Trump Falls Asleep as War Escalates and He Fails

Summary

The MeidasTouch Podcast: "Trump Falls Asleep as War Escalates and He Fails" – Detailed Summary

Release Date: May 10, 2025
Hosts: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas

In this episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast, the Meiselas brothers delve deep into the multifaceted crises engulfing the United States and the world, with a particular focus on former President Donald Trump's recent actions and their broader implications. The discussion is enriched with sharp analysis, humorous brotherly banter, and incisive commentary on the state of democracy.

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1. Intensifying Geopolitical Conflicts

The episode opens with a political commentator highlighting the escalating war between India and Pakistan. The commentator emphasizes the gravity of the situation, noting, “The war between India and Pakistan is intensifying” ([01:07]). This regional conflict is set against a backdrop of ongoing global tensions, including wars in Ukraine and Gaza, and increased military activities in Yemen and the Red Sea.

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2. Donald Trump's Diminishing Presence in the Oval Office

A significant portion of the discussion centers on Donald Trump's apparent disengagement and fatigue while handling presidential duties. The commentator describes Trump’s behavior in the Oval Office as "addled, disoriented, and fatigued," citing instances where Trump seemed unaware of the executive orders he was signing ([01:07]). A particularly telling moment is when the commentator remarks, “It looks like he was falling asleep over the past few days in the Oval Office” ([01:07]).

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3. U.S. Military Engagements and Strategic Failures

The podcast addresses multiple military conflicts involving the U.S., including the bombing of Yemen and the loss of F18 aircraft in the Red Sea. The commentator underscores ongoing issues, such as the downing of Reaper drones by the Houthis and the lack of clear explanations for these losses ([01:07]). This segment paints a picture of a nation grappling with overextended military commitments and strategic missteps.

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4. Trump's Tepid Response to India-Pakistan War

When discussing Trump’s reaction to the India-Pakistan conflict, the commentator criticizes his lukewarm stance: “Donald Trump says, well, I hope it just ends soon” ([04:49]). This nonchalant response is juxtaposed against the severity of a conflict involving two nuclear-armed nations, highlighting a perceived lack of appropriate leadership.

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5. Strained U.S.-Russia Relations and Sanctions

The episode delves into the fraught relationship between the U.S. and Russia, particularly focusing on Trump’s inconsistent stance towards Russian aggression in Ukraine. The commentator mocks Trump’s inability to maintain a firm position, stating, “Donald Trump said, I'm going to sanction you, Russia, if you're being naughty. And Russia's like, yeah, we're just going to ignore you, you little weak guy” ([05:11]).

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6. Domestic Challenges: Budget Crisis and Debt Ceiling

Turning inward, the discussion shifts to the U.S. facing a looming debt ceiling crisis by August. Treasury Secretary Scott Berenson warns of the collapse of current accounting tricks, necessitating the completion of a tax bill by July ([05:11]). The commentator expresses frustration over the lack of progress, noting, “we've gone through eight weeks and zero progress has been made on that front” ([05:11]).

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7. Declining Popularity Among Rural Voters

The podcast highlights a significant drop in Trump’s support among rural voters, once his stronghold. Shock polls indicate only about 40% of rural voters now support him, attributed to his declining approval ratings and public perception of his handling of the economy ([05:11]). The commentator criticizes Trump’s public statements versus the economic realities, stating, “Donald Trump lies and claims that there's no inflation... We know inflation is raging” ([05:11]).

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8. Trump's Financial Maneuvers and Ethical Concerns

A segment focuses on Trump's involvement in meme coins and cryptocurrency, questioning the ethical implications of his financial activities. When pressed about his personal gains, Trump’s spokesperson Caroline Levitt defends him vigorously: “The President is abiding by all conflict of interest laws... he acts with only the interests of the American public in mind” ([08:25]).

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9. Critique of Trump’s Trade Policies and "Deal-Making"

The brothers scrutinize Trump's trade policies, particularly his imposition of tariffs on China and Korea. The commentator argues that Trump’s actions amount to dictating terms rather than genuine deal-making, saying, “We need to stop referring to what Trump is doing as deals like they're not deals. He's the arsonist who set things on fire” ([10:17]). An economist reinforces this view, explaining that Trump’s unilateral tariff impositions violate existing trade agreements ([10:17]).

