The MeidasTouch Podcast Summary
Episode Title: Thursday Afternoon Breaking News Updates with Ben
Air Date: February 19, 2026
Host: Ben Meiselas (Solo)
Network: MeidasTouch Network
Episode Overview
This breaking news episode, hosted solo by Ben Meiselas, centers on explosive developments linked to the Jeffrey Epstein case, the arrest of former Prince Andrew, Donald Trump's reaction and ongoing involvement, and the broader issues of political impunity and moral rot in American institutions. Woven throughout are Ben’s signature blend of biting legal analysis, frustration at systemic failures, and appeals for Americans to refocus on core ethical values over partisan divides. Ben also dissects MAGA hypocrisy, Trump’s ongoing legal and political troubles, foreign policy puzzles, and the outsized influence of the “Epstein class.” The episode is laced with Ben's incredulous, passionate, and sometimes darkly comic tone.
Key Themes and Discussion Points
1. Donald Trump’s Reaction to Prince Andrew’s Arrest and Epstein Connections
Timestamp: 03:40–08:05
- Trump aboard Air Force One: Ben plays and reacts to Trump’s comments on the arrest of former Prince Andrew, who Trump refers to sympathetically. Trump claims, “I feel so bad for what they’re going through. It’s very tough. It’s very tough.” [04:02]
- Ben’s Response: Outrage that Trump expresses concern for the royal family rather than Epstein's survivors. “How about the survivors? How about you feel bad for the survivors? How about that?” [03:59]
- Trump’s Self-exoneration: Trump asserts he is “an expert” because he’s been “totally exonerated” in Epstein matters, a claim Ben forcefully refutes with new document revelations.
- Epstein Files and Allegations:
- Trump’s name reportedly appears tens of thousands of times in newly released files—with possible millions of mentions in future document tranches.
- Ben reads and analyzes a handwritten letter allegedly from Epstein to Larry Nassar, which references Trump in disturbing context. FBI forensics found handwriting inconclusive. [06:00]
- Ben’s outrage: “You’re walking insanity… those files that were produced could not be more damaging.” [07:20]
- Lack of Republican Oversight: No GOP Oversight members attended Les Wexner’s (Epstein’s main financial backer) deposition, despite major evidence pointing to Wexner’s enabling of Epstein.
2. Political and Moral Dimensions of the Epstein Scandal
Timestamp: 08:30–17:50
- Moral vs. Political: Ben contends that child sex trafficking and institutional cover-ups are not political issues but “crimes against humanity.” [09:55]
- Congressman Robert Garcia’s Statement: Ben plays Democratic member Garcia’s post-deposition remarks, emphasizing Wexner’s crucial financial support for Epstein—and the implication that without Wexner, Epstein’s abuse empire could not have existed. [12:24]
- The Zorro Ranch Controversy:
- Epstein’s notorious New Mexico property was purchased by GOP donor Don Huffines in 2023 and is being converted into a “Christian retreat for children.” [13:15]
- Ben vehemently critiques this as tone-deaf and alarming, especially given the property’s history and lack of prior law-enforcement scrutiny.
- Plays incredulous clip of Huffines on Matt Gaetz’s show explaining his intention to “put light in a dark place.” [17:29]
- Ben: “They just think we’re stupid… You’re building a Christian retreat? We’re sure about that?” [17:45]
3. Comparing US and International Approaches to Crimes by the Powerful
Timestamp: 18:30–25:15
- Differential Accountability: Ben draws sharp contrast between the US and other countries:
- South Korea: Former president sentenced to life for insurrection.
- Brazil: Former president Bolsonaro sentenced to 27 years for similar crimes.
- UK: Prince Andrew arrested.
- USA: “Donald Trump sues the government for $10 billion…” [24:00]
- Ben lambastes the US Supreme Court for inventing the doctrine of “absolute immunity” to shield Trump, calling this incompatible with America’s founding rejection of monarchy and impunity for elites.
4. MAGA Hypocrisy, Grift, and Trump’s Legal Troubles
Timestamp: 25:16–40:00
- Corruption and Grift: Ben alleges a “cabal” of powerful elites—“the Epstein class”—have protected themselves while enacting policies and narratives to dupe the public.
- Trump’s Civil and Criminal Liabilities:
- Ben sharply critiques Trump’s reaction to the E. Jean Carroll sexual assault verdict, noting Trump’s focus on inane technicalities (“at least the jury didn’t make a finding that it was his penis”) rather than accountability. [29:30]
- Ben: “He is a felon. He is a fraud… He’s a sexual predator by the courts. Not me being hyperbolic.” [25:57]
- Resignation and Frustration: Ben acknowledges the fatigue and disgust that comes with chronicling these stories, but encourages “breaking through” with the truth.
5. Foreign Policy and Trump’s ‘Peace Board’
Timestamp: 40:00–50:00
- Trump’s “Peace Board” Meeting:
- Trump hosts a gathering labeled as a board for peace—but only non-democratic or authoritarian-leaning countries participate (e.g., Pakistan, Bahrain, Belarus, Qatar, Viktor Orban from Hungary).
- Ben calls it “utterly humiliating for the United States.” [42:53]
- Plays clip of Orban thanking Trump, highlights Trump’s tendency to endorse far-right world leaders (Orban, Milei of Argentina, etc.). [44:43]
- Foreign Policy Confusion: Ben points out contradictions in Trump’s stance on Hungary, Russia, Iran, and US alliances, underlining the disjointed, transactional, and image-obsessed nature of Trump’s approach.
