The MeidasTouch Podcast

Episode: Trump Gets Put in His Place as Newsom Shuts Down Invasion
Date: October 6, 2025
Hosts: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas (MeidasTouch Network)

Main Theme & Purpose

This episode centers on the escalating constitutional showdown between former President Donald Trump and California Governor Gavin Newsom. The hosts break down Trump’s attempt to deploy National Guard troops from red states into blue-state cities, specifically the attempted deployment of California’s National Guard to Portland, Oregon. Newsom's swift legal response is portrayed as a major defense of democratic norms against authoritarian overreach. The brothers discuss broader themes of federal overreach, GOP authoritarianism, threats to democracy, the Epstein files controversy, and Governor Newsom’s unique way of engaging with younger audiences through events like “Fortnite Fridays.”

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Trump’s Attempted National Guard Deployment

• Trump tried to circumvent a federal judge’s order by deploying California National Guard troops to Portland, Oregon after being blocked from using the Oregon National Guard.

  • “[Trump] then tried to deploy California National Guard troops in Portland, Oregon to bring the California National Guard to invade Portland, Oregon. And Governor Newsom said, get the hell out of here, Donald.” (00:42)

• Newsom, backed by his Attorney General, filed for an emergency restraining order, which was quickly granted by the same Trump-appointed judge, Judge Immergut.

  Governor Newsom: “Breaking: we just won in court again. A federal judge blocked Donald Trump's unlawful attempt to deploy 300 of our National Guard troops to Portland.” (01:45)

• The hosts characterize Newsom’s response as “moral clarity,” emphasizing that he doesn’t hesitate to call out Trump’s actions as “fascist and authoritarian.”

  “Governor Newsom is doing it powerfully, with moral clarity, with moral authority, and he is not holding back putting Trump in his place.” (00:09)

• Newsom’s social media posts are highlighted:

  • “Red alert. Trump is illegally sending 300 California Guard members to Portland, flouting the law and treating judges as enemies... Speak out now...” (03:00)
  • “The Commander in chief is using the US Military as a political weapon against American citizens. Do not stay silent in the face of such reckless and authoritarian conduct.” (03:40)

2. Wider Context of GOP Governor Collaboration & Authoritarian Overtones

• The hosts condemn other Republican governors, chiefly Greg Abbott (Texas), for cooperating with Trump’s actions and seeking to deploy National Guard troops in blue states.
  • Abbott’s statement: “I fully authorized the President to call up 400 members of the Texas National Guard to ensure safety for federal officials.” (05:45)
• There’s discussion of the Texas flash floods, FEMA’s inaction, and accusations of misused disaster relief funds, underlining the incompetence and corruption in GOP-run states while they promote authoritarian measures in blue states.
• Host commentary:

  “Do you all see what Donald Trump is doing? He’s now calling on red state governors, his sycophants... to use their National Guard in blue states. Literally having red states invade blue states. That’s what they want to do.” (06:50)

  • Direct parallels are drawn between these actions and Confederate insurrection:

    “No wonder Donald Trump idolizes the Confederate generals... he is doing some of the same treasonous, traitorous crap that we saw back then. This is utterly pathetic.” (07:20)

3. Newsom’s Constitutional Defense and Direct Responses

• Newsom’s pointed responses to Abbott and Trump are noted:
  • “Sorry, champ, the Constitution’s in your way. A respected federal judge, who, by the way, Trump appointed, just ruled you can’t send your troops to Oregon.” (07:55)
• Urging Americans to not be silent:
  • “America, do not stay silent in the face of reckless and authoritarian conduct by the President of the United States. Speak up.” (08:05)

4. The Situation on the Ground in Portland and Authoritarian Tactics

• The hosts highlight how Trump claimed Portland was in chaos to justify his actions, yet on the ground, protesters are “wearing mascots” and “dressed up like a frog.” (09:45)

  “Governor Newsom goes, Donald Trump is illegally deploying California’s National Guard to Oregon to handle an inflatable frog.” (09:56)

• Stephan Miller’s extreme rhetoric is condemned, with the hosts quoting his chilling justification for violence:

  “The core purpose of the organized terrorist attacks on Department of Homeland Security is to reverse through assault and assassination the 2024 election mandate...” (10:45)

5. ICE, Civil Rights Abuses, and Health Care Policy

• Accusations of ICE agents “disappearing kids in Chicago, zip tying children, engaging in chemical warfare,” and comparisons to “Trump Gestapo, militarized forces” are expressed, rendering the political struggle a battle over fundamental human rights and democratic norms. (11:46)
• Trump and House Republicans’ government shutdown and its devastating impact on health care premiums are discussed, with Newsom highlighting the looming spike in Affordable Care Act costs.

