The MeidasTouch Podcast
Episode: Trump Crashes Out on Saturday as War Takes Ugly Turn
Date: March 28, 2026
Hosts: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas
Episode Overview
This episode, primarily led by Ben Meiselas, centers on the catastrophic turn of events in Donald Trump’s ongoing war in the Middle East. The brothers analyze Trump’s political and military failures, focusing on escalations involving Iran, the Houthis in Yemen, and ripple effects on the global economy and US military credibility. While covering the factual details, Ben injects his characteristic critical and comedic tone, ending with a call to peaceful protest and pro-democracy action.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Trump’s Political and Military Failures
[01:24]
- Ben highlights Trump's erratic behavior, referencing a recent Miami appearance where Trump called the Strait of Hormuz the "straight of Trump."
- Trump is distracted, using his social media to attack various figures (Letitia James, President Zelensky, former President Biden) rather than focusing on the war.
- Trump continues to push false narratives about the success of his war efforts.
"Donald Trump will probably declare a victory in the war if he can work out some deal with where now the United States pays significant fees to use the Strait of Hormuz where there was no fees before and he'll go look at the deal. We now pay billions of dollars to empower Iran and Russia. Did I do good, everybody? Isn't that deal making utterly, utterly pathetic?" — Ben [03:10]
2. Turning Points in the War: Houthis & Iranian Escalation
[02:30-05:00]
- The Houthis of Yemen have officially entered the war, launching ballistic missiles into Israel.
- Strait of Hormuz is under Iran’s control; G7 acknowledges Iran will likely keep it post-war and levy tolls on shipping.
- Iran has successfully attacked the Prince Sultan Air Base in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, destroying or damaging US Air Force KC135 refueling planes and an E3 Sentry surveillance aircraft (one of only 16 left in the US fleet).
"The crown jewel of the Air Force, the US E3 Sentry, which does all of this surveillance... seems to have been destroyed as well." — Ben [06:24]
- Human casualties: 12 US soldiers injured, 8 seriously, 2 in grave condition.
3. Global Impact & Iran’s Strategy
[06:55-09:00]
- Iran’s attacks go beyond Saudi Arabia:
- New cluster munitions in Israel
- Devastating drone strikes in Tel Aviv, Kuwait, UAE
- The S&P 500 has lost $4.8 trillion since the war began, with Iran’s leadership reposting this fact as a form of economic warfare.
- Only about 33% of Iran’s missile capacity has been destroyed, contrary to Trump's claims.
- Iran’s missile/drones are increasingly avoiding US countermeasures, using tactics honed in the Ukraine war.
"They're acutely aware of the damage they're causing to the US economy and the world economy. They fully understand that in a war of attrition, it's something that they can outlast the rest of the world in the United States." — Ben [09:45]
4. US Military Unpreparedness and Policy Failures
[09:00-12:30]
- US has not adapted to modern drone warfare despite lessons from Ukraine.
- Expensive and supposedly advanced US equipment is left vulnerable.
- US munitions and interceptor stockpiles are rapidly depleting, pushing the administration to desperate measures.
- IDF (Israel Defense Forces) faces manpower and equipment shortages, with direct warnings from its own Chief of Staff.
"You have the worst people in charge right now doing the worst things." — Ben [12:10]
5. Global Fallout: US Weapon Sales and International Trust Erode
[12:30-15:45]
- The US is controversially redirecting funds from allied nations' military contracts (like Swiss F-35 funds) to cover its own missile shortfalls, infuriating allies and prompting them to freeze their own contracts.
- Swiss armaments chief calls the situation “very unsatisfactory.”
- This unprecedented behavior is eroding trust in US military manufacturing, risking future sales.
"This is why all of Europe, Canada, Australia, they're like, why? We can't buy military equipment from the United States... the US brags about putting kill switches under Donald Trump on its military equipment. And that's gonna have a long-term damage because people aren't gonna buy United States military equipment anymore." — Ben [15:10]
6. US Reinforcements and Further Escalation
[16:00]
- 3,500 Marines and sailors arrived aboard the USS Tripoli, likely preparing for an amphibious operation.
- Ben briefly speculates about a possible invasion of Kharg Island.
7. Closing Thoughts: Protests and Democratic Action
[17:00]
- Ben calls for peaceful participation in “no Kings” protests across the US, encouraging continued activism and support for democracy.
- The segment ends with gratitude, a call to subscribe, and references to new pro-democracy merch (excluded here per request to skip promotional content).
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- Trump's deal-making mocked:
"Isn't that deal making utterly, utterly pathetic?" — Ben [03:15]
- On the destruction of US military assets:
"This was one of the again most expensive and the biggest crown jewel of the Air Force that seems to have been destroyed as well." — Ben [06:27]
- On Iran's new tactics and economic impact:
"Iran is very much aware of America's market crashing. They're very much aware of America going through its interceptor stockpile." — Ben [10:45]
- On US policy failure:
"You have the worst people in charge right now doing the worst things." — Ben [12:10]
- On ally frustration with US arms redirection:
"Switzerland did not approve this. Switzerland did not consent... The money Switzerland paid for jets is now subsidizing a war in Iran that Switzerland refused to participate in. And they're furious." — Ben [14:50]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- [01:24] – Trump’s behavior and public attacks
- [02:30] – Iran, Houthis escalate war; Strait of Hormuz lost to Iran
- [06:24] – E3 Sentry destroyed; US military losses detailed
- [09:00] – Iran’s shift to attritional, economic warfare
- [12:00] – U.S. and Israeli military shortages, international fallout
- [13:50] – Switzerland arms funds redirected by US; allied anger
- [16:00] – Arrival of USS Tripoli, troop buildup
- [17:00+] – Call for activism, protest, and support for democracy
Episode Tone
- Unapologetically critical of Trump, mixing urgent news with biting sarcasm and wit.
- Concerned, at times exasperated analysis of the US military, political leadership, and global implications of current events.
- Undercurrents of hope and activism, ending with a push for peaceful protest and collective action.
This summary encapsulates the episode's in-depth critique of Trump’s handling of the war, key international developments, economic impacts, and Ben Meiselas' impassioned calls for action in defense of democracy.