Trump Has Disaster Labor Day as Conditions Get Much Worse

Summary

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The MeidasTouch Podcast

Episode: Trump Has Disaster Labor Day as Conditions Get Much Worse

Date: September 1, 2025
Hosts: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas

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Episode Overview

In this Labor Day episode, the Meiselas brothers focus on former President Donald Trump's conspicuous absence from public view, contradictory public relations tactics, and the broader implications of his administration’s economic and foreign policies. The conversation mixes their signature banter and direct critique, featuring notable trolling responses from public figures, global developments that paint a challenging picture for the U.S., and a bizarre update involving Rudy Giuliani. The overall tone is sharp, satirical, and unapologetically pro-democracy.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Trump’s Vanishing Act and “Proof of Life” (01:18 – 05:00)

• The episode opens with skepticism regarding Trump's absence from public appearances, notably on Labor Day—a highly visible occasion for a sitting president.

• The brothers lampoon the White House's attempts to provide "proof of life" via dated or dubious photographs, comparing the process to Bigfoot sightings.

• Quote [01:27]:
  "At this point, they're gonna show us photos of Donald Trump from the 1980s and say, see everybody? Here's the official photo from the White House of Donald Trump heading to play golf this morning. Or they're gonna like show us photos of Bigfoot and say, you see him right there. There he is in the woods." — Political Commentator

• Specific attention is given to Trump's claims of recent golf outings, which are easily debunked by date discrepancies.

• The hosts note growing public suspicion and ridicule, including a pointed exchange:

  • Trump posted “Good night” at 10pm; California Governor Gavin Newsom responded, “Night, night, Grandpa,” continuing his running jokes at Trump’s expense.

2. Fact-Checking Trump’s Labor Day Economic Claims (05:00 – 08:34)

• The team highlights a series of Labor Day posts from Trump and his social media managers making bold, demonstrably false economic claims:

  • $8 trillion in tariff revenue
  • Hundreds of thousands of new jobs
  • Record-low taxes

• Hosts explain tariffs as burdens on American consumers, not windfalls to the U.S. government.

• Quote [06:00]:
  “$8 trillion in tariff revenue has not been achieved. Even if it were to be achieved, that means it was an $8 trillion tax on ourselves because tariffs are taxes on the importers in the United States that are passed on to consumers. It's not a controversial topic.” — Political Commentator

• They reference fact-checkers like Jessica Rydell summarizing that each White House claim is "100% made up."

• The hosts compare Trump’s narrative with other political leaders’ Labor Day optics, referencing Maryland Governor Wes Moore’s public run with trooper candidates.

3. International Affairs: The U.S. on the World Stage (05:36 – 08:34)

• Focus shifts to significant diplomatic movements: a Shanghai cooperation meeting hosted by China, with India’s Modi and Russia’s Putin in attendance.

• The point is made that while Trump-era America appears internally unstable and internationally weakened, adversarial leaders are emboldened.

• A Bloomberg clip is played detailing India's pivot toward China and Russia due to Trump's high tariffs and deteriorating U.S.-India relations.

• Quote [08:13]:
  “With President Trump slapping 50% tariffs, the highest in Asia, on India, and blaming New Delhi for funding Putin's war ... All these have fueled speculation that India is pivoting back to China and Russia away from the U.S…President Trump is an incentive.” — Bloomberg Analyst

• The hosts emphasize the perception—ironically fulfilling Trump’s old warnings—that the world actually is “laughing at us.”

4. Domestic Economic Reality vs. Official Spin (08:34 – 10:30)

• The panel dissects Trump’s latest claims of economic strength, debunking statistics regarding consumer spending, inflation, and wages.
• They discuss the real potential for stagflation (1970s-style stagnation with high inflation and unemployment).
• Quote [09:10]:
  “Our economy appears to be heading into, if it's not already in stagflation. Decreasing GDP, increasing unemployment, increasing inflation. It's bad. Like 1970s bad. But, you know, you wanted to make America go back into time, so you wanted to go back when America's main source of revenue was tariff revenue...you want to bring us back to horse and buggies and coal and, and, and child labor.” — Political Commentator

5. Political Trolling & Public Reactions (06:30 – 11:45)

• The show highlights social and political trolling:
  • Gov. Newsom’s mockery of Trump extends to posting a faux-Labor Day message parodying Trump’s rhetoric and tone.
• Notable Fake Trump-style Message [09:45] (paraphrased):
  “Happy Labor Day to all, including the scum that is trying to destroy our country with a sick, warped, radical mind. Killing small businesses with crazy tariffs, taking health care from children, pardoning J6 thugs …wrecking our beautiful, defunding our schools … God Bless America.” — Read by the hosts as a satire of Trump's messaging

6. Rudy Giuliani’s Bizarre Car Accident Statement (11:45 – 12:30)

• The hosts wrap with a discussion of Giuliani's curious accident:
  • Giuliani was reportedly involved in a motorcycle accident after assisting a domestic violence victim.
  • The official statement is ridiculed for its odd structure and details, drawing skepticism from the hosts.
• Quote [12:10]:
  “You saved a domestic violence incident in New Hampshire and then you drove away. And then it's just a strange way to message it. A very strange way to message an incident. I mean, I don't know what happened, but it's an odd framing of a situation.” — Political Commentator

