The MeidasTouch Podcast
Episode: "Trump Spirals on Sunday as Damage Control Backfires"
Date: November 16, 2025
Hosts: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas
Episode Overview
In this episode, the Meiselas brothers break down former President Donald Trump’s latest attempts at damage control—including controversial social media posts, political feuds, and public relations missteps. They explore the deepening fractures within the MAGA movement, the growing opposition to Trump within the Republican Party, and the national conversation around the release of Jeffrey Epstein files. The tone is lively, irreverent, and unfiltered, with a mix of pointed analysis and the brothers’ signature comedic banter.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Trump’s Desperate Image Rehabilitation
[01:17–03:59]
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Trump’s official White House account posted photos with Melania labeled “America’s power couple,” apparently an attempt to distract from damaging revelations tying Trump to Epstein-related controversies.
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The hosts deride these as “damage control” that backfired because the public focus remained on the unfolding scandals.
“Do you think that’s going to make us forget that you’re covering up a child sex trafficking ring like that? We’re just going to go—oh, Donald Trump's name wasn’t all over those Epstein emails that were just released because Donald and Melania, they’re America’s power couple.”
—Podcast Host (Ben), [01:29] -
Trump lashed out at Indiana Republicans for refusing his gerrymandering scheme, essentially showing disarray within the party.
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The hosts highlight Democratic maneuvering in states like California as pushback to GOP schemes.
2. Economic Turmoil under Trump
[02:49–03:45]
- 23 U.S. states are currently in recession; 11 more are on the brink, with Michigan newly tipped into contraction per Moody’s.
- The hosts criticize Trump for “spiraling” over bad economic headlines that contradict his public messaging.
3. MAGA Movement Fractures: Marjorie Taylor Greene Speaks Out
[03:45–05:49]
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Marjorie Taylor Greene distances herself from Trump, criticizing his support for H1B visas, the influx of Chinese students, and lack of an “America First” agenda.
“Those are not America first positions… I would love to see Air Force One be parked and stay home and there be nothing but a constant focus in the White House on a domestic agenda that helps the American people once and for all.”
—Marjorie Taylor Greene, [04:18] -
Greene further condemns Trump for honoring a known Al Qaeda-affiliated leader on the Marines’ 250th anniversary.
“I think that was very hurtful to the great men and women who served over in the Middle East… from fighting Al Qaeda. So there’s things I disagree with and I am allowed to do so.”
—Marjorie Taylor Greene, [05:25]
4. Trump’s Loyalists & Party Weirdness
[05:49–07:21]
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With the MAGA base splintering, Trump is left with fringe loyalists like Nick Adams (Australian self-styled “alpha male” who was made ambassador to Malaysia).
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Nick Adams claims, “You’re either with Trump or you’re against America,” prompting Governor Newsom’s tart response:
“We’re pro America and pro people with critical thinking skills.”
—Governor Gavin Newsom, paraphrased by Host, [06:30]
5. The Swiss Tariff Scandal & Corruption
[06:36–07:21]
- Trump administration accepted extravagant gifts (Rolex clock, 1kg gold bar) from Swiss negotiators before agreeing to reduce tariffs.
- Hosts lampoon the brazen quid pro quo, noting a Trump spokesperson bragged that Swiss bribery outclassed even Apple’s.
6. Epstein Files: Political Fallout
[07:21–11:00]
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Senator John Barrasso dodges questions about the House’s impending vote to release Epstein files, downplays their importance, and frames the issue as a Democratic ploy.
“This is not about truth. It’s not about justice. This is about an attempt by the Democrats to make President Trump a lame duck president. And I’m not going to aid and abet them in their efforts.”
—Sen. John Barrasso, [08:23] -
Rep. Thomas Massie teams up with Democrat Ro Khanna to push for transparency, warning Republicans:
“Donald Trump can protect you in red districts right now by giving you an endorsement. But in 2030, he’s not going to be the president and you will have voted to protect pedophiles if you don’t vote to release these files… The record of this vote will last longer than Donald Trump.”
—Rep. Thomas Massie, [09:21] -
Massie suggests Trump’s sudden investigation is a “smokescreen” to prevent file release.
7. Right-Wing Media Minimizes Economic Crisis
[11:00–14:58]
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Trump’s narrative of a “golden age” is not matched by economic reality or independent coverage.
