The MeidasTouch Podcast

Episode: "Trump WH Crashes Out as Iran Declares Next Steps"

Date: March 25, 2026
Hosts: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas
Main Theme:
This episode dives into the escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran, highlighting the Trump administration’s chaotic foreign policy responses, Iran’s public rebukes and threats, the shifting situation in the Middle East, and the echoes of authoritarian rhetoric emanating from the White House.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Middle East Escalation & Iran’s Stance

• Major escalation in the ongoing conflict: Iranian leadership warns of forceful retaliation if enemies attempt to occupy an Iranian island, likely Kharg Island, with the U.S. suspected to be marshalling military assets nearby (USS Tripoli, MEUs, paratroopers from Fort Bragg).
  • Iran’s Threats: "All the vital infrastructure of that regional country will without restriction, become the target of relentless attack." (Iranian head of Parliament, [03:00])
• Iran openly invites U.S. troops:
  • "Come closer, come closer, soldiers. We have been waiting for this and preparing for this moment for two decades. US Soldiers, come on in. We are ready for you." ([04:40])
• Iran’s pre-negotiation demands: Control and fees over Strait of Hormuz traffic, an end to Israeli strikes in Lebanon, full sanctions relief, preservation of its missile program, and reparations.

2. Potential for Red Sea Crisis

• The hosts emphasize the overlooked importance of the Bab El Mandeb Strait in the Red Sea (alternative oil route if Strait of Hormuz is closed).
  • "If you shut down the Bab El Mandib Strait and the Strait of Hormuz, you're going to see oil hit $200 a barrel in no time." ([05:37])
• Iranian officials hint at activation of the Houthis in Yemen to close the Red Sea, which could dramatically extend the conflict.

3. The Trump Administration’s Public Meltdown

• Trump’s absence: President’s schedule consists of "executive time" and closed-door meetings; no public appearances.
• Melania Trump’s speech (with a robot) is ridiculed as embarrassing for the U.S.

4. Caroline Levitt’s Press Conference – Themes & Soundbites

Levitt (Trump’s press secretary/“chief propagandist”) delivers a series of obfuscating and combative remarks:

• Iran is "decimated":

  • "They recognize they are being crushed. Their ability to attack American and ally forces as well as their ability to defend their own territory is dwindling literally hour by hour." (Caroline Levitt, [08:54])
  • The hosts strongly dispute this, citing ongoing Iranian strength.

• Claiming Regime Change:

  • Reporter: "The president yesterday said that he had achieved regime change... has it not?"
  • Levitt: "Their entire leadership has been killed and nobody has really seen or legitimately heard from this alleged new leader. So wouldn’t you say there’s been a change in the regime...so thank you for confirming he was right." ([10:16-10:44])
  • Hosts: Point out this is semantic manipulation; the same regime remains with even harder-line leadership.

• U.S. Role in Iran’s Leadership:

  • Reporter: "Should the US have a role in choosing Iran's next leadership?"
  • Levitt: "The president...wants to have someone in leadership position...that will be much more favorable, that...will no longer chant death to America. I think that's what the president meant." ([11:12-11:49])
  • Hosts: Mock the hubris and detachment from geopolitical realities.

• On War Authorization:

  • Reporter asks if Trump will seek congressional authorization for war:
  • Levitt: "Formal authorization...is not necessary because we're currently in major combat operations in Iran...as a courtesy, the administration did notify Congress..." ([13:00])
  • Hosts: Note the adoption of "special military operation" language, echoing Putin.

• 15-Point Plan Denial:

  • Reporter: "Iranian state TV said Iran has rejected the US 15 point plan..."
  • Levitt: "I would caution reporters...from reporting about speculative points...The White House never confirmed that full plan." ([14:02-14:53])
  • Hosts: Remind audience Trump himself referenced a 15-point plan.

