Trump Panics and Instantly Botches Entire Investigation

Summary

The MeidasTouch Podcast – Episode Summary

Episode Title: Trump Panics and Instantly Botches Entire Investigation
Air Date: December 15, 2025
Hosts: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas – The MeidasTouch Network
Theme:
This episode sharply dissects the chaos and incompetence surrounding the Trump administration’s handling of a major FBI investigation into the Brown University shooting, juxtaposed with Trump’s detached and self-obsessed public responses. The hosts deliver insightful, often satirical commentary that highlights the broader implications for democracy, national security, and U.S. global reputation.

---

Main Theme & Episode Purpose

The Meiselas brothers scrutinize the Trump regime’s mishandling of high-profile national crises, focusing on the FBI's wrongful detention of an innocent suspect in the Brown University shooting. Throughout, they contrast the administration’s ineptitude and tone-deaf priorities with the real tragedies affecting Americans and U.S. allies, exposing the regime’s self-serving, unserious approach to leadership.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. FBI Botches Brown University Shooting Investigation (02:20 – 08:02)

• FBI’s Mistake: The Trump-era FBI, heavily influenced by appointee Cash Patel, incorrectly identified and detained the wrong suspect in the mass shooting at Brown University.
  • “The FBI turned over surveillance and identified who they claimed was the person of interest in the shooting at Brown. And again, it was the wrong person. Cash Patel keeps on screwing this up over and over again…” (02:20)
• Consequences: The mayor and police chief of Providence publicly admit the error, noting the personal harm to the wrongly accused and exposing damaging due process failures.
  • Mayor: “Shortly, we will be releasing the person of interest who had been detained earlier today…” (03:53)
  • Police Chief: “It was actually picked up by the FBI and they followed through with it and they ended up…locating this individual…we didn’t have enough obviously to be able to prosecute anybody. And so the person was released.” (06:28)
• Incompetence at the Top: The brothers detail how unqualified political appointees, including a “22-year-old former part time gardener…leading counterterrorism,” are emblematic of the regime’s utter lack of seriousness.
  • “They picked the most incompetent, dumb people who hate the FBI to run this…I’m not trying to say this from a partisan perspective. It’s just the case.” (05:20)

---

2. Trump’s Tone-Deaf Public Response (08:02 – 11:31)

• Trivializing Tragedy: Trump’s only remark about the Brown shooting victims:
  • “Things can happen. So to the nine injured, get well fast, and to the families of those two that are no longer with us, I pay my deepest regards and respects from the United States of America. Thank you very much.” (08:41)
• Distraction with Vanity Projects: Rather than addressing ongoing violence or U.S. military fatalities abroad, Trump pivots to bizarre, irrelevant projects like building a “Triumphal Arc” in D.C.
  • “We’re building an arc. An arc de triumph...it will be like the one in Paris. But, to be honest with you, it blows it away. Blows it away in every way.” (09:58)

---

3. The Regime’s Obsession with Image and Power (11:09 – 13:30)

• Election Denial and Self-Promotion: Trump continues to dwell on election denial and personal vindication, ignoring national tragedies.
  • “The election was rigged in 2020. We have all the ammunition, all the stuff. And you’ll see it come out. It’s coming out in truckloads. But then we won again in 2024.” (11:31)
• Contrast with Leadership: The hosts contrast Trump’s behavior to President Biden’s public empathy, highlighting Trump’s lack of substance and moral clarity.
  • “Look at someone with stage four cancer. Look at what he [Biden] looks like. Contrast that to how Donald Trump looks like.” (11:48)

---

4. National Security and Far-Right Movements (12:00 – 13:50)

• Warnings of Extremism: The hosts discuss concerning connections between far-right, pro-Putin European leaders and Trump-aligned officials, referencing Der Spiegel’s report and the U.S. national security strategy aiming to undermine NATO and the EU.
  • “Their goal is destroy the European Union, destroy NATO…by lifting up far right wing groups that support Vladimir Putin in the destruction of Europe.” (12:35)

