Trump Holds Disaster Presser and Makes Everything Worse

Summary

The MeidasTouch Podcast: "Trump Holds Disaster Presser and Makes Everything Worse"

Release Date: March 7, 2025

In this compelling episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast, hosts Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas delve into the chaotic press conference held by former President Donald Trump. Titled "Trump Holds Disaster Presser and Makes Everything Worse," the episode offers an in-depth analysis of Trump's latest statements and actions, highlighting the potential repercussions for U.S. democracy and international relations.

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1. Introduction to Trump's Press Conference

The episode opens with the hosts expressing their concerns over Trump's recent press conference held in the Oval Office. They set the stage by emphasizing the timing of the event, coinciding with significant market instability.

Host Narrator:
"Donald Trump just finished up a disastrous press conference in the Oval Office at the same time he was crashing our markets."

Timestamp: [01:59]

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2. Trump’s Stance on NATO

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around Trump's ambiguous remarks regarding the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The hosts dissect his words, suggesting a potential weakening of U.S. commitments to the alliance.

Trump’s Statement on NATO:
“And you know the biggest problem I have with NATO, I really, you know I mean, I know the guys very well, they're friends of mine. But if the United States was in trouble and we called them, we said, we got a problem. France, we got a problem. A couple of others I won't mention. Do you think they're going to come and protect us? They're supposed to. I'm not so sure.”
Timestamp: [02:25]

The hosts interpret this as Trump aligning more closely with adversarial leaders like Vladimir Putin, thereby straining traditional alliances.

Host Narrator:
"Trump’s perspective aligns with Vladimir Putin's view of our enemies, suggesting a shift towards an 'axis of evil' involving countries like North Korea, Belarus, and Hungary."

Timestamp: [04:51]

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3. Economic Policies and Market Impact

Trump's comments on economic policies, particularly tariffs and inflation, are scrutinized. The hosts highlight his contradictory messages and the resulting market volatility.

Trump on Inflation and Tariffs:
“The first administration and I think we'll do even better now. But this is something that we have to do. There'll always be a little short term interruption. I don't think it's going to be big, but the countries and companies that have been ripping us aren't particularly happy with what I'm doing. But the United States will be very happy and you know, our farmers are going to be very happy.”
Timestamp: [05:05]

The discussion points out Trump's inconsistency, particularly his fluctuating stance on tariffs, which he threatens to reinstate on April 2nd despite previous reversals.

Trump on Tariffs Reinstatement:
“That was it. This was a short term deal. They came back to me yesterday. They said could we have some help on the tariffs because of the speed. And I said, look, I'm going to do it, but that's it... April 2nd is going to be a very big day for America.”
Timestamp: [06:37]

Host Narrator:
"Trump is causing havoc in our economy with his back-and-forth tariff policies, declaring economic warfare on our allies."

Timestamp: [07:20]

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4. Trump's Remarks on Elon Musk and Doge

A particularly bewildering segment of the press conference involved Trump's comments about Elon Musk and Dogecoin (referred to humorously as "Doge"). The hosts analyze the implications of involving high-profile figures and memes in national policy.

Trump on Elon Musk and Doge:
"We want them to keep the good people. And so we're going to be watching them and Elon and the group are going to be watching them. And if they can cut, it's better. And if they don't cut, then Elon will do the cutting."
Timestamp: [09:34]

Later, Trump speculates humorously about astronauts in space, further illustrating his unconventional communication style.

Trump on Astronauts:
"We love you and we're coming up to get you. And you shouldn't have been up there so long... Think of it, and I see the woman with the wild hair... there's no games with her hair."
Timestamp: [10:04]

Host Narrator:
"Trump's erratic statements about Elon Musk, Doge, and even astronauts underscore his unpredictable approach to leadership and policy-making."

Timestamp: [11:27]

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5. Market Reaction and Judicial Response

As Trump concludes his press conference, the hosts discuss the immediate market reactions and recent judicial developments that highlight the tension between the executive branch and the judiciary.

