Trump Witnesses Unravel Under Cross Exam at Hearing

Summary

The MeidasTouch Podcast: "Trump Witnesses Unravel Under Cross Exam at Hearing"

Release Date: May 10, 2025

In this riveting episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast, hosts Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas delve deep into the intense cross-examinations of key Trump administration officials by Democratic senators. The episode offers a comprehensive analysis of the hearings, highlighting critical moments where Trump allies struggled to uphold their positions under pressure. Combining sharp political commentary with engaging brotherly banter, the Meiselas brothers provide listeners with insightful perspectives on the current state of American democracy.

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1. Overview of the Hearing

The episode centers around recent Senate hearings where Democratic senators rigorously questioned members of Donald Trump's cabinet and administration officials. The focus was primarily on issues such as due process violations, FBI budget transparency, and compliance with Supreme Court rulings.

Political Commentator Introduction:

"A look at this cross examination by Democratic senators of Donald Trump's cabinet and Donald Trump's administration. Right here you have Democratic Senator Merkley cross examining FBI Director Cash Patel..." [01:01]

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2. Senator Merkley vs. FBI Director Cash Patel

Key Discussion Points:

• Due Process Violations in El Salvador Concentration Camps: Senator Merkley pressed FBI Director Cash Patel on whether the FBI would investigate reported due process violations involving several hundred individuals detained in El Salvador.

Notable Quotes:

• Senator Merkley:

  "It is your job to investigate crimes." [01:29]

• Cash Patel:

  "I agree with the Fifth Amendment. I agree with the entire Constitution. And the men and women at the FBI decide." [01:31]

• Senator Merkley:

  "You haven't read the Constitution. It says all persons." [02:25]

Patel struggled to provide definitive answers, often evading direct responsibility and deferring to trained FBI personnel, which the commentator labeled as "incompetent."

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3. Senator Murray vs. FBI Director Cash Patel

Key Discussion Points:

• FBI Budget Transparency: Senator Murray questioned Patel about the delay in submitting the FBI's FY 2026 budget, highlighting a lack of preparedness and transparency.

Notable Quotes:

• Senator Murray:

  "It was due last week by law." [03:20]

• Cash Patel:

  "I'm working with my interagency partners to do this and get you the budget that you are required to have." [03:27]

• Senator Murray:

  "Have you reviewed it? Have you approved it?" [03:37]

Patel's inability to provide a timeline or concrete information led to further frustration, culminating in emotional outbursts where he dismissed the senators' accusations.

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4. Senator Murphy vs. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem

Key Discussion Points:

• Compliance with Supreme Court Decisions: Senator Murphy interrogated Secretary Kristi Noem regarding the administration's compliance with the Supreme Court ruling in the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, specifically concerning his release from El Salvador.

Notable Quotes:

• Senator Murphy:

  "Have you read the Supreme Court decision in the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia?" [06:15]

• Kristi Noem:

  "Abrego Garcia is a citizen of El Salvador and should never have been in this country..." [06:23]

• Senator Murphy:

  "You can't even acknowledge the wording of the order which commands you to facilitate his release..." [07:58]

Noem maintained a firm stance, categorizing Abrego Garcia as a threat and asserting that his removal was in accordance with legal standards, despite the Supreme Court's directives.

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5. Senator Van Hollen vs. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem

Key Discussion Points:

• Facilitation of Deportations: Senator Van Hollen sought clarity on whether Noem and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) were taking action to comply with Supreme Court mandates regarding deportations.

Notable Quotes:

• Senator Van Hollen:

  "Are you or DHS doing anything to comply with the 9 to 0 Supreme Court order to facilitate his return to the United States? Just yes or no." [12:34]

• Kristi Noem:

  "This administration is following all federal court orders..." [12:54]

• Senator Van Hollen:

  "Do you agree with Justice Scalia in the Supreme Court opinion in Reno v. Flores..." [13:43]

Noem reiterated the administration's commitment to federal orders while emphasizing the complexities of deportation processes, often sidestepping direct answers to maintain a defensive position.

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6. Congressional Legislative Mockery

Key Discussion Points:

• The episode also touched on the Republican efforts to pass seemingly frivolous legislation, such as renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, which Democratic members like Congressmember Steny Hoyer and Hakeem Jeffries mocked for their lack of substance amidst pressing national issues.

