Podcast Summary: The MeidasTouch Podcast

Episode: "Trump Loses It in AM as Admin Falls Into Perjury Trap"

Date: February 4, 2026
Hosts: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas

Overview

In this episode, the Meiselas brothers dissect a chaotic morning for Donald Trump and his administration, zeroing in on Treasury Secretary Scott Besant's congressional testimony, which quickly devolved into accusations of perjury. The brothers combine their signature banter with deep political analysis, exploring economic turmoil, recent damning headlines, and intensifying scrutiny of Trump's allies (including new revelations from the Epstein files). The episode is marked by critical reflections on democracy, transparency, and the conduct of high-profile political figures.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Grim Economic Headlines and Trump's Narrative (01:40–06:30)

• The brothers open by highlighting dire news across top publications:
  • Washington Post layoffs and the paper’s decline under Jeff Bezos.
  • Collapse warnings in U.S. agriculture (New York Times).
  • Consumer confidence at historic lows and faltering food/drink sales (Financial Times).
  • Manufacturing retreat and failed tariff policies (Wall Street Journal).
  • Unsubstantiated claims by Trump of “trillion dollar deals"—the Meidas Touch approach is to demand evidence, poring over documents and data rather than superficial debates.

Ben (04:47): “People say, ‘Well, Ben, doesn’t your audience find that boring?’ No, that’s what we want... We want the data and information so we can be informed citizens and understand what the hell is happening.”

2. Fallout From the Epstein Files (06:30–09:30)

• A partial release of Jeffrey Epstein-related documents ties Trump, Steve Bannon, Ehud Barak, and others to the now-notorious cabal.
• The brothers emphasize the ongoing nature of these revelations and the continued influence of those named.
• Trump's calls to “turn the page” on Epstein are dismissed—“his name is on the next page, too”.
• Steve Bannon’s alarming statements about deploying ICE at polling stations are called out as undercovered and authoritarian.

Ben (08:26): “This right-wing oligarchy that’s behind the scenes pulling the strings while engaging in child sex trafficking in the Epstein files... they’re screwing your lives and making things very difficult.”

3. The Besant Perjury Incident & Congressional Grilling (09:30–21:15)

a) Catching Besant in a Lie (09:30–13:45)

• Treasury Secretary Scott Besant asserts in a House hearing that he never called tariffs “inflationary”.
• A letter to investors (January 2024) surfaces, quoting Besant precisely making that claim.
• Clip played of Congresswoman Waters confronting Besant on the contradiction.

Rep. Waters (11:22): “Did you write a letter to investors raising concerns about the impact of tariffs, writing that, quote, ‘tariffs are inflationary’...Yes or no?”
Besant: “No.”

• The brothers express outrage at Besant's open lying, calling for consequences.

b) Broader Pattern of Lying by the Regime (13:45–15:00)

• Comparisons to figures like Howard Lutnick, who denied Epstein ties but is repeatedly named in documents.
• The brothers express exhaustion with serial dishonesty as not a partisan but a societal failure.

Ben (14:33): “I’m just sick and tired of these people who just lie to us all of the time...That’s not a Democrat, Republican or independent issue. That’s just a ‘can we be normal’ issue.”

c) Trump’s Stock Manipulation & Market Abuse (15:01–18:30)

• Congressional questioning about Trump’s DJT stock surges after he promotes it on Truth Social.
• Besant dodges and denies wrongdoing, claiming market growth benefited all Americans.

Congressman Green (16:10): “Do you think this should be investigated?...The President’s stock being linked to his True Social message and that stock having gone up by some $415 million in a single day?”

• The brothers lambast the administration for enabling conflicts of interest.

d) Ongoing Evasions & Connections to World Liberty Financial (18:30–20:45)

• Besant refuses to commit to investigating potential conflicts involving bank licensing and foreign influence.
• Republicans aggressively deflect, attack questioners.

4. Republican Dissent & Fractures (21:15–23:00)

• Replacement Senator Thom Tillis criticizes Stephen Miller and Kristi Noem, engaging in sarcastic banter about Trump’s insults.
• Highlights rifts within GOP ranks and pushback on Trump’s team.

Thom Tillis (21:55): “If that qualifies me for at least two senior positions for the president because I consider them losers, then we’ll move on. Otherwise, we could act like adults, use adult language and get things done.”

5. Final Commentary & Tone (23:00–End)

• The brothers reflect on Trump’s online rantings and promise ongoing coverage.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Ben (on the show’s style, 04:47):
  “We don’t need to see a split screen of people who don’t know what they’re talking about, shouting and yelling at each other. We want the data and information so we could be informed citizens and understand what the hell is happening.”

• Ben (on Epstein files, 08:26):
  “This right wing oligarchy...they’re screwing your lives and making things very difficult and psychologically torturing people. That’s what’s actually going on right now.”

• Steve Bannon (audio clip, quoted around 09:00):
  “You’re damn right we’re going to have ICE surround the polls come November. We’re not going to sit here and allow you to steal the country again...”

• Rep. Waters and Besant (hearing, 11:22):

  • Waters: “Did you write a letter to investors...writing that, quote, ‘tariffs are inflationary’...Yes or no?”
  • Besant: “No.”

• Ben (on the perjury, 14:33):
  “I’m just sick and tired of these people who just lie to us all of the time. Well, we’re just trying to live our fricking lives. That’s not a Democrat, Republican or independent issue. That’s just a ‘can we be normal’ issue.”

• Thom Tillis (sarcastic GOP critique, 21:55):
  “Otherwise, we could act like adults, use adult language and get things done.”

Timestamps for Major Segments

• 01:40 – Rundown of devastating economic headlines
• 06:30 – Discussion of Trump/Epstein connections and fallout
• 08:45 – Steve Bannon’s podcast clip about ICE and polls
• 09:30 – House hearing: Besant perjury and contradiction
• 13:45 – On chronic dishonesty of Trump-world figures
• 15:01 – Trump’s Truth Social market manipulation allegations
• 18:30 – Besant dodges questions on bank licensing, foreign influence
• 21:15 – GOP Senator Tillis’ critique, party rifts exposed
• 23:00 – Closing thoughts and promise of continued coverage

Tone and Style

• Blunt, humorous, and emotionally charged brotherly banter
• Deeply critical of Trump, his administration, and associated oligarchs
• Repeated emphasis on transparency, evidence, and responsible citizenship
• Clear division between advocating for democracy and calling out corruption, regardless of party lines

This episode provides an incisive look into the morning's political firestorm—covering not just the headlines, but the underlying systems of power, deception, and the MeidasTouch philosophy: arm the public with facts, not spectacle.