Two National Guard Members Shot in D.C.

Summary

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The MeidasTouch Podcast

Episode: Two National Guard Members Shot in D.C.

Date: November 27, 2025
Hosts: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas

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Overview

This urgent episode centers on the shocking shooting of two National Guard members just blocks from the White House in Washington, D.C. The Meiselas brothers provide detailed news updates, commentary on political reactions, and critique the immediate partisan exploitation of the tragedy—especially by prominent MAGA Republican figures and Donald Trump. The hosts interweave somber reporting with their characteristic brotherly banter and acute political analysis.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Details of the D.C. Shooting

• [02:18] The podcast opens with breaking news: "A horrific shooting just took place in Washington D.C. about two blocks from the White House. Two National Guardsmen were shot. These National Guardsmen came from West Virginia. Currently they're in critical condition."
• There was initial confusion about the guardsmen’s condition, with West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrissey first reporting the deaths, then revising his statement after learning they were in critical condition.
• The hosts emphasize their personal connection to the area, noting its proximity to their alma maters and recalling it as a typically busy but safe place.

2. Trump’s Response: Politics Over Empathy

• [03:20] Immediate focus shifts to Trump’s reaction: "Donald Trump did make a post right away about this where he said that he would be ordering 500 more National Guard troops to be in Washington D.C. but then shortly thereafter, he started posting about his poll numbers."
• The hosts critique Trump’s self-centeredness: "Seriously posting about your poll numbers when this is what's taking place and when we don't know the condition of these National Guards, men or women... It just utterly disgusts me."

3. Increased National Guard Presence & Political Optics

• [04:40] The hosts debate the efficacy and optics of National Guard deployments in D.C.:

  • "I don't think it's having the intended effect... I think it makes D.C. look like this authoritarian place. We saw the National Guards people picking up trash mostly, and they're mostly put in the tourist areas where there hasn't been a lot of crime in general."

• [05:38] Clip: Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth

  • Announces additional troops:
    • Secretary Pete Hegseth: "President Trump has asked me... to add 500 additional troops, National Guardsmen to Washington D.C. This will only stiffen our resolve to ensure that we make Washington D.C. safe and beautiful..."
  • The hosts note this as political theater rather than substantive policy.

4. FBI Director’s Awkward Statement

• [06:08] The hosts highlight a gaffe by FBI Director Kash Patel:
  • "He says that he intends to shortchange the American people with no resources. I guess he misspoke, but it's a bad time to misspeak."
• [06:34] Clip: Kash Patel:
  • "We will shortchange the American public with no resources to make sure we find and safeguard our nation's capital right here in Washington D.C..."
  • The brothers call out the confusion—and poor timing—of the statement.

5. Immediate Political Exploitation by MAGA Republicans

• [07:25] The panel highlights the swiftness with which MAGA-aligned figures blame Democrats for the shooting:

  • "MAGA always exploits tragedy right away. Soon as something happens, they find a way. Let's blame Democrats."

• [08:42] Clip: Military Veteran / Political Commentator:

  • "So my Democrat colleagues need to understand that their words have real consequences."
  • The hosts stress this narrative is misleading, twisting statements on lawful orders into accusations that Democrats are responsible for the violence.

• [09:29] Commentary on social media escalation:

  • Kash Patel's girlfriend accuses Democrats (specifically Senator Mark Kelly) of inciting the attack, which the hosts call out as baseless.

6. Trump’s Further Posts & Diversion

• [11:24] Trump shifts rapidly from the shooting to irrelevant foreign election commentary:
  • The hosts deride Trump’s “war language,” divisive rhetoric, and focus on "fake polls," especially as the situation unfolds and victims’ fates remain unclear.

7. Comedic Interlude: J.D. Vance's Comments

• [12:23] Clip: J.D. Vance, Fort Campbell Speech:
  • Takes a humorous detour about Americans’ true feelings on turkey:
    • "Who really likes, be honest with yourselves. Who really likes turkey?... I know. Think about it... Nobody does it because turkey doesn't actually taste that good. But on Thanksgiving... we're gonna cook a turkey, by God."
  • Continues light-heartedly about "beardos," poking fun at Pete Hegseth.

8. Ongoing Updates

• [14:05] Clip: CNN confirms Trump’s request for additional National Guard troops.
• [14:18] Ben emphasizes the evolving situation and the importance of waiting for verified updates before jumping to conclusions.

