The MeidasTouch Podcast – "Trump gets Beaten to a Pulp as Newsom Delivers the Karma"

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

Episode Overview

In this episode, the Meiselas brothers break down a volatile week in American politics, focusing on California Governor Gavin Newsom’s forceful, unapologetic pushback against Donald Trump, Stephen Miller, and the ongoing authoritarian tendencies of the Trump administration. The brothers highlight Newsom’s moral clarity, examine MAGA reactions, and discuss how Democrats can effectively counter right-wing narratives. The episode is packed with sharp political analysis, fiery rhetoric, and MeidasTouch’s signature mix of comedy and activism.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Governor Gavin Newsom Calls Out Fascism

[03:00]

• Newsom publicly calls out former Trump advisor Stephen Miller as a “fascist” in a series of viral social media posts.
• He responds to complaints from Don Jr. (“calling out your dad and his authoritarian stooges for being fascist, that’s what I’m doing”) and directly quotes the textbook definition of fascism to apply it to Trump’s movement.
• The hosts emphasize that Newsom is setting a new standard: “No one’s doing it the way California Governor Gavin Newsom is right now.”
  — Political Commentator [03:02]

2. Democratic Messaging & Moral Clarity

• The brothers highlight how Newsom and some Democrats are pushing back assertively on MAGA talking points, specifically regarding health care and the looming government shutdown.
• They dissect the infamous quote from White House spokesperson Caroline Levitt:
  “Go fuck yourself.”
  — Political Commentator quoting a Trump official [04:43]
• The hosts emphasize the power of a forceful but principled response to the “victim” narratives that MAGA influencers employ.

3. Calling Out Hypocrisy and MAGA Victimhood

• Right-wing commentators, especially Laura Loomer, respond by casting themselves as targets and escalating rhetoric (“ringleaders of assassination culture”).
• The hosts lampoon this tactic:
  “You see what these MAGAs do the moment you stand up to them and exert moral authority, real authority, and stand up to these losers… they are a movement of losers.”
  — Political Commentator [05:50]

4. Newsom’s Legislative Actions & National Leadership

[12:24]

• Newsom posts about providing hope and love, contrasting “Trump spreads fear” with “Patriots spread love.”
• He signs California legislation to protect abortion access, allowing doctors to prescribe abortion pills anonymously and requiring insurance coverage–even if the FDA changes policy.
• Newsom sends emergency aid to hurricane-hit states, “serving as a leader for the country right now,” contrasted with Trump “watching the Ryder Cup.”
• In matters of environment, Newsom reassures international partners:
  “We are your stable and reliable partner and we will continue to be in this space.”
  — Gavin Newsom [15:55]

5. The Dangers of Authoritarianism & Checks and Balances

[17:02]

• The hosts replay their prior interview with Newsom, where he warns about the militarization of American cities—a “preview of things to come.”
• Newsom, on Trump’s threats to arrest him:
  “I honestly literally never thought in my life I’d hear those words uttered from the President of the United States, threatening the rest, directing the arrest of a political opponent… for what? Not only winning the election, but… calling him out on his unconstitutional actions.”
  — Gavin Newsom [17:02]
• He laments erosion of rule of law and the loss of congressional oversight.

6. Mockery and Satire as Tools Against Authoritarianism

• The episode is peppered with memes and punchy humor, e.g., Newsom roasting Fox’s Pete Hegseth and lampooning Thomas “Tommy Toilet” Lahren.
• Hosts highlight MAGA grifts, like Trump’s “Newsom Sucks” shirts, as proof of the empty, reactive ethos of the right:
  “That’s what you’re going with. Donald Newsom sucks.”
  — Political Commentator [19:01]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Gavin Newsom, on moral clarity:
  “If you don’t want us to call you a fascist, then stop doing fascist things.”
  — Quoted by Political Commentator [03:19]

• On MAGA victimhood:
  “Oh my God, Laura Loomer, are you gonna cry?”
  — Political Commentator [05:36]

• On effective resistance:
  “You have to be peaceful, but you gotta speak with forceful moral clarity.”
  — Political Commentator [06:22]

• Calling out Trump’s failed promises and economic claims:
  “If you brought in $17 trillion, where the hell is all of this money?”
  — Political Commentator [08:25]

• On America’s current state:
  “We live in a fascist regime right now run by a bunch of fricking losers.”
  — Political Commentator [07:09]

• Gavin Newsom, on authoritarianism:
  “This is about the erosion of the rule of law. This is about a system of checks and balances, popular sovereignty, co-equal branches of government. We lost a full branch of government. It’s gone. And that’s Congress… Democrats and Republicans should wake up.”
  — Gavin Newsom [17:39–18:53]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [03:00] – Newsom vs. Trump & Miller: Social media battle and "fascist" rhetoric
• [04:43] – Quoting Caroline Levitt’s “Go F yourself” and government shutdown drama
• [05:36] – MAGA victimhood lampooned (Laura Loomer)
• [12:24] – Newsom’s empathy vs. Trump’s fear, abortion legislation, hurricane response
• [15:55] – Newsom’s global message on environmental leadership
• [17:02] – Replay of Newsom interview: “preview of things to come,” threats of arrest
• [19:01] – MAGA grift: "Newsom Sucks" shirts

Recap of Episode’s Tone and Final Messages

The episode exudes urgency, justified outrage, and irreverent brotherly humor. The Meiselas brothers deliver scathing critiques of Trump and MAGA’s ongoing assaults on democracy, positioning Gavin Newsom as a model of assertive Democratic leadership and calling on listeners to demand more courage and clarity from their representatives. As always, the brothers blend news, advocacy, and humor to keep listeners informed, enraged, and empowered.

Key Takeaway:
Standing up to authoritarianism requires both moral clarity and an unflinching readiness to call out fascism by name, paired with policies that help real people and a healthy dose of unapologetic satire.