Host Narrator:
"While Trump was speaking, the markets were tanking, reflecting investor uncertainty. Additionally, Federal Judge Beryl Howell issued an order reinstating NLRB board member Wilcox, criticizing Trump's leadership style and adherence to constitutional duties."

Timestamp: [07:07] - [13:02]

Judge Howell's Order Excerpt:
"A president who touts an image of himself as a king or a dictator... fundamentally misapprehends the role of Article 2 of the Constitution in our constitutional order."

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6. Hosts’ Analytical Insights

Throughout the episode, the Meiselas brothers provide critical analysis of Trump's actions, emphasizing the threats posed to democratic institutions and international alliances. They express concern over Trump's rhetoric potentially emboldening authoritarian regimes and destabilizing global politics.

Host Narrator:
"Trump’s latest moves not only undermine our economic stability but also erode trust in our international commitments, posing a significant threat to democracy both domestically and abroad."

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7. Conclusion and Call to Action

The episode wraps up with the hosts urging listeners to stay informed and engaged, highlighting the importance of supporting democratic values amidst political turmoil.

Host Narrator:
"Stay vigilant and support our democracy against these troubling developments. For more detailed analysis and updates, subscribe to the MeidasTouch Podcast and join the MeidasMighty community."

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Notable Quotes:

• Donald Trump on NATO:
  “If you don't pay, I'm not going to defend you.”
  Timestamp: [04:05]

• Donald Trump on Tariffs:
  “April 2nd is going to be a very big day for America.”
  Timestamp: [07:07]

• Donald Trump on Elon Musk:
  “If they don't cut, then Elon will do the cutting.”
  Timestamp: [09:34]

---

Final Thoughts

This episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast provides a comprehensive and critical examination of Donald Trump's latest press conference, underscoring the potential dangers his rhetoric and policies pose to both the U.S. economy and international alliances. Through incisive analysis and sharp commentary, the Meiselas brothers shed light on the broader implications for democracy and global stability.

For listeners seeking to understand the intricate dynamics of current political events and their impact on democracy, this episode serves as an essential resource.

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Stay Connected:

• Subscribe to the MeidasTouch Podcast for weekly updates.
• Join the MeidasMighty community for exclusive content and discussions.
• Follow the brothers live on YouTube every Monday and Thursday night at 8 PM ET/5 PM PT.

Transcript

[Host or Narrator]

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[Host or Narrator]

Donald Trump just finished up a disastrous press conference in the Oval Office at the same time he was crashing our markets. Donald Trump during this press conference talked about pulling the United States potentially out of NATO. He didn't use those exact words. But judge for yourself here. When Donald Trump was asked if he thinks that Naito would help the United States if the United States was attacked, let's play it.

[Donald Trump]

And you know the biggest problem I have with NATO, I really, you know I mean, I know the guys very well, they're friends of mine. But if the United States was in trouble and we called them, we said, we got a problem. France, we got a problem. A couple of others I won't mention. Do you think they're going to come and protect us? They're supposed to. I'm not so sure. You know, with Japan. You know, with Japan, we have a deal, which is a very interesting one. And I love Japan.

[Host or Narrator]

Yeah. Quite literally. Naito has very recently come to the defense of the United States. And that just gives you that Donald Trump's perspective of the world is perfectly aligned with Vladimir Putin's our enemies. And that's why Donald Trump wants us to join the axis of evil and has already pulled us into it with Putin, North Korea, Belarus and Hungary. Here, Donald Trump is asked by Peter Doocy if he's considering changes to NATO or not helping out Naito. Watch his response. Let's play it.

[Reporter or Interviewer]

Making any changes to NATO where NATO country gets attacked, but they're not paid enough dues, so the United States doesn't defend them.

[Donald Trump]

Well, I've said that to them. I said, if you're not going to pay, we're not going to defend. I said that seven years ago, and because of that, they paid hundreds of billions of dollars. I said, if you're not going to pay your bills, we're not going to defend you. And it also went for the attack. But if they got attacked, they said, well, does that mean you won't defend us? I said, are you current or are you delinquent? They said, if we were delinquent, would you? I said, nope, I would not.

