Trump Panics and Retreats in 24 Hours!!!

Summary

---

Podcast Summary: The MeidasTouch Podcast

Episode: Trump Panics and Retreats in 24 Hours!!!
Date: May 25, 2026
Host: MeidasTouch Network (Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas)
Guest Segment Host: Ron Filipkowski (correspondent)

---

Overview

This episode dives into the latest developments surrounding former President Donald Trump's frantic response to failed US-Iran peace negotiations, his shifting positions, market manipulation accusations, and how these events are being perceived both domestically and abroad. The episode also explores how current events are affecting public opinion, the Democratic strategy, and emerging progressive voices in US politics—all woven together with the show’s signature banter and direct analysis.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Trump’s "Panic" and (Perceived) Retreat on Iran

• [02:17] Ron Filipkowski opens the substantive portion by describing Trump's erratic behavior online, calling his posts "like a deranged maniac" and noting that Iranian leaders are openly mocking him for retreating on key negotiation points.
  • Quote: “Donald Trump was panicking all last night in the White House, making social media post after social media post like a deranged maniac. He was in full retreat mode and Iranian leaders were calling him out for full retreat mode.” (Ron Filipkowski, 02:17)
• Trump reportedly reversed course on a US-Iran peace deal after pressure from Republican war hawks and a phone call from Netanyahu.
• [03:31] Trump starts posting bizarre AI memes about missiles and planes; Iranians respond with actual images of downed US aircraft, mocking Trump's bravado.

2. Analysis of Trump’s Statements and the Context Behind US Policy

• [03:35-04:09] Trump’s social media claims that any deal he makes with Iran “will be a good and proper one, not like the one made by Obama...”
  • Quote: “If I make a deal with Iran, it will be a good and proper one, not like the one made by Obama, which gave Iran massive amounts of cash and a clear and open path to a nuclear weapon. Our deal is the exact opposite, but nobody has seen it or know what it is, it isn’t even fully negotiated yet.” (Ron Filipkowski reading Trump, ~03:40)
• Filipkowski offers context, arguing Trump is “basically doing a weaker version of the JCPOA” and has repeatedly failed at making sound deals, referencing Trump’s business bankruptcies.

3. Polling Data and Trump's Dwindling Popularity

• [04:38-06:02] Analysis of polling data reveals:
  • Democrats are up +7.4 on the RCP generic congressional ballot (compared to +4 in 2018, a “big wave” year).
  • Trump’s net approval among voters 18-29 has plummeted from -27 (Jan '26) to -57 (May '26).
  • Democrats have a +33 advantage with young voters.

4. Iranian Perspective and Deal Stalemate

• [06:05-06:46] Iranian IRGC spokesperson:
  • Declares the Strait of Hormuz will remain under Iranian control, regardless of the US deal.
  • Threatens withdrawal from the nuclear non-proliferation treaty if attacked.
  • Quote: “We reaffirm that the Strait of Hormuz will remain under full Iranian administration and sovereignty even in the event of reaching any future agreement…”
• [13:53-14:26] An Iranian source claims the US, for the first time, has committed to getting Israel to cease all military operations against Iranian allies. If finalized, this would mark a “strategic defeat for the US.”

5. Kitchen Table Politics and Economic Messaging

• [07:00-07:51] Clip played and discussed:
  • Focus on economic legislation, bringing down the cost of living, and the impact of international instability (specifically the Iran conflict) on domestic prices.
  • Asserts the midterms will pivot on such “kitchen table issues.”

6. Rise of Progressive Democrats

• [08:38-09:55] Graham Platner’s speech highlighted:
  • Calls out oligarchic influence, asserts working people’s voices should outweigh wealthy donors, critiques the role of private equity and CEO power, and advocates for universal health care.
  • Quote: "I believe that in our country, the voices of working people are far more important than the voices of those who simply have money. We shouldn't be settling for scraps... from the table where they dine with the Epstein class.” (Graham Platner, 08:40)
• [10:06-10:40] Senator Jon Ossoff rebukes Trump’s corruption, referencing the “ballroom” funding scandal and campaign finance abuses.

