The MeidasTouch Podcast Summary - February 25, 2025
Episode: MeidasTouch Full Podcast - 2/25/25
On February 25, 2025, The MeidasTouch Podcast hosted by Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas delved deep into the current political turmoil in the United States, highlighting the tumultuous actions of former President Donald Trump and tech mogul Elon Musk. The episode focused on the deteriorating state of American democracy, the backlash against Republican Congress members, and the rising public resistance against policies perceived as harmful to federal employees and veterans.
1. Trump and Macron’s Oval Office Encounter
The episode opened with Brett recounting a recent Oval Office meeting between Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron. The confrontation centered around the U.S.'s unexpected stance alongside Russia, North Korea, Belarus, and Hungary in opposing a UN resolution condemning Russia's aggression against Ukraine.
- Brett Meiselas ([03:04]): “Donald Trump tried to attack Europe and attack France in front of French President Emmanuel Macron.”
- Donald Trump ([03:44]): “Can you explain the rationale in having the US Vote against the UN Resolutions.”
Macron didn’t hold back, asserting the U.S.'s significant financial contributions to Ukraine and questioning Trump's logic vehemently. This public showdown underscored the strained relations between the U.S. and its European allies.
2. U.S. Opposition to UN Resolutions
The podcast highlighted the United States' surprising alignment with traditionally adversarial nations against a resolution that sought to hold Russia accountable for its actions in Ukraine.
- Ben Meiselas ([34:24]): “Donald Trump's first administration added $8 trillion of debt. Let me repeat that. $8 trillion of debt. And that's what caused inflation.”
This stance was portrayed as highly unexpected and damaging, alienating both allies and the American public, who overwhelmingly disapproved of supporting Russia over Ukraine.
3. The Alliance Between Trump and Elon Musk
A significant portion of the discussion revolved around the partnership between Donald Trump and Elon Musk, particularly their joint venture to search for gold at Fort Knox. This endeavor was criticized as a distraction from more pressing governmental issues.
- Brett Meiselas ([06:11]): “Elon Musk is doing a great job, but I would like to see him get more aggressive.”
- Elon Musk ([06:44]): “Oh, that idiot. Got it. Got it.”
The duo’s actions were labeled as misguided and symptomatic of a broader strategy to divert attention from the administration's failings, such as the mishandling of federal employee terminations and escalating inflation.
4. Critique of USMCA and Economic Policies
The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) was a focal point of criticism, described as a poor trade deal that favored billionaires over the average American.
- Elon Musk ([06:44]): “Let them rob us blind like this?”
- Brett Meiselas ([19:32]): “You are treating them like crap and they either forget or are too Dumb to realize that many of these federal workers don't actually work in D.C. but they work in their own districts.”
The discussion emphasized the economic strain caused by trade agreements and tax policies that disproportionately benefit the wealthy, exacerbating the national debt and inflation rates.
5. Wrongful Termination of Federal Employees
The podcast shed light on the Trump administration's controversial firing of federal employees without proper cause or due process. This practice was highlighted as not only unethical but also illegal according to reports from the Office of the Special Counsel.
- Brett Meiselas ([53:46]): “Hampton Dillinger issued a report basically saying all of the termination of these probationary employees is Almost certainly illegal.”
- Ben Meiselas ([70:06]): “These federal government workers gave their lives to do jobs that aren't in the spotlight... for them to be treated like this is so utterly horrific.”
The episode underscored the potential legal repercussions and financial liabilities the administration could face due to these unlawful terminations, including massive compensation payouts and further erosion of public trust.
6. European Leaders’ Stance on U.S. Politics
European leaders, particularly Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz, were discussed as expressing disillusionment with the current U.S. administration's policies, signaling a potential shift in international alliances.
- Brett Meiselas ([63:34]): “Friedrich Merz goes up there and says, now the United States, Elon Musk, Donald Trump, JD Vance and these Magas... they're just like Putin.”
- Elon Musk ([68:12]): “Bright side, though, Ben. I think that puts you next in line to run Department of Defense under the next Democratic administration.”
This segment highlighted the growing disconnect between the U.S. and its traditional allies, suggesting that Europe's confidence in American leadership is rapidly waning.
7. Public Resistance and Calls to Action
A recurring theme was the call for citizens to actively engage in political processes to counteract the damaging policies and rhetoric of the current administration. The hosts encouraged peaceful protests, attendance at town halls, and direct communication with representatives to voice dissent.
- Elon Musk ([71:43]): “This is how we're going to be able to change things here. This is same way Midas is a people powered movement. We need a people powered movement out there on the streets every single day.”
- Jordy Meiselas ([57:49]): “We want to be uplifting your voices. So if you go to one of these town halls and peacefully Push back at your representative...”
The emphasis was on grassroots mobilization to ensure that lawmakers are held accountable and that the American public can reclaim agency over their governance.
8. Legal Challenges and Supreme Court Involvement
The podcast detailed ongoing legal battles, particularly focusing on the Supreme Court's involvement in restraining the Trump administration's attempts to terminate Hampton Dillinger, the head of the Office of the Special Counsel.
- Brett Meiselas ([53:39]): “The Supreme Court made a ruling that basically said, you can't. We're not going to overturn the ruling from the district court.”
- Ben Meiselas ([63:34]): “These federal government workers gave their lives... for them to be treated like this is so utterly horrific.”
These legal interventions were portrayed as critical junctures that could potentially halt further unethical government actions and restore some semblance of order and justice.
Notable Quotes
- Ben Meiselas ([34:24]): “If you believe that, it's okay with me, Mr. President. They get their money back. We don't. And now we do.”
- Fiona ([09:07]): “The media in the room with him, come on. You have a responsibility to not fanboy over you being in that room. You have a responsibility to get the truth.”
- Elon Musk ([19:12]): “They should be scared of you that you are going to take to the streets and peacefully protest them if they are going to strip away your rights.”
These statements encapsulate the podcast's critical stance on the current administration’s policies and the urgent need for public engagement to defend democracy.
Conclusions
The MeidasTouch Podcast episode from February 25, 2025, presented a scathing critique of the current U.S. political landscape, focusing on the detrimental actions of Donald Trump and Elon Musk. The hosts emphasized the erosion of democratic values, the mishandling of federal employee terminations, and the alarming shift in international alliances. Despite the bleak portrayal, the episode concluded on a hopeful note, urging listeners to actively participate in political processes to effect meaningful change and uphold democratic principles.
Listeners were encouraged to stay informed, engage in community actions, and support the movement against policies that threaten the nation's integrity and the well-being of its citizens.
For those looking to follow up on these discussions, The MeidasTouch Podcast offers continuous coverage on their YouTube channel and audio platforms every Tuesday and Friday, with live video sessions every Monday and Thursday night.