The MeidasTouch Podcast
Episode Title: Trump Looks Horrible as Term Suffers Fatal Blow
Date: December 21, 2025
Hosts: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas
Episode Overview
This episode centers on the escalating unpopularity and controversial actions of Donald Trump as his presidency faces significant public and legal backlash. The Meiselas brothers dissect Trump's recent maneuvers, including alleged cover-ups, bizarre rebranding of American institutions in his own honor, dubious economic claims, and provocative foreign policy stances. Blending their signature humor and impassioned defense of democracy, the brothers break down why Trump's term is described as "suffering a fatal blow" and expose the tactics he's using to distract the American people from crises at home and abroad.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Trump’s Isolation and Declining Popularity
- Trump Portrayed as Isolated: Trump is described as “all alone rotting right now in Mar A Lago, hiding from the press,” visually and symbolically representing the crumbling of his support and influence.
- Quote (Ben, 02:26): “Donald Trump looks absolutely horrible as he is all alone rotting right now in Mar A Lago. Hiding from the press. He is putrid on the inside and the outside.”
- Historic Unpopularity: The hosts assert Trump represents “the least popular presidency in American history at this point in time.”
- Negative Approval Numbers: They highlight a stark example from North Carolina:
- Trump: -16% approval
- Governor Stein (NC): +30% approval
(Ben, 09:12)
- Contrast with Americans’ Resilience: Despite efforts to destabilize, “the American people aren’t standing for it, not one bit.”
2. Violations & Cover-Ups: The Epstein Files and Beyond
- Transparency Act Violations: Trump is accused of violating the Epstein Transparency Act by destroying, redacting, or removing records, especially those implicating him directly.
- Quote (Ben, 02:51): “[Trump] destroying or removing records that were produced that accidentally had, like, a photo of him. Those photos were deleted from what was already produced. A clear violation of the law.”
- Distraction Tactics: The hosts allege that Trump uses international incidents ("provoking war") to distract from scandals like the Epstein files.
3. Dangerous Foreign Policy Moves
- Escalations in Syria and Venezuela:
- Recent US airstrikes in Syria are questioned, especially following Trump’s claims to have “destroyed ISIS.”
- The US is said to have seized a Panamanian/Chinese oil tanker off Venezuela, described as an unlawful act and seen as a provocation possibly aimed at creating a war pretext.
- Parallel to Putin: Trump’s rhetoric mirrors Putin’s about “historical territorial lands,” highlighting the dangerous convergence of authoritarian playbooks.
- Quote (Ben, 04:33): “Trump and Putin think alike, right?... Venezuela stole our land and they stole our oil. That’s exactly the type of stuff that Putin says about Ukraine. Trump’s literally using that playbook.”
4. Rebranding of American Institutions in Trump's Image
- Unlawful Renamings:
- The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has reportedly been rebranded as “The Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Memorial Center.”
- The Institute of Peace in Washington, D.C., renamed after Trump, following a purge of its leadership.
- Trump’s face allegedly displayed on National Park annual passes, the $1 coin, and a new “Trump Gold Card.”
- Quote (Ben, 06:09): “He’s been putting massive banners of his face across federal buildings… He made the $1 million Trump Gold card.”
5. Domestic Hardship Under Trump’s Economy
- Economic Distress:
- The brothers describe widespread suffering, with Americans “living paycheck to paycheck,” struggling to afford rent, housing, and healthcare.
- The end of Affordable Care Act subsidies is highlighted as an active harm, directly linked to Trump and MAGA policies.
- Gaslighting via Social Media: Trump’s posts claim “lower prices, bigger paychecks, more jobs, a stronger economy,” which the hosts flatly contradict, citing unemployment increases and rising energy costs.
6. The Reality of the Economic Data: Justin Wolfers Explains
- Expert Analysis:
- University of Michigan economist Justin Wolfers (clip at 10:46) provides a sober outlook, stating that the labor market has slowed, graduates face hardship, and wage growth lags behind inflation.
