Trump in Utter Panic as Protests Sweep Across Entire Nation

Summary

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

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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.

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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)

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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)

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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

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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.

Transcript

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The 24 month bill credit is on experience beyond for well qualified customers + tax and 35 device connection charge credit send and balance due to payoff earlier Cancel Finance agreement. IPhone 17 Pro 256 gigs 1099.99 A new line minimum 100 plus a month plan with auto PayPal taxes and fees required. Best mobile network in the US based on analysis by Ooklove Speed test intelligence data 1H 2025 visit t mobile.com Today's the big day. No kings protest and Donald Trump is absolutely terrified. He's sending his regime propagandist out there to defame these peaceful protests. I hope to see you out there today. There's 2600 events taking place across the United States, 90% of the country is within one hour of a no Kings event. So get out there and peacefully protest. Here's what the regime is trying to do to intimidate people. They all subscribed at the same time, all of of the various governmental departments to Blue sky to try to troll and intimidate people on Blue Skies account. Just very odd behavior. Also, Washington Post was reporting yesterday that ICE and Trump's gestapo are signing spyware contracts in recent weeks, including iris scanning software, drones to film the protests today, and cell phone hacking technology doing multimillion dollar and in some cases $100 million deal companies to facilitate databases on American people. If they refer to you as being an anti fascist activist, they may try to use that as a pretext to hack into your phone and your emails and your private data. That is a possibility that that's taking place. 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. Talking about looking scared, Donald Trump's propagandist, Caroline Levitt last night was like screaming and yelling and just engaged in unhinged behavior on Fox Watch. Caroline Levitt just yell at Hakeem Jeffries and say, you need to stop calling me names, Hakeem Jeffries, Seriously, weren't you the people this whole week calling the American people terrorists or pro Hamas or pro and TIFA or whatever the hell you were saying? If they engage in peaceful protests, this is why it's great the Democratic leader, Hakeem Jeffries is pushing back, I think the way we all wanted to see it take place. Better late than ever. It's happening right now and I like it. And you see what happens when you go on the offense against these idiots, these weak, pathetic cowards in the Trump regime. They go and they play the victim like Caroline Levitt here. Play this clip.

[A]

So Hakeem Jeffries should stop calling me names. He should stop trying to fight my boss, President Trump, and he should go back to doing what he was elected to do the business of the American people in Congress and encourage Senate Democrats who to open the government. And I see Hakeem Jeffries saying, House Republicans are out. They're not even here. Yeah, because they did their jobs and they passed a clean continuing resolution at the behest of President Trump to keep the government open. And now Senate Democrats and Chuck Schumer are blocking that to fight Donald Trump. And it's despicable.

[B]

Then she goes on to say over here that Hakeem Jeffries is lashing out because he knows that I'm telling the truth, she says. And then after saying that he should stop the name calling, she then calls Democrats pro Hamas terrorists. Here, play this clip.

[A]

Hakeem Jeffries is simply lashing out because he knows that I am telling the truth about the modern day Democrat Party. What I said, and it is a fact, is that the Democrat Party caters more to pro Hamas terrorists, illegal aliens and violent criminals.

[B]

Now, lots of political leaders are speaking in favor of this peaceful protest. You had California Governor Gavin Newsom comparing this act to a declaration generation of independence, peacefully protesting against this authoritarian regime. Watch Newsom right here encouraging everybody to go out and make sure you peacefully protest. Peaceful, peaceful, peaceful. Here, play this clip. No Kings, a declaration of independence against the tyranny, against lawlessness in the context that there was no rule of law, it was the rule of king. And I think increasingly people are waking up to the rule of law in this country, increasingly appearing to be the rule of dawn. And I hope it's dawning on people how precious this moment is and what's at stake. And so I hope people put a stake in the ground, take the opportunity and time to participate this weekend, but again, do so peacefully with a deep realization of the consequences on what the Founding Fathers were all about. Similarly, you had Bernie Sanders sending a message yesterday to all of us today who are going out to peacefully protest. Watch the message here from Senator Bernie Sanders. Play this clip.

[D]

I'm proud to be speaking tomorrow here in D.C. at the no Kings demonstration. And I want to thank the many millions of people in every state in this country who are coming out tomorrow. My message is going to be pretty simple. 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 right now in America. We're going to continue the fight to make sure that Trump and his friends do not throw 15 million people off the health care that they have and raise premiums double, triple for 20 million more Americans. And you know what else? In this great country, the wealthiest country in the history of the world, we're going to continue to fight to create a government that works for all and not just wealthy campaign contributors. And we're going to have an economy that doesn't simply make Elon Musk and his billionaire friends richer, but an economy that works for all of us. Look forward to seeing you tomorrow. Take care.

[B]