---

5. Trump’s Real Priorities: Golf Courses and Gold Cards (13:55 – 15:00)

• Dubious Policy Focus: Trump’s interview with the Wall Street Journal reveals his actual immediate priority: converting D.C.’s public golf courses into Trump-branded facilities.
  • “What he is super focused on is taking the first steps in his possible bid to control D.C.’s public golf courses…” (13:55)
• Absurd Fundraising and Merchandising: Trump simultaneously hawks gold “Trump Cards” and offers U.S. citizenship to wealthy foreign nationals for $5 million.
  • “If you've got $5 million, if you're a Russian oligarch, you can become a citizen of the United States…” (03:10)

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On FBI’s Missteps:

  • “Cash Patel keeps on screwing this up over and over again.” (02:35, Host)

• On Administrative Incompetence:

  • “They picked the most incompetent, dumb people who hate the FBI to run this…The head of counterterrorism is a 22 year old former part time gardener.” (05:20, Host)

• Trump’s “Oopsies” Response:

  • “Things can happen. So to the nine injured, get well fast…” (08:41, Trump)

• On Bizarre Priorities:

  • “We're building an arc...It will be like the one in Paris, but to be honest with you, it blows it away. Blows it away in every way.” (09:58, Trump)

• On Right-Wing Farce and Russian Influence:

  • “Their goal is destroy the European Union, destroy NATO…by lifting up far right wing groups that support Vladimir Putin…” (12:35, Host)

• Closing on Advocacy and Solidarity:

  • “Folks, we have to stand together right now during these uncertain and difficult and bizarre times… we're always going to keep fighting for you here. When we see all of this, we're going to keep bringing receipts, we're going to keep bringing facts every day. We're just going to be methodical. We're in this together, okay? Stay strong.” (14:35, Host)

---

Important Timestamps

• 02:20 – Breakdown of Brown University investigation mishap and FBI’s error
• 03:53 – Providence Mayor’s statement on wrongful detention
• 06:28 – Providence Police Chief details how the FBI led them astray
• 07:20 – Official: Why evidence shifted and suspect released
• 08:41 – Trump’s dismissive response to Brown University shooting
• 09:58 – Trump’s “Triumphal Arc” project announcement
• 11:31 – Trump’s ongoing election denialism and obsession with 2020
• 12:35 – Discussion on far-right European ties, Russian influence
• 13:55 – Trump’s main focus: D.C. public golf courses
• 14:35 – Hosts’ message of unity and closing words

---

Episode Tone and Style

Unapologetically passionate and irreverently humorous, the Meiselas brothers blend facts, biting criticism, and sharp satire to energize supporters of democracy and highlight the dangers of unchecked incompetence and authoritarian creep within American institutions.

---

Takeaway

This episode offers a scathing, evidence-driven critique of the Trump regime’s approach to crisis management, civil liberties, and public service. It encourages vigilance, solidarity, and action among listeners at a time of heightened political absurdity and real-world peril.

Transcript

[Jack Daniels Advertiser]

This episode is brought to you by Jack Daniels. Jack Daniels and music are made for each other. They share a rhythm in the craft of making something timeless while being a part of legendary nights. From backyard jams to sold out arenas, there's a song in every toast. Please drink responsibly. Responsibility.org, jack Daniels and Old Number 7 are registered trademarks. Tennessee Whiskey 40% alcohol by volume. Jack Daniel Distillery, Lynchburg, Tennessee.

[New Balance Advertiser]

At New Balance, we believe if you run, you're a runner, however you choose to do it. Because when you're not worried about doing things the right way, you're free to discover your way. And that's what running is all about. Run your [e-mail] Running.