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10. Constitutional Overreach: Suspension of Habeas Corpus

A concerning topic is Trump’s consideration of suspending habeas corpus, as revealed through a clip of his top adviser, Stephen Miller ([11:02]). The commentator highlights the seriousness of this move, stating, “suspending habeas corpus is a direct threat to constitutional rights” ([10:51]). This segment underscores fears of authoritarianism and erosion of democratic safeguards.

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11. Contradictions in U.S. Foreign Policy

The podcast juxtaposes Trump’s focus on personal business ventures in the Middle East with Pakistan’s military actions against India. While Trump engages with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE for business interests, Pakistan announces military strikes, creating a stark contrast between diplomatic pursuits and on-the-ground conflicts ([12:03]). This contradiction raises questions about the prioritization of foreign policy goals.

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12. Defense Against Conflict of Interest Allegations

In response to accusations of conflicting interests due to his Middle East engagements, Caroline Levitt vehemently defends Trump. She asserts, “President Trump is doing anything for his own benefit... he acts in the best interest of our country” ([12:36]). Her statements aim to quell concerns about Trump’s business dealings influencing his political decisions.

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Conclusion: A Nation at a Crossroads

The episode concludes with the political commentator urging listeners to reflect on the current state of leadership and the direction in which the nation is heading. The Meiselas brothers reinforce their call for support of democracy, emphasizing the importance of informed and active citizenship in these turbulent times.

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Key Takeaways

• Geopolitical Instability: The intensifying conflicts between nuclear-armed India and Pakistan add to existing global tensions, revealing the complexities of international relations.

• Leadership Concerns: Donald Trump’s perceived disengagement and erratic decision-making in the Oval Office raise alarms about effective governance during crises.

• Domestic Struggles: The U.S. faces significant challenges, including a potential debt ceiling crisis and declining support among traditional voter bases.

• Ethical and Constitutional Issues: Allegations of conflict of interest in Trump’s business dealings and potential suspension of habeas corpus threaten the foundational principles of American democracy.

• Public Accountability: The podcast underscores the necessity for transparency and accountability in leadership, advocating for the protection and support of democratic institutions.

Notable Quotes

• Political Commentator ([01:07]): “The war between India and Pakistan is intensifying.”

• Political Commentator ([04:49]): “Donald Trump says, well, I hope it just ends soon.”

• Reporter ([07:42]): “Why is the president planning to attend a dinner for the top investors at this point?”

• Caroline Levitt ([08:25]): “The President acts with only the interests of the American public in mind.”

• Economist ([10:17]): “This isn't deal making. This is dictating what the president's doing as he rips up deals.”

• Stephen Miller ([11:02]): “The privilege of the writ of habeas corpus can be seen suspended in a time of invasion.”

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This episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast serves as a critical examination of current political dynamics, offering listeners a comprehensive analysis of leadership challenges, ethical dilemmas, and the pressing need to uphold democratic values in the face of adversity.

Transcript

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[Political Commentator]

The war between India and Pakistan is intensifying While Donald Trump is posting on social media about his dislike of MSNBC's coverage of his awful tariff war against the world. That's what Donald Trump is doing, if he's even able to stay awake. It looks like he was falling asleep over the past few days in the Oval Office and when he was handed executive orders, he looked at them and he was like, what am I signing? What is this? But as I said at the outset the war, India and Pakistan is intensifying. Indian missiles are striking in air bases that are increasingly closer to Islamabad. I mean, they're attacking areas in Pakistan like Lahore, which is the second largest, largest city and one that is fully undisputed. Meanwhile, Pakistan has announced through their state run television that it is launching retaliatory strikes against India. As our editor in chief, Ron Philip Koski writes. So when does the winning start? Wars are still raging in Ukraine and Gaza. A new war has broken out with India and Pakistan. We're bombing Yemen. We're losing multiple F18 over the past month and not getting explanations why we're losing them in the Red Sea. We've had about seven or eight Reaper drones shot down by the Houthis. Our allies and trading partners hate us. Our economic growth is negative, prices are going up. Iran is close to a nuke. And now you have Stephen Miller and Donald Trump talking about suspending habeas corpus, invoking martial law, and not following the Constitution at all if the Supreme Court rules against them. Show you that clip in a little bit. But here is a very addled, a very Disoriented. A very fatigued Donald Trump getting handed an executive order on Friday. And he literally doesn't know what the hell he's even signing. He's like, what? What do they do? We're talking about refrigerators or freezers here. Watch this. Let's play it.

