The MeidasTouch Podcast: "Trump TANKS HIMSELF right BEFORE CHRISTMAS"
Release Date: December 24, 2024
In this compelling episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast, hosts Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas delve deep into the tumultuous political landscape shaped by former President Donald Trump's provocative actions and statements leading up to Christmas. Combining sharp analysis with their trademark brotherly banter, the trio explores Trump's recent social media outbursts, the explosive release of the Matt Gaetz ethics report, and the broader implications for American democracy and international alliances.
1. Trump's Social Media Provocations and International Backlash
Ben Meiselas opens the discussion by addressing Trump's recent immature social media threats aimed at invading foreign territories:
"Leaders are clapping back at Donald Trump for Donald Trump's immature social media threats to invade them. [...] We'll get into Donald Trump's bizarre social media bullying and the responses from world leaders."
[02:01]
He highlights Trump's targeting of Panama and Greenland, emphasizing the swift and firm responses from these nations:
"The president of Panama responded to Trump's threats and said, every square meter of the Panama Canal belongs to Panama and will continue belonging to Panama."
[10:31]
Brett Meiselas echoes the concern over Trump's rhetoric destabilizing international relations:
"These were things like the Greenland thing that had come out his previous presidency, and people were like, oh, that sounds nuts."
[18:22]
The hosts discuss how Trump's actions are undermining long-established alliances, drawing parallels to historical events to underscore the gravity of his statements.
2. The Matt Gaetz Ethics Report: Revelations and Republican Cover-up
A significant portion of the episode focuses on the damning Matt Gaetz ethics report released by a bipartisan Ethics Committee. Ben Meiselas provides a detailed overview of the findings:
"From at least 2017 to 2020, Representative Gates regularly paid women for engaging in sexual activity with Him. In 2017, Representative Gates engaged in sexual activity with a 17-year-old girl. [...] He has acted in a manner that reflects discreditably upon the House."
[52:00]
Brett Meiselas critiques the Republican leadership's attempts to suppress the report:
"Rand Paul refused to allow it to actually go to a vote. [...] That's why Republicans are able to weaponize their own obstruction in really devious ways."
[31:49]
The hosts condemn figures like Jim Jordan and MAGA Mike Johnson for their roles in attempting to keep the report hidden, emphasizing the ethical breach such actions represent.
3. Government Shutdown Standoff and Continuing Resolutions
The conversation shifts to the recent government shutdown threat orchestrated by Trump, who pressured Republicans to dismantle the debt ceiling or extend it absurdly far into the future:
"Donald Trump demanded that Republicans shut down the government unless a continuing resolution was passed that contained either the abolition of the debt ceiling or an extension to 2029. And then he said to 2027."
[02:01]
Ben Meiselas explains how this maneuver was ultimately ignored, leading to a limited continuing resolution that notably excluded funding for pediatric cancer research and imposed fewer restrictions on business dealings with China.
"The government was not shut down, although we'll talk about how some, not some, a lot of money for pediatric cancer research was removed from the continuing resolution."
[02:01]
Brett Meiselas further dissects the Republican strategy to blame Democrats for the shortcomings of the resolution, highlighting the obstructionist tactics used to derail bipartisan efforts.
"Republicans are able to weaponize their own obstruction [...] that's the perfect example right here."
[31:49]
4. Contrasting Leadership: Biden vs. Trump
The hosts draw a stark contrast between President Biden's constructive actions and Trump's divisive tactics. Ben Meiselas praises Biden's focus on strengthening alliances and championing bipartisan legislation:
"President Biden is speaking softly but actually backing up with real action. [...] He kept his word, did what he was supposed to do."
[34:41]
Meanwhile, Brett Meiselas criticizes Trump's inability to maintain stable governance and support international partnerships, labeling his approach as reckless and damaging to America's standing.
"Donald Trump and Elon Musk and all these folks, the axis of authoritarians [...] That's why, you know, that's why I so appreciate [...] the Charlie Angus over in Canada who is speaking truth to power."
[37:09]
5. Implications for American Democracy and Global Alliances
The podcast underscores the broader implications of Trump's actions on both domestic governance and international relations. The hosts argue that Trump's rhetoric weakens America's alliances and emboldens adversaries like China and Russia.
"When Trump makes posts with the American flag in other sovereign countries [...] has broader implications here. That's reckless."
[10:31]
They also discuss how Trump's behavior contrasts with historical American leadership, invoking figures like Teddy Roosevelt to highlight the importance of a balanced foreign policy.
"Compare and contrast the big stick policy that exists under Teddy Roosevelt [...] to Donald Trump, which I refer to as the micro stick [...] you're just looking weak and pathetic."
[10:32]
6. Call to Action: Supporting Democracy and Accountability
Concluding the episode, the Meiselas brothers urge their listeners, the MeidasMighty, to remain vigilant and supportive of pro-democracy initiatives. They emphasize the importance of holding public officials accountable and advocating for transparent governance.
"Shout out to the Midas mighty and every pro democracy warrior out there that demanded that this ethical ethics report be released."
[57:08]
Ben Meiselas encourages listeners to engage with their content and support their independent media efforts through platforms like Patreon, reinforcing their commitment to unbiased news coverage.
"Patreon.com Midas Touch [...] Happy Holidays. Merry Christmas. We love you, Midas Mighty."
[65:43]
This episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast offers a thorough examination of Donald Trump's recent maneuvers, the critical revelations from the Matt Gaetz ethics report, and the ongoing struggles within Congress to maintain governmental stability. Through incisive commentary and factual analysis, the Meiselas brothers provide listeners with a clear understanding of the challenges facing American democracy and the imperative to support transparent and accountable leadership.