Trump Blows Up in Presser with South African President

Summary

The MeidasTouch Podcast: Episode Summary Title: Trump Blows Up in Presser with South African President
Release Date: May 21, 2025
Hosts: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas
Podcast: The MeidasTouch Podcast

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Introduction

In this episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast, the Meiselas brothers delve into a highly contentious press conference featuring former President Donald Trump and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. Released on May 21, 2025, the episode dissects the tumultuous interaction that has captivated audiences worldwide, analyzing its implications for U.S. international relations and media credibility.

Overview of the Press Conference

The focal point of the episode is the heated exchange between Donald Trump and Cyril Ramaphosa in the Oval Office. Trump’s demeanor during the press conference was notably aggressive, particularly towards NBC reporters and in addressing allegations surrounding South Africa.

Trump’s Comments and Attacks on Reporters

Early in the press conference, Trump launched a series of personal attacks against NBC reporters. At [01:18], Trump dismissively referred to a reporter, stating:

“...watch this clip that idiot talks.”

As the session progressed, Trump’s frustration became palpable. At [02:02], when confronted with questions about a Qatari jet for the U.S. Air Force, Trump retorted:

“You are a real, you know, you're a terrible reporter, number one... You're not smart enough.”

His antagonism continued, culminating at [05:02] when he lambasted NBC as "fake news" and called the reporter a "jerk":

“But the fake news in this country doesn't talk about that.”

Allegations of Genocide and Ramaphosa’s Rebuttal

A significant portion of the press conference centered around Trump’s claims of a genocide against white Afrikaner farmers in South Africa. Trump presented various articles and footage, asserting the severity of the situation. At [03:47], he questioned Ramaphosa:

“What would you like President Ramaphosa to do about the situation that we've just seen on the screen?”

Ramaphosa firmly refuted these claims. At [08:15], he responded:

“It will take President Trump listening to the voices of South Africans... including my Minister of Agriculture. He would not be with me.”

Interaction with South African Agriculture Minister

The Agriculture Minister, a white South African from the opposition party, provided a grounded perspective on the agricultural crisis. When Trump inquired about the potential economic collapse due to farmers fleeing, the minister elaborated on the multifaceted challenges. At [10:09], during Trump's probing, the minister stated:

“It's going to require more policing resources. It's going to require a different strategy to be able to deal with it.”

He further emphasized that the violence affects all farmers, not exclusively white farmers, and highlighted efforts to prioritize farm attacks and stock theft as critical issues.

Trump’s Attack on Letitia James

Shifting focus abruptly, Trump criticized New York Attorney General Letitia James during the meeting. At [13:28], he recounted allegations against her:

“Well, I don't know what it is currently, but Letitia James... it's major fraud, mortgage documents and fraudulent everything.”

This diversion underscored Trump’s pattern of deflecting from pressing issues by targeting individuals from different spheres.

South African Officials' Call for International Support

As the press conference progressed, South African officials appealed for broader international assistance beyond just military support. At [14:57], a South African official articulated the need for technological aid:

“We need technological help. We need Starlink at every little police station. We need drones.”

This plea highlighted the systemic issues contributing to the violence and the comprehensive efforts required to address them.

Conclusion and Host’s Insights

The Meiselas brothers provided insightful analysis on the fallout from the press conference. They discussed how Trump's aggressive stance and unfounded allegations damage U.S. credibility on the global stage. The hosts pointed out that such behavior not only undermines international relations but also fuels misinformation and distrust among the public.

Ben remarked at one point:

“The United States is really just looking so clownish to the international community right now.”

Brett added:

“It's objectively, no matter what political party you're from, you should look at this and go, 'What in the world just happened here?'”

Jordy concluded by emphasizing the importance of accountability and the role of media in holding leaders responsible:

“We're going to cover it every step of the way in the MeidasTouch network.”

