The MeidasTouch Podcast

Episode: "White House Panics in Disaster Presser as Admin Collapses"
Date: November 20, 2025
Hosts: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas

Episode Overview

This episode dissects a tumultuous White House press conference led by Caroline Levitt, Donald Trump's chief propagandist, covering the administration's controversial statements and policy defenses. The Meiselas brothers provide running commentary, fact-checks, and their signature banter throughout a series of heated confrontations between Levitt and the press. The episode spotlights escalating White House chaos, troubling rhetoric, and implications for American democracy.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The "Disaster" White House Press Conference

Opening Drama: Caroline Levitt's press conference is described as “panicking” and marked by repeated factually incorrect statements, evasions, and ultimately, her hasty exit when pressed by reporters.
- Host Commentary:
  “Donald Trump's White House is panicking. They just held a disastrous press conference…She literally ran off of the stage while she was giving this press conference.” — Ben Meiselas [00:30]

2. Trump’s Insult Toward Reporter ("Piggy" Comment)

Incident: Trump reportedly called a female Bloomberg reporter "piggy." Levitt defended this as “frankness,” claiming it demonstrates Trump’s transparency and attacking the media for spreading “fake news.”
- Notable Quote (Caroline Levitt):
  “The president is very frank and honest with everyone in this room…That’s one of the many reasons the American people reelected this president, because of his frankness. And he calls out fake news…” [01:37]
- Host Reaction:
  “That’s disgusting. This is what you’re teaching our children, the next generation. How horrible.” — Brett Meiselas [01:15]

3. Attacks on South African President and G20 Boycott

Levitt Criticism: Levitt verbally attacks South African President Ramaphosa for public criticisms, reiterates that the U.S. is boycotting the G20 in South Africa, and perpetuates Trump’s false claims of “white genocide” in that country.
- Notable Quote (Caroline Levitt):
  “I saw the South African President running his mouth a little bit against the United States…That language is not appreciated by the President or his team…” [03:26]
Host Assessment:
The brothers denounce Levitt’s aggression and the persistent spread of dangerous conspiracy theories.

4. Department of Education and Lessons From the Government Shutdown

Levitt’s Claim: Levitt asserts that the government shutdown proved America “does not need a federal Department of Education,” as 90% of its staff were furloughed with “no impact.”
- Notable Quote (Caroline Levitt):
  “The Democrats’ reckless 43 day government shutdown…proved that America does not need a federal Department of Education.” [04:12]
- Host Outrage:
  “You’re saying the thing you learned was not how people were suffering but to take away the Department of Education to harm our kids…Is so disgusting.” — Ben Meiselas [04:52]

5. Derogatory Comments on NYC Mayor-elect Mamdani

Levitt’s Language: Levitt refers to the incoming NYC mayor as “a communist” and ridicules the Democratic Party for supporting him.
- Notable Quote (Caroline Levitt):
  "It speaks volumes that tomorrow we have a communist coming to the White House because that’s who the Democrat Party elected as the mayor of the largest city…” [05:49]
- Host Response:
  The brothers call this “evil, weird, demented” behavior and question the administration’s professionalism and decency.

6. Claims of Political Violence and Military Loyalty

Incendiary Accusations:
Levitt accuses Democrats of inciting political violence by suggesting the military should not follow illegal orders.
- Notable Quote (Caroline Levitt):
  “They are literally saying to 1.3 million active duty service members not to defy the chain of command, not to follow lawful orders…To suggest and encourage that active duty service members defy the chain of command is a very dangerous thing for sitting members of Congress to do. And they should be held accountable…” [08:32]
Escalation:
Trump’s own inflammatory social media posts reportedly include wishing death or hanging for Democrats regarding their stance on military lawfulness, which Levitt dodges or shifts blame over.

7. The Ukraine "Peace Plan" Questioned

Reporter Challenges:
Levitt is questioned about a peace plan that would force Ukraine to surrender territory and military power to Russia. She deflects, criticizing the reporter’s “biased” sources and invoking Trump’s “historic success” in Middle East negotiations.
- Notable Quote (Reporter):
  “According to our sources, this proposal demands major concessions from Ukraine and doesn’t demand much from Russia. So was Russia involved in drafting?” [10:17]
- Notable Quote (Caroline Levitt):
  “Your understanding is wrong. Have you read the full plan? You haven’t…We are hearing out both sides of this war to understand what can you commit to, to end the war…” [10:29]

