The MeidasTouch Podcast
Episode: Trump Has Disaster Morning as War Explodes
Release Date: August 28, 2025
Hosts: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas
Main Theme and Purpose
In this urgent episode, the Meiselas brothers break down the rapidly escalating war in Ukraine, highlight Donald Trump’s failure in leadership as a series of international crises unfold, and analyze the state of democracy and government in the U.S. under Trump's regime. The episode examines how Trump’s actions—or lack thereof—are jeopardizing both domestic well-being and America’s standing abroad.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Russian Attacks Escalate in Ukraine
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Details:
- Massive overnight bombardments: Russia launches 629 missiles and drones across Ukraine.
- Specific targets: Residential neighborhoods, civilian infrastructure, and crucially, the offices of the European Union delegation and the British Council in Kyiv.
- At least 16 people killed, including four children.
- Ukraine declares August 29th a day of mourning in response.
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International Response:
- French President Emmanuel Macron strongly condemns the attacks:
"629 missiles and drones in a single night over Ukraine. This is Russia's idea of peace: terror and barbarism." — [00:36, paraphrased by Ben]
- Notably, Donald Trump issues zero acknowledgment or condemnation of the attacks.
- French President Emmanuel Macron strongly condemns the attacks:
2. Trump’s Response: Distraction and Fundraising
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Analysis:
- Rather than addressing global events, Trump sends bizarre and misleading fundraising emails:
- “Doge check” poll and “tariff rebate check” confusion.
- Unfounded claims on "no tax on Social Security" (which, per Ben, is false; only a $6,000 deduction was written in, set to expire in 2.5 years).
- Ben’s reaction underscores the disconnect:
"Are you getting your frauds confused right now? While you're not addressing...Russia hit an American factory in Western Ukraine...and you're talking about Doge checks..." — [03:15, Ben]
- Rather than addressing global events, Trump sends bizarre and misleading fundraising emails:
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Broader Implications:
- Trump’s focus on grifting and misinformation while international crises escalate.
- Vice President J.D. Vance's lack of condemnation over the American factory hit in Ukraine:
“That’s war. That’s just what happens.” — [04:30, quoted paraphrase]
3. Electoral Trends & Democratic Resilience
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Polling Data (from The Economist):
- Democrats lead Republicans by +26 among 18–29-year-olds.
- Real election indicators: Recent Iowa Senate District 1, Democrat outperforms by 20 points in a deep Trump district.
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Quote:
“For all of those people out there who want to sow these narratives… the Democratic brand is tarnished… it’s never going to be plus-26.” — [05:00, Ben]
4. Waste & Corruption: The Alligator Alcatraz Scandal
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Background:
- Referred to as a “concentration camp,” run so poorly it is being shut down.
- Federal court finds it unconstitutional; millions of tax dollars lost.
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Quote:
“How Trumpian is that...fighting to keep a concentration camp open that you’re even incapable of running?” — [06:30, Ben]
- $450 million taxpayer dollars wasted while U.S. deficit grows.
5. Shattered International Alliances
- Consequences:
- Japan cancels meetings with the White House over Trump’s false trade deal claims.
- India’s Prime Minister Modi avoids Trump's communications.
- Ben underscores Trump’s inability to build or maintain international trust:
“Foreign leaders are just learning. It's easier. You just ignore the guy. He comes back and begs because he’s a little pathetic weasel.” — [07:57, Ben]
6. Purge of Government Officials & Authoritarian Creep
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Federal Reserve:
- Lisa Cook, falsely accused of mortgage fraud, refuses to resign and is suing the Trump regime.
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CDC:
- Head Susan Monterez fired after expressing opposition to anti-vaccine policies; preparing to sue.
- Mass resignations cripple CDC during ongoing public health crises.
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Homeland Security:
- 22-year-old Trump intern, Thomas Fugate, appointed to lead domestic terrorism prevention, guts the department by 75%.
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Media Critique:
- Ben rips mainstream media's normalization of authoritarian language:
“Trump stamps ‘dictator chic’ on Washington… He's destroying America... but Trump's doing dictator chic.” — [15:40, Ben] “‘A power quest.’ What is this, like Zelda Ocarina of Time?” — [14:10, Ben]
- Frustration at euphemistic coverage rather than direct acknowledgment of dictatorial actions.
- Ben rips mainstream media's normalization of authoritarian language:
7. Humanitarian Disasters and Negligence
- Guadalupe River Tragedy:
- Hundreds of children died in catastrophic Texas flash floods, preventable with proper emergency infrastructure.
- FEMA and local officials blamed for negligence and misuse of federal funds.
8. Ongoing Scandals: Epstein Files
- Trump accused of covering up the Epstein files; over 33,000 files “produced before.”
- Ben stresses the need for continued scrutiny.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
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On Trump’s response to Ukraine crisis:
"While you're not addressing the fact that last week Russia hit an American factory in Western Ukraine...and you're talking about Doge checks and you're confusing it with your other fraud of your tariff rebate checks as you destroy the American economy."
— Ben, [03:15] -
On media euphemisms:
"Trump stamps dictator chic on Washington. Dictator chic? The F are you talking about? Dictator chic?...He's destroying America."
— Ben, [15:40] -
On government mismanagement:
"How Trumpian is that, fighting to keep a concentration camp open that you’re even incapable of running?"
— Ben, [06:30] -
On generational electoral trends:
"Right now, Democrats lead Republicans by plus 26 in 18 to 29."
— Ben, [05:00] -
On international isolation:
"Japan has canceled its meeting with the White House... Foreign leaders are just learning. It's easier. You just ignore the guy."
— Ben, [07:57]
Timestamps for Important Segments
- (00:36) Russian missile/drone attacks on Ukraine and targeting of EU/UK buildings
- (03:15) Trump’s selfish and misleading fundraising amid crises
- (05:00) Economist polling; Iowa Senate District 1 election
- (06:30) Alcatraz alligator “concentration camp” shut down, waste of taxpayer dollars
- (07:57) Japan and India rebuff Trump; analysis of failed international relations
- (09:29–15:40) Purges in CDC, Federal Reserve, Homeland Security; critique of “dictator chic” media coverage
- (13:30) Texas disaster negligence and FEMA criticism
- (15:40) Ben’s frustration with euphemistic, normalizing language in media
Tone & Style
The Meiselas brothers blend pointed political commentary and critical analysis with their trademark banter, humor, and a sense of urgency. Ben leads with rapid-fire delivery and righteous anger, especially when confronting examples of corruption, authoritarianism, and media understatement. The episode is unapologetically pro-democracy, calling out both Trump and the failings of mainstream journalism.
Summary Takeaway
This episode starkly illustrates the dangers of Trump’s ongoing mismanagement and growing authoritarianism—at home and abroad. It places particular emphasis on the real human costs of such leadership, from innocent lives lost in Ukraine and Texas to the dysfunction and corruption rampant in U.S. government operations. Listeners are left with a call to action: stay informed, refuse normalization of authoritarian behavior, and fight for democracy.