Podcast Summary: The MeidasTouch Podcast
Episode: Panicked WH Holds Disaster Presser Before Election Results
Date: November 5, 2025
Host: MeidasTouch Network (Ben, Brett, Jordy Meiselas)
Episode Overview
This episode covers a chaotic and widely criticized White House press conference led by Trump spokesperson Caroline Levitt on Election Day. The Meiselas brothers focus on Levitt's evasive answers about Trump's recent actions, including an unscheduled MRI, unsubstantiated election fraud accusations, delayed SNAP benefits, federal worker furloughs, and the administration’s increasing hostility toward mail-in voting. The hosts dissect these moments, expose contradictions, and highlight the administration's use of conspiracy, political threats, and misinformation—especially as the election results loom.
Key Discussion Points & Notable Segments
1. The White House’s Evasive Press Briefing (01:17 – 17:38)
Trump’s MRI and Health Speculations
- Levitt dodges specific questions about why Trump received an MRI at Walter Reed.
- Quote: “As the physical itself stated...the President is in optimal physical health. This was a follow up appointment...I can inquire further.” (Caroline Levitt, 01:17)
- Host Reaction: They criticize the lack of transparency and question why such a specific procedure is necessary if nothing is wrong.
- Host: “She’s not answering the question. An MRI isn’t routine. What’s being hidden?” (02:00)
Recycled Claims of Election Fraud in California
- Levitt doubles down on unproven claims about California’s voting system and teases potential executive orders.
- Quote: “It’s absolutely true that there is fraud in California’s elections. It’s just a fact…universal mail-in voting system which we know is ripe for fraud.” (Caroline Levitt, 02:21; repeated at 16:23)
- Quote: “If you want to deny that, I’m happy to provide all the evidence… I’d be glad to send that to you after this briefing.” (Caroline Levitt, 16:23)
- Host Reaction: The brothers highlight that Levitt provides zero evidence and only amplifies conspiracies.
- Quote: “That’s what losers like him do—just making up deranged election conspiracies.” (Host, 03:36)
- Reaction to Newsom’s response: “These are the ramblings of an old man that knows that he’s about to lose.” (Governor Newsom, paraphrased by Host, 03:36)
SNAP Benefits and Government Shutdown (04:37 – 10:20)
- Levitt claims the administration is complying with court orders on food assistance (SNAP), yet Trump’s own posts defy this.
- Quote: “We are complying with the court’s order. But…the President is referring to future SNAP payments.” (Caroline Levitt, 04:37)
- Trump’s own words: “SNAP benefits…will be given only when the radical left Democrats open up government…not before.” (Host quoting Trump, 05:21)
- Host Commentary: The hosts call out the hypocrisy: “Donald Trump’s the one withholding the SNAP benefits.”
- Follow-up by reporters leads to further dodging: “It’s going to take some time because Democrats have forced the administration into a very untenable position.” (Caroline Levitt, 10:20)
- Host summary: “No, it’s not that complicated. The benefits were supposed to go there. Make sure they go there.” (09:52)
Air Travel Crisis and Furloughed Workers (06:33 – 08:09)
- Levitt refuses to answer if air travel will be safe as the shutdown looms and air traffic controllers face furloughs.
- “The administration is encouraging Democrats to reopen the federal government so this chaos…stops.” (Caroline Levitt, 06:33)
- On backpay for furloughed workers: She offers no guarantees, only that “Republicans are talking about that with Democrats right now.”
- Host Question: “Why is it even open to discussion? If you are violating the law, there shouldn’t be a discussion. Furloughed workers should be receiving their back pay and they should keep their jobs.” (Host, 08:09)
The Binance Pardon and Crypto Messaging (11:57 – 13:30)
- Levitt claims Trump did not know the Binance founder he pardoned, insisting the pardon process is serious and about “correcting wrongs” of the Biden DOJ.
