The MeidasTouch Podcast Summary: "Trump Has Disaster Thursday as Walls Close In"
Release Date: August 7, 2025

Introduction

In the latest episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast, hosts Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas dive deep into the tumultuous political landscape dominated by former President Donald Trump's recent actions and statements. The episode, titled "Trump Has Disaster Thursday as Walls Close In," provides a comprehensive analysis of Trump's ongoing influence, his strategies to retain power, and the resulting implications for American democracy and international relations.

1. Donald Trump's Turbulent Thursday

The episode opens with a critical examination of Donald Trump's actions on a particularly challenging Thursday. The hosts discuss how Trump is "panic posting" on social media, expressing urgent and controversial opinions regarding key figures and policies.

• Calling for Intel CEO's Resignation:

  Trump took to his social media platform to demand the immediate resignation of Intel's CEO, stating, "[...] The CEO of Intel is highly conflicted and must resign immediately. There is no other solution to this problem" [02:45]. The hosts critique this as an unprecedented move reminiscent of central planning, highlighting the severity of an American president directly calling for the dismissal of a corporate leader without due process.

• Imposition of Tariffs:

  Further escalating tensions, Trump declared the imposition of new tariffs, claiming, "Billions of dollars in tariffs are now flowing into the United States of America" [04:20]. The hosts argue that Trump fails to acknowledge the economic impact of tariffs, which function as taxes on American consumers, ultimately fueling inflation. They emphasize that such policies can harm the very economy Trump purports to strengthen.

2. International Repercussions: Canada's Premier Doug Ford Reacts

One of the episode's pivotal moments features Canadian Premier Doug Ford’s stern condemnation of Trump’s actions.

• Premier Ford on Trump's Popularity in Canada:

  Doug Ford stated, "He’s probably the most disliked politician in the world in Canada because he’s attacked his closest family member" [06:37]. He further elaborated on the fear among Canadian and even some American officials to oppose Trump, fearing retaliation. Ford underscores the strain Trump's leadership places on international alliances, particularly with longstanding allies like Canada.

• Economic Collaboration vs. Trump's Policies:

  Continuing, Ford emphasized Canada’s commitment to economic growth and job creation, contrasting it with Trump's policies. "Ontario alone last year attracted over $40 billion of investment, creating more jobs, more opportunities" [09:19]. The hosts highlight this as a significant counter-narrative to Trump's self-serving economic claims, showcasing Canada's proactive approach versus Trump's protectionist tactics.

3. Middle Eastern Dynamics: Netanyahu's Statements and Trump's Involvement

The podcast delves into the volatile Middle East situation, focusing on Israel's intentions in Gaza and Trump's role in the region.

• Benjamin Netanyahu on Gaza Control:

  Netanyahu announced on Fox, "We intend to, in order to assure our security, remove Hamas there, enable the population to be free of Gaza and to pass it to civilian governance" [10:28]. The hosts express concern over the humanitarian implications, noting the ongoing starvation in Gaza and questioning the ethical considerations of such military actions.

• Trump's Mixed Signals:

  Reflecting on Trump's previous campaign promises to swiftly end conflicts, the hosts highlight his contradictory stance. "He was promising to end wars but now he’s endorsing aggressive military actions," they note [10:52]. This inconsistency undermines Trump's credibility and raises doubts about his commitment to peace.

4. Economic Policies Under Scrutiny: Tariffs and Inflation

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to dissecting Trump's economic maneuvers, particularly his tariff policies and their repercussions.

• Clarifying Tariffs:

  The hosts explain the fundamental nature of tariffs, emphasizing that they are essentially taxes on imports passed down to consumers. They critique Trump's portrayal of tariffs as purely beneficial, arguing that such policies disproportionately burden American families by increasing the cost of goods.

• Treasury Secretary Scott Besant's Explanation:

  In a revealing clip, Treasury Secretary Scott Besant attempts to elucidate the mechanics of tariffs: "The tariff is paid in this country by the importer. [...] They can pass it on to consumers or not" [12:32]. The hosts use this segment to debunk Trump's misleading narratives, highlighting a lack of understanding or willingness to misrepresent economic facts.

• Impact on Daily Life:

  The hosts draw connections between Trump's policies and everyday economic struggles, citing rising grocery prices, unaffordable housing, and stagnant wages. "People are not getting the tips they wanted because our economy is struggling," they assert [13:00], painting a dire picture of Trump's economic stewardship.

5. Electoral Manipulation and Democratic Threats

The podcast raises alarms about Trump's alleged plans to interfere with upcoming elections and census data.

• Manipulating the Census:

  Trump announced intentions to utilize the 2024 presidential election results to conduct a "new and highly accurate census," deliberately excluding undocumented immigrants: "People who are in our country illegally will not be counted in the census" [11:15]. The hosts warn that this could disenfranchise millions, skewing representation and electoral outcomes in favor of red states.

• Rigging Elections:

  Expanding on this, Editor-in-Chief Ron Philip Koski discusses Trump's broader strategy to "steal the midterms and or the 2028 election" by manipulating demographic data [11:45]. The hosts express deep concern over such tactics, viewing them as blatant attacks on the democratic process.

6. Media and Public Perception

The episode also touches on how Trump's actions are portrayed in the media and perceived by the public.

• Trump's Public Image:

  Premier Doug Ford’s comments resonate with the hosts, further stating, "Trump is just trying to make the American people suffer" [09:56]. This sentiment is echoed by international figures and highlights a growing disillusionment with Trump's leadership, both domestically and abroad.

• Netanyahu's Controversial Stance:

  The hosts connect Netanyahu's aggressive stance in Gaza with Trump's broader foreign policy failings, suggesting that such actions contribute to global instability and tarnish America's reputation.

Conclusion

The MeidasTouch brothers conclude the episode by urging listeners to remain vigilant against the erosion of democratic norms and to critically assess the narratives presented by influential political figures like Donald Trump. They call for unity and informed participation to safeguard democracy and ensure a prosperous future for America.

Notable Quotes:

• Trump on Intel CEO:
  "The CEO of Intel is highly conflicted and must resign immediately. There is no other solution to this problem." [02:45]

• Premier Doug Ford on Trump:
  "He’s probably the most disliked politician in the world in Canada because he’s attacked his closest family member." [06:37]

• Netanyahu on Gaza:
  "We intend to, in order to assure our security, remove Hamas there, enable the population to be free of Gaza and to pass it to civilian governance." [10:28]

• Treasury Secretary Scott Besant on Tariffs:
  "The tariff is paid in this country by the importer. [...] They can pass it on to consumers or not." [12:32]

Final Thoughts

This episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast offers a thorough and critical perspective on Donald Trump's current political maneuvers and their broader implications. Through incisive analysis and the inclusion of impactful quotes, the Meiselas brothers provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of the challenges facing American democracy and international relations today.