Notable Quotes:

• Congressmember Steny Hoyer:

  "Is this infantile bill to rename the Gulf of Mexico really this House's top priority?" [14:55]

• Congressmember Hakeem Jeffries:

  "And yes, this bill has been called a joke more than once in committee..." [16:20]

These exchanges highlighted the perceived disconnect between Republican legislative priorities and the urgent concerns of American families and the economy.

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7. Analysis of Trump Administration's Responses

Political Commentator's Perspective: Throughout the episode, the commentator criticized the Trump administration officials for their evasive and emotional responses during the hearings. The inability to provide clear answers was portrayed as a sign of incompetence and disregard for constitutional obligations.

Notable Observations:

• The commentator labeled Cash Patel's reactions as "malignant narcissism," suggesting a deeper issue with the administration's handling of official duties.
• Emphasis was placed on the importance of transparency and accountability, with the Democratic senators pushing officials to uphold democratic principles and legal standards.

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8. Concluding Insights

The episode underscores the growing tension between Democratic oversight and the Trump administration's defense mechanisms during legislative hearings. The Meiselas brothers effectively highlight the challenges faced by democracy when elected officials evade responsibility and fail to provide transparent governance.

Final Commentary:

"Some good cross exam there by the Democratic senators. We'll keep you posted with more, but wanted to share that with you. You see how the Trump people just don't even answer the basic question like basic competence." [18:28]

The podcast concludes by reinforcing the necessity of vigilance and informed discourse to support and preserve democratic institutions amidst political turmoil.

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Join the MeidasMighty: Stay updated with The MeidasTouch Podcast by subscribing on your favorite platform and tuning in live every Monday and Thursday night at 8 PM ET/5 PM PT on the MeidasTouch YouTube channel. Engage with the brothers and their loyal followers as they continue to champion democracy through insightful analysis and compelling discussions.

Transcript

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[Political Commentator]

A look at this cross examination by Democratic senators of Donald Trump's cabinet and Donald Trump's administration. Right here you have Democratic Senator Merkley cross examining FBI Director Cash Patel about whether or not he intends to launch an investigation of reported violations of due process of several several hundred individuals who were put in concentration camps in El Salvador. Let's watch it.

[Senator]

It is your job to investigate crimes.

[Cash Patel]

Yes, I agree with the Fifth Amendment. I agree with the entire Constitution. And the men and women at the FBI decide.

[Senator]

So are you going to launch an investigation of the reported violation of the due process of several hundred individuals?

[Cash Patel]

Again, Senator, it's not for me to call the balls and strikes on it. The men and women at the FBI who are trained to open investigations will make those calls.

[Senator]

So you have no influence over whether an investigation is opened?

[Cash Patel]

I have influence over it, but you're asking me a constitutional question. I'm not a constitutional scholar.

[Senator]

It's actually not a. It's a question also of law.

[Cash Patel]

Your position is that every one of those individuals is by constitutional right afforded due process? I don't know the answer to that.

[Senator]

I'm telling you, you haven't read the Constitution. It says all persons.

[Cash Patel]

I've got it right here. But what you're saying is that every single one of the illegals that was sent down to El Salvador is supposed to be given due process pursu.

[Senator]

That's what the Constitution says.

[Cash Patel]

It does say that.

[Senator]

It does say no person. I'll encourage you to read it because it's also been affirmed by the Supreme Court repeatedly in the case of Miranda vs. Arizona called the right of all individuals regardless of citizenship status. The Supreme Court in Reno v. Flores. I mean but it's the plain language of the Constitution. It concerns me that you're not familiar with the core concept of due process applying to all persons as written in black and white in the Constitution.

[Political Commentator]

Next up, we have Democratic Senator Murray cross examinating FBI Director. Cross examining FBI Director Cash Patel about why he has not even produced what his FBI budget is going to be when coming before a Senate committee about that budget. You'll see Cash Patel looks like a little kid who hasn't done their homework. It's just so incompetent. Play this clip.

[Senator Murray]

It was due last week by law.

[Cash Patel]

I understand.

[Senator Murray]

And your answer is you just understand you're not going to follow the law?

[Cash Patel]

My answer is that I am following the law and I'm working with my interagency partners to do this and get you the budget that you are required to have.

