Trump Throws Cabinet Under the Bus with New War Plans - The MeidasTouch Podcast

Summary

The MeidasTouch Podcast Summary: "Trump Throws Cabinet Under the Bus with New War Plans"

Release Date: June 23, 2025

Hosts: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas

1. Introduction: Trump's Contradictory Stance on Iran (00:00 - 02:46)

The episode opens with the Meiselas brothers addressing the recent turmoil surrounding former President Donald Trump's statements about Iran. Trump is portrayed as experiencing a meltdown following what appears to be unsuccessful strikes on Iran. Contrary to earlier declarations by key administration figures, Trump has now publicly called for a "Make Iran Great Again" campaign and advocated for regime change.

Trump’s Post on Twitter:
- “It’s not politically correct to use the term regime change, but if the current Iranian regime is unable to make Iran great again, why wouldn’t there be regime change? Make Iran great again!!” (00:39)
Contrasting Statements:
- Pete Hegseth, Secretary of Defense, clarifies, “This mission was not and has not been about regime change.” (02:27)
- J.D. Vance, Vice President, echoed similar sentiments on Meet the Press, emphasizing that the U.S. is not pursuing regime change. (01:42)

The hosts highlight the inconsistency between Trump's latest statements and those of his top defense officials, suggesting internal conflict within the administration’s approach to Iran.

2. Analyzing the Effectiveness of the Strikes (02:46 - 10:17)

The discussion pivots to the effectiveness of the recent military strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities. While Trump claims significant success, intelligence reports and expert opinions suggest otherwise.

Trump’s Claim:
- “Damage to the nuclear sites in Iran is said to be monumental. The hits were hard and accurate. Great skill was shown by our military. Thank you!!” (02:46)
Contrary Evidence:
- The Fordeau complex was not entirely destroyed.
- J.D. Vance signals that Iran still controls a significant enriched uranium stockpile.
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu notes that the full extent of the damage remains unclear.
- CNBC Report: The U.S. is now relying on China to prevent Iran from disrupting global oil flows, highlighting a shift in strategy and apparent weakness.

The hosts question the administration’s narrative, suggesting that the operation may not have achieved its intended objectives and that Iran's capabilities remain largely intact.

3. Trump's Attack on Congressman Thomas Massie (10:17 - 12:46)

A significant portion of the episode focuses on Trump’s public critique of Republican Congressman Thomas Massie.

Trump’s Criticism:
- “Congressman Thomas Massie of Kentucky is not MAGA, even though he likes to say he is. Actually, MAGA doesn't want him, doesn't know him, and doesn't respect him...” (04:00)
- He accuses Massie of being a “negative force” and “weak, ineffective,” especially in the context of the Iran strikes.
Massie’s Defense:
- In response to Massie’s stance on the War Powers Act, he states, “There was no imminent threat to the United States, which was what would authorize that.” (12:06)
- Criticizes the administration and House leadership for not briefing Congress effectively.

The brothers highlight the tension within the Republican Party, with Trump sidelining members who oppose his strategies, thereby showcasing internal conflicts regarding foreign policy decisions.

4. Geopolitical Implications and Iran’s Strategic Moves (12:46 - 11:53)

The podcast delves into Iran's subsequent actions following the strikes, indicating a resilient and strategic response.

Iran’s Underground Facilities:
- Discussion on "Pickaxe Mountain," a lesser-known underground nuclear facility possibly housing enriched uranium or other nuclear capabilities.
- Iranian Claims: They assert that they successfully removed nuclear capabilities before the standoff in Fordeau.
Diplomatic Maneuvers:
- Iran’s Foreign Minister is traveling to Russia to solidify a defense pact, potentially signaling strengthened ties between Iran and Russia against U.S. interests.

The hosts interpret these developments as evidence of Iran’s enduring resilience and strategic planning, undermining the effectiveness of the U.S. strikes.

5. Political Reactions and Intelligence Questions (10:17 - 11:31)

The episode examines the political discourse surrounding the intelligence and decision-making behind the strikes.

Marco Rubio’s Exchange:
- Rubio questions the legitimacy of the intelligence that purportedly indicated Iran’s intent to weaponize.
- “Use this as leverage. I'm talking about March assessment.” (10:17)
- The unnamed Republican challenges Rubio on the interpretation and use of intelligence data, suggesting a political bias in the assessment.
Thomas Massie’s Remarks:
- Criticizes the lack of congressional briefing and debates on the War Powers Resolution.
- Emphasizes the absence of an imminent threat as a basis for the strike’s legality.