7. Republican Pushback and Internal Criticism

• [11:08-11:43] Republican Senator Thom Tillis criticizes the Trump administration’s dealing with Iran and Defense Secretary Hegseth’s failing strategies, stating Hegseth’s performance is so poor "it’s making Kristi Noem look like a five star recruit.”
• Quote: “It is unclear as of now that the Trump administration is going to be able to get a better deal than Obama got without even having to fire a shot.” (Thom Tillis, 11:27)

8. Media Commentary & Ethical Concerns

• [12:27-13:42] Megyn Kelly expresses concern over Trump profiteering from the presidency and the ethical implications of SCOTUS rulings protecting presidential acts.
  • Quote: “I’ve never seen a family get so rich off of a presidency... even one of those [trades] would have caused a massive scandal 12, 13 years ago.” (Megyn Kelly paraphrased, ~12:44)
• Discusses market manipulation, insider trades on oil/markets, and “quid pro quo” behavior as major ethical red flags.

9. Current Status of Iran Deal Negotiations

• [16:11-18:55] Comprehensive update on the stalemate:
  • US now backpedaling due to Israeli/GOP influence.
  • Iran refuses to hand over uranium or accept partial deals; insists on full asset unfreezing before any progress.
  • No US funds will be released until Iran meets “maximalist” nuclear demands, while Iran raises enrichment levels and maintains leverage over the Strait of Hormuz.
  • Quote: “We’re not going to open up the Strait of Hormuz, lose our leverage, and not have you unfreeze the assets and not have you do the things that you said you were going to do.” (Ron Filipkowski paraphrasing Iranian position, 18:24)

---

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Ron Filipkowski (02:17): “Donald Trump was panicking all last night in the White House, making social media post after social media post like a deranged maniac.”
• Graham Platner (08:40): “We shouldn't be settling for scraps that they throw to us from the table where they dine with the Epstein class.”
• Jon Ossoff (10:06): “As he continues his project of turning the White House into his royal palace, he's demanding vast sums of money, your money, for his ballroom...”
• Thom Tillis (11:27): “It is unclear as of now that the Trump administration is going to be able to get a better deal than Obama got...”
• Megyn Kelly (12:44): “I’ve never seen a family get so rich off of a presidency... even one of those [trades] would have caused a massive scandal 12, 13 years ago.”

---

Timestamps of Important Segments

• [02:17]—Trump’s online meltdown and Iran’s response
• [03:35]—AI missile meme incident and Iran’s counter-mockery
• [05:00]—Analysis of polling data and Trump’s popularity with young voters
• [06:05]—IRGC spokesperson’s statement on sovereignty over Strait of Hormuz
• [08:40]—Graham Platner’s oligarchy speech
• [10:06]—Senator Ossoff’s critique of Trump’s “ballroom” funding
• [11:27]—Senator Tillis criticizes Trump’s negotiating team and defense leadership
• [12:44]—Megyn Kelly on Trump family profiteering
• [16:11]—Deep dive into the status of Iran deal negotiations

---

Tone and Style

The episode is marked by direct, outspoken criticism of Trump, energetic progressive advocacy, and a mix of serious policy discussion with occasional comedic jabs and plain-spoken language. The MeidasTouch team delivers rapid-fire commentary, punctuated by audio clips from politicians, activists, and pundits to add authenticity and variety.

---

Conclusion

This episode delivers a detailed, scathing review of Donald Trump’s handling of the Iran situation—painting him as panicked, out of control, and politically weakened, especially with young voters. It highlights important voices from both sides of the political aisle, the stakes for US foreign and domestic policy, ethical questions surrounding Trump’s business conduct, and the emerging influence of progressive Democrats. The situation remains fluid, with the MeidasTouch Podcast promising continued updates as events unfold.

---

Transcript

[Ray Ban Meta Narrator]

Ray Ban Meta lets you explore the world without a screen getting in the way so you can stay present in the moment.

[Meta User]

Hey Meta, tell me what kind of dessert this is.

[Meta Assistant]

That's a Stroopwafel, a Dutch waffle with spiced syrup in the middle.

[Meta User]

Is it sweet?

[Meta Assistant (confirmation)]

Yes.

[Meta Assistant]

Perfect for a snack or dessert.

[Meta User]

Mmm, delicious.

