Trump Wakes Up in a Panic as He Loses All Control

Summary

The MeidasTouch Podcast Summary Episode Title: Trump Wakes Up in a Panic as He Loses All Control
Release Date: February 22, 2025

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Overview

In this episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast, hosts Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas delve deep into the tumultuous political landscape dominated by former President Donald Trump. Combining sharp political analysis with their signature brotherly banter, the trio examines Trump's recent actions, public statements, and declining approval ratings. The discussion is enriched with insights from political analysts and scrutinizes the implications of Trump's strategies on American democracy.

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Main Discussions

1. Trump's Economic Accountability

The episode kicks off with a critical examination of Donald Trump's attempts to deflect blame for the current economic downturn. Host 1 highlights Trump's insistence that the economy is "not my fault" ([00:31]).

• Donald Trump's Claim:

  • "It's not my fault." ([00:31])

• Political Analyst's Challenge:

  • "When does it become your economy? When is it a Trump economy where we get to see if your plans are working?" ([01:10])

Host 1 counters by presenting alarming poll data from the University of Michigan Consumer Survey, indicating a rise in long-run inflation expectations and a significant increase in Americans' pessimism about the economy ([03:20]).

2. Trump's Communication with Supporters

The hosts discuss Trump's recent efforts to galvanize his base through emails and social media posts, emphasizing his support for Elon Musk and criticizing governmental policies.

• Trump's Email Excerpt:
  • "They want me to fire Elon Musk... Democrats are in full meltdown modes... you're firing hardworking government employees now..." ([01:19])

Host 1 criticizes Trump's messaging strategy as a "bait and switch," accusing him of shifting blame to President Biden for economic woes ([02:55]).

3. Media Strategy and Public Image

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on Trump's relationship with Fox News and his portrayal in media.

• Trump's Statement on Inflation:
  • "Yeah, we inherited and inflation is back. I'm only here for two and a half weeks." ([03:08])

Host 1 argues that Fox News acts as a "propaganda arm," perpetuating a misguided narrative that undermines Trump's presidency ([03:20]).

4. CPAC and the Third Term Project

The podcast examines the current state of the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), highlighting a shift towards advocating for Trump's indefinite hold on power.

• Third Term Project:
  • The project aims to "override the constitution to let Trump hold on to power indefinitely," with CPAC promoting Trump as a "dictator for life" ([08:10]).

Host 1 expresses concern over this movement, suggesting it threatens the foundational democratic principles of the United States.

5. James Carville's Criticism and Host's Rebuttal

A heated exchange unfolds as James Carville, a Democratic strategist, criticizes Trump's fiscal policies and approval ratings.

• James Carville's Points:
  • "More deficit has accumulated under Donald Trump than any other president of American history." ([10:14])
  • Additional Criticisms: Republican stance on the minimum wage, tax cuts for the wealthy, women's reproductive rights, and support for Vladimir Putin.

Host 1 rebuts Carville's arguments by presenting contrasting poll data that allegedly shows Trump maintaining strong support among Republican voters, despite low overall approval ([12:42]).

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Key Quotes

• Donald Trump:
  "It's not my fault." ([00:31])

• Political Analyst 1:
  "When does it become your economy? When is it a Trump economy where we get to see if your plans are working?" ([01:10])

• Host 1:
  "Your approval rating, Donald, is absolutely plummeting right now. The worst in Gallup polling history for this term or this time in the presidency. Horrific stuff." ([02:45])

• James Carville:
  "The Democrats are 13 points up in the congressional generic that Donald Trump has the lowest approval rating of any president at this point in his presidency in American history." ([10:14])

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Data and Polling Insights

The podcast references data from the University of Michigan Consumer Survey, noting a rise in long-run inflation expectations from 3.2% in January to 3.5% in February ([03:20]). This increase is cited as the largest month-over-month rise since May 2021, surpassing economists' expectations. Additionally, Host 1 accuses Trump of having the "worst poll numbers" in American history, a claim juxtaposed against James Carville's assertion of Trump maintaining strong support among Republican voters ([10:14]).

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Conclusions and Insights

The MeidasTouch Podcast delivers a robust critique of Donald Trump's current political maneuvers and public standing. The hosts argue that Trump's strategies are backfiring, leading to decreased public approval and increased economic anxiety among Americans. They express concern over the potential erosion of democratic norms, particularly in light of movements like the Third Term Project at CPAC. The episode underscores the tension between differing political narratives, emphasizing the need for accountability and transparency in political leadership.

The discussion also highlights the role of media in shaping public perception, with the hosts accusing mainstream outlets like Fox News of serving as propaganda tools that distort the realities of Trump's presidency. By juxtaposing data-driven insights with sharp political commentary, The MeidasTouch Podcast offers listeners a comprehensive analysis of the current political climate and the challenges facing American democracy.

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Final Thoughts

This episode serves as a critical examination of Donald Trump's influence on contemporary politics, exploring the ramifications of his actions on both the economy and the democratic framework of the United States. Through a blend of factual data, incisive analysis, and dynamic discourse, the Meiselas brothers provide their audience with a nuanced understanding of the evolving political dynamics underpinning Trump's enduring presence in American politics.

