The MeidasTouch Podcast – Episode Summary

Episode: Trump Finally Confesses in Stunning Admission on Ukraine
Date: September 24, 2025
Hosts: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas

Overview

This episode dives deep into Donald Trump’s surprising and contradictory comments concerning the war in Ukraine, his interactions with Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky, and his administration's shifting stance toward Russia. The Meiselas brothers analyze Trump’s public admissions at the United Nations, highlight the chaos of his statements, and examine the implications for US foreign policy and support of democracy worldwide. The episode spotlights the abrupt tonal shift in Trump’s approach—moving from boastful claims of ending the war swiftly because of his relationship with Putin, to surprisingly hawkish rhetoric against Russia.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Trump’s Public Admission on Ukraine and Russia

• Trump’s UN Statement: Trump admits that his presumed influence over Putin failed to end the Ukraine war quickly.
  • Quote:

    “I thought that was going to be the easiest one because of my relationship with Putin. But unfortunately that same relationship didn’t mean anything.” – Donald Trump (02:47)

• The hosts stress the gravity of this confession, given Trump’s long-standing campaign promise to end the war in 24 hours.

2. Shift in Rhetoric: From “End in 24 Hours” to Aggression

• Trump pivots from claiming unique ability to achieve peace to making surprisingly forceful statements against Russia.
  • Quote:

    “Maybe it’s... it could be that Russia is a paper tiger. I don’t know what they are. But three and a half years of fighting and killing everybody for nothing.” – Donald Trump (03:48)

• Trump’s spokesperson, Caroline Levitt, echoes this aggressive stance, escalating the rhetoric from past “Putin bootlicker” accusations to daring Putin to fight.
• Hosts comment on hypocrisy: This shift is highlighted as chaotic and inconsistent with past positions.
  • Quote:

    “We’ve come a long way from no new wars and ending it easily in 24 hours.” – Ben Meiselas (paraphrasing Editor-in-Chief Ron Filipkowski) (01:47)

3. Trump’s Contradictory and Confused Messaging

• Lack of Awareness: Trump’s confusion about drone attacks in Denmark reflects a lack of basic foreign policy knowledge.

  • Quote:

    “Denmark is saying that there are some drones, possibly Russia sabotage. What’s your response to that?”
    “Well, I have no response until I find out exactly what happened. I know about it, but they haven’t, they don’t know what happened. But we’re going to find out very soon.” – Donald Trump (04:33)

• On Orban and Russian Oil: Trump flip-flops from sympathizing with Orban (Hungary) about Ukraine attacking Russian oil depots to saying he might ask Orban to stop buying Russian oil.

  • Quote:

    “Well, he’s a friend of mine. I have not spoken to him, but I have a feeling if I did, he might stop. And I think I’ll be doing that.” – Donald Trump (06:57)

4. Trump’s Dubious Claims about Ending Wars

• Questioned by Other World Leaders: Even Turkish President Erdoğan calls out Trump’s repeated (but unfulfilled) claims to quickly end conflicts, noting “here we are, here we are right now.”

  • Quote:

    “I can only say this, Mr. Trump, you might remember he used a term, he said, I will finish the Russia, Ukraine war. Did it end? It still goes on.” – Recep Tayyip Erdoğan (10:29)

• NATO and Defensive Posture: Trump uncharacteristically states NATO countries should shoot down Russian aircraft if their airspace is violated, to Zelensky’s visible surprise.

  • Quote:

    “Yes, I do.” – Donald Trump (regarding NATO shooting down Russian aircraft; 11:31)

5. Trump’s Sudden Pro-Ukraine Post & Zelensky’s Response

• Trump’s Social Media Post: After a series of inconsistent interviews, Trump posts a long message supporting the idea that Ukraine can reclaim its full pre-war territory, emphasizing Russia as a “paper tiger.”
  • Paraphrase: “Ukraine, with the support of the European Union, is in a position to fight and win all of Ukraine back in its original form... Russia has been fighting aimlessly... This is not distinguishing Russia.” (12:00-13:30)
• Zelensky Responds with Skepticism: In a Fox interview, President Zelensky expresses mild surprise and restrained optimism about Trump's newfound support, while he and the hosts highlight Trump’s unpredictability.
  • Quote:

    “It was a surprise for me. You’re right. I was very positive signals from the side that, that Trump and America will be with us to the end of the war…” – Volodymyr Zelensky (14:09)

6. Chaotic Messaging and Policy Instability

• Summary by Hosts: The episode ends with the hosts underscoring the dangers posed by Trump’s ever-changing positions, the recklessness of such unpredictability in global affairs, and the importance of stable, principled support for democracy.
  • Quote:

    “Just think about the chaotic policy, right? It just, you know, one post and then, and then all of a sudden everything changes.” – Ben Meiselas (15:15)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments — With Timestamps

• Trump Admits Weakness – “But unfortunately that same relationship didn’t mean anything.” (02:47)
• Trump Questions Russia’s Power – “Maybe…it could be that Russia is a paper tiger. I don’t know what they are.” (03:48)
• Trump’s Knowledge Gap – “Where, where are they? Denmark. Copenhagen...” (04:33)
• Orban Oil Dealings – “He’s a friend of mine... I think I’ll be doing that.” (06:57)
• Erdogan Calls Out Trump’s Claims – “He used a term, he said, I will finish the Russia, Ukraine war. Did it end? It still goes on.” (10:29)
• NATO Defense Statement – “Yes, I do.” – (on if NATO should shoot down Russian jets) (11:31)
• Zelensky’s Surprise – “It was a surprise for me. …very positive signals from the side that, that Trump and America will be with us to the end of the war.” (14:09)
• Chaotic Rhetoric Highlighted – “Just think about the chaotic policy, right?... everything changes.” (15:15)

Timeline of Important Segments

• 00:00–02:47 – Trump’s UN admissions and context around his failed campaign promise
• 02:47–04:17 – Trump’s “paper tiger” comments and shifting tone
• 04:17–06:55 – Trump’s confusion on world events (Denmark incident, Orban oil letters)
• 06:55–09:28 – Trump’s noncommittal stance toward Putin, pessimism on war ending
• 09:28–11:31 – Erdogan calls out Trump, NATO statements, and Zelensky’s reaction
• 11:31–14:09 – Trump’s pro-Ukraine social post and Zelensky’s response
• 14:09–15:32 – Caroline Levitt on Fox reaffirms aggressive rhetoric, hosts summarize chaos

Takeaway

This episode spotlights Trump’s puzzling and evolving stance regarding Ukraine and Russia, with the Meiselas brothers providing both critical analysis and humorous commentary. Central to the discussion is Trump’s public contradiction of past promises, his difficulty staying consistent, and the wider risks such behavior exposes on the world stage. The episode is essential listening for anyone tracking US foreign policy, the 2024 campaign dynamics, and the ongoing war in Ukraine.

For more episodes, subscribe to The MeidasTouch Podcast.