The MeidasTouch Podcast: "Trump Has Disaster Easter Sunday as Resistance Grows" – Detailed Summary

Release Date: April 20, 2025
Hosts: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas
Guests: Michael Pillsbury

1. Introduction to the Episode

In this compelling episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast, the Meiselas brothers delve into the controversial messages and actions of former President Donald Trump, particularly focusing on his Easter Sunday communications and the escalating resistance against his continued influence. The episode, titled "Trump Has Disaster Easter Sunday as Resistance Grows," offers a blend of sharp political analysis, brotherly banter, and unwavering support for democratic principles.

2. Critique of Donald Trump's Easter Message

The episode kicks off with a vehement critique of Donald Trump's Easter message. The hosts dissect Trump's outspoken remarks, highlighting perceived hypocrisies and detrimental impacts on American democracy.

Key Points Discussed:

• Easter Message Content: Trump's Easter greeting is scrutinized for its divisive language and references to various criminal activities. The commentator passionately rebukes Trump, labeling him a "felon," "criminal," "fraud," and "liar," among other derogatory terms (02:16).

• Accusations Against Trump:

  • Legal and Moral Infractions: The commentator enumerates Trump's alleged 34 felony counts, sexual abuse convictions, and fraudulent activities (02:16).
  • Economic Mismanagement: Criticism centers on Trump's handling of the economy, with markets reportedly down and his approval rating plummeting to historic lows, even below levels during the COVID-19 pandemic (02:16).
  • Foreign Policy Failures: The episode highlights Trump's strained relationships with allies and adversaries alike, pointing out failures in negotiating reciprocal tariffs and the resulting isolation of the United States on the global stage (02:16).

Notable Quotes:

• "Donald Trump posts Happy Easter to all, including the radical left lunatics who are fighting and scheming so hard to bring murderers, drug lords, dangerous prisoners, the mentally insane and well-known MS-13 gang members and wife beaters back into our country." (02:16)

• "Your approval rating among Republicans and GOP-leaning independents has fallen 15% at this point. America absolutely hates you." (02:16)

• "You want to make America more religious? This is coming from, again, you, a sexual abuser, somebody who brags about sexually assaulting women and you say because you are rich they let you get away with it." (02:16)

3. Michael Pillsbury’s Analysis on Geopolitical Implications

At 10:47, Michael Pillsbury, a renowned Fox News contributor and author of "The Hundred Year Marathon," joins the conversation to provide expert insights into the geopolitical repercussions of Trump's policies, especially concerning China and the European Union (EU).

Discussion Highlights:

• China’s Position: Pillsbury emphasizes that China is experiencing heightened pressure under Trump's administration. He notes China's "frazzled" state and reluctance to engage effectively with the Trump administration, leading to strained trade relationships.

• EU Trade Deal Challenges: The episode critiques Trump's inability to secure favorable trade agreements with EU nations. Pillsbury points out that the EU's chief negotiators have expressed frustration, leaving negotiations without substantive deals due to Trump's erratic and extortionist tactics (11:13).

• Reciprocal Tariffs and Fairness: The conversation underscores the unfairness of Trump's reciprocal tariffs, which, according to Pillsbury, disproportionately target allies compared to adversaries like Russia and the Taliban. This selective application damages alliances and undermines America's global standing (11:13).

• Impact on Diplomatic Efforts: The hosts discuss recent revelations from Politico about Trump's proposed cuts to State Department offices and bureaus. These downsizings are portrayed as "bonkers crazy pants" moves that hinder the promotion of democracy and counteract efforts to combat Russian disinformation (11:13).

Notable Quotes:

• "China is so frazzled, they're so scared of the United States, they are now cutting deals with the European Union and they're blocking Donald Trump from doing deals with the European Union on tariffs." (10:00)

• "The European Union sent its chief negotiator to talk about the tariffs and left saying, what the hell is Donald Trump been talking about." (11:13)

• "One US Diplomat described the draft to Politico as bonkers crazy pants. You could give infinite monkeys infinite typewriters and they would come up with something better than that." (11:13)

4. State Department Cuts and Democratic Erosion

Further into the episode, the hosts address the alarming proposals by Trump to overhaul the State Department. This includes significant reductions in diplomatic offices and bureaus that are essential for promoting democracy worldwide.

Key Concerns:

• Reduction of Diplomatic Presence: The proposed cuts aim to diminish the State Department's footprint in Africa, Europe, and other regions, severely limiting America's ability to advocate for democratic values and counter authoritarian influences.

• Impact on Disinformation Campaigns: The episode connects these cuts to efforts to block Russian disinformation, suggesting that dismantling diplomatic resources will weaken the United States' resilience against foreign propaganda.

Notable Quotes:

• "Trump administration is trying to do that, and he's going to follow our order. While seven other justices of the Supreme Court said, we don't trust you, Donald." (02:16)

• "Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in an actual release, says protecting and championing free speech at the State Department, that Russia's disinformation campaign in the US is a form of free speech that should be promoted." (11:13)

5. Conclusion and Call to Action

The episode wraps up with a powerful reaffirmation of resistance against Trump's detrimental policies and rhetoric. The hosts encourage listeners to stay informed, support democratic institutions, and join the growing movement opposing Trump's influence.

Final Remarks:

• Support for Democracy: Emphasizing the importance of upholding democratic values, the Meiselas brothers call for collective action to counteract authoritarian tendencies and restore America's standing both domestically and internationally.

• Community Engagement: Listeners are urged to subscribe, support the podcast, and engage with the MeidasMighty community to amplify their efforts in safeguarding democracy.

Notable Quotes:

• "For all who celebrate Easter, happy Easter. To those who celebrate Passover, happy last day of Passover. For all of those just enjoying the weekend, enjoy your weekend." (10:00)

• "Can't get enough Midas? Check out the Midas Plus Substack for ad-free articles, reports, podcasts, daily recaps from Ron Filipkowski and more." (10:00)

6. Insights and Conclusions

Throughout the episode, The MeidasTouch Podcast effectively combines humor, critical analysis, and passionate advocacy to dissect the multifaceted challenges posed by Donald Trump's actions and rhetoric. The detailed examination of his Easter message serves as a microcosm for broader issues affecting American democracy, economic stability, and international relations.

Key Takeaways:

• Increased Resistance: Trump's controversial statements and policies are fueling growing resistance among Americans and allies, highlighting a significant shift in public opinion.

• Global Isolation: The podcast underscores the dangers of geopolitical isolation resulting from erratic leadership, emphasizing the urgent need for coherent and principled foreign policies.

• Democratic Vigilance: The episode reinforces the importance of vigilant support for democratic institutions and the continuous fight against misinformation and authoritarianism.

Final Thought:

The Meiselas brothers, through their incisive commentary and expert guest insights, present a compelling narrative that underscores the critical juncture at which American democracy stands. Their call to action serves as a rallying cry for listeners to engage actively in defending and strengthening democratic values both at home and abroad.

Note: Timestamps correspond to the transcript segments referenced for accuracy and context.