Final Thoughts

This episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast serves as a critical examination of a significant moment in political discourse. By breaking down the interactions and providing expert commentary, the Meiselas brothers shed light on the broader implications for democracy, media integrity, and international perceptions of the United States.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Trump on Reporters:
  “You are a real, you know, you're a terrible reporter, number one.” [02:02]

• Trump on Fake News:
  “...the fake news in this country doesn't talk about that.” [05:02]

• Ramaphosa on Genocide Allegations:
  “It will take President Trump listening to the voices of South Africans... including my Minister of Agriculture.” [08:15]

• Agriculture Minister on Security Measures:
  “It's going to require more policing resources... different strategy to be able to deal with it.” [10:09]

• Ramaphosa on Seeking Solutions:
  “We need technological help. We need Starlink at every little police station. We need drones.” [14:57]

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For comprehensive coverage and more in-depth analysis, subscribe to The MeidasTouch Podcast and join the conversation with the Meiselas brothers and the MeidasMighty community.

Transcript

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[Commentator]

Donald Trump had South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphusa in the Oval Office today. This thing went sideways really quickly. Watch as the president of South Africa tells Donald Trump that unlike Qatar, he can't give Donald Trump a gold plated private jet. Here, play this clip that idiot talks.

[Donald Trump]

About after viewing a thing where thousands of people are dead.

[Cyril Ramaphosa]

I'm sorry, I don't have a plane to give you.

[Donald Trump]

I would. I wish you did. Okay. I would take. If your country offered the United States Air Force a plan, I would take it.

[Cyril Ramaphosa]

Okay.

[Commentator]

And did you hear Donald Trump say, well, I would like another private jet? Seriously? Then, throughout this press conference in the Oval Office, Donald Trump kept on blowing up at an NBC reporter in front of the President of South Africa and the other delegation from South Africa. This whole site was humiliating. Here, play this clip.

[Donald Trump]

Okay.

[Agriculture Minister]

Mr. President, the President Pentagon announced it would be accepting a Qatari jet to be used as Air Force One.

[Donald Trump]

What are you talking about? You know, you ought to get out of here. What does this have to do with the Qatari jet? They're giving the United States Air Force a jet. Okay. And it's a great thing. We're talking about a lot of other things. This NBC. Trying to get off the subject of what you just saw. You are a real, you know, you're a terrible reporter, number one. You don't have what it takes to be a reporter. You're not smart enough. But for you to go onto a subject about a jet that was given to the United States Air Force, which is a very nice thing, they also gave $5.1 trillion worth of investment in addition to the jet. Go back. You ought to go Back to your studio at NBC because Brian Roberts and the people that run that place, they ought to be investigated. They are so terrible the way you run that network. And you're a disgrace. No more questions from you. Go, go ahead, talk about that. His name is Peter Suffolk. He's a terrible reporter. Quiet, quiet, quiet.

[Commentator]

I mean the United States is really just looking so clownish to the international community right now. And no offense to clowns with things like this. So then Donald Trump starts taking out a series of articles to spread the lie that there is a genocide in South Africa against the white Africaner farmers. And then the President of South Africa is there also with the white agriculture minister who also knows that there is not a genocide against the white farmers in South Africa. But Donald Trump keeps pulling these like conspiracy laden articles here. Watch what he does. Play this clip.

[Donald Trump]

What would you like President Ramaphosa to do about the situation that we've just seen on the screen? I don't know. Look, these are articles over the last few days. Death of people. Death, death, death, horrible death, death. I don't know to pick anyone. White South Africans are fleeing because of the violence and racist laws. And this is all. I mean, I'll give these to you. So when you, when you say what would I like to do? I don't know what to do. Look at this. White South African couples say that they were attacked Viol.

[Commentator]

When will you go and see for.

[Reporter]

Yourself if it is indeed.

[Donald Trump]

Well, I could do that. Look, here's burial sites all over the place. These are all white farmers that are being burned. And he asks about a jet that was given. You ought to be ashamed of yourself. You know, you are so bad. You're such a bad reporter.

[Commentator]

And then there's more of Donald Trump blowing up at and attacking an NBC reporter and calling the NBC reporter a jerk. Like you can see Trump's face turn like bright orange as well. Here, play this clip.

[Donald Trump]

Talk about it. And I didn't know we get involved here, but I will say this, that if the news wasn't fake, like NBC, which is fake news, totally one of the worst, abc, NBC, cbs, horrible. But if they weren't fake news like this jerk that we have here, we had real reporters, they'd be covering it. But the fake news in this country doesn't talk about that.

