Summary of "Trump SCREWS HIS TERM before it EVEN STARTS" – The MeidasTouch Podcast

Release Date: November 15, 2024

Overview

In the episode titled "Trump SCREWS HIS TERM before it EVEN STARTS," hosts Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas delve into the tumultuous beginnings of Donald Trump's administration. The brothers critically analyze Trump's initial nominations for key cabinet positions, the concerning behavior within the Republican Party, the failure of corporate media to address these issues adequately, and the broader international implications of these domestic decisions. The discussion underscores the urgency of defending democracy amidst alarming political developments.

Trump’s Nominees: Analysis and Concerns

Brett Meiselas initiates the conversation by expressing frustration over Trump's cabinet selections, labeling them as the "weakest link" for those who expected responsible appointments. He lists controversial nominees, including:

• Matt Gaetz for Attorney General
• RFK Jr. for Health and Human Services
• Tulsi Gabbard for Director of National Intelligence
• Christy Noem for Homeland Security
• Tom Homan for Border Czar
• Peter Hegseth for Secretary of Defense

He emphasizes the lack of qualifications and appropriateness of these choices, noting their potential to destabilize essential government functions. Brett states, “Donald Trump giving our nuclear codes to a dude named Hexith. That is where we are right now. The markets are not responding to it very favorably” ([01:00]).

Ben Meiselas echoes these concerns, highlighting the chaos induced by these nominations even before Trump officially takes office. He laments the “relatively calm and nice and quiet” expected by some, contrasting it with the "pandemonium" unfolding ([03:15]).

Corporate Media and Its Failings

Both Brett and Jordan Meiselas critique the corporate media for prioritizing ratings over substantive reporting. Brett accuses media outlets of seeking "drama and torment" to boost their viewership, sidelining credible journalism. He remarks, “You have to remember Trump is presenting his nominations as a boost for cable ratings. But it's not about ratings; it's about governance” ([04:31]).

Jordan adds that corporate media’s penchant for "gamifying politics" undermines the seriousness of governmental decisions. She asserts, “Politics should never be gamified in such a way where it's a football game” ([06:36]).

Internal Republican Critique

The hosts discuss the troubling statements and actions of Republican figures in response to Trump’s nominations. Brett shares clips where Republican Tony Gonzalez labels Matt Gaetz as engaging in unethical behavior, stating, “Gates is a scumbag who pays minors to have sex with him at drug parties” ([33:09]).

They also highlight Mike Huckabee’s extremist views on Middle Eastern geopolitics, including his refusal to acknowledge the West Bank's existence and denial of a Palestinian state:

• “I think Israel has title deed to Judea and Samaria” ([37:52])
• “There's really no such thing as a Palestinian Arabs and Persians” ([39:05])

Ben underscores the alarming trend of Republicans internally denouncing their own members, further destabilizing the party's stance.

International Repercussions

The podcast extends its critique to the global stage, examining how Trump's administration could affect international relations, particularly with Russia and Ukraine. Brett points out the missed opportunity for de-escalation, noting Trump’s ineffective and contradictory approach:

• “Vladimir Putin denied having any conversations with Donald Trump. He called it pure fiction” ([52:55])
• “Donald Trump leaked to the Washington Post that he had called Vladimir Putin and said Putin De escalate” ([50:24])

They argue that Trump's actions have emboldened adversaries, leading to increased aggression instead of fostering peace.

Discussion on Specific Nominees

The hosts delve deeper into specific nominees, highlighting their unfitness for the roles:

• Matt Gaetz: Accused of unethical behavior, Brett cites Gaetz’s own statements about purging the FBI if he becomes Attorney General ([34:04]).

• Tulsi Gabbard: Criticized for allegedly parroting Russian propaganda, Brett states, “She's someone who word for word, verbatim parroted Russian propaganda” ([17:35]).

• Peter Hegseth: Described as having questionable personal habits, Brett mocks his claims of not washing for years ([17:38]).

• RFK Jr.: Concerns about his leadership over Health and Human Services ([20:37]).

Ben emphasizes the dangers of placing such individuals in positions with substantial power, warning of potential mismanagement and authoritarian tendencies.

Conclusion: The Urgency to Protect Democracy

In their concluding remarks, the Meiselas brothers underscore the critical need to defend democratic institutions against what they perceive as a fragile and compromised administration. Brett calls for solidarity and action, urging listeners to stay informed and engaged:

• “We stand with you. We're going to keep on growing. We're not stopping” ([66:37]).

Ben adds a personal note of concern, highlighting the psychological and societal ramifications:

• “This whole federal government right now is just like one big grift” ([61:39]).

Jordan reiterates the importance of community and collective action in the face of rising authoritarianism:

• “Love and hope and optimism and helping people and progress will ultimately always win” ([67:24]).

The episode concludes with a call to action, encouraging listeners to support democratic efforts and stay vigilant against the erosion of democratic principles.

Key Quotes with Timestamps

• Brett Meiselas [03:15]: “This is just chaos. Every single day. It's pandemonium. We're right back in it, and the guy is not even in office yet.”

• Ben Meiselas [04:31]: “Those are the things they're saying about these people, and that includes Tulsi, that includes RFK Jr.”

• Jordan Meiselas [06:36]: “Politics should never be gamified in such a way where it's a football game.”

• Brett Meiselas [33:09]: “Matt Gaetz. He paid minors to have sex with him at drug parties.”

• Mike Huckabee [37:52]: “I think Israel has title deed to Judea and Samaria.”

• Brett Meiselas [66:29]: “Dark times call for leadership. Dark times call for solidarity and people to speak up and not be silenced.”

Final Thoughts

The MeidasTouch Podcast episode "Trump SCREWS HIS TERM before it EVEN STARTS" offers a critical examination of the Trump administration's early moves, highlighting significant concerns about the qualifications and intentions of key nominees. The hosts advocate for informed vigilance and proactive measures to safeguard democratic institutions against what they perceive as emerging authoritarianism. Through incisive dialogue and pointed critiques, Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas call upon their audience to remain engaged and uphold democratic values in these challenging times.