[Ray Ban Meta Narrator]

Get answers on the go without interrupting your flow. Ray Ban Meta Iconic Style meets Meta AI Available at Walmart and other authorized retailers.

[Bloomberg Announcer]

Some follow the noise, Bloomberg follows the money. Whether it's the funds fueling AI or crypto's trillion dollar swings, there's a money side to every story. Get the money side of the story. Subscribe [e-mail]

[Fox News Announcer]

Fox News is now streaming live on Fox 1. When news breaks, we don't just report it, we go beyond the headlines to get the full story. Get live cover, in depth analysis and perspectives from the voices you trust all in one place. Whether you're at home or on the go, stay connected to the stories shaping our world stream. Fox News on Fox 1 download today

[Shopify Announcer]

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 Ryan

[Ryan Reynolds]

Reynolds here from Mint Mobile. I don't know if you knew this but anyone can get the same Premium Wireless for $15 a month plan that I've been enjoying. It's not just for celebrities. So do like I did and have one. Assistance assistance. Switch you to Mint Mobile today. I'm told it's super easy to [e-mail]

[Meta Assistant]

Switch upfront payment of $45 for 3 month plan equivalent to $15 per month required intro rate first 3 months only, then full price plan options available, taxes and fees, extra fee full terms@mint mobile.com

[Ron Filipkowski]

Donald Trump was panicking all last night in the White House, making social media post after social media post like a deranged maniac. He was in full retreat mode and Iranian leaders were calling him out for full retreat mode. A well informed Iranian source told Al Jazeera that negative vibes are already surfacing about the potential for a peace deal between the United States and Iran for the US and Israel's catastrophic War in Iran. These sources are saying that there are signs of a US Donald Trump retreat on two central issues, the mechanism for unfreezing Iranian assets and the scope of ceasefire in Lebanon. And this retreat followed the Magara Republican war hawks pushing Donald Trump to go back to war with Iran. And also a phone call that Donald Trump received from Netanyahu. We believed 48 hours ago that there was going to be a deal between the United States and Iran. Donald Trump made a social media post suggesting as such, and now he's going back on that. Instead he's posting AI memes like this and AI meme of a missile attached

[Ron Filipkowski (continuation)]

to an airplane that says thank you for your attention to this this matter

[Ron Filipkowski]

to which Iranian leaders immediately responded with a photograph of American airplanes that were destroyed by Iranian drones and mocking Donald Trump for making such a post. Donald Trump then posted the following as well yesterday. If I make a deal with Iran, it will be a good and proper one, not like the one made by Obama, which gave Iran massive amounts of cash and a clear and open path to a nuclear weapon. Our deal is the exact opposite, but nobody has seen it or no, what it is, it isn't even fully negotiated yet.

[Ron Filipkowski (continuation)]

So don't listen to the losers who

[Ron Filipkowski]

are critical about something they know nothing about. Unlike those before me who should have solved this problem many years ago. I don't make bad deals, djt. Yeah, you make the worst deals. You've been bankrupt over and over again. The JCPOA was actually a good deal, multilateral in scope with lots of nations ensuring that Iran wouldn't get weapons grade nuclear material.

[Ron Filipkowski (continuation)]

And basically you're doing a weaker version

[Ron Filipkowski]

of the JCPOA and Iran controls the Strait of Hormuz. Donald Trump then continued to make posts about former President Biden and he posts this image of Biden. Then he posts a photo that says Trump and it appears to be a stream of water. I mean, that's how Donald Trump is behaving right now. Look, I think the American people see what's going on right now. You look at the latest generic polling data, the RCP generic ballot, right? Right now Democrats in the generic ballot are up plus 7.4. If you look at what it was like in 2018 at this time, it was Democrats plus 4.0 in a big wave. Then Democrats in 2014 plus point 6. In 2022, Republicans were up plus 2.2. Interesting as well when you look at young voters. Donald Trump has completely lost young voters right now. In May of 2026, Donald Trump's net approval amongst voters 18 to 29 years old is negative 57. In January of 2026, it was negative 27. And you go and you look at the generic ballot poll right now, as In May of 2026, Democrats plus 33among young voters right now, Donald Trump completely losing support.