Transcript

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[Host 1]

This episode is brought to you by Progressive Insurance. Fiscally responsible financial geniuses, monetary magicians. These are things people say about drivers who switch their car insurance to Progressive and save hundreds. Visit progressive.com to see if you could save Progressive Casualty Insurance Company and affiliates. Potential savings will vary. Not available in all states or situations. Donald Trump woke up and called Fox in a panic and said, everybody stop blaming the economy on me. It's not my fault. It's not my fault. Here, watch what Donald Trump said. Here, play this clip.

[Political Analyst 1]

When does it become your economy? When is it a Trump economy where we get to see if your plans are working?

[Donald Trump]

Well, it takes a period of six months to a year.

[Host 1]

Really, Donald. And by the way, this follows last night, Donald Trump trying to email his supporters with the following message. They want me to fire Elon Musk. And when you open it up, I subscribe to this so you don't have to. It says urgent stand with Elon. Doge is tearing through Washington's corrupt bureaucracy like a tornado. Democrats are in full meltdown modes. First they sue me, then they threatened to impeach me, and now they want me to fire Elon Musk. Well, let's be clear. You're firing hardworking government employees now. You're firing disabled veterans. You're firing people who have dedicated their life to helping because you and Elon Musk want to give $4.5 trillion in tax cuts to billionaires and other billionaires. And so it's not just Democrats who are upset at what Elon Musk is doing. It's Democrats. Republicans, Independents are upset that they're invading our privacy, taking our tax records, our medical records, our Social Security information, getting access to tax pay systems. People are pissed. Your approval rating, Donald, is absolutely plummeting right now. The worst in Gallup polling history for this term or this time in the presidency. Horrific stuff. But let me just bring some receipts. Donald, this is before the election. Just to be clear, when you said that you will immediately bring down prices starting on day one. Play this clip so when I win.

[Donald Trump]

I will immediately bring prices down. Starting on day one, we will end Kamala's war on American energy and we will drill, baby, drill. We're going to drill.

[Host 1]

Just so we're all clear here of the Donald Trump bait and switch, this is his new line. You can't blame me on the economy. You can't blame me. It's Biden's fault. It's Biden's fault. Here's what he said just earlier in the week when he was on Hannity as well. Play this clip.

[Donald Trump]

Yeah, we inherited and inflation is back. I'm only here for two and a half weeks.

[James Carville]

That was inflation. There was a week.

[Donald Trump]

Now think of it, inflation's back and they said, oh, Trump and flag. I had nothing to do with it. These people.

[Host 1]

Isn't it just so despicable how Fox just serves as a propaganda arm as state regime media trying to cover up what a horrific and disastrous presidency this is already? Take a look at data. We like looking at data here at the Midas Touch Network from the University of Michigan Consumer Survey. Long run inflation expectations rose over the course of the month and climbed from 3.2% in January to 3.5% in February. This is the largest month over month increase since May 2021. Exceeding expectations. Lots of Americans believe inflation's going to hit in the mid fours or even higher pretty soon. Economists expected that Donald Trump was going to cause massive problems to the economy, but this soon is even exceeding their expectations. More emails from Donald Trump last night. And this Elon Musk is Dark Maga. Ben, are you ready to join him and go dark Mag? I don't know what the hell are you talking about. Am I ready to go dark maga? No, I'm ready for you to lower the prices, make housing more affordable, make health care more accessible, make education more accessible, solve the war in Ukraine in 24 hours, Russia's unlawful invasion, which you did not do and not attack Zelinsky. That's what I'm ready for. Not going Dark maga. More grifty emails from Donald Trump about immediate, immediate action required. Click this link right now. By the way, Donald Trump made this post last night of the Team USA versus Team Canada game. Everything Donald Trump touches dies. Of course Team Canada won after Donald Trump intervened and tried to make that game about himself. The same way he did with the Kansas City Chiefs. Donald Trump reposting Matt Gaetz. And now we all know the report on Matt Gaetz and the underage girl. And we know about Matt Gaetz. But Donald Trump wants to post Matt Gates as his hype man. But of course, Donald Trump was close friends with Jeffrey Epstein and Epstein recruited girls from Mar A Lago to Traffic. So we, we, we know, we know this crew. Um, and there's a reason why I don't think you're going to see those Epstein files released anytime soon. Here's what Matt Gaetz says. From cutting bloated budgets to renaming the Gulf of America. Oh yeah, the Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America. Yeah. Who cares if Donald Trump is dest destroying the federal government, making people less safe, less healthy, destroying our alliances. All that matters is Gulf of America. Yeah. And by the way, this is what currently at CPAC, they've gone from Project 2025, the right wing people from Project 2025 to now they're calling it, you want to get this, the third term project. This is from today at cpac. Trump is speaking at this conference tomorrow. But this is what it looks like today where ATT there are promoting the quote, third term project which calls to override the constitution to let Trump hold on to power indefinitely. Their signage depicts Trump as Julius Caesar who declares himself dictator for life. Going back to Donald Trump's call with Fox this morning. Here's Donald Trump during his call and he refuses to say that the invasion was Putin's fault of Ukraine. He says that he's not going to go there. I'm tired of hearing people blaming Putin. Hear it for yourself. Let's play it.

