The MeidasTouch Podcast
Episode: Trump Gets Screwed by Own Tricks as Karma Strikes
Date: August 24, 2025
Hosts: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas
Overview
In this episode, the Meiselas brothers dive deep into how California Governor Gavin Newsom is tackling Donald Trump and MAGA tactics head-on—using humor, bold social media moves, and savvy policy maneuvers. The central theme centers on “fighting fire with fire,” highlighting Newsom’s unapologetic, aggressive strategy in pushing back on right-wing attacks, and detailing California’s latest political maneuvers to counter GOP power grabs. The brothers mix news analysis with their trademark wit and banter, emphasizing the importance of robust Democratic messaging and celebrating Newsom’s viral presence.
1. Newsom’s Takedown of Trump: Mockery and Memes
(00:29 – 10:19)
- Newsom Fights Back on Social Media
- Newsom takes Trump’s “big-government” announcement to purchase a 10% stake in Intel and sarcastically brands Trump “a socialist,” posting memes of Trump in front of a Soviet flag.
- Newsom lampoons Trump’s erratic moves—pointing out previous attacks on Intel’s CEO, only for Trump to “extort Intel” and then brag about it as “central planning.”
- Parody and Banter
- Newsom rolls out satirical “Commander Cosplay” trading cards lampooning GOP counterparts, complete with playful and biting descriptions.
- He unveils new “Newsom was right about everything” red hats and other merch, posting jabs at Trump, DeSantis, Greg Gutfeld, and Fox News primetime.
- Classic Putdowns and Notable Quotes:
- “You have to mock him and humiliate him. And you got to just expose what an utter and pathetic vile human being he is. California Governor Gavin Newsom is leading the way on this, fighting fire with fire.” – [Brett or Ben, 00:29]
- After Newsom is called “News Scum” by Trump, Newsom simply responds “Triggered? Don’t poke the bear.” – [~04:42]
- When Jesse Watters claims DeSantis “just went after Newsom’s manhood,” Newsom replies: “‘Jesse, please stop calling me Daddy. It's disturbing.’” – [~04:55]
- On Fox News’s Newsom obsession: “FOX and MAGA have Newsom Derangement Syndrome. They should cry harder. Sad.” – [~07:45]
- Fox News and MAGA Reactions
- Newsom contrasts California’s accomplishments with what he calls “MAGA meltdowns,”
- He mocks right-wing personalities for obsessing over him and for the state’s liberal policies, highlighting positive stats on crime, farming, tech, and the economy.
2. The Redistricting Showdown: California Fights Back
(07:45 – 14:59)
- Gerrymandering Counterpunch
- Newsom pushes a plan to place new legislative maps before California voters in November, aiming to reduce Republican seats in a move paralleling GOP redistricting in Texas.
- The California Supreme Court swiftly dismisses Republican attempts to block the measure: “What do you call a lawsuit that gets tossed out in less than 48 hours?” Newsom asks—encouraging followers’ witty replies.
- Newsom Interview: Urgency for Democracy
- Key Clip & Quote:
- “There’s a weakness about that. The Democratic Party needs to assert itself. We need to be strong again. ... This is a red line. They’re not just changing lines of map. This is about raw power. This is about rigging the election.” – [Newsom, 13:40]
- Newsom urges Democrats to meet the aggressive GOP tactics with equal fortitude, calling the present moment a make-or-break point for democratic values.
- Key Clip & Quote:
3. TikTok, Trolls, and California’s Clout
(10:19 – 14:59)
- Trump’s TikTok Fiasco
- Trump’s TikTok account is flooded with memes championing Newsom (“Newsom is the strongest governor in America”).
- Newsom capitalizes, posting the best jabs and noting the digital director’s resignation from the Trump team within a day.
- Right-Wing Attacks and Newsom’s Rebuttals
- Responds to accusations of using “bot farms” by explaining that MAGA outrage fuels his engagement for free.
- Mocks figures like Ted “Cancun” Cruz and right-wing accounts for hypocrisy and failed attacks.
4. California’s Economic and Green Energy Strength
(14:59 – 18:05)
- Debunking the “Businesses Fleeing” Myth
- Newsom rebuts false claims about economic decline: “California is the number one state for Fortune 500 companies two years in a row … California funds like the entire United States. Red states … would all be bankrupt if it wasn’t for California.” – [~15:33]
- Provides data showing California’s net positives in startups, tourism, and federal tax contributions.
- Climate Leadership
- Key Clip & Quote:
- “So far this year, the fourth largest economy in the world has run on 100% green energy 93% of the days. … We’re not asserting this principle anymore. We’re proving it.” – [Newsom, 16:51]
- Newsom highlights a deal with Denmark and presents California’s green energy successes as evidence of progressive leadership.
- Key Clip & Quote:
5. Democracy and Redistricting: Direct to the Voters
(17:46 – 18:34)
- First in History: Voters Choose the Maps
- Newsom celebrates California’s unprecedented move to place redistricting in the hands of voters.
- Notable Moment:
- “Let me just briefly reinforce because I’m eager to sign a bill that no other governor in U.S. history has ever signed … the ability to determine their own maps.” – [Newsom, 18:10]
6. Closing Thoughts
(18:34 – End)
- The brothers wrap with praise for Newsom’s boldness and articulate the stakes for democracy in 2025.
- Call to Action: The hosts urge listeners to stay engaged, subscribe, and fight for democratic principles in the face of what they see as GOP overreach.
Memorable Quotes (with Timestamps)
- “You have to mock him and humiliate him. … California Governor Gavin Newsom is leading the way on this, fighting fire with fire.” – [Brett or Ben, 00:29]
- “Jesse, please stop calling me Daddy. It’s disturbing.” – [Newsom, ~04:55]
- “FOX and MAGA have Newsom Derangement Syndrome. They should cry harder. Sad.” – [Newsom, ~07:45]
- “There’s a weakness about that ... The Democratic Party needs to assert itself ... This is about raw power. This is about rigging the election.” – [Newsom, 13:40]
- “California funds like the entire United States. Red states … would all be bankrupt if it wasn’t for California.” – [Newsom, ~15:33]
- “93% of the days so far this calendar year, the fourth largest economy in the world has run on 100% green energy ... We’re proving it.” – [Newsom, 16:51]
- “We will be the first state … to submit to the people … the ability to determine their own maps.” – [Newsom, 18:10]
Key Segments (Timestamps)
- 00:29 – Newsom’s social media war on Trump and GOP
- 04:30 – Parody posts, Fox News jabs, “Don’t poke the bear”
- 07:45 – Redistricting, lawsuits, and California’s power play
- 10:19 – Trump’s TikTok and right-wing trolling responses
- 13:40 – Newsom’s urgent interview on democracy and party strength
- 15:33 – Economic rebuttals, California’s value to the nation
- 16:51 – Green energy accomplishments, Denmark deal
- 18:10 – Direct democracy: letting voters choose legislative maps
Tone and Style
This episode is irreverent and combative, infused with the Meiselas brothers’ signature humor and Newsom’s own sharp, meme-savvy rhetoric. The discussion is energetic, mixing in-depth policy breakdown with social commentary and rapid-fire banter. The brothers maintain an unapologetically pro-democracy, anti-Trump stance, rallying their audience to “push back hard,” stay informed, and support Newsom’s style of direct, public-facing engagement with political adversaries.