The MeidasTouch Podcast

Episode: Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi Discusses Trump’s Major Failures
Date: January 16, 2026
Guests: Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL)
Hosts: Ben Meiselas, Brett Meiselas, Jordy Meiselas

Main Theme

This episode centers on the unraveling of support for former President Donald Trump within the Republican Party, the chaos and failures attributed to his current administration—especially on foreign policy and the economy—and Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi’s perspective on these crises. The discussion also highlights the stakes for working families and introduces Krishnamoorthi’s Senate campaign, framed through his personal story and his commitment to defending the American dream.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Trump’s Foreign Policy Outrage and GOP Splintering

• Republican Dissent on Greenland Invasion Threats

  • The hosts cite recent outcries from Republican Rep. Dan Bacon, condemning Trump's repeated threats to invade Greenland.
  • Bacon emphasizes bipartisan opposition to such reckless ideas, noting even impeachment is on the table should Trump pursue military action against an ally.
    • “Most Republicans know this is immoral and wrong and we're going to stand up against it.” — Rep. Dan Bacon [06:10]

• Congressman Krishnamoorthi’s Take

  • Krishnamoorthi agrees that the “breaking point” is near for many Republicans as Trump’s policies and behavior grow increasingly erratic.
    • “Greenland is one of those things that gets people basically saying, enough is enough. Enough with the chaos…” — Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi [08:28]

2. Economic Distress & Data Distrust

• Real-Life Economic Pain vs. Official Numbers
  • The hosts challenge the administration’s claims of an “economic miracle,” pointing out that reported inflation figures feel disconnected from the public's daily struggles.
  • Krishnamoorthi stresses that lived experience trumps official economic statistics:
    • “You go to the grocery store and it’s not a hoax. Everything is more expensive now… People are like, focus on my problems, not on your fantasies.” — Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi [10:51]
  • He highlights spiking prices across the board—groceries, rent, health care, and education—blaming Trump for failing to address or even acknowledge the affordability crisis.

3. Outrage at Trump’s Militarism and Dangerous Posturing

• Escalating Foreign Entanglements
  • The hosts recount Trump’s aggressive military actions, from Venezuela to Nigeria and threats about Iran.
  • Krishnamoorthi criticizes Trump’s empty promises to Iranian protesters and contradictory public statements:
    • “Donald Trump's words mean nothing, and we know that now. I don't think anybody should put a lot of stock in what he promises… It’s just so tragic that so many people were murdered, killed, gunned down by the Iranian regime.” — Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi [12:56]
  • Krishnamoorthi mentions his legislative efforts—specifically the NOVA Act to prevent U.S. occupation and exploitation in Venezuela and block endless foreign wars.
    • “We gotta avoid these foreign entanglements… You don’t need a lot of [Republicans]. You need some profiles in courage to stand up for what’s right and basically say no more wars.” — Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi [14:05]

4. Krishnamoorthi’s Senate Campaign & Personal Story

• Why He’s Running, What He Stands For

  • Krishnamoorthi frames his campaign around securing and extending the American dream, drawing on his journey from poverty as an immigrant to entering the middle class.
    • “Whatever you do, make sure it's there for the next families who need it. And that's become the mission statement of my life. That's my why.” — Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi [16:18]
  • He articulates the stakes: economic insecurity, rising costs, and Trump's threats to democracy and prosperity.
  • The campaign’s central focus: “move back to where working families and people want us to devote our attention, which is their economic uplift.” [17:18]

• Where to Find More

  • Krishnamoorthi invites listeners to learn about his campaign: www.rajaforil.com [17:26]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On GOP Opposition to Trump:

  • “I want to let him know that would probably be the end of his presidency.” — Rep. Dan Bacon on Trump’s Greenland threat [06:06]

• On Living Costs:

  • “Their health care premiums are skyrocketing right now in part because the ACA tax credits were not extended.” — Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi [10:54]

• On Trump’s Rhetoric:

  • “Me Tariff King. Me tariff king. Here, play this clip…” — Host Ben Meiselas parodying Trump [07:18]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [03:58] – Opening discussion: Trump’s focus on self-interest, not public good
• [05:14] – Republican Dan Bacon’s public warning against Greenland plans
• [07:06] – “Tariff King” Trump press conference lampooned
• [08:08] – Rep. Krishnamoorthi joins: comment on GOP fissures
• [10:07] – Real-world inflation and public frustration
• [12:56] – Trump’s failed foreign policy, NOVA Act, and Iran
• [15:47] – Krishnamoorthi on his Senate run and roots
• [17:26] – Where to find more on the campaign

Tone & Style

The conversation is lively, impassioned, and laced with the trademark MeidasTouch humor—especially when lampooning Trump’s self-aggrandizement. Krishnamoorthi maintains a sober, earnest demeanor, offering policy substance and personal narrative, while the brothers provide energetic, often biting commentary.

Summary for New Listeners

This episode offers an incisive look into a post-Trumpian GOP rift, daily struggles for Americans ignored by administration spin, and the hazards of impulsive foreign policy. Through Rep. Krishnamoorthi’s voice, it also provides a sincere vision for restoring opportunity and stability. For anyone worried about democracy, rising costs, and global entanglements, this is essential listening—equal parts warning and roadmap for what comes next.