Trump Gets Very Bad News on Monday AM as He Returns to DC

Summary

The MeidasTouch Podcast Episode Summary

Episode Title: Trump Gets Very Bad News on Monday AM as He Returns to DC
Release Date: October 21, 2025
Hosts: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas

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Overview

In this episode, the Meiselas brothers deliver sharp and humorous commentary on the mounting political troubles facing Donald Trump as he returns to Washington, D.C. The discussion centers on international fallout from Trump’s recent statements, escalating chaos within the Republican-led House of Representatives, controversial social media antics by Trump, and ongoing concerns about U.S. domestic and foreign policy. Infused with their trademark banter and direct tone, the brothers parse significant recent developments and how they reflect on issues of democracy, governance, and accountability.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Trump’s False Claims on India and Global Fallout

[00:43–03:37]

• The episode opens by highlighting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s public denial of Trump’s claim that Modi had agreed to stop buying Russian oil after Trump’s urging. Modi stated the conversation Trump cited never occurred, branding Trump’s account as a fabrication.
• Trump’s popularity is plummeting; the brothers note his approval rating has sunk to 37%, coinciding with the historic "no Kings" mass protest movement.
• They also touch on the ongoing violence in the Middle East and the failure of Trump’s touted ceasefire deal, reporting casualties and mutual accusations between Israel and Hamas.

Notable Quote:

“Donald Trump is just getting smothered with bad news this morning... Modi saying that conversation never took place at all. Donald Trump’s a liar.”
—Host (@ 00:43)

Audio Clip of Trump:

"He assured me today that they will not be buying oil from Russia. That’s a big stop. And he’s assured me there will be no oil purchased from Russia."
—Donald Trump (@ 02:48)

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2. Republican House Dysfunction and Internal Criticism

[03:37–06:45]

• Marjorie Taylor Greene publicly criticizes her own party for not keeping the House in session:

  “The House should be in session, working... I have no respect for the decision to refuse to work.”
  —Political Commentator summarizing Greene (@ 03:37)

• Editor-in-chief Ron Filipkowski’s analysis highlights that House Republicans have only worked 12 of the past 89 days, primarily to avoid legislative debates on controversial issues, notably the Epstein files.
• The hosts emphasize the impact on Americans, such as the risk to healthcare for 20 million people.

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3. Missile Shrapnel Incident and White House Downplay

[03:37–06:45]

• Governor Newsom’s press release details an incident in which shrapnel from a Marine Corps live fire demonstration landed on police vehicles. The White House’s official account makes light of the concern, mocking a typographical error and brushing off the safety threat.

Notable Moment:

“Who the hell cares? What are you talking, shrapnel from artillery landing on cars. Someone would have died potentially if Governor Newsom did not shut down the highway.”
—Host (@ 05:50)

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4. Government Shutdown and Federal Worker Pay

[08:16–09:12]

• Speaker "MAGA Mike" Johnson (Mike Johnson) is portrayed as evasive when questioned about reopening the House to approve back pay for furloughed federal workers:

  “We’re on a 48 hour notice to return everybody to do work as soon as they’ll turn the lights on or do something meaningful.”
  —MAGA Mike Johnson (@ 09:00)

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5. Trump’s Social Media Stunt and GOP Apologists

[09:12–10:40]

• Trump posted a controversial AI-generated video depicting himself defecating on peaceful New York protesters, including influencer Harry Sisson. Johnson defends the post as “satire” and an example of political expression.

  “He is using satire to make a point. He is not calling for the murder of his political opponents. And that’s what these people are doing.”
  —MAGA Mike Johnson (@ 10:10)

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6. Contentious Swearing-In and GOP Response

[10:40–11:02]

• Regarding Arizona’s Adelita Grijalva, Johnson promises to administer her oath promptly but suggests she focus on constituent services over social media:

  “She should be serving her constituents. She could be taking their calls... The Democrats have created [this crisis] by shutting down the government.”
  —MAGA Mike Johnson (@ 10:45–11:02)

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7. Trump's Awkward Encounter with Australian Leadership

[11:02–12:29]

• Trump finally meets Australian PM Anthony Albanese after months of delays preferring meetings with authoritarian leaders. When asked about criticism from the Australian ambassador:

  “I don’t like you either. I don’t. And it probably never will. Go ahead. No, you won’t go ahead.”
  —Donald Trump (@ 12:18)

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8. Trump’s Outburst over 400-Year-Old Mirror

[12:29–13:15]

• During the Albanese visit, Trump interrupts the proceedings to chastise a camera operator for supposedly damaging a centuries-old mirror:

  “You’re not allowed to break that. That mirror is 400 years old. A camera just hit the mirror... That’s hard to believe.”
  —Donald Trump (@ 12:39)

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9. Kristi Noem on Immigration and Rights

[13:15–14:29]

• South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem is questioned about working families’ fears related to ICE. She responds:

  “If they're in this country abiding by our laws, they have no fear... If they wait until we detain them and we have to remove them, they'll never get the chance to come back to America.”
  —Kristi Noem (@ 14:00)

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10. Allegations of U.S. War Crimes in the Caribbean

[14:29–15:34]

• The hosts discuss recent reports alleging U.S. war crimes in the Caribbean, including civilian casualties among Colombian fishermen during U.S. military actions.

