Podcast Summary: "Trump Has Disaster Landing in Japan as Plans Blow Up"
The MeidasTouch Podcast – October 27, 2025
Hosts: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas
Episode Overview
In this lively and sharply critical episode, the Meiselas brothers deconstruct a turbulent international trip by Donald Trump, focusing on his chaotic arrival in Japan, bizarre statements made on Air Force One, and cringeworthy moments with world leaders. The episode weaves together direct audio clips, satirical commentary, and in-depth political analysis, highlighting the contrasts between Trump’s narratives and the real-world reactions of global counterparts.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Trump’s Meltdown on Air Force One
- MRI Bragging: Trump claims to have had “the best MRI ever” at his last doctor visit. The brothers ridicule his unnecessary boasting and question the necessity of an MRI for routine checkups.
- Quote: “We know that people don’t get MRIs on routine Dr. Visits.” – Brett (03:41)
- Trump: “I got an MRI. It was perfect…the most perfect MRI anybody's ever had…some of the best reports they've ever seen.” (03:03–03:41)
- Cognitive Exam Oddities: Trump discusses repeatedly taking cognitive tests (identifying a tiger, elephant, giraffe) and suggests that Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) couldn't pass one.
- Quote: “Why does this guy keep on taking cognitive exams and getting MRIs? Right? It’s pretty obvious before our eyes what’s taking place here.” – Brett (04:21)
- Trump: “The first couple of questions are easy. A tiger, an elephant, a giraffe…when you get up to about 5 or 6, and then when you get up to 10 and 20 and 25, they couldn’t come close to answering any of those questions.” (04:21–05:03)
Bizarre Statements and Distractions
- Boasting of Election Interference: Trump bizarrely brags about helping in Argentina’s election.
- Trump: “That was a big win in Argentina. I want to congratulate the victor…and he had a lot of help…” (05:12)
- Pete Rose Rant: When asked about the World Series, Trump diverts to complain about baseball legend Pete Rose being excluded from the Hall of Fame.
- Trump: “They didn’t put Pete Rose in. I asked the commissioner, put Pete Rose in…Pete Rose was a great baseball player.” (05:49–06:19)
- “Cattle People”: Trump refers to cattle ranchers as “the cattle people” and blames Biden for their previous struggles.
- Trump: “…the cattle people, they’ve done very, very poorly and now they’re doing well, but the price is up…that was Biden’s fault. A lot of this is Biden’s fault, too.” (06:43–07:39)
Dangerous Antidemocratic Talk
- Third Term Comments: Responding to a question, Trump muses about running for a third term, referring to peace deals he claims to have made.
- Host Commentary: “I think it's grossly irresponsible for reporters to even be asking him questions about the third term and in any way normalizing it.” – Brett (07:39)
- Trump: “I’ve had the best poll numbers I’ve ever had. I mean, I just solved eight wars. The ninth is coming…I would love a third term.” (07:57–09:00)
Clashing With Canada and Revising History
- Ronald Reagan and Tariffs: Trump claims Reagan loved tariffs, contrary to historical record.
- Trump: “Ronald Reagan loved tariffs. He used them sparingly…on trade, it wasn’t his strong suit, but he liked tariffs and they totally changed that to say that he didn’t.” (09:28)
- Host Fact Check: “Ronald Reagan actually said that tariffs caused the Great Depression…” – Brett (09:00)
- Attack on Canada: Trump wrongly blames the Canadian federal government for a provincial ad criticizing tariffs, calls it “dirty pool,” and complains about being unfairly treated.
- Trump: “One of the most difficult countries to deal with has been Canada…they did a fake ad yesterday...that’s dirty pool.” (11:37–12:26)
- Reporter (to Trump): “The ad was run by a provincial government in Canada. Why are you attacking the federal government?” (13:02)
- Trump: “Whether it’s provincial or Canada itself, they all knew exactly what the ad was. The prime minister knew.” (13:06–13:17)
- Canada’s Popularity: CBS segment highlights that Canada is far more popular with Americans than Trump himself.
- Quote: “The net popularity rating of Canada is plus 49 percentage points…Trump is minus 10…When you pick on Canada…you’re going against someone who is far more popular than you are.” – CNN Segment (14:00–14:49)
International Rebukes and Scattered Claims
- Conflict With Japan’s Emperor: In a protocol-breaking moment, Trump touches the Emperor’s back and claims credit for resolving wars; the Emperor pointedly responds by expressing hope for peace in conflict zones—a clear rebuke.
- Emperor: “My heart ached that conflicts continue in various parts of the world. I hope peace will come to these regions.” (17:29)
- Bragging on Argentina and Neglecting Americans: Trump claims the U.S. “made a lot of money based on that [Argentinian] election,” while millions in the U.S. face cuts to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs (SNAP).
- Quote: “Tell that to the Americans who are about to lose their SNAP benefits…” – Brett (14:49)
- Trump: “…that election made a lot of money for the United States. Now, we’re not in that for money per se, but if you look at the value of the bonds, the debt…” (15:34–16:00)
- Global Instability: Mention of fresh tensions in Venezuela, as Maduro claims to have captured CIA agents amid fears of U.S. provocation.
- Host: “So we’ll see what happens there.” (17:29)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “The most perfect MRI anybody’s ever had.” — Donald Trump (03:03)
- “Let AOC go against Trump. Let Jasmine go against Trump. I don’t think Jasmine…could come close to answering any of those questions.” — Trump on cognitive tests (04:21)
- “One of the most difficult countries to deal with has been Canada…they did a fake ad yesterday…that’s dirty pool.” — Trump on Canada (11:37)
- “Canada is far more popular than Donald Trump is here in the United States…you are picking on a country that the American people adore.” — CNN Segment (14:00)
- “My heart ached that conflicts continue in various parts of the world.” — Emperor of Japan (17:29)
- “Tell that to the Americans who are about to lose their SNAP benefits.” — Brett Meiselas (14:49)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- [02:57–03:41] – Trump brags about his “perfect” MRI
- [04:21–05:03] – Trump discusses his cognitive exams and targets AOC
- [05:12–06:19] – Trump’s odd tangents: Argentina, Pete Rose, “cattle people”
- [07:57–09:00] – Flirtation with a third term and delusions of peacemaking
- [09:28–13:17] – Revising Reagan’s stance on tariffs & sparring with Canada
- [14:00–14:49] – Canada’s popularity vs. Trump in U.S. public opinion
- [15:34–16:00] – Trump brags that U.S. “made a lot of money” on Argentina’s election
- [17:29] – Trump/Emperor Japan exchange: protocol breach and subtle rebuke
Conclusion
The episode showcases the brothers’ signature blend of humor, incredulity, and righteous outrage, underlining just how discordant Trump’s international behavior appears on the world stage. With plenty of direct audio receipts and fact-checking, the MeidasTouch Podcast exposes the gap between Trump’s statements and reality, all while keeping a critical focus on threats to democracy and the human consequences of policy choices. If you missed this wild news cycle, this breakdown delivers every bit of the drama, wit, and insight.