The MeidasTouch Podcast: Trump Panics as War Blows Up in His Face!!!

Date: March 14, 2026
Hosts: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas

Episode Overview

In this high-energy episode, the Meiselas brothers break down the rapidly escalating military conflict in the Middle East, focusing on Donald Trump’s response, the widening global fallout, and the impact on U.S. relationships and the economy. Through a mix of pointed analysis, humor, and their signature brotherly banter, the hosts criticize Trump’s social media behavior, dissect the consequences of U.S. military actions, and contrast current “leadership” with real examples of statesmanship.

Major Topics & Key Discussion Points

1. Escalating Middle East Conflict and U.S. Military Involvement

• Deployments: The U.S. is sending 5,000 more marines and sailors (02:46), a move the brothers note is usually a precursor to ground invasions.
• Strait of Hormuz Showdown: Despite Trump’s claims, Iran still controls the waterway. U.S. allies like India, Italy, and France are now negotiating directly with Iran for safe shipping passage (05:00).
• Oil Infrastructure Attacks: The Kharg Island, handling 90% of Iran’s crude exports, was targeted in a U.S. bombing, but Trump’s claim of “total obliteration” is exaggerated and misleading (08:00).

“We don’t have control of the Strait of Hormuz. We don’t have it at all. China has safe passage. Iran continues to have safe passage. And what Iran’s saying is, if you think you can make it through, we wish you the best. It’s effectively shut down right now.” – Ben (08:50)

2. Trump’s Social Media Meltdown & International Mockery

• Erratic Posting: Trump posts memes targeting Obama, Iran’s leadership, and media figures, even renaming Maggie Haberman as “Maggot Hagerman.” The brothers question his fitness for leadership.
• Global Reactions: Iranian officials openly mock Trump and the U.S. on social channels, sharing parade footage and derisive comments (06:30).
• Allies Turn Away: Traditional allies now work bilaterally with Iran, reflecting loss of American influence.

“That is not even weakness masquerading as strength. That’s weakness masquerading as very weak weirdness. Weird weakness is what that really is.” – Ben (06:10)

3. Human and Economic Cost of War

• Rising Expenses: The war’s cost is over $20 billion and climbing. Oil prices are surging above $100 per barrel (09:30).
• U.S. Casualties: Thirteen known service members have died, with hundreds injured, including traumatic brain injuries (17:50).
• Collateral Damage: U.S. tankers damaged during Iranian strikes in Saudi Arabia; attacks in Baghdad and Bahrain indicate the war’s broadening scope.

4. International Dimensions & Ripple Effects

• Israel and Lebanon on the Brink: Israel is considering a full ground invasion into Lebanon, with Beirut suburbs reduced to rubble and Hezbollah preparing for a protracted fight (10:50).
• Ukraine's Role: While Trump mocks Zelensky, Ukraine is actually supplying key anti-drone defense technology to the U.S. (12:00).
• Russia Profiting: Relaxed U.S. restrictions on Russian oil mean Putin’s regime collects windfall profits during the crisis.

“Russia’s making a killing, quite literally as well, and figuratively. … The US is perfectly okay with any country buying Russian oil at this point. Sure as hell ain’t lowering the price of gas right now.” – Ben (11:56)

5. White House’s “Video Game” Mentality and Backlash

• Perceived Disrespect: Senator John Ossoff slams the administration for using gamified imagery while U.S. troops are returning in coffins, calling it a “disgrace” (21:01).

“This White House treats war like a game and it’s a disgrace. And it speaks to the moral rot of this administration.” — Sen. John Ossoff (21:11)

6. Warnings about Escalation: Catastrophic Humanitarian Impacts

• Escalation Risks: Trump’s own advisor, “David,” delivers a stark warning about a wider humanitarian crisis if desalination plants in the Gulf are targeted—potentially leaving millions without water (18:32).

“If you see that type of destruction continue, you could literally render the Gulf almost uninhabitable… Human beings just cannot survive very long without water. So that would be a truly catastrophic scenario.” – Trump Administration Advisor (David) (19:43)

Notable Quotes and Moments

• Trump’s Weakness Parodied (06:10):
  "That is not even weakness masquerading as strength. That's weakness masquerading as very weak weirdness. Weird weakness is what that really is."

• International Mockery (06:30):
  "You have Ali Larijani...mocking Hegseth and saying, Mr. Hegseth, our leaders have been and still are among the people. But your leaders on Epstein Island..."

• Danger of Escalation (19:43):
  "You could literally render the Gulf almost uninhabitable…a truly catastrophic scenario."

• White House Criticized (21:11):
  "This White House treats war like a game and it’s a disgrace. It speaks to the moral rot of this administration."

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:46] — Situation overview: U.S. military deployment, banks’ economic fears, Trump’s online meltdown
• [05:00] — Allies negotiating with Iran, instability across Middle East
• [06:30] — Iranian leadership’s public ridicule of Trump
• [08:00] — U.S. bombing of Kharg Island and disputed narratives
• [09:30] — Economic fallout: oil and inflation impacts
• [10:50] — Escalating Israel-Lebanon conflict
• [11:56] — Russia’s oil profits and geopolitical maneuvers
• [13:20] — U.S. Labor Department downplaying economic pain
• [15:53] — J.D. Vance’s energy policy statements
• [17:50] — U.S. military casualties
• [18:32] — Risks of escalation: desalination plants and humanitarian disaster
• [21:01] — Senator Ossoff’s rebuke of WH video-game mentality

Tone and Style

The hosts blend sardonic humor with outrage and deep concern, striving to expose factual contradictions in the Trump administration’s messages versus ground realities. They provide soundbites, context, and emotional resonance for listeners while maintaining a fast-paced, conversational energy.

Bottom Line

This episode delivers a forceful critique of Donald Trump’s management of the military crisis, juxtaposing his bombastic social media presence against sobering international and humanitarian realities. The brothers argue that the administration’s actions are undermining U.S. credibility, damaging alliances, and risking catastrophic outcomes at home and abroad, all while displaying a striking lack of seriousness amid a deepening global emergency.