• Appealing to Young Voters:

  • Levitt: "President Trump is doing this for you...so that we are no longer threatened by a rogue terrorist regime in the Middle East..." ([15:07])
  • Hosts: Dismiss the claim that young people support the war or credit Trump.

• Attacking Dissenters:

  • Responding to criticism from former Trump intelligence official Joe Kent, who resigned over the war:
    "His accusations have zero credibility as far as this White House is concerned." ([16:55])
  • Hosts: Note trend of purging dissent, even among die-hard MAGA supporters.

• Refusing to Name Negotiating Partners:

  • Levitt evades questions about whom the U.S. is talking to in Iran:
    "We're not going to get into the details of these negotiations..." ([17:43])

• On Future Escalation:

  • When asked if a lack of negotiations will lead to boots-on-the-ground invasion:
    "That's a hypothetical question...that's a decision that would have to be made by the Commander in Chief, and I'm not going to get ahead of him." ([18:50])

• Blind Trust in Trump:

  • Levitt: "If you've heard it from the President of the United States, obviously it's true." ([19:28])
  • Hosts: Call out the Orwellian trust-demanding statement.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Iran’s Stark Warning:

  • "If they step out of line, all the vital infrastructure...will...become the target of relentless attack." (Iran’s parliament head, [03:00])

• Parallels to Authoritarianism:

  • On using “special military operation” language:
    "By the way, the exact language Putin uses to invade Ukraine." (Host, [12:24])

• Gaslighting the Press:

  • "I would caution reporters in this room from reporting about speculative points or speculative plans from anonymous sources. The White House never confirmed that full plan." (Levitt, [14:15])

• Appeal to Youth:

  • "President Trump is doing this for you. He's doing this for young people so that we are no longer threatened..." (Levitt, [15:07])

• Blanket Rebuttal of Dissent:

  • "His accusations have zero credibility as far as this White House is concerned." (Levitt, [16:55])

• Ultimate Loyalty Directive:

  • "If you've heard it from the President of the United States, obviously it's true." (Levitt, [19:28])
  • Host: "Indeed." ([19:32])

Timestamps for Important Segments

| Timestamp | Segment/Theme | |------------|-------------------------------------------| | 02:46 | Iran warns U.S. over invasion plans | | 04:40 | Iran’s taunts to U.S. soldiers | | 05:37 | Red Sea/Bab El Mandeb Strait significance | | 08:54 | Caroline Levitt’s Press Conference begins | | 10:16 | Regime change semantics | | 11:12 | U.S. role in Iranian leadership | | 12:46 | Congressional authorization sidestepped | | 14:02 | Denial over “15-point plan” for Iran | | 15:07 | Appeal to young voters | | 16:55 | Attacking former ally Joe Kent | | 17:43 | Evasion on Iranian negotiating partners | | 18:50 | On potential ground conflict | | 19:28 | “Trust Trump absolutely” assertion |

Tone and Style

• The Meiselas brothers toggle between direct news analysis, incredulity, and biting humor, often mocking the administration’s double-speak and painting the White House as detached from both reality and legality.
• Frequent references to historical analogues (Baghdad Bob, Putin) to contextualize the administration's propaganda.
• Clear frustration and concern about the direction of U.S. foreign and domestic policy are evident, with a strong advocacy for truth, democratic norms, and transparency.

Summary

This episode delivers a sharp, timely breakdown of the spiraling crisis between the U.S. and Iran, focusing on the disconnect between White House rhetoric and unfolding facts on the ground. The Meiselas brothers use humor, historical context, and acute analysis to illustrate the dangers of the Trump administration’s isolation from reality, penchant for authoritarian language, and reckless foreign policy choices. Through direct quotes, press conference highlights, and their signature banter, they warn about the perils facing both democracy and global stability, urging listeners to stay informed and engaged.

If you haven’t heard the episode, this summary gives you all the pivotal points, quotes, and context needed to understand why this moment is so consequential—and why the MeidasTouch team thinks it matters.