The MeidasTouch Podcast Summary
Episode: Trump Claims He Never Signed His Own Order on War Powers
Release Date: March 22, 2025
Introduction
In this episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast, hosts Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas delve into President Donald Trump's recent claims regarding the invocation of war powers under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798. The discussion is sharp, combining thorough fact-checking with the brothers' signature comedic banter, to uncover the truth behind Trump's assertions and the implications for American democracy.
Trump’s Rebuttal: Denying Signature on War Powers Order
The episode opens with Ben Miceli addressing President Trump's recent statement denying his own signature on the invocation of war powers. Despite Trump's signature being visibly present on the document dated March 15, 2025, in the Federal Register, Trump claims he did not sign it.
Ben Miceli [00:58]: "Donald Trump is now claiming that he did not sign the invocation of war powers under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, despite the fact that Donald Trump's name is on the invocation of the Alien Enemies Act... Trump is claiming he didn't sign it. He said other people handled it and he didn't know how it was signed."
Trump’s Statement Outside the White House
Ben plays a clip of Trump addressing reporters, where he reiterates his claim of non-involvement in signing the order.
Donald Trump [02:04]: "Because we want to get criminals out of our country, number one. And I don't know when it was signed because I didn't sign it. Other people handled it. But Marco Rubio has done a great job and he wanted him out and we go along with that. We want to get."
Contradictory Evidence: Caroline Levitt’s Confirmation
The brothers present evidence that contradicts Trump's claims, highlighting statements from his press secretary, Caroline Levitt, who asserts that Trump did indeed sign the proclamation.
Caroline Levitt [02:38]: "President Trump signed a proclamation invoking the Alien Enemies act regarding the invasion of the United States by the foreign terrorist organization trend. At the President's direction, the Department of Homeland Security carried out a counter terrorism operation deporting nearly 200 violent trend terrorists, which will save countless Americans."
In a subsequent clip on Fox with Maria Bartiroma, Levitt further confirms Trump's signature and details the deportations executed under the order.
Caroline Levitt [03:28]: "The President signed a proclamation invoking the Alien Enemies act against Trend Aragua members who have invaded our country... The President invoked this authority to deport nearly 300 of them who are now in El Salvador where they will be behind bars where they belong."
Due Process Concerns: Potentially Innocent Deportees
Ben Miceli raises critical concerns about the deportations, suggesting that many individuals targeted may not have been actual gang members and lacked proper due process.
Ben Miceli [03:55]: "We're learning that many of the individuals who ended up being kidnapped by the Trump regime and sent to El Salvador were not actually gang members. They were not given due process... Professional soccer players who were lawfully here seeking asylum... were shipped to concentration camps in El Salvador."
Furthermore, Miceli highlights instances of women being deported to El Salvador only to be returned to Venezuela, raising questions about their safety and status.
Legal Backlash: Judge Boasberg’s Stance
The podcast discusses a federal court hearing where Judge Jeb Boasberg is poised to hold the Trump administration in contempt for mishandling the deportations and violating due process.
Ben Miceli [03:55]: "Federal Judge Jeb Boasberg looks increasingly inclined to hold the Trump regime in contempt... He questioned the DOJ lawyers about the legitimacy of the order and the war declared by Trump, to which they were unprepared to respond adequately."
This legal scrutiny underscores the growing opposition and accountability efforts against the Trump administration's actions.
Trump’s Auto Pen Conspiracy: Projecting Blame
Shifting focus, the podcast examines Trump's recent conspiracy theory accusing former President Biden of using an auto pen to sign pardons, thereby delegitimizing them.
Donald Trump [10:38]: "Yeah, only for very unimportant papers... But when I can't, you know, would use an auto pen, but to use him for... terrible."
Ben Miceli critiques this narrative as projection, noting Trump’s pattern of shifting blame and admitting lack of direct involvement in significant decisions.
Ben Miceli [11:01]: "This is always projection and confession with this individual... We're calling it out and we're going to hold you accountable with the receipts."
Trump's attempts to discredit Biden using such conspiracies are portrayed as desperate maneuvers to divert attention from his administration's controversial actions.
Trump Blaming Secretary of State Marco Rubio
The episode highlights Trump's attempt to deflect responsibility by criticizing his own Secretary of State, Marco Rubio.
Donald Trump [12:52]: "And we have Marco Rubio in charge. Good luck, Marco. Now we know who to blame if anything goes wrong. Marco's been amazing and he's going to do a great job."
Ben Miceli points out the irony and absurdity of Trump blaming Rubio, reinforcing the narrative of Trump's shifting blame tactics.
Conclusion and Ongoing Accountability
Wrapping up, the Meiselas brothers reaffirm their commitment to uncovering the truth and holding those in power accountable. They encourage listeners to stay informed and engaged as the situation develops.
Ben Miceli [13:10]: "We're going to keep you posted every step of the way. Here we come with receipts at the Midas Touch Network."
Key Takeaways
- Contradictory Claims: President Trump claims he did not sign the war powers order, despite evidence and confirmation from his own press secretary.
- Due Process Violations: Concerns arise that many deported individuals may not have been actual threats, lacking proper legal procedures.
- Legal Challenges: Federal courts are scrutinizing the Trump administration's actions, with judges considering contempt charges.
- Discrediting Opponents: Trump's conspiracy theories against Biden's use of an auto pen signal attempts to undermine political opponents.
- Shifting Blame: Trump's criticism of Secretary Rubio exemplifies his strategy of deflecting responsibility for controversial actions.
Final Thoughts
This episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast provides a comprehensive analysis of President Trump's conflicting statements and the broader implications for governance and rule of law in the United States. Through meticulous fact-checking and engaging discussion, the Meiselas brothers shed light on critical issues affecting democracy and the lives of potentially innocent individuals caught in political turmoil.
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