  “These are war crimes... The United States does not want to bring [the survivors] back. That probably tells you everything you need to know right there.”
  —Political Commentator (@ 14:29)

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Memorable Moments & Notable Quotes

• Trump’s fabricated Modi conversation: “That conversation never took place at all. Donald Trump’s a liar.”
  —Host, reflecting Modi (@ 00:43)
• Marjorie Taylor Greene rebukes House GOP leaders’ inaction: “House Republicans have worked 12 days in the last three months because... they didn’t want to debate the Epstein files.”
  —Host paraphrasing coverage (@ 03:37)
• On shrapnel incident: “Who the hell cares? ... Someone would have died potentially if Governor Newsom did not shut down the highway.”
  —Host (@ 05:50)
• MAGA Mike on House schedule: "We’re on a 48 hour notice to return everybody to do work as soon as they’ll turn the lights on or do something meaningful."
  —MAGA Mike Johnson (@ 09:00)
• Trump’s awkward exchange with the Australian ambassador: “I don’t like you either. I don’t. And it probably never will.”
  —Donald Trump (@ 12:18)
• Kristi Noem on immigrant families: "If they're here illegally, go home to your country and come the right way."
  —Kristi Noem (@ 14:00)

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• Trump–India oil claim & international backlash: 00:43–03:37
• House GOP dysfunction & Marjorie Taylor Greene’s criticism: 03:37–06:45
• House schedule, government shutdown, and worker pay: 08:16–09:12
• Trump’s defecation video and GOP defense: 09:12–10:40
• Australian PM meeting and Trump’s awkward answers: 11:02–12:29
• Trump’s mirror outburst: 12:29–13:15
• Kristi Noem on ICE and immigration: 13:15–14:29
• Coverage of alleged war crimes: 14:29–15:34

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Final Notes

The episode is a whirlwind tour of political chaos, marked by the Meiselas brothers’ unfiltered commentary and reliance on direct quotes and clips. Their analysis ties together domestic infighting among Republicans, Trump’s international missteps, and controversial uses of political power, all while warning of threats to democracy. For democracy enthusiasts and political junkies, it’s a revealing and often incredulous account of the week's biggest stories.

Transcript

[Host]

Morning Zoe. Got donuts. Jeff Bridges, why are you still living above our garage? Well, I dig the mattress and I want to be in a T Mobile commercial like you teach me. So Dana. Oh no, I'm not really prepared. I couldn't possibly at t mobile get the new iPhone 17 Pro on them.

[Political Commentator]

It's designed to be the most powerful.

[Host]

Iphone yet and has the ultimate pro camera system. Wow, impressive. Let me try. T Mobile is the best place to get iPhone 17 Pro because they've got the best network. Nice. You heard them. T Mobile is the best place to.

[Political Commentator]

Get the new iPhone 17 Pro on us with eligible traded in any condition.

[Host]

So what are we having for lunch? Dude, my work here is done.

[Political Commentator]

The 24 month bill credits on experience beyond for well qualified customers + tax and 35 device connection charge credit send and balance due if you pay off earlier Cancel Finance agreement. IPhone 17 Pro 256 gigs $1099.99 and new line minimum 100 plus a month plan with auto pay plus taxes and fees required. Best mobile network in the US based on analysis by Oakland Speed Test Intelligence data 182025 Visit T mobile.com Donald Trump is just getting smothered with bad news this morning. You have the Prime Minister of India Modi saying that Donald Trump is absolutely lying that they had a conversation where Modi said he wasn't going to be buying Russian oil. Modi said that conversation never took place at all. Donald Trump's approval rating is dropping even more. It's at 37% right now. That's as the no Kings protest officially became the biggest mass protest in the history of the United States. We're learning more about the collapsing, flawed, fraudulent ceasefire deal that Donald Trump did in the Middle east that Israel and Hamas never even signed. The bodies of 57 Palestinians have apparently been brought to Gaza hospitals in just the past 24 hours from some of the Israeli shelling taking place. Israel says that Hamas violated the ceasefire. Hamas claims it hasn't violated the cease fire and says that Israel's cutting off humanitarian avenues. Hamas says it's not disarming. Israel does not support the Netanyahu smoother level do not support a two state solution. We'll keep you posted on what's going on there. Also, Lebanese media says that there have been three Israeli airstrikes targeting the southern areas of Lebanon as well. Um, I'll just show you this clip right here. This is when Donald Trump lied and claimed that he just had a conversation with Modi and Modi told him that he would not be buying further oil from Putin. And Modi's now saying that's a, that conversation never took place. Donald Trump's a liar. Here. Let me just remind you what Trump said here, play this clip.

