The MeidasTouch Podcast Summary – Episode: Full Podcast - 8/15/25
Host: MeidasTouch Network
Release Date: August 15, 2025
Title: MeidasTouch Full Podcast - 8/15/25
1. Declining Approval Ratings of Donald Trump
Ben Meiselas opens the episode by highlighting a significant drop in former President Donald Trump's approval ratings. Citing a Pew Research poll, he states:
"Donald Trump's approval is absolutely plummeting. A new Pew Research poll shows that only 38% of Americans now support Donald Trump. That's going to start creeping, I think into the low 30s."
[00:43]
The discussion underscores Trump's waning popularity and its potential impact on his political influence.
2. Surge in Producer Price Inflation (PPI)
Ben presents alarming economic data:
"We got new inflation data out today on the inflation faced by wholesalers and it is surging well beyond any expectations... we're just seeing the producer price inflation PPI spiking to 3.7% year over year when the expectation was 2.9%."
[00:59]
Jordy Meiselas emphasizes the severity:
"The most unpopular president in modern history... producer price inflation PPI spiking to 3.7% year over year."
[03:18]
This spike indicates escalating costs for producers, which is likely to ripple through to consumers.
3. California Governor Gavin Newsom's Counteractions
Ben shifts focus to California Governor Gavin Newsom's proactive stance against Trump's policies:
"Finally, Democrats are fighting back, not just with talk, but with actions. That's what I loved about California Governor Gavin Newsom's press conference today."
[01:10]
Jordy elaborates on Newsom's initiatives:
"Gavin Newsom was holding this press conference to announce a ballot initiative in November about how California will now gerrymander to counteract what is taking place in Texas."
[04:26]
Newsom's move aims to use gerrymandering as a temporary measure to preserve democratic processes against perceived authoritarian threats.
4. Media's Disparate Treatment of Trump and Newsom
The hosts critique the media's inconsistent coverage:
Ben criticizes how media handles Newsom's aggressive tactics compared to Trump's similar behavior:
"Why all of a sudden have to play by a different set of rules than you're allowing Trump to escape by."
[18:10]
Adam Mockler adds:
"What Newsom is doing is cutting through. He's trolling Trump. He's getting his message out there incredibly effectively."
[12:39]
This section highlights perceived biases in media portrayal, suggesting a double standard in reporting similar actions by Trump and Newsom.
5. Trump’s Aggressive Policies and Language
Ben segues into Trump's recent press conferences, pointing out his erratic statements and policies:
"Donald Trump sent in the basically the military to harass and threaten Newsom... he's sending ICE agents here while we're talking about defending democracy."
[06:10]
Jordy echoes the sentiment:
"He wants to bring us back to a pre-1960s world. That's what this is all about. It's about power."
[04:26]
The hosts express concern over Trump's use of militarized law enforcement and authoritarian rhetoric.
6. Economic Impact of Tariffs and Rising Deficits
Ben dives deeper into economic issues exacerbated by Trump's tariff policies:
"Our budget deficit soars. New data shows that the deficit jumped 19% to $291 billion in July... the national debt soar past $37 trillion."
[67:10]
Adam Mockler likens the situation to a crisis:
"This is a crisis. This is as 5 alarm fire as you could possibly get in our country right now. This is the last stand, folks."
[13:05]
The discussion focuses on how tariffs have led to increased costs for American companies, bankruptcies, and a significant rise in the national deficit.
7. Trump’s Foreign Policy and Its Consequences
The podcast scrutinizes Trump's foreign policy decisions, particularly his dealings with Russia and Ukraine:
Ben critiques Trump's approach:
"He wants to bring Putin into America. He wants to remove sanctions and offer to give up parts of the United States to Putin."
[32:33]
Jordy reinforces the dangers:
"Nothing about this shit is normal at all. We need to stop pretending like it is."
[18:39]
The hosts argue that Trump's foreign policy is diluting America's international standing and compromising national security.
8. Gavin Newsom’s Aggressive Social Media Tactics
Ben addresses Governor Newsom's use of aggressive language on social media, mirroring Trump's style:
"Gavin Newsom is now trolling Donald Trump... why are you writing like that?"
[09:33]
Adam Mockler defends Newsom's approach:
"What Newsom is doing is cutting through. He's trolling Trump. He's getting his message out there incredibly effectively."
[24:33]
The conversation highlights the necessity of strong language in countering Trump's tactics and the media's inconsistent response to it.
9. Impact on U.S. International Relations
Ben discusses the deterioration of U.S. relationships with allies due to Trump's policies:
"Foreign countries and allies are either getting laughed at or looking away, finding new alliances."
[51:41]
Adam Mockler adds concern over the U.S.'s diminished leadership role:
"America is now either getting laughed at by our former adversaries or just our former allies and trading partners look at us with horror."
[51:41]
The hosts express worry over the weakening of U.S. alliances and the emergence of powerful blocs like BRICS.
10. Upcoming Initiatives and Tours
Towards the episode's end, the hosts promote their "Won't Back Down Tour":
"We're passing through Omaha, Nebraska, August 23rd. RSVP@won'tbackdowntour.com, show up."
[43:59]
They emphasize the importance of grassroots activism in combating Trump's influence and supporting democratic values.
Notable Quotes
-
Jordy Meiselas:
"You have the power to save democracy, not just in California, but all across the United States of America."
[04:26] -
Adam Mockler:
"This is a crisis. This is as 5 alarm fire as you could possibly get in our country right now."
[13:05] -
Ben Meiselas:
"Nothing about this shit is normal at all. We need to stop pretending like it is."
[18:39]
Conclusion
The MeidasTouch Podcast episode delves into the deteriorating political and economic landscape under Donald Trump's influence, emphasizing the urgent need for proactive measures to preserve democracy. Through sharp analysis and vigorous discussion, the hosts call for increased activism and awareness to counteract the challenges posed by Trump's policies and rhetoric. The episode serves as both a critique of current administrations and a rallying cry for listeners to engage in democratic defense.