The MeidasTouch Podcast: "Trump’s Nightmare Returns as Mass Protests Are Back" Release Date: April 19, 2025
Introduction
In the April 19, 2025 episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast, hosts Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas delve into the resurgence of mass protests across the United States, framing them as a significant challenge to former President Donald Trump's enduring influence. The episode combines insightful political analysis with the brothers' trademark banter, highlighting the state of American democracy and the rising grassroots movements opposing authoritarian policies.
The Wave of Mass Protests
Timestamp [02:58]
The episode opens with a detailed overview of the ongoing and upcoming protests organized by the grassroots group 5051. According to the Protest Commentator:
"The protests are not going away, Donald. They're just going to keep on growing and growing. Shout out to 5051 organizing more mass protests. Today, there's expected to be over 400 protests scheduled across the United States. Also, protests in Mexico, in Europe as well."
[02:58]
These demonstrations are concentrated in numerous cities nationwide, including but not limited to Chicago, Boston, Salt Lake City, Lexington, Kansas City, Las Vegas, and Rutherford County. The movement is part of a broader resistance against Trump's policies, particularly his executive orders perceived as authoritarian overreach.
Trump's Declining Popularity
Timestamp [04:15]
A significant portion of the discussion centers on Donald Trump's dwindling approval ratings. The Protest Commentator presents compelling data:
"Trump's job approval rating on the economy is now at an all-time low, even worse than during COVID-19. Opinion on his handling of inflation is at negative 18 on average."
[04:15]
Further analysis reveals that Trump's disapproval spans various demographics:
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Black Community & Young Adults (18-29):
"Black people only support 23% support ages 18 to 29."
[09:45] -
Age Independents & Moderates:
"Trump only has 34% support among age independents, 37% among moderates."
[10:30] -
Women & Latinos:
"37% women, 39% Latinos support him."
[11:05]
Even among traditionally pro-Trump segments, such as certain Republicans:
"Even if you add all of these right-wing polls like Rasmussen, where Trump has 51% disapproval from Rasmussen, you still have 51.6% of Americans disapproving of him."
[12:20]
These statistics underline a significant shift in public opinion, challenging Trump's sustained popularity and influence within the GOP.
Economic and Immigration Policies Under Scrutiny
Timestamp [05:50]
The hosts dissect Trump's policies, particularly focusing on economic management and immigration. The Protest Commentator emphasizes:
"Americans by significant margins say the economy is worse or much worse now than under former President Biden."
[05:50]
On immigration, Trump's tactics face backlash:
"Trump is very unpopular when you talk about comprehensive immigration, the type that Democrats support and former President Biden supports."
[10:55]
Specific unpopular policies include:
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Deportations Without Due Process:
"Deport undocumented immigrants who have lived in the US for more than 10 years, that has negative 37% approval."
[07:30] -
Sending Migrants to Concentration Camps in El Salvador:
"Sending them to concentration camps in El Salvador... destroying the economy of people here, working and contributing and providing no process at all."
[10:10]
These policies have eroded Trump's support across diverse voter groups, highlighting the public's disdain for his aggressive immigration stance.
Impact of Grassroots Movements and Political Engagement
Timestamp [08:45]
The resurgence of mass protests is closely tied to increased political engagement and strategic movements by Democratic leaders. The Protest Commentator notes:
"We've seen the Fight the Oligarchy tour by Senator Bernie Sanders and AOC, and we've seen Democrats going into red districts and purple districts, speaking to people about issues that need attention."
[08:45]
Key issues driving the protests and political discourse include:
- Education and Healthcare: Emphasizing the necessity for accessible and quality education and healthcare systems.
- Economic Inequality: Addressing the widening gap between billionaires and the working class, advocating for living wages.
- Judicial Independence and Civil Liberties: Opposing perceived authoritarian overreach and safeguarding democratic institutions.
These efforts aim to mobilize the electorate, counteracting Trump's influence by presenting alternative policies that resonate with the public's immediate concerns.
Strategic Organization of Protests
Timestamp [06:30]
The 5051 group employs strategic planning to maximize protest participation, aiming for a national presence:
"5051 is focused on really trying to get that 3.5% of the US population to show up and get out there... it's growing protest by protest by protest."
[06:30]
The Protest Commentator encourages listeners to participate:
"You should attend if you can, or if you can't attend, let people know about them if there's protests nearby."
[09:00]
By organizing protests across all 50 states and even internationally, 5051 seeks to create a unified front against Trump's policies, ensuring widespread visibility and impact.
Media and Corporate Resistance
Timestamp [14:55]
Towards the episode's conclusion, the Protest Commentator addresses the role of media and corporate entities in shaping public perception:
"I know corporate news wants to suppress this. I know that they don't want to air any of it. That's why the MeidasTouch Network has become the main destination for these protests."
[14:55]
The MeidasTouch Network positions itself as a crucial platform for amplifying protest activities, countering mainstream media's reluctance to cover these events. This strategy not only informs the public but also fosters a sense of community and shared purpose among activists.
Conclusion and Call to Action
The episode concludes with a heartfelt appreciation for the organizers and participants of the protests:
"I really want to give a shout out to the 5051 organizers... the real heroes in this... it's an honor that we can just play a small role in helping to amplify these peaceful protests."
[14:55]
The MeidasTouch brothers urge their listeners to stay engaged, support the movement, and utilize the Network's platforms to further democratic causes.
Key Takeaways
- Resurgence of Mass Protests: Organized by 5051, spreading across the U.S. and internationally to oppose Trump's authoritarian policies.
- Declining Approval of Trump: Significant drop in Trump's popularity across various demographics, particularly regarding economic management and immigration policies.
- Grassroots Mobilization: Increased political engagement from Democrats and grassroots organizations aiming to address critical issues like healthcare, education, and economic inequality.
- Media Strategy: MeidasTouch Network serves as a pivotal platform for amplifying protest activities, countering mainstream media suppression.
- Call to Action: Encouraging active participation and support for ongoing and future protests to defend democratic values.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
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On Protests Persisting:
"The protests are not going away, Donald. They're just going to keep on growing and growing."
[02:58] -
On Trump's Economic Approval:
"Trump's job approval rating on the economy is now at an all-time low, even worse than during COVID-19."
[04:15] -
On Immigration Policies:
"Sending them to concentration camps in El Salvador... destroying the economy of people here, working and contributing..."
[10:10] -
On Media Suppression:
"Corporate news wants to suppress this... That's why the MeidasTouch Network has become the main destination for these protests."
[14:55]
This comprehensive episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast provides listeners with an in-depth analysis of the current political climate, the effectiveness of mass protests in undermining Trump's legacy, and the crucial role of grassroots movements in shaping the future of American democracy.