Podcast Title: The MeidasTouch Podcast
Episode: State Senator Mallory McMorrow Responds to Trump Job Losses
Release Date: August 3, 2025
Hosts: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas

Introduction

In this episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast, the Meiselas brothers delve into the pressing economic issues facing America, particularly focusing on the recent job losses attributed to former President Donald Trump's policies. The discussion features critical analyses of job reports, responses from key political figures, and an in-depth interview with State Senator Mallory McMorrow of Michigan, a candidate vying for the United States Senate seat.

Analyzing the Job Reports and Republican Responses

The episode opens with the hosts critiquing the MAGA Republicans' handling of recent job reports. The political commentator highlights discrepancies in job data, questioning the authenticity of the numbers released by the Trump administration.

[01:57] Political Commentator: "The downward revisions meaning the job losses that were not accounted for... it's so obviously a fake number. It's quite literally impossible based on the ADP numbers."

The commentator points out a significant downward revision of 258,000 jobs, the largest since 1979, and criticizes Trump’s initial reporting of job gains that starkly contrasted with private sector data.

Senator John Kennedy's Perspective

Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana provides his take on the job numbers, balancing criticisms with some positive indicators.

[03:24] Senator John Kennedy: "It wasn't a good jobs number. It wasn't. There's, the job market is softening. Our business people are creating fewer jobs... unemployment stayed steady at 4.2%. We had job growth last month annualized about 3%. Inflation has not spiked."

While acknowledging a softening job market and fewer jobs being created, Kennedy emphasizes steady unemployment and controlled inflation, attempting to present a more optimistic outlook despite the negative job data.

Lori Chavez-Durimer Defends Trump’s Policies

The discussion shifts to Lori Chavez-Durimer, a Republican and Defense Secretary, who counters the mounting criticisms by praising Trump’s economic strategies.

[05:05] Lori Chavez-Durimer: "The President has done a wonderful job in these trade deals... We need those interest rates down so that our businesses can borrow more money at a cheaper rate and invest in their companies... Native born workers account for all of the job growth, and that's key."

Chavez-Durimer lauds the administration's trade deals and interest rate policies, asserting that these measures prioritize American workers and foster economic growth, despite acknowledging that job numbers could have been better.

Introducing State Senator Mallory McMorrow

The podcast transitions to an in-depth conversation with State Senator Mallory McMorrow from Michigan, who offers a stark contrast to the Republican narratives.

[06:37] Senator Mallory McMorrow: "We've got our Automakers gearing up for the worst... consumer confidence is at its lowest level in decades. And you know, just as a reminder, all of this was manmade. This was because Trump decided to do all of these things."

McMorrow criticizes Trump’s economic policies, particularly tariffs affecting Michigan’s auto industry, leading to increased costs for consumers and diminished profits for automakers like Ford.

Impact of Trade Deals and Tariffs on Michigan’s Auto Industry

McMorrow elaborates on the detrimental effects of trade tariffs, emphasizing the complexity of automobile manufacturing and the resulting financial strain.

[08:19] Senator Mallory McMorrow: "In the process of manufacturing a car, that vehicle may pass back and forth between the Michigan and Canadian border upwards of more than a dozen times... if that gets tariffed every single time and passed on to the automaker, you better believe that's going to be passed on to the customer so we can see prices go up. Thousands of dollars for a new vehicle."

She explains how tariffs disrupt the intricate supply chains of the auto industry, leading to higher prices for consumers and jeopardizing the competitiveness of American manufacturers.

Political Influence and Gerrymandering Concerns

The conversation addresses the role of billionaires in politics, specifically highlighting allegations of unlawful gerrymandering and undue influence in Michigan’s Senate race.

[09:53] Senator Mallory McMorrow: "There's this super PAC supporting him that raised more than 5 million last quarter alone that is almost entirely funded by this oil baron pastor... he is messing in Michigan elections. This is nothing but a pure power grab by Donald Trump and his worst billionaire supporters to hold on and cling to power no matter what it takes."

McMorrow accuses wealthy donors, particularly an oil baron and Christian nationalist pastor from Texas, of manipulating political outcomes in Michigan through significant financial support, undermining democratic processes.

McMorrow’s Campaign and Voter Engagement Strategies

McMorrow discusses her grassroots campaign efforts, emphasizing direct engagement with voters to build support and counteract the influence of entrenched political forces.

[11:48] Senator Mallory McMorrow: "We are right now on a statewide brewery tour... inviting people to just come grab a beer. No question is off limits. And these events are packed... people are expressing a lot of frustration that this is not what they voted for."

Her campaign strategy includes holding informal events like brewery tours to foster open dialogue with constituents, addressing their frustrations, and promoting her vision for building a new, effective governmental framework.

Conclusion and Call to Action

As the interview concludes, McMorrow urges listeners to support her campaign through donations and volunteer efforts, highlighting the beauty of Michigan and the importance of community involvement.

[13:27] Senator Mallory McMorrow: "You can find us at McMorrowforMichigan.com... Michigan is a beautiful place... we will take you out for a beer one of our brewery tour stops."

The episode wraps up with encouragement to support democratic candidates who are challenging the status quo and striving to implement meaningful change.

Key Takeaways

• Economic Discrepancies: The episode underscores significant discrepancies in job reporting under the Trump administration, raising questions about the authenticity of economic data released.

• Impact on Michigan’s Auto Industry: Tariffs imposed during Trump's tenure have adversely affected Michigan’s automotive sector, leading to increased costs and declining consumer confidence.

• Political Manipulation: Concerns are raised about the undue influence of wealthy donors in political races, specifically in Michigan’s Senate elections, highlighting issues of gerrymandering and power consolidation.

• Grassroots Campaigning: State Senator Mallory McMorrow exemplifies a grassroots approach to campaigning, prioritizing direct voter engagement and transparency to counteract established political and financial power structures.

Notable Quotes

• Political Commentator [01:57]:
  "It's quite obviously a fake number. It's quite literally impossible based on the ADP numbers."

• Senator John Kennedy [03:24]:
  "It wasn't a good jobs number... unemployment stayed steady at 4.2%. Inflation has not spiked."

• Lori Chavez-Durimer [05:05]:
  "We need those interest rates down so that our businesses can borrow more money at a cheaper rate and invest in their companies..."

• Senator Mallory McMorrow [06:37]:
  "Consumer confidence is at its lowest level in decades... all of this was manmade. This was because Trump decided to do all of these things."

• Senator Mallory McMorrow [08:19]:
  "Thousands of dollars for a new vehicle... that's not how business works."

• Senator Mallory McMorrow [09:53]:
  "This is nothing but a pure power grab by Donald Trump and his worst billionaire supporters to hold on and cling to power no matter what it takes."

• Senator Mallory McMorrow [11:48]:
  "We are right now on a statewide brewery tour... No question is off limits."

Conclusion

This episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast provides a comprehensive examination of the economic challenges stemming from former President Trump’s policies, with a particular focus on Michigan’s struggles in the auto industry and the broader implications of political influence by wealthy donors. Through the insightful perspectives of political commentators and State Senator Mallory McMorrow, listeners gain a nuanced understanding of the current political and economic landscape, as well as the grassroots efforts underway to foster meaningful change.

For more insights and detailed discussions, subscribe to The MeidasTouch Podcast and join the conversation supporting democracy and informed political discourse.