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

• On "Proof of Life" Photos:
  "They're gonna show us photos of Bigfoot and say, you see him right there. There he is in the woods. He's perfectly fine." — Political Commentator (01:30)

• On Tariff Economics:
  "$8 trillion in tariff revenue has not been achieved. Even if it were to be achieved, that means it was an $8 trillion tax on ourselves...It's not a controversial topic." — Political Commentator (06:00)

• On Global Shift Away from U.S.:
  “All these have fueled speculation that India is pivoting back to China and Russia away from the U.S…President Trump is an incentive.” — Bloomberg Analyst (08:13)

• On Stagflation and Economic Regression:
  “Our economy appears to be heading into, if it's not already in stagflation...you wanted to make America go back into time...back to horse and buggies and coal and, and, and child labor and measles and, and pandemics. Fantastic.” — Political Commentator (09:10)

• On Giuliani’s Statement:
  “You saved a domestic violence incident in New Hampshire and then you drove away. And then it's just a strange way to message it.” — Political Commentator (12:10)

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Important Timestamps

• 01:18 – Opening riff on Trump's absence and "proof of life"
• 03:00 – Analysis of dubious social media photos and related trolling
• 05:00 – Fact-checking Trump’s economic claims
• 07:36 – Bloomberg report on India-China relations and U.S. foreign policy
• 08:34 – Deep dive on domestic economic conditions
• 09:45 – Satirical dramatic reading of faux Trump message by Gov. Newsom
• 11:45 – Discussion of Rudy Giuliani's accident and odd messaging

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Summary Flow

The episode uses humor, sharp critique, and real-time news analysis to illustrate a broader theme: the American political and economic standing is in decline due to misinformation, weakened diplomatic relationships, and erratic leadership. The brothers highlight the contrast between official White House spin and visible reality, both domestically and on the global stage, capped off with the kind of surreal news that often surrounds figures in Trump’s orbit.

For listeners seeking clarity, this episode is a comprehensive, biting encapsulation of the turbulence surrounding Trump’s presidency as seen by his progressive critics—with plenty of comic relief and viral quote moments.

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Transcript

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[Political Commentator]

It's not looking too good for Donald and the attempt by the White House to show us signs of proof of life continue to backfire. At this point, they're gonna show us photos of Donald Trump from the 1980s and say, see everybody? Here's the official photo from the White House of Donald Trump heading to play golf this morning. Or they're gonna like show us photos of Bigfoot and say, you see him right there. There he is in the woods. He's perfectly fine. I mean, that's not too different from what we're seeing there this morning on Labor Day. I mean, there's no press appearances scheduled for Donald Trump on Labor Day, which is very odd. He hasn't been in front of the press since last Wednesday, which is very odd. They've been posting all of these images of him from last week or weeks ago, and they've been trying to pretend that this is him today or yesterday. He's been doing the same. He's like, look, I played golf with Jon Gruden on Sunday. I was perfectly healthy. Good night, everybody. Great. We're like, you played golf with him on August 23rd. Like, we have the receipts. That was not yesterday. And you're just causing more suspicion to arise. This is what they're saying is his photo today on Labor Day. Look at him right there. Even if that is the photo, I mean, he's deeply unwell. Here's the Bigfoot shot of him. Not actually Bigfoot, but They're, they're claiming this is him right there on the golf cart right there. I don't know if that's a nurse behind him or what's going on there or this is a photo that a right wing radio host posted. And if you look in the mirror right there, I'm not sure if that's a caretaker or Secret Service or what's going on there. Donald Trump did post good night last night at 10pm to which California Governor Gavin Newsom responded. Night, night, Grandpa. And California Governor Gavin Newsom continues to troll Donald Trump mercilessly, which we love here at the Touch Network. Donald Trump has been posting on his official account, or I should say people have been posting for him on his official social media accounts, his Instagram account. They posted this image. $8 trillion in tariff revenue and hundreds of thousands of new jobs created. Happy labor day. All false. $8 trillion in tariff revenue has not been achieved. Even if it were to be achieved, that means it was an $8 trillion tax on ourselves because tariffs are taxes on the importers in the United States that are passed on to consumers. It's not a controversial topic. As Jessica Rydell writes, today alone, the White house has claimed $8 trillion in new tariff revenue, $4 trillion in net deficit reduction, $5 trillion in new business investment, hundreds of thousands of jobs from these investments, record low taxes. Each claim is 100% made up. Let me show you Maryland's Mayor Wes Moore getting in some trolling of Donald Trump. I'm not even sure if it's intentional trolling or just showing that he's in good shape compared to, compared to Donald Trump. Here's Maryland Governor Westmore running with the trooper candidates before their graduation on Labor Day or right before Labor Day. Here, play this clip right here. Now, folks, while Donald Trump is in this decrepit, deteriorating, cognitively addled, physically rotting state, just in my opinion, that's what he's in right now. You're free to share your own opinions. He's destroying America's economy. He's destroying America's foreign policy. So today, yesterday and today, Xi Jinping of China is holding a Shanghai cooperation meeting. Prime Minister Modi of India is there, Vladimir Putin is there, and there are dozens of other countries that are there as well, being represented by their top leaders. They this is Xi Jinping of China asserting that China is the leader of the world right now, as America is incredibly weak and decrepit under a failed and rotting president in Donald Trump. And Prime Minister Modi of India, who hadn't Taken a trip to China in seven years, was there laughing it up with Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping. They were all laughing. They were mocking, likely mocking, the weakness of the United States under Donald Trump, mocking all of Donald Trump's lies, like you can literally. They're sending a message right here with this video that they put out that America actually is being laughed at by the world. As Donald Trump said, the world laughs at us. They weren't laughing at us before the world respected the United States of America. People have laughed at you your entire life, Donald, because you are a vile piece of trash. You are a pathetic loser. You are probably one of the most, if not the most trash human being perhaps ever in existence. So people laugh at you and they laugh at your cult followers who believe your stupid crap. Like LA would have been totally destroyed, but Donald Trump saved it anyway. Here's the video in China of Prime Minister Modi basically saying how, how. How addled and crazy is Donald Trump and Putin and Xi Jinping are laughing. Watch this. And just so you have a little flavor of what took place right here, here's how Bloomberg Politics describes what went down. Let's talk about it.