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Most right-wing outlets ignore stories about affordability struggles; left-leaning and centrist media cover it extensively.
“The awakening that we’re seeing among Trump’s MAGA base is that they’ve been lied to by their media so much and now they’re just going out and they’re like, I’m not living the golden age. Why are you hiding this stuff from me? I want the truth.”
—Podcast Host, [12:53] -
Hosts plug Ground News, an app that helps reveal media bias and blind spots.
8. State Media, Trade Policy, & the Tariff Dance
[14:58–17:50]
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Fox News focuses on trivial stories (“Taco Bell items rumored to be removed from the menu”) while ignoring Trump-Epstein connections.
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Trump administration claims credit for “removing tariffs” that it initially imposed, arguing this will lower prices at the grocery store.
“You put the tariffs on and raise the prices. Now you want to get credit for removing tariffs... Are these the biggest liars in the world?”
—Podcast Host, [14:48] -
Treasury Secretary Scott Besant insists the Supreme Court should not overturn Trump’s tariffs, spinning them as keys to world peace and fentanyl reduction.
“This is one of President Trump’s signature policies. And traditionally the Supreme Court does not interfere with a president’s signature policy… I would push this back onto the Supreme Court.”
—Secretary Besant, [16:20]
9. Trump’s Feuds and MAGA Backlash
[17:52–18:24]
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Trump spends taxpayer dollars on weekends with Lindsey Graham and publicly feuds with Marjorie Taylor Greene, calling her “Lightweight Marjorie Taylor Brown.”
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Candace Owens voices regret for supporting Trump:
“What I will say is that he’s been a chronic disappointment. And I feel embarrassed that I told people to go vote for him because this wasn’t going to happen. And it is happening.” —Candace Owens, [18:24]
10. Federal Crackdowns and Community Responses
[18:45–19:45]
- Hosts discuss federal crackdowns in North Carolina (Charlotte/Mecklenburg area), likening Trump regime’s tactics to gestapo-like targeting of communities.
- They highlight the importance of local resistance and solidarity across U.S. cities.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
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On Trump’s PR stunts:
“Do you think that’s going to make us forget that you’re covering up a child sex trafficking ring?”
—Podcast Host (Ben), [01:29] -
On the MAGA Split:
“I would love to see Air Force One be parked and stay home… on a domestic agenda that helps the American people once and for all.”
—Marjorie Taylor Greene, [04:18] -
On Political Accountability:
“The record of this vote will last longer than Donald Trump.”
—Rep. Thomas Massie, [09:32] -
On Right-Wing Media’s Blind Spots:
“I’m not living the golden age. Why are you hiding this stuff from me?”
—Podcast Host, [12:53] -
On Republicans and Tariffs:
“Are these the biggest liars in the world?”
—Podcast Host, [14:48] -
On Regret for Supporting Trump:
“He’s been a chronic disappointment. And I feel embarrassed that I told people to go vote for him… This is not the candidate that I voted for.”
—Candace Owens, [18:24]
Timestamps for Important Segments
| Timestamp | Topic/Quote | |------------|----------------------------| | 01:17 | Trump’s “America’s power couple” PR, attacks Indiana | | 03:59 | Marjorie Taylor Greene denounces Trump’s policies | | 05:09 | Greene slams Trump’s Oval Office moves | | 06:36 | Swiss tariff bribery discussed | | 07:35 | Sen. Barrasso on Epstein files | | 09:16 | Rep. Massie on GOP and voting to release files | | 10:05 | Massie accuses Trump of “smokescreen” investigations | | 11:00 | Right-wing media ignores economic crisis | | 14:58 | Fox focuses on Taco Bell, not scandals | | 16:20 | Treasury Sec. Besant defends tariff policy | | 17:52 | Trump feuds with Greene; MAGA base splits | | 18:24 | Candace Owens expresses regret over Trump | | 18:45 | Updates on North Carolina crackdown |
Conclusion
This episode captures the unparalleled chaos surrounding Trump’s efforts to manage explosive scandals, the unprecedented rift between him and longtime MAGA supporters, and the Republican Party’s increasing division over transparency and accountability. Driven by the dynamic banter and sharp analysis of the Meiselas brothers, it offers an engaging, in-depth look at political developments, the battle for truth in media, and the evolving face of the American right.