Podcast Summary: The MeidasTouch Podcast
Episode Title: Trump Has Disaster Speech at UK Dinner as Trip Goes Wrong
Hosts: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas
Date: September 18, 2025
Brief Overview
In this episode, the Meiselas brothers dissect former President Donald Trump’s turbulent state visit to the UK, zeroing in on his much-mocked dinner speech at Windsor Palace, his public behaviors, and the widespread protests that occurred in London. The episode blends humorous sibling banter and pointed political critique, highlighting the disconnect between ostentatious pageantry and the real struggles faced by everyday citizens, as well as the controversial moves of Trump and his allies back in the United States.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. Trump’s Appearance and Health
- Observation: The brothers open with comments on Trump’s frail, “sickly and deeply unwell looking” appearance as he arrives at Windsor Palace, particularly zeroing in on the state of his hand.
- Quote: “It looks like his hand was just dipped into a piranha tank at this point it is rotting and decomposing before our eyes.” (Ben, 01:36)
- Critique: The commentary serves as both comedic fodder and an implicit critique of Trump’s fitness for such high-profile diplomatic engagements.
2. Trump’s Windsor Palace Speech Breakdown
- Speech Context: Trump speaks as if he were the first U.S. president to visit the UK, exaggerating the significance of his visit and his “special” relationship with UK royalty.
- Quote: "It's a singular privilege to be the first American president welcomed here … this is truly one of the highest honors of my life.” (Trump, 03:13)
- Mockery of Memory Abilities: Trump is impressed that the King remembers names, which the brothers lampoon.
- Quote: “You just call him the company name. But people sometimes learn other people's names, Donald!” (Ben, 04:10)
- State of America Boast: Trump proclaims the U.S. is “the hottest country,” a claim the hosts ridicule as wildly out of touch.
- Quote: "We're the hottest country right now. No, no, we're not. We're not.” (Ben, 05:09)
- Quote: “We had a very sick country one year ago, and today I believe we're the hottest country anywhere in the world.” (Trump, 05:27)
- English Speaking World/Heritage: Trump calls for defending “exceptional heritage” of the English-speaking world—a claim the hosts sharply critique against his track record with authoritarian figures.
- Quote: “Together we must defend the exceptional heritage that makes us who we are … we must continue to stand for the values of the people of the English speaking world.” (Trump, 06:16)
- Authors List Gaffe: Trump lists British authors (Shakespeare, Dickens, Tolkien, etc.), which the brothers present as an awkward non sequitur.
- Quote: “Perfected in the pages of Shakespeare and Dickens, Tolkien, Lewis, Orwell and Kipling. Incredible people.” (Trump, 06:45)
3. The Tone-Deafness of Pageantry Amid Hardship
- Insight: The brothers highlight the stark contrast between the golden opulence of Windsor Palace and ordinary people struggling with basic needs.
- Quote: “There are so many people who can't afford groceries right now … and they're at this, like, golden palace and golden carriages.” (Ben, 04:45)
4. Protests Break Out in London and Windsor
- Overview: Extensive coverage of anti-Trump protests in Parliament Square, London, including creative protest art (mini baby Trump balloons) and high-profile lookalikes.
- Quote: "This is part of the Trump not welcome protest march. … you got some mini angry baby Trump balloons over there as well." (Ben, 09:29)
- Sky News Coverage: Protesters express anger at both Trump and British leaders for hosting him.
- Notable Details: The crowd is a diverse mix, with Ukrainian and Palestinian flags, and banners highlighting Trump’s controversial associations.
- Quote: “They feel sick at the sight of … King Charles and the Queen next to Donald Trump … the rolling out of the red carpet is not sitting well.” (Sky News reporter, 11:34)
- Crowd Size: Estimates reported as around 5,000, compared to 10,000 during Trump’s 2019 visit.
5. King Charles’ Speech: Subtle Shade and Jokes
- British Roots and Golf: King Charles references Trump’s pride in his British roots and jokes about British soil making “splendid golf courses.”
- Quote: "I understand that British soil makes for rather splendid golf courses." (King Charles, 13:08)
- Nixon Marriage Joke: References a media joke that, had things gone differently, he might have married into the Nixon family.
- Quote: “Had the media succeeded in the 1970s … I myself might have been married off within the Nixon family.” (King Charles, 13:43)
6. Congressional Coverage: Epstein Files Hearing
- U.S. Political Developments: Parallel to the UK visit, the episode covers a spectacle in the House where Republicans block a Democratic motion to subpoena records related to Jeffrey Epstein’s transactions.
- Notable Moment: The Republican attempt to block the reading of the motion mid-sentence.
- Quote: “They don't even let her finish reading the motion before they attempt to block it.” (Ben, 14:41)
7. Public Perception and the “Golden Carriage” Optics
- US Public Opinion: Only 20% of Americans believe the economy is getting better, juxtaposed against Trump’s lavish carriage ride.
- Etiquette Breach: Trump is shown breaking royal etiquette by walking in front of King Charles during the Guard of Honor inspection.
- Vox Pop – UK Citizens: Various protesters and British citizens give scathing, sardonic perspectives regarding the appropriateness of Trump’s visit.
- Quote: “We're allowing a convicted felon onto British soil. It's a total disgrace.” (London protester, 17:59)
- Quote: "He changes his mind as often as he changes his diaper, as far as I can see." (London protester, 18:45)
- Quote: "Appeasement is not the answer. There will not be peace in that time while Trump is the president of America." (London protester, 18:53)
8. UK to Recognize Palestinian State
- Geopolitical Update: Following Trump’s visit, The Times reports the UK plans to recognize a Palestinian state—a move the hosts frame as the “right thing to do,” indirectly rebuking Trump’s stance.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On Trump’s Appearance:
“It looks like his hand was just dipped into a piranha tank at this point it is rotting and decomposing before our eyes.” (Ben, 01:36) -
On State Visit Boasting:
"It's a singular privilege to be the first American president welcomed here … this is truly one of the highest honors of my life.” (Trump, 03:13) -
On Pageantry vs. Hardship:
“There are so many people who can't afford groceries right now … and they're at this, like, golden palace and golden carriages.” (Ben, 04:45) -
On Protest Coverage:
"This is part of the Trump not welcome protest march … some mini angry baby Trump balloons … lookalikes in the protests … Trump, Vance, Farage, Putin, Musk … part of Stop the Trump protest in London.” (Ben, 09:29) -
On Breaking Protocol:
“And here he is, by the way, breaking etiquette also by walking in front of King Charles...” (Ben, 17:22) -
Vox Populi—British Public:
“We're allowing a convicted felon onto British soil. It's a total disgrace.” (London protester, 17:59)
“Appeasement is not the answer.” (London protester, 18:53)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Trump’s Arrival & Physical Health Observations: 01:00–03:00
- Analysis and Mockery of Trump’s Speech: 03:13–07:03
- Commentary on Royal Panoply and Social Inequality: 04:45–05:27
- Protest Coverage & UK Public Sentiment: 08:50–12:55
- King Charles’ Speech Highlights: 13:08–14:11
- Congress & Epstein Files Controversy: 14:11–15:33
- Trump’s Pageantry, Public Reaction, and Etiquette Breach: 16:09–18:53
- UK to Recognize Palestinian State: 19:03–19:30
Conclusion
This episode provides a scathing, highly entertaining breakdown of Trump’s UK state visit, delving into the absurdity of his performance, the disconnect of royal pageantry from everyday struggles, and the robust British response. Layered with breaking news on U.S. Congressional drama and major international developments, the episode is a well-rounded, critical look at the state of democracy and political spectacle on both sides of the Atlantic.