[Government Official]

Next, Mr. President, we have House Joint Resolution 24. This is the same basic idea, but this relates to walk in court coolers and freezers and other refrigeration devices. Again, last minute Biden era regulation that hits ordinary Americans hard.

[Political Commentator]

And what did they do?

[Government Official]

They put in increased the energy efficiency.

[Warby Parker Representative]

Requirements for walk ins coolers and freezers and therefore putting an undue burden on businesses across.

[Political Commentator]

I mean, the day before he was sleeping when he was speaking to the United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer, he was falling asleep. I mean, you don't believe me? I'll show you the tape. Let's play it. Economic security is national security or national security. We've been absolutely the closest of allies for so many years keeping the peace. And the only statement that Donald Trump has made about the raging war now by two nuclear powers, India and Pakistan. Donald Trump said the other day, they've been fighting for a long time. Maybe this is going on for a long time and I don't know. Hopefully this ends soon. Hopefully this ends soon. They all went from blaming former President Biden for literally everything and anything to now as a war rages between two nuclear powers. Donald Trump says, well, I hope it just ends soon. Here, play this clip.

[Donald Trump]

No, it's a shame. We just heard about it just as we were walking in the doors of the Oval. Just heard about it. I guess people knew something was going to happen based on a little bit of the past. They've been fighting for a long time. You know, they've been fighting for many, many decades and centuries actually, if you really think about it. No, I just hope it ends very.

[Political Commentator]

Quickly now as two nuclear powers are at war with each other as war rages. Also, Ukraine being unlawfully invaded by Russia. Russia rejecting Donald Trump's social media post. Hey, you want us, you want to cut it out? Like the fourth time, Donald Trump said, I'm going to sanction you, Russia, if you're being naughty. And Russia's like, yeah, we're just going to ignore you, you little weak guy. That's basically what they said. While Ukraine said, we're good, unconditional cease fire. And Donald Trump's like, both sides are causing me issues right here. There's also a figurative nuclear situation happening with the budget and with the debt ceiling, debt limit measures could run by August. Treasury Secretary Scott Besson says he says some of the accounting tricks that he's using right now currently are not going to be able to work by August. So that means a Spencer Kimian explains this tax bill has to be completed by July. The latest we've gone through eight weeks and zero progress has been made on that front. I've been showing you already all of these clips from Senators maga, Republican senators like Ron Johnson from Wisconsin saying no way we ever going to pass this. And so as Hakimi and notes, China's going to take it real slow in Switzerland this weekend. Time is on China's side, not ours. So does it shock you that there are shock polls now showing that like rural voters, rural voters, which was kind of Trump's base, only about 40% of rural voters now support Donald Trump as Trump's approval continues, continues to plummet because I think we all see it, this shouldn't be political. As Donald Trump lies and claims that there's no inflation, as he lies and claims gas is A$90, as he lies and claims everybody in America's rich now, he says we're all doing great. He says, he says that everyone's able to afford homes. Things are amazing. We're all doing perfect is what he says. We all know that's a lie. We can look at our bank accounts. We can see what is actually happening. We can look at the store shelves. We know inflation is raging. We know housing is not affordable. While Donald Trump and his family have made $4.5 billion off of meme coins and crypto and doing deals with Qatar and Abu Dhabi's fund and Saudi Arabia sovereign wealth fund. So a reporter asks Trump's top propagandist Caroline Levitt about Trump selling meme coins. He keeps doing meme coin posts. She goes, ah, that's fine, that's fine. Here, play this clip.

[Reporter]

Thanks for having me, Caroline. The president posted another ad this week for his Trump meme coin. The group that's running that coin is encouraging people to buy in order to win a dinner this month with the President. Why is the president planning to attend a dinner for the top investors at this point?

[Caroline Levitt]

Ms. Look, the President is abiding by all conflict of interest laws. The president has been incredibly transparent with his own personal financial obligations throughout the years. The President is a successful businessman and I think frankly, it's one of the many reasons that people reelected him back to this office.

