The MeidasTouch Podcast: Trump in Full Collapse After Vote Exceeds His Worst Fears

Date: November 19, 2025
Hosts: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas

Overview

This episode dissects what the Meiselas brothers call “the full collapse” of Donald Trump’s political and personal standing after a humiliating defeat in the Senate regarding the release of the Epstein Files. The hosts blend incisive political analysis with their signature banter, highlighting how a sequence of events—including bipartisan Senate action, economic woes, public polling, and Trump's entanglements with Saudi Arabia—has produced Trump’s “worst nightmare.” The episode emphasizes accountability, transparency, and the consequences of political and ethical hypocrisy.

Main Discussion Points

1. Senate’s Unanimous Consent on Epstein Files

• [01:58] The Senate, including all Republicans, failed to object to the Democratic motion for the release of the Epstein Files, breaking a promise Trump claims was made by House Speaker “MAGA Mike” Johnson.
• Trump expected “poison pills” or procedural delays; neither happened.
• The hosts note the irony, with Trump hosting Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman while being blindsided by this vote.

Quote:

“Donald Trump thought they were going to put in poison pills into the resolution. …This moved faster than Donald Trump’s worst nightmare.” — Ben ([01:58])

2. Trump’s Saudi Connections and Ball

• [02:44] Trump holds a lavish event with MBS to push a $63 billion Trump Organization project with Saudi private investment, involving Jared Kushner.
• Hosts criticize the ethical conflicts and imply wrongdoing, noting Trump’s “showcase” of wealth amid looming accountability.

Quote:

“You have Don Jr., they’re all dressed up. They’re all living lavish lives and having caviar and the finest steak on the taxpayer dime while the American people suffer. But lingering in the background is the sound of accountability coming.” — Ben ([03:30])

3. AI Economy, Market Instability, and Trump’s Deflections

• [04:08] Trump shifts social media messaging, blaming “overregulation by the states” for economic woes.
• The hosts highlight cracks in the AI-driven market boom (Oracle’s OpenAI deal plummeting), noting the disconnect between “official” optimism and ground reality.

“Oracle is already underwater on its $300 billion Open AI deal… its stock has shed $315 billion in market value.” — Ben ([04:32])

4. Media, Public Perception, and Trump Losing Grip

• [06:26] National headlines declare Trump’s influence is waning (“Trump’s grip on the Republicans show first signs of slipping”—WSJ).
• Right-wing commentator Tim Dillon signals the “beginning of the lame duck presidency.”

Memorable Quote:

“This is the end of the Trump administration. This is the beginning of the lame duck presidency. It’s obvious to everyone, even his most ardent supporters.” — Tim Dillon ([07:14])

5. Economic Pain for Americans

• [08:38] Contrast between Trump’s claims and real stories: Health insurance premiums have shot up ($7,000 to $27,000 annually for one couple).
• Rising costs force difficult choices for small business owners and everyday families.

Story:

“Our option at this point looks to be simply being uninsured and taking the risk.” — Deb Dophany ([09:47])

6. Trump’s Foreign Policy: Designating Saudi Arabia a Major Ally

• [11:04] Trump announces the US will formally treat Saudi Arabia as a “major non-NATO ally,” drawing attention to his family’s business interests with the Saudis.
• The hosts criticize Trump for prioritizing personal profit and diplomatic favors over accountability for human rights abuses.

Quote:

“That’s what you’re doing with the Saudis as they’re doing business with your family.” — Ben ([10:15])

7. Gaza and Global Affairs Dismissed

• [11:57] Trump downplays war in Gaza as “a little bit messy,” a tone the hosts call “disgusting” and out of touch with reality.

Quote:

“While it looks a little bit messy, it has for many, many years…But it’s getting very close to being perfected and people are shocked…what’s taking place in the Middle East is a miracle.” — Donald Trump ([11:57])

8. Republican Leaders’ Deflections—Jim Jordan, Mike Johnson

• [12:22] Jim Jordan calls out Democrats’ “obsession” with going after Trump but admits the votes on accountability are unanimous.

Quote:

“This obsession with the left… is going after President Trump. So vote yes. Make sure the bad guys are held accountable.” — Jim Jordan ([12:33])

9. Response from Khashoggi’s Widow

• [13:39] Khashoggi’s widow expresses disappointment and pain at Trump’s dismissive comments regarding her husband’s murder.

Quote:

“To describe Jamal in such a way is not true…justifying the crime by presenting Jamal this way…was upsetting for me.” — Khashoggi’s widow ([13:39])

10. Everyday Americans on Inflation and Affordability

• [15:01] Memphis shoppers detail how high grocery prices are changing purchasing habits, countering Trump’s “golden age of affordability” rhetoric.

Quote:

“They sky high. I mean, even just in a short period of time, the produce has gone up. Everything has gone up…A lot of days I’m really thinking hard about what I’m purchasing.” — Memphis shopper ([15:01])

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Trump losing control:

“Accountability is coming as winter is coming.” — Ben ([03:30])

• On AI and markets:

“Oracle is already underwater on its $300 billion Open AI deal…its stock has shed $315 billion in market value.” — Ben ([04:32])

• On Saudi favoritism:

“We’re going to announce tonight that the Saudis are deemed to be a major ally of the United States…even though they’re not part of NATO, we’re going to treat them as close as though they were a NATO nation.” — Donald Trump ([11:04])

• On Gaza:

“While it looks a little bit messy, it has for many, many years…But it’s getting very close to being perfected and people are shocked.” — Donald Trump ([11:57])

Key Timestamps

• [01:58] – Breakdown of the Senate’s Epstein Files vote
• [03:30] – Trump’s Saudi ballroom event and ethical conflicts
• [04:32] – Analysis of AI-driven markets and economic discrepancies
• [07:14] – Tim Dillon’s commentary on Trump’s political weakness
• [08:38] – Poll numbers: 61% say Trump’s policies worsened the economy
• [09:47] – Health insurance sticker shock story
• [11:04] – Trump’s designation of Saudi Arabia as key US ally
• [11:57] – Trump minimizes Gaza war
• [12:33] – Jim Jordan tries to redirect blame
• [13:39] – Khashoggi’s widow reacts to Trump’s remarks
• [15:01] – Memphis shoppers discuss high grocery prices

Conclusion

Throughout the episode, the Meiselas brothers paint a picture of a presidency in steep decline, using humor and incisive commentary to break down the convergence of Trump’s political, economic, and ethical crises. Listeners are encouraged to stay vigilant, hold leaders accountable, and participate in the movement for transparency by supporting independent media.