Trump Makes Incriminating Admission on War...in Oval

Summary

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The MeidasTouch Podcast – Detailed Summary

Episode Title: Trump Makes Incriminating Admission on War...in Oval
Date: March 17, 2026
Hosts: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas
Theme: The brothers react in real time to Donald Trump’s shocking public admissions and behavior regarding the Iran War, U.S. foreign policy, and related political fallout.

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Episode Overview

This episode dives deep into Donald Trump's latest press conference, where he made startling comments about the outbreak and course of the Iran War, his intentions regarding Cuba, and controversial attacks on political rivals. The Meiselas brothers use their signature blend of sharp political analysis and comedic banter to expose the dangerous implications of Trump's words, highlight contradictions, and draw wider connections to accountability and democracy.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Trump’s Incriminating Admission on Iran War

• [02:57 – 04:46] Main Segment:
  The hosts focus on Trump's admission that he and U.S. officials were “caught utterly surprised” by Iran’s strike on multiple Middle Eastern nations.

  • “If that's truly the case, Donald, you deserve to be impeached immediately on that statement alone.” – Host [02:57]
  • Trump claims that even “the greatest experts” didn't anticipate coordinated strikes on Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, and Kuwait.
  • Quote:
    “Nobody? Nobody. No, no, no, no. The greatest experts. Nobody thought they were going to hit. They were, I wouldn't say friendly countries. They were, like, neutral.” – Donald Trump [03:56]

• The brothers frame this as both an impeachable dereliction of duty and a window into chaos and disorganization at the highest levels.

2. Trump’s Comments About Cuba

• [05:13 – 06:10] Notable Sound Bite:
  Trump diverts attention away from Iran by boasting about potentially taking over Cuba.
  • “It’s a beautiful island, great weather.… I think I could do anything I want with it. You want to know the truth? They’re a very weakened nation right now.” – Donald Trump [05:41]
• Hosts highlight this as both absurd and dangerous—authoritarian bravado reminiscent of colonial attitudes.

3. Iran Responds Directly to Trump

• [06:25 – 06:50] Foreign Commander’s Message:
  Iranian military leaders openly mock Trump’s attempts at managing the war through social media:
  • “The outcome of war is…cannot be determined by tweets. The result of a war is determined in the field, the very place where you and your forces do not dare to approach.” – Iranian Commander [06:25]
• The hosts emphasize the international embarrassment and the degree to which U.S. credibility is diminished.

4. War Progress and Contradictory Statements

• Trump alternately claims major successes in the Iran conflict and admits US intelligence failures.
• [07:28] Quote:
  “Yeah, sure. I don’t think so, but it’ll be soon, won’t be long, and we’re going to have a much safer world when it’s wrapped up.” – Donald Trump [07:28]
• The hosts point out the inconsistency, especially as Iran denies communication with the U.S. and independent reports show ongoing, unresolved violence.

5. Comparison to Past Presidents & Foreign Relations

• Trump disparages Jimmy Carter’s handling of Iran [07:52], then claims other countries (like China and Japan) “should be thanking us.” [08:38]
  • Quote:
    “China, as an example, should be thanking us...They should be not only thanking us, they should be helping us.” – Donald Trump [08:38]
• The podcast notes the disconnect: China is actively allied with Iran, contrary to Trump’s statements.

6. J.D. Vance’s Reversal on War

• [09:56 – 11:36] Segment:
  Trump’s adviser J.D. Vance, a former critic of U.S. military intervention, now voices strong support for the Iran war—attributed wholly to his trust in Trump’s intelligence and leadership.
  • Quote:
    “I think one big difference, Phil, is that we have a smart president, whereas in the past we’ve had dumb presidents. And I trust President Trump to get the job done.” – J.D. Vance [11:24]

7. Trump’s Self-Aggrandizement and Revisionist Claims

• Trump asserts he predicted bin Laden’s role in 9/11 and the use of the Strait of Hormuz as a geostrategic weapon, despite the hosts debunking these assertions.
  • Quote:
    “I predicted Osama bin Laden would knock out the World Trade Center. I made that prediction a year before he did... I wrote it in a book.” – Donald Trump [12:59]
• The hosts label this as habitual lying and revisionist history.

