The MeidasTouch Podcast
Episode: Trump Has Disaster Presidents’ Day Over State of Union Boycott
Date: February 16, 2026
Hosts: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas
Episode Overview
This episode centers on Donald Trump's contentious President’s Day, marked by a growing boycott of his upcoming State of the Union address by several prominent Democratic lawmakers. The MeidasTouch brothers spotlight exclusive statements from Congress members explaining their decision to boycott, discuss international leaders’ responses to Trump’s presidency, and analyze wider consequences for democracy at home and abroad. The tone is irreverent, critical of Trump, and emphasizes the importance of democratic norms and leadership.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Expanding Boycott of Trump’s State of the Union
- Host Ben Meiselas opens with breaking news that Democratic members of Congress are publicly committing to boycott Trump’s State of the Union speech next week.
- Exclusive Statement from Rep. Dr. Ami Bera is highlighted, detailing objections to Trump’s conduct and outlining why he “will not give him the dignity of having my presence at the State of the Union.”
- Quote:
“Donald Trump continues to run roughshod over the Constitution, display utter disregard for Congress and openly engage in corruption to enrich himself and tarnish the country I love. I will not give him the dignity of having my presence.”
(03:12)
- Quote:
- Announcement: The MidasTouch Network will host counter-programming, featuring interviews with boycotting senators and Congress members.
2. International Perspective: Ukrainian President Zelensky Responds to Trump
- The hosts discuss President Zelensky’s President’s Day remarks, contrasting Trump’s lack of a message with Zelensky’s powerful statement on security and sovereignty for Ukraine.
- Ben contextualizes Zelensky’s reference to the Budapest Memorandum, explaining Ukraine’s sacrifice of its nuclear arsenal in return for security promises that were ultimately violated by Russia.
- Quote from Zelensky (read by host):
“First, we want security guarantees. Second, we can talk about compromise... Security guarantees will work only after a vote in Congress. But let's do this in the right order.”
(06:10–07:50)
3. Broader Democratic Resistance: Rep. AOC Declines to Attend
- Rebroadcast of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's (AOC) earlier stance:
- Clip
Q: “Are you going to go to the State of the Union?”
AOC: “Probably not.”
(08:38)
- Clip
4. Senator Jon Ossoff’s President’s Day Speech: Moral Leadership Amid Crisis
- The episode plays a major speech by Sen. Jon Ossoff, which the brothers praise for articulating the stakes of American democracy under Trump.
- Quote:
“Our nation is afflicted and in crisis... a government transformed into a tool of one man's vengeance and enrichment. A spiritually broken president who digs the moral pit deeper and deeper.”
(10:58) - Ossoff likens Trump to biblical tyrants, referencing Scripture:
“Pastor Proverbs says, whoever digs a pit will fall into it. And scripture is full of kings brought low by their own arrogance.”
(11:45) - He denounces “false prophets” and election deniers propping up Trump’s delusions.
- Quote:
5. Trump Allies Abroad: Marco Rubio Campaigns for Viktor Orban
- Ben details Marco Rubio’s presence in Hungary campaigning for authoritarian leader Viktor Orban, viewed as aligned with Putin.
- Quote:
“Rubio’s campaigning for Viktor Orban, the authoritarian Putin bootlicker leader of Hungary right now who's trailing significantly in the polls. This guy’s a fascist clown.”
(13:14) - Russian state media’s approval and U.S. involvement in propping up anti-democratic candidates in Europe are criticized.
- Quote:
6. Unusual Developments and Satirical Critique
- The hosts highlight more bizarre incidents such as a new AI-powered Health Department chatbot (linked to RFK Jr.) allegedly recommending inappropriate health advice, using the moment to lampoon the administration's priorities.
- They note moves by U.S. authorities to classify AI firm Anthropic as a “supply chain risk” for wanting limitations on military surveillance—underscoring conflicts over technology and privacy.
Notable Quotes & Moments
- Rep. Ami Bera’s warning to colleagues:
“I would urge my colleagues and friends on both sides of the aisle not to fall for [Trump’s] traps or feed his massive ego. Remember, we are the first branch of government. We represent the people of this great nation. We work for our constituents, not a maleficent autocrat.”
(07:00) - Sen. Jon Ossoff’s address:
“They tell a lie so absurd and therefore so debasing to tell, that the act of telling it proves the teller's total and humiliating submission.”
(12:45)
Key Timestamps
- 01:29: Ben Meiselas introduces the State of the Union boycott and exclusive statement from Rep. Ami Bera.
- 05:00–07:50: Ben explains and quotes President Zelensky’s statement on the Budapest Memorandum and security guarantees.
- 08:38: AOC on whether she’ll attend the State of the Union: “Probably not.”
- 10:58–13:10: Full playback and discussion of Senator Ossoff’s President’s Day address.
- 13:14: Rubio in Hungary, U.S. support for Orban, and Russian state TV’s coverage.
- 15:00: Satirical riff on Health Dept. chatbot and AI oversight in the military.
Tone & Style
The MeidasTouch brothers maintain their trademark style of sharp humor, brotherly banter, and unflinching criticism of Trump. They mix substantive analysis with biting satire and rallying calls for democratic engagement.
Summary
This episode provides a comprehensive, impassioned snapshot of resistance to Trump’s presidency as manifested by a boycott of his State of the Union address. The hosts contextualize this domestic pushback with international perspectives from Ukraine and highlight troubling U.S. actions abroad. Featuring notable, exclusive statements and speeches, the brothers drive home the urgency of standing up for democracy amid ongoing threats from Trump and his allies.