The MeidasTouch Podcast Summary – Episode: MeidasTouch Full Podcast - 5/9/25

Date Released: May 9, 2025
Hosts: Ben Meiselas, Brett Meiselas, Jordy Meiselas
Description: The Meiselas brothers delve into current political and economic issues, blending humor with critical analysis to support democracy and inform their "MeidasMighty" audience.

1. Donald Trump's Alleged Fake UK Trade Deal

Timestamp: [00:00] – [10:06]

Overview:
The episode opens with Ben Meiselas criticizing former President Donald Trump’s announcement of a trade deal with the United Kingdom. Ben labels the deal as "fake," arguing that Trump merely partially removed tariffs imposed in April without genuine benefits. He accuses Trump of market manipulation and highlights that such actions primarily benefit the elite, leaving the average American to suffer from rising inflation and a shrinking economy.

Notable Quotes:

• Ben Meiselas:
  "Donald Trump announced a fake deal with the United Kingdom today... Unless you're in the 1% or the 1% of 1%, inflation's on the rise again." [00:00]

• Donald Trump (via transcript):
  "You better go out and buy stock... Senator Schumer's become a Palestinian." [09:10]

Discussion Points:

• Tariffs and Trade Deficits:
  Ben emphasizes that the UK's trade with the U.S. constitutes less than 2%, questioning the efficacy of the so-called deal. He highlights the ongoing trade and budget deficits, projecting a potential increase of up to $25 trillion due to GOP budget plans.

• Market Manipulation:
  The claim that Trump’s announcements temporarily boost the stock market is decried as deceptive, with Ben asserting that real economic indicators like GDP and housing affordability are deteriorating.

2. Economic Downturn: Inflation and Trade Deficits

Timestamp: [10:06] – [37:12]

Overview:
The brothers delve deeper into the economic issues plaguing the United States, particularly focusing on rising inflation, increasing trade deficits, and shrinking GDP. They critique Treasury Secretary Scott Besant for his inability to clearly address who bears the burden of tariffs, portraying him as incompetent and complicit in the administration's misleading narratives.

Notable Quotes:

• Brett Meiselas:
  "These Republicans are always concerned about the optics. How about don't be so concerned about the optics and be concerned about the fact that you're actually trying to take away people's health care." [02:55]

• Ben Meiselas:
  "US trade deficit surges 14% to record high of 140.5 billion... the Trump regime's basically fired all of the IRS auditors." [06:08]

• Brett Meiselas:
  "If you're not very handy like I am, just go trust them. They come into your house... And you're going to regret it." [30:39]

Discussion Points:

• Tariffs as Regressive Taxes:
  The group explains that tariffs are effectively regressive taxes, disproportionately affecting small and medium-sized businesses and consumers rather than large corporations.

• Government Accountability:
  Ben criticizes Besant’s evasiveness during congressional hearings, suggesting a deliberate attempt to obfuscate the true impact of tariffs on American consumers and businesses.

• Economic Indicators:
  The hosts discuss various economic indicators, such as mortgage rates rising to 7%, housing becoming less affordable, and inflation not being under control, contrasting these realities with the administration’s optimistic rhetoric.

3. Election of the First American Pope – Pope Leo XIV

Timestamp: [37:12] – [71:03]

Overview:
Jordy leads the conversation into the unprecedented election of Cardinal Robert Prevost as Pope Leo XIV, the first American Pope. They explore his past criticisms of Trump and his progressive stances, which have incited backlash from MAGA supporters. The brothers analyze the discord between traditional Catholic values and the MAGA ideology, highlighting the tension this new papacy creates within the conservative base.

Notable Quotes:

• Jordy Meiselas:
  "This bishop who's part of Donald Trump's religious council... if an American pope were to ever be appointed, it would demonstrate the view by the Vatican that America is in decline." [00:00]

• Brett Meiselas:
  "The MAGA propagandists are lashing out because the concept of faith and their ideology, where their religion, let's face it, is MAGA." [64:56]

• Ben Meiselas:
  "The new pope had previously made lots of posts very critical of Donald Trump and J.D. Vance." [04:35]

Discussion Points:

• Pope Leo XIV's Background:
  The new pope, from Chicago, has a history of advocating for immigrants and opposing Trump’s policies. His selection is interpreted by some as a sign of America's political decline.

• MAGA Backlash:
  MAGA supporters react vehemently, branding Leo XIV as a "woke Marxist" and questioning his American identity despite his election. This reaction underscores the deep ideological divides within the country.

• Contradiction Between Faith and Politics:
  The hosts highlight how MAGA's intertwining of religious loyalty with political allegiance to Trump creates conflicts when religious leaders like the pope express differing views.

4. Internal Conflict Among MAGA Republicans Over Budget Reconciliation

Timestamp: [37:12] – [75:21]

Overview:
The podcast addresses the internal strife within the MAGA Republican faction over the proposed budget reconciliation bill, which aims to gut Medicaid. Brett and Ben discuss how different factions within the party are at odds, with some wanting to cut Medicaid while others fear the electoral backlash of doing so.

Notable Quotes:

• Ben Meiselas:
  "The GOP budget that is going to explode the deficit by trillions and trillions of dollars... Trump regime central planning is telling you what you can buy and not buy." [06:18]

• Brett Meiselas:
  "The irony of the party who's always calling everything communist, the of that coming from them is just very apparent to me." [04:17]

• Ron Johnson (Council Clip):
  "No, no, there's no way. Because again, unfortunately, President Trump chose the one big beautiful bill." [60:53]

Discussion Points:

• Medicaid Cuts:
  The proposed reconciliation bill seeks to eliminate Medicaid, leading to significant disagreement within the MAGA Republicans. Some fear losing voter support, while others push for aggressive cuts.

