The MeidasTouch Podcast: "Trump Holds Disaster Presser on Deadly Floods"
Release Date: July 7, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast, hosts Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas delve into the fallout from former President Donald Trump's recent disastrous press conference concerning the deadly floods in Kerr County, Texas. Combining sharp political analysis with their signature brotherly banter, the episode provides listeners with a thorough examination of the administration's response to the catastrophe, the potential implications of eliminating FEMA, and the broader impact on national disaster preparedness.

Trump’s Press Conference: A Critical Overview

The episode opens with the hosts highlighting Donald Trump's controversial press conference held on the tarmac in New Jersey. The conference occurred shortly after Trump's weekend golfing at Bedminster, raising questions about his priorities during a national disaster.

• Host Analysis:
  Ben critiques Trump's timing and location choice, suggesting it was insensitive given the severity of the floods. Brett adds that the lack of empathy displayed was detrimental to public trust.

Notable Quotes:

• [00:56] News Anchor: "Donald Trump just gave a disastrous press conference on the tarmac in New Jersey."
• [01:25] Donald Trump: "Well, FEMA is something we can talk about later, but right now they're busy working, so we'll leave it at that."

Elimination of FEMA and Its Consequences

A significant portion of the discussion centers on Trump's refusal to rule out the elimination of FEMA amidst the ongoing disaster.

• Jordy's Insight:
  Jordy emphasizes that dismantling FEMA would severely weaken the nation's disaster response capabilities. He argues that FEMA plays a crucial role in coordinating federal aid and resources during emergencies.

Notable Quotes:

• [01:34] News Anchor: "So even after all we know, with at least 78 dead and many people still missing, he's talking about eliminating FEMA here."
• [03:09] Donald Trump: "They did not. They did. I'll tell you..."

National Weather Service Staffing Cuts

The hosts examine Trump's comments on the National Weather Service (NWS) and the recent staffing cuts that may have crippled disaster forecasting.

• Brett’s Analysis:
  Brett points out the irony in Trump's suggestion that staffing cuts did not impact disaster preparedness, especially in light of the unexpected severity of the floods.

Notable Quotes:

• [02:07] Donald Trump: "This was the thing that happened in seconds. Nobody expected it. Nobody saw it."
• [13:14] Governor Abbott: "We have a special session coming up and the way to respond to like what happened in Kerrville is going to be a topic for the special session to address."

Trade Tariffs and Policy Failures

The podcast addresses Trump's muddled responses to questions about tariff rates and his administration's promises versus actual outcomes.

• Ben’s Commentary:
  Ben criticizes Trump's inability to provide clear answers regarding tariff negotiations, highlighting a pattern of overpromising and underdelivering.

Notable Quotes:

• [04:53] Donald Trump: "They're going to be tariffs and tariffs are going to be the tariffs."
• [08:11] News Anchor: "Howard Lutnick...has to help him out and help answer some of these questions."

Foreign Policy Missteps: Ukraine and Russia

A major segment is dedicated to Trump's foreign policy actions, particularly his handling of the Ukraine conflict and relations with Russia.

• Jordy's Perspective:
  Jordy discusses how Trump's erratic stance on Ukraine and his interactions with Putin have undermined international stability and strained U.S. alliances.

Notable Quotes:

• [11:29] Donald Trump: "I am helping Ukraine. I'm helping it a lot. It's a war that should have never happened."
• [12:19] News Anchor: "You wouldn't have had the recent showdown with Iran."

Defense Secretary's Role and Congressional Scrutiny

The hosts analyze the role of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and the recent Congressional inquiries into the Trump administration's defense strategies.

• Brett’s Insight:
  Brett highlights the inconsistency between Trump's statements and the actual outcomes of military operations, such as the ceasefire with the Houthis.

Notable Quotes:

• [18:39] Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth: "We honor their commitment and their word."
• [20:25] Congressmember Moulton: "How many U.S. Flagged commercial ships have transited the Red Sea since your so-called successful operation?"

Governor Abbott’s Response and State-Level Concerns

The podcast shifts focus to Texas Governor Greg Abbott's responses to the floods and his interactions with federal authorities regarding disaster preparedness.

• Jordy’s Analysis:
  Jordy underscores the tension between state and federal responses, emphasizing the need for effective communication and resource allocation during disasters.

Notable Quotes:

• [15:04] Governor Abbott: "It's one of the things that we spoke about when Secretary Noem was in..."
• [16:15] Governor Abbott: "We talked to the county emergency manager..."

Media and Public Perception

The hosts critique the media's portrayal of Trump's actions and the administration's handling of disasters, accusing them of propaganda and misinformation.

• Ben’s Commentary:
  Ben argues that the media often fails to hold leaders accountable, allowing them to deflect responsibility and blame others for policy failures.

Notable Quotes:

• [07:56] News Anchor: "Howard Lutnick...has to like, even like kind of help him out and help answer some of these questions."
• [21:09] News Anchor: "And that was about like 30 days or so. I want you to make those connections to see where the lies are."

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Wrapping up the episode, the brothers reiterate the importance of holding political leaders accountable and the necessity of robust federal agencies like FEMA and the NWS for national safety and disaster response.

• Brett’s Final Take:
  Brett emphasizes that dismantling critical agencies not only hampers immediate disaster response but also erodes long-term national resilience.

Notable Quotes:

• [20:50] News Anchor: "We have responsibly put military."
• [21:05] Donald Trump: "We have responsibly put military..."

Call to Action: The episode concludes with a reminder for listeners to stay informed and engaged, encouraging them to support the MeidasTouch Network in their mission to uphold democracy and informed citizenship.

Key Takeaways

• Leadership Accountability: The necessity for transparent and empathetic leadership during national crises.
• Federal Agency Importance: The critical role of FEMA and the National Weather Service in disaster preparedness and response.
• Policy Consistency: The discrepancies between political rhetoric and actual policy outcomes under the Trump administration.
• Media Responsibility: The need for unbiased reporting and holding public officials accountable.

By dissecting Trump's press conference and the broader implications of his administration's policies, The MeidasTouch Podcast provides listeners with an insightful analysis of current political challenges and the importance of maintaining strong institutional frameworks to support democracy and national safety.