The MeidasTouch Podcast
Episode: Trump Is Scared to Death as Newsom Wants Him Removed
Date: December 15, 2025
Hosts: Ben, Brett & Jordy Meiselas
Main Guest/Focus: California Governor Gavin Newsom (clips and commentary)
Episode Overview
This episode zeroes in on California Governor Gavin Newsom's highly public, no-holds-barred offensive against Donald Trump and the MAGA movement. The Meiselas brothers dissect Newsom’s bold rhetoric, social media tact, viral memes, and pointed interviews—especially his full-throated takedowns of Trump on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and in interviews with the New York Times' Ezra Klein. The show draws out Newsom’s strategy of "giving Trump a taste of his own medicine," the resulting MAGA backlash, and Newsom’s broader vision for the Democratic Party and American democracy.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Newsom’s Aggressive Social Media Campaign (03:28–05:51)
- Newsom’s Attack Tactics: Governor Newsom has shifted into a highly combative posture, using AI memes, viral posts, and direct mockery to call out Trump and his associates as “criminals,” “felons,” and “abusers.”
- Example: Posting AI-generated memes of Trump and his team in handcuffs, with captions like “it’s cuffing season.”
- Highlight: “Governor Newsom’s just showing them the mirror, because this is who they are.” (Narrator, 04:30)
2. Viral Responses & MAGA Outrage (05:51–07:21)
- Ratcheting up the Mockery: Newsom punctuates viral confrontations with Trump loyalists (i.e., responding to Peter Navarro’s complaint with a snowflake emoji).
- Fox News Headline Reaction: Sharing and amplifying Fox News headlines labeling Trump as “one of the most destructive presidents.”
- Newsom: “Wow, an accurate Fox News headline.” (Narrator, 05:30)
- Clip: Newsom’s Critique of Trump as Role Model
- “...This guy who calls someone a retard, a guy who calls someone a piggy. This is our role model, the President of the United States.” (Gavin Newsom, 05:51)
3. Newsom’s Case Against Trump: Substance and Style (06:27–07:21)
- Deep Critique of Trump: Newsom brands Trump as the most destructive president and human being in history and expresses deep concern about the threat Trump poses to democratic norms.
- Notable Quote: “This guy is reckless. He’s a wreck. This country will not have a fair and free election if we don’t continue to fight.” (Gavin Newsom, 06:50)
- Newsom frames his involvement as motivated by the need to be accountable to his own children and the next generation.
4. Meta-commentary on Right-wing Outrage (07:21–09:37)
- MAGA Sensitivities: The brothers ridicule MAGA’s outrage over Newsom’s AI meme posts, noting MAGA used similar tactics for years.
- Quote: “…If you’re going to play by those rules, I’m going to go two times harder than you. And then the MAGA snowflakes, like oh my God, you’re coming after me.” (Narrator, 09:09)
5. Clapbacks at Conservative Figures (10:59–11:30)
- Katie Miller & Elon Musk: Newsom’s rapid-fire retorts extend to prominent figures’ spouses and Elon Musk.
- To Katie Miller: “Our country is currently in hell because of your creepy husband.” (Narrator, 10:59)
- To Elon Musk, after Musk mocks Newsom’s support for trans youth: “Correct, we’re sorry your daughter hates you, Elon…” (Narrator, 11:18)
6. Diversity & California’s Success Narrative (12:08–14:04)
- Diversity as Strength: Newsom discusses how California’s immigrant population and pluralism shape its success, drawing a direct contrast with exclusionist politics.
- Quote: “27% of the state is foreign born… I think our strength is defined by that diversity…I’m of the Reagan mindset. Life force of new Americans.” (Gavin Newsom, 12:08)
- Historical Parallel: Draws lines from 19th-century anti-immigrant sentiment to Trumpism.
7. California’s Economic Model (14:04–15:35)
- Progressive Policy Brag Sheet: Newsom credits California’s diverse, research-driven, and progressive approach as the bedrock of its economic leadership.
- “California success is not an accident. It’s by design.” (Gavin Newsom, 14:04)
- Highlights massive investments in R&D, infrastructure, and tax credits fueling innovation and growth.
8. Mocking Trump’s Self-Mythologizing (15:35–16:30)
- Satirical Parody: Newsom lampoons Trump’s posts about his “aura and health” by sarcastically echoing Trumpian self-congratulation, while touting California's own achievements.
- Notable moment: “All of this created an aura around California that has led every other country in the world to respect us more than ever before. Before. And certainly more than the loser president who always falls asleep at work.” (Narrator, 15:35)
9. Policy Critique: Disaster Preparedness & Science (16:30–17:30)
- Federal vs. State Readiness: Newsom calls out Trump-era failures in disaster readiness, attributing federal incompetence to cuts in science and disaster prediction agencies, highlighting California’s contrasting approach.
10. Fox News and Right-wing Media’s Flailing Response (17:30–18:15)
- Narrative Turning Point: Newsom mocks Fox News’ confusion as Trump’s influence declines.
- “Fox News really doesn’t know what to do with themselves now that Trump’s influence is slipping. Going to need a new job soon, Laura.” (Narrator, 17:30)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On Trump as a Role Model:
"This guy who calls someone a retard, a guy who calls someone a piggy. This is our role model, the President of the United States."
— Gavin Newsom (05:51) -
On Trump’s Destructiveness:
"I think Trump is one of the most destructive presidents and human beings in my lifetime...I have to look my kids in the goddamn eye."
— Gavin Newsom (06:27) -
On MAGA Hypocrisy:
"Governor Newsom’s just showing them the mirror, because this is who they are."
— Narrator (04:30) -
On National Diversity:
"27% of the state is foreign born...I’m of the Reagan mindset. Life force of new Americans."
— Gavin Newsom (12:08) -
On California’s Planned Success:
"California success is not an accident. It's by design."
— Gavin Newsom (14:04) -
On Owning the Discourse:
"If you’re going to play by those rules, I’m going to go two times harder than you. And then the MAGA snowflakes, like 'Oh my God, you’re coming after me.'"
— Narrator (09:09)
Timestamps of Important Segments
- [03:28] Newsom’s meme offensive begins
- [05:51] Newsom critiques Trump’s character and impact as role model
- [06:27] Newsom: Trump is the most destructive president
- [09:09] Commentary on MAGA outrage over memes
- [10:59] Newsom fires back at Katie Miller and Elon Musk
- [12:08] Newsom on diversity and the Reagan vision
- [14:04] California’s economic blueprint explained
- [15:35] Satirical take on Trump's "aura" and health claims
- [16:30] Disaster preparedness & federal-state divide
- [17:30] Newsom mocks Fox News as Trump fades
Tone and Style
The episode is unapologetically spirited, deeply pro-democracy, and laced with sharp humor and biting sarcasm. The Meiselas brothers, while maintaining their signature banter, emphasize the seriousness of the moment and the necessity for Democrats to fight fire with fire. Governor Newsom’s direct, sometimes profane, and always unflinching words anchor the most powerful moments.
Summary Takeaway
Governor Gavin Newsom exemplifies a new Democratic strategy—one that meets MAGA aggression head-on, mocks their tactics, and centers progressive values as both substance and style. The brothers argue this combative approach is not only a balm for exasperated liberals but an essential paradigm shift amid existential threats to democracy. Through this episode, listeners get an inside look at Newsom’s playbook to upend Trumpist politics and secure the future of American democracy—one viral post, pointed interview, and legislative success at a time.