Panicked White House Holds Disaster Presser Over War

Summary

Podcast Summary: The MeidasTouch Podcast - "Panicked White House Holds Disaster Presser Over War"

Episode Details:

• Title: Panicked White House Holds Disaster Presser Over War
• Release Date: June 21, 2025
• Host: MeidasTouch Network (Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas)
• Description: The MeidasTouch Podcast combines brotherly love, comedy, news coverage, and deep discussions about supporting democracy. This episode delves into the recent White House press conference led by Caroline Levitt, Donald Trump’s chief propagandist, concerning the potential for war with Iran.

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1. Introduction

The episode opens with a focus on a recent press conference held by Caroline Levitt, described as Donald Trump’s chief propagandist. Host Ben introduces Levitt’s disastrous performance in the White House, setting the tone for a critical analysis of her statements regarding the looming threat of war with Iran.

2. Caroline Levitt's Press Conference

a. Statement on Potential War with Iran

• Levitt’s Claim: Caroline Levitt read a statement from President Trump indicating that a decision on whether to engage in war with Iran would be made within "two weeks."
  • Timestamp [01:44]: "Based on the fact that there's a substantial chance of negotiations that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future, I will make my decision whether or not to go within the next two weeks."

b. Repetition of "Two Weeks"

• Host’s Critique: The host emphasizes the overuse of the "two weeks" timeframe by both Levitt and Trump, questioning its credibility.

  • Timestamp [02:18]: “So then a reporter asked her, you know, Donald Trump says two weeks about everything... How do we know that this two weeks is not just another made up two week thing by Donald Trump?”

• Levitt’s Defense: Levitt defends the two-week period by highlighting Trump’s efforts to handle international crises inherited from the previous administration.

  • Timestamp [02:41]: “Because of that American strength and the President's leadership, we have seen these two sides engage in direct negotiations... he is always interested in a diplomatic solution... but he's not afraid to use strength as well.”

3. Host's Analysis and Critique

a. Questioning the Efficacy of the Two-Week Window

• The host criticizes Levitt’s responses as evasive and attacks her logic by pointing out the lack of tangible outcomes within the promised timeframe.
  • Timestamp [04:03]: “How pathetic was that response?... These are the most pathetic, vile human beings.”

b. Examination of Past "Two Weeks" Promises

• The host references past instances where Trump’s "two weeks" promises did not yield substantial results, drawing parallels to current situations with Russia and Ukraine.
  • Timestamp [16:29]: “Two weeks or less... Now we're still two weeks away.”

4. Key Topics Discussed

a. Potential Military Action and Congressional Authorization

• Reporter’s Question: Whether Trump would seek Congressional authorization for military action.

  • Timestamp [05:12]: “If the US were to take some type of military action, would the president go to Congress to speak, seek war authority?”

• Levitt’s Response: Maintains the two-week decision window without providing specifics.

  • Timestamp [05:19]: “I'm not going to engage in hypotheticals... He'll make a decision within two weeks.”

b. Influence of MAGA Figures and External Pressure

• Host’s Assertion: Suggests that MAGA figures like Tucker Carlson and Marjorie Taylor Greene are influencing Trump’s decisions.

  • Timestamp [05:50]: “By the likes of Tucker Carlson, Marjorie Taylor Greene or the entreaties of European leaders who want a de escalation?”

• Levitt’s Statement: Emphasizes Trump’s reliance on his own instincts and diplomacy.

  • Timestamp [05:53]: “Look, the president hears all voices across the country and he makes decisions based on his instincts... diplomacy is his first option.”

c. Internal White House Dynamics and Leak Concerns

• Reporter’s Inquiry: Questions about a possible leak investigation related to meetings involving Trump and Fox hosts.

  • Timestamp [08:08]: “Is there a leak investigation? And can you say who else was in that meeting?”

• Levitt’s Response: Denies knowledge of any leaks and underscores the administration’s strict stance against them.

  • Timestamp [08:19]: “I am not aware of a leak investigation at this time... He takes that very seriously.”

d. Immigration and Sanctuary Cities

• Levitt’s Declaration: Announces intensified ICE operations targeting sanctuary cities to deport illegal criminals.
  • Timestamp [12:26]: “Illegal criminals who are hiding in America's largest so-called sanctuary cities will be increasingly targeted for removal.”

5. Host’s Commentary and Criticism

The host provides a critical analysis of Levitt’s statements, highlighting perceived inconsistencies and shortcomings in her responses. He mocks the repetitive nature of the "two weeks" promise and questions the administration’s transparency and effectiveness.