[Host]

We have a great relationship. No, we were not happy with him buying oil from Russia because that lets Russia continue on with this ridiculous war where they've lost a million and a half people. By the way, Russia's lost a million and a half people, soldiers mostly. This is a war that should have never started, but it's a war that Russia should have won in the first week. And they're going into the fourth year and I want to see it stop. So I was not happy that India was buying oil. And he assured me today that they will not be buying oil from Russia. That's a big stop. And he's assured me there will be no oil purchased from Russia. I don't know, maybe that's a breaking story. Can I say that? Would you say there will be no oil? He's not buying his oil from Russia. It started, you know, he can't do it immediately. It's a little bit of a process, but the process is going to be over with soon.

[Political Commentator]

Now even. Marjorie Taylor Greene came out with a statement this morning criticizing Donald Trump and Republicans for not having the House of Representatives open. MARJORIE TAYLOR greene, Post the House should be in session, working. We should be finishing appropriations. Our committees should be working. Then she says we should be passing bills that Trump wants. But Trump's the one actually who wants to keep the House not working. MARJORIE TAYLOR Greene because they don't want the 218 Signature on the Epstein petition from Adelita Grijalva, the Arizona congresswoman elect from their seventh Congressional district. And Marjorie Taylor Greene says this about maga. Mike, I have no respect for the decision to refuse to work. As our editor in chief, Ron Philip Koski writes today, Mike Johnson will have had the House adjourned. For 77 out of the last 89 days, House Republicans have worked just 12 days in three months. Can I just repeat that again for you? House Republicans have worked 12 days in the last three months because, you'll recall they shut down Congress over the summer because they didn't want to debate the Epstein files. Then they came back and they stopped working again because they don't want to talk about the Epstein files and they don't want their members even talking to Democrats yet alone negotiating with Democrats about protecting people's health care. 20 million Americans about to lose their health care. In addition, one of the things that the Trump regime's White House rapid response account just posted in response to Governor Newsom's press account saying that this shrapnel from these ordinances, these, these missiles from these, in these artillery shells from these howitzers, one of them exploded over the road and these shrapnel fell everywhere, including on police vehicles. Fortunately, the highway was shut down. There was a typo in the governor's press accounts message about ordinances and the shrapnel falling everywhere. To which the White House responded. First of all, it's ordinance, you buffoons. An ordinance is an authoritative decree, so makes sense you'd confuse the two. Secondly, it was allegedly shrapnel, not the ordinance, that left a tiny dent scratch on the vehicle's hood. God bless our great Marines. As Governor Newsom then posted, this is the type of explosive that detonated prematurely. The best Fox News can come up with is that this was concerning. This could have killed someone. The Fox report is patrol car hit by shrapnel during Marine Corps live fire demo at celebration attended by J.D. vance. That's the Fox headline right there. But you like how the White House goes. It was just shrapnel landing on the police vehicles. Who the hell cares? What are you talking shrapnel from artillery landing on cars. Someone would have died potentially if Governor Newsom. Governor Newsom did not shut down the highway. But that's the MAGA Republicans for.

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[Political Commentator]

By the way, this was MAGA Mike Johnson today. Manu Raju said, well, what if the Senate ends up voting on paying for the furloughed government workers to give them some back pay right now? Would you be forced to then open up the House? And you'll see Maga Mike tries to like dodge the question because he does not want to open up the House. Like, I don't know what am I going to do if, if the Senate actually votes to pay some of these furloughed workers? So Maga Mike's rooting that these federal workers don't get paid. Watch for yourself. Here, play this clip.

[Host]

Will you bring the House back if the Senate passes this bill to fund federal workers?

[MAGA Mike Johnson]

Well, yeah, then the ball we back in our court and we probably have to do that this week.

[Host]

You do that this week?

[MAGA Mike Johnson]

Yes. I don't have any faith that they're going to pass it though. I think they're going to continue to play games. But we're, we're on a 48 hour notice to return everybody to do work as soon as they'll turn the lights on or do something meaningful.

[Host]

Mr. Speaker, we know the Senate Republicans are me.

[Political Commentator]

Also, during this morning's press briefings, MAGA Mike was asked about the video that Donald Trump shared, this AI video of Trump defecating of Donald Trump dumping or dropping his poop on peaceful protesters in New York, including, you know, one high profile Democratic influencer by the name of Harry Sisson. And Maga Mike's like, that's satire. That's funny. That's what Donald Trump does. Johnson did not elaborate on what Trump's point might have been. But you had Johnson saying, that's Donald Trump just proving a point right there. So this is when the reporter asked MAGA Mike Johnson this morning about that. Here, play this clip.

