Trump Very Confused in Disaster Presser as More Bad News Strikes

Summary

The MeidasTouch Podcast Summary Episode Title: "Trump Very Confused in Disaster Presser as More Bad News Strikes" Release Date: May 8, 2025

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Overview

In this episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast, hosts Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas delve into the fallout from former President Donald Trump's recent press conference, highlighting concerns over his cognitive clarity and administrative oversight. Brett Meiselas takes the lead in dissecting Trump's performance, underscoring a series of alarming missteps and conflicting narratives emanating from the White House. The discussion is punctuated with notable quotes from Trump and key figures, providing listeners with an in-depth analysis of the current political landscape.

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Trump's Disastrous Press Conference

Brett Meiselas opens the episode by critiquing Trump's latest press conference, labeling it as a "disastrous" display that raises serious questions about the former president's mental fitness and awareness within his administration.

Brett Meiselas [00:57]: "Donald Trump just gave a disastrous press conference in the White House that is sparking more questions about his mental fitness and cognitive decline."

Meiselas highlights Trump's apparent lack of awareness regarding critical administration functions, especially amid the Federal Reserve's warnings about a collapsing economy.

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Victory Day Comments

One of the press conference's notable moments was Trump's rambling about Victory Day, where he attempted to elevate the United States' role in World War II celebrations.

Donald Trump [03:15]: "It's time that we start celebrating victory, and that's what we're doing."

Trump further elaborated on the establishment of Victory Days, proposing the addition of separate commemorations for World Wars I and II. Meiselas critiques this initiative as another example of Trump's misguided priorities.

Donald Trump [04:20]: "We are celebrating every year now, I can guarantee for four years. But I think after that, we're going to have two Victory Days, World War I and World War II."

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Migrant Deportations to Libya

Trump addressed questions regarding the administration's controversial plan to deport migrants to Libya, a move criticized by human rights organizations.

Donald Trump [05:09]: "I don't know. You'll have to ask Homeland Security."

Meiselas points out the contradiction between Trump's claims of ignorance and the confirmations from three U.S. officials about the deportation plans. He emphasizes the deplorable conditions of Libyan detention centers and the State Department's travel warnings, portraying the administration's policy as dehumanizing.

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Trade War and Tariffs

The episode delves into Trump's ongoing trade war, particularly focusing on his administration's tariffs and the broader economic implications.

Donald Trump [06:05]: "I don't know. I'll think about it. I don't know. I really don't. I want to make it nice and simple."

When pressed about exempting essential products from tariffs, Trump remained non-committal, signaling potential instability in his trade policies. Meiselas contrasts Trump's stance with comments from Treasury Secretary Scott Besant, who suggested the possibility of lowering tariffs, highlighting internal discrepancies within the administration.

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Congressional Hearing on Trade Deficits

A pivotal moment discussed is the congressional hearing where Democratic Congressman Meeks challenges Trump's justification for declaring trade deficits a national emergency.

Congressman Meeks [08:58]: "Can you just say yes or no? Yes or no?"

Trump defends the position by citing the "hollowing out of the U.S.," but Meiselas underscores the historical context, noting that trade deficits have persisted for four decades without being deemed emergencies by previous administrations.

Congressman Meeks [09:20]: "For the last four decades we've had trade deficits in the United States of America and nobody said it was an emergency."

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Federal Reserve's Warning on Stagflation

The Federal Reserve's recent announcement not to alter interest rates comes amidst warnings of potential stagflation—a combination of slow economic growth, high unemployment, and rising inflation.

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell [10:27]: "If the large increases in tariffs that have been announced are sustained, they're likely to generate a rise in inflation, a slowdown in economic growth, and an increase in unemployment."

Meiselas emphasizes the gravity of Powell's warnings, suggesting that sustained high tariffs could exacerbate economic instability.

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US Troops and Houthis Conflict

The episode also touches on the ongoing conflict between U.S. troops and the Houthi rebel group, highlighting recent military mishaps and Trump's ambiguous stance on peace efforts.

Donald Trump [11:45]: "We'll see what happens. But I think, you know, I believe that hopefully that's over with and they'll leave the ships alone."

Meiselas notes the contradiction between Trump's claims of a ceasefire and the recent incidents, including the loss of U.S. fighter jets, raising questions about the administration's handling of foreign relations and military operations.

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Conclusion

Brett Meiselas wraps up the episode by reiterating the concerning developments from Trump's press conference and the broader implications for U.S. democracy and governance. He urges listeners to stay informed and engaged through The MeidasTouch Podcast, emphasizing the network's commitment to deep discussions supporting democracy.

Brett Meiselas [12:44]: "Another day, another disaster. You know, we're going to continue to follow it all right here on the Midas Touch Network."

Listeners are encouraged to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and to access ad-free content through the Midas Substack.

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Key Takeaways

• Cognitive Concerns: Trump's performance indicates potential cognitive decline or deliberate exclusion from key information.

• Policy Inconsistencies: Conflicting statements from Trump and his administration reveal internal discord and policy uncertainty.

