Podcast Summary: MeidasTouch Podcast

Episode: Trump in Utter Panic as Protests Sweep Across Entire Nation
Hosts: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas
Date: October 18, 2025
Platform: MeidasTouch Network

Episode Overview

This episode covers the explosive reaction of former President Donald Trump and his allies as “No Kings” protests sweep across the United States. The Meiselas brothers break down the significance of the mass demonstrations, unpack the Trump regime’s alleged attempts at intimidation, discuss high-profile political pushback, and examine Trump’s behavior both domestically and on the international stage. The hosts underscore the critical importance of sustained, peaceful protest in defense of democracy.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Trump's Reaction to Nationwide Protests (01:45)

• The episode begins as the brothers discuss massive, peaceful “No Kings” protests—2,600 events nationwide, with 90% of the country within a one-hour drive.
• Trump and his “regime propagandists” are described as being in panic mode, employing state resources and trolling tactics to stifle turnout and intimidate protestors online.
• Surveillance Concerns:
  Washington Post reports that ICE and “Trump's gestapo” are signing large contracts for surveillance tools—such as iris scanning, drones, and cell phone hacking—potentially targeting those branded as “antifascist activists.”
• The hosts urge listeners:

  “Do not back down though to this authoritarian regime. Stand up. They are scared. Get out there and show that we the people have the power.” (Ben, 02:31)

2. Right-Wing Media & GOP Rhetoric (03:50 – 05:31)

• Republican spokesperson Caroline Levitt’s “unhinged” TV appearances are highlighted. She complains about “name-calling” by Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, while turning around and accusing Democrats of being pro-Hamas terrorists and serving “illegal aliens and violent criminals.”
  • Clip:

    “Hakeem Jeffries is simply lashing out because he knows that I am telling the truth about the modern-day Democrat Party. … The Democrat Party caters more to pro Hamas terrorists, illegal aliens and violent criminals.” (Levitt, 05:14)

• The hosts note the hypocrisy and victimhood posturing:

  “You see what happens when you go on the offense against these idiots, these weak, pathetic cowards in the Trump regime. They go and play the victim.” (Ben, 03:10)

3. Political Leaders Endorse Peaceful Protest (05:32 – 08:03)

• Gavin Newsom compares “No Kings” protests to a modern-day declaration of independence and stresses “peaceful” action:

  “No Kings, a declaration of independence against the tyranny, against lawlessness… participate this weekend, but again, do so peacefully…” (Newsom, 06:20)

• Bernie Sanders offers a simple message:

  “People fought and died throughout the history of this country to preserve our democracy. And we're not going to let Trump or anybody else take it away.” (Sanders, 07:08)

  • Sanders commits to fighting for accessible healthcare and an economy that works “for all, not just wealthy campaign contributors.”

4. Trump, Ukraine, and Russian Ties (08:03 – 12:53)

• The hosts recount Trump’s controversial meeting with Ukraine’s Zelensky, claiming Trump is carrying out Putin’s orders by undermining Ukrainian security and refusing promised military aid.
• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is mocked for wearing a “pro-Russian tie” to the meeting, which is picked up by Russian state media:

  “Those were the Russian colors. You knew exactly what you’re doing. You are a pathetic, weak little man masquerading as… strong.” (Ben, 10:46)

• Discussion turns to U.S.-backed war crimes allegations, with resignations from high-ranking military officials over actions in Venezuela.

5. Judicial Rulings & Trump’s Authoritarian Ambitions (11:40)

• A federal appeals court’s landmark order rejects Trump’s attempts to conflate protest with rebellion:

  “Protests are not rebellion. Protests are not insurrection. You have no right, Donald Trump, to invade cities…” (Ben, summarizing order, 11:50)

• Trump appeals, claiming absolute authority sans judicial oversight—setting up an imminent Supreme Court confrontation.

6. Trump’s “Putin Tunnel” and Skewed Priorities (12:18 – 12:53)

• Trump expresses interest in a proposed tunnel from Russia to Alaska, juxtaposed by his withdrawal of $20 billion from American infrastructure projects and healthcare funding, while offering a $40 billion bailout to Argentina:

  “He wants to build a bridge or a frickin tunnel with Russia. Are you frickin kidding me?” (Ben, 12:25)

  • Clip:

    “A tunnel from Russia to Alaska. … That’s an interesting—what do you think of that, Mr. President?” (Trump, 12:19)

7. Congressional Abdication & Health Care Threats (12:53 – 15:29)

• MAGA Speaker Mike Johnson adjourns Congress for another week, leading to only 12 working days out of the past 90, blamed on wanting to avoid “Epstein talk” and controversial legislative issues.
• Trump, golfing at Mar-a-Lago, issues statements advocating for an immediate stop to the Ukraine war “at the battle line”—again echoing Kremlin talking points.
• Trump reiterates intention to block any extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies and blames Democrats for a prolonged “shutdown.”

  “So the shutdown continues. ... It's a Democrat shutdown, it's a Schumer shutdown because his career has failed and it's over.” (Trump, 15:04)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Trump and intimidation:

  “Do not back down though to this authoritarian regime. Stand up. They are scared.” (Ben, 02:31)

• Caroline Levitt’s hypocrisy:

  “Hakeem Jeffries is simply lashing out because he knows that I am telling the truth about the modern-day Democrat Party. … The Democrat Party caters more to pro Hamas terrorists, illegal aliens and violent criminals.” (Levitt, 05:14)

• Bernie Sanders calls for ongoing fight:

  “We’re not going to let Trump or anybody else take it away right now in America.” (Sanders, 07:11)

• Protest vs. rebellion:

  “Political opposition is not rebellion.” (Chicago Sun Times headline, 11:45)

• On the Russian “tunnel” proposal:

  “A tunnel from Russia to Alaska… That's an interesting. What do you think of that, Mr. President?” (Trump, 12:19)

• Summary from Ben:

  “Don't take the bait from the Trump regime. Peaceful protests. Stay peaceful.” (Ben, 15:27)

Timeline of Key Segments

• [01:45] – Analysis of Trump’s intimidation tactics and surveillance of protestors
• [03:50] – Caroline Levitt and GOP media attacks
• [05:32] – Endorsements from Gavin Newsom and Bernie Sanders
• [08:03] – Trump’s dealings with Ukraine, Russian alignment, and Defense Secretary’s optics
• [11:40] – Judicial ruling against Trump’s protest suppression
• [12:18] – Trump floats Russia-Alaska tunnel idea
• [12:53] – House recess, lack of legislative oversight
• [14:05] – Trump echoes Kremlin’s stance on Ukraine war
• [15:04] – Trump blames Democrats for government shutdown

Closing Thoughts

The Meiselas brothers’ spirited breakdown exposes what they frame as the Trump regime’s panic and overreach in the face of historic protest and widespread democratic engagement. The hosts urge listeners to keep protesting—peacefully, strategically, and with solidarity—against what they see as growing authoritarianism. As always, their sharp criticism is leavened by banter and clear calls to action for their audience.