[News Reporter / Analyst]

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced resumption of direct flights between India and China in his meeting with Xi Jinping at the port city of Tianjin, indicating that both countries want to restart a working relationship. The meeting comes in the backdrop of souring India US relationship, with President Trump slapping 50% tariffs, the highest in Asia, on India, and blaming New Delhi for funding Putin's war. All these have fueled speculation that India is pivoting back to China and Russia away from the U.S. china and India have both taken steps to normalize and stabilize the relationship. Although difficult issues still remain, what can be said with certainty is that both countries are trying to work together and President Trump is an incentive.

[Political Commentator]

All right, well, now you have again. As Trump posts images like this today, Trump's economy is booming. Consumer spending up. False. Inflation low false. Wages up. False. Just false. Just every. Very false. Very, very false. Okay. Our economy appears to be heading into, if it's not already in stagflation. Decreasing GDP, increasing unemployment, increasing inflation. It's bad. Like 1970s bad. But, you know, you wanted to make America go back into time, so you wanted to go back when America's main source of revenue was tariff revenue in the late, what, in the late 19th century, early 20th century. That's when you said America was its most powerful, when we legitimately were not the richest and most powerful. That's what you want to bring us back to horse and buggies and coal and, and, and child labor and measles and, and pandemics. Fantastic. Donald Trump makes another post attacking India. What few people understand is that we do very little business with India. All right, if you think we do very little business with India, that that's your justification. Now we do very little business with India. So they're being mean to me, but we do very little business with them. California Governor Newsom mocking Donald Trump posts the following Happy Labor Day to all, including the scum that is trying to destroy our country with a sick, warped, radical mind. Killing small businesses with crazy tariffs, taking health care from children, pardoning J6 thugs, sending the private army to arrest grandma, wrecking our beautiful, defunding our schools and destabilizing long standing international relationships. Hopefully the United States Supreme Court and other good and compassionate judges throughout the land will save us from the decisions of the monsters who want our country to go to hell. But fear not, we have made great progress in recent weeks and America will soon be safe and great again. Again. Happy Labor Day and God Bless America. GCN Finally, I would be remiss if I didn't point out this story about Rudy Giuliani, who was apparently in a bad car accident. This was the official statement by Rudy Giuliani's office or press team or head of security. A very weird story right here. I'll just read to you what they claim happened on the evening of August 30, 2025 in New Hampshire. Mayor Giuliani was involved in a motorcycle accident. Prior to the incident, he was flagged down by a woman who was the victim of a domestic violence incident. Mayor Giuliani immediately rendered assistance and then contacted 911. He remained on scene until responding officers arrived to ensure her safety. Following this, while traveling on the highway, Mayor Giuliani's vehicle was struck from behind at high speed. He was transported to a nearby trauma center where he was diagnosed with a fractured thoracic vertebrae, multiple lacerations and contusions, as well as injuries to his left arm and lower leg. His business partner and medical provider were promptly contacted and arrived at the hospital to oversee his care. At this time, no further updates are available. This is the only statement authorized by Mayor Giuliani signed Michael Ragusa, head of Mayor Giuliani's security. You saved a domestic violence incident in New Hampshire and then you drove away. And then it's just a strange way to message it. A very strange way to message an incident. I mean, I don't know what happened, but it's an odd framing of a situation. Happy Labor Day. Let's keep fighting together. Midas Canada just launched. Go over and subscribe to the Charlie Angus YouTube channel. Charlie Angus Midas Canada. Super proud about that initiative. Thanks for watching. Let's get to 6 million subscribers here. Let's get Charlie Angus a million subscribers. So subscribe there now. The truth is more important than ever. Check out our new Truth over lies [e-mail] touch.com All 100% USA Union made.

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