The MeidasTouch Podcast: "Panicked White House Face-Plants in Presser by Little Kids" – May 21, 2025

In this compelling episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast, hosts Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas delve deep into a recent White House press conference that has sparked significant conversation and controversy. Titled “Panicked White House Face-Plants in Presser by Little Kids,” the episode offers a sharp critique of Caroline Levitt’s performance as the White House Press Secretary, particularly focusing on her interactions with young questioners and the broader implications for political transparency and accountability.

1. Caroline Levitt’s Press Conference: A Disastrous Performance

The episode kicks off with the hosts addressing a recent press conference held by Caroline Levitt, described as Donald Trump’s chief propagandist. Levitt’s attempt to engage with 10-year-old children to field questions about presidential policies quickly turns into a spectacle of ineptitude.

Notable Moments:

• Unprepared Responses: When a child asks, “Who is Donald Trump's favorite president besides himself?” (02:00), Levitt hesitates, responding ambiguously by mentioning George Washington. The Political Commentator critiques her limited knowledge, questioning whether Levitt genuinely understands broader presidential history or is simply parroting scripted lines.

  "Which income's favorite president besides himself? You think that's why she just says George Washington?" (02:30)

• Evasive Answers on Critical Topics: Levitt’s inability to convincingly address questions about Trump’s record leads to further scrutiny. For instance, when asked about the number of people Trump has fired, Levitt provides a vague answer, claiming minimal turnover without acknowledging the broader criticisms.

  "How many people has he fired thus far? Actually, we have not had anyone fired with the exception of one individual who did leave their job." (03:39)

• Climate Change Denial: The press secretary's response to questions about climate change is particularly telling. Levitt attempts to present Trump as environmentally conscious, but the Political Commentator counters by highlighting Trump's actual policies and skepticism towards climate science.

  "Donald Trump does not believe climate change is real. Tell them your view. Tell them that you believe climate change is a scam." (05:23)

2. Political Commentary and Accountability

Throughout the episode, the hosts leverage Levitt’s press conference to discuss larger issues of political responsibility and honesty. They argue that using children to deflect tough questions is a tactic to avoid accountability and manipulate public perception.

Key Points:

• Manipulation of Young Audiences: The choice to involve 10-year-olds is criticized as a strategy to present a facade of innocence while sidestepping substantive discourse on pressing issues like the budget deficit and climate change.

  "Why was Caroline Levitt doing a press conference with 10 year olds? Because they don't want to answer the questions." (06:00)

• Budget Bill Controversy: The discussion shifts to the contentious budget bill, highlighting Republicans' internal conflicts and concerns over adding $20 trillion to the deficit. The hosts emphasize the disconnect between Levitt’s sanitized messaging and the stark realities of fiscal policy.

  "This bill is going to add $20 trillion to debt over the next 10 years, which is three and a half to $5 trillion more than would have been deficit control." (08:59)

• Republican Leadership Scrutiny: The performance of Republican leaders like Senator Kim and Congressman Mike Lawler is examined, showcasing the fractures within the party regarding budgetary strategies and negotiations.

  "New York Republican Congressman Mike Lawlor... I do not support the bill." (12:00)

3. Trump’s Involvement and Fiscal Responsibility

The hosts delve into President Trump’s role in the ongoing budget negotiations, scrutinizing his understanding and actions regarding fiscal policies.

Illustrative Quotes:

• Trump’s Pitched Success: Levitt claims significant savings from the budget bill, attributing visionary economic growth to Trump’s leadership. However, the Political Commentator rebuts these claims by highlighting discrepancies and potential fraud in reported figures.

  "This bill does not add to the deficit. In fact, according to the Council of Economic Advisers, this bill will save $1.6 trillion." (12:43)

• Trump’s Questionable Negotiation Awareness: A clip reveals Trump’s apparent lack of awareness about ongoing negotiations, suggesting a disconnect between his public statements and behind-the-scenes legislative processes.

  "Trump was not even aware of what negotiations were taking place. He was asked a very basic question... and Trump's like, what negotiations?" (15:07)

4. Broader Implications for Democracy and Governance

The episode ties Levitt’s mishandling of the press conference to larger themes of democratic integrity and effective governance. The hosts argue that such performances undermine public trust and hinder meaningful political discourse.

Discussion Highlights:

• Subordination of Future Generations: By failing to address critical issues transparently, the administration is seen as jeopardizing the future livelihoods and health of young Americans.

  "Donald Trump and you are frauds, grifters, felons." (06:16)

• Impact on Essential Services: The conversation touches on the alleged firing of veterans, park rangers, and government workers, arguing that these actions have degraded essential public services.

  "You've deprived Americans of essential services that are absolutely needed." (04:00)

• Fiscal Mismanagement: The budget bill's implications for national debt and economic stability are scrutinized, pointing to potential long-term consequences for the country’s fiscal health.

  "This bill is going to add $20 trillion to debt over the next 10 years... which is three and a half to $5 trillion more than would have been deficit control." (08:59)

5. Conclusion and Call to Action

Wrapping up, the Meiselas brothers reiterate the importance of holding political figures accountable and promoting transparency in governance. They encourage their audience, the MeidasMighty, to stay informed and engaged in political processes to safeguard democracy.

"Ben Meisellis. This is the Midas Touch Network Hit subscribe. Let's get to 5 million subscribers." (18:18)

Insights and Reflections

This episode underscores the critical role of media in dissecting and challenging political narratives. By highlighting Caroline Levitt’s faltering performance, the Meiselas brothers emphasize the need for authentic and honest communication from those in power. The discussions on fiscal policy, political accountability, and the manipulation of public perception, especially involving vulnerable groups like children, serve as a wake-up call for listeners to critically evaluate the messages presented by their leaders.

Final Thoughts

The MeidasTouch Podcast continues to blend sharp political analysis with engaging brotherly banter, providing listeners with both entertainment and insightful commentary. This episode, in particular, stands out for its thorough examination of a high-stakes political event, offering valuable perspectives for anyone interested in the intersections of media, politics, and democracy.