[Senator Murray]

And you have no timeline?

[Cash Patel]

No.

[Senator Murray]

Well, we also need a full budget request. Not a single paragraph full of wild talking points that we saw with the skinny budget proposal. We're now having a budget hearing without a budget request. So, Director Patel, where is the FY 2026 budget request for the FBI?

[Cash Patel]

It's being worked on, ma' am.

[Senator Murray]

Have you reviewed it? Have you approved it?

[Cash Patel]

Not yet.

[Senator Murray]

When will we get it?

[Cash Patel]

As soon as I can get it from my interagency partners and get it.

[Senator Murray]

Approved six months from now.

[Cash Patel]

I don't know, ma' am. I'm not going to.

[Senator Murray]

Well, how do we, as Congress do our budget and our work without that request and without the spend plan?

[Cash Patel]

Well, ma' am, I'm here. I'm doing the best I can. I can't make up answers. I'm going to commit to you to work on getting you the information you need.

[Senator Murray]

That. That is insufficient and deeply disturbing. No response.

[Cash Patel]

I've given my response.

[Political Commentator]

And then of course, Cash Patel gets way too emotional. These Trump MAGA guys can't control their emotions at all. So Cash Patel got angry that he didn't do his homework and didn't even submit the basic budget documents. So here gets mad at Senator Murray and says he's not going to tolerate her. Here, play this clip.

[Senator Murray]

Placed on leave FBI employees responsible for the investigation of January 6th. That sounds political to me.

[Cash Patel]

I have not placed anyone on leave who has not violated their ethical obligation or their oath of the Constitution.

[Senator Murray]

If they were investigating January6, you believe they were violating an ethic obligation?

[Odoo Representative]

Nope.

[Cash Patel]

I think the common theme here is you putting words in my mouth. And I'm not going to tolerate it. Nor will the men and women of the FBI.

[Senator Murray]

Well, you did place on leave an analyst responsible for investigating Russia's meddling in the 2016 election. Is that politicization? Is that retribution?

[Cash Patel]

No, not if she broke the law or the ethical guidelines. I don't know which case you're talking about, but that's the standard. And we will hold ourselves inwardly accountable and we will not be strayed from our mission because people think we are politicizing the bureau. If you want to talk about someone who was attacked by a weaponized bureau, you're looking at them. And now he's the director of the FBI and he's cleaning it up.

[Political Commentator]

That's what we call a sociopath right there. They all have that Trump sociopath malignant narcissism right there. And you just see how triggered he gets, how angry he gets so quickly. Next up, you have Democratic Senator Murphy here. He's cross examining Donald Trump's Homeland Security Secretary, Kristi Noem about have you even read the Supreme Court decision where you're a defendant? Here, play this clip.

[Senator Murphy]

Have you read the I assume you have read the Supreme Court decision in the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia.

[Kristi Noem]

Yes.

[Senator Murphy]

That court decision requires the administration to facilitate Kilmar Abrego Garcia's release from El Salvador. Can you describe the steps that you have taken to facilitate this release? And specifically, can you answer as to whether you have reached out to your counterpart in El Salvador to facilitate Mr. Abrego Garcia's release?

[Kristi Noem]

Abrego Garcia is a citizen of El Salvador and should never have been in this country and will not be coming back to this country. There is no scenario where Abrego Garcia will be in the United States again. If he were to come back, we would immediately deport him again because he is a terrorist, he's a human smuggler and he is a wife beater.

[Senator Murphy]

Does, does the you've read the Supreme Court decision. Does the Supreme Court decision not require you to to facilitate the return of Mr. Abrego Garcia?

[Kristi Noem]

The Trump administration is complying with all court orders and judges orders.

[Senator Murphy]

Does, does the, does the Supreme Court order require you to facilitate the return.

[Kristi Noem]

Of Grego Garcia is a citizen of El Salvador. It is up to the president of the El Salvador to make the decision.

[Senator Murphy]

You're a defendant in the case.

[Kristi Noem]

Coming back. It's been a big topic of conversation between all of us, between the country. When the president visited the United States of America, it was discussed and talked about there. The president has been very clear on this issue. The Secretary of State and I Have as well. Abrego Garcia is not a citizen of this country and is a dangerous individual who does not belong here.

[Senator Murphy]

I will. I will end. I will not ask another question.

