Podcast Summary: Trump Gets Terrible News as Plans Blow Up in His Face

The MeidasTouch Podcast
Date: October 9, 2025
Hosts: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas

Overview

In this episode, the Meiselas brothers dissect a series of escalating setbacks for Donald Trump and his MAGA Republican allies, highlighting both the Democrats' newfound resilience and a surge in public resistance. The brothers bring their signature humor and insight to breakdown political standoffs, developments in the Trump legal saga, contentious Congressional confrontations, and the national pulse as key protests loom.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. "Chicago Isn't Scared of Him" – Public Resistance to Trump

• The episode opens with a fiery segment on how various American cities and the Democratic Party are standing up to Trump and the MAGA faction:
  • "Chicago isn't scared of him. Illinois isn't scared of him. America isn't scared of him. The world isn't scared of him." (Ben, 03:48)
• The hosts praise prominent Democratic leaders like Hakeem Jeffries and Gavin Newsom for publicly confronting MAGA Republicans and refusing to cave during the government shutdown battle.
• Massive, peaceful public protests are highlighted, pushing back against controversial government actions such as Texas National Guard deployments and ICE raids using chemical agents—particularly near schools.
  • ”Coast to coast, the resistance is getting stronger and stronger as we head into the no Kings protest on October 18th.” (Ben, 05:13)
• Listeners are urged to attend and amplify the upcoming “No Kings” protest.

2. New Revelations on Trump’s Truth Social Misuse

• Ben details a fresh Wall Street Journal report confirming that Trump has been using Truth Social to privately message cabinet officials on confidential government matters.
  • “Donald Trump, surprise, surprise, unlawfully communicates with his cabinet members on confidential issues using Truth Social.” (Ben, 07:23)
• The infamous message to Pam Bondi—originally appearing to be a public post, but almost certainly a misfired private DM—comes under scrutiny.
• Legal implications are discussed: Ben urges the subpoena of Trump’s Truth Social account, since private campaign accounts are not subject to executive privilege.
  • “That’s for sure. All right, now, in Virginia yesterday…” (Ben, 09:04)

3. James Comey’s Legal Stand & Political Targeting

• The indictment of James Comey is described as “frivolous and politically charged.”
• Comey's arraignment is recapped, noting Maureen Comey’s presence (lead prosecutor against Epstein & Maxwell, also fired by Trump).
• Legal strategy: Comey’s defense is set to file motions challenging vindictive prosecution and the legality of the prosecutor’s appointment, which could lead to dismissal before the set trial date (January 5, 2026).
  • “So the case could get dismissed there. If it doesn’t, it goes to trial on January, early January of 2026.” (Ben, 11:31)

4. Trump’s Fox Call & Contradictory Claims on Trade/Tariffs

• Trump’s late-night call to Fox is dissected, as he brags about questionable “trillions” and then “billions” made from tariffs, claiming to have brokered peace and “saved millions of lives.”
  • Clip [12:23]:
    “Far much more importantly, it gives you a tremendous road to peace and the saving of millions of lives, just millions and millions of lives.” (Donald Trump)
  • Clip [13:14]:
    “We’re making… hundreds of billions of dollars… we were a disaster. We were a laughingstock.” (Donald Trump)
• The hosts challenge the validity of these claims, pointing to a recurring pattern of Trump exaggerating achievements and sowing confusion.

5. Viral Congressional Showdowns

a. Hakeem Jeffries vs. Mike Lawler

• Hakeem Jeffries is lauded for confronting Mike Lawler, rebuffing performative stunts and holding firm on Democratic priorities.
  • Clip [14:06]: “You’re not going to talk to me and talk over New York resident because you don’t want to hear what I have to say.” (Hakeem Jeffries)
  • Clip [14:23]: “They thought they were getting Beltway Jeffries. They got Brooklyn Jeffries.” (Ben, recapping Jeffries)
  • Quote [14:34]: “Don’t come for me unless I send for you. And I did not send for this malignant clown.” (Hakeem Jeffries)

b. MAGA Mike Johnson and Contrived Distractions

• Johnson is depicted as nervous, indecisive, and reliant on scapegoating immigrants and other marginalized groups during the shutdown.
  • “They blamed immigrants, they blamed transgender people… They’re on vacation. MAGA Mike sent the Republicans on paid vacation.” (Ben, 15:23)

c. Pro Forma Swearing-In Kerfuffle

• Mike Lawler is pressed about why a newly-elected Democratic representative from Arizona won't be sworn in during a pro forma session, despite Republican precedents.
  • Clip [16:22]:
    “There was a unique exception made… their families were here and the session got canceled, we just went ahead and did it.” (Mike Lawler)
• The hosts call out this double standard, characterizing Lawler’s reasoning as both evasive and hypocritical.

Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps & Attribution)

• On Public Resistance:
  “Coast to coast, the resistance is getting stronger and stronger as we head into the no Kings protest on October 18th.” (Ben, 05:13)
• On Trump's Secret Messaging:
  “Donald Trump… unlawfully communicates with his cabinet members on confidential issues using Truth Social… Democrats need to subpoena that…” (Ben, 07:23)
• Hakeem Jeffries Stands Tall:
  “They thought they were getting Beltway Jeffries. They got Brooklyn Jeffries.” (Ben, 14:23) “Don’t come for me unless I send for you. And I did not send for this malignant clown.” (Hakeem Jeffries, 14:34)
• On Trump’s Tariff Boasts:
  “Far much more importantly, it gives you a tremendous road to peace and the saving of millions of lives, just millions and millions of lives.” (Donald Trump, 12:48) “We’re making… hundreds of billions of dollars… they respect us again.” (Donald Trump, 13:14)

Important Segments & Timestamps

• 03:48 – 05:13: Host commentary on growing resistance to Trump and MAGA, plus preview of "No Kings" protest
• 06:30 – 09:00: Trump’s Truth Social DMs, legal analysis
• 09:04 – 11:31: James Comey’s indictment and motion strategy
• 12:23 – 13:46: Trump’s Fox call, tariffs, and “trillions”
• 14:06 – 15:23: Hakeem Jeffries confronts Lawler; “Brooklyn Jeffries”
• 15:40 – 18:02: House GOP swearing-in double standards, Lawler’s evasions

Tone & Style

The brothers maintain their trademark blend of sharp political analysis and playful ribbing, balancing outrage at anti-democratic actions with humor and a call to activism. Their commentary is direct, unapologetic, and laced with New York bravado, especially when spotlighting Democratic leaders who refuse to back down.

Summary

This episode passionately chronicles a week of bad news for Trump and his allies, showcasing the unraveling of MAGA plans amidst mounting Democratic unity and energized civic resistance. With incisive analysis, exclusive legal insight, and unfiltered quotes from the nation’s power players, the MeidasTouch brothers rally their audience to keep pushing for accountability—underscoring that democracy is best defended when we all stand up, speak out, and show up together.