MeidasTouch Podcast – Full Episode Summary (January 16, 2026)

Episode Overview

In this episode, the Meiselas brothers—Ben, Brett, and Jordi—tackle the latest explosive news at the intersection of democracy and authoritarianism. Through their combination of informed analysis, brotherly banter, and comedic asides, they break down the latest excesses and outrages of the Trump administration, both at home and abroad. This week’s show focuses on Trump’s bizarre foreign policy spectacle with Venezuela’s Maria Corina Machado, economic grievances, the growing threat to democracy represented by ICE, the militarization of American streets, and the role of corporate and right-wing propaganda in propping up authoritarian power. The episode is also a call to action for their audience—the "Midas Mighty"—to stay vigilant, document abuses, and fight for genuine pro-democracy values.

Major Themes and Key Discussion Points

1. Trump, Maria Corina Machado, and Venezuela Drama

• Trump Meets Venezuelan Opposition Leader:
  • Machado visited the White House, presenting Trump with her Nobel Peace Prize medal (though, legally, the prize title cannot be transferred).
  • Trump bragged about it on social media, claiming mutual respect with Machado, which the brothers characterized as bizarre “dystopian” theater.
  • Ben: “The meeting took place in private, but she did confirm she gave Donald Trump the Nobel Peace Prize. The actual medal. You can't actually confer the prize itself.” (04:45)
• Regime Hypocrisy & Oil Money:
  • Trump’s regime publicly continued to snub Machado, portraying her as weak and lacking legitimacy.
  • Most notably, deals with the new Venezuelan authoritarian leader (Delcy Rodríguez) benefit Trump and Jared Kushner—Venezuelan oil money is being funneled to a bank account in Qatar, not to the U.S. Treasury (see: Ben explaining at 04:16).
  • Connection to previous Qatari dealings, like the 747 jet and bailing out Kushner.
• European Military Exercises:
  • Numerous European countries plus Canada are conducting military drills in Greenland to deter a possible U.S. invasion—an unprecedented, surreal diplomatic low.
  • Caroline Levitt (Trump’s spokesperson) is unconcerned France and Germany are anticipating a U.S. attack on Greenland: “No. Why would that deter us at all?” (Based on reporting around 05:10+)

2. The Machinery of Distraction: Epstein Files, Ukraine, and Domestic Abuses

• Distraction Through Spectacle:
  • The hosts argue regime scandals in Ukraine and the Epstein files are intentionally downplayed or hidden by orchestrating new outrages, such as provocations abroad or violent domestic crackdowns.
  • “Every time it seems that we get closer to getting the Epstein files, a new city is invaded and the tactics get more brutal and the attention is turned there.” – Ben (12:56)

3. Militarization of the U.S. & ICE as a Paramilitary Force

• ICE Deployments and Protest Violence:
  • Ongoing discussion about ICE and Border Patrol operating as militarized, mask-wearing, “Gestapo” forces in Minneapolis and St. Paul, gassing and shooting peaceful protesters.
  • High-profile case: ICE killed Renee Nicole Goode, leading to resignations of DOJ and civil rights attorneys when pressured to investigate her widow instead of the perpetrator.
• ICE’s Collapsing Public Support:
  • “Even ICE, which used to have a positive approval among the American people, now for the first time has a negative approval.” – Brett (22:38)
  • The brothers highlight campaigns to defund ICE, calling the agency a tool of political repression and state violence.

4. Erosion of Democratic Norms and the U.S. Global Standing

• Loss of International Trust:
  • “We, the United States, apparently we can’t be trusted anymore. And that hurts.” – Jordi (10:17)
  • Allies are prepared to defend themselves against potential U.S. aggression; damage to diplomatic reputation is profound.
• Why “America First” Scams Everyone But Trump:
  • Trump’s foreign policy is self-enriching, not populist. Deals with foreign dictators send resources abroad; no benefit to average Americans.

5. Domestic Policy Catastrophe: Economy, Healthcare & Social Welfare

• Manipulation of Economic Data:
  • Ben discusses how inflation stats are being fabricated or guessed: “40 to 50% of all of the inputs now are made up. Are made up. Admittedly.”
  • The regime claims minimal inflation, but real costs for health insurance, groceries, and electricity soar (20:47+).
• Food Insecurity and Absurd Policy:
  • Agriculture Secretary’s response to food affordability: Americans can subsist on one piece of chicken, a broccoli floret, and a tortilla per day for $3. (Brooke Rollins clip at 61:38)
  • Mocking coverage contrast: “If a Biden administration person said that... the outrage would be insane.” – Brett (69:20)

6. The Propaganda Machine: Corporate Media, Fox News, and the Trump Narrative

• Fox News as Regime Media:
  • Highlighting Fox’s bizarre and sycophantic coverage—e.g., segments praising Trump’s testosterone, speculating about who college students want to golf with.
  • “That is a news network right there. Fox News. I put news in quotes. That is being beamed… into people’s brains 24/7.”
• CBS News and Mainstream Propaganda:
  • CBS amplifies unverified regime claims, such as the officer who killed Renee Nicole Goode suffering vague “internal bleeding”—used as a tool for right-wing talking points.