[NBA on Prime Advertiser]

This episode is brought to you by NBA on Prime this Tuesday at 8:30 Eastern, it's the Emirates NBA Cup Championship Game on Prime. This year's quest for the cup has been building to this the championship game live from Las Vegas. Not a Prime member. Sign up for a 30 day free trial to get started today. The Emirates NBA Cup Championship Game this Tuesday at 8:30 Eastern only on Prime. Restrictions apply. See Amazon.com amazonprime for details.

[Political Commentator]

This is a real good story about Bronx and his dad, Ryan. Real United Airlines customers. We were returning home and one of the flight attendants asked Bronx if he wanted to see the flight deck and meet Kath and Andrew.

[New Balance Advertiser]

I got to sit in the driver's seat.

[Political Commentator]

I grew up in an aviation family and seeing Bronx kind of reminded me of myself when I was that age. That's Andrew, a real United pilot. These small interactions can shape a kid's future.

[New Balance Advertiser]

It felt like I was the captain.

[Political Commentator]

Allowing my son to see the flight deck will stick with us forever. That's how good leads the way.

[KFC Advertiser]

A KFC tale in the pursuit of Flavor the holidays were tricky for the colonel. He loved people, but he also loved peace and quiet. So he cooked up KFC's 499 chicken pot pie. Warm, flaky, with savory sauce and vegetables. It's a tender, chicken filled excuse to get some time to yourself and step away from decking the halls, whatever that means. The colonel lived so we could chicken KFC's chicken pot pie the best $4.99 you'll spend this season.

[Political Commentator]

Prices and participation may vary while supplies last. Taxes, tips and fees. Ext. Donald Trump's FBI screwed up again. They brought the wrong person into custody. Following the mass shooting at Brown University, the FBI turned over surveillance and identified who they claimed was the person of interest in the shooting at Brown. And again, it was the wrong person. Cash Patel keeps on screwing this up over and over again. They had to release the person who was in custody. This is not something that normally happens, but this happens all the time under the incompetent Trump regime. Let's talk about that in a moment. But let me show you what Donald Trump has been posting last night and into the morning. And when I show you these images, I just want you to remember what's transpired over the past 48 hours. You had that mass shooting at Bondi beach in Australia where at least 15 people were killed. You had multiple service members in the United States military killed in Syria that was linked to the current Syrian Transitional Government, the stg. And there's been more ISIS attacks in Syria. You have this mass shooting that took place at Brown University, and the FBI took the wrong person into custody. We saw them do that. Charlie Kirk as well. And this is what Donald Trump is posting. These weird selfies of himself and weird images of himself in the lobby of our beautiful White House. Or this post. Get your Trump gold card today, trumpcard.gov where he's selling away our what? Our immigration policy. If you've got $5 million, if you're a Russian oligarch, you can become a citizen of the United States. Weird photos like this of himself. It's very strange. Let's talk about the FBI putting the wrong person into custody again. First, I just want to remind you, hit subscribe and help us get to 6 million subscribers. You may think you're subscribed to this YouTube channel subscrib, but just double check, and the algorithm may send you these videos and you may just search for us. Just double check that you're subscribed. We're under attack from this Trump regime, and we're trying to hit 6 million subscribers before 2026. Just double check. Okay, so this was who the FBI was saying was the person of interest. And they turned this over to the Providence police in Rhode island and said, go get this guy. I'm not mentioning the guy's name because it's the wrong guy whose life they now destroyed. And here, the mayor of Providence, he had to admit, brought in the wrong person because Trump's FBI gave him the wrong freaking person. Watch what the mayor says. Play this clip. Shortly, we will be releasing the person of interest who had been detained earlier today. And the attorney General can speak a little bit about the rationale for that, but we want to inform the community that that individual will shortly be released from Providence police. And here you'll hear from the police chief in Providence who says the specific one who they brought in was actually picked up by the FBI. And they, the FBI, Cash Patel followed through with it and they ended up coming and locating this individual of interest. Cash Patel gave him the wrong person. And now the shooter is at large and has escaped because the Trump regime is so incompetent. Like y' all realize that they've picked the worst, most. I don't care what your politics are, they pick the most incompetent, dumb people who hate the FBI to run this. And again, I'm not trying to say this from a partisan perspective. It's just the case. The head of counterterrorism is a 22 year old former part time gardener who interned at the Heritage foundation, who's never worked in the FBI. And they have this guy leading counter terrorism. Here's what the police chief said. Play this clip.