[Ron Filipkowski (continuation)]

Here's what the Iranian spokes spokesperson for

[Ron Filipkowski]

the IRGC had to say about, you know, the current status of the deal.

[Ron Filipkowski (continuation)]

We reaffirm that the Strait of Hormuz will remain under full Iranian administration and sovereignty even in the event of reaching any future agreement. The Islamic Republic emphasized that the authorities to determine transit routes, timing and issuance and maritime licenses are an absolute sovereign right exclusively in the hands of Tehran.

[Ron Filipkowski]

Then he goes on to say, the

[Ron Filipkowski (continuation)]

spokesperson for the irgc, if the enemy

[Ron Filipkowski]

attacks the administrative Hormuz, we will break the naval blockade and may withdraw from the nuclear non proliferation treaty.

[Ron Filipkowski (continuation)]

So that mean that's how Iran feels.

[Ron Filipkowski]

What's going on right now. Meanwhile, back on the home front, you have MAGA Mike Johnson going on state regime media, which calls itself Fox.

[Ron Filipkowski (continuation)]

Here's what MAGA Mike is saying so

[Ron Filipkowski]

you can hear what like the Republican

[Ron Filipkowski (continuation)]

talking point is they think that they've

[Ron Filipkowski]

been good on kitchen table issues.

[Clip Introducer]

Play this clip.

[Interviewer]

Just talk politics here. What does this mean for you and the midterms? Because I know this consumes your thoughts a lot.

[Democratic Politician]

Yeah, it's a big thing. Obviously, we've done a lot of work. The big beautiful bill, the working families tax cut, all of our legislation has been geared towards the cost of living, affordability, bringing the cost of living down. We put in all those conditions in the economy to let it take off like a rocket. And we were doing that at the beginning of the first quarter. And then the Iran skirmish began. So when this settles out, gas prices come back down to earth. That means your grocery prices come down again because of transport costs and all the rest. It's going to be a big factor. The kitchen table issues are going to decide the midterms.

[Interviewer]

Can those things come down in time to help you out in the midterm?

[Democratic Politician]

Yes, we got plenty of Runway. We have better candidates. We have a fundraising advantage. We're super excited about the midterms. I'm absolutely convinced that we're going to grow the majority and we'll get this done and make history.

[Ron Filipkowski]

But nobody's buying it. You have a new type of Democrat, I think, emerging in people like Graham Platner. You saw Graham Platner's fight, the oligarchy speech that he gave yesterday. We covered it Here live on the Midas Touch Network with Bernie Sanders. This right here is where the American people are focused on. Well, Donald Trump's talking about golden ballrooms and arches. And while Trump is stock trading and enriching himself and making people pay crypto tribute to him for quid pro quos, selling out the United States of America, weakening the United States of America for his Epstein class. Let me share with you what Graham Platin Platner saying. And we've all, we've had Graham Platner on from the very, very beginning. And let me just show you what Graham's saying here.

[Clip Introducer]

Play this clip.

[Graham Platner]

I believe that in our country, the voices of working people are far more important than the voices of those who simply have money. I believe that we should not be settling for scraps that they throw to us from the table where they dine with the Epstein class. I don't think that a CEO should have more power than a union member. I don't think that private equity deserves more time with a senator than someone who works two jobs just to get by. We are in the straits we are today because that is exactly what has happened. But the world that we live in is not how it has to be. We can have a health care system that is not just another mechanism of extracting wealth out of working Americans, but a guarantee of safety and health for all.

[Ron Filipkowski]

Also, when we talk about this new generation of Democrats, Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff running for reelection in Georgia. Here's what he has to say.

[Clip Introducer]

Play this clip.

[Jon Ossoff]

You also probably saw that as he continues his project of turning the White House into his royal palace, he's demanding vast sums of money, your money, the people's money, for his ballroom. And this is just the tip of the iceberg in a pattern of corruption and abuse unprecedented in the history of the presidency. But you can rest assured

[Jon Ossoff (continuation)]

that both

[Jon Ossoff]

of my opponents would be voting for this insurrectionist slush fund and would be voting for this crooked ballroom. And they're going to come down here to Georgia and spend hundreds of millions of dollars to try to elect one of these two Trump puppets to the United States Senate.

