The MeidasTouch Podcast – Episode Summary
Title: Trump Loses it as Massive Protests Spread…Worldwide!!!
Date: January 11, 2026
Hosts: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas
Network: MeidasTouch Network

Episode Overview

This episode centers around the escalating global and domestic protests against Donald Trump and his increasingly authoritarian regime. The Meiselas brothers dissect the breadth of the civil unrest—from Minneapolis and Mexico City to major US and global capitals—as well as the administration's responses, controversial policy moves, and looming international crises. With their signature biting wit, they express both outrage and solidarity with democracy advocates, while underscoring the dire stakes of the Trump administration’s recent actions.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Global Protests Against Trump’s Regime

• Widespread demonstrations:

  • Protesters burn Trump’s effigy in Mexico City.
  • Tens of thousands gather at Powderhorn Park, Minneapolis, protesting the paramilitary presence and the killing of Renee Nicole Goode by federal agents.
  • Comparable mass protests erupt in New York City, Los Angeles, Austin, and other major US cities.
  • Public demands: Impeachment and removal of Trump’s "criminal regime."

  “The people in the United States want Donald Trump impeached. They want this criminal regime that is repressing the people of the United States...gone.” — Ben (01:29)

2. Intensifying Federal Crackdowns

• Increased federal deployments:

  • Trump surges an additional 1,000 “paramilitary ICE Gestapo” to Minneapolis, totaling 3,000 agents (02:08).
  • Federal funding for childcare and agriculture to blue states and cities slashed—punitive targeting of political opponents.

• Alarming White House communications:

  • Official accounts promote images of ICE agents using “non-lethal”—potentially lethal—force against protestors.
  • White House: "Stand with ICE, stand with law enforcement," aligning with violent suppression.

  “They are hiding torture…these detention centers are concentration camps…they are torturing human beings. That’s what’s going on behind the scenes…absolutely disgusting.” — Ben (13:34)

3. International Flashpoints

• Greenland invasion threat:

  • Trump orders US Special Forces to prepare for an invasion of Greenland (03:08).
  • Military leadership reportedly warns it could “destroy NATO” and is likely unlawful.
  • UK and European allies contemplate sending troops to Greenland, calling Trump’s bluff.

• Venezuela crisis:

  • US State Department urges Americans to leave Venezuela immediately, citing armed militias, risk of detention, and inability to provide emergency assistance (05:43).
  • Contradicts Trump regime/Fox News claims of pro-US sentiment and "safety" in Venezuela.
  • Maduro’s authoritarian regime and ongoing unrest highlighted.

  “I’m confused; State regime media, didn’t you and Donald Trump say that people in Venezuela were celebrating the United States invasion…But now the U.S. Embassy in Caracas is saying all Americans need to leave immediately because they will be subject to torture or murder?” — Ben (06:14)

4. Domestic Policy Attacks

• Healthcare under siege:
  • Blocked Affordable Care Act subsidies—Obamacare plans lost for many.
  • Trump administration pushes tax cuts for the wealthy while stripping services from millions.
• ICE and Congressional access:
  • Kristi Noem and ICE memo claims new budget law allows them to ignore federal judges and block Congressional oversight of detention centers (13:00).
  • Accusations of torture and squalid conditions in private, profit-driven detention centers.

5. Frequent Shifts and Contradictions

• Iran and foreign policy confusion:

  • Trump alternately threatens war with Iran over protests, then dismisses protestor deaths as “stampedes” (15:00).
  • Threats against multiple countries: Greenland, Iran, Venezuela, Cuba, Colombia, and even bombing Mexico.

  “What the hell is even going on right now?” — Ben (16:45)
  “So now you go to war with Greenland, you go to war with Iran, you go to war with Venezuela, you threaten wars with Cuba, Colombia, you threaten to bomb Mexico, and that’s why they’re protesting there.” — Ben (16:33)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Protester death, state violence, and official White House propaganda:

  “Just look at this...Gestapo who are approaching people who are engaged in their First Amendment rights...ICE has invaded their peaceful cities and is harassing and terrorizing people and they’re shooting them in the face…” — Ben (11:53)

• On US international reputation and Trump’s worldview:

  “America already has multiple defense treaties with Greenland and Denmark...This is just about Donald Trump and MAGA. As they’ve said, they're the predators...they want control, they want to dominate it, they want to destroy NATO.” — Ben (03:44)

• RFK Jr. interference and misplaced priorities:

  “Dude, who are you, RFK Jr.? You’re the worst health…you’re like the anti-health person, the worst Health and Human Services person in U.S. history. Why you care about Germany?” — Ben (10:53)

• On accountability and democracy:

  “The American people should, through their representatives, should vote. I mean, that’s what war powers is all about...You don’t have the authority to do this without Congress. I mean, what are we doing here, folks?” — Ben (16:20)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 01:29 – US and global protests against Trump’s regime
• 02:08 – Paramilitary troop surge in Minneapolis
• 03:08 – Order for potential invasion of Greenland
• 05:43 – US urges citizens to leave Venezuela
• 10:53 – RFK Jr. criticized for interference in German health policies
• 11:53 – ICE and paramilitary brutality against protestors
• 13:00 – ICE/Noem memo: barring Congress from detention centers
• 15:00 – Iran protests and erratic Trump responses
• 16:20 – Calls for democratic accountability; war powers discussion
• 16:33 – Rundown of global threats and conflicts
• 16:45 – Hosts' exasperation at White House chaos

Episode Tone & Atmosphere

The tone is urgent, scathing, and deeply concerned for the state of democracy, both at home and abroad. The hosts combine clear-eyed analysis with personal outrage, a touch of dark humor, and a persistent call to action. They highlight both the gravity—and the absurdities—of the Trump administration’s choices.

For Listeners:
This episode offers a rapid-fire, unfiltered run-down of late-breaking events, paired with the Meiselas brothers’ direct appeals for awareness and resistance. It’s a must-listen for those tracking the deepening crisis of American democracy and the growing backlash around the globe.

Note:

• The summary omits advertisements, sponsorships, and standard plugs for podcast subscriptions.
• References to “the first clip you saw” pertain to the video edition, but full context is provided in audio.