The MeidasTouch Podcast

Episode: Senator Schiff Responds to Trump’s Latest Threats
Date: September 21, 2025
Host: MeidasTouch Network (Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas)
Guest: Senator Adam Schiff

Brief Overview

In this episode, the Meiselas brothers sit down with California Senator Adam Schiff to discuss the state of democracy, the controversial leadership at the FBI under Trump’s administration (highlighting Cash Patel’s role as FBI Director), ongoing threats to the rule of law, attacks on free speech, and glimmers of hope amidst an increasingly fraught political climate. Schiff brings his sharp insight to current events, especially Trump’s latest threats, the politicization and gutting of federal agencies, and the role everyday Americans play in supporting democracy.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Cash Patel's Leadership at the FBI and Handling of High-Profile Cases

• The episode opens with sharp criticism of Cash Patel, described as an "Internet troll with no experience" now running the FBI, after embarrassing testimony before the Senate and House on handling the Epstein files.
• The brothers describe Patel's behavior as deeply humiliating not only for himself but for the nation, referencing Patel’s social media antics and memeing of violence against Democratic politicians.
• [02:17] Schiff directly cross-examines Patel, focusing on his refusal to release details regarding the Jeffrey Epstein files and the lack of credible investigation into Epstein's alleged clients:

  "So is it your testimony today that in all the Epstein files that Jeffrey Epstein trafficked no one to anyone but himself? Is that your testimony?" – Senator Schiff [03:26]

• Schiff highlights the implausibility of Patel’s claim that Epstein’s “client list” features only Epstein himself—a position undermining years of public discourse around the case.

2. Politicization and Retaliation within the FBI

• The discussion turns to concerns about the mass firing of experienced FBI agents, particularly those who worked on sensitive cases like Mar-a-Lago and January 6th.

  "We’re losing expertise and we’re gaining incompetence… we’re making them essentially an immigration police force. This is a dangerous development for the country." – Senator Schiff [06:25]

• The hosts and Schiff note the demoralization of career FBI agents and the appointment of unqualified individuals to senior positions:

  "If I found out that a 22 year old intern… was now getting one of those senior positions… what’s Fugate running, domestic counterterrorism? I mean, I don’t even know how the morale exists at all in the FBI." – Host [07:39]

• Lawsuits reveal internal directives from Patel that investigating Trump would lead to termination, a potentially illegal act being perpetrated "anyway" with impunity.

3. Impact on Justice System and Prosecutions

• There’s a detailed analysis of how discrediting the FBI at leadership levels undermines court cases across the country—even those unrelated to Trump:

  "It’s already affecting their ability to prosecute cases… juries are not believing them because they think the FBI now is just essentially a political tool of the President." – Senator Schiff [08:37]

• Schiff stresses broader consequences for national security, as experts leave in droves and public trust in federal law enforcement plummets.

4. Economic Realities and Trump's Personal Gain

• The hosts pivot to the economy, referencing polling data that shows most Americans now view the economy as worse under Trump.
• Schiff highlights the stark contrast between promises of affordability and the reality of Trump’s personal enrichment:

  "He’s already made billions of dollars in the first eight months of this administration… it’s just graft." – Senator Schiff [12:50]

• Schiff lists examples of perceived corruption (e.g., settlements with CBS and ABC, acquisition of a third Air Force One from Qatari funds), underlining the disconnect between Trump’s wealth and Americans’ financial struggles.

5. Attacks on Free Speech and First Amendment Threats

• Focus shifts to FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr, whose social media posts and actions threaten press freedom and the independence of broadcasting:

  "Brennan Carr is now just another kind of anti-free speech pro-MAGA voice… trying to be censoring speech the President doesn't like." – Senator Schiff [15:25]

• Schiff explains how media mergers and FCC approvals are being leveraged for political retribution, illustrated by efforts to remove critics like Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert from the air.
• Legal actions (“propaganda filings masquerading as civil complaints”) against networks like CNBC and the New York Times are discussed as evidence of escalating attacks on the First Amendment.

6. Reasons for Hope Amidst Threats to Democracy

• The hosts and Schiff close on an optimistic note, discussing recent judicial pushbacks, public protests (such as the “No Kings Day” marches), and examples of bureaucrats, scientists, and ordinary people acting on conscience.

  "There are lots of heroes who are coming out every day and the American people, I think, are standing up every day." – Senator Schiff [18:55]

• Schiff encourages continued civic engagement, citing efforts in Chicago to support immigrant children, resignations of prosecutors refusing unethical orders, and outspokenness from fired CDC directors.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Schiff on Patel’s Epstein Testimony ([03:26]):

  "So is it your testimony today that in all the Epstein files that Jeffrey Epstein trafficked no one to anyone but himself? Is that your testimony?"

• On FBI Degradation ([06:25]):

  "We're losing expertise and we're gaining incompetence... making them essentially an immigration police force. This is a dangerous development for the country because it means really serious violent criminal cases, terrorism cases, counterintelligence cases, are not getting the staffing leadership they need right now." – Senator Schiff

• On the Economy ([12:50]):

  "He’s already made billions of dollars in the first eight months of this administration… it’s just graft. He’s just using the instruments of his office to grab money." – Senator Schiff

• On Attacks on Press Freedom ([15:25]):

  "Brendan Carr is now just another kind of anti-free speech pro-MAGA voice… trying to be censoring speech the President doesn't like." – Senator Schiff

• On Hope and Public Resistance ([18:55]):

  "There are lots of heroes who are coming out every day and the American people, I think, are standing up every day." – Senator Schiff

Important Timestamps

• [02:17–04:35]: Schiff cross-examines Cash Patel on Epstein files and client lists.
• [04:49–07:07]: Schiff discusses the dangers of Patel’s FBI leadership and deteriorating agency morale.
• [08:16–11:32]: Examination of impacts on the justice system, morale, and public trust.
• [12:39–14:15]: Focus on the state of the economy, Trump’s enrichment, and the policies driving hardship.
• [15:25–17:37]: Deep dive into FCC censorship and First Amendment threats.
• [18:07–19:54]: Optimism and examples of Americans resisting anti-democratic moves.

Conclusion

This episode delivers a sobering analysis of threats to American democracy and institutions under Trump, focusing on the politicization of the FBI, chilling attacks on free speech, and the self-enrichment of the president. Yet, Senator Schiff continually points toward resilience—courts, citizens, and dedicated public servants continue to stand up, offering real reasons for hope.

The MeidasTouch Podcast continues to blend sharp critique and humor with a clear-eyed defense of democratic values, making this episode a must-listen for those concerned about the future of American democracy.