8. Personal Attacks and Distractions

• [14:19 – 16:00] Targeting Gavin Newsom: Trump launches into a personal tirade, attacking California Governor Gavin Newsom for supposed “learning disabilities” and making offensive comments about disability and race.
  • Quote:
    “Honestly, I’m all for people with learning disabilities, but not for my presence. I don’t want…a president should not have learning disabilities.” – Donald Trump [15:09]
  • The brothers condemn these statements as ableist, divisive, and shockingly off-topic during a national security crisis.

9. Casualties and Cover-Ups

• [16:00] Troop Losses & Government Transparency:
  The hosts reference a Washington Post report: over 200 US troops injured in “Operation Epic Fury,” with at least 10 in serious condition, and cast doubt on the transparency of Trump’s administration regarding the true toll.

10. Iranian Denials of Diplomacy

• Iran’s Foreign Minister outright denies Trump regime claims of ongoing diplomatic talks, calling them “utter lies” intended to mislead the public and oil markets.
  • “Any claim to the contrary appears geared solely to mislead oil traders and the public.” – Iranian foreign minister [16:00]

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Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• “If that's truly the case, Donald, you deserve to be impeached immediately on that statement alone.” – Host [02:57]
• “It's a beautiful island, great weather.… I think I could do anything I want with it.” – Donald Trump (on Cuba) [05:41]
• “The outcome of war cannot be determined by tweets. The result of a war is determined in the field, the very place where you and your forces do not dare to approach.” – Iranian Commander [06:25]
• “I think one big difference, Phil, is that we have a smart president, whereas in the past we’ve had dumb presidents.” – J.D. Vance [11:24]
• “I predicted Osama bin Laden would knock out the World Trade Center. I made that prediction a year before he did.” – Donald Trump [12:59]
• “Honestly, I’m all for people with learning disabilities, but not for my presence. I don’t want…a president should not have learning disabilities.” – Donald Trump (about Gavin Newsom) [15:09]

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• [02:57] – Host introduces Trump’s admission as an impeachable offense
• [03:56] – Trump admits U.S. was “shocked” by Iran’s moves
• [05:13] – Trump boasts about “taking” Cuba
• [06:25] – Iranian commander mocks Trump’s approach to warfare
• [07:28] – Trump claims the war will “be wrapped up soon”
• [08:38] – Trump says countries “should be thanking us”
• [11:24] – J.D. Vance defends war, credits Trump’s intelligence
• [12:59] – Trump claims he predicted 9/11 and bin Laden
• [14:19] – Trump attacks Gavin Newsom with ableist rhetoric
• [16:00] – Update on troop casualties; accusations Trump regime is obscuring real numbers

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Tone and Language

• The episode mixes serious outrage and alarm with the brothers’ trademark wit and mockery.
• The tone is unapologetically pro-democracy, skeptical of Trump, and pointed in its criticism of deception and incompetence in government.

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Conclusion

In this episode, the MeidasTouch brothers highlight the grave dangers of Trump’s public statements and policies amid international crisis, while also calling out hypocrisy, revisionism, and distractions. The episode’s strength lies in balancing factual breakdowns with sharp, relatable commentary, making complex international developments accessible and even, at times, darkly humorous for listeners.

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For those who missed the episode:
This summary covers all major content, capturing the heated press conference fallout, analysis of military and diplomatic missteps, and the hosts’ unfiltered reaction to disturbing trends in U.S. leadership.

Transcript

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Shh. Learn [e-mail] Mochi members have access to licensed physicians and nutritionists. Results may vary. Donald Trump just made a stunning and frankly incriminating admission that I believe is an impeachable offense in the Oval Office. He just held a press conference moments ago where he said that nobody, nobody knew that Iran was going to strike Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Arabia, uae, Bahrain and Kuwait. Nobody expected that. We were caught. Utterly surprised by this. Who would have ever expected this? If that's truly the case, Donald, you deserve to be impeached immediately on that statement alone, frankly, you deserve to be impeached for all of the things you've done before, and you deserve to be behind bars. But here's what Donald Trump said moments ago. Let's play it.

