The MeidasTouch Podcast

Episode: Trump has CATASTROPHIC DAY as KARMA FINALLY STRIKES
Date: December 18, 2025
Host: MeidasTouch Network (Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas)
Guest/Segment Conductor: Ron Filipkowski

Episode Overview

This episode dives into what the hosts describe as a catastrophic series of events for former president Donald Trump, highlighting political, legal, and personal revelations that struck him in rapid succession. The episode unpacks a new explosive New York Times report detailing Trump’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, critiques Trump and House GOP maneuvers around Affordable Care Act subsidies, exposes manipulation of economic data under Trump, and scrutinizes a controversial merger enriching Trump and his allies. The Meiselas brothers, led by Ron Filipkowski, blend news analysis with signature irreverent banter and pointed commentary, offering both detailed context and urgent calls for democratic action.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Explosive NYT Exposé: Trump and Epstein

[01:01 – 06:50]

• Major Revelation:
  The New York Times published “Don’s Best Friend: How Epstein and Trump Bonded over the Pursuit of Women,” unveiling an intense and disturbing friendship between Trump and Jeffrey Epstein in the 1990s and early 2000s.
  • The article details how “female bodies were their currency” and describes the relationship as “deeply, deeply creepy.”
• Memorable Accounts:
  Ron reads from the article, including a chilling anecdote about Trump and Epstein discussing women’s pubic hair on speakerphone:
  • “She remembered one call in the mid-1990s on which the two men discussed how much pubic hair a particular woman had and whether there was enough for Mr. Epstein to floss his teeth with…” — Ron Filipkowski, [02:40]
• Additional Fallout:
  • Ghislaine Maxwell now representing herself, planning to leverage Trump’s own public dismissals of Epstein prosecutions as part of her appeal.
  • House Oversight Democrats release further photos from the Epstein estate, increasing public scrutiny.

2. House GOP Obstructs Affordable Care Act Subsidy Vote

[06:50 – 07:23]

• Crisis in Congress:
  MAGA-aligned Speaker Mike Johnson sends Congress home without holding a crucial vote on Affordable Care Act subsidy extensions, putting 20–24 million Americans’ health coverage at risk.
  • “This is a crisis. Who’s going to lose their healthcare? 20 to 24 million Americans who can’t afford plans under the Affordable Care Act.” — Ron Filipkowski, [06:35]
• Dissent from Republicans:
  Four House Republicans defied party lines, signing Hakeem Jeffries’ petition to force a vote—signal of GOP fracture.
• Notable Quote:
  “I am pissed for the American people. This is absolute bullshit.” — Political Commentator/Guest, [06:50]

3. Attacks on Transgender Care: Dr. Oz’s Comments

[07:23 – 07:49]

• Dr. Mehmet Oz’s testimony:
  • Critics note the Trump administration’s attacks on immigrants and trans people, flagged by Oz’s focus on the costs of gender-affirming surgeries for minors, using misleading statistics as a scare tactic.

4. Manipulating Inflation Data & The Housing Crisis

[09:42 – 12:00]

• Data Manipulation Alleged:
  • Filipkowski explains how Trump’s administration reported “zero” rent inflation for October—an artificial suppression caused by a government shutdown that prevented new data from being gathered.
    • They also cherry-picked Black Friday deals to distort overall inflation data.
• Veterans’ Housing Allowance Gimmick:
  Trump announced a “$1,776 warrior dividend” for troops, which is actually a repurposing of funds meant for military housing.
  • “It’s just a shell game with military pay from the ultimate con man.” — Ron Filipkowski, [12:00]

5. Trump Media’s $6 Billion Merger with a Fusion Power Company

[12:00 – 15:13]

• Merger Details:
  • Trump Media (parent of Truth Social) launches a $6 billion merger with TAE Technologies, a futuristic fusion power company—despite the lack of commercial fusion plants—sparking skepticism about self-enrichment and regulatory favoritism.
• Market Reaction:
  • Trump Media’s previously tanking stock jumped 33% on announcement, fueling allegations that Trump is leveraging government contacts for personal profit.
    • “In my opinion, this is because Donald Trump is using his access to the Department of Energy to enrich himself.” — Ron Filipkowski, [13:30]

6. Trump’s Economic Lies Confronted on TV

[15:13 – 16:27]

• Pressing Trump’s Economic Adviser:
  • Ron plays a clip from MSNBC where Trump’s economic adviser, Kevin Hassett, dodges direct questions about Trump’s exaggeration of economic data.
    • “I think that the President had documentation for the facts that he was saying in the slides.” — Kevin Hassett, [15:40]
• Ron’s Reaction:
  • Dismisses the excuse, highlighting the pattern of deception and manipulation.

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• “Chasing women was a game of ego and dominance. Female bodies were their currency.” — Quoted from NYT exposé on Trump & Epstein, [01:30]
• “The two men forged a bond intense enough to leave others who knew them with the impression that they were each other’s closest friends.” — Quoted from NYT exposé, [02:10]
• “This is a crisis. Who’s going to lose their healthcare? 20 to 24 million Americans who can’t afford plans under the Affordable Care Act.” — Ron Filipkowski, [06:35]
• “It’s just a shell game with military pay from the ultimate con man.” — Ron Filipkowski, [12:00]
• “In my opinion, this is because Donald Trump is using his access to the Department of Energy to enrich himself.” — Ron Filipkowski, [13:30]
• “I am pissed for the American people. This is absolute bullshit.” — Political Commentator/Guest, [06:50]

Important Segment Timestamps

• [01:01] NYT Epstein exposé and Mar-a-Lago connections.
• [06:50] House GOP obstruction on ACA vote; on-air Republican dissent.
• [07:23] Dr. Oz's targeted commentary on trans healthcare.
• [09:42] Trump’s manipulation of inflation/housing data.
• [12:00] Trump’s military “dividend” gimmick exposed.
• [13:30] Trump Media’s self-enriching merger.
• [15:13] Hassett on MSNBC ducking questions about Trump’s numbers.

Tone and Language

The episode is candid, sharp, and unflinching in its criticism of Trump and his allies. There is palpable outrage at the legal and ethical transgressions, paired with urgency about threats to public welfare and democracy. The hosts maintain their signature banter and “MeidasMighty” energy, but anchor the discussion in hard facts and relentless exposure of bad actors.

Summary Takeaway

This episode exposes a confluence of scandals and political maneuvering swirling around Donald Trump—from devastating new details about his Epstein friendship, through GOP-led healthcare obstruction and economic manipulation, to brazen moves to self-enrich and obfuscate. The Meiselas brothers and guests emphasize the need for vigilance, accountability, and defense of democracy, delivering news with characteristic passion and humor.

Ideal for listeners who want a cutting, detailed, and engaging breakdown of the day’s biggest political bombshells—without pulling any punches.