[Commentator]

So then the reporters keep asking Donald Trump, and you have international reporters there, reporters from South Africa and others saying to Donald Trump, what will it take to convince you that there is not a genocide against white Afrikaners and white Farmers in South Africa. I mean, you literally have the white agriculture minister who's not from President Ramaphosa's party here saying that there isn't one. What's it gonna take? Here, play this clip.

[Donald Trump]

What does it take from you for you to be convinced that there's no.

[Commentator]

White genocide in South Africa?

[Cyril Ramaphosa]

Well, I can answer that for Christ.

[Commentator]

So then Donald Trump has a video that he's made or that his regime has made to further spread the lies that there's burial sites for this genocide that is not taking place. And you have the again, President of South Africa, Ramaphusa sitting there saying, what is it? What are you showing me? I'm the President of South Africa. I don't know what the hell you're talking about. Here, watch this.

[Donald Trump]

Now, this is very bad. These are burial sites right here. Burial sites. Over a thousand of white farmers. And those cars are lined up to pay love on a Sunday morning. Each one of those white things you see is a cross. And there's approximately a thousand of them. They're all white farmers, the family of white farmers. And those cars aren't driving. They're stopped there to pay respects to their family member who was killed. And it's a terrible sight. I've never seen anything like it. Both sides of the road, you have crosses. Those people are all killed.

[Cyril Ramaphosa]

Have they told you where that is, Mr. President? No, I'd like to know where that is, because this I've never seen.

[Advertiser]

Okay.

[Donald Trump]

I mean, it's in South Africa. It's.

[Commentator]

So then President Ramaphosa of South Africa tells Donald Trump, he goes, I can assure you that if there was an Afrikaner farmer genocide, the three white Africaner and other white agriculture ministers and opposition party leaders who are here in the Oval Office from South Africa right now, Donald, they would tell you they're standing here right now. Here. Watch this moment. Here, play this clip.

[Cyril Ramaphosa]

It will take President Trump listening to the voices of South Africans, some of whom are his good friends, like those who are here when we have talks between us or the quiet, quiet table, it will take President Trump to listen to them. I'm not going to be repeating what I've been saying. I would say if there was Africana farmer genocide, I can bet you these three gentlemen would not be be here, including my Minister of Agriculture. He would not be with me. So it will take him, President Trump, listening to their stories, to their perspective. That is the answer to your question.

[Donald Trump]

But Mr. President, I must say we have. No, no, wait. We have thousands of stories talking about it. And we have documentaries, we have news stories. And that is Natalie here. Somebody here to turn that. I could show you a couple of things and I would. I just, I have to. It has to be responded to. Let me see the articles, please, if you would. And turn, excuse me, turn the lights down.

[Commentator]

So then you have. Marjorie, Taylor Greene's boyfriend is in the Oval Office, and he's one of the people who ask these questions. Remember, he was the guy who attacked Zelensky and said, why aren't you wearing a suit? Is what Glenn said. So here, Brian Glenn asked this ridiculous question, but then President Ramaphusa of South Africa says, why don't I direct this question to the agriculture minister who's white, who's here. He'll answer this question. He's from the opposition. He's part of my cabinet here. Let him answer the question. Watch this clip.

[Donald Trump]

Numbers of people that want to leave South Africa because they feel they're going to be dead very soon. Yes.

[Agriculture Minister]

Please, Brian, go ahead.

[Donald Trump]

If I could just ask you a question.

[Agriculture Minister]

72% of farmers in your country are white.

[Donald Trump]

If they flee, do you feel that.

[Agriculture Minister]

Maybe the economy could collapse? You may not have a gap to fill in those people that need to replace those farmers.

[Cyril Ramaphosa]

You know, I'd like my minister of agriculture, who is white, who comes from an opposition party to mine, who's joined my government and my invitation to address this very issue, including the question that you've just raised.

[Donald Trump]

John, thank you very much, Mr. President.

[Reporter]

Mr. President, thank you for welcoming us.

[Agriculture Minister]

To the White House.

[Reporter]

I would say we have a rural safety problem. I don't think anyone wants to candy coat that. And it requires a lot of effort to get on top of it. It's going to require more policing resources. It's going to require different strategy to be able to, to deal with it. But certainly the majority of South Africa's commercial and smallholder farmers really do want to stay in South Africa and make it work. And I've just come from the largest agricultural show in the southern hemisphere with organized agriculture and farmers, and the majority of them want to stay. But they, too, they have a memorial to those who've died as a result of farm attacks. And as the minister of Agriculture, it is something that I'm particularly exercised with my colleagues at police and my colleagues in the justice cluster to stop making farm attacks and stock theft a priority crime. And it affects all farmers in South Africa particularly. Stock theft has a disproportionate effect on smaller black farmers.