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Trump’s Priorities

  • "Seriously posting about your poll numbers when this is what's taking place... It just utterly disgusts me." (Ben, 03:20)

• On National Guard Deployments

  • "I think it makes D.C. look like this authoritarian place." (Ben, 04:45)

• On Political Exploitation

  • "MAGA always exploits tragedy right away. Soon as something happens, they find a way. Let's blame Democrats." (Ben, 07:28)

• On Misinformation

  • "So my Democrat colleagues need to understand that their words have real consequences." (Military Commentator, 09:25)

• On Turkey at Thanksgiving

  • "Who really likes turkey?... Nobody does it because turkey doesn't actually taste that good. But on Thanksgiving... we're gonna cook a turkey, by God." (J.D. Vance, 12:35)

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Important Timestamps

• [02:18] Breaking news on the shooting and National Guardsmen’s condition
• [03:20] Trump responds, pivots to poll numbers
• [05:38] Defense Secretary Hegseth confirms additional troop deployments
• [06:34] FBI Director Kash Patel’s gaffe
• [07:25] Hosts discuss MAGA Republicans’ blame game
• [08:42] Political commentator blames Democrats on air
• [09:29] Hosts discuss right-wing social media escalation
• [12:23] J.D. Vance jokes about turkey at Fort Campbell
• [14:05] CNN confirms further National Guard deployment
• [14:18] Hosts urge caution and patience for reliable updates

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Conclusion

The episode delivers a rapid-fire, deeply critical analysis of the security response and political fallout in the immediate aftermath of the D.C. National Guard shooting. The Meiselas brothers call out the politicization of tragedy, misinformation, and misplaced priorities of national leaders—offering a blend of outrage, wit, and urgent concern for democracy and the truth.

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Transcript

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[Political Commentator / News Host]

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[Military Veteran / Political Commentator]

The name of everyone that could have a connection.

[Political Commentator / News Host]

You don't understand. It was just the five of us. So this was was all planned. What are you gonna do? I will do whatever it takes to get my son back. I honestly didn't see this coming. These nice people killing each other. All her fault.

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[Political Commentator / News Host]

A horrific shooting just took place in Washington D.C. about two blocks from the White House. Two National Guardsmen were shot. These National Guardsmen came from West Virginia. Currently they're in critical condition. There were conflicting reports about their condition. I want to mention this though. Donald Trump did make a post right away about this where he said that he would be ordering 500 more National Guard troops to be in Washington D.C. but then shortly thereafter that he he started posting about his poll numbers. Seriously posting about your poll numbers when this is what's taking place and when we don't know the condition of these National Guards, men or women. Here's what he posted. President Donald Trump remains with strong approval at 50%. I mean, we know that that is false. Number one, he has his lowest approval ever. But that's what you're posting about now. You have to post that now. You can't just act like a mature ad and show the appropriate sympathy. It just utterly disgusts me. So here was the news. Two National Guard members were shot in Washington, D.C. this was right outside the Farragut West Metro station when I went to undergrad at the George Washington University and I went to law school at Georgetown Law. I lived in D.C. for about seven and a half years. That was the main train station that I took because I lived right around that area. So I know that area very well. We know that the scene was secured within about an hour or so. And one of the things that Mayor Bowser of Washington, D.C. said was that this was a targeted shooting by the suspect, who also now is in critical condition. Suspect is of these two National Guardsmen. Absolutely horrific. Now, the governor of West Virginia, Patrick Morrissey, originally posted that the National Guards members were killed. He then walked that statement back and said, we're now receiving conflicting reports about the condition of our two Guard members. And we'll provide additional updates once we receive more complete information. Our prayers are with these brave service members, their families and the entire Guard community. That's what we're thinking about right now here, of course, on the Midas Touch Network. A heinous act. And our heart goes out to all the members of the National Guard. But immediately after this, Donald Trump is now ratcheting up the National Guard presence in Washington, D.C. and I just don't think that there should be this National Guard presence there at all. I don't think it's having the intended effect that I think he thinks it is. I think it makes D.C. look like this authoritarian place. We saw the National Guards people picking up trash mostly, and they're mostly put in the tourist areas where there hasn't been a lot of crime in general versus if you were going to put them in areas where there's more crime. I mean, you're putting him in the tourist areas just kind of to show that they're there. Here's Pete Hegseth, secretary of Defense, talking about the 500 additional troops here. Play this clip.

[News Reporter / Secretary Pete Hegseth (voice)]

President Trump has asked me, and I will ask the secretary of the army to the national guard to add 500 additional troops.

[Political Commentator / News Host]

Troops.

[News Reporter / Secretary Pete Hegseth (voice)]

National Guardsmen to Washington D.C. this will only stiffen our resolve to ensure that we make Washington D.C. safe and beautiful. The drop in crime has been historic. The increase in safety and security has been historic. But if criminals want to conduct things like this, violence against America's best, we will never back down.

[Political Commentator / News Host]

And then we heard from FBI Director Kash Patel and Cash Patel made a very strange statement. He says that he intends to shortchange the American people with no resources. I guess he misspoke, but it's a bad time to misspeak. We will shortchange the American people with no resources, he says. Here, play this clip optional.

[FBI Director Kash Patel (voice)]

We will work together collaboratively because this is a matter of national security, because it's a matter of pride. President Trump has been in of front. We've been in contact with the White House. We will shortchange the American public with no resources to make sure we find and safeguard our nation's capital right here in Washington D.C. and bring anyone responsible for this heinous act of violence to justice. I would lastly like to add to the American public in the world. Please send your prayers to those brave warriors who are in critical condition and their families. They are here serving our country. They are here protecting everyday Americans and citizens around the world in our nation's capital. They are the heroes of this day. And we must remember them on this day and every day and their families and the sacrifice they have made. I will now turn it over to Chief Carroll, the Metropolitan Police Department. Thank you.