[Host or Narrator]

He's asked again, and just to make the point very clear, here's what he says.

[Lifelock Advertiser]

Are you going to make that policy.

[Reporter or Interviewer]

US Policy that the US Wouldn't defend NATO countries that don't pay?

[Donald Trump]

Well, I think it's common sense, right? If they don't pay, I'm not going to defend them. No, I'm not going to defend them. I got into a lot of heat when I said that. You said, oh, he's violating NATO. And you know, the biggest problem I have with NATO, I really, you know, I mean, I know the guys very well. They're friends of mine. But if the United States was in trouble and we called them, we said, we got a problem. France, we got a problem. A couple of others I won't mention. Do you think they're going to come and protect us? They're supposed to. I'm not so sure.

[Host or Narrator]

Then Donald Trump talks about short term disruptions, meaning inflation surging. But Donald Trump says this is perfectly normal and farmers will be very happy about all of this inflation. Here, play this clip.

[Donald Trump]

The first administration and I think we'll do even better now. But this is something that we have to do. There'll always be a little short term interruption. I don't think it's going to be big, but the countries and companies that have been ripping us aren't particularly happy with what I'm doing. But the United States will be very happy and you know, our farmers are going to be very happy. And again, there'll be disruption. But in the end, I said it before with China. We signed an unbelievable deal with China, $50 billion in purchases and we're doing great.

[Host or Narrator]

Let's just be very clear. Donald Trump said that on day one, prices would come down. They were coming down anyway. Under former President Biden, inflation was going to hit about 2% which was the target by the Federal Reserve. But now there are other targets by the Federal Reserve like targets involving recessions. Indeed, the Atlanta Federal Reserve said that the United States Q1 GDP is likely to be negative 2.8 to potentially negative 3% GDP again meaning we're heading into recession, great recession and even potentially depression territory. But Trump saying just have fun everybody here. Donald Trump is asked about removing the tariffs temporarily on auto regarding Canada and Mexico. But then he also removed other tariffs when he backed down. But Trump says I'm super serious this time. April 2nd. It's really going to happen. We're going to put those tariffs back April 2nd. Here, play this clip.

[Reporter or Interviewer]

Talking about, I know yesterday you spoke with the Big three. Did you tell them that no more exemptions were on the way and what was the reaction?

[Donald Trump]

That's it. This was a short term deal. They came back to me yesterday. They said could we have some help on the tariffs because of the speed. And I said, look, I'm going to do it, but that's it. Don't come back to me after the 2nd. April 2nd. I don't want to hear from you after April 2nd. We're not going to be doing it anymore. I want to help them.

[Reporter or Interviewer]

What was their response?

[Donald Trump]

They didn't complain, but I helped them short term during this short term transition. April 2nd is going to be a very big day for America.

[Host or Narrator]

You know, it's just yo yo, chaos with Donald Trump. I mean, how many times has he said there's going to be tariffs, I reverse it, there's going to be tariffs, I reverse. There's going to be tariffs. I reverse it. He's causing havoc to our economy just based on that. And he's declaring economic warfare, if not outright warfare, on, on our allies here. In an unusual move, Fox cuts away from Trump as he's taking questions from reporters. Notably, the questions that followed were those ones you heard Doocy ask about withdrawing from NATO. Here, play this clip.

[Donald Trump]

If they can cut, it's better. And if they don't cut, then Elon will do the cutting.

[Reporter or Interviewer]

So, Mr. President, is that a reflection that you think Doge and Elon Musk.

[Maria Bartiromo]

Have been moving to?

[Donald Trump]

There you have President Trump answering questions moments ago in the Oval Office, talked a lot about the hostages, meeting with them yesterday, talked a little bit about Doge.