[Kristi Noem]

If you were back in this discussion, we would immediately.

[Senator Murphy]

Discussion ends when The Supreme Court rules 90 that you have to facilitate his release. And the fact that you can't even acknowledge the wording of the order which commands you to facilitate his release, and you advertise to this committee that you are going to willfully ignore the ruling, and that is incredibly chilling. The balance of powers in a. In a democracy that relies on the executive branch to honor decisions made by the highest court of the land.

[Political Commentator]

Yeah. No, Senator Murphy is very good at this. Here he is again. Let's play this clip.

[Senator Murphy]

Do you believe that you have the right to detain or deport a legal permanent resident for expressing their political opinion?

[Kristi Noem]

I don't make decisions on legal status here in the United States. The Department of State does that. And I would say that as they've gone through an evaluation of who gets a visa, who gets legal status, green cards, they've been evaluating and discussing how that applies.

[Senator Murphy]

Well, I acknowledge that you don't. I acknowledge you don't make. But if someone is a legal permanent resident of the United States, I'm not Talking about an H1B or a student visa holder. I'm talking about a legal permanent residential. If you are a legal permanent resident, do you have the right to detain or deport that person simply for expressing their political opinion?

[Kristi Noem]

The Department of State makes those decisions.

[Senator Murphy]

No, no, no, they don't. The Department of Homeland Security, you make that decision about who you have the right to detain or deport. So do you. You are involved in that. Do you believe the United States. Do you believe the law allows the.

[Kristi Noem]

Department of Homeland Security under the Trump administration is enforcing the law following the constitutional rights of folks who are here as citize those who are here legally and those who are here illegally.

[Senator Murphy]

So a legal permanent resident is by definition here legally. Do you believe. I mean, I think this is really troubling if you can't answer this simple question. Do you believe that the US Government can detain and deport a legal permanent resident for expressing a political opinion that the depart that the administration disagrees with?

[Kristi Noem]

The determination you're asking for is based on things that you are determining that the Secretary of State. State has considered and evaluated. We don't evaluate that. The administration, along with the partnership with the Department of State on what is political speech and what's an affiliation with the foreign terrorists. Do you believe that's the difference between do you believe that you're asking that.

[Senator Murphy]

You can detain the direction legal permanent resident for expressing a political we have.

[Kristi Noem]

Not detained or we have not deported anybody who's a legal permanent resident or.

[Senator Murphy]

Citizen of the United States and say you don't have the ability to do that. We have clarify that for the millions.

[Kristi Noem]

Of that is exactly what I'm doing, is that we have followed exactly what the law is and that we have not detained or deported anybody who's a citizen or has legal status in this country. We are focused on the worst of the worst. Dangerous.

[Senator Murphy]

I do not believe you have to get them out of not believe you have the ability to do that.

[Kristi Noem]

We have not done that at all. And the Trump administration has no plan.

[Senator Murphy]

Just because you haven't done it doesn't mean that you want to in the future. You believe you have the ability to do that.

[Kristi Noem]

We are doing.

[Senator Murphy]

I think you are going to act.

[Kristi Noem]

Appropriate thing in partnership with the Department of State and in partnership with with the Trump administration.

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[Political Commentator]

You over here Democratic Senator from Maryland, Van Hollen Cross examine Kristi Noem. Let's play this clip.

[Senator Van Hollen]

Are you or DHS doing anything to comply with the 9 to 0 Supreme Court order to facilitate his return to the United States. Just yes or no.

[Kristi Noem]

This administration is following all federal court orders prerogative on conversations that happen with the president of El Salvador.

[Senator Van Hollen]

I ask a simple question. I would, you know, we have a limited amount of time. I just asked you, Madam Secretary, whether or not you or the Department of Homeland Security are taking any action to facilitate the 9 to nothing supreme Court decision to facilitate his return. This is a very simple question. Are you taking any action to facilitate his return or are you not?

[Kristi Noem]

This administration is following and complying with all federal court orders to make sure that we.

[Senator Van Hollen]

So you are so. Because the court ordered that you facilitate his return, so you are facilitating its return.

[Kristi Noem]

Sir. Senator, thank you for the question, but what I would tell you is that we are following court orders.

[Political Commentator]

Here he is again asking cosplay dog killer Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem another very basic question. Let's play this clip.