[Providence Police Chief]

Yeah, so it was a. There was a tip that came in just like we were taking any other tips. And that one came in specifically identifying a person of interest, which was this individual. And so we, our detectives got on it just like they got on another, this specific one. It was actually picked up by the FBI and they followed through with it and they ended up coming and located this individual of interest. And at that point we did a thorough investigation, examine, ended up drafting some search warrants, came up with some evidence, but that evidence was examined and we didn't have enough obviously to be able to prosecute anybody. And so the person was released.

[Political Commentator]

And then you have another person over there talk about how over the last 24 hours the evidence points in a different direction. What? This is not normally how it works. Don't gaslight us here. Play this clip.

[Attorney General or Official]

When we're talking about an investigation matter. And what it means here is that certainly there was some degree of evidence that pointed to this individual, but that evidence needed to be corroborated and confirmed. And over the last 24 hours leading into just very, very recently, that evidence now points in a different direction. So what that means is that this person of interest needs to be and should be released. I think what is really unfortunate, that this person's name was leaked to the public. It's hard to put that back in the bottle. Okay, so we're going to proceed very carefully here.

[Political Commentator]

And then Cash Patel had posted that we've established a command post to intake, develop and analyze leads and run them to ground. We activated the FBI cellular Analysis survey team to provide critical geolocation capabilities. Yeah, you got the wrong person. Do you think Donald Trump cares at all? Donald Trump's literal response at a Christmas party yesterday was, things can happen. Trump goes, oopsies. Things can happen. That's your response to a mass shooting? Things can happen. Here, play this clip.

[Liberty Mutual Advertiser]

And Brown University, great school. Great, great. Really one of the greatest schools anywhere in the world. Things can happen. So to the nine injured, get well fast, and to the families of those two that are no longer with us, I pay my deepest regards and respects from the United States of America. Thank you very much. It's a very.

[Political Commentator]

But what he really wanted to talk about are not the things that can happen. And by that, he means what? Our military members getting killed in Syri, Syria, while Donald Trump sprays cologne on the former leader of Al Qaeda who's now the president of Syria. Or as there's mass shootings taking place in Providence, Rhode island, now with Donald Trump, or. So you want to talk about what happened in Bondi beach. Fifteen Australians were killed the first night of Hanukkah celebration. No, Donald Trump wants to talk about this. We're building an arc. An arc de triumph. Yeah. Like the one commissioned by Napoleon in 1806. As Seth Koeltler explains, by the time construction had really begun in earnest, Napoleon suffered a disastrous military defeat and had been forced into exile. Here, play this clip.

[Liberty Mutual Advertiser]

Believable in policy. And we have a policy thing that's going to be unbelievable happening. Should I announce it or should I keep it quiet? I put Vince in charge of the Triumphal Arc. We're building an arc like the Arc de Triumph. And we're building it by the Arlington Bridge, the Arlington Cemetery opposite the Lincoln Memorial, you could say Jefferson, Washington, everything, because they're all right there. And it's something that is so special, it will be like the one in Paris. But to be honest with you, it blows it away. Blows it away in every way. And Vince came in one day and his eyes were teaming. I mean, he couldn't believe how beautiful it was. He saw it and he wanted to do that. That's your primary thing. There is nothing that can compete with that. It's the only city in the world that's of great importance that doesn't have a triumphal arc. You know what that is? And this one is going to blow them all away. The one that people know mostly is the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France. And we're going to top it by, I think, a lot of this guy.

