The MeidasTouch Podcast: “Trump Gets Instant Karma as His Plans Crash” – May 8, 2025

In the recent episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast, hosts Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas delve into the tumultuous political landscape shaped by former President Donald Trump’s ongoing policies and their repercussions. The episode, titled “Trump Gets Instant Karma as His Plans Crash,” offers a comprehensive analysis of Trump’s declining influence, economic turmoil stemming from his trade policies, and the shifting dynamics on the international stage. Through incisive commentary, the brothers blend humor with critical insights, providing listeners with a nuanced understanding of current events.

1. Trump's Waning Influence and Public Perception

The conversation opens with a stark portrayal of Donald Trump’s diminishing stature both domestically and internationally. The hosts highlight Trump's plummeting approval ratings and how his actions are perceived globally.

Political Commentator (02:28): “Odoa bit of everything. Odoo is like fertilizer because of the way it promotes growth...”

The discussion emphasizes how Trump is increasingly viewed as “weak and pathetic” by both American citizens and international observers. Memes depicting Trump’s ineffectiveness, such as the one showing him in AI form scolding a young girl about limited possessions, serve as cultural touchstones illustrating his declining popularity.

Political Commentator (04:00): “This meme right here... It's Donald Trump in AI form wagging his finger at a little girl...”

2. Economic Impacts of Trump’s Trade Policies

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to analyzing the economic fallout from Trump’s aggressive trade policies, particularly the imposition of high tariffs. The hosts discuss how these tariffs have disrupted global trade, leading to shortages and increased consumer prices.

Political Commentator (14:27): “Back in November, so many of us were wringing our hands about 4% inflation. We've just added 10 percentage points...”

The hosts incorporate real-time data and interviews with Port Authority Representatives from Seattle and Los Angeles to illustrate the tangible effects of these tariffs. The absence of container ships at the Port of Seattle and a significant drop in import volumes at Los Angeles highlight the immediate disruptions caused by Trump’s policies.

Port Authority Representative (11:40): “We currently do not have any container ships at port right now. That's correct.”

3. Trump's Financial Maneuvers and Conflicts of Interest

The podcast scrutinizes Trump’s financial dealings, particularly his investments in cryptocurrency, which have significantly boosted his family’s net worth amidst economic instability.

Political Commentator (05:00): “Donald Trump's family's net worth has increased by $2.9 billion thanks to crypto investments...”

Additionally, the episode touches upon Trump’s unsuccessful attempts to secure favorable trade deals, such as the purported negotiations with the United Kingdom, which are portrayed as futile efforts to manipulate markets to benefit his oligarch associates.

Political Commentator (07:50): “Every six hours, Donald Trump’s gonna come back with a new massive trade deal that ends up being absolutely nothing...”

4. Foreign Policy and International Relations

The hosts explore the broader implications of Trump’s foreign policy, particularly his strained relationships with global leaders like Xi Jinping of China and Vladimir Putin of Russia. They argue that Trump’s approach has alienated traditional allies and emboldened adversaries.

Political Commentator (09:06): “Asia, now I bring you that objective data because while Donald Trump’s out there lying...”

The discussion highlights Xi Jinping’s alliance with Putin, drawing parallels between their contemporary strategies and historical fascist movements, thereby signaling a united front against the perceived US hegemony.

Political Commentator (10:30): “The Chairman of the Federal Reserve, Jerome Powell…”

5. Health Policy and Controversial Appointments

Another focal point is Trump’s controversial appointment of Casey Means as Surgeon General, bypassing traditional qualifications and expertise in the medical field. The hosts critique this decision as indicative of Trump’s disregard for competence in favor of political maneuvering.

Political Commentator (07:00): “Donald Trump hired... Casey Means, who I don't even think is a licensed doctor...”

Experts and analysts featured in the episode condemn Means’ lack of credentials, further questioning Trump’s judgment in key appointments.

6. Federal Reserve’s Stance on Tariffs and Economic Outlook

The podcast features a clip of Jerome Powell, Chairman of the Federal Reserve, discussing the potential long-term impacts of Trump’s tariffs. Powell warns that sustained high tariffs could exacerbate inflation and unemployment rates, hindering economic progress.

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell (15:28): “We will see certainly the risks to higher inflation, higher unemployment have, have increased...”

7. Conclusion: The Path Forward Amidst Chaos

In wrapping up, the hosts reiterate the theme of Trump’s weakening grip on power and the negative consequences of his policies. They emphasize the need for strategic leadership to navigate the ongoing economic and geopolitical challenges.

Political Commentator (16:14): “The message over and over again is weakness, weakness, weakness of Donald Trump...”

The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to engage with the MeidasTouch community, encouraging subscription and participation in their broader discourse on maintaining democratic values and effective governance.

Key Takeaways

• Trump's Declining Influence: Public and international perception of Trump is increasingly negative, with his approval ratings facing significant drops.

• Economic Turmoil: High tariffs imposed by Trump have disrupted global trade, leading to shortages, increased consumer prices, and economic instability.

• Questionable Financial Gains: Despite economic downturns, Trump’s family net worth has surged, primarily through cryptocurrency investments.

• Strained Foreign Relations: Trump’s foreign policies have strained relationships with key global players, undermining alliances and empowering adversaries.

• Controversial Appointments: The appointment of unqualified individuals to key government positions reflects Trump’s disregard for competence in favor of political favoritism.

• Federal Reserve Concerns: High tariffs pose significant risks to inflation and unemployment, potentially derailing economic progress.

• Call to Action: The hosts encourage listeners to stay informed and engaged through The MeidasTouch Podcast and its associated platforms.

This episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast offers a critical examination of Donald Trump’s enduring impact on American politics and the global economy. Through detailed analysis and compelling commentary, the Meiselas brothers provide listeners with a thorough understanding of the challenges facing democracy and effective governance today.