The MeidasTouch Podcast: "Trump Gives Horrific Response as Victim Identified"
Date: January 24, 2026
Hosts: Ben Meiselas, Brett Meiselas, Jordy Meiselas (Note: The main speaker in this episode is Ron Filipkowski)
Main Theme:
A harrowing review and critique of the Trump regime’s response to the fatal police shooting of Alex James Preddy, a Minnesota ICU nurse. The episode centers on the Trump administration's narrative, the victim’s identity, commentary from political figures, and the wider implications for democracy and civil rights.
Episode Overview
This episode addresses the killing of Alex James Preddy by President Trump’s Border Patrol in Minneapolis. The Meiselas brothers, with Ron Filipkowski steering much of the episode, examine the administration’s cover-up and propaganda efforts, the unjust portrayal of the victim, responses from various political leaders, and the dangers of escalating authoritarianism. They contextualize these events against ongoing right-wing narratives about gun rights and law enforcement.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Identification and Background of Alex James Preddy
[02:00-03:25]
- Alex James Preddy, a 37-year-old ICU nurse for the VA and legal gun owner, was killed by Trump’s Border Patrol officers.
- Filipkowski highlights Preddy’s lack of a criminal record, his concealed-carry permit, and describes the events leading to his death:
- He was reportedly using his phone to film ICE/Border Patrol actions.
- Attacked: beat, pepper-sprayed, pistol-whipped, and shot multiple times while unarmed (“You heard about 10 to 11 shots that were fired. Utterly, utterly horrific.” [03:07])
On-the-Ground Reactions & Colleagues’ Statements
[04:00]
- Dr. Dimitri Jaconja, a VA colleague, remembers Alex as “a good and kind person who lived to help,” refuting the administration’s violent claims about the victim.
Trump, Stephen Miller, and Propaganda
[04:30-08:00]
- Stephen Miller’s post calls Alex “a domestic terrorist,” to which Filipkowski reacts with outrage:
- “Filming federal agents is only domestic terrorism to fascists.” [05:23]
- Strong condemnation of Miller’s rhetoric and the administration’s twisting of facts.
- Trump’s statement frames the shooting as necessary to protect against “massive monetary fraud” and “illegal criminals,” repeatedly invoking culture war talking points and attacking local leadership.
Second Amendment Hypocrisy
[08:00-14:00]
- Filipkowski sharply criticizes the Right’s shifting standards on gun ownership:
- “I guess for the MAGA Republicans, what the Second Amendment means is that it enables school shootings...But when the Second Amendment is actually being used for its lawful purpose...the Trump regime says those are domestic terrorists.” [08:57]
- Clips are played showing previous speeches (e.g. Kristi Noem at the NRA, 2023) supporting broad gun rights, now contradicted by their reaction to Preddy’s case.
Official Statements and Political Fallout
- ICE and DHS claim Preddy “brandished” a weapon, painting him as a threat; the podcast calls these assertions lies and part of an authoritarian propaganda campaign.
- The Border Patrol chief alleges Preddy was intending to “massacre law enforcement,” which is harshly disputed by the hosts.
- Filipkowski underscores the regime’s attempt to block FBI and local investigations.
Response from Minnesota Governor Tim Walz
[10:20-13:12]
- Walz offers condolences and demands accountability:
- “This is critically important. All of us understand what happened this morning and the tragedy of it. My deepest sympathies to the family...” [10:21]
- Acknowledges the danger of rising tensions: “We cannot and we will not give them what they want by meeting violence with violence.”
- Implies ongoing evidence collection for future prosecution (“Minnesotans are witnessing and we’re creating a log of evidence for the future prosecution of ICE agents and officials...” [11:22])
- Repeats: “Enough is enough. End this, end this.” [11:37]
Broader Threats of Escalating Authoritarianism
[15:21-end]
- Filipkowski draws a parallel to other cases where government force has been used against peaceful citizens, consistently accusing the current regime of fascism and deliberate misinformation.
- Emphasizes the chilling effect on civil liberties and calls for immediate resistance:
- “We the people need to stand up to this crap because this should never happen in this United States of America...Be very clear about what side you are on right now...” [15:48]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On Stephen Miller’s statement:
“What a despicable piece of shit Stephen Miller is. And excuse my language, but what a vile piece of trash that terrorist scumbag is.” — Ron Filipkowski [05:34] -
On Trump’s hypocrisy about gun rights:
“When the Second Amendment is actually being used for its lawful purpose with legal holders of firearms, then I guess the Trump regime says those are domestic terrorists. And by you owning a gun lawfully, you get shot in the face if you’re an ICU nurse helping our veterans. How shameful is this regime?” — Ron Filipkowski [08:57] -
Governor Tim Walz on the need for calm and accountability:
“We want calm and peace and normalcy back to our lives. They want chaos. We cannot and we will not give them what they want by meeting violence with violence.” [10:41]“Minnesotans are witnessing and we’re creating a log of evidence for the future prosecution of ICE agents and officials responsible for this.” [11:22]
“‘Enough is enough. America, as you’re listening, enough is enough. End this, end this.’” [11:37]
-
On propaganda and state media:
“State regime media, which calls itself Fox, was in full gear with its propaganda and they kept on repeating over and over again, this is what we voted for.” — Ron Filipkowski [12:54]
Timestamps for Major Segments
- [02:00-04:00]: Case summary, victim’s background
- [04:30-07:00]: Reactions from Trump, Stephen Miller
- [07:00-09:00]: Deconstructing Second Amendment rhetoric
- [10:20-13:12]: Governor Walz’s commentary and calls for action
- [13:46]: Kristi Noem NRA speech clip
- [14:23-15:21]: ICE/Border Patrol official statements; critiques and proof of misinformation
- [15:21-end]: Extended call to action, condemnation of rising authoritarianism
Tone & Style
- Intense, urgent, and impassioned: The hosts express deep anger and fear for democracy, using blunt and often profane language to stress the stakes and underscore the tragedy.
- Analytical, but partisan: The analysis is explicitly pro-democracy, anti-Trump, and emotionally charged, pulling no punches in characterizing administration figures and their actions as fascistic.
Conclusion
This episode serves as both an exposé and rallying cry, drawing listeners’ focus to the fatal consequences of unchecked federal police power and the importance of resisting propaganda. Through personal stories, sharply worded critiques, and direct appeals to civic action, the MeidasTouch team frames the killing of Alex Preddy as both a local tragedy and a national warning about the perils of authoritarianism in America.