[Ron Filipkowski]

And folks, even Republicans are not buying what Donald Trump selling right now. I'll show you what Republican Senator Thom Tillis had to say about Hegseth. And he said, he said Hegseth is so bad that he makes Kristi Noem look like a five star recruit.

[Clip Introducer]

Here's what Tillis had to say. Let's play this clip.

[Thom Tillis]

It is unclear as of now that the Trump administration is going to be able to get a better deal than Obama got without even having to fire a shot. You just mentioned Secretary Hegseth. Do you think the president has been advised well by Secretary Hegseth on this point?

[Thom Tillis (continuation)]

No, I actually, if you take a look at the assessment that Hegseth gave, at the end of the day, regardless of who collected the information, Hegseth owns it. By being Secretary of Defense, when you tell the president that you have obliterated Iran and you're in a position to pretty much dictate terms, and now you see what we have. When you see Hegseth pull back on operations in Poland, when Ukraine, when Russia is raping, killing, murdering, torturing countless people in Ukraine, when you see these mistakes made by Hegseth, I actually, I think with all these mistakes in total, it's beginning to make Christine Ulm look like a five star recruit.

[Ron Filipkowski]

And then Megyn Kelly of all people, had the following to say about Donald Trump. Here's what Megyn Kelly said.

[Clip Introducer]

Let's play it.

[Jon Ossoff (continuation)]

You know what, Megan, I gotta push back a little bit because, you know, you know, Trump didn't take a salary while he's vice president. So I don't know what you're talking about.

[Democratic Politician]

Right.

[Meta Assistant (confirmation)]

I mean, you look at like across the border, the Trump family. I've never seen a family get so rich off of a presidency.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Right, right.

[Meta Assistant (confirmation)]

And it happened at the same time as we now have a Supreme Court ruling that basically says any official act he takes while in the White House is protected.

[Ray Ban Meta Narrator]

Right.

[Meta Assistant (confirmation)]

And those two things are, you know, seem to be giving him some sort of a hall pass that could very much get abused. I don't want to, you know, say he's crossed the line legally because I actually haven't taken a close look at that. But, you know, he's done a lot that pushes it right up to the line. And I just don't think we want our presidents or their families getting rich off of the presidency. And I really wanna know more about all these trades that are happening on Iran. Right before he makes the announcements like, this is not the way it's supposed to be. This even one of those would have caused a massive scandal 12, 13 years ago. You know, we shouldn't be so far afield that like these obvious ethical questions get skirted past with just a shoulder shrug, because it does matter.

[Ron Filipkowski]

Going back for a moment for what they're saying in Iran, a source very close to MB Golubov, Iran's parliament leader, posted the following.

[Ron Filipkowski (continuation)]

The United States and the existing draft

[Ron Filipkowski]

text of the agreement with Iran has

[Ron Filipkowski (continuation)]

for the first time accepted a commitment

[Ron Filipkowski]

on behalf of the Israeli regime to

[Ron Filipkowski (continuation)]

cease all military operations and any form of threats against all fronts of resistance against including Lebanon. This amounts to neutralizing the United States overarching strategy in the region based on keeping the regime separate from any agreement and preserving the regime's freedom of action against Iran and the resistance. If this text is finalized, it will represent an unprecedented concession and signify strategic defeat for the United States and the

[Ron Filipkowski]

regime in the war against Iran. Then it goes on to say intelligence

[Ron Filipkowski (continuation)]

assessment during this week and next week holidays in the United States, an opportunity for a surprise attack on Iran and the resistance is considered sufficient. Vigilance exists and immediate confrontation scenarios have been prepared.

[Ron Filipkowski]

So that's what they're saying in Iran right now.