The conversation underscores the complexities and potential political motivations behind the intelligence assessments that informed the administration's actions.

6. Conclusion: Trump’s Apparent Instability and Future Implications (12:46 - 13:08)

Wrapping up, the hosts express concern over Trump’s erratic behavior and the broader implications for U.S. foreign policy and democratic support.

Trump’s Erratic Posts:
- Reference to Trump misspelling his name and making seemingly incoherent statements, indicating possible instability.
- Example: “The great B2 pilots have just landed safely in Missouri. Thank you for a well done. D O N A K D J Trump President of the United States.” (09:30)
Call to Action:
- The brothers urge listeners to subscribe and support their network’s mission to reveal the truth and uphold democracy.

The summary concludes with a reflection on the potential ramifications of Trump’s actions on the integrity of the U.S. political landscape and international relations.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

Donald Trump:
- “Make Iran great again!!” (00:39)
- “Damage to the nuclear sites in Iran is said to be monumental...” (02:46)
- “MAGA doesn't want [Thomas Massie], doesn't know him, and doesn't respect him.” (04:00)
Pete Hegseth:
- “This mission was not and has not been about regime change.” (02:27)
J.D. Vance:
- “We don’t want regime change.” (01:42)
Marco Rubio:
- “Are you saying that the United States did not see intelligence that the Supreme Leader had ordered weaponization?” (10:17)
Thomas Massie:
- “There was no imminent threat to the United States, which was what would authorize that.” (12:06)

Conclusion

In this episode, the MeidasTouch Network provides a critical analysis of Donald Trump’s fluctuating stance on Iran, highlighting contradictions between his statements and those of his cabinet members. The discussion underscores the complexities of U.S. foreign policy, internal Republican dynamics, and the broader implications for democracy. Through engaging brotherly banter and incisive commentary, the Meiselas brothers offer listeners a comprehensive overview of the unfolding geopolitical crisis and its potential impact on American politics.

Note: This summary excludes advertisements, introductory segments, and outros as per the guidelines.

Transcript

Host/Commentator (0:00)

Donald Trump is having a meltdown on late Sunday afternoon as the strikes on Iran do not seem to have been as successful as he initially claimed. He's now posting Make Iran great again and calling for regime change. And this follows earlier today Donald Trump's Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth saying that there is no intention for regime change. And then Donald Trump's Vice President J.D. vance when on the morning shows and said the United States is not pursuing regime change. But here Donald Trump is saying m I g a make Iran great again and regime change. Here's what he posted. He goes it's not politically correct to use the term regime change, but if the current Iranian regime is unable to make Iran great again, why wouldn't there be regime change? Question mark. Make Iran great again. Exclamation point, Exclamation point. As our editor in chief Ron Philip Koski writes, just when the paid MAGA shills got done cranking out 36 hours of post to their divided cult that this was only about nukes and not about regime change. Trump does it again. Now this was earlier today when JD Vance was on Meet the Press and he says our view has been very clear and has not changed. We don't want regime change. Here's JD Van saying it. Play this clip.

Pete Hegseth (1:42)

Well look, that's up to the Israelis, but our view has been very clear that we don't want a regime change. We do not want to protract this or build this out any more than it's already been built out. We want to end their nuclear program and then we want to talk to the Iranians and about a long term settlement here.

Host/Commentator (1:59)

Now here's Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth saying the mission was not and has never been about regime change. The exact opposite of what Donald Trump just posted. Play this clip. So is regime change off the table? Mr. Secretary, and to the Chairman, you know you said the battle damage assessment is still ongoing, but do you believe that some nuclear capability in Iran remains?

Pete Hegseth (2:27)

This mission was not and has not been about regime change. The President authorized a precision operation to neutralize the threats to our national interests posed by the Iranian nuclear program and the collective self defense of our troops and our ally Israel.

