The MeidasTouch Podcast: "Trump Instantly Terrified as No Kings Protests Erupt"

Release Date: June 15, 2025

Introduction

In this riveting episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast, hosts Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas delve into the escalating tensions surrounding the "No Kings" protests sweeping across the United States. The discussion centers on the reactions of MAGA Republican governors to these predominantly peaceful demonstrations, highlighting fears of provoked violence and the subsequent deployment of state forces.

MAGA Governors' Response to Protests

The episode opens with a critical examination of how MAGA-aligned Republican governors are responding to the "No Kings" protests. The hosts argue that these leaders are excessively fearful of peaceful demonstrations, leading them to adopt aggressive tactics intended to suppress dissent.

• Governor Henry McMaster of South Carolina:
  "South Carolina's law enforcement will not tolerate lawless behavior associated with this weekend's nationwide planned protest." (02:30)

  The Meiselas brothers express astonishment at McMaster's stern language, suggesting it contradicts the principles of peaceful assembly protected by the First Amendment.

• Governor Greg Abbott of Texas:
  "We're expecting a court ruling from California very soon on whether the National Guard and the Marines can act as civil law enforcement for the planned protests on Saturday." (15:45)

  Abbott's decision to deploy 5,000 National Guard troops and 2,000 state troopers is scrutinized as a preemptive measure to control potential unrest, despite the current peaceful nature of the protests.

National Guard Deployments and Public Safety

The podcast critically assesses the massive deployment of National Guard units across states like Texas and Florida, questioning the necessity and implications of such actions.

• Texas National Guard Deployment:
  "Thousands of Texas National Guard troops will be deployed this weekend... to monitor protests." (08:20)

  The hosts highlight skepticism regarding the actual threat posed by the protests, emphasizing that demonstrations have remained largely peaceful with no property damage or injuries reported.

• Florida Governor Ron DeSantis's Rhetoric:
  "If you're driving off and you hit one of these people, that's their fault for impinging on you." (12:10)

  DeSantis's controversial statements encouraging individuals to defend themselves against protesters are condemned as inflammatory and potentially inciting violence.

Contrasting Approaches to Protests

A significant portion of the discussion contrasts the aggressive stance of MAGA Republicans with more measured responses advocated by other leaders.

• California Governor Gavin Newsom's Stance:
  "Be stubbornly peaceful." (27:50)

  Newsom's encouragement for peaceful protests is presented as a stark contrast to the coercive tactics employed by his counterparts in Republican-led states.

Impact of Trump's Immigration Policies

The episode connects the intensified immigration enforcement under the Trump administration to the broader climate of fear and unrest.

• Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem:
  "We've seen operations working to bring in criminals that have been out on our streets for far too long." (35:20)

  Noem's statements about aggressive immigration enforcement are linked to the daily arrests of undocumented immigrants, fostering a sense of insecurity among communities.

Public Reactions and Calls for Peace

Throughout the podcast, there is a recurring theme urging the public to maintain peaceful protests despite the heavy-handed responses from certain state officials.

• Democratic Congresswoman Maxine Waters:
  "Do not play into Donald Trump. What he wants is chaos." (42:15)

  Waters emphasizes the importance of peaceful demonstration to counteract what she perceives as attempts to incite violence for political gain.

Conclusion

The MeidasTouch brothers conclude the episode by reiterating the necessity of upholding democratic values through peaceful protest. They caution listeners against falling into the traps set by those who seek to destabilize societal harmony for political advantage.

• Final Thoughts from Host Ben Meiselas:
  "Let's not give him what he wants. Let's exercise our constitutionally protected rights, but let's do it peacefully." (50:05)

Key Takeaways

• Excessive Militarization:
  The deployment of thousands of National Guard troops in response to mostly peaceful protests is criticized as an overreaction that may escalate tensions.

• Inflammatory Rhetoric:
  Statements from leaders like Governor DeSantis are highlighted as dangerous, potentially inciting violence against peaceful protesters.

• Contrast in Leadership:
  The podcast underscores the difference between aggressive suppression tactics and the advocacy for peaceful assembly by leaders like Governor Newsom.

• Impact of Immigration Policies:
  Aggressive immigration enforcement under the Trump administration is linked to increased fear and unrest within communities, fueling the protests.

• Call for Peaceful Protest:
  The hosts urge listeners to maintain peaceful demonstrations to protect democratic values and resist provocation.

Notable Quotes

• "If you drive off and you hit one of these people, that's their fault for impinging on you." — Governor Ron DeSantis (12:10)

• "Be stubbornly peaceful." — Governor Gavin Newsom (27:50)

• "What he wants is chaos." — Congresswoman Maxine Waters (42:15)

• "Let's exercise our constitutionally protected rights, but let's do it peacefully." — Ben Meiselas (50:05)

Final Remarks

This episode serves as a compelling analysis of the current political climate surrounding protests in the United States. By dissecting the actions and rhetoric of MAGA Republican governors, The MeidasTouch Podcast encourages listeners to advocate for peaceful assembly and resist divisive tactics that threaten democratic integrity.

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