• Timestamp [05:12 - 05:19]: Host critiques the lack of concrete timelines and actionable plans behind Levitt’s assurances.

• Timestamp [14:40]: Host sarcastically juxtaposes Levitt’s "America First" doctrine with perceived hypocrisy in handling international relations and domestic policies.

6. Notable Quotes with Speaker Attribution

• Caroline Levitt:

  • [01:44]: “I will make my decision whether or not to go within the next two weeks.”
  • [05:53]: “...He is always interested in a diplomatic solution to the problems and the global conflicts in this world.”
  • [07:26]: “Trust in President Trump. President Trump has incredible instincts...”
  • [12:26]: “Illegal criminals who are hiding in America's largest so-called sanctuary cities will be increasingly targeted for removal.”
  • [13:09]: “Akin to a Trump doctrine, how would you define it? America first. Always.”

• Host:

  • [02:18]: “How pathetic was that response? She goes immediately into attacking former president President Biden.”
  • [04:03]: “These are the most pathetic, vile human beings.”
  • [16:35]: “Give us what is the actual date? What is the timeline?”

7. Conclusion

The episode concludes with the host reiterating the futility and repetitive nature of the "two weeks" promise made by both Caroline Levitt and Donald Trump. He underscores the lack of substantive information provided during the press conference and criticizes the administration’s handling of critical issues surrounding potential military action against Iran. The host encourages listeners to subscribe and engage with additional content for more in-depth analysis.

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Overall Insights:

• Repetition of Timelines: The frequent mention of "two weeks" without concrete follow-through undermines credibility and raises questions about the administration’s decision-making process.

• Diplomacy vs. Strength: While Levitt emphasizes a "peace through strength" approach, the host challenges the effectiveness and sincerity of this strategy, pointing to ongoing conflicts and lack of tangible results.

• Domestic Policy and Immigration: The focus on targeting sanctuary cities reflects a continuation of strict immigration policies, which the host critiques as punitive and politically motivated.

• Media Strategy: The episode highlights the use of press conferences and messaging by political figures to manage public perception, juxtaposed against critical analysis by the podcast hosts.

This detailed summary encapsulates the key discussions, critical viewpoints, and notable statements from both Caroline Levitt and the podcast hosts, providing a comprehensive overview for listeners who have not tuned into the episode.

Transcript

[Host]

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[Caroline Levitt]

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[Host]

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[Caroline Levitt]

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[Host]

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[Host]

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[Caroline Levitt]

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[Host]

Donald Trump's chief propagandist, Caroline Levitt just held a disastrous press conference in the White House. It's beyond parody. So she read a statement from Donald Trump about the potential for America to go to war with Iran. Do you know what she said? She said, Donald Trump will be deciding in two weeks. Yep. The old Donald Trump. Two weeks. Give me two more weeks. Two weeks for this, two weeks for that. Two weeks. This was the statement that she read.

[Caroline Levitt]

Play this clip now regarding the ongoing situation in Iran. I know there has been a lot of speculation amongst all of you in the media regarding the President's decision making and whether or not the United States will be directly involved. In light of that news, I have a message directly from the President and I quote, based on the fact that there's a substantial chance of negotiations that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future, I will make my decision whether or not to go within the next two weeks. That's a quote directly from the President for all of you today.

[Host]

So then a reporter asked her, you know, Donald Trump says two weeks about everything. He said two weeks he would decide if he would sanction Russia. Two weeks to decide what he was going to do with Ukraine. So how do we know that this two weeks is not just another made up two week thing by Donald Trump? Play this clip.

[Caroline Levitt]

There's still a substantial chance, is my question I'm not going to get into the reasoning and the rationale. The president believes that, but that's his position and he will make a decision within the next two weeks. Caroline, President Trump has said previously in regard to Russia, he's used this phrase about two weeks several times in terms of like, we expect like a two week deadline and then you get another two week deadline. How can we be sure that he's going to stick to this one on making a decision on Iran? Well, in those deadlines, as you've seen in respect to Russia, Ukraine, might I add, these are two very different complicated global conflicts, as you know, that the President inherited from our previous incompetent president in the weakness of the previous administration. And the President has spent a tremendous amount of time and effort cleaning up these crises that were caused by the last administration's just complete dereliction of duty on the world stage and American weakness. Now we have American strength again with respect to Russia and Ukraine. Because of that American strength and the President's leadership, we have seen these two, two sides engage in direct negotiations. And the last time the president said two weeks, you saw Russia and Ukraine have direct negotiations for the first time in years. And so the president is always interested in a diplomatic solution to the problems and the global conflicts in this world. Again, he is a peacemaker in chief. He is the peace through strength president. And so if there's a chance for diplomacy, the president's always going to grab it, but he's not afraid to use strength as well. I will add.

