The MeidasTouch Podcast – Episode: “MeidasTouch Full Podcast - 3/7/25”
Release Date: March 7, 2025
Hosts: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas
Description: The Meiselas brothers delve into current political and economic issues with their characteristic blend of humor and earnest discourse, focusing on the state of American democracy and the impact of Republican policies under Donald Trump’s influence.

1. Economic Turmoil Under the Trump Administration

Discussion Points: The episode opens with Ben Mycelius addressing the detrimental effects of Donald Trump’s trade policies. He criticizes the imposition of tariffs on countries like Canada and Mexico, attributing them to the economic instability and rising prices experienced in the U.S.

Notable Quotes:

• Ben Mycelius [01:16]:
  “Donald Trump is crashing the markets here in the United States and crashing our overall economy as he capitulates on these trade wars that he's initiating with Canada and Mexico.”

• Donald Trump [07:22]:
  “So when I win, I will immediately bring prices down. Starting on day one, we will end Kamala's war on American energy. And we will drill, baby, drill.”

Analysis: Ben emphasizes that the tariffs were purportedly aimed at combating the fentanyl crisis and ensuring fair trade but have instead led to economic downturns, including projections of stagflation and significant GDP contraction. He contrasts Trump’s promises of immediate economic relief with the reality of worsening economic indicators.

2. Impact on Veterans and Federal Employees

Discussion Points: The hosts express deep concern over the Trump administration’s stance on veterans and federal workers. They critique Congress members’ statements regarding the dismissal of veterans from government positions and the broader implications for social security and federal employment.

Notable Quotes:

• Trump’s Advisor Alina Haba [03:05]:
  “Maybe some of those veterans who worked for the federal government and maybe what the administration can do to at least help salvage their lives.”

• Brett Meiselas [05:05]:
  “Federal employees do not deserve their jobs. Federal Employees do not deserve their paychecks. And these are jobs that can be fired.”

Analysis: The conversation highlights the administration’s approach to reducing government spending by targeting veteran employment and federal jobs. Brett passionately defends federal workers and veterans, arguing that these individuals deserve respect and support rather than being deemed expendable in fiscal cutbacks.

3. Trade Wars and International Relations

Discussion Points: Ben and Brett dissect Trump’s handling of international trade, particularly his confrontational approach towards Canada and Mexico. They discuss the repercussions of these trade wars, including the withdrawal of American products from Canadian markets and the resulting economic strain.

Notable Quotes:

• Donald Trump [29:06]:
  “If they don't pay, I'm not going to defend them. No, I'm not going to defend them.”

• Brett Meiselas [33:21]:
  “The entire world is laughing at us right now. And I see all, you know, we have a whole lot of Canadian fans...”

Analysis: The hosts criticize Trump’s aggressive rhetoric towards NATO allies and neighboring countries, emphasizing the damaging effects on international relationships and domestic markets. Brett specifically references Canadian actions, such as boycotting American products and pulling American spirits from shelves, as direct responses to Trump’s policies.

4. Media Manipulation and Public Perception

Discussion Points: Ben and Brett explore the role of right-wing media in shaping public perception of Trump’s policies. They accuse media personalities like Maria Bartiromo, Jesse Watters, and Laura Ingraham of spreading misinformation and supporting Trump’s narrative despite its detrimental impact.

Notable Quotes:

• Brett Meiselas [18:09]:
  “Trump’s entire presidency, everything he does, is run on creating an alternate reality... It is so completely bullshit.”

• Ben Mycelius [20:23]:
  “Shalom Hamas. God. Shalom.”

Analysis: The brothers argue that conservative media outlets are complicit in perpetuating Trump’s flawed policies by downplaying negative outcomes and promoting an alternate reality that aligns with Trump’s agenda. This manipulation, according to them, hinders public understanding and accountability.

5. Judicial Challenges and Legal Deficits

Discussion Points: The podcast touches upon recent judicial rulings against the Trump administration, including the illegal firing of a National Labor Relations Board member and the Supreme Court’s decision to allocate funds to USAID despite Republican opposition.

Notable Quotes:

• Ben Mycelius [20:23]:
  “Federal Judge Beryl Howell just came out with a powerful ruling finding that the firing of the National Labor Relations Board member Gwen Wilcox was illegal.”

• Supreme Court Decision [20:23]:
  “The Supreme Court ordered that $2 billion go to USAID...”

Analysis: The hosts underscore the judiciary’s role in checking the Trump administration’s overreach, highlighting specific cases where Trump’s actions were deemed unconstitutional or illegal. This legal pushback is presented as a counterbalance to the administration’s controversial policies.

6. Defamation of Government Institutions

Discussion Points: Ben and Brett discuss how the Trump administration has undermined trust in government institutions by labeling federal employees and veterans as undeserving and inefficient. They argue that such rhetoric erodes the foundational principles of public service.

Notable Quotes:

• Brett Meiselas [09:12]:
  “I've never in the history of living in this country have heard politicians speak with such disdain towards the citizens of this country and towards our hardworking federal workers...”

• Ben Mycelius [03:37]:
  “Anybody in blue, Anybody that serves this country.”

Analysis: The conversation focuses on the moral and ethical implications of denigrating public servants. The brothers contend that attacking federal employees and veterans not only demoralizes these groups but also undermines public trust in essential government functions.

7. Future Prospects and Call to Action

Discussion Points: Towards the end of the episode, the hosts reflect on the future of American politics and democracy. They emphasize the need for continued resistance against what they perceive as authoritarian and economically destructive policies. Brett also addresses the listeners directly, encouraging them to support the MeidasTouch Network to sustain their pro-democracy efforts.

Notable Quotes:

• Ben Mycelius [59:24]:
  “We have to call it out each and every day here on the Midas Touch Network and on the Midas Touch podcast.”

• Brett Meiselas [64:24]:
  “Shout out to the Midas Mighty.”

Analysis: The episode concludes with a strong call to action for listeners to engage with and support the MeidasTouch Network. The brothers reiterate their commitment to exposing and combating policies they view as harmful to democracy and the American populace.

Conclusion

In this episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast, Ben and Brett Meiselas provide a critical analysis of the Trump administration’s policies, particularly focusing on economic instability, the mistreatment of veterans and federal workers, and the erosion of trust in government institutions. Through a blend of factual evidence, notable quotes, and passionate discourse, the brothers advocate for sustained vigilance and support for democratic principles. Their unwavering stance against what they identify as authoritarian tendencies underscores their mission to defend and uphold democracy in the face of political adversity.