The MeidasTouch Podcast Summary Episode: "Trump Gets Shamed in Front of Entire World and Shrivels" Release Date: April 27, 2025

Introduction

In this riveting episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast, hosts Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas delve deep into the recent actions and declining popularity of former President Donald Trump. Through a blend of insightful analysis, brotherly banter, and a steadfast commitment to democracy, the episode unpacks Trump's latest missteps on both the international and domestic fronts.

Trump's International Missteps

Attending Pope Francis's Funeral: The episode opens with a critical examination of Trump's behavior during Pope Francis's funeral in Rome. The hosts highlight the inappropriate demeanor Trump exhibited, contrasting it with the decorum expected at such a solemn event.

• Correct Dress Code Ignored:

  • Ben Meiselas points out, "Donald Trump shows up wearing a blue suit when he was supposed to wear black. [02:15]"

• Disruptive Behavior:

  • Trump reportedly fell asleep during the proceedings, a stark contrast to former President Biden, who adhered to the dress code and remained attentive.
  • Brett Meiselas remarks, "While everyone else was respectful, Trump was disengaged, even falling asleep. [03:45]"

Confrontation with World Leaders: The hosts discuss Trump's awkward interactions with other international leaders, notably French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, during the funeral.

• Rejected Handshake:
  • Jordy Meiselas observes, "When Trump extends his hand, Macron simply declines, signaling disdain. [04:30]"

Declining Approval Ratings

Historic Low Approval: A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to Trump's plummeting approval ratings, which the hosts describe as the lowest in presidential history.

• Poll Statistics:
  • Ben cites multiple polls: "Pew Research reports Trump at 40% approval, Fox at similar numbers, and the latest AP NORC poll places him below 40% at 39%. [05:20]"
• Issue-Specific Disapproval:
  • On immigration and the economy, approval ratings are alarmingly low, with only 37% supporting his trade negotiations.
  • Brett adds, "When it comes to critical issues like the economy and immigration, Trump's support barely holds above the 35% mark. [06:10]"

Implications for Trump's Future: The hosts argue that these declining numbers are a direct consequence of Trump's actions both internationally and domestically.

• Jordy concludes, "With approval ratings sinking and no substantial achievements, Trump's political future looks bleak. [07:00]"

Controversial Policies and Actions

Deportation of U.S. Citizen Children: A particularly harrowing segment covers Trump's immigration policies, specifically the deportation of U.S. citizen children with serious health conditions.

• ACLU and Judicial Criticism:
  • The hosts reference reports from Rolling Stone and the Washington Post: "Trump has deported multiple U.S. citizen children, including a 4-year-old with stage 4 cancer, sparking outrage from the ACLU and a federal judge in Louisiana. [06:55]"

Humanitarian Concerns:

• Ben emphasizes the humanitarian crisis: "Deporting young children suffering from cancer is beyond horrific. [07:30]"

Economic Downturn and Consumer Sentiment

Collapsed Consumer Expectations: The episode delves into alarming economic indicators, highlighting reports from Apollo and the University of Michigan.

• Great Depression-Like Sentiment:
  • Brett states, "The University of Michigan Consumer Expectations Report shows consumer sentiment at levels reminiscent of the Great Depression. [08:20]"

Supply Chain Disruptions:

• Freight and Trucking Challenges:
  • The hosts discuss significant delays in shipping from China, leading to scarcity of goods in the U.S.
  • Jordy explains, "Vessels stuck in Chinese ports mean that shortages in the U.S. are imminent, with a typical lag time of 14 to 21 days. [09:10]"

Impact on Prices:

• Amazon Price Hikes:
  • Ben notes, "Amazon sellers are hiking prices on hundreds of goods due to these disruptions, directly affecting consumers. [09:45]"

Protests and Public Dissent

Tesla Protests: The episode highlights ongoing protests against Tesla and Elon Musk, showcasing the resilience of demonstrators despite setbacks.

• Brett commends the protesters: "Even as Tesla faces challenges, the protests remain strong every weekend with unwavering determination. [10:30]"

Broader Anti-Trump Movements:

• Support for Indivisible and 5051:
  • The hosts express support for groups like Indivisible and 5051, emphasizing the importance of continued activism.
  • Jordy states, "Our network proudly amplifies these protests, collaborating with groups that stand firm in their democratic values. [11:00]"

Trump's Statements on Ukraine

Claiming to End the War: A significant portion of the discussion focuses on Trump's recent claims about resolving the Ukraine conflict swiftly.

• Direct Quote:

  • A clip of Trump is played where he asserts, "I will end that war between those two countries in 24 hours... [08:05-08:51]"

• Hosts' Analysis:

  • Ben critiques the seriousness of Trump's claims: "Trump speaks as if he's bluffing, but his actions suggest otherwise. [12:15]"

• Contradictory Statements:

  • The hosts highlight Trump's conflicting messages, noting his skepticism about Putin's willingness for peace despite earlier proclamations.
  • Brett remarks, "After claiming he could end the war in a day, Trump now doubts Putin's interest in peace. [12:45]"

Lack of Action:

• Unfulfilled Promises:
  • The podcast underscores the lack of tangible outcomes from Trump's bold statements.
  • Jordy observes, "Despite proclaiming numerous deals, there have been zero concrete agreements in the weeks following his statements. [13:10]"

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with a somber reflection on Trump's diminishing influence and the growing challenges he faces both internationally and at home. The hosts reiterate their commitment to supporting democracy and keeping their listeners informed about critical political developments.

• Ben concludes, "Trump's combination of international blunders and domestic policy failures is pushing his legacy into obscurity. [14:00]"

• Jordy adds, "As the MeidasMighty, we'll continue to hold him accountable and champion the values that sustain our democracy. [14:30]"

Final Thoughts

The MeidasTouch Podcast effectively combines humor, critical analysis, and passionate discourse to dissect the complexities surrounding Donald Trump's recent actions and his waning approval. This episode serves as a comprehensive resource for listeners seeking to understand the multifaceted challenges facing a contentious political figure and the broader implications for American democracy.

Note: All timestamps correspond to the podcast's internal timing and are indicative of when each topic is discussed.