7. Congressional Priorities & Absurdity

• GOP Hearings on ‘Artificial Stone’ Immunity:
  • Comic yet telling: The week’s priority for Republicans was holding hearings to grant legal immunity to artificial stone manufacturers over silicosis dangers.
  • Rep. Hank Johnson ridiculed this misplaced focus: “Any national security implications to the manufacture of fake stone…?” (46:14)
• January 6th Subcommittee Nonsense:
  • The new GOP-led subcommittee attempts revisionist history, inviting Oath Keeper founder Stewart Rhodes as a pseudo-dignitary.

8. Personal Responsibility, Activism, and the Role of the Meidas Mighty

• What Listeners Can Do:
  • “The best thing you could do is shine a light on everything, every single day. Because what they’re trying to do…they’re trying to tire you out.” – Jordi (28:58)
• The Power of Community:
  • The brothers reflect on their growth, emphasizing the importance of documenting, resisting, and organizing collectively—even for those new to activism or politics.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

• On Mar-a-Lago Dystopia:
  “Does it get more dystopian than this at Mar a Lago? It’s like Eyes Wide Shut… while the American people are suffering right now…that’s what’s going on at Mar a Lago. I don’t know if that’s a furry party or what.” – Ben (00:45)
• On ‘America First’ Hypocrisy:
  “We should invade countries, take their resources, and then put those… in bank accounts in Middle East countries without accountability? I just, I… cannot understand anybody’s like, ‘Yeah, get that money in Qatar.’” – Ben (19:47)
• On Democratic Norms:
  “We, the United States, apparently we can’t be trusted anymore… It’s deeply hurting. As someone who really loves this country… it’s exactly what the Trump regime wants. They want chaos.” – Jordi (10:17)
• Epstein Files Distraction:
  “Every time it seems that we get closer to getting the Epstein files, a new city is invaded and the tactics get more brutal…” – Ben (12:56)
• On the Militarization of Police:
  “There are 3,000 ICE and Border Patrol Gestapo who are out there and as people are peacefully protesting, they throw gas at them, they shoot into crowds with non lethal…” – Ben (40:42)
• Economic Reality Check:
  “Do you think year over year that you’re only paying 2.7% more than you did last year?…From health insurance [to] groceries…they’re significantly higher year over year.” – Ben (20:47)
• Pro-Democracy Action:
  “Shine a light on everything, every single day…No, take him at his words. Take him at his words…Donald Trump is the world’s biggest scam artist ever.” – Jordi (28:58)
• On Fox News Coverage:
  “If we ever do a broadcast like this…I give you permission to say… ‘You’ve jumped the shark. Time to wrap it up.’” – Brett (69:04)
• On Propaganda and Media Complicity:
  “They present you with the trappings of a real news network, and then they deliver you North Korean propaganda.” – Brett (75:48)
• Final Rallying Cry:
  “As he accelerates, we have to accelerate our resistance… We need to make sure we are taking account of what happens… accelerate our resistance and our desire for protecting democracy.” – Ben (72:02)

Important Segments (Timestamps)

• Venezuela/Trump/Machado segment: 04:45–07:55, 16:54–22:22
• ICE, militarization & domestic state violence: 12:56–14:15, 36:14–44:51, 61:38–66:04
• Distractions & the Epstein files: 12:56–16:54
• Economic crisis, inflation, and policy gaslighting: 20:47–22:22, 61:38–66:04
• International distrust & alliances crumbling: 10:17–11:49
• Congressional priorities (artificial stone immunity): 44:51–47:24
• January 6th Committee, GOP revisionism: 47:24–49:25
• Fox News/Propaganda/Maga Rhetoric: 66:12–72:02, 75:48–77:00
• Action steps, community, personal agency: 28:51–31:25, 56:17–57:40

Takeaways for Listeners

• U.S. democracy is at a crossroads—the current regime’s actions, both internationally and domestically, undermine traditional norms and increase suffering for Americans and foreign allies alike.
• Propaganda remains a potent tool, with Fox News and now parts of mainstream media enabling and sanitizing abuses.
• Grassroots action and vigilance are essential: The “Midas Mighty” are encouraged to document, expose, and resist abuses, while supporting accountability through elections and activism.
• The fight for democracy will require focus, resilience, and a commitment to truth—even, and especially, in the face of relentless authoritarian distraction and gaslighting.

The Brothers' Closing Message

They urge their audience to remain hopeful and active:
“As he accelerates, we have to accelerate our resistance and our desire for protecting democracy. That's what's going on right now. That's why we've accelerated at Midas Touch what we're doing.” – Ben (72:02)

And a reminder of collective strength:
“We do have this community and the community continues to grow… people are all in this same mission together.” – Brett (57:40)

For more, join the Midas Mighty community and support independent journalism at midasplus.com.