- Quote (Justin Wolfers, 11:36):
"What we see is that the labour market has slowed quite substantially, that the next batch of kids… are going to find it a lot harder to find work… These numbers really are quite pessimistic… If I’m sounding more worried to you than I’ve sounded in months, it’s because I am."
7. Trump’s Fundraising Emails and Grifter Tactics
- Manipulative Messages: The hosts read actual Trump fundraising emails to demonstrate manipulative communication. Subject lines address recipients by name and create urgency or guilt (“Are you mad at me Ben? … I tried to call you... Please confirm receipt.”)
- False Promises: Emails offer fictional “tariff rebate checks”—but clicking only prompts supporters to send Trump money.
- Quote (Ben, 13:02):
“Would you accept a tariff rebate check? It makes you pay Donald Trump money. He ain’t giving you a tariff rebate check… Just reverse Robin Hood.”
- Quote (Ben, 13:02):
8. International Ramifications: Tensions with Mexico & Further War Threats
- Mexico’s President Responds: President Claudia Sheinbaum aims to “prevent any bloodshed in Venezuela,” with the brothers warning that Trump is seeking to escalate not only in Venezuela but also with threats against Mexico.
9. Fakeness and Hypocrisy Within Trump’s Circle
- JD Vance Past Statements: The episode closes by highlighting a resurfaced clip (2019) of JD Vance praising Democrats—underscoring how Trump allies have frequently shifted their stances for political expediency.
- Clip (15:56):
“I did this event at the Yale Federalist Society recently... they asked me for my three favorite Democrats... Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, and Tulsi Gabbard.”
- Clip (15:56):
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- (02:26) Ben: “Donald Trump looks absolutely horrible as he is all alone rotting right now in Mar A Lago. Hiding from the press. He is putrid on the inside and the outside.”
- (04:33) Ben: “Trump’s literally using [Putin’s] playbook... What are you talking about? Can you stop getting the United States of America into a war right now?”
- (06:09) Ben: “He’s been putting massive banners of his face across federal buildings... He made the $1 million Trump Gold card.”
- (09:12) Ben: “Donald Trump's approval in North Carolina right now is negative 16%... Governor Stein's approval plus 30%. Just think about that contrast.”
- (11:36) Justin Wolfers: “What we see is that the labour market has slowed quite substantially... These numbers really are quite pessimistic... If I’m sounding more worried to you than I’ve sounded in months, it’s because I am.”
- (13:02) Ben: “Would you accept a tariff rebate check? It makes you pay Donald Trump money. He ain’t giving you a tariff rebate check... Just reverse Robin Hood.”
- (15:56) JD Vance [clip]: "Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, and Tulsi Gabbard."
Important Timestamps
- 02:26: Opening attack on Trump’s image and conduct, introduction of main themes
- 04:33: Parallels between Trump’s rhetoric and Putin’s justification for Ukraine invasion
- 06:09: Trump's rebranding of national institutions in his own image
- 09:12: Contrast of approval ratings (Trump vs. Gov. Stein in NC)
- 10:46-11:49: Justin Wolfers’ economic analysis
- 13:02: Breakdown of manipulative Trump fundraising emails
- 15:56: JD Vance clip showing fickle political allegiances within Trump’s circle
Tone and Language
- Direct and Unapologetic: The hosts use forthright language, calling Trump’s tactics “maniac behavior” and “gaslighting.”
- Satirical & Bantering: The discussion often incorporates sardonic humor and brotherly ribbing, maintaining an engaging, conversational vibe even on serious topics.
- Fact-Focused: Despite the humor and passion, the Meiselas brothers back up points with data, expert clips, and primary sources (economist quotes, real emails, etc.).
Summary Conclusion
This episode delivers a no-holds-barred critique of Donald Trump’s presidency as it reaches new lows in popularity and public trust. The MeidasTouch team exposes the administration’s attempts at self-aggrandizement, legal violations, misinformation, and manipulation of both domestic and foreign crises to distract and divide. Featuring the sharp wit and camaraderie the podcast is known for, the episode combines hard facts, compelling expert testimony, and biting humor—offering both catharsis and clarity for listeners seeking truth amid ongoing political turbulence.