brothers highlight the unresolved questions lingering behind the Epstein files—and the stakes for truth and accountability in U.S. democracy.