[Reporter/Interviewer]

Thank you. You were talking about Iran a couple times today and what they did after epic fury began. He said they hit Qatar, Saudi Arabia, uae, Bahrain, Kuwait. Nobody expected that. We were shocked. Are you surprised that nobody briefed you ahead of time, that that might be their retaliation?

[Donald Trump]

Nobody? Nobody. No, no, no, no. The greatest experts. Nobody thought they were going to hit. They were, I wouldn't say friendly countries. They were, like, neutral. They were. They lived with them for years, Peter. They were going to take over the Middle East. They were going to knock out Israel with their nuclear weapon. But after we knocked out their nuclear potential, their nuclear potential weapon, they started building missiles, thousands and thousands of missiles. And they were going to do it with missiles. While they developed. These are sick people. While they developed nuclear. Somehow they were going to start at a different site because that site was. You saw the site, the mountain. They were going to go into a certain area which we know exactly where it is, and they were going to do that. And it's incredible what we've done. I tell you the job we've done. You know, if I didn't tell now,

[Podcast Host/Commentator]

talk about impeachable offenses or just the most disgusting things imaginable that could come out of the mouth of anybody in the Oval Office. Donald Trump then starts to talk about Cuba and goes, it's a beautiful island. I'm going to take it. I'm just going to take it. It's mine. I will do whatever I want. As the war in Iran is spiraling out of control, Donald Trump now saying that he will take over Cuba. As Donald Trump continues to try to distract from Epstein files. Here, play this clip.

[Donald Trump]

It's a beautiful island, great weather. They're not in a hurricane zone, which is nice for a change. You know, they won't be asking us for money for hurricanes every week, but. But I think Cuba see the end. You know, all my life I've been hearing about the United States and Cuba. When will the United States do it? I do believe I'll be the honor of having the honor of taking Cuba. That'd be good. That's a big honor.

[Reporter/Interviewer]

Taking Cuba.

[Donald Trump]

Taking Cuba in some form. Yeah, taking Cuba. I mean, whether I free it, take it. I think I could do anything I want with it. You want to know the truth? They're a very weakened nation right now. They were for a long time very violent, Very violent leaders. Castro was a very violent leader. His brother's a very violent leader. Extremely violent. That's how they governed. They governed with violence. But a lot of people would like to go back.

[Podcast Host/Commentator]

Meanwhile, in Iran, their kind of main commander in the field is out there putting out messages that the outcome of the war cannot be determined by tweets. They're mocking Donald Trump's behavior. Let's play this clip right here.

[Reporter/Interviewer]

A message to the President of the United States. The outcome of war is. Cannot be determined by tweets. The result of a war is determined in the field, the very place where you and your forces do not dare to approach, and you can only talk about it in your tweets. It's better to name this war as epic fear instead of epic fury.

[Podcast Host/Commentator]

Next, Peter Doocy from state regime media, which calls itself Fox, asked Donald Trump if this war can be wrapped up in a week, as though. Okay, I'll wrap it up. You do realize that Iran is saying that they're not even having discussions with you at all and that you are out there lying and saying that. There are conversations between Witkoff and the foreign minister, and the foreign minister of Iran is saying, yeah, those aren't happening. So embarrassing. Here, play this clip.

[Donald Trump]

Congratulations. Can I ask you another question?

[Reporter/Interviewer]

If Iran, as you said, totally obliterated, got the missiles, got the first two rounds of leadership, Air Force gone, Navy gone. Can we wrap this war up this week?

[Donald Trump]

Yeah, sure. I don't think so, but it'll be soon, won't be long, and we're going to have a much safer world when it's wrapped up. It'll be wrapped up soon. We're going to have a much safer world.

[Podcast Host/Commentator]

Next, Donald Trump is saying that we're doing slightly better than Jimmy Carter in Iran. Donald Trump's like, he thinks he's funny. He thinks he's doing jokes right now. Here, let's play this clip.

[Donald Trump]

Are a lot of times calling in, where's my ballot? Where's my ballot? They're lucky to get one. Jimmy Carter, probably the greatest thing he ever did. I thought he was a nice man. Not a great president, to put it mildly. How did his attack work out in Iran? Not too good. I think ours is slightly better, wouldn't you say?