• Economic Implications: Sustained tariffs may lead to stagflation, jeopardizing economic stability.

• Foreign Policy Challenges: Ambiguous statements and military mishaps undermine confidence in the administration's foreign policy strategies.

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This episode serves as a critical examination of the current political dynamics, offering listeners a comprehensive analysis of pressing issues facing the United States. The MeidasTouch Podcast continues to provide insightful and unabashedly democratic discourse, reinforcing its position as a pivotal source for political discussions.

Transcript

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[Brett Meiselas]

C's apply Donald Trump just gave a disastrous press conference in the White House that is sparking more questions about his mental fitness and cognitive decline. Trump did not seem to be aware of much of what was going on in his administration. This as the Federal Reserve was sounding the alarm about the collapsing economy. My name is Brett Meisellos with the Midas Touch Network. Remember to subscribe and add the Midas Touch podcast right now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. For more, this tweet from reporter Sam Stein summed up this press conference Perfect When Trump was asked to comment about Vance saying that Russia was asking for too much in negotiations, Trump replied, when did he say that it's possible he's right. On news that the Trump administration is now going to deport migrants to Libya, Trump said, I don't know. You'll have to ask Homeland Security. On Republican Senator Thom Tillis opposing Trump's nominee, Ed Martin for U.S. attorney for Washington, D.C. trump replied, I didn't know that. As Max Burns wrote, quote, either Trump's cognitive function is in sharp decline or his White House team is intentionally keeping him adamant of the loop on key national security issues, or both. Any combination of those things is a huge problem. Let's go through some of the lowlights here. Donald Trump rambled and complained that the US doesn't get enough credit for World War II, as he designated Thursday as Victory Day. Here's the clip, and it's.

[Donald Trump]

I really believe it's a shame. You know, it's. I was watching for the last week and I noticed France, I noticed other countries all getting ready for Victory Day. And I said, that's sort of strange because David just added something. He said, we also rebuilt the world, and I didn't have that and I should have that. That was a big factor. But I noticed all of the countries, Russia having a big day tomorrow. And by the way, they lost millions of people and they were absolutely a major factor, but there was no major factor like us. We won the war and we won it with the help of others, but everybody was celebrating but the United States of America. And I said, you know, I think it's time that we start celebrating victory, and that's what we're doing.

[Brett Meiselas]

Oh, and if that wasn't enough, Trump said, we're actually going to have two Victory Days now, one for World War I and one for World War II, but said that the American people get too much time off as it is. I don't even know. Watch this.

[Donald Trump]

All Americans should take pride in what these incredible patriots have achieved. So I just want to say happy Victory Day to all. So we are celebrating every year now, I can guarantee for four years. But I think after that, we're going to have two Victory Days, World War I and World War II. This is World War II Victory Day. In the future, we're going to have a major celebration of each day. We're not going to have days off because we don't have enough days in the year. We have too many celebrations already.

[Brett Meiselas]

Trump was also asked about his administration's plans to now send migrants to Libya. Trump said he didn't know anything about it. Watch this.

[Donald Trump]

The other questions.

[Reporter]

Are your administration sending migrants to Libya?

[Donald Trump]

I don't know. You'll have to ask Homeland Security, please.

[Brett Meiselas]

So three US Officials have now confirmed to the press that the Trump administration is planning on deporting migrants to Libya for the first time this week. Human rights groups have called Libya's detention centers, quote, horrific and deplorable. And the State Department has even called these facilities harsh and life threatening. The State Department even has a travel warning for Libya, warning of terrorism, kidnapping, and armed conflict in the region. This is just yet another dehumanizing idea by the Trump administration, and one that Trump is saying he just knows nothing about. Trump was then asked about his trade war, which is having devastating effects on the US Economy. Trump was asked if he would exempt products that families rely on from his tariffs. And he said like everything else, he didn't know. Watch this.

[Reporter]

The Treasury Secretary just told lawmakers that a tariff exemption for certain baby items like car seats is under consideration. Will you exempt some products that families.

[Donald Trump]

I don't know. I'll think about it. I don't know. I really don't. I want to. I want to make it nice and simple. I'm not looking to have so many exemptions that nobody knows what's doing. We have to make it very simple. But I'll take a look at it.

[Brett Meiselas]

Trump continues to lie about China wanting to engage in trade conversations with the United States. In fact, China has said that the US has been trying to initiate talks with them. I mean, the US Is practically begging them to speak, not the other way around. Trump was asked about this and he lied some more. Watch this.

[Donald Trump]

We will, but we haven't made that decision yet.

[Reporter]

China said the US Initiated the trade talks this weekend and that its position hasn't changed. Are you still confident you can reach.

[Donald Trump]

A deal with China they said we initiated? Well, I think they ought to go back and study their files. Okay. I do think that. Go ahead.

[Brett Meiselas]

Trump was then asked if he'd be willing to pull back on his massive tariffs to try to get China to negotiate. He said no. Watch this order.

