MeidasTouch Podcast: “Trump Crashes and Burns as Presser Falls Apart”

Date: December 29, 2025
Hosts: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas

Episode Overview

This episode of the MeidasTouch Podcast dives into the disastrous press conference held by former President Donald Trump with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The Meiselas brothers analyze Trump’s performance, his pro-Putin rhetoric, and the broader implications for US foreign policy, Ukrainian sovereignty, and democracy. The episode is laced with the brothers’ trademark humor and sharp commentary, highlighting the absurdity and danger of Trump’s statements and actions.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Trump’s Meeting and Press Conference with Zelensky

• Setting the Scene (04:15): The brothers detail Trump’s disrespectful treatment of Zelensky, from refusing to greet him at the airport to holding a press conference filled with pro-Putin talking points.
• Zelensky’s Composure (05:40): While Trump makes bizarre claims, Zelensky remains calm but visibly incredulous, at one point smirking at the absurdity of Trump’s statements.

2. Trump Parroting Putin’s Narratives

• Putin Wants Ukraine to “Succeed” (05:02–06:10): Trump claims, “[President] Putin was very generous in his feeling toward Ukraine succeeding, including supplying energy, electricity and other things at very low prices.”

• The brothers dismantle this statement, pointing out the irony of Russia claiming to support Ukraine while actively waging war and committing atrocities.

• Blaming the 2020 Election for the War (07:09): Trump asserts, “If the election weren’t rigged and stolen 2020, you wouldn’t have had this war.”

• Hosts emphasize the factual inaccuracy and self-absorption of Trump's answer, noting that Putin’s aggression escalated after Trump’s departure, not before.

3. Russian Propaganda on Ceasefire and Territorial Concessions

• Ceasefire Nonsense (08:39): Trump repeats Russian lines about ceasefires “causing war,” drawing a dystopian parallel to 1984.

• Quote: “...cease fires cause war, because war is peace in 1984. And that's the dystopian world that Trump and Russia inhabit.” (07:45)

• Threatening Ukraine with Further Land Loss (11:59): Trump suggests Ukraine should negotiate now because, “Some of that land is maybe up for grabs, but it may be taken over the next period of a number of months.”

4. Trump’s Admission of Extensive Contact and Collusion with Putin

• Hours on the Phone (10:11): Trump brags, “I was on the phone with [Putin] for almost, I guess, two and a half hours… We discussed a lot of things.”

• The brothers point out the damning implications of Trump coordinating with Putin before and after Ukraine meetings.

• “Russia, Russia, Russia” and Helsinki Flashbacks (13:01–14:41):

  • Trump: “He wants to see it happen. He told me very strongly. I believe him. Don't forget, we went through the Russia, Russia, Russia hoax together.”
  • Flashback: Trump’s infamous Helsinki comment—“President Putin was extremely strong and powerful in his denial today.” (14:22)

5. Disregard for American Fighters in Ukraine

• Insensitive Response (15:30): When asked about Americans killed fighting in Ukraine, Trump answers, “It’s what a shame they died in a country, a foreign country. And some are celebrated people. They're very celebrated, but so sad.”
• The hosts criticize Trump for failing to express gratitude or respect for their sacrifice, underscoring his lack of empathy or statesmanship.

6. Russian and Western Media Readouts

• Russian Readout (16:00–18:00): Discussion of the Kremlin’s readout of Trump’s call with Putin—the Kremlin emphasizes Trump’s willingness to pressure Ukraine into surrender, downplays ceasefire proposals, and portrays Trump as fully aligned with Russia’s interests.
  • “The conversation with Putin was organized at Trump’s initiative to finally end hostilities. A responsible decision is required from Kiev…” (17:45)
• Contrast with Canadian Leadership (19:23): The podcast plays a statement from a Canadian official (likely PM Trudeau), demonstrating effective Western support for Ukraine, including $2.5 billion in new economic aid.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Zelensky’s Reaction (06:10):

  • “Zelensky kind of gives this odd glance and smirk at Donald Trump when Donald Trump says Putin wants to help.” —Host Ben Meiselas

• On Trump’s Pro-Putin Talking Points (09:24):

  • “The U.S under the Trump regime is an ally, perhaps even a satellite nation of Putin doing Putin’s bidding.” —Host Ben Meiselas

• On Trump’s Nostalgic Collusion (13:25):

  • “Me and Putin, we talk about Russia, Russia, Russia all the time. This is what Donald Trump says here.” —Host

• Helsinki Flashback (14:22):

  • Trump: “President Putin was extremely strong and powerful in his denial today.”

• On War Casualties (15:30):

  • Trump: “It’s what a shame they died in a country, a foreign country… but so sad.”

• On Russian Ceasefire Logic (16:00):

  • “A ceasefire is a way to war, war is a way to peace. Orwell is just mass producing electricity in his grave right now.” —Kiev Independent reporter Ilya Pomerenko (quoted by the hosts)

Important Segment Timestamps

• Zelensky’s Reaction to Trump’s Claims: 05:40–06:10
• Blaming the 2020 Election: 07:09
• Russian Ceasefire Propaganda: 08:39–09:24
• Trump Discusses 2.5-Hour Putin Call: 10:11
• Trump Parroting Russian Land-Grabbing: 11:59–12:13
• Trump Admits Russia Collusion: 13:01–13:50
• Helsinki Press Conference Flashback: 14:22–14:41
• Insensitive Response on War Dead: 15:30–15:47
• Reading Out Russian Talking Points: 16:00–18:00
• Canadian Official Shows Leadership: 19:23–20:56

Conclusion

This episode is a scathing, often satirical examination of Trump’s post-presidential foreign policy moves and pro-Putin rhetoric. The Meiselas brothers highlight the danger Trump poses to allies, democracy, and Ukraine, effectively using Trump’s own words and official Russian statements to show his alignment with Kremlin interests. The contrasting example of Canada’s support for Ukraine underscores what principled, pro-democracy leadership looks like by comparison.

The episode will be especially rewarding for listeners who want detailed, critical insight into Trump’s press conference, the implications of his foreign policy positions, and how they are received both at home and abroad.

(Note: Ads, introductions, and outros have been omitted to focus solely on the substantive content.)