Podcast Summary: The MeidasTouch Podcast

Episode: Newsom Brings the House Down to End Trump’s Term
Date: October 26, 2025
Hosts: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas

Episode Overview

This episode spotlights California Governor Gavin Newsom’s passionate opposition to Donald Trump’s administration and its recent efforts to influence midterm elections, national tariffs, and social policy. The Meiselas brothers showcase Newsom’s viral speech at San Jose SEIU Local 2015, discuss his bold use of social media, and analyze his broader campaign of resistance against what they frame as Trump’s anti-democratic moves. The episode combines serious political commentary, viral moments, and signature Meidas banter, engaging listeners with direct quotes, context, and analysis.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Gavin Newsom’s Viral Speech in San Jose

• Location: SEIU Local 2015 meeting, San Jose

• Newsom brings energy and “moral clarity,” with the crowd responding enthusiastically as he addresses California’s response to Trump’s attempts to “rig the midterms” via redistricting.

• Newsom loses his microphone but powers through, underscoring his resolve and the urgency of the moment.

  Notable Quote:

  “The future is not something to experience, it’s something to manifest. The future's inside of every single one of you... Let's get out, let's knock on doors, let's make phone calls and let's send a message to Donald Trump. Hell no. We're done.”
  — Gavin Newsom (03:13)

• Newsom criticizes Trump’s expectation of passivity from the opposition and stirs the crowd to activism.

  Notable Quote:

  “They thought we were going to do nothing, sign a petition... They did not expect this campaign. We are fighting fire with fire. We are fighting back and we will win.”
  — Gavin Newsom (04:21)

• He frames California as not just fighting for itself, but for the values of American democracy more broadly (“popular sovereignty, the rule of law, not the rule of God”).

2. Newsom’s Social Media Offensive Against Trump

• Newsom channels humor, sarcasm, and outrage to attack Trump’s personal enrichment and priorities:

  • Criticizes Trump’s “golden ballroom” project, escalating cost, and alleged misuse of donor funds.
  • Accuses Trump of sidelining critical needs (health care, food aid) in favor of vanity projects.
  • Suggests Trump’s neglect of food aid will leave 42 million Americans without SNAP benefits during a government shutdown.

  Notable Social Post (paraphrased, 05:29):

  “America’s favorite governor”—mocking Trump’s ostentatious spending—“No health care for you, but a gold ballroom for him. Epstein invited to party later this year? ...Throw Dollar Store Don and his fake gold out. Democracy!”

3. Economic and Social Fallout from Trump’s Policies

• Trump’s tariffs are blamed for:

  • Crippling American farmers (quoting Fox News: “Combines sit idle and bins overflow with unsold grain,” corn and soybean prices tanking, input costs climbing).
  • Costing businesses and consumers $1.2 trillion this year, largely falling on everyday Americans.

• Newsom files a case at the Supreme Court contesting Trump’s assertion of dictatorial power via tariffs.

  Quote:

  “Good Newsom is taking Trump's illegal tariffs to the U.S. Supreme Court. Congress never gave Trump the power. Americans and small businesses are paying the price.”
  — MeidasTouch commentary (09:50)

• Direct Economic Impacts:

  • US debt hits record $38 trillion.
  • Food insecurity and health insurance crises loom as shutdown disrupts aid (SNAP and CalFresh) and ACA subsidies.
  • Newsom dispatches the California National Guard to assist food banks.
  • Health care premiums projected to spike dramatically in states like Colorado and Pennsylvania.

• Memorable Moment:
  Newsom directly attributes the escalating crises to Trump’s administration, both rhetorically and via executive action.

4. Federal Interference and Voter Suppression

• Trump’s administration moves to send DOJ “election monitors” to California and New Jersey for a state constitutional amendment vote on redistricting. Newsom denounces this as voter intimidation and an overreach by the federal government.

  Quote:

  “The U.S. Department of Justice has no business or basis to interfere with this election. This administration has made no secret of its goal to undermine free and fair elections. Deploying these federal forces appears to be an intimidation tactic meant for one thing: suppress the vote.”
  — MeidasTouch summary of Newsom statement (09:50-13:48)

• Newsom appears in a video (played during the episode) warning of a broader plan to undermine electoral integrity nationwide.

  Notable Quote:

  “So today, the Trump administration announced they’re sending election monitors to five specific counties here in the state of California. They have no business doing that... This is about voter intimidation. This is about voter suppression. Period. Full stop.”
  — Gavin Newsom (13:48)

• He draws a parallel between federal tactics used at the border and their application at the polls, warning of a “chill” or chilling effect on turnout.

5. The Trump Effect: Costs & Consequences

• Detailed statistics on rising costs under Trump:

  • Beef, coffee, electricity, automobiles, and health insurance premiums are all costing Americans more.

  Quote:

  “Donald Trump has done nothing but make America more expensive. Inflation is up. Beef prices are at an all-time high. Coffee prices are up 20.9%... The Trump effect. The total U.S. debt officially crossed $38 trillion for the first time in history.”
  — MeidasTouch (14:45)

• Newsom fast-tracks $80 million to California food banks in response.

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• Newsom’s No-Mic Moment in San Jose:
  “The mic? I don’t need a damn mic.” (03:13)

• Condemnation of Trump’s Political Strategy:
  “They do not believe in fair and free elections... Our republic, our democracy is on the line. We all need to wake up.”
  — Gavin Newsom (14:09-14:45)

• Satirical Social Media Attack:
  “Epstein invited to party later this year? Question mark. It’s time to return this sad party City Putin palace and the discount dictator focused on decorating.” (05:29)

Timeline of Major Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | Highlights | |-----------|-------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------| | 02:33 | Newsom’s speech at SEIU Local 2015 | Viral mic-drop moment, calls to action | | 03:51 | Newsom walks the crowd, fiery rhetoric | “We are fighting fire with fire… we will win.” | | 05:29 | Newsom’s social media tirade | Mocking Trump’s spending, attacking neglect on health/food issues | | 08:34 | “Farmageddon” and rural economic impacts | Fox quote, direct blame on tariffs, farm crisis statistics | | 09:50 | Tariffs, Supreme Court, National Guard | Lawsuit against tariffs, emergency deployment for food relief | | 13:48 | Newsom’s anti-voter suppression video | Strong condemnation of DOJ “election monitors” | | 14:45 | Economic costs of Trump’s term | Rapid inflation, health care crisis, rising national debt |

Tone & Style

• Language: Energetic, direct, often sardonic—typical Meidas style.
• Overall Vibe: A blend of urgent warning, activation of listeners, pointed humor, and brotherly banter. The hosts pull no punches in their criticism while making complex policy accessible.

Summary

This episode is a showcase of California Governor Gavin Newsom’s deepening confrontation with Donald Trump’s administration. It covers his electrifying address to union supporters, his scathing online presence, the legal and policy battles on tariffs and redistricting, and a passionate defense of democracy amid rising authoritarian tactics. Throughout, the Meidas brothers amplify Newsom’s calls to action, provide sobering data on economic turmoil and social hardship, and inject their trademark humor to keep listeners engaged, informed, and ready to act.

For more, catch new episodes every Tuesday and Friday, plus breaking news updates daily on the MeidasTouch Network.