The MeidasTouch Podcast
Episode: Trump’s Health Crashes as Files Expose 2019 Sickness!!
Date: February 19, 2026
Hosts: Ben, Brett & Jordy Meiselas
Theme: An exposé on Donald Trump’s declining health, revelations from the Epstein files about White House intrigue, and implications for American democracy and global perception.
Episode Overview
This episode centers on explosive revelations concerning Donald Trump’s declining physical and cognitive health, newly surfaced Epstein files that implicate top Trump aides in plotting to invoke the 25th Amendment, and the ripple effects across US leadership and global politics. The Meiselas brothers dissect Trump’s recent erratic behavior, probe into conspiracy-laden messages between Steve Bannon and Jeffrey Epstein, and consider the deep consequences for democracy, security, and American stature on the world stage.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Trump’s Visible Health Deterioration
(02:12–05:55)
- The hosts open with observations on Trump’s notable decline in health, specifically referencing photos showing discoloration in his hands and instances of slurred speech and confused rants at public appearances.
- The double standard in mainstream media scrutiny is highlighted—while Biden's health was a daily talking point, Trump's issues elicit little coverage.
- Quote [03:53]: “The media’s complete and utter lack of interest in finding out what’s going on with Donald Trump’s hand when they spent every day of Joe Biden’s presidency idly speculating that he had dementia is effing infuriating.” — Political Commentator
2. Growing Evidence from the Epstein Files
(02:12–09:08)
- Bombshell text messages and emails surface from the so-called Epstein files, revealing that Steve Bannon and Jeffrey Epstein discussed the possibility of removing Trump via the 25th Amendment as far back as 2019.
- Quote [04:52]: “When you read the Epstein files, you had some of Donald Trump’s closest aides speaking to Jeffrey Epstein... during his first term were saying that he had dementia and the 25th Amendment needed to be invoked.” — Political Commentator
- Details emerge of internal White House chaos, with Bannon and others plotting to replace Mike Pence with Mike Pompeo, then using the 25th Amendment to make Pompeo president.
- Quote [09:08]: “I like the idea of Pence stepping down in favor of Pompeo so when it happens, he becomes president.” — Allegedly Epstein, text excerpt
3. Trump’s Erratic Public Statements
(05:55–14:21)
- Trump's public comments further fuel concerns about his mental state:
- Weird fixation on Nicki Minaj’s appearance and nonsensical stories about celebrities at rallies.
- Quote [06:05]: “I love Nicki Minaj. She was here a couple weeks ago. So beautiful. Her nails are like that long. I said, Nikki, are they real?” — Donald Trump (clip)
- Extended, rambling praise for sports celebrities such as Mike Tyson, Lawrence Taylor, Herschel Walker, and Jim Brown.
- Quote [12:54]: “Boy, I tell you, Mike [Tyson] has been loyal to me... Herschel Walker, ambassador to the Bahamas. Or is it Bermuda?” — Donald Trump (clip)
- Weird fixation on Nicki Minaj’s appearance and nonsensical stories about celebrities at rallies.
4. The Potomac Pipe and Blame-Game Politics
(02:12–15:42)
- Trump repeatedly blames Maryland and Governor Wes Moore for “sewage smells” in Washington, D.C., demonstrating confusion over jurisdiction and federal-state responsibilities.
- Quote [14:38]: “This is not a serious team that we’re working with. We’re talking about a D.C. pipe on federal land... any insinuation that somehow this is a Maryland issue... is ridiculous.” — Gov. Wes Moore (clip)
- Moore describes efforts to help D.C., only for the White House to deflect blame once media attention grew.
5. Bannon’s Leverage & Trump’s Fear
(15:42–18:30)
- Trump seems unwilling or unable to punish Bannon despite learning of his betrayal, instead lavishing him and Peter Navarro with praise and shielding Bannon from legal consequences.
- Quote [15:42]: “So Bannon gets a reward because Trump is afraid that Bannon has the dirt on Trump... Other countries are watching all this and think Trump is weak.” — Political Commentator
6. U.S. International Weakness & Global Repercussions
(16:30–19:55)
- Adversaries like China and Russia sense American weakness due to Trump's ineffectual leadership and internal drama:
- Xi Jinping leverages Trump’s desperation for a meeting over Taiwan policy.
- Chinese and Russian navies conduct military exercises with Iran, increasing instability.
- In Venezuela, authoritarian crackdowns worsen.
- New York Times headline discussed: “Trump Bets on Diplomacy Without Diplomats”—Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, with no relevant experience, are entrusted with critical negotiations.
- Quote [19:10]: “Why do we have Witkoff and Kushner at the heart of international negotiations? Why not actual diplomats? Do you know how pathetic this all looks?” — Political Commentator
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On the media double standard:
- “[The] media’s complete and utter lack of interest in finding out what’s going on with Donald Trump’s hand...is effing infuriating.” — Political Commentator [03:53]
- On White House internal coup plans:
- “They were saying...the 25th Amendment needed to be invoked during Donald Trump’s first term.” — Political Commentator [04:52]
- “I like the idea of Pence stepping down in favor of Pompeo so when it happens, he becomes president.” — Allegedly Epstein (text) [09:08]
- Trump’s rambling about Nicki Minaj:
- “Her nails. Her nails are like that long. I said, Nikki, are they real? She said she didn’t want to get into that.” — Donald Trump (clip) [06:05]
- Governor Moore’s exasperation:
- “This is not a serious team that we’re working with. We’re talking about a D.C. pipe on federal land.” — Gov. Wes Moore (clip) [14:38]
- On Bannon’s leverage over Trump:
- “So Bannon gets a reward because Trump is afraid Bannon has the dirt on Trump...” — Political Commentator [15:42]
- On the international stage:
- “Do you know how pathetic this all looks? How weak this all looks?” — Political Commentator [19:10]
Important Timestamps
- 02:12: Start of main discussion; Trump’s health and Epstein file revelations
- 05:55: Trump’s speech, rambling about Nicki Minaj—suggesting cognitive decline
- 09:08: Analysis of Newsmax segment exposing Bannon/Epstein texts
- 12:54: Trump riffs on Mike Tyson, Herschel Walker, mixing up details
- 14:38: Gov. Wes Moore refutes Trump on Potomac pipe, federal responsibility
- 15:42: Hosts analyze Trump’s fear of Bannon, global signals of weakness
- 19:10: Concerns over US diplomacy controlled by unqualified allies
- 19:55: Conclusion and audience call-to-action
Tone and Style
The episode maintains a sharp, irreverent, and slightly exasperated tone, blending brotherly banter, biting legal and political analysis, and pointed comedic commentary. The hosts balance their clear pro-democracy stance with humor and a sense of urgent concern about leadership and media accountability.
Summary
For listeners, this episode offers a critical and often darkly humorous look at cascading crises within Trump’s circle—decaying health, palace intrigue involving the 25th Amendment, and mounting evidence of incompetence and grift. The Meiselas brothers wield exclusive revelations and real-time reactions to show how these scandals impact the United States’ democratic integrity and global standing—and what it means for listeners committed to defending democracy in turbulent times.