The MeidasTouch Podcast

Episode: Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi Discusses Fight Against Trump and GOP

Release Date: January 9, 2026
Host: MeidasTouch Network (Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas)
Guest: Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (Democrat, Illinois)

Overview

This episode centers on escalating tensions in Congress amid a dramatic shift in Democratic strategy: rather than remain on the defensive against Trump-led MAGA Republicans, Democrats are aggressively calling out abuses of power, highlighting ongoing authoritarian trends, and fiercely defending democratic values. The show features key moments from recent Capitol Hill hearings, with passionate speeches by several Democratic members, and a deep-dive interview with Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi about legislative pushback against the Trump administration’s policies—particularly on Venezuela, ICE’s conduct, and domestic priorities. The tone combines urgency, outrage, and the Meiselas brothers’ signature blend of comedic banter and sharp analysis.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Democratic Offense in Congressional Hearings

[00:00-14:27]

• Democrats Flip the Script:
  The brothers share clips of prominent Democratic lawmakers forcefully confronting GOP talking points and the actions of the Trump administration during recent hearings, contrasting traditional caution with a bold, direct approach.

• Jasmine Crockett’s Emotional Appeal [00:51–03:14]:

  • Rep. Crockett denounces Republican indifference after ICE killed Renee Nicole Good, a U.S. citizen, in Minneapolis.
  • She challenges GOP members’ lack of “decency or heart or courage” and mocks their sensitivity to “F-bombs” during debates about real-life violence.
    • Quote:
      “A child has lost her mom, and y'all want to pretend that it is okay... Can y'all not just have a little bit of courage and humanity?” — Rep. Jasmine Crockett, [02:03]

• Jared Moskowitz Calls Out Kristi Noem [03:16–07:45]:

  • Rep. Moskowitz ridicules Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem for prioritizing image over substance, accusing her of incompetence and absence during critical oversight hearings.
    • Quote:
      “She looks ridiculous. She’s not just an embarrassment to the country, she’s an embarrassment to you and the president.” — Rep. Jared Moskowitz, [03:46]
  • He persistently demands a subpoena for absent officials, emphasizing GOP attempts to avoid transparency.

• Rep. Ansari on ICE Abuse and Authoritarianism [07:49–10:28]:

  • Rep. Ansari gives a powerful House floor speech condemning ICE for killing Renee Nicole Good and the Trump administration for framing the victim as a terrorist.
    • Quote:
      “ICE murdered a U.S. citizen… while a doctor stood by offering to help. The video of this tragedy is damning… This is what authoritarianism looks like.” — Rep. Ansari, [08:17]

• Colorado Retaliation—Rep. Negus on Trump’s Vindictiveness [10:28–14:27]:

  • Rep. Negus accuses Trump of “declaring war” on Colorado by vetoing bipartisan clean water legislation as retaliation for the state’s refusal to pardon an insurrectionist.
    • Quote:
      “It is important in this moment for members to support this override... We cannot let that become the new normal.” — Rep. Negus, [14:00]

2. Interview with Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi: Inside the Fight Against Trump’s GOP

[14:27–22:36]

Trump’s Authoritarian Moves and Democratic Strategy

• Legislative Pushback on Venezuela [15:04–19:13]:

  • Rep. Krishnamoorthi highlights Trump’s “outrageous” violation of the War Powers Act by escalating involvement in Venezuela; introduces the NOVA Act (No Occupation of Venezuela Act) with Rep. Joaquin Castro to block funding for any occupation.
    • Quote:
      “Democrats are doing two things: calling out these abuses of power... and linking it back to what’s happening at home—addressing the everyday concerns of working families.” — Rep. Krishnamoorthi, [15:04]
  • Criticizes the administration for neglecting Americans’ economic hardships while “engaging in reckless military adventures.”

• ICE, Military Overreach, and Outlandish Spending [16:23–17:54]:

  • Meiselas and Krishnamoorthi lambast ballooning military and ICE budgets, including Trump’s threats toward Greenland and massive oil subsidies for Venezuela and Argentina.
  • Democrats, they argue, are on the “right moral side” by focusing on domestic issues and accountability.

• Demand for Accountability on Police Violence [19:13–21:02]:

  • Krishnamoorthi expresses outrage over the Minneapolis killing of Renee Nicole Good, noting Democrats have moved to subpoena all video and documents in the case due to lack of trust in a Trump-administered investigation.
    • Quote:
      “Every time I see that video, it makes me so upset... an ICE agent stands in front of her windshield and shoots her in the face.” — Rep. Krishnamoorthi, [20:02]
  • Decries the administration’s knee-jerk smearing of victims and absence of oversight.

• GOP Fractures and Private Dissent [21:10–22:36]:

  • Krishnamoorthi reveals that some Republicans privately express serious misgivings about Trump’s leadership and that this is beginning to show up in some bipartisan votes (e.g., extension of ACA tax credits, Venezuela resolution).
    • Quote:
      “Are they publicly saying what they say privately? No, not for the most part. Some are, but most are not. But I think... people will start expressing their concerns more publicly and voting accordingly.” — Rep. Krishnamoorthi, [21:30]
  • Urges Democrats to work with emerging GOP dissenters to reestablish accountability.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

• “I didn’t come to Congress… to do things that are hurting people. I’m just asking if there’s any decency or heart or courage on that side of the aisle.”
  — Rep. Jasmine Crockett, [00:51]

• “She looks ridiculous. She’s not just an embarrassment to the country, she’s an embarrassment to you and the president.”
  — Rep. Jared Moskowitz, [03:46]

• “ICE murdered a U.S. citizen… This is what happens when the leader of a nation turns a federal agency into his personal paramilitary force.”
  — Rep. Ansari, [08:17]

• “We are here, unfortunately, profoundly, because the President has declared war on our state… Denying disaster assistance, freezing childcare, disaster assistance, food assistance, trying to dismantle a scientific institution… now denying access to clean water to 50,000 people.”
  — Rep. Negus, [12:44]

• “The longer that we go on, I think that people will start expressing their concerns more publicly and voting accordingly.”
  — Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, [21:30]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Intro & Theme Framing: [00:00–00:51]
• Jasmine Crockett’s Speech: [00:51–03:14]
• Jared Moskowitz on Noem: [03:16–07:45]
• Rep. Ansari’s House Floor Address: [07:49–10:28]
• Rep. Negus on Colorado Retaliation: [10:28–14:27]
• Rep. Krishnamoorthi Interview: [14:27–22:36]
  • Venezuela & NOVA Act: [15:04–17:54]
  • ICE, Policing, & Transparency: [19:13–21:02]
  • GOP Dissent: [21:10–22:36]

Tone and Style

Retaining the podcast’s mix of righteous indignation, urgent pro-democracy advocacy, and sarcastic yet earnest humor, this episode is a call for action and unity. Key voices on the left articulate a profound objection to the Trump regime’s policies and tactics—especially its turn toward authoritarianism, attacks on democratic norms, and prioritization of punitive state power over public welfare. The value of congressional oversight, principled resistance, and coalition-building—across party lines where possible—are recurring themes.

Summary Takeaway

Democratic leaders are escalating their response in Congress to authoritarian and extreme measures by the Trump administration, issuing unfiltered challenges to GOP rhetoric, demanding oversight and accountability, exposing political retaliation, and taking legislative steps to limit executive overreach. Rep. Krishnamoorthi’s interview reinforces the theme of rising Democratic unity, emerging fissures inside the GOP, and a renewed fight for democracy and justice amidst a turbulent political climate.