  “If you’re on an Affordable Care Act plan and your premiums are $300 a month, they may go up to $900 a month, $2,000 a month. How are you going to pay 25 to $35,000 a year in health insurance?” (13:55)

• Newsom’s posts are cited, warning that “one of the biggest healthcare costs in American history” is on the horizon if the GOP doesn’t relent.

6. The Epstein Files and Right-Wing Media Manipulation

• In a crossover with pop culture, the episode references Governor Newsom’s participation in “Fortnite Friday” hosted by Connor Eats Pants, during which Newsom discusses the Epstein files and the GOP’s apparent attempts to prevent their release.

  “Trump wants to bury the Epstein files because if Congress goes back in session... she becomes the 218 signature on the discharge petition which would allow for a vote to finally release the Epstein files. So I think Trump wants to shut down the government forever.” (13:17)

Fortnite Clip Segment (16:02–19:40)

• Political Analyst: “Elon tweets out that Trump’s in the Epstein files. Two days later... there are no Epstein files.” (16:02)
  • Discussion on the media ecosystem, manipulation of public opinion, and how right-wing audiences are easily steered by talking points.
• Both Newsom and the analyst lampoon Trump’s childishness, with a story about Trump proudly calling Newsom “new scum” and being hurt when told it wasn’t a new insult. (19:17)

  “The President, United States is 79 years old, acting like a 7 or a 9 year old.” (19:53)

• Newsom reflects on the need for Democrats to use humor and pop culture to break through political fatigue and the far right’s narrative chokehold.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Newsom’s Moral Clarity

• “The public cannot stay silent in the face of such reckless and authoritarian conduct by the President of the United States.” (01:20)
• “Donald Trump is a fascist. Donald Trump is an authoritarian and a pathetic and weak one at that, humiliating our great nation and our great Constitution.” (01:50)
• “Huge night for the rule of law. Terrible night for Trump’s authoritarianism.” (05:15)

On GOP’s Civil War-style Maneuvers

• “Literally having red states invade blue states. That’s what they want to do... treasonous, traitorous crap that we saw back then.” (06:50)

Mocking Trump’s Tactics and Insults

• “Donald Trump is illegally deploying California’s National Guard to Oregon to handle an inflatable frog.” (09:56)
• “He calls me new scum... I said, brother, literally in eighth grade, I was called new scum... The President, United States is 79 years old, acting like a 7 or a 9 year old.” (19:30–19:53)

On the Media Information Bubble

• “Millions and millions of people are persuaded by what they say, the bullshit and lies every single night. And that’s why I’m trying to fight fire [with] fire... trying to break through... have a little bit of humor because with respect, Democrats need to be, you know, we’re not the most, I don’t know, entertaining or humorous folks.” (18:23–18:57)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:00–02:30 – Trump’s attempted National Guard deployment and Newsom’s legal pushback.
• 03:00–04:00 – Governor Newsom’s strong social media posts and statements.
• 05:15–08:05 – GOP governors’ involvement; comparison to civil war era, responses from Newsom.
• 09:43–11:46 – Absurdity of “war zone” claims in Portland; condemnation of ICE and right-wing rhetoric.
• 13:17–14:00 – Government shutdown, health care premium spikes, and the Epstein files controversy.
• 16:02–19:53 – “Fortnite Friday” with Newsom and Connor Eats Pants: Epstein files, right-wing disinformation, and Trump’s childish insults.
• 19:53–20:08 – Reflection on political humor and media strategies.

Tone & Style

The episode is a fiery, irreverent, and often humorous takedown of Trump and his enablers, with a focus on defending democracy and constitutional norms. Brotherly banter mixes with legal and political analysis. There is zero impartiality – the hosts are unapologetically anti-authoritarian and pro-democracy, skewering Trump and the GOP while elevating Newsom’s resistance.

Summary

If you missed this episode, expect a passionate, news-packed rundown of Trump’s latest authoritarian maneuvers, Newsom’s decisive legal and public response, the disturbing trajectory of GOP tactics mirroring the worst of American history, dire warnings about health care, and a unique intersection of politics and pop culture. The Meiselas brothers make complex legal battles accessible with their trademark wit and urgency, urging listeners to stay alert, get engaged, and not “stay silent” as fundamental freedoms are tested.