Podcast Summary: The MeidasTouch Podcast

Episode: Trump Spirals as Thanksgiving Blows up in his Face
Date: November 27, 2025
Hosts: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas

Main Theme

This episode centers on Donald Trump’s controversial behavior and statements in the days leading up to and during Thanksgiving 2025. The Meiselas brothers dissect Trump’s public outbursts, his divisive comments following a tragic shooting in Washington D.C., and his inflammatory remarks about South Africa and the G20. Contrasting Trump’s actions, the hosts revisit President Obama’s Thanksgiving addresses, highlighting the differences in tone, dignity, and service. The brothers underscore broader issues of leadership, American values, and the importance of holding politicians accountable.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Trump’s Thanksgiving Distractions and G20 Controversy

• Trump's Attention-Seeking During Holidays (00:30):
  • The brothers argue that Trump deliberately seeks attention during holidays to draw the public focus back onto himself.
    • “Donald Trump hates holidays because it’s a time when people can reflect on things other than his chaos and madness.” (Ben, 00:30)
• G20 and South Africa Spat (00:50):
  • Trump boycotted the G20 in South Africa and accused the country of “white genocide,” leading to a diplomatic snub and retaliatory posts.
    • “You are a despicable human being, Donald. You made up that there’s a white genocide taking place, which is false.” (Ben, 01:36)
  • The hosts mock Trump for trying to punish South Africa and speculate he’ll use the next G20, hosted in Miami, to personally profit.

2. Response to Tragic D.C. Shooting

• Trump’s Mismanagement and Diversion (03:05):
  • Instead of addressing the crisis, Trump posts about fake polling and approval ratings.
• Failure in Counterterrorism Appointments (03:56):
  • Discussion of Trump’s mishandling of FBI counterterrorism resources, pointing to his installation of unqualified personnel.
    • “[The Trump regime] put in a 22 year old right out of college with no experience in the FBI, who previously was a gardener…” (Ben, 04:12)
  • Hosts accuse Trump of neglecting genuine threats while persecuting immigrants and marginalized communities.

3. Contrasting Thanksgiving Leadership: Obama vs. Trump

• Obama’s Thanksgiving Message (06:55):
  • The show plays a compilation of President Obama’s reflective Thanksgiving remarks emphasizing unity, gratitude, and service.
    • “It’s easy to focus on what separates us, but… let’s be grateful for what binds us together.” (Obama, 07:44)
• Obama Volunteering vs. Trump Partying (08:17):
  • The brothers praise Obama for working at food banks, contrasting it with Trump golfing at Mar-a-Lago and hosting extravagant parties.
    • “Obama would be at the food banks on Thanksgiving giving back to the community. As I mentioned, Donald Trump was blaming the Somali community for reasons that are unclear.” (Ben, 08:57)

4. Trump’s Rhetoric Targeting Minorities and Political Opponents

• Baseless Attacks on Somali-Americans (10:54):
  • Trump singles out Somali-Americans in Minnesota, accusing them of “ripping off our country” without evidence.
    • “Gangs of Somalians come from a country that doesn’t even have a government…” (Trump, 11:06, quoted by Ben)
  • The hosts call this scapegoating racist and condemn blanket generalizations.
• Attacks on Reporters (11:31):
  • Trump insults New York Times reporter Katie Rogers, calling her “ugly,” and a Bloomberg reporter, calling her “piggy.”
    • “What are you, three years old? Three year olds would’ve behaved this way.” (Ben, 12:50)

5. U.S.-China-Japan-Taiwan Relations: Geopolitical Ramblings

• Xi Jinping and Trump’s “Messaging” to Japan (13:15):
  • Trump reportedly passes along messages from China’s President to Japan’s Prime Minister, confusing U.S. foreign policy and appearing weak.
    • “No, you’re a bunch of sociopaths who just create frameworks to justify the fact that all you really want is your little Kim Jong Un-style leader…” (Ben, 14:27)

6. Thanksgiving Economics and Political Spin

• Thanksgiving Dinner Pricing and Media Spin (15:39):
  • Highlighting Fox News’ coverage of supermarket prices, the hosts call out attempts to spin inflation narratives by using misleading data about generic food brands.
    • “Of course we can eat generic brands. That’s not the point… The only point we’re trying to make… is that prices are up and you are lying.” (Ben, 16:31)
• Clip from Kevin Hassett Defending Generic Foods (16:59):
  • “Like having a generic something is a crime for ordinary folks. It shows how out of touch these people [media] are.” (Kevin Hassett, 17:05)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Donald Trump spent the time trying to be divisive, attacking former President Biden and attacking Somalis in Minnesota because Donald Trump is a despicable racist.” (Ben, 00:45)
• “President Ramaphosa and the G20 nations—I guess the G19... just stop giving in to this pathetic little baby.” (Ben, 02:24)
• “It’s easy to focus on what separates us, but as we gather with loved ones on this Thanksgiving, let’s remember and be grateful for what binds us together.” (Obama, 07:44)
• “Obama would be at food banks on Thanksgiving… Donald Trump’s in Mar-a-Lago… throwing Gatsby parties with half-naked women dancing around in martini glasses…” (Ben, 08:22)
• “Is he saying that the Lincoln Memorial and reflecting pool is Biden filth? Is he going to tear down the Lincoln Memorial?” (Ben, 11:37)
• “What are you, three years old? Three year olds would have behaved this way.” (Ben, 12:50)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:30 | Trump’s Thanksgiving Rampage and G20 Fallout
• 03:05 | Trump’s Tone-Deaf Response to D.C. Shooting
• 06:55 | Obama’s Thanksgiving Message (audio clip)
• 08:22 | Comparison: Obama at Food Banks vs. Trump Partying
• 10:54 | Trump’s Racist Attack on Somali-Americans (audio clip)
• 11:31 | Trump’s Insults Against Journalists
• 13:15 | Trump, China, Japan, and Taiwan: Foreign Policy Confusion
• 15:39 | Thanksgiving Prices: Media Spin & Generic Brands Debate
• 16:59 | Kevin Hassett: Generic Food Brands Defense
• 17:28 | Episode Wrap-Up

Tone and Style

The episode is characterized by sharp, unsparing political critique, a blend of humor and outrage, and frequent use of rhetorical questions and sarcasm. The brothers’ familial banter adds levity to serious topics, reflecting their “unapologetic support of democracy” and irreverent approach to political analysis.

Useful for New Listeners

Whether you missed the episode or want a recap before Thanksgiving dinner debates, this summary captures the MeidasTouch Podcast’s energetic dissection of political leadership, media distortion, and the ongoing contest over American values. It showcases the dramatic contrast between different presidential traditions and the stakes for U.S. democracy amid toxic rhetoric and real policy consequences.