[Host]

How pathetic was that response? She goes immediately into attacking former president President Biden. And then she claims that Donald Trump saying two weeks about Russia led to some sort of negotiation between Ukraine and Russia, which never took place as Russia continues to escalate and kill innocent Ukrainians as President Zelensky has agreed to an unconditional cease fire, while Vladimir Putin has not. And she's saying that him saying two weeks was a brilliant strategy. These are the most pathetic, vile human beings. I mean, can you believe what I'm showing you right here? So then another reporter asks Caroline Levitt and says, well, is he going to go to Congress to ask for war powers authorization? You know what she says? Two weeks. Two weeks. Here, play this clip. The US Were to take some type of military action, would the president go to Congress to speak, seek war authority?

[Caroline Levitt]

I'm not going to engage in hypotheticals. I gave you the statement from the president. He'll make a decision within two weeks. Sure.

[Host]

Somebody else then asks a question. So is the Two week thing that you're saying was that influence because of pressure by Tucker Carlson and Marjorie Taylor Greene and other MAGA people who said that they would no longer support Donald Trump and if he committed American troops to war in Iran with Israel. She goes, all I can say to you is, you guessed it, two weeks to play this clip like that. Thank you. Thank you. To what extent is this two week.

[Caroline Levitt]

Delay with Iran the result of interventions.

[Host]

By the likes of Tucker Carlson, Marjorie.

[Caroline Levitt]

Taylor Greene or the entreaties of European leaders who want a de escalation? Look, the president hears all voices across the country and he makes decisions based on his instincts and he has always said diplomacy is his first option.

[Host]

And he's still planning to attend the NATO summit next week.

[Caroline Levitt]

He is, yes. We will be departing from Washington on Monday morning and hopefully we'll see some of you there.

[Host]

Akela, two weeks, that's. Then you have this person in the press pool says Rhino warmonger Lindsey Graham says that Donald Trump needs to go all in on an invasion of Iran. And what do you have to say about that? You know what her responses? Yes, two weeks. But you know what it also, what it also is? Trust Trump. I tell them, put your trust in Trump. Whatever dear leader says is right. Just trust whatever the hell he does. You don't believe me, here's what she says. We bring receipts. Play this clip. So Rhino warmonger Lindsey Graham, he recently called on the US to go all over.

[Caroline Levitt]

That's quite the lead to a question, right?

[Host]

What's your message to everyday Trump supporters? Not, not the Tucker Carlson's or other big names, but everyday Trump supporters, grassroots who voted for President Trump to stop the wars, rejected this in the primary, going into another war with voting against.

[Caroline Levitt]

Nikki Haley and they want to see.

[Host]

Non US involvement in this war. What's your message?

[Caroline Levitt]

Trust in President Trump. President Trump has incredible instincts and President Trump kept America and the world safe in his first term as president in implementing a peace through strength foreign policy agenda.

[Host]

So then another reporter over here says so a few weeks ago Tucker Carlson reported that Fox hosts like Mark Levin were in the Oval Office with Donald Trump pushing for the war with Iran and that Donald Trump is considering sending American troops because of that. What do we know about that? Is there a leak investigation? Here's what she says. Play this clip.

[Caroline Levitt]

Sure.

[Host]

A few weeks ago Tucker Carlson reported on a meeting between the President, Mark Levin and others of the White House. Is there a leak investigation? And can you say who else was in that meeting?

[Caroline Levitt]

I'm not aware of a leak investigation at this time. I for one, do not reveal details about the President's private meetings without his permission to do so. But certainly the President does not like when people leak. He takes that very seriously. This entire administration takes that seriously. And that's why you've seen at agencies, some of the cabinet secretaries have been given the authority by the President to let go of staff who are engaged in such leaks, especially those that risk American national security. Security.

[Host]

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[Caroline Levitt]

In implementing a peace through strength foreign policy agenda. And with respect to Iran, nobody should be surprised by the President's position that Iran absolutely cannot obtain a nuclear weapon. He's been unequivocally clear about this for decades, not just as president, not just as a presidential candidate, but also as a private citizen. In fact, I have some quotes for you. In 2011, President Trump said America's primary goal with Iran must be to destroy its nuclear ambitions. We cannot allow this radical regime to acquire a nuclear weapon that they will either use or hand off to terrorists. In 2015, the President said the problem is that Iran poses an existential threat to Israel, our Middle Eastern allies in the United States. And of course, the President has repeated that in his first term as president and his second term as president as well. That's why he was adamantly opposed to the disastrous Iranian nuclear agreement that was implemented by President Obama. And it's why he has given great latitude and given a lot of effort to achieving a diplomatic solution. But he's been very clear. Iran went for 60 days when he gave them that 60 day warning without coming to the table. On day 61, Israel took action against Iran. And as I just told you from the president directly, he has. He will make a decision within two weeks.

