The MeidasTouch Podcast: "Trump Gets Rude Awakening as Americans March"

Released on June 14, 2025

In this compelling episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast, hosts Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas delve into the escalating civil unrest in the United States, the tragic assassination of a Minnesota state representative, and the intensifying conflict between Israel and Iran. Combining insightful analysis with their signature brotherly banter, the Meiselas brothers provide listeners with a comprehensive overview of the current socio-political climate.

1. Nationwide Protests and Civil Unrest

The episode opens with a detailed account of the widespread No Kings protests that have surged across various states in the U.S. and globally. The hosts highlight significant gatherings, including:

• Silver Springs, Maryland
• Bicentennial Mall, Nashville, Tennessee
• Liberty Plaza, Atlanta, Georgia
• Brighton, New York
• Lee's Summit, Missouri

Ben Meiselas emphasizes the scale of these protests, stating at [02:56]:

“Show me what democracy looks like.”

He continues to illustrate the massive turnout with over 5,000 protesters in Atlanta and hundreds more in other cities, underscoring the public's demand for accountability and democratic integrity.

2. Tragic Assassination in Minnesota

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the assassination of Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband. The hosts provide a harrowing account of the incident:

• Melissa Hortman, the Speaker of the House, and her husband were shot and killed by an individual impersonating a police officer.

• An interview with Governor Walz at [06:13] conveys the state's grief:

  “Speaker Hortman was someone who served the people of Minnesota with grace, compassion, humor, and a sense of service. She is irreplaceable...”

• Police Chief Mark Ruley explains the circumstances leading to the assassination at [07:06]:

  “This is somebody that clearly had been impersonating a police officer. Again, using the trust of this badge and this uniform to manipulate their way into the home.”

The hosts discuss the broader implications of such politically motivated violence and its impact on public trust in law enforcement.

3. Government Response and Trump's Actions

The podcast examines President Donald Trump's response to the unrest and political violence:

• Federalization of the National Guard: Trump has deployed the National Guard and Marines within U.S. borders to address the protests.

• "Dictator Parade": In his social media posts, Trump announces a military parade, aiming to showcase his commitment to maintaining order. At [01:09], the news anchor remarks:

  “Our military parade is on, rain or shine. Remember, a rainy day parade brings good luck.”

Despite multiple attempts, Trump misspelled "parade," leading to repeated reposts.

Ben Meiselas critiques Trump's approach, highlighting the juxtaposition of federal force deployment against ongoing protests and the assassination of public officials.

4. Intensifying Israel-Iran Conflict

Shifting focus to international affairs, the hosts discuss the escalation of the war between Israel and Iran:

• Israel's Air Superiority: A senior Israeli intelligence official revealed at a press conference that Israel holds air superiority over Iran following Operation Rising Lion.
• Iran's Stance: The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson declared negotiations on nuclear capabilities are stalled until Israel ceases its attacks, blaming the U.S. for supporting Israeli aggression.

Jordy Meiselas highlights the strategic implications, noting Netanyahu's continuous advocacy for preemptive strikes to disable Iran’s nuclear facilities.

5. Immigration Enforcement and Racial Tensions

The podcast delves into the heightened activities of ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) and their impact on American communities:

• Targeted Raids: ICE agents are conducting raids in factories, restaurants, courthouses, and communities, disproportionately affecting individuals of color.

• Personal Accounts: Clips featured in the episode showcase the frustration and fear among those targeted. For instance, a protester at [08:39] shares:

  “My homie was born here just because of the way he looks.”

• Impact on Families: Stories of missing family members due to aggressive immigration enforcement underscore the human cost of these policies.

Brett Meiselas condemns the racial profiling and calls for reforms to protect vulnerable communities.

6. Media Coverage and Public Perception

Throughout the episode, the hosts critique the media's role in shaping public perception of these events. They argue that mainstream outlets often fail to provide comprehensive coverage, leaving gaps that social platforms like MeidasTouch aim to fill.

Ben Meiselas asserts:

“Violence is never acceptable. Praying hard for the victims and all who have been affected. Just reflecting on what's gone down in the past week.”

7. Conclusion and Call to Action

In wrapping up, the Meiselas brothers emphasize the importance of democratic engagement and vigilance against authoritarianism. They encourage listeners to stay informed, participate in protests, and support democratic institutions to safeguard against further violence and erosion of rights.

Jordy Meiselas concludes with a rallying call:

“We are here to defend democracy. Stand with us, stand with truth.”

Notable Quotes:

• Governor Walz on Melissa Hortman’s Legacy [06:13]:

  “She is irreplaceable and we've been missed by so many.”

• Police Chief Mark Ruley on the Assassination [08:48]:

  “They were wearing a vest with Taser. Other equipment that would a badge very similar to mine.”

• Protester's Frustration with ICE [08:39]:

  “My homie was born here just because of the way he looks.”

Final Thoughts

This episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast serves as a vital resource for understanding the multifaceted crises facing America and the world. Through thorough analysis and heartfelt discussions, Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas shed light on critical issues, advocating for democracy, justice, and unity in tumultuous times.

For more in-depth analysis and updates on the day's events, subscribe to MeidasTouch Podcast and join the MeidasMighty community.