The MeidasTouch Podcast Summary Episode: Trump has DISASTROUS Day 1 in Oval Office FIRST 24 HOURS
Release Date: January 22, 2025
Hosts: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas
Description: In this episode, the Meiselas brothers delve into former President Donald Trump's tumultuous first day back in the Oval Office. Combining sharp political analysis with their signature brotherly banter, they unpack the implications of Trump's actions and statements within the first 24 hours of his presidency.

Executive Orders and Policy Changes

Timestamp: [01:29]

The episode begins with a critical examination of the executive orders signed by Donald Trump on his first day back in office. The brothers outline a series of controversial decisions that have sparked widespread debate.

• Withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO):

  • "Donald Trump signed an executive order in the Oval Office withdrawing the United States from the World Health Organization." ([01:29])
  • The hosts highlight the abrupt nature of this move and its potential impact on global health cooperation.

• Definition of Doge and Corporate Influence:

  • "Donald Trump is giving Doge an office right by the White House. And Elon Musk will have an office in the old Executive Office building." ([01:50])
  • This decision raises concerns about oligarch influence within the administration, especially with high-profile figures like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos in proximity to the White House.

• Birthright Citizenship Revision:

  • "Donald Trump signed an executive order changing the definition of birthright citizenship, which is patently unconstitutional." ([05:15])
  • The Meiselas brothers emphasize that this move challenges the 14th Amendment, potentially affecting individuals born in the U.S. with even temporary status.

• Protecting Women from Radical Transgender Ideology:

  • "Donald Trump signed an executive order called protecting women from radical transgender ideology. Just a way to bully marginalized communities." ([04:45])
  • The hosts criticize this order as a continuation of Trump's agenda to engage in cultural wars, undermining LGBTQ+ rights.

• Revocation of Previous Executive Orders:

  • "Donald Trump revoked three executive orders: the United States Council on Transnational Organized Crime, lowering prescription drug costs, and the safe, secure, and trustworthy development and use of artificial intelligence." ([12:30])
  • These revocations signal a shift towards pro-crime policies and a rollback of initiatives aimed at healthcare and technological oversight.

International Relations and Foreign Policy Missteps

Timestamp: [02:15]

The brothers dissect Trump's foreign policy decisions, pointing out significant missteps and misinformation.

• Misclassification of Spain and BRICS:

  • "Donald Trump threatened Spain with 100% tariffs. He believed that Spain was part of the BRICS bloc. It is not." ([02:05])
  • The misunderstanding of international alliances reflects poorly on Trump's grasp of global politics.

• Silence on Vladimir Putin and Ukraine:

  • "Donald Trump didn't attack Vladimir Putin at all today. He was notably silent." ([03:00])
  • Despite promises to bring peace to Ukraine, Trump failed to take actionable steps, leaving the situation unresolved.

• Praise for Kim Jong Un:

  • "Donald Trump praised Kim Jong Un and said that North Korea would be a great place to build condos." ([03:45])
  • This comment was criticized as out of touch and dismissive of ongoing tensions in the Korean Peninsula.

• Gaza Conflict Remarks:

  • "Donald Trump described Gaza as rubble and suggested it would be a great place to build things over because it has great weather and is near the water." ([06:20])
  • His remarks were seen as insensitive and dismissive of the humanitarian crisis.

Pardons and Commutations of January 6th Insurrectionists

Timestamp: [10:50]

A significant portion of the episode focuses on Trump's controversial decision to pardon and commute the sentences of over 1,500 individuals involved in the January 6th insurrection.

• Commutation of Sentences:

  • "Donald Trump pardoned and commuted the sentences of 1,500 plus January 6th insurrectionists, including leaders like Enrique Tarrio and Stuart Rhodes." ([10:50])
  • The hosts condemn this as undermining the rule of law and justice for those convicted of seditious conspiracy and terrorism.

• Reactions from Judicial Authorities:

  • "Even the Republican federal judges, the ones that Trump appointed, warned Donald Trump against doing this." ([11:30])
  • This highlights internal conflicts within the Republican Party and judicial system regarding Trump's actions.

Economic Promises and Reality

Timestamp: [07:40]

The brothers critique Trump's economic promises made during his first day, pointing out discrepancies between his declarations and the current economic indicators.