[Political Commentator]

This guy. As Laura Rosen says, Three U.S. personnel killed in Syria, two people in the attack at Brown attack targeting a Hanukkah celebration in Australia. And Trump is focused on lying about losing the election in 2020. What a loser. And here is Donald Trump at that event whining about the election from 2020. Play this clip.

[Liberty Mutual Advertiser]

Very good at cheating. Their professionals are cheating because we won in 2016 by a lot. The election was rigged in 2020. We have all the ammunition, all the stuff. And you'll see it come out. It's coming out in truckloads. But then we won again in 2024.

[Political Commentator]

So you see the contrast here. Former President Biden went to a Philadelphia Eagles game yesterday. You see him there. Look at someone with stage four cancer. Look at what he looks like. Contrast that to how Donald Trump looks like. And then just I think it's important to point out just over the past week what's been happening here. AFD top leaders. AFD is the right wing extremist pro Putin party that exists in Germany where Der Spiegel, a great German media company, did a report and showed how these people are literally like viewed by Russia as being completely controlled by Moscow. And you've got people like Marcus, Fran Meyer and others meeting with our top State Department officials because I read for you that national security strategy that Trump regime put out two weeks ago. It says their goal is destroy the European Union, destroy NATO. And one of the ways they're going to do it is by lifting up far right wing groups that support Vladimir Putin in the destruction of Europe. So that's what's going on there. Did you see this? I want to leave with these two points right here because to me, this sums it all up. So Donald Trump gave an interview, an exclusive with the Wall Street Journal, and this is what he told the Wall Street Journal, that he is not certain his economic policies will translate to midterm wins. In this exclusive interview with the Journal, he says his efforts to secure investments in the US haven't fully taken effect. And I cannot tell you how it's going to equate to the voter, but what he is super focused on is taking the first steps in his possible bid to control D.C. s public golf courses. There's three golf courses in D.C. public courses that he wants to make Trump golf courses. And this is his real big focus right now. So it's Arches, golden ballrooms, golf courses, taking selfies of himself. Folks, we have to stand together right now during these uncertain and difficult and bizarre times. And I just want you to know, as we approach right now, it's second Second day of Hanukkah, second night today, Christmas, Kwanzaa, if you don't celebrate anything. Regardless, we're in this together, okay? And I've just been hearing from you, I know what you're going through. And I just want to let you know that we're always going to keep fighting for you here. When we see all of this, we're going to keep bringing receipts, we're going to keep bringing facts every day. We're just going to be methodical. We're in this together, okay? Stay strong. We appreciate you. Hit subscribe, help us get to 6 million. And thank you for all that you do. Hey, Midas Mighty, it's Ben, Brett and Jordi and we just want to thank you for being the backbone of this movement. This year tested us more than ever. But together we proved that pro democracy voices don't just compete, we win. We took on the entire Maga machine, won a Webby for podcast of the year, the Midas Touch podcast. And you were with us every step of the way. And trust us, what we're working on next is bigger, bolder, and built for 2026. Let's keep this momentum going, spread the word. We are just getting started. Shout out to the Midas Mighty and Doug.

[Liberty Mutual Advertiser]

Here we have the Limu Emu in its natural habit, helping people customize their car insurance and save hundreds with Liberty Mutual. Fascinating. It's accompanied by his natural ally, Doug.

[Political Commentator]

Limu is that guy with the binoculars watching us.

[KFC Advertiser]

Cut the camera.

[Liberty Mutual Advertiser]

They see us.

[Political Commentator]

Only pay for what you [e-mail] Liberty Liberty Liberty Liberty Savings Very underwritten by Liberty Mutual Insurance Company Affiliates Excludes Massachusetts.

[New Balance Advertiser]

Starting a business can seem like a daunting task unless you have a partner like Shopify. They have the tools you need to start and grow your business. From designing a website to marketing to selling and beyond, Shopify can help with everything you need. There's a reason millions of companies like Mattel, Heinz and Allbirds continue to trust and use them. With Shopify on your side, turn your big business idea into sign up for your $1 per month [e-mail] specialoffer.