[Host]

So then of course, she needs to pivot to her next topic. And she says that illegal criminals are hiding in sanctuary cities. So we will be ratcheting up ICE invasions of blue cities. Here, play this clip.

[Caroline Levitt]

President Trump has directed all of our ICE officers to do everything in their power to carry out the single largest mass deportation operation in history. Illegal criminals who are hiding in America's largest so called sanctuary cities will be increasingly targeted for removal. Radical Democrats will no longer be allowed to shelter illegals who threaten public safety as part of their cynical efforts to expand political power, drain the American taxpayer and artificially lower wages and steal American jobs.

[Host]

She's asked, how would you define what a Trump doctrine is? And she goes, america first. Play this clip. When it comes to the President's position on foreign policy in general, is there.

[Caroline Levitt]

A phrase that the White House has coined?

[Host]

Is there a Trump doctrine? Does the President like to talk about this? Anyone here in the White House talking about this? And if so, if there is something.

[Caroline Levitt]

Akin to a Trump doctrine, how would you define it? America first. Always. And with that, I think I'll leave you. I know there's a lot of news in the world right now. As you know, our team is always here to answer your questions. And the president, I am sure, will take more questions from you guys at some point this week, as he always does in the effort of transparency. I appreciate your being here on a federal holiday. And we'll see you later. Thank you.

[Host]

She then attacks Democratic Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett.

[Caroline Levitt]

Let's play it really quick on Jasmine Crockett. She said, I believe that Trump supporters are mentally ill before calling for bipartisan support against the president. Can you respond to that? Especially considering she's a rising star in the Democrat Party right now. She is a rising star. It's quite something to behold, actually. I hope that she continues to be a rising star for the Republican Party at least. I think it's incredibly derogatory to accuse nearly 80 million Americans of mental illness. The last time I checked, Jasmine Crockett couldn't dream of winning such a majority of the public as President Trump did. And the America first movement, which President Trump has built is filled of hardworking patriots, the forgotten men and women, business owners, law enforcement officers, nurses and teachers. And middle America, as we all know from where you all grew up outside of this beltway. That's who makes up this president's movement. And Jasmine Crockett should go to a Trump rally sometime and she can see it for herself.

[Host]

And then without a shred of irony, that Donald Trump always says two weeks for everything. Two weeks for the health care plan. Remember that? I'm going to bring out that in two weeks. Two weeks for this, two weeks for that. The Fox headline now is Trump to make Iran decision within the next two weeks, given chance of negotiations. Levitt says, huh? I'm just trying to understand this all. So you leave the G7 with your allies there to run back to meet with the chief of staff of the Pakistani army after Pakistan invests in the Trump family crypto. You build two polls in the White House, the North and South Lawn because your poll numbers were doing atrociously. And Americans despise and detest and, and hate you. You start posting on social media, unconditional surrender. Now, you then say that you're not supportive of a cease fire, Unconditional surrender, exclamation point. You then say, we, as in we, the United States, are at war with Iran. In your post, we control the skies. You said, we have sent American military equipment. We, we, we. And now you're saying two weeks. Why don't you be an adult and address the American people and explain what the hell you are even talking about. But just so you can all see, I could show you thousands of these clips, but I don't want to. You know, the two week thing, here's what Trump said about Russia and Ukraine. Two weeks. Play this clip. You crushed President Putin, you know, in about two weeks. Is Ukraine doing enough to get this?

[Caroline Levitt]

I'd rather tell you in about two weeks from now, two weeks about President Putin. What is two weeks?

[Host]

Give us what is the actual date? What is the timeline?

[Caroline Levitt]

Two weeks or less.

[Host]

And if it's a little more at the time, I say, but you know.

[Caroline Levitt]

They'Re losing a lot of people. See those little dates up at the top? April 27th, May 19th. Today is May 28th. So two weeks. Two weeks. Two weeks. Now we're still two weeks away.

[Host]

There you have it, folks. Let me know what you think. Hit subscribe. Let's get to 5 million subscribers. Can't get enough Midas? Check out the Midas substack for ad free articles, reports, podcasts, daily recaps from Ron Filipkowski and more. Sign up for free [e-mail].