[Podcast Host/Commentator]

But Jimmy Carter and Donald Trump says that China should be thanking us. They should be helping us. Donald, China is allied with Iran. You do realize that China is helping Iran militarily. Iran is saying that publicly. Here, play this clip. Mr. President, you say you're doing a

[Donald Trump]

job for the rest of the world. And your conversations with your counterparts, are they thanking you?

[Podcast Host/Commentator]

What are their conversations like when you talk about this military conflict that's taking place in Iran?

[Donald Trump]

Well, they should be thanking me because many of them get 90%. China, as an example, should be thanking us, but I don't expect to thank you, but they should be thanking us. And Japan gets 95%. China 91%. Many of the countries, South Korea gets a tremendous percentage of their oil and therefore their energy from the Straits and, or as they call it, the Strait. And they should be not only thanking us, they should be helping us. What does surprise me is that they're not eager to help. There are a couple. We'll be announcing some names. There are some that really were right up front. I would announce the name now other than, you know, maybe they prefer it not being announced for whatever reason. I will say this. It's a lot easier to get people today than it was two weeks ago. Two weeks ago, before we destroyed there, before you obliterated the country, before we took out. Because they're down to about 8% of their missiles. They're down to a small portion of their drones, and we've demolished many of their factories where they make the missiles and the drones and the rest are all following. Our military has been amazing. We hit car.

[Podcast Host/Commentator]

Next, A reporter asked J.D. vance, who's standing right next to Donald Trump, that given your past skepticism of foreign interventionism, are you completely on board with the war in Iran? And J.D. vance was like, well, I was against it when everybody was stupid. But this guy right here, Donald, he's so smart. So now, now I'm for it. Here, play this clip. Second, given past skepticism of foreign adventurism, are you completely on board with the

[Will (IQ Bar Creator)]

current war in Iran.

[Reporter/Interviewer]

So I like fraud Czar. It's certainly what we're going to do. And look, we have to do it. As the President said, this is a problem that has festered in this country for far too long and far too few people have actually wanted to do anything about it. That's what makes this administration different, is that we actually tackle the problems the American people have been facing, confronting. So I'm very happy about it. And look, I think that I know what you're trying to do, Phil. You're trying to drive a wedge between members of the administration, between me and the president. What the president said consistently going back to 2015, and I agreed with him, is that Iran should not have a nuclear weapon. We have taken this military action under the president's leadership. I think all of us, whether you're a Democrat or Republican, should pray for success and pray for the safety of our troops. That's the approach that I've taken. Make it as successful as possible.

[Podcast Host/Commentator]

So there's no hesitation, given your past statements, with the current operation.

[Reporter/Interviewer]

What do you mean, there's no hesitation with my past statements?

[Donald Trump]

Given your skepticism of foreign countries.

[Podcast Host/Commentator]

You were a critic of the global war on terror previously.

[Reporter/Interviewer]

Well, I think one big difference, Phil, is that we have a smart president, whereas in the past we've had dumb presidents. And I trust President Trump to get the job done, to do a good job for the American people and to make sure that the mistakes of the past aren't repeated. Absolutely.

[Podcast Host/Commentator]

Thanks.

[Donald Trump]

So J.D. has been great.

[Podcast Host/Commentator]

In addition, just so you see what was happening earlier as well, we've got receipts of this. Donald Trump was also saying what I showed you at the beginning at the prior press conference before going to the Oval Office, that none of this was supposed to happen. These Iran wasn't supposed to hit its neighbors. This caught everybody by surprise. The Arab nations warned this. Your generals and admirals warned you of this. The chairman of the Joint Chiefs warned you of this. I knew about this months ago. We've been reporting on it here in the Midas Touch Network that this is what would happen. So we told you about it. Play this clip and power.

[Donald Trump]

Look. Look what happened in the last two weeks. They weren't supposed to go after all these other countries in the Middle East. Those missiles were set to go after them. So they hit Qatar, Saudi Arabia, uae, Bahrain, Kuwait. Nobody expected that. We were shocked.

