The MeidasTouch Podcast: Rep. Chris Pappas Discusses Trump’s Disaster Shutdown
Episode Date: November 1, 2025
Host: MeidasTouch Network (Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas)
Guest: Rep. Chris Pappas (D-NH), U.S. Senate candidate

Episode Overview

This episode features an in-depth discussion about the fallout from the Trump administration’s government shutdown, the resulting policy challenges facing Americans, and the broader issues of leadership, truth, and accountability in Washington. Rep. Chris Pappas of New Hampshire joins the hosts to dissect the shutdown’s impact on constituents, especially regarding health care and food assistance, and to outline his Senate campaign in a critical battleground state.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Trump’s Shutdown and MAGA Republican Dysfunction

• Host Commentary (00:00–03:49):

  • The brothers open by lambasting MAGA Republicans for the government shutdown, highlighting their chaotic leadership and misplaced priorities.

  • Clips are played of Trump allies attempting to defend their actions, criticized for “cruelty and incompetence.”

  • Notably, Rep. McClain is mocked for her unclear messaging and seeming focus on pleasing Trump over constituents.

  • Discussion of Treasury Secretary Scott Besant’s “parallel prosperity” promise is greeted with sarcasm—pointing out how Wall Street has thrived while everyday Americans struggle.

    “Maybe the 22 trillion fake dollars that Donald Trump talks about bringing in, it'll just trickle down. Maybe the billionaires will just trickle down their breadcrumbs on all of us. Won't that be great?” — Ben (02:20)

  • They call out a deal with China involving soybeans, noting it is less advantageous than what existed previously, and criticize sacrificing technological leadership for hollow trade announcements.

2. Health Care Premiums Crisis

• ACA Subsidies Expiring (03:49–05:48):

  • The group spotlights misleading statements from figures like Dr. Oz about the impending rise in health care premiums if ACA (Affordable Care Act) subsidies expire.

  • Hosts cite contradictory data: while some claim only a minor rise (“just $50”), real evidence and notices show families facing thousands in increased costs.

    “That seems to be different than the notices that people are getting which shows that some families are going to pay $24,000 more.” — Ben (04:54)

Interview: Rep. Chris Pappas (D-NH)

3. Real World Impact in New Hampshire

• Pappas on Trump’s Lies and Incompetence (05:48–07:24):

  • Pappas emphatically refutes Trump administration messaging about “defeated inflation” and affordable health care.

  • Cites sobering numbers for his state: a family of four earning $64,000 would see their premium triple without ACA aid; 75,000 families risk losing food assistance because of inaction in Washington.

    “It’s lies, it’s incompetence, and it’s not meeting the moment for the people that I represent here in the state of New Hampshire... The health and wellbeing of our constituents—nothing could be more important.” — Rep. Chris Pappas (05:48)

4. Dysfunctional House Leadership

• Accountability, Transparency, and Party Responsibility (07:24–12:45):

  • The hosts criticize Speaker Mike Johnson for keeping the House closed since September 19, arguing this worsens constituents’ struggles.

  • Pappas expands, blaming Republican leaders for dodging responsibility and prioritizing party over people:

    “The reality is things are getting more expensive...you pay all of that out of your same pocket. And families are financially stressed right now.” — Rep. Chris Pappas (08:31)

  • They argue Democrats show up for their voters—holding town halls and addressing tough questions—while MAGA Republicans “run from their constituents.”

    “If you pull back and just look at who wants to do this in front of the public…you come to an answer of who's just behaving, like, responsibly, like grownups.” — Ben (11:13)

5. The Fight for Transparency and Checks on Power

• Gerrymandering and Accountability:
  • Pappas warns of Republican efforts to “gerrymander their way into a permanent majority” and force unpopular policies.
  • He calls on Democrats to persist in pressing for debate and real representation, promising that the upcoming election serves as a chance for voters to hold Republicans accountable.

Rep. Chris Pappas’ Senate Campaign

6. Senate Race in New Hampshire (12:45–15:31)

• Campaign Update:

  • Pappas shares insights into his Senate bid, noting New Hampshire’s unique “purple” status and the tough competition against Republicans like John Sununu and Scott Brown.

  • He frames the Republican challengers as out-of-touch, “failed candidates” whose policy histories are damaging to voters' interests.

  • Stresses the stakes: the outcome could determine control of the Senate and the country’s ability to enforce checks on Trump’s administration.

    “They’re looking to the past. They’re putting up failed candidates who represent failed ideas that help create some of the very problems that we’re facing today.” — Rep. Chris Pappas (13:25)

    “We’ve got to make sure…we’re also working incredibly hard to reestablish the checks and balances that are just missing right now.” — Rep. Chris Pappas (12:30)

• Where to Learn More:

  • ChrisPappas.org and Pappas’s social media are promoted for campaign info and involvement.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Trump’s “Golden Age” Claims:

  “Donald Trump can say a thousand times that we’re in a golden age…but anybody knows when you go to the grocery store…beep, beep, beep, it feels like a heart monitor because you’re like, I don’t know how I can afford this.” — Ben (08:10)

• On Congressional Dysfunction:

  “The House and Senate...are considered the world’s greatest deliberative body. But if they’re not even deliberating, then people are left behind.” — Rep. Chris Pappas (11:42)

• On Accountability and Next Steps:

  “If Republicans won’t work with us…there’s going to be an election where they're going to be held accountable by the people of this country...And so Washington needs a reality check.” — Rep. Chris Pappas (12:35)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:00] – Opening: MAGA Republicans and the shutdown
• [03:49] – Health care premium increases, ACA discussion
• [05:48] – Rep. Chris Pappas interview begins
• [07:24] – Food assistance crisis and impact on families
• [08:31] – Real cost of living in New Hampshire
• [11:21] – Lack of Republican town halls, transparency issues
• [12:45] – Positive Senate campaign vision
• [15:07] – How to get involved with Pappas’ campaign

Summary

This episode delivers a spirited critique of Trump-era Republican leadership during the government shutdown, scrutinizing the administration’s economic spin and lack of support for ordinary Americans. Rep. Chris Pappas provides a ground-level look at how these failures impact real lives, especially amid health care and food insecurity. The discussion underscores a call for transparency, competent governance, and renewed checks and balances—with the stakes of the next election front and center.

Listeners are encouraged to visit ChrisPappas.org to follow or support his campaign.