[Ron Filipkowski (continuation)]

Also one of the things that Donald

[Ron Filipkowski]

Trump has demanded, although it has not really been all that effective. The White House and Andrew Desiderio reported it from Punchbowl. The White House is demanding GOP lawmakers ask, asking the GOP lawmakers to tweet

[Ron Filipkowski (continuation)]

support for the emerging deal with Iran this weekend. Some did, others dreading returning from recess,

[Ron Filipkowski]

have to defend it per senior GOP aid. So that's what they're saying there. And then you got people like Scott Jennings, these MAGA sycophants who are out

[Ron Filipkowski (continuation)]

there basically saying insiders reporting from an unnamed White House official that the Iran deal is 95% done. The remaining 5%, however, of negotiations are focused on Iran opening the Strait of Hormuz and turning over all nuclear material. As our editor in chief Ron Philipowski writes, good thing Iran giving up uranium and opening up the straight is only 5% or I might be pessimistic about this situation.

[Ron Filipkowski]

Now Donald Trump has been of course manipulating the markets. Oil the price of crude futures decreased about 5% based on all of the manipulation taking place. Stock futures at least as of now for the NASDAQ, the S& P and the Dow are very, very are very high.

[Ron Filipkowski (continuation)]

But if we actually focus again on

[Ron Filipkowski]

what's happening right now, I try to

[Ron Filipkowski (continuation)]

root us in reality by giving us the best sourcing. So here's some of the best sourcing. Ali hashem Less than 24 hours after optimism emerge around possible Iran US memorandum, negative vibes are surfacing. A well informed Iranian source tells me there are signs of US Retreat on the the two central issues, the mechanism for unfreezing Iranian assets and the scope of cease fire in Lebanon. According to the source, the memorandum includes a Lebanon cease fire framework, but Israel is reportedly uncomfortable with the arrangement and is pushing Washington to include language allowing Israel to carry out military operations in Lebanon under the justification of responding to, quote, any threat. Iran is rejecting that formulation and insisting on a sustainable and lasting ceasefire. Tehran has informed all mediators, including Pakistan, that it will not sign the memorandum unless all clauses are fully agreed and guaranteed. Pakistan reportedly suggested moving forward with the agreed sections while postponing contentious points, but Iran rejected that approach, insisting the disputed

[Ron Filipkowski]

clauses are fundamental and non negotiable.

[Ron Filipkowski (continuation)]

The overall picture suggests Tehran increasingly views

[Ron Filipkowski]

Washington as backing away from the earlier understanding reached through mediators after Netanyahu called Donald Trump and the MAGA warmongers called up Donald Trump. Ali Golaki says Netanyahu's contact with Trump

[Ron Filipkowski (continuation)]

was enough to bring U.S. policy back to quote, no dust, no export of 400 kilograms of uranium, no dollars. Cancellation of the release of Iran's frozen assets.

[Ron Filipkowski]

No dust, no dollars.

[Ron Filipkowski (continuation)]

The United States has decided not to release a single dollar from the country's frozen assets until we yield to America's nuclear demands. On the other hand, Iran has recently raised its red line for enrichment from 3.67% to 20%. And 400 kg of uranium won't be leaving Iran either. Iran will probably not sign the Islamabad understanding. Amid the uncertain situation of lifting the strait blockade by America, failure to release frozen assets and America's maximalist nuclear demands and what Iran realizes We're not going

[Ron Filipkowski]

to open up the Strait of Hormuz,

[Ron Filipkowski (continuation)]

lose our leverage and not have you

[Ron Filipkowski]

unfreeze the assets and not have you

[Ron Filipkowski (continuation)]

do the things that you said you were going to do. You, America, unfreeze the assets, give us billions of dollars that we want, as

[Ron Filipkowski]

much as 25 to $100 billion in sanctions relief.

[Ron Filipkowski (continuation)]

Then we'll respond and open up the Strait of Hormuz and then maybe later we can deal with the nuclear issue. But we're not giving you the nuclear as they made clear. They said, look, we're not making weapons

[Ron Filipkowski]

grade nuclear, weapons grade nuclear bombs, but

[Ron Filipkowski (continuation)]

we're not going to give up our civilian, our civilian nuclear program at all. So that's where things stand right now. We'll keep you posted every step of the way. I want to give you that comprehensive update. Let me know what you think. Hit subscribe and let's get to 7 million subscribers. Just double check that you're subscribed.

[Ron Filipkowski]

Okay?

[Ron Filipkowski (continuation)]

You may think you're subscribed, but you may not actually be subscribed. So just double check.

[Ron Filipkowski (closing)]

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].