[Reporter]

There are at least some people who are buying this coin, who seem to view it as an opportunity to influence the president's views. There was a logistics company this week that said they would buy $20 million in the coin in order to advocate for free trade between the US And Mexico. If buyers are buying for that reason, are they wasting their money?

[Caroline Levitt]

Look, I can assure you the President acts with only the interests of the American public in mind. Putting our country first and doing what's best for our country, full stop. That's his intention and that's what he's focused on, Chris.

[Political Commentator]

And then Donald Trump gaslights us, gaslights us all by posting. You know, the problem with even a tiny increase for the rich, which I would graciously accept in order to help people, is that then radical left Democrats would say, read my lips, read my lips out. I'm not going to give you any tax cuts or I'm not going to tax the rich. I'm going to tax the poor, and I'm going to do the largest tax regressive tax cut with my tariffs. I would have done a tax on myself, but, you know, I don't want anyone to say, read my lips. You literally don't pay your taxes. Donald. It took the Democrats years to get your tax returns before. And what it showed was that for like many years, you were paying $0 in income tax. Or $750. Yes, zero or $750. Here was Donald Trump announcing an 80% tariff on China. Earlier, he said he was thinking about lowering it to 145%. Then later in the day, Donald Trump said, actually, now I'm thinking about doing it. You know, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said maybe 37%. I think this guy, Justin Wolfers, an economist at Michigan, says it best. We need to stop referring to what Trump is doing as deals like they're not deals. He's the arsonist who set things on fire, and now he wants to somewhat put out fires that he created. Those aren't deals. So stop buying into this framing that these are deals. Here, play this clip. How important to Donald Trump, aside from, you know, the big one, which is the deal with China, how important are these other deals? Japan, South Korea, for example?

[Economist]

I think it's time to stop calling these things deals. Korea has a deal with the United States. It has a free trade agreement, in fact, a free trade agreement that it renegotiated under the previous President Trump. So Trump is going to impose a 10% tariff, effectively violating the deal, unilaterally doing so, and then he's going to say to the Koreans, is there anything that I can do to carve out enough that you're willing to come over to the White House for a humiliating photo opportunity with me? So this isn't deal making. This is dictating what the president's doing as he rips up deals.

[Political Commentator]

So I want to show you two things right now. First, here's the clip of Stephen Miller, Donald Trump's top adviser, saying that he's considering suspending habeas corpus. So you can see this clip. Let's play it.

[Stephen Miller]

Well, the Constitution is clear, and that, of course, is the supreme law of the land, that the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus can be seen suspended in a time of invasion. So I would say that's an option we're actively looking at. Look, a lot of it depends on whether the courts do the right thing or not at the end of the day.

[Political Commentator]

Now, let me share with you just so you see. This is footage of Pakistan's military firing on in India while Donald Trump is out there, you know, posting many trade deals in the hopper. All great. Everybody here, play this clip.

[Government Official]

Bismillahirrahman. Today on 10th May, at the time of Fajr, we have given a strong punch toward enemy Alhamdulillah.

[Political Commentator]

And finally, Donald Trump's top propagandist was asked during the press conference as well as. So Donald Trump's going to the Middle east to meet with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi, the people who invest in his personal businesses. Like, do you think that's an issue? And then Caroline Levitt snaps on the reporters like, no, no. How dare you make the implication he's sacrificed. What do you mean? He's sacrificing. He's gotten so rich off of, off of the executive office, off of selling access to himself. Here, play the clip.

[Caroline Levitt]

Let me just get to the premise of your question that both of you have ra. I think it's frankly ridiculous that anyone in this room would even suggest that President Trump is doing anything for his own benefit. He left a life of luxury and a life of running a very successful real estate empire for public service not just once, but twice. And again, the American public reelected him back to this White House because they trust he acts in the best interest of our country in putting the American public first. This is a president who has actually lost money for being president of the United States. I don't remember these same type of questions being asked of my predecessor about a career politician who was clearly profiting off of this office that is not what President Trump does, and this White House holds ourselves to the highest of ethical standards.

[Political Commentator]

Phil There you have it, folks. Let me know what you think. Hit subscribe let's get to 5 million subscribers. New Midas Merch Drop Check out the latest Pro Democracy sticker packs, T shirts, hats, sweatshirts and more, [e-mail] touch.com.