The MeidasTouch Podcast: "Urgent Updates as Trump Declares War on LA" Release Date: June 8, 2025
In this high-stakes episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast, hosts Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas delve into the alarming developments unfolding in Los Angeles as former President Donald Trump takes unprecedented actions against the city. Combining incisive analysis with their signature brotherly banter, the brothers provide listeners with a comprehensive breakdown of the situation, its legal implications, and potential consequences for American democracy.
1. Escalation of Federal Actions in Los Angeles
Timestamp: [02:23]
The episode kicks off with Evelyn highlighting the chaos engulfing Los Angeles due to recent actions by the Trump administration. Tear gas and fireworks mark the streets as federal forces clash with protesters, signaling a severe escalation in federal intervention.
Evelyn: "We have tear gas. We have fireworks going off. Tear gas is in the air. People are dispersing. I can't see anything."
2. Invocation of 10 USC Section 12406
Timestamp: [02:23 - 05:59]
Evelyn explains that the Trump administration invoked 10 USC Section 12406, a statute she argues is inapplicable and invalid in this context. This section typically requires a governor's consent, which was not obtained, rendering the action unlawful.
Evelyn: "The Trump regime invoked 10 USC Section 12406, which is entirely inapplicable to what's taking place. And it's invalid the way Trump invoked it because it requires a governor's consent, which did not take place here."
3. Federalization of the National Guard
Timestamp: [02:23 - 09:03]
The brothers dissect the memo titled "Department of Defense Security for the Protection of Department of Homeland Security Functions", released by Trump during a UFC fight. This document allegedly orders the federalization of the National Guard to suppress what the administration labels as an insurrection.
Evelyn: "The memo that Donald Trump issued... is called the Department of Defense Security for the Protection of Department of Homeland Security Functions Memo. And as I said, it invokes section 10 USC 12406."
4. Targeted ICE Raids and Community Impact
Timestamp: [02:23 - 06:47]
Detailed accounts are provided of ICE raids targeting peaceful migrant communities in Los Angeles. Instead of focusing on criminal elements, these raids have zeroed in on apparel factories, courthouses, and neighborhoods housing hardworking Latino families. The brotherly team emphasizes the disproportionate nature of these actions.
Evelyn: "They were targeting apparel factories where migrants were hard at work... Home Depot parking lots. They were not going after criminals or gang bangers. They were going after peaceful, hardworking migrants."
5. Visual Evidence of Conflict
Timestamp: [05:59 - 08:45]
Frank and Evelyn present harrowing footage captured by citizens, showcasing the use of less-than-lethal rounds against protesters. Scenes from Paramount and surrounding areas illustrate the intensity and brutality of the federal response.
Frank: "It's continuing these crowd dispersal tactics being used on a group of protesters that are protesting in Paramount, California."
Evelyn: "Here's another image of the ICE raid... Community resistance in front of this Home Depot in Paramount."
6. Legal and Constitutional Analysis
Timestamp: [06:47 - 09:03]
The podcast delves into the legal discrepancies of invoking 10 USC Section 12406. Evelyn meticulously breaks down the statute, highlighting that none of the requisite conditions for its application were met. Moreover, the absence of Governor Gavin Newsom's consent renders the federalization process illegal.
Evelyn: "None of those were met to be able to invoke 10 USC 12406. And then it says that the orders for these purposes shall be issued through the governors. These were not issued through California Governor Gavin Newsom."
7. Threats of Military Escalation
Timestamp: [09:03 - End]
The discussion intensifies as Evelyn reveals statements from Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, who threatens the deployment of active-duty Marines from Camp Pendleton to Los Angeles if violence persists. This stark threat marks a severe escalation, effectively declaring war against American citizens.
Evelyn: "Pete Hegseth is now threatening to send the Marines into Los Angeles. Make no mistake, this is a declaration of war against the United States."
Evelyn: "Under President Trump, violence and destruction against federal agents and federal facilities will not be tolerated."
8. Historical Context and Future Implications
Timestamp: [09:03 - End]
Connecting the current events to broader historical and political contexts, the brothers speculate on Trump's intentions, including a potential dictatorship-style military parade on his birthday, June 14. They warn that these aggressive maneuvers aim to establish martial law and showcase authoritarian power, unprecedented in American history.
Evelyn: "They want to provoke something to that they could essentially claim was an insurrection so that they could federalize the National Guard... next weekend is the Trump regime's birthday party for Donald Trump where they are doing the big Dictatorship military parade."
Conclusion
In this riveting episode, The MeidasTouch Podcast delivers a scathing critique of the Trump administration's aggressive policies in Los Angeles. Through detailed legal analysis, eyewitness accounts, and stark warnings of military escalation, the Meiselas brothers underscore the fragility of American democracy in the face of authoritarian tactics. Their commitment to uncovering the truth and supporting democratic values resonates deeply, urging listeners to stay informed and vigilant.
For those who missed the episode, this summary encapsulates the urgent and critical discussions that underscore the podcast's dedication to addressing pivotal political and social issues with both depth and accessibility.