- “He means he does not have a personal relationship with this individual…That’s why we have a very thorough review process.” (Caroline Levitt, 12:14)
- Host Critique: “You take it so seriously, Caroline, that you don’t know the person’s name, really. Donald Trump doesn’t know who he is.” (13:30)
- Host points out ongoing turmoil in the crypto markets.
The Filibuster and Legislative Strategy (14:18)
- Levitt doubles down on removing the filibuster for GOP priorities, dismissing the risks if Democrats retake power.
- “Republicans need to play tough and they need to play smart...The filibuster is one means to doing that.” (Caroline Levitt, 14:18)
- Host Note: Points to the double standards and the willingness to break norms for short-term advantage.
Death of Dick Cheney (15:42)
- Levitt gives a rote, non-committal answer on White House involvement in funeral arrangements.
- “I don’t believe the White House is involved in that planning…flags have been lowered to half-staff.” (Caroline Levitt, 15:42)
2. Host Commentary – Exposing Contradictions & Adding Context
- Exposes the gaslighting and reality distortion by the Trump administration.
- Quote: “You saw what he said right there. So you have Caroline Levitt out there saying one thing. That’s what Trump’s saying.”
- Calls out the strategic use of misinformation to control the narrative during the heated lead up to election results.
- Highlights the impact on everyday Americans: The crisis around SNAP, ACA extensions, and air travel is not theoretical—millions face real consequences.
- “He’s withholding the Affordable Care Act extensions that are going to cause 20 million Americans to lose their health care.” (Host, 05:21)
- Frequently sarcastic, incredulous, and fueled by a sense of urgency to defend democracy and expose hypocrisy.
Memorable Quotes
- On Trump’s election fraud post:
- “He says the unconstitutional redistricting vote in California is a giant scam…again, just making up deranged election conspiracies. That’s what losers like him do.” (Host, 03:36)
- On SNAP benefits:
- “He does not want to have to keep tapping into an emergency fund and depleting it…Democrats should reopen the government.” (Caroline Levitt, 04:37)
- “[Trump’s post is] the classic move: Take food away from those in need and blame others for it.” (Host, 05:21)
- On the Binance pardon:
- “He was most interested in looking at pardoning individuals who were abused and used by the Biden DOJ.” (Caroline Levitt, 12:14)
- On the filibuster:
- “Republicans need to play tough…The filibuster is one means to doing that.” (Caroline Levitt, 14:18)
- On White House’s handling of SNAP court order:
- “Recipients…need to understand it’s going to take some time…” (Caroline Levitt, 10:20)
- “No, it’s not that complicated. The benefits were supposed to go there.” (Host, 09:52)
- On Trump’s unfiltered online rant:
- “Energy costs as an example, are plummeting. Getting close to $2 a gallon gasoline…Any Jewish person that votes for Zoran Mamdani…is a stupid person. I mean this guy is completely and utterly deranged.” (Host, quoting Trump, 17:38)
Major Timestamps
- 01:17: Start of disastrous WH press conference; Trump’s MRI question ducked
- 02:21 & 16:23: Levitt’s claims of CA election fraud, mail-in voting attacked, hints at executive order
- 04:37 – 10:20: SNAP benefits, government shutdown, mixed stories on payments, court orders
- 06:33: Air travel crisis, safety implications, and federal worker furloughs
- 11:57 – 13:30: Trump’s Binance pardon, crypto market collapse
- 14:18: Filibuster maneuvering and hypocrisy
- 15:42: White House response to Dick Cheney death
Takeaways for Listeners
- This episode offers real-time deconstruction of Trump administration talking points in a crisis moment.
- The Meiselas brothers balance fact-checking with biting humor and exasperation over current political tactics.
- It’s a deeply critical look at White House communications, focusing on the gap between official statements and reality.
- The Biden comparison, government shutdown impacts, and the growing threat to voting rights appear as urgent calls to action for listeners and voters.
For those who missed the episode, this summary encapsulates the chaotic press conference, the hosts' uncompromising critique, and the high stakes of the moment as the 2025 election unfolds.