The MeidasTouch Podcast

Episode: Trump Abruptly Shuts Down Presser at White House
Date: December 11, 2025
Hosts: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas

Episode Overview

In this breaking news episode, the Meiselas brothers dissect the chaotic White House press conference where Donald Trump abruptly ended questioning after being challenged about video footage from a controversial military strike. The brothers blend in their signature blend of sharp legal and political commentary, pointed critique, and their trademark banter to analyze Trump’s latest outbursts, cognitive lapses, misinformation, and authoritarian rhetoric. Throughout, they highlight the serious implications for democracy and U.S. global standing under the Trump regime.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Trump Abruptly Ends White House Press Conference

• Incident: Trump unexpectedly shuts down a press event after being questioned about unreleased footage of a September 2nd boat strike involving alleged war crimes.

  • Quote: “Donald Trump just threw a tantrum in the White House when he was holding a press conference… he just like runs out of the room. He’s like, ‘enough questions here.’” — Political Commentator (02:25)

• Trump’s Words (Clip):

  • “You work for the Democrats, don’t you? You’re basically an arm of the Democrat Party. Thank you very much, everybody. I appreciate it.” — Donald Trump (02:53)
  • Hosts point out: Deflection and refusal to answer difficult questions.

2. Cognitive and Verbal Lapses

• Observation: The brothers point out apparent cognitive decline as Trump stumbles over words, including new blunders about economic leaders.

  • Quote: “He called [the Fed Chair] a fed head, bed head chair, bed. He doesn’t even know what words are coming out of his freaking mouth.” — Political Commentator (03:08)

• Trump’s gaffe (Clip):

  • “You know, deadhead, fed, fed hair. This guy, the head of the Federal Reserve, is a stiff right now.” — Donald Trump (03:25)

3. Obfuscation and Deflection on Policy and Scandals

• Cover-Ups: Refusal to answer questions directly on Hegseth’s unreleased video, Epstein records, and his own medical history.
  • Quote: “Stop covering up the Epstein files. Stop covering up your medical records. Everything’s a damn cover up here.” — Political Commentator (04:07)

4. Bizarre Technological Comments

• 6G Cameras Rant: Trump makes odd remarks about technological advances revealing skin imperfections.

  • Quote: “What does that do? Give you a little bit deeper view into somebody’s skin. See how perfect it is. I like the cameras. The old days… now they cover every little (imperfection).” — Donald Trump (05:00)

  • Commentary: “Dude. What is this guy saying?” — Political Commentator (04:58)

5. Foreign Policy Threats and Authoritarian Attitude

• Threats to Colombia: Trump threatens the President of Colombia over U.S. trade and drug policy.
  • Quote: “He’s going to have himself some big problems if he doesn’t wise up... He better wise up, or he'll be next. He’ll be next.” — Donald Trump (06:17; 06:30)
  • Analysis: Hosts describe the language as “absolutely horrific,” noting its reflection of authoritarian posturing (05:40).

6. Misinformation and Exaggeration on Economy

• Wild GDP Claim: Trump makes an unrealistic promise about GDP growth.

  • Quote: “Instead of 4% GDP or 3%, which I said so wonderful... it should be able to be 20 or 25%. I don’t know why it can’t be.” — Donald Trump (06:44)

• Inflation & Jobs: Contradicts economic realities with claims that prices are dropping and job losses are under control.

  • Critique: “This Trump regime has destroyed the American economy.” — Political Commentator (07:04)

7. Echoing Russian Propaganda on Ukraine

• Ukraine and Zelensky: Trump repeats Russian disinfo about Ukrainian willingness to give up land.

  • Quote: “82% of the people are demanding a settlement be made... Ukrainian people, they want to see a settlement be made.” — Donald Trump (10:11)

  • Hosts respond with disbelief and anger, calling out “Putin’s bootlicker” rhetoric (09:28).

8. Event Size Exaggeration

• Pennsylvania Rally: Trump exaggerates the attendance at a Pennsylvania event.
  • Quote: “Thousands of people on the sidewalk trying to get in…It was an amazing evening.” — Donald Trump (11:40)
  • Fact-check: Hosts note, “it was like a few hundred people. Maybe it was 200 people. A very small venue.” (12:21)

9. Casual Attitude Toward International Seizures

• Venezuelan Oil Tanker: Asked about U.S. seizure of oil, Trump casually suggests keeping it.
  • Quote: “We keep it, I guess... Get a helicopter, follow the tanker. But we’re going to, I guess we’re going to keep the oil.” — Donald Trump (13:00; 13:22)

10. Attacks on CNN and Media Manipulation

• Media Ownership and Censorship: Trump discusses influence over the potential sale of CNN, openly advocating for control over the media.

  • Quote: “I think CNN should be sold... I just think that the people that have run CNN into the ground... should not be entrusted with running CNN any longer.” — Donald Trump (14:26)

• Analysis: Skepticism over Trump’s hostility towards independent journalism, linking this to broader authoritarian tactics.

11. Selling Influence: Trump Gold Card

• Description: Discussion about the Trump gold card for access and “vetting.”

  • Quote: “For an individual it’s $1 million and for a corporation it’s $2 million... the best vetting the government has ever done.” — Howard Lutnick (15:27)

  • Reaction: Host calls the arrangement “utterly despicable.” (15:56)

Notable Quotes & Moments (With Timestamps)

• On cognitive decline:
  “He doesn’t even know what words are coming out of his freaking mouth.” — Political Commentator (03:08)

• On press avoidance:
  “You work for the Democrats, don’t you? You’re basically an arm of the Democrat Party. Thank you very much, everybody.” — Donald Trump (02:53)

• On foreign leaders:
  “He’s going to have himself some big problems if he doesn’t wise up...He’ll be next.” — Donald Trump (06:17; 06:30)

• On media control:
  “I think CNN should be sold... I just think that the people that have run CNN... should not be entrusted with running CNN any longer.” — Donald Trump (14:26)

• On economy distortion:
  “It should be able to be 20 or 25% [GDP]. I don’t know why it can’t be.” — Donald Trump (06:44)

• On Ukraine (Russian talking points):
  “82% of the people are demanding a settlement be made. Ukrainian people.” — Donald Trump (10:11)

• Hosts’ summary critique:
  “Putin’s bootlicker. It’s despicable what you’ve turned the United States into.” — Political Commentator (09:28)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:25] – Trump’s press conference tantrum and exit
• [03:25] – Trump’s verbal stumble about the Fed
• [05:00] – Trump’s bizarre 6G comments
• [06:03] – Threats to Colombia
• [06:44] – Unrealistic GDP promises
• [09:58] – Echoing Russian propaganda on Ukraine
• [11:40] – Rally attendance exaggeration
• [13:00] – Seized Venezuelan oil—Trump’s “keep it” comment
• [14:26] – Discussion of forced sale/ownership of CNN
• [15:27] – Trump gold card scheme description

Conclusion

This episode delivers a rapid-fire rundown of Donald Trump’s alarming rhetoric, evidence of cognitive decline, open authoritarian aims, and disinformation—especially in foreign and economic policy. The Meiselas brothers, through humor and incisive analysis, expose these patterns and invite listeners to remain vigilant and vocal in defense of democracy.

Final Note:
The energy is urgent and the tone unapologetically critical, aimed at the “MeidasMighty” and anyone deeply concerned about the trajectory of American leadership under Trump.