Now, speaking about this authoritarian Trump regime, just think about yesterday, what Putin bootlickers looked like. I Mean, how embarrassing was yesterday, by the way? On Thursday on the Midas Touch podcast, I predicted exactly what was going to happen on Friday with that Zelinsky meeting. I knew that when Putin spoke to Donald Trump, that was not a planned call, at least from Zelinsky's perspective, that Donald Trump was going to follow Putin's orders and attack Zelinsky. We saw a little bit of that during the public meeting. But behind closed doors we know that Donald Trump, after promising there would be sanctions against Russia and promising long range missiles and support of Ukraine, this is what Donald Trump's doing. He intentionally tries to torture and terrorize and create false hope to Ukraine so they can rely on it. And then he pulls the rug. Trump's a rug puller. Pulls that rug from underneath and he's officially confirmed. We ain't giving you weapons. Ukraine, you ain't getting tomahawks, you ain't getting long range, and we ain't sanctioning Russia. That's what Donald Trump's message was. That shouldn't be a shock though, because Trump is a Putin bootlicker. Trump wants Putin to win. Let's be very clear. Trump's a traitor. Let's be very clear of who he is and take a look at what the Secretary of Defense who unlawfully refers to himself as the Secretary of War because he's a pathetic little man. Pete Hegseth. Just take a look at what he was wearing yesterday to that meeting with Zelinsky. A pro Russian tie. Don't take my word for it. Look at Russia's main propaganda service, T A S S. They write Pentagon chief wears tie in Russian flag colors to Trump Zelinsky meeting. Yup. An interesting tie was spotted with the Pentagon chief. Pete Hegseth. Just take a look right there and you know they want to play it. Oh, I'm just being patriotic. Nope, Those were the Russian colors. You knew exactly what you're doing. You are a pathetic, weak little man masquerading as, oh, this is strong. The whole country knows how pathetic you are. And those unlawful war crimes that you're committing in Venezuela one day, those who are behind it, including you, should be held accountable for those war crimes taking place in the name of the United States. It's absolutely despicable. And the four star admiral responsible for that region resigned over the war. War crimes being committed. We're going to learn a lot more about that, especially now that we know there were two survivors of the last strike. So it'll be interesting to see what they have to say. Meanwhile, the front page of the Chicago Sun Times echoing the order by the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals. Political opposition is not rebellion. Was the order from a Trump appointed judge in illinois, a George H.W. bush appointed judge and an Obama judge. All three agreed to that. Protests are not rebellion. Protests are not insurrection. You have no right, Donald Trump, to invade cities with the United States military. A powerful order. Donald Trump has appealed that decision to the United States Supreme Court. He's, he's filed a motion, an application to stay the order, saying that he has plenary authority, absolute authority. If he says there's a war, he says that courts can't even question him no matter what he says, he says goes. And that courts have no ability to scrutinize his labeling something as rebellion or insurrection. We'll be getting an order from the Supreme Court soon and of course we'll be keeping you posted every step of the way there. Now, at that meeting with Zelinsky yesterday, Donald Trump was asked by one of the reporters, so are you interested in Putin building a tunnel to connect Russia to Alaska? Trump's like, I like that idea. What do you think? Zelinsky. And Zelinsky is like, yeah, I'm not happy about that. Ide, what the hell are you talking about? Mind you, at the same time, Donald Trump is pulling away $20 billion from tunnel projects and other infrastructure in New York City and other blue states and blue cities, by the way, he's giving a $40 billion bailout to Argentina while 20 million Americans stand to lose healthcare. But sure, he wants to build a bridge or a frickin tunnel with Russia. Are you frickin kidding me? Here, play this clip. Putin Trump tunnel to connect Russia and Alaska.

[A]

Are you interested?

[C]

I just heard about it. A tunnel from Russia to Alaska. I just heard about that one. That's an interesting. What to think about that. I hadn't heard that. We just did a nice road in Alaska that's going to get us to a lot of minerals and we have a piece of it, a good piece of the ownership because of the fact we made it possible. But this came up yesterday, a tunnel from Russia to Alaska. That's an interesting. What do you think of that, Mr. President? Do you have any ideas? How do you like that idea? I'm not happy with this. I don't think you're going to like it. I don't think he liked it. I don't think.

[B]

Once again, we know that our Congress has taken a vacation. MAGA Mike Johnson ordered the clerk to announce that next week, another week of no work by Congress. So this will be about 90 days where the members of Congress were ordered by Maga Mike to only work about 12 days. So of the last 90 days, only 12 days Congress was in session. Why? Over the entire summer, they wanted to avoid talking about Epstein, Epstein, Epstein. And now they're doing the same thing and they want to rip away your health care here. Play this clip as well. The Speaker's Rooms Washington, D.C. october 17, 2025. I hereby designate the period from Monday, October 20, 2025 through Sunday, October 26.

[A]

2025 as a district work period under.

[D]

Clause 13 of Rule 1, signed Sincerely.

[B]

Mike Johnson, speaker of the House of Representatives.

[C]

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Clause 13 of Rule 1, the House stands adjourned until 2:00pm on Tuesday, October 21, 2025.

[B]

As Donald Trump headed out to Mar a Lago to go golfing on the taxpayer dime today as well, he once again does Putin's bidding over here. Play this clip.

[C]

I met with President Zelensky as you and we had a very good meeting, very cordial meeting. In my opinion, they should stop the war immediately. You go by the battle line, wherever it is. Otherwise it's too complicated. You'll never be able to figure it out. You stop at the battle line and both sides should go home, go to their families, stop the killing, and that should be it. Stop right now at the battle line. I told that to President Zelensky. I told it to President Putin.

[B]

And then Donald Trump continues to lie about the Democrats position and says under no circumstances will we ever extend the Affordable Care act subsidies for Americans. And Donald Trump says in basically permanent government shutdown at this point, brought to you by the Trump regime, literally breaking the entire American economy, taking away your health care, taking away your future, your children's and your grandchildren's future. It's why we need to be out there and peacefully protest here. Play this clip.

[C]

So the shutdown continues. The Republican Party is not going to pay a trillion and a half dollars to illegal immigrants coming into our country, coming in for a lot of reasons, coming in from prisons, from jails, from all over the place, from Venezuela, many countries. We're not going to do that. So the shutdown continues. It's a Democrat shutdown, it's a Schumer shutdown because his career has failed and it's over.

[B]

Well, there you have it, folks. Let me know what you think. Hit subscribe. Let's get to 6 million subscribers. We appreciate you. I'll see you at the no Kings protest. Remember, don't take the bait from the Trump regime. Peaceful protests. Stay peaceful. Stay peaceful. Thanks for watching. Thanks for watching. Be sure to add the Midas Touch podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts for new updates every single day.