The MeidasTouch Podcast
Episode: Trump has Disaster Landing to DC as Plans Blow Up
Date: December 1, 2025
Hosts: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas (MeidasTouch Network)
(Summary skips ads, intros, and outros; focuses on core content)
Episode Overview
In this episode, the Meiselas brothers dive into what they call a “disaster landing” for Donald Trump as he returns to Washington, D.C. They explore Trump’s behavior, questionable economic claims, ongoing grifts, controversies involving his administration and allies, and disturbing immigration enforcement tactics. Their trademark humor and sharp critiques are used to highlight the contrast between Trump’s self-promotion and Americans’ struggles, mixed with pointed commentary on recent news and interviews featuring Trump himself.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Trump’s “Disaster” Return to D.C. and Economic Reality
- Trump returns from Mar-a-Lago, with the brothers framing his trip—and state of mind—as a “descent into madness.”
- They link Trump’s self-identification as a “crypto president” to bitcoin’s plummeting value, noting that average Americans still live paycheck to paycheck despite Trump’s boasts.
- “Donald Trump continues to pretend that everyone’s living in a golden age and everything is far more affordable right now.” [03:10]
Notable Quote:
“People can’t afford their rent. People can’t afford basically anything right now. When Donald Trump promised that he would make everything affordable on day one.”
— Commentator [03:41]
2. Trump Administration's Economic Spin
- Trump’s ex-economic adviser Kevin Hassett tours media outlets to downplay inflation and promote what he claims are declining commodity prices (e.g., turkeys and gasoline).
- Hassett says: “You know, turkey prices were down 19 cents. I bought two different ones...I didn’t really notice a difference.” [04:22]
- Host counters: “Gas prices on average are still at $3 a gallon.” [05:29]
- The brothers mock these claims as “gaslighting,” highlighting ongoing economic hardship for mainstream Americans.
3. The “Golden Ballroom” and Trump’s Priorities
- Trump announces, via social media, a plan to build a massive, privately funded “Presidential Ballroom” near the White House, boasting it will be “the most beautiful” globally.
- The hosts ridicule the project as unnecessary and egotistical, contrasting it with urgent national needs.
- “Not a single American said, ‘You know what I need right now? I need a golden ballroom.’” [06:10]
Notable Quote:
“No other president even conceived of a concept of building a golden ballroom near the White House and ripping down the East Wing while there were other pressing matters…”
— Commentator [06:40]
4. Trump’s Ongoing Grift and Russia Connections
- The brothers break down recent fundraising emails from Trump, which exploit scandal-themed clickbait (“Epstein files,” “Russia hoax”) only to redirect to donation requests.
- “Can you please make a personal sacrifice for me?...but can you send me some money?” [08:00]
- They point out ongoing Russia-related leaks and alleged attempts by Trump allies to force Ukraine into territorial surrenders.
Notable Quote:
“While the American people are suffering, Donald Trump is asking for money.”
— Commentator [08:14]
5. Crypto, Cronies, and Conflict of Interest
- Expose on David Sacks (Trump’s “crypto guy”) notes 708 investments that could profit directly or indirectly from Trump policies.
- Steve Bannon, typically an ally, criticizes tech elites’ influence: “The tech bros are out of control.” [09:45]
6. Questions About Trump’s Health and Cognitive State
- Reporters question Trump about his recent MRI; Trump denies it was brain-related, deflects, and insists he “aced” a cognitive test.
- Trump: “It wasn’t the brain because I took a cognitive test and I aced it. I got a perfect.” [11:34]
7. War Crimes, Pete Hegseth, and Qualification Concerns
- Pressed about reports that Pete Hegseth (Trump’s Secretary of Defense appointee) allegedly ordered a “double tap” strike (second attack on survivors), Trump disavows knowledge:
- “He said he didn’t do it. So I have to make that decision.” [12:50]
- Hosts and commentators denounce the operation as a “war crime” and call for tribunals.
8. Offensive Language and Public Discourse
- Trump is questioned about calling Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz the “R word” (retarded); he doubles down and justifies it:
- Host: “Do you stand by that?...”
- Trump: “Yeah, I think there’s something wrong with it. Absolutely. Sure.” [14:34]
- The brothers condemn this as unacceptable, especially from a president.
9. Pardoning Narco-Traffickers: A Double Standard
- Trump is confronted about suggesting a pardon for Juan Orlando Hernández, former Honduran president convicted of major drug crimes.
- Trump claims: “They said it was a Biden administration set up. And I looked at the facts, and I agreed with them.” [16:42]
- Hosts highlight the contradiction in Trump’s tough-on-narco stance vs. wanting to free top traffickers.
10. Immigration Enforcement Critiques and Abuse Allegations
- Reportedly, ICE targets spouses at citizenship appointments and sexual assault victims at courthouses, leading to re-victimization and family separation.
- Example given: Riverside, CA, where a victim of sexual assault is arrested by ICE. [19:28]
Notable Quote:
“She’s a victim of sexual assault…and you’re arresting her?”
— Host [19:36]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “Make that ballroom even bigger. It wasn’t that no other president was equipped to do it. No other president even conceived…” [06:35]
- “We could make sure that, you know, by using [the R word], we don’t support it.” [14:18]
- “[Trump] wouldn’t be asking if he wasn’t desperate. Donald Trump has made billions… off the presidency while the American people suffer.” [08:12]
Important Timestamps
- 02:19-04:39 — Trump’s economic claims and holidays spin
- 04:51-06:10 — “Gaslighting” over prices and cost of living
- 06:10-08:14 — Trump’s “Golden Ballroom” announcement, fundraising grifts
- 09:45 — Exposé on David Sacks and conflicts of interest
- 11:06-11:47 — Trump’s deflection on MRI and cognitive questions
- 12:38-13:00 — Pete Hegseth alleged war crime and Trump’s evasion
- 14:24-14:35 — Trump defends use of ableist slur against Gov. Walz
- 15:56-16:44 — Trump’s claim to pardon convicted narco-trafficker
- 19:28-19:42 — ICE arresting sexual assault victim example
Conclusion
This episode sharply critiques Trump’s actions, priorities, and rhetoric through the brothers’ mix of sarcasm, direct quotes, and analysis. They contextualize Trump’s behavior as disconnected from voters’ real struggles, raise alarm over war crimes and abuses, and condemn the continued exploitation of supporters and inflammatory language.
The MeidasTouch Podcast once again blends news breakdowns with bold pro-democracy commentary and sibling banter, underscoring their status as a central voice in critical coverage of the Trump era and its aftermath.