• Broken Promises on Pricing and Housing:

  • "Donald Trump promised lower prices and affordable housing right away. Prices are going up, up, up." ([08:10])
  • Inflation continues to affect American citizens, contradicting Trump's commitments to economic relief.

• Tariffs on Mexico and Canada:

  • "Donald Trump announced tariffs on Canada and Mexico effective February 1st, after initially suggesting a study period." ([09:25])
  • The abrupt implementation without proper consideration has strained trade relations and economic stability.

Cultural Wars and Social Policies

Timestamp: [04:10]

Trump's focus on cultural issues is dissected as a strategy to distract from pressing political and economic challenges.

• Culture Wars Over Gender Identity:

  • "Donald Trump wants people to get involved in culture wars over penises and vaginas, distracting from economic failures." ([04:50])
  • The hosts argue that this tactic diverts attention from unmet promises and policy failures.

• Doge and Oligarch Assignments:

  • "Donald Trump made Doge a quasi-governmental agency without proper legal framework, leading to lawsuits from Democracy Forward." ([07:05])
  • This move is criticized as chaotic and legally dubious, further entangling the administration in unnecessary controversies.

Manipulation and Control over Media and Social Platforms

Timestamp: [13:20]

The episode addresses Trump's attempts to control influential media and social platforms.

• TikTok Deal Negotiations:

  • "Donald Trump proposed a 50-50 joint venture between the U.S. government and TikTok, aiming to maintain control over the platform." ([13:50])
  • The proposed deal raises concerns about censorship, privacy, and governmental overreach into social media.

• Interim Security Clearances:

  • "An executive order grants White House counsel the authority to give interim top-secret security clearances for anyone Trump wants, bypassing standard background checks." ([14:45])
  • This action is seen as a dangerous expansion of executive power, potentially compromising national security.

Public and Political Reactions

Timestamp: [15:00]

The episode concludes with reflections on the public and political fallout from Trump's first day in the Oval Office.

• Resignation of Vivek Ramaswamy from Doge:

  • "Vivek Ramaswamy resigned from Doge, stating it was his honor to support its creation." ([14:10])
  • This resignation signifies internal dissent and instability within organizations affiliated with the administration.

• Violent Rhetoric by Public Figures:

  • "Kid Rock advocated for violent measures against Trump's enemies, reflecting the heightened tensions and extremism." ([14:35])
  • The brothers express concern over the normalization of extremist rhetoric within mainstream platforms.

Conclusion: A Day of Disarray and Division

Timestamp: [15:00]

The Meiselas brothers conclude that Donald Trump's first day back in the Oval Office was potentially the most disastrous in U.S. presidential history. They emphasize the multitude of executive orders that undermine democratic principles, the reckless foreign policy decisions, and the divisive cultural policies aimed at distracting from economic failures. The episode serves as a sobering analysis of how Trump's actions on day one set a contentious and unstable tone for his administration.

Notable Quotes

1. On Withdrawing from WHO:

   • "Donald Trump signed an executive order in the Oval Office withdrawing the United States from the World Health Organization." ([01:29])

2. On Birthright Citizenship:

   • "Donald Trump signed an executive order changing the definition of birthright citizenship, which is patently unconstitutional." ([05:15])

3. On Cultural Wars:

   • "Donald Trump wants people to get involved in culture wars over penises and vaginas, distracting from economic failures." ([04:50])

4. On Economic Promises:

   • "Donald Trump promised lower prices and affordable housing right away. Prices are going up, up, up." ([08:10])

5. On TikTok Control:

   • "Donald Trump proposed a 50-50 joint venture between the U.S. government and TikTok, aiming to maintain control over the platform." ([13:50])

6. On Security Clearances:

   • "An executive order grants White House counsel the authority to give interim top-secret security clearances for anyone Trump wants, bypassing standard background checks." ([14:45])

Final Thoughts

This episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast offers a detailed critique of Donald Trump's inaugural actions, highlighting the potential long-term consequences for American democracy and international standing. The Meiselas brothers use their platform to inform and engage their audience, urging listeners to remain vigilant and critically assess the developments unfolding within the highest office in the land.