[Host]

Peter Johnson, you say that the Democrats had a hate America rally, but what does it say? That the president United States over the weekend released a video of him pooping.

[Political Commentator]

On the American people.

[MAGA Mike Johnson]

The president uses social media to make a point. You can argue he's probably the most effective person who's ever used social media for that. He is. He is using satire to make a point. He is not calling for the murder of his political opponents. And that's what these people are doing. I mean, in one of these photos, I think there's a picture of the president hanging in effigy by a noose. On one of these, the one on the far end, I mean, it's unconscionable.

[Political Commentator]

Maga Mike was then asked further questions about Adelita Grijalba. Let's show you this clip right here.

[MAGA Mike Johnson]

I will administer the oath to her, I hope on the first day we come back legislative session. I'm willing and anxious to do that. In the meantime, Instead of doing TikTok videos, she should be serving her constituents. She could be taking their calls. She can be directing them, trying to help them through the crisis that the Democrats have created by shutting down the government.

[Political Commentator]

Now I'm going to do a longer video on this. This morning, finally, Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was able to meet with Donald Trump after Trump's been gets too scared to do that meeting. Trump wants to prioritize his meeting with enemies like Putin who are Trump's real allies. And so a reporter from Australia asks Donald Trump in front of Albani, what do you think about the ambassador to the United States? He's sitting right there. He's criticized you before. Would you have a response to that? And watch Donald Trump's weird response here, Play this clip.

[MAGA Mike Johnson]

Been concerned in Australia that it's taken.

[Political Commentator]

Nine months to get this meeting. Have you had any concerns with this.

[MAGA Mike Johnson]

Administration, with the stance on Palestine, climate change, or even things the ambassador said.

[Host]

About you in the past? The Australian ambassador, I don't know anything about him. I mean, if you said bad, then maybe he'll like to apologize. I really don't know. Did an ambassador say something bad about it? Don't tell me. Where is he? Is he still working for you? Yeah.

[Sponsor/Ad Voice]

Yes, this.

[Host]

You said bad before I took this position.

[MAGA Mike Johnson]

Mr. President.

[Host]

I don't like you either. I don't.

[Political Commentator]

And.

[Host]

And it probably never will. Go ahead. No, you won't go ahead.

[Political Commentator]

And then Donald Trump attacks one of the camera people who he says damaged the mirror that he took out from the vault. Here, let me show you this clip. Let's play it.

[Host]

Oh, you got to watch that. Watch that. You. You're not allowed to break that. That mirror is 400 years old. A camera just hit the mirror. I just moved it up here. Special from the vaults. And first thing that happens, a camera hits it. Hard to believe, isn't it? Hard to believe. But these are the problems in life. So we're going to be here to talk about lots of, lots of different things. And, and we might take a few questions before, but we are discussing critical minerals and rare.

[Political Commentator]

Kristi Noem held a press conference this morning as well. Department of Homeland Security secretary who's using ice to terrorize the American people. She recently also purchased $200 million worth of private jets, Gulfstream jets, for herself so that she and Corey Lewandowski and could, I guess, fly around and gallivant around this country and live out their fantasy of terrorizing Americans. But she was asked, you know, working families are afraid to go out with their documents. Working families, even, like American citizens, are afraid. What's your response to that? Watch her response to that right here. Let's play this clip.

[Kristi Noem]

You're saying that working families are afraid to go out. I think they should be in this country legally. They have no fear whatsoever if they're in this country abiding by our laws. And that is the wonderful thing about America. Everybody is treated equally. And we don't pick and choose who the law applies to and who it doesn't. So individuals have the opportunity every day, if they're here illegally, to go home, go home to your country and come the right way. If they wait until we detain them and we have to remove them ourselves, they'll never get the chance to come back to America.

[Political Commentator]

And by the way, we're seeing images right here of some of the innocent Colombian fishermen who were killed by the United States government in war crimes as the United States kills lots of people. In the Caribbean, I think it's close to 30 people right now. Fishing boats being blown up. Again, war crimes in the United States. You see this guy right here? Alejandro Carranza, a career fisherman pictured below, one of the people that Trump killed when the boat blew up. There were two additional individuals who actually survived and they were sent to one of them, Ecuador. And I think one was sent to another country. They claimed to be prosecuted there, supposedly these narco war criminals. The United States does not want to bring them back. That probably tells you everything you need to know right there about, about what's truly happening and going on. But we'll keep you posted every step of the way as we learn more here on the Midas Touch Network. Hit subscribe. Let's get to 6 million subscribers and thanks for watching.

[Sponsor/Ad Voice]

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