[Reporter]

To have substantive negotiations, you have to bring down your 145% tariffs. Are you open to pulling back your tariffs in order to get China to the negotiating table?

[Donald Trump]

No.

[Brett Meiselas]

And I should note that literally just hours before this, Trump's Treasury Secretary, Scott Besant, said that the US Would consider lowering the tariffs. Okay. I have to say, Hexclad completely changed the game in my kitchen. I used to constantly wrestle with the choice between stainless steel for durability or nonstick for cleanup. And honestly, neither ever felt quite right. But then I tried Hexclad and now I get the best of both in one pan. It's like magic stainless steel performance and nonstick convenience. I've made everything from scrambled eggs to steaks in my hexclad pans and they still look brand. They're easy to clean, totally dishwasher safe, oven safe up to 500 degrees. And this is a big one. Scratch resistant even when I use metal utensils. Plus they're Japanese Damascus steel knives. Insanely sharp, effortless slicing. I use them every single day. And if Gordon Ramsay trusts Hexclad in his kitchen, you know it's legit. He's a tough critic, believe me. And by the way, hexclad products come with a lifetime warranty, so they literally last a lifetime for a very limited time. Shop the Hexclad Mother's Day sale for up to 49% off site wide and a free gift with purchase when you order one of their best selling bundles with our exclusive link, just head to hexclad.com Midas support our show and check them out at h e x C-L-A-.com midas and make sure to let them know we sent you. Bon appetit. Let's eat with Hexclad's revolutionary cookware. By the way, here was a great moment from a hearing this morning where Democratic Congressman Meeks question Scott Bessant directly about the Trump administration's entire basis for these tariffs, where they say that our trade deficits constitute a national emergency. Watch this epic moment as trade deficits.

[Congressman Meeks]

Constitute a national emergency.

[Donald Trump]

The hollowing out of the U.S. no.

[Congressman Meeks]

Just yes or no? Yes or no? Yes or no?

[Donald Trump]

National emergency, sir.

[Congressman Meeks]

It does.

[Reporter]

It does.

[Congressman Meeks]

You're telling me trade deficits equals a national creation.

[Donald Trump]

Persistent and prolonged.

[Brett Meiselas]

Okay, sir.

[Congressman Meeks]

And do you know also sir, that for the last four decades we've had trade deficits in the United States of America and nobody said it was an emergency. Democratic and Republican presidents. You know what that says to me? That it's not an emergency? Because it hasn't been for four decades. It says to me that we should bring tariffs back to the United States Congress so that we can make that determination, as the Constitution has said, and not try to go around Congress. That's just unbelievable to me. Let me.

[Brett Meiselas]

Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve has announced it is leaving interest rates unchanged, issuing a major warning about stagflation in the United States, that means slow economic growth, high unemployment and rising inflation. Here's Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell warning about stagflation if Trump's tariffs remain. Watch this.

[Jerome Powell]

If the large increases in tariffs that have been announced are sustained, they're likely to generate a rise in inflation, a slowdown in economic growth, and an increase in unemployment. The effects on inflation could be short lived, reflecting a one time shift in the price level. It is also possible that the inflationary effects could instead be more persistent. Avoiding that outcome will depend on the size of the tariffs effect, tariff effects on how long it takes for them to pass through fully into prices, and ultimately on keeping longer term inflation expectations well anchored.

[Brett Meiselas]

Back to the press conference. Trump was also asked about the ongoing conflict between US Troops and the Houthis. While Trump is now claiming there is a ceasefire with the rebel group, there have been multiple incidents over the past couple weeks in the region. In fact, just yesterday we learned about a US Fighter jet that plummeted into the Red Sea when trying to land on the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier. At least that's the story that we've been told. This was the second fighter jet the US Lost in the Red Sea in just over a week and the fourth major mishap in just months. These fighter jets are worth about $70 million a piece, but I guess this is what happens when you have a Fox News morning show host in charge. Anyway, Trump said today that he honors the Houthis commitment and commended them for their bravery. Watch this.

[Donald Trump]

Take a look. But, you know, we had really a very good, as, you know, we had a very good outcome with the Houthis and we honor their word. I mean, they made a commitment and we dealt with other countries that were close to them and their surrogates, and we honor all of their words. We'll see what happens. But I think, you know, I, I believe that hopefully that's over with and they'll leave the ships alone. You know, just leave those ships alone. But so we do we take their word for it. It was, you know, we hit them very hard. They had a great capacity to withstand punishment. They took tremendous punishment. And, you know, you could say there's a lot of bravery there, that it was amazing what, what they took. But we honor their commitment and they were, they gave us their word that they wouldn't be shooting ships anymore. And we honor that. I want to thank you all for being.

[Brett Meiselas]

Anyway, so that's the latest. Another day, another disaster. You know, we're going to continue to follow it all right here on the Midas Touch Network. So remember to subscribe and add the Midas Touch podcast right now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. My name is Brett and I'll see you soon. K Get enough Midas Check out the Midas substack for ad free articles, reports, podcasts, daily recaps from Ron Filipkowski and more. Sign up for free [e-mail].