The MeidasTouch Podcast – Episode Summary: March 25, 2025
Hosts: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas
1. Leaked Department of Defense War Plans
Overview: The episode delves into a significant breach within the Department of Defense (DoD), where highly classified war plans were shared through unsecured group text threads. These communications included sensitive emojis and were accessible to unauthorized individuals, including Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic.
Key Points:
- Unauthorized Access: The DoD, under the leadership of Pete Hegseth—a former Fox host—used Signal for disseminating top-secret information.
- Media Involvement: Jeffrey Goldberg was inadvertently included in these chats, leading to the exposure of sensitive data.
- Trump’s Response: During a press conference, President Donald Trump dismissed the allegations, downplaying The Atlantic and denying knowledge of the leaked plans.
Notable Quotes:
- Ben Meiselas [01:57]: “We learned that the Trump Department of Defense and national security apparatus would make war plans via group text threads with emojis like fist bump emoji, fire emoji, American flag emoji.”
- Donald Trump [04:17]: “I don't know anything about it. I'm not a big fan of the Atlantic.… I know nothing about it.”
- Pete Hegseth [05:44]: “Everyone knows what top secret means. I've got, I've had a top secret clearance. It's big red flashing letters, top secret."
2. Critique of Trump Administration’s Handling of National Security
Overview: The hosts criticize the Trump administration for mishandling national security protocols, emphasizing the reckless sharing of sensitive information and the appointment of unqualified individuals to key positions.
Key Points:
- Leadership Failures: Pete Hegseth’s background as a Fox host is cited as a poor fit for his role in the DoD, leading to compromised security.
- Policy Decisions: Trump’s decisions, such as altering defense aircraft names and threatening foreign countries, are portrayed as destabilizing U.S. alliances and defense strategies.
- Legislative Responses: Lawmakers like Senator Mark Warner and Congressmember Eric Swalwell call for accountability and stricter measures against those responsible for the leaks.
Notable Quotes:
- Ben Meiselas [06:00]: “This president obviously is willing to protect his political cronies, but we're going to hold people accountable.”
- Eric Swalwell [13:18]: “People want fighters. As I said on the last show, folks are going to start separating themselves from the packs.”
3. Immigration Policies and Human Rights Violations
Overview: The discussion highlights the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration policies, including the forced relocation of individuals to concentration camps in El Salvador without due process.
Key Points:
- Deportations: Over half a million Cubans, Haitians, Venezuelans, and Nicaraguans face removal from the U.S., risking torture or death upon return.
- Lack of Due Process: Cases like Andres, a gay asylum seeker from Venezuela, exemplify the lack of proper legal procedures.
- Judicial Pushback: Judge Boasberg rejects Trump’s attempts to bypass injunctions, emphasizing the necessity of due process under the Alien Enemies Act.
Notable Quotes:
- Jordy Meiselas [44:49]: “People have due process no matter what you think. People have due process.”
- Ben Meiselas [46:11]: “... we saw this declaration that was filed by the ACLU on behalf of one of those women...she was claiming she was not a gang member.”
4. Democratic Mobilization and Public Engagement
Overview: In response to Republican inaction, Democrats like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) are actively engaging with constituents in traditionally red districts, organizing large-scale rallies and town halls.
Key Points:
- Surge in Support: Democratic leaders are witnessing unprecedented attendance at their events, indicating a renewed public interest in democratic values.
- Policy Advocacy: Emphasis on addressing wealth inequality, affordable housing, and universal healthcare.
- Contrast with Republicans: Highlighting the reluctance of Republican representatives to hold town halls, contrasting with the proactive approach of Democrats.
Notable Quotes:
- Bernie Sanders [69:21]: “There is no excuse for 800,000 people to be sleeping out on the streets.”
- AOC [69:31]: “We are not powerless in this moment. People are starting to put the pieces together…”
5. Canada’s Political Turmoil and Election Interference
Overview: The podcast covers the political instability in Canada, including snap elections called by Prime Minister Mark Carney and revelations of election interference attempts by the Conservative Party in collaboration with Donald Trump.
Key Points:
- Snap Elections: Prime Minister Carney calls for elections scheduled on April 28, citing threats to Canada’s sovereignty from Trump’s trade actions.
- Interference Attempts: Alberta’s Premier Danielle Smith and conservative members attempted to manipulate Canadian elections by engaging with Trump and J.D. Vance to undermine the Liberal Party.
