The MeidasTouch Podcast – "Trump has Meltdown and Admits Defeat on New Years"
Date: January 1, 2026
Hosts: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas
Episode Overview
This episode centers on Donald Trump's highly publicized New Year’s social media meltdown as he posts a string of unhinged rants targeting political enemies, celebrities, and even world leaders. The brothers break down Trump’s erratic behavior, analyze the implications of his posts—including an apparent admission of defeat and withdrawal of the National Guard from Democratic-led states—and discuss new controversies involving Jeffrey Epstein documents and Trump’s connections. The show then pivots to Trump’s declining approval ratings and the stonewalling around Jack Smith’s special counsel report.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Trump's New Year's Meltdown
[03:01]
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Trump posts numerous inflammatory statements:
- Wishes his enemies (including George and Amal Clooney, the governor of Colorado, and unnamed "RINOs") would "rot in hell."
- Misinformation about windmills killing bald eagles, using old, incorrect photos.
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His posts reveal apparent paranoia, resentment, and fixation on his critics.
Notable Quote:
"Trump having a complete and utter meltdown on New Year's. This guy is unwell… This is why he is a deranged individual."
— Meiselas brother [03:01] -
Trump broadcasts his decision to withdraw the National Guard from Chicago, Los Angeles, and Portland, attributing crime reduction to the Guard’s presence and blaming "Democrat mayors and governors" for their "incompetence."
Notable Quote:
"He admits that he's surrendering as well and removing the National Guard from California and from Illinois and from Oregon as well. And he's like but the Democrats are a bunch of cheats… Guys ranting and raving like a lunatic."
— Meiselas brother [03:48]
2. Misinformation and Attacks on Celebrities
[04:50]
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Trump claims George and Amal Clooney have become citizens of France, disparaging their political opinions and fearmongering about French crime rates.
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He references a debate with Joe Biden, taking shots at the Democratic Party’s current state.
Notable Quote:
"Good news. George and Amal Clooney, two of the worst political prognosticators of all time, have officially become citizens of France, which is sadly in the midst of a major crime problem..."
— Quoting Trump’s post [05:10]
3. Emerging Epstein File Controversy
[06:12]
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New reporting suggests the DOJ withheld millions of Epstein-related documents (only 5% produced to Congress).
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Speculation swirls that Mar-a-Lago sent spa employees to Epstein's home and that Trump protected Epstein.
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The Wall Street Journal reports on a cover-up of Epstein’s activities at Mar-a-Lago.
Notable Quote:
"Democrats in the House Oversight Committee posted the Department of Justice has produced less than 5% of Epstein documents. What is the President hiding and why was Mar-a-Lago used to send spa employees to Epstein's personal home?"
— Meiselas brother quoting House Oversight [06:52]
4. Zelensky, Trump, and the Ukrainian "Beauty" Incident
[09:30]
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Trump hosted Ukrainian President Zelensky in the Oval Office, making crass comments about Ukrainian women and referencing Miss Ukraine 2004 (Phil Ruffin’s wife).
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Zelensky deftly redirects the conversation toward the war in Ukraine and the importance of national resilience.
Memorable Moment:
"It was an important moment where Zelensky used Trump’s creepiness and turned the tables on him during that phone call..."
— Meiselas brother [10:15]
5. Trump’s Declining Approval Ratings
[11:49]
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Guest (likely Harry Enten) presents data showing Trump’s net approval plummeted 18 points over 2025.
- Approval among independents particularly disastrous: -43 point swing.
- Approval on the economy shifted from +9 (Jan) to -16 (Dec).
- Immigration approval also tanked.
-
Analogy: Trump is "hanging out with Jacques Cousteau"—so far underwater.
Notable Quote:
"Trump is hanging out with Jacques Cousteau. That is how far underwater Donald Trump is with independents at this point."
— Guest [12:30]
6. DOJ and Jack Smith Deposition Stonewall
[13:29]
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MidasTouch reports they published the entire eight-hour Jack Smith deposition.
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DOJ, citing a sealed volume of Smith’s report (Judge Cannon presiding), restricts Smith from commenting publicly on Mar-a-Lago case evidence, threatening prosecution if he elaborates.
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Host criticizes ongoing governmental cover-ups and lauds the importance of independent media.
Notable Quote:
"Judge Cannon, you know, Trump’s stooge judge, she’s refused to release volume two of Jack Smith's report. And because that's still under seal, the DOJ is taking the position, you see what they're doing with Judge Cannon right there..."
— Meiselas brother [13:42]
Memorable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)
- "[Trump] is a psychotic. Just some psychotic meltdown. I don't know, you give me other words." — [03:35]
- "Maybe you just don't post anything at all. And Dozy Don, why don't you doze? Back off." — [04:20]
- "What do you mean? He was, he was sexually assaulting them and he was going… He was exposing himself and harassing them. That was the reputation of what was taking place." — [08:13]
- "Here's a photo of Phil Ruffin, and here is Ms. Ukraine, Alexandra 2004… It ended up being a big moment for Zelensky to put pressure on Donald Trump." — [10:51]
- "The game's changed. The games change with independent news and independent media." — [14:14]
Timestamps for Important Segments
- Trump’s social media meltdown and National Guard withdrawal: [03:01] – [05:00]
- Attack on Clooneys, false claims about France and crime: [05:10] – [06:10]
- Epstein documents, Mar-a-Lago, and DOJ cover-up: [06:12] – [09:10]
- Zelensky and the Ukrainian phone call episode: [09:30] – [11:20]
- Trump’s approval ratings tanking (guest data segment): [11:49] – [13:28]
- Jack Smith deposition and DOJ obstructions: [13:29] – [14:20]
Tone and Style
The Meiselas brothers maintain their characteristically brash, irreverent, openly anti-Trump tone. They blend substantive investigative reporting with brotherly banter, humor, and unapologetic advocacy for democracy.
Summary Takeaways
- Trump’s erratic public behavior is intensifying, with open hostility and disturbing statements on full display.
- Serious allegations and investigations persist around both Trump's ties to Jeffrey Epstein and the ongoing cover-up of related documents.
- Political standing: Trump’s support continues to erode, especially among independents—a trend driven by negative perceptions of his management of the economy and immigration.
- Media landscape: The hosts champion the role of independent podcasting and YouTube journalism in revealing stories the mainstream media and official channels—often with political bias—fail to fully address.
This episode offers both a pointed critique of Trump’s leadership and a behind-the-scenes look at ongoing political battles, with a mix of sharp humor and passionate advocacy for democratic integrity.