Host/Commentator (2:46)

Now Donald Trump is posting that the he posted this as well about a half hour ago that the damage to the nuclear sites in Iran is said to be quote, monumental. The hits were hard and accurate. Great skill was shown by our military. Thank you. Exclamation point. However, that's not what the intelligence seems to be showing right now. It seems that the Fordeau complex was not completely destroyed. There's also a bunch of messages as well coming out from JD Vance and others like this from the Wall Street Journal. J.D. vance signals that Iran still controls enriched uranium stockpile. So that would seem to undercut everything that Donald Trump is saying there. Also, even Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the extent of damages is still to be seen. Again, more hedging right there. Also, this is what CNBC was reporting moments ago. U.S. is now calling on China to prevent Iran from closing the Strait of Hormuz and disrupting global oil flows. So the United States, which was once a superpower, now has to go and beg China's leader Xi Jinping to help stop Iran from disrupting global oil flows. So Trump is begging Xi Jinping right now. That's what is taking place. Also, Donald Trump is posting the following. Just look at the way this visually looks. It looks like a crazy person wrote this. And Donald Trump in this message is attacking Thomas Massie of Kentucky. And here's what he says. Congressman Thomas Massie of Kentucky is not maga, even though he likes to say he is. Actually MAGA doesn't want him, doesn't know him and doesn't respect him. He is a negative force who almost always votes no, no matter how good something may be. He's a simple minded grandstander who thinks it's good politics for Iran to have the highest level nuclear weapon while at the same time yelling death to America at every chance they get. Iran has killed and maimed thousands of Americans and even took over the embassy in Tehran under the Carter administration. We had a spectacular military success yesterday taking the bomb right out of their hands and they would use it if they could. But as usual, and despite the praise and accolades received, this lightweight congressman is against what was so brilliantly achieved last night in Iran. Masi is weak, ineffective and votes no on virtually everything put before him Rand Paul Jr. And then Donald Trump goes on and just continues to wine there. But you see, oh, you know I had to do it. Mo. Four companies control over 80% of the US meat industry. China now controls the largest portion of US pork. These companies are using mobster like tactics to crush American family farms. And with the additives they're putting into our food, Americans are stuck with sketchy meat. So what can we do about it? Let me tell you about a company that's coming up swinging on behalf of American family farms and your family's food security. It's called Moink. As I said at the beginning Moink Boink the business is simple. Moink's meat comes from animals raised outdoors, where a pig is free to be a pig. Their farmers are given an honest day's pay for an honest day's work and they deliver meat straight to your doorstep at prices that you can actually afford. Born, raised and harvested right here in the United States. Support American family farms and join the Moink movement today@moinkbox.com Midas Touch right now and get free Wings for life. They're the best wings you'll ever taste for free, but for a limited time. Here's how you spell it. M O I n k box.com midas touch that's moink box.com midas touch he is attacking Republicans for basically reiterating what Donald Trump's campaign position was, which was no wars in the Middle East. But of course we know that Trump was lying. Donald Trump also posted the following he refers to himself as Donna. He spells his name wrong. Here's what he posts. The great B2 pilots have just landed safely in Missouri. Thank you for a well done. Then he spells his name Donached D O N A K D J Trump President of the United States and it's just, you know, post after post like this looking incredibly, incredibly erratic. What other information are we learning right now as well? There's something called Pickaxe Mountain that there's another Iran lesser known underground nuclear facility that's actually deeper than than Fordeau, which may have enriched uranium as well or maybe a place where there is nuclear capabilities. Iran is claiming that they've been able to remove the nuclear capabilities before the attack on Fordeau. Lots of leaders in Iran are claiming that the Trump regime choreographed when the strikes would take place because the Trump regime was hoping it would just be a one off strike the way they killed Soleimani in 2020 and then that the Trump regime would just move on and that enabled Iran to move some of its weapons or move some of its materials outside of those facilities. We also know that Iran's foreign minister is now taking a trip to meet with Vladimir Putin. As we speak, he's going to be flying to Russia as part of a defense pact between Russia and Iran that Donald Trump clearly does not or didn't know about or take into account for. But if Trump knew basics about politics, he would know that. You have Israel Media Channel 13 reporting the following the Iranian nuclear program cannot be destroyed with bombs even if we attack it for another year with the Americans. So it seems as it is becoming more clear that this attack was not as effective as advertised. The Trump regime is changing its view on it, and now it's regime change and make Iran great again. I want to share this with you because this happened a little bit earlier as well, where you had Marco Rubio on Face the Nation, and he was asked, why would you do this if your intelligence said that Iran couldn't build a nuclear weapon anytime soon? And Rubio goes, well, that's irrelevant. Here, play this clip.