The MeidasTouch Podcast
Episode: Sickly Trump Gets Pummeled as Flames Erupt
Date: August 21, 2025
Hosts: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas
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Episode Overview
This episode centers on the hosts’ ferocious critique of the Trump administration and its latest actions—both domestic and international—describing the regime’s policies as destructive, fascistic, and self-serving. The Meiselas brothers blend passionate political analysis with their trademark humor and candor, focusing on the current crisis in Ukraine, attacks on American democratic institutions, rampant corruption, and the public’s reaction to Trump and his allies’ performative authoritarianism.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Trump’s Weakness on Ukraine and Foreign Policy
[01:27 – 03:40]
- The show opens with a scathing indictment of Trump’s foreign policy, specifically regarding Ukraine and Russia.
- Trump’s promises of trilateral peace talks and ceasefires failed to materialize.
- Trump is accused of handing “the biggest propaganda win” to Putin by failing to enforce consequences or provide security guarantees.
- The hosts highlight the Trump administration’s firing of 40% of the U.S. intelligence workforce, allegedly benefiting Putin.
“Didn’t Donald Trump say that there was going to be a ceasefire or else there would be serious ramifications for Putin? Oh, that didn’t happen. Donald Trump just handed Putin the biggest propaganda win in recent Russian history.”
— Political Commentator, [01:38]
2. Domestic Authoritarianism and Public Backlash
[03:40 – 06:11]
- The brothers discuss the militarization of Washington, D.C., contrasting the Trump regime’s performative handlings of “threats” in liberal cities while ignoring actual crime in red states.
- Clips are played of protesters heckling J.D. Vance, Pete Hegseth, and Stephen Miller at Union Station in D.C.
- The commentary mocks the out-of-touch, alarmist rhetoric and gestures of Trump’s inner circle.
“What’d you think was going to happen, Trump regime? That we the people were just going to let your idiotic fascist march just stomp on? No, we’re gonna fight back against you idiots.”
— Political Commentator, [05:19]
3. Weaponization of Federal Agencies
[06:11 – 09:00]
- Trump is accused of installing loyalists to head governmental agencies, then leveraging them for personal vendettas.
- Example: Bill Pulte’s alleged use of mortgage documents from the Federal Housing and Finance Agency and Fannie Mae to target political opponents (e.g., Rep. Adam Schiff, Governor Locke).
“They look through the mortgage documents and they try to find … is there anything … slightly off, whatever it is. They take their political opponents’ mortgages … [and say] you’ve committed mortgage fraud … Then they refer you to the DOJ for prosecution.”
— Political Commentator, [06:49]
4. Economic Anxiety and Regime Corruption
[09:00 – 11:00]
- Inflation and affordability crisis are discussed, blamed on Trump’s economic mismanagement—skyrocketing daycare and energy costs, and destruction of alternative energy sources.
- Trump is accused of growing his personal wealth ($4 billion increase) via insider knowledge and leveraging White House power for personal financial gain.
“Donald Trump has destroyed all sources of energy other than, like, coal…”
— Political Commentator, [10:14]
“Donald Trump’s net worth has now increased by about $4 billion since taking office because he’s literally using the White House as a freaking grift machine right now.”
— Political Commentator, [10:41]
5. Governor Newsom’s Resistance and Trolling
[11:00 – 12:20]
- Governor Gavin Newsom is praised for standing up to Trump and for his viral, humorous “trolling” tactics.
- The hosts play and enjoy memes of Newsom, highlighting their viral impact.
“Newsom’s just daily trolling of Donald Trump. He calls Trump tiny hands, low IQ.”
— Political Commentator, [11:59]
6. Fox News, Russian Propaganda, and Public Opinion
[12:21 – 14:15]
- Comparison is drawn between Fox News coverage and Russian state media—a claim is made that Russian TV broadcasts direct clips from MAGA figures, especially positive descriptions of Putin.
- The hosts contrast the right-wing media’s glowing portrayals of Putin with their vilification of Democrats.
“For MAGA Republicans … Democrats … are scum, need to get rid of them. They use Nazi-like language … But Vladimir Putin—soft-spoken, articulate, interesting.”
— Political Commentator, [12:56]
- Public opinion on Trump’s economy is highlighted: only 38% approval, bankruptcies at historic highs, and major tech companies (Meta, Palantir) freezing hiring or losing value.
- The “AI bubble,” supply chain instability, and tariff-induced economic pain are discussed as symptoms of fundamental economic weakness.
7. Energy Policy and Failed Leadership
[14:15 – episode end]
- Trump's denigration of renewable energy and push for coal are criticized as regressive and damaging to both the economy and the country’s standing.
- The hosts enumerate Trump’s past business failures and frame the U.S. as the latest “bankrupt” project.
“America’s just going back to coal. Like, what the hell are we even doing here?”
— Political Commentator, [15:01]
“We have a madman, felon, sexual abuser, criminal running things, who’s bankrupted most of his companies in the past. He’s doing it with our country.”
— Political Commentator, [15:25]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “Show them zero respect. Here, play this clip and take a look at Stephen Miller there with zero pocket there to take a look.” — [04:02]
- Protesters shouting: “Bestie, show your face. … Be real proud of your job if you can’t show your face, sweetie. Armor the fascist unite.” — Protester/Activist, [04:51]
- “Trump goes after her. I mean, it’s just so utterly despicable. … It’s just the way they weaponize all of these agencies to go after all of their political opponents.” — [07:18]
- “Not here at the MeidasTouch Network. We will continue to call out this crap each and every day.” — Political Commentator, [15:40]
Timestamps for Important Segments
- 01:27 – Critique of Trump’s Ukraine and Russia policies
- 03:40 – Protesters confront Trump allies at Union Station
- 06:11 – Discussion on use of federal agencies for political retaliation
- 09:00 – Economic impacts: inflation, Trump’s personal wealth, daycare & energy crises
- 11:00 – Praising Newsom, memes, and anti-Trump trolling
- 12:21 – Fox News/Russian propaganda synergy; public opinion polling
- 14:15 – Energy policy failures; summary condemnation of Trump’s leadership
Summary Takeaways
- The Meiselas brothers deliver a relentless, high-energy takedown of Trump-era politics, highlighting authoritarian shifts, economic distress, and the undemocratic use of power.
- They champion the response of activists, state leaders like Gavin Newsom, and “the people” in fighting back.
- The podcast expresses passion, urgency, and alarm about the direction of U.S. democracy and the normalization of fascistic tactics—all within their humorous, irreverent sibling dynamic.
This episode exemplifies the MeidasTouch podcast’s blend of vigorous pro-democracy advocacy, news breakdowns, and biting political satire, all designed to equip listeners with critical perspectives and inspire ongoing resistance.