- Defense Sovereignty: Canada’s move to bolster its defense systems and reconsider purchases like F-35 jets, asserting independence from U.S. influence.
Notable Quotes:
- Mark Carney [58:15]: “President Trump claims that Canada isn't a real country. He wants to break us so America can own us. We will not let that happen.”
- Ben Meiselas [56:44]: “Prime Minister Carney… calls for the snap general elections… while the Conservative Party was involved in malicious election interference efforts.”
6. Wealth Inequality and Political Corruption
Overview: The hosts discuss the escalating wealth inequality in the U.S., attributing it to policies favoring the wealthy and the influence of corporate money in politics, particularly referencing the Citizens United decision.
Key Points:
- Economic Disparity: Post-recession trends show the rich getting richer while the average American struggles, exacerbated by Trump’s economic policies.
- Citizens United Impact: Unlimited corporate donations have skewed political power towards the wealthy, undermining democratic principles.
- Historical Context: Comparisons to past economic downturns illustrate the persistent trend of benefiting the elite over the general population.
Notable Quotes:
- Jordy Meiselas [39:27]: “Wealth inequality… is one of the most defining issues of our time.”
- Ben Meiselas [42:16]: “Imagine a fire devastates an area… Now think about that type of fire writ large in an economy.”
7. Trump’s Grifting and Economic Manipulations
Overview: Criticism is directed towards Trump’s financial maneuvers, including the manipulation of meme coins like "Dollar Sign Trump" and the strategic implementation of tariffs to benefit insiders while harming the broader economy.
Key Points:
- Meme Coin Crash: The introduction and subsequent collapse of Trump’s meme coin resulted in significant financial losses for investors, while insiders profited from transaction fees.
- Tariff Strategies: Trump's unpredictable tariff policies create market volatility, benefiting wealthy individuals who can exploit these fluctuations.
- Economic Intentions: Speculation that economic downturns under Trump are either intentional or a result of gross incompetence to perpetuate wealth inequality.
Notable Quotes:
- Jordy Meiselas [38:42]: “They are playing a game right now in order to just further enrich billionaires and people who are in the know.”
- Ben Meiselas [39:27]: “Donald Trump maybe wants a recession. Maybe he's trying to push our country into this chaos.”
8. U.S. Foreign Policy and Threats to Sovereignty
Overview: The hosts address Trump’s aggressive foreign policy moves, including threats to annex territories like Greenland and Panama, further straining international relations and pushing allies to reconsider U.S. leadership.
Key Points:
- Greenland Incident: Trump's decision to send officials to Greenland despite the local government's clear opposition highlights the disregard for international autonomy.
- Global Backlash: European nations, Canada, and Australia are distancing themselves from U.S. military equipment and forming independent defense alliances.
- Special Envoy Statements: Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, echoed Russian propaganda narratives, undermining U.S. credibility on the global stage.
Notable Quotes:
- Jordy Meiselas [22:30]: “We shouldn't be in a place right now where we even have to speak about the United States threatening the sovereignty of a bunch of countries.”
- Mark Carney [58:15]: “President Trump claims that Canada isn't a real country. He wants to break us so America can own us. We will not let that happen.”
9. Conclusion and Call to Action
Overview: The episode concludes with a strong call to action for listeners to support democracy by staying informed, engaging in political processes, and standing against corrupt leadership.
Key Points:
- Democratic Resilience: Highlighting the importance of active participation in democracy to counteract authoritarian tendencies.
- Support for the Midas Touch Network: Encouraging listeners to subscribe, leave positive reviews, and engage with the network’s platforms to amplify democratic voices.
- Upcoming Content: Teasing future discussions on Canadian politics and continued critiques of the Trump administration.
Notable Quotes:
- Ben Meiselas [75:48]: “We will keep fighting every day here at the Midas Touch Network and the Midas Touch Podcast for the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.”
- Eric Swalwell [78:38]: “Working on something special for Canada.”
Final Thoughts
The March 25, 2025 episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast presents a comprehensive critique of the Trump administration's handling of national security, immigration, and foreign policy. It highlights the mobilization of Democratic leaders in opposition to Republican inaction and interference, particularly focusing on international relations with Canada. The hosts emphasize the urgency of addressing wealth inequality and restoring democratic integrity, urging listeners to engage and support pro-democracy movements through the Midas Touch Network.