[Political Commentator / News Host]

Now, one of the things that we're seeing happen as well is that, you know, MAGA always exploits tragedy right away. Soon as something happens, they find a way. Let's blame Democrats. And it's, it's every single time, every shooting, every everything when we should just now be focused on making sure that we do anything we can, you know, for these victims and think about them and reflect on what a horrible situation this is. A wait to learn more information. MAGA right away exploits it so at all these MAGA Republican Congress members are doing is saying this shooting is the Democrats fault. And they're saying it's Senator Mark Kelly and all the Democrats who said that the mill military should not follow unlawful orders, which is again, it's just a restatement of the law. But the way these magazines are saying it right now is they go and because these, because of these statements by the Democrats, it put the guardsmen on the street saying that in jeopardy by saying what they're doing is an unlawful order. And that's not what the Democratic members in the House and the Senate said. But again, this is how they exploit every situation, every tragedy. Play this clip.

[Military Veteran / Political Commentator]

You've lost friends in combat. I've lost friends in combat. And so we know what this is like. So let's all pray for the families here. But then let's ask ourselves, how did we get here? How are we in this spot? So there's a sitting member of Congress who over the weekend on some talk shows was saying that President Donald Trump putting National Guardsmen on the streets was an unlawful order. We have people on CNN at competing network saying that putting National Guards people on the street is equivalent to Nazi Germany. So this inflammatory rhetoric by the left has to stop. Now. Did this drive this shooter? We don't know the answer to that question. But did it prevent him from doing it? Hell, no. So my Democrat colleagues need to understand that their words have real consequences.

[Political Commentator / News Host]

And again, Kash Patel's girlfriend, who's got that SWAT security detail who flies on the private jet paid for by the taxpayers, she's chiming in. While everyone on X is fighting, the left is still attacking people who wear the uniform and support this country for simply doing so. There are far more important things in the world and far bigger enemies who actually hate us, in fact want to kill us. Pray. And she's responding to Democrats told the country that President Trump is giving illegal orders to the military and that it's incumbent upon the military to rebel or they're betraying the country and the Constitution. That's not what any Democrat said, and this is not something that's related to this at all. But this is what Mag is going to do. As our editor in chief, Ron Philip Koski writes, Cash Patel's girlfriend suggests that Senator Mark Kelly's video is responsible for the shooting of the National Guard troops in Washington, D.C. it's called the Holiday.

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[Political Commentator / News Host]

In addition to Donald Trump posting about his approval numbers and lying about it while we're still learning more information about the shooting, he then also posted about the elections in Honduras. And he says, will Maduro and his narco terrorists take over another country like they have taken over Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela? The man who is standing up for democracy and fighting against Maduro is Tito Asfura, the presidential candidate of the National Party. Then it's obviously something that was written for Donald Trump. He doesn't know who the candidates are in the Honduran election. But why are you posting this now? Like right now, this is what you have to do is inject your war language and your divisive language and your fake polls, like right now. And at the same time J.D. vance learned about the shooting, he was giving a speech at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, where he said that people on Thanksgiving don't like turkey. Here, I'll play this clip right here.

[J.D. Vance]

That is a uniquely American thing. That's why, for example, we have, you know, turkey. Think about turkey. Who really likes, be honest with yourselves. Who really likes turkey? You're all full of everybody who raised your hands. I know. Think about it. And here's, here's how I know that every single one of you who raised your hand is lying to me. How many times do you roast an 18 pound turkey? Just randomly, just, you know, a nice summer afternoon, we're gonna go get an 18 pound turkey. Nobody does it because turkey doesn't actually taste that good. But on Thanksgiving, on the most American holiday, I gotta, I got a fan over here. On the most American holiday, we're gonna cook a turkey, by God, because that's what Americans do. We cook this gigantic American bird and we do all kinds of crazy things to make it taste good. I talked to a, to a soldier today.

[Political Commentator / News Host]

Then he said that Pete Hegseth doesn't like people in beards. He doesn't like beardos. Here, play this clip.

[J.D. Vance]

And then Pete goes, no more beardos. I'm like, what the hell is that all about? He's talking about me. And I said to Pete afterwards, I was like, man, you had me. This whole speech was amazing. But you know what the, the point is here? That we believe in you so much. We believe in your mission so much that we know that you guys can meet the highest standards in the world.

[Political Commentator / News Host]

Now here's the moment. We learned on CNN that Trump was requesting 500 additional National Guard troops to be sent to Washington, D.C. here, play this clip.

[News Reporter / Secretary Pete Hegseth (voice)]

And Charles, we're just learning that President Trump is now requesting 500 additional National Guard troops to be sent to DC. That's according to Secretary Pete Hegseth.

[Political Commentator / News Host]

That's what we know. For now. We'll keep you posted every step of the way. Of course, this is an evolving story, so I wanted to wait before publishing it to gather as many details as I could. And of course, you know, things can be changing very rapidly here, so let me know what you think. Hit subscribe let's get to 6 million. Thanks for watching.

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