[Senator Van Hollen]

I'm asking questions of law.

[Kristi Noem]

No, you're, you're just, you're just truly believe this. I truly believe this.

[Senator Van Hollen]

Let me ask you this. Do you, do you agree, do you agree with Justice Scalia in the Supreme Court opinion in Reno v. Flores that I'm quoting. It is well established that the Fifth Amendment entitles aliens to due process of law in deportation proceedings, end of quote.

[Congressmember]

This.

[Kristi Noem]

Sir, we are utilizing every due process tool that this Congress has afforded us.

[Senator Van Hollen]

This is.

[Kristi Noem]

Congress decides what, Madame Secretary, Appropriate for every situation. Expedited removal is a due process that you have afforded us. That we are utilizing the alien enemies.

[Senator Van Hollen]

I'm going to reclaim my time. Madam Secretary.

[Kristi Noem]

You are giving due tools and giving using the tools.

[Senator Van Hollen]

Madam Secretary, this is really, you know, I'm asking sort of simple questions of law and simple questions like are you complying with a nine to nothing Supreme Court decision? And you seem to think that's some kind of trick question.

[Political Commentator]

And then yesterday the MAGA Republicans in the House of Representatives were spending their day passing legislation to rename the Gulf of Mexico Gulf of America. So here Democratic Congressmember Steny Hoyer mocks that. Let's play this clip.

[Congressmember]

Is this infantile bill to rename the Gulf of Mexico really this House's top priority? I heard the gentle lady say it's going to solve all the problems, of course, if we name it the Gulf of America. Golly Dave, why didn't we think of that? The economy is shrinking for the first time since COVID 19. Costs are going up. I think Saturday Night Live just called me. They want me on. Costs are going up. Small businesses are going down there. American families are worried they won't be able to keep the lights on, keep food on the table and keep the roof on their head. They're happy about course, Gulf of America. That'll do it. Millions of Americans risk losing their health insurance if Republicans Medicaid cuts go through. Yet Republicans think this juvenile legislation is the best use of this House's time. This is the only thing we're doing today, folks. What a sick joke this is.

[Political Commentator]

Here's a Democratic Congress member Huffman after Congressmember Hoyer mocked it. Here's Democratic Congressmember Huffman mocking it. Let's play this Clinton. Solve problems, defend democracy.

[Congressmember]

And yes, this bill has been called a joke more than once in committee. I even offered an amendment to rename the entire planet Trump just to underscore the absurdity of their sycophantic bootlicking. But now, after seeing this bill advance not only through committee, but all the way through to the House floor for a final vote, it's getting a little bit harder to laugh.

[Political Commentator]

And finally, here we have Democratic Congressmember Hakeem Jeffries laying down the law. Let's play this clip right here.

[Odoo Representative]

Higher cost thanks to Donald Trump's reckless tariffs. And instead of pushing back the president and Congress, asserting our constitutional authority as it relates to tariffs and trade in the best interest of the American people, no, Republicans have a different approach. Here's this gem from Representative Anna Paulina Luna of the great state of Florida. She's got legislation to arrange for the carving of the figure of President Donald J. Trump on Mount Rushmore. Are we living in the times of King Nebuchadnezzar? What are we doing, folks? There are serious issues that the American people want us to confront.

[Political Commentator]

While all of that was going on, you have the MAGA Republicans like Congressmember Ogles. MAGA Republican Congressmember Ogles basically saying, you know, at this point, why are we even doing trade with Europe and our traditional allies? We should be rewarding El Salvador for its concentration camps here. Let's play this clip.

[Congressmember]

And so to go, to go down there to strengthen those relationships and then also just to say thank you. And look, as we looked at Decouple from China, we've got to look to.

[Odoo Representative]

South America, to Central America, to India.

[Congressmember]

For other trading partners and manufacturing capabilities. So I think there's a world of opportunity ahead of us, and that's why we're going to go down and have those conversations.

[Political Commentator]

Well, there you have it, folks. Let me know what you think. Some good cross exam there by the Democratic senators. We'll keep you posted with more, but wanted to share that with you. You see how the Trump people just don't even answer the basic question like basic competence. Just answer the question. We hit subscribe. Let's get to 5 million subscribers. The truth is more important than ever. Check out our new Truth over lies.

[Helix Sleep Representative]

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