[Podcast Host/Commentator]

But at the same time, Donald Trump is claiming that no one knew this was going to happen in the prior press conference. He also says, I knew the Strait of Hormuz would be used as a weapon. I predicted this a long time ago. And Trump goes, I also predicted bin Laden. I predicted when 911 was going to happen. Read my book. Your book doesn't say that. Your book has a passing reference to bin Laden. You literally lie about everything. Here. Play this clip.

[Donald Trump]

I knew about the straight that it would be a weapon, which I predicted a long time ago. Predicted all of this stuff. You guys were very generous in that. I predicted all of it. I predicted Osama bin Laden would knock out the World Trade Center. I made that prediction a year before he did. I said, you better get him. He's a bad guy. I watched him be interviewed one time and I said, that's a bad guy. You better get him. One year before. Exactly. I wrote it in a book. You can even check. About a year before the World Trade center came down, President Clinton actually had a shot at him and he didn't take it. Unfortunately, I'm not blaming him for that, but he didn't take it and he ended up knocking down the World Trade Center. But I predicted that, too. I predicted a lot of things we strongly encourage.

[Podcast Host/Commentator]

Now, one thing Donald Trump's been saying over and over again today is that he's been speaking with a former president, but he refuses to say who it is. Who has been saying it. Doing a great job, Donald as Aaron Parness, rights. So when Trump says he's talking to a former president who says he wished he bombed Iran, what are the odds that Donald Trump is talking to the 45th president meeting? That Donald Trump is just talking about himself right now. Also, going back to that Oval Office press conference, Donald Trump continued to just randomly attack Gavin Newsom. Play this clip.

[Donald Trump]

Gavin Newscomb admitted that he has learning disabilities, dyslexia. Everything about him is dumb. But then he looked at the audience and said, but I'm smarter than you, or something like that. That was pretty silly. So now, on top of everything else, I call him a racist because it happened to be a black audience. I will tell you this. I think it was the worst interview I've ever seen of any human being

[Podcast Host/Commentator]

in my life because I called him a racist. And here Donald Trump says that Gavin Newsom admitted that he has learning disabilities. Dude, what are you talking about? We're at war, right? This is. This is what you're talking about. I mean, trying to mock Governor Newsom for standing up to you and by talking about disabilities in that way. What are you even saying? You're just out of control. Here, play this clip.

[Donald Trump]

That's how crazy it's gotten with a low IQ person, you know, because Gavin Newscomb has admitted that he is a. That he has learning disabilities. Honestly, I'm all for people with learning disabilities, but not for my presence. I don't want. I think a president should not have learning disabilities. Okay? And I know it's highly controversial to say such a horrible thing. The President of the United States, Gavin Newscomb, admitted that he has learning disabilities, dyslexia, everything about him is dumb. But then he looked at the audience and said, but I'm smarter than you, or something like that. That was pretty simple. So now on top of everything else, I call him a racist because it happened to be a black audience. I will tell you this. I think it was the worst interview I've ever seen of any human being in my life.

[Podcast Host/Commentator]

A few other points that we need to mention as well. A new report from the Washington Post indicates that a number of troops injured during Operation Epic Fury, which I call Epstein Fury, or as you heard the Iranian guy say, Epic Fail or Epic Fear. It's now surpassed 200. According to a spokesperson for Centcom, 10 are still in very serious condition. Although I think the Trump regime is not giving us accurate information, I think that the numbers are higher. Also, the US Embassy in the Royal Tulip Al Rashid Hotel in Baghdad were targeted in separate incidents earlier today. So far, no group has claimed responsibility, but they are believed to be Iranian attacks and you can see them for yourself right there. The foreign Minister of Iran is saying my Last contact with Mr. Witkoff was prior to his employer's decision to kill diplomacy with another illegal military attack on Iran. Any claim to the contrary appears geared solely to mislead oil traders and and the public. And this is in response to the Trump regime saying that they've been opening up direct communications with the foreign minister. And the foreign minister says this is total and utter lies. We'll keep you posted every step of the way here. Hit subscribe. Help us get to 7 million subscribers. And thanks for watching everybody. Want to stay plugged in? Become a subscriber to our [e-mail] you'll get daily recaps from Ron Filipkowski ad free episodes of our podcast and more exclusive content Only [e-mail].

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[Donald Trump]

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