• Senate vs. House Reconciliation Bills:
  The Senate Republicans, including Ron Johnson from Wisconsin, express strong opposition to the House's version of the bill, predicting it will never pass the Senate.

• Deficit Concerns:
  Ben forecasts that the GOP budget plan could inflate the national deficit by up to $25 trillion, exacerbating economic instability.

5. Government Maladministration and Failure to Govern

Timestamp: [37:12] – [75:21]

Overview:
The brothers critique the Trump administration’s inability to perform fundamental governmental functions, such as submitting budgets, and the incompetence of key officials like FBI Director Cash Patel and Commerce Secretary Scott Besant.

Notable Quotes:

• Ben Meiselas:
  "You have to just pass a budget. This is what every Congress and president needs to do each year." [32:17]

• Brett Meiselas:
  "Sean Duffy... shefest effing Semen br. It's okay." [30:39]

• FBI Director (Clip):
  "I'm working with my interagency partners to do this and get you the budget that you are required to have." [46:13]

Discussion Points:

• Budget Submission Failures:
  The FBI Director failed to submit the required FY 2026 budget request on time, demonstrating negligence and a lack of accountability.

• Appointment of Incompetent Officials:
  Brett highlights the appointment of Judge Jeanine Pirro as interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, criticizing her lack of relevant legal experience and her background as a Fox News host.

• Impact on Governance:
  The administration's failure to manage basic governance tasks like budget submissions and competent appointments is portrayed as a direct threat to national stability and effective governance.

6. Media Manipulation and Public Perception

Timestamp: [37:12] – [75:21]

Overview:
The podcast critiques how the Trump administration leverages media outlets like Fox News to manipulate public perception, portraying themselves as successful amidst underlying economic and political turmoil.

Notable Quotes:

• Brett Meiselas:
  "Sometimes you got to shoot your shot once every few, you know, you connect." [13:24]

• Ben Meiselas:
  "If the tariffs are working so well against China... there's nothing intellectual going on." [73:10]

• Ben Meiselas:
  "Pope Leo XIV was already very close with Pope Francis, shares a lot of his beliefs... MAGA propagandists are lashing out." [64:56]

Discussion Points:

• Use of Media for Propaganda:
  The hosts argue that the Trump administration uses Fox News as a tool for regime media, blurring the lines between news reporting and governmental propaganda.

• Market Manipulation Claims:
  Brett accuses Trump of using statements about fake trade deals to temporarily boost the stock market, only for it to subsequently plummet, manipulating investor confidence.

• Public Distrust:
  The cumulative effect of misleading narratives and incompetence fosters widespread distrust among the American populace, exacerbating societal divisions.

7. Reactions to the New Pope and MAGA's Response

Timestamp: [37:12] – [75:21]

Overview:
The brothers analyze the negative reactions from MAGA supporters to the election of Pope Leo XIV, attributing the backlash to the pope's progressive stances and his critiques of Trump.

Notable Quotes:

• Brett Meiselas:
  "Laura Loomer called him a woke Marxist pope... it just hurts as someone who deeply loves this country." [44:39]

• Jordy Meiselas:
  "They just have to view everything through the lens of what does Donald Trump think about this? I must be loyal to my leader." [71:25]

Discussion Points:

• Ideological Clash:
  Pope Leo XIV’s tweets promoting Christian tenets and criticizing Trump provoke hostility among MAGA adherents, who view him as antithetical to their beliefs.

• SMEARGING of Religious Figures:
  MAGA commentators label the pope with derogatory terms like "woke Marxist," aiming to discredit him despite his genuine religious and humanitarian messages.

• Impact on Catholic Community:
  The polarization extends to the Catholic community, where traditional religious values are being overshadowed by political conflicts, leading to internal strife and diminished respect for the Church’s leadership.

8. Conclusion: The State of American Governance and Society

Timestamp: [75:21] – [77:14]

Overview:
The episode concludes with the brothers reiterating their concerns about the Trump administration's negative impact on American governance and societal cohesion. They emphasize the importance of truth, accountability, and common sense in leadership to avert further economic and political decline.

Notable Quotes:

• Ben Meiselas:
  "They just want us to use our logic and our basic humanity, you know, and common sense to say, we know where this is headed." [75:21]

• Brett Meiselas:
  "This is very obvious, and that's why they are working overtime... to hide the simple facts from the public." [75:21]

Final Insights:

• Need for Honest Leadership:
  The hosts call for leaders who are transparent, honest, and willing to confront issues head-on rather than resorting to manipulation and deceit.

• Importance of Accountability:
  Emphasizing the role of the American people and independent media in holding the government accountable to prevent further erosion of democratic values.

• Support for Democracy:
  The MeidasTouch Network positions itself as a bastion for democratic support, encouraging listeners to stay informed and resist manipulative narratives.

Closing Remarks:
The Meiselas brothers urge their audience to remain vigilant against governmental manipulation and to support democratic institutions. They encourage engagement through their platforms and promote their content for continued updates and discussions on pressing national issues.

Call to Action:
Listeners are invited to subscribe to their Substack at midasplus.com, support via Patreon, and visit [store.midas touch.com](https://store.midas touch.com) for merchandise. They also promote upcoming livestreams and sponsor products as part of their community engagement strategy.

Disclaimer:
This summary captures the key discussions and viewpoints expressed in the podcast episode as per the provided transcript. It reflects the perspectives of the hosts and does not constitute an endorsement or critique of the opinions presented.