[Host or Narrator]

He met with some members of Doge. And then in perfect Kim Jong Un fashion, Donald Trump signs an executive order saying that he's great for women. Yes. Donald Trump, who's been found liable for sexual assault, who has bragged about grabbing women by their generals, sexually assaulting them. And then Donald Trump, who has been friends with Epstein before. Yes, he's saying that he's great for women. And he signs a declaration proclaiming him great for women. Watch this.

[Maria Bartiromo]

Two very special proclamations, the first of which is a proclamation that proclaims March 2025 as women's history Month. In honor of all the wonderful women in your administration, all the wonderful women in America, and in honor of everything you've done for women. And this administration has been for women in just, what, a month and a half.

[Donald Trump]

So, yeah, we've done a lot, and women have done a lot for us. Right. This is an honor. We have a wonderful woman here, Maria Bartiromo. Thank you so much. Nice to have you, Maria.

[Maria Bartiromo]

Thank you very much, Mr. President. But thanks for all that you're doing for women.

[Donald Trump]

Thank you. She's going to do an interview of me later. Maybe I shouldn't do this interview. I should be like Biden, not doing the interviews.

[Host or Narrator]

Then Donald Trump says the following about his cabinet members, that he and Elon, Elon will be watching them closely. Play this clip.

[Donald Trump]

We want them to keep the good people. And so we're going to be watching them and Elon and the group are going to be watching them. And if they can cut, it's better. And if they don't cut, then Elon will do the cutting.

[Host or Narrator]

So then Donald Trump says that Elon and Doge have not been moving too quickly. He actually would want to see them move quicker in their termination of federal employees, getting rid of veterans, cutting Social Security gutting critical infrastructure. Play this clip.

[T-Mobile Advertiser]

Mr. President, is that a reflection that.

[Reporter or Interviewer]

You think Doge and Elon Musk have been moving too quickly?

[Donald Trump]

No, no, I think they've done an amazing job. They've done an amazing job. And look at what they found. I read it the other night in the speech. I mean, they found these things where billions of dollars has been poured down the drain to things that's not about people, that's about contracts where billions and billions of dollars was just thrown out the window. It probably got kickbacks, I'm sure.

[Host or Narrator]

Then Donald Trump suggests that the two astronauts in space might fall in love here. Play this clip.

[Reporter or Interviewer]

I'm sure that they will see this in space. What is your message?

[Donald Trump]

We love you and we're coming up to get you. And you shouldn't have been up there so long. The most incompetent president in our history has allowed that to happen to you. But this president won't let it happen. We're going to get them out. We're coming up to get you. I've authorized Elon. I said, can you get them out? Because, you know, they've been left up there. I hope they like each other, but they've been. Maybe they'll love each other, I don't know, but they've been left up there. Think of it, and I see the woman with the wild hair, good, solid head of hair she's got. There's no kidding. There's no games with her hair. But. And you know, there's a danger up there, too. They can have some failures up there that would be very bad. You got to get them out again.

[Host or Narrator]

While this was going on, the markets were absolutely tanking today. Once again. Other news that just came out as he was doing that press conference, the Congressional Budget Office, as Congress can't cut the $880 billion the House budget calls for without taking hundreds of billions from Medicaid, which we told you they were cutting Medicaid. That's what they were absolutely doing. And then a federal judge moments ago just issued an order. Federal Judge Beryl Howell says the following in her order ordering the reinstatement of National Labor Relations Board board member Wilcox. She goes. A president who touts an image of himself as a king or a dictator, perhaps as his vision of effective leadership fundamentally misapprehends the role of Article 2 of the Constitution in our constitutional order. The president is tasked to be a conscientious custodian of the law, albeit an energetic one, to take care of effectuating his enumerated duties, including the laws enacted by Congress and interpreted by the judiciary. Thanks for watching. Hit subscribe let's get to 5 million subscribers. Can't get enough Midas? Check out the Midas plus substack for ad Free articles, reports, podcasts, daily recaps from Ron Filipkowski, and more. Sign up for free [e-mail].

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