6. Trump’s Bizarre Rants and Public Deterioration
Timestamp: 48:18–50:00
- Plays Trump’s rambling recounting of minor slights (such as a stopped escalator and teleprompter failure) as evidence of mental decline: “This is not a normal human… This is a demented individual.” [39:52 / 49:20]
- Ben notes the stark drop in US prestige abroad, with polls showing a majority of Canadians now see the US as a bigger threat than Russia.
7. MAGA Movement Contradictions and Regulatory rollbacks
Timestamp: 50:01–58:00
- Discusses Trump’s executive order protecting glyphosate-based herbicides (notably Roundup), even as MAGA-adjacent figures like RFK Jr. campaign against its health risks. [55:00]
- Ben points out how MAGA followers remain loyal even as Trump betrays promised positions, and expresses dismay at persistent support despite “insane stuff.”
8. Systemic Cover-Ups, Regulatory Failures, and Appeal for Unity
Timestamp: 58:01–66:00
- Ben fiercely criticizes both Republican and Democratic institutional failures to prosecute Epstein and protect survivors’ identities.
- Argues for focusing on common interests—health care, food safety, AI/data regulation—over manufactured partisan divides.
- “The Epstein class wants to divide everybody else into viewing certain things as political issues. And what I’m here to tell you is that a lot of these issues are not political issues.” [59:00]
9. FBI Leadership and “Level 10” Decisions
Timestamp: 60:00–61:00
- Ben plays and mocks podcast clips of former and current FBI leaders, Dan Bongino and Kash Patel, lamenting the “level 10… and 11 decisions” they have to make, calling it “insane enough that it should end the discourse right there.” [60:13]
10. Audience Engagement & Closing Remarks
Timestamp: 65:00–66:00
- Addresses a listener/commenter (“Matthew”) who self-describes as a MAGA supporter wavering in his loyalty, urging him and others: “Now’s the time to make the break… I’m not saying become a Democrat… I’m on Team Truth. I’m on Team Facts… I hope you join me, Matthew, and others as well.” [65:33]
- Announces and encourages support for the historic congressional boycott of Trump’s State of the Union, with senators and members gathering on the MeidasTouch stage.
- Urges listeners to subscribe and stay engaged with the network.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On Trump’s reaction to Prince Andrew’s arrest:
“He says, ‘I feel bad for them. I feel so bad for what they’re going through…’ How about the survivors?” — Ben Meiselas [03:59] - On Trump’s claim of “total exoneration” in Epstein files:
“You’re walking insanity… those files that were produced could not be more damaging.” — Ben Meiselas [07:20] - On the Zorro Ranch controversy:
“They’re turning Zorro Ranch into a children’s Christian retreat… and Matt Gaetz is doing the interview!… They just think we’re stupid.” — Ben [17:10] - On America’s double standard:
“South Korea: former insurrectionist president sentenced to life… In The United States, Donald Trump sues the government for $10 billion.” — Ben [24:00] - On the “absolute immunity” doctrine:
“Our entire Constitution was created as a rejection of absolute immunity… yet our Supreme Court invents it to protect Donald Trump.” — Ben [18:31] - On MAGA and grift:
“This whole movement is a fraud. This whole thing is a fugazi. The way Trump’s been a fraud his entire life and he attracts kind of just fraudulent people and grifter people.” — Ben [49:40] - On Trump’s public fitness:
“You do realize the person we’re watching there is not normal… This is a demented individual.” — Ben [39:52] - On US international reputation:
“[Polls:] Only about 1 in 3 Canadians still view the United States as an ally… if you ask Canadians, who’s the biggest threat, the United States or Russia—overwhelmingly, it’s the United States.” — Ben [49:50] - To his listeners:
“I’m on Team Truth. I’m on Team Facts. I’m on team building bridges internationally to support democracy and truth globally.” — Ben [66:00]
Recommended Listening Timestamps
- Epstein/Trump/Air Force One Reaction: 03:40–08:05
- Garcia Statement & Wexner Deposition: 12:10–13:50
- Zorro Ranch Segment (Huffines w/ Matt Gaetz): 13:15–17:50
- US vs. Global Political Accountability: 18:30–25:00
- Trump Peace Board & Orban/Milei Endorsements: 42:00–46:00
- Trump’s Escalator/Teleprompter Anecdote: 48:18–50:00
- Glyphosate & MAGA Hypocrisy: 55:00–58:30
- Matthew Audience Appeal & Boycott Announcement: 65:33–66:30
Tone & Style
Ben mixes hyper-detailed legal and political analysis with incredulous, sometimes exasperated, and darkly comic commentary. He makes extensive use of direct quotes, rhetorical questions, and thought experiments, striving for a candid “truth-telling” stance that appeals to both progressive listeners and those wavering within MAGA circles.
For New Listeners
This episode is a powerful example of Ben Meiselas’s direct, often impassioned style as he dissects breaking news and systemic scandals. It’s suited for those seeking a dive into the intersection of politics, law, media, and the ongoing culture war—especially on issues that transcend party politics and cut to fundamental questions of ethics, accountability, and democracy.
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