[Donald Trump]

But look what you have. You have a man who's led a country that had the most beautiful cities, that they demolished, had the most beautiful domes. Those domes are the most beautiful.

[Political Analyst 1]

But it's all Russia's. But that's Russia's fault though.

[Donald Trump]

Architecture Russia did, they demolished a thousand year old domes and everything's demolished. I mean, it's like a demolition site though. It's sort of like Gaza. In fact, it's more. At least Gaza has a couple of buildings standing. I mean this place, you take a look at the demolition of so many of those cities and all those people are killed, never to come back again.

[Political Analyst 1]

But Mr. President, that's all, that's Vladimir Putin's fault.

[Donald Trump]

Don't you agree? I get tired of listening to it. I'll tell you what, I've seen it enough. And then he complains that he's not at a meeting that went having with Saudi Arabia trying to intermediate a peace. Well, he's been at meetings for three years with a very, with a president who didn't know what the hell he was doing. He's been at a meeting for three years and nothing got done. So I don't think he's very important to be at meetings, to be honest with you. He's been there for three years. He makes it very hard to make deals. But look what's happened to his country. It's been demolished.

[Political Analyst 1]

But no, no, I hear you. He's Gonna go back, Mr. President. But you know who to blame for that, don't you think it's Vladimir Putin that did the invasion unwarranted to try to take back land he had no right to. And don't you think fundamentally that's that? And if you could just. And now, now both sides want to talk. It seems so we should just get to that point they only wanted then.

[Host 1]

Donald Trump says he doesn't believe Zelinsky is very important in negotiation meetings with Russia. To be honest with you, he says anytime someone's like that, says to be honest with you, you know they're a liar.

[Donald Trump]

Play this clip with a president who didn't know what the hell he was doing. He's been in a meetings for three years and nothing got done. So I don't think he's very important to be at meetings. To be honest with you. He's been there for three years. He's.

[Host 1]

And then what was Donald Trump doing at 6:32am this morning? This is what James Carville really got in Donald Trump's head. So James Carville went on Hannity and had the facts and James Carville is like, let's be clear. Donald Trump's approval rating right now is the lowest it's been in the history of polling groups at this time in the presidency. He said that Americans hate Elon Musk. Americans are aggravated as hell over Donald Trump. So what did Donald Trump do? He goes, I won the election in a landslide. Which he didn't. All seven swing states, the popular vote, all 50 states shifted Republican a record. And now I have the best polling numbers I ever had. The Democrats run by broken down losers like James Carville, whose week of mind and body are going crazy and just don't know what to do. Weak of mind and body are going crazy. You may want to look in the mirror, bud. I think you're talking about yourself there. It's always projection and confession with these guys. Donald Trump's poll numbers are horrific. As I said, the worst in American history right now. But let's let James Carville say it. This is what is getting Donald Trump all worked up right now play this clip.

[James Carville]

I'll tell you this, more deficit has accumulated under Donald Trump than any other president of American history. But I'm glad that you're on the fiscal responsibility bandwagon. You're reading these polls and I'm reading the polls saying The Democrats are 13 points up in the congressional generic that Donald Trump has the lowest approval rating of any president at this point in his presidency in American history. So your viewers are getting one view and I'm reading another view. So one of us is right and one of us is wrong. I think Republican Party's against the minimum wage. I think the Republican Party stands for more tax cuts for people making over $400,000 a year. I think the Republican Party wants to get rid of a woman's right to choose. I think the Republican Party wants to destroy Medicaid. I think the Republican Party would like to get rid of Medicare if they possibly can. I think the Republican Party supports Vladimir Putin. I think the Republican Party is weak when it comes to communist China. I see a lot of Democrats, you know, do support men, men their rights to play women's sports. And you're not addressing those key issues that are. I don't, I don't. Is the key issue with the High school Athletic association decides who's eligible to play with sport. Is the key issue. Are we going to continue to help people with health care with Medicaid and Medicare or. The key issues are we're going to retire people, secure people's retirement security. The key issue is in this century, Under Democratic presidents, 50 million jobs have been created and 1 million jobs under Republicans. I think most Democrats that I know want to create jobs, create opportunity for people and create opportunity for young people. I don't know of anybody that sitting there worrying about who plays in the high school track meet. I see you got USAID up there. They spend $41 billion. They've sent $41 billion. The federal budget is 6 trillion. I did the math, Sean. It actually comes to something like 0.014%. So take the 41 billion, put it against the 6 trillion and see what you've done when your president is responsible for more federal debt than any president in the history of the United States. Do you know what year had the most domestic energy production in American history? I happen to know 20 have no idea. Fact check. I do. I do. The magic energy.

[Host 1]

That was pretty good right there. Let me know what you think. Hit subscribe. Let's get to 5 million subscribers and thanks for watching. Can't get enough Midas. Check out the Midas plus substack for ad. Free articles, reports, podcasts, daily recaps from Ron Filipkowski, and more. Sign up for free [e-mail].