The MeidasTouch Podcast

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

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

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.

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.

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)

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

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.