[Commentator]

Then Donald Trump mentions that Elon is from South Africa today.

[Donald Trump]

I have many friends from South Africa, but many of those friends are or they can't go back. I have. Elon is from South Africa. I don't want to get Elon involved. That's all I have to do, get him into another thing. But Elon happens to be from South Africa. This is what Elon wanted. He actually came here on a different subject, sending rockets to Mars. Okay. He likes that better. He likes that subject better. But Elon is from South Africa. And I. I don't want to talk to him about that. I don't want to. I don't think it's fair to him.

[Commentator]

More of Donald Trump attacking NBC. Let's play it.

[Donald Trump]

Any questions? Please?

[Agriculture Minister]

Mr. President, welcome white African refugees here. Can you explain to Americans why it's appropriate to welcome white Africanas here when other refugees like Afghans, Venezuelans, Haitians have all had their protective status revoked?

[Donald Trump]

Well, this is a group, NBC, that is truly fake news. They ask a lot of questions in a very pointed way. They're not questions, they're statements.

[Commentator]

Then Donald Trump randomly thinks that it's a good idea to attack the New York Attorney General, Letitia James, in this Oval Office meeting with the President of South Africa.

[Agriculture Minister]

Let me get your thoughts on Letitia James, Director Polte. According to him, Letitia James says that the alleged mortgage fraud was simply a mistake.

[Donald Trump]

Want to get your thoughts on that?

[Agriculture Minister]

She put down that her father was her husband in order. And this is very similar to, I guess, the false attacks they have on here.

[Donald Trump]

Well, I don't know what it is currently, but Letitia James, who's the Attorney General of New York State, it seemed I'm not involved in that at all. I know it's being handled by various groups, I guess, but it's major fraud, mortgage documents and fraudulent everything. I think she said the father was her husband, which she had to have a husband, so she chose her father and she put it down and she had. Didn't she sign in Virginia yet? She said she lived in Virginia, yet she's the New York State Attorney General. And she did debt for tax reasons, so she could take advantage of taxes. And she had the wrong number of units. She had a much different number, which wouldn't have allowed her to qualify and scam the government. So I don't know. I think she's very bad for New York, but I really don't know too much about it. But I appreciate the question. Thank you very much.

[Commentator]

And then you have some of the other ministers there with President Ramaphusa explaining, look, we have too many deaths in general in South Africa. We have gang violence in South Africa the way you have gang violence in the United States. And it's not specifically gang violence targeted at white people. There's a lot of black farmers who are targeted as well. I mean it's, it's, there's, there's violence. So we would like to have the support from the United States and from the international community to help as well. Here, play this clip.

[South African Official]

Look how he's changed, right? We have too many deaths. But it's across the board. It's not only white farmers, it's across the board. We need technological help. We need Starlink at every little police station. We need drones. I actually got drones donated for the peace box to stop elephant and rhino poaching. And his predecessor stopped the importation because he said the United States would spy on us. I mean us basics, the ridicule. So if we can, if you can help us. Remember sir, you and I lived in New York in the 70s. We never thought New York could be what it became. Two commissioners. Duffman Mayor, we need your help to stop this awful killing. But it's across the board.

[Commentator]

And as I watch this disaster in the Oval Office unfold, I just think about what's going on in Beijing right now where Xi Jinping must have the biggest smile on his face and think about how the BRICS bloc is going to be strengthened, how America looks so unreliable and weird to the international community. It looks like a pariah regime, like a Kim Jong Un like regime with Donald Trump orange faced, exploding at reporters, holding up weird articles, you know, and we're just like speeding up the rise of China. It's, it's a ridiculous, it's objectively, no matter what political party you're from, you should look at this and go what in the world just happened here? We're going to cover it every step of the way in the Midas Touch network. Now hit subscribe and help us get to 5 million subscribers. Love this video. Continue the conversation by following us on Instagram. It's touch. And help us blow past the 1 million followers.