8. Absolute Loyalty to Trump, Even on Potentially Illegal Orders

Reporter Presses On:
A key exchange focuses on whether administration officials are expected to follow all of Trump’s orders—legal or not. Levitt evasively insists Trump only gives lawful orders and again blames Democrats for undermining the chain of command.
- Notable Quote (Reporter):
  “No matter what the order is…does the president expect those cabinet members…to go ahead with those orders regardless?” [11:57]
- Notable Quote (Caroline Levitt):
  “The president expects his cabinet officials…to follow the law and to demand accountability…If this were Republican members of Congress who were encouraging members of the military…to defy orders…the entire room would be up in arms…” [12:19]

9. The Brothers’ Closing Reactions

The Meiselas brothers repeatedly label the White House’s rhetoric and conduct as “disgusting,” “horrific,” and “dangerous.”
They encourage listeners to subscribe and stay vigilant, underlining the urgent need to support democracy and hold power to account.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Time | Speaker | Quote | |-------|---------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:30 | Ben Meiselas | "Donald Trump’s White House is panicking…She literally ran off of the stage…" | | 01:37 | Caroline Levitt | "He calls out fake news when he sees it…he’s being frank and honest…" | | 04:12 | Caroline Levitt | "It proved that America does not need a federal Department of Education…" | | 04:52 | Ben Meiselas | "You're saying…take away the Department of Education to harm our kids…" | | 05:49 | Caroline Levitt | "We have a communist coming to the White House…" | | 08:32 | Caroline Levitt | "To suggest and encourage…defy the chain of command…is very dangerous…" | | 10:29 | Caroline Levitt | "Your understanding is wrong. Have you read the full plan? You haven’t…" | | 12:19 | Caroline Levitt | "The president expects…to follow the law and to demand accountability…" | | 13:10 | Ben Meiselas | "Caroline Levitt, that was so utterly disgusting, I don’t even know what to say."|

Important Timestamps

00:30 — Breakdown of the press conference and Caroline Levitt running off stage
01:37 — Levitt defends Trump’s “piggy” comment
03:26 — Levitt attacks South African President and details G20 boycott
04:12 — Claims against the Department of Education in shutdown context
05:49 — Levitt's “communist” NYC Mayor-elect outburst
08:32 — Accusations regarding military orders and political violence
10:29 — Defense of Ukraine “peace plan”
12:19 — Absolute loyalty to Trump and legality of presidential orders
13:10 — Host’s summary, outrage, call to action

Tone and Language

The episode is unapologetic, urgent, and deeply critical of the Trump administration and its public messaging. The hosts use a mix of incredulity, outrage, and biting humor to address ongoing threats to democratic norms, with a clear focus on fact-checking and exposing dangerous rhetoric.

For listeners seeking a detailed breakdown, this episode is a dramatic, sometimes shocking window into current White House press tactics and the MeidasTouch brothers’ commitment to democracy, accountability, and truth.

The MeidasTouch Podcast

Episode: "White House Panics in Disaster Presser as Admin Collapses"
Date: November 20, 2025
Hosts: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The "Disaster" White House Press Conference

Opening Drama: Caroline Levitt's press conference is described as “panicking” and marked by repeated factually incorrect statements, evasions, and ultimately, her hasty exit when pressed by reporters.
- Host Commentary:
  “Donald Trump's White House is panicking. They just held a disastrous press conference…She literally ran off of the stage while she was giving this press conference.” — Ben Meiselas [00:30]

2. Trump’s Insult Toward Reporter ("Piggy" Comment)

Incident: Trump reportedly called a female Bloomberg reporter "piggy." Levitt defended this as “frankness,” claiming it demonstrates Trump’s transparency and attacking the media for spreading “fake news.”
- Notable Quote (Caroline Levitt):
  “The president is very frank and honest with everyone in this room…That’s one of the many reasons the American people reelected this president, because of his frankness. And he calls out fake news…” [01:37]
- Host Reaction:
  “That’s disgusting. This is what you’re teaching our children, the next generation. How horrible.” — Brett Meiselas [01:15]

3. Attacks on South African President and G20 Boycott

Levitt Criticism: Levitt verbally attacks South African President Ramaphosa for public criticisms, reiterates that the U.S. is boycotting the G20 in South Africa, and perpetuates Trump’s false claims of “white genocide” in that country.
- Notable Quote (Caroline Levitt):
  “I saw the South African President running his mouth a little bit against the United States…That language is not appreciated by the President or his team…” [03:26]
Host Assessment:
The brothers denounce Levitt’s aggression and the persistent spread of dangerous conspiracy theories.

4. Department of Education and Lessons From the Government Shutdown

Levitt’s Claim: Levitt asserts that the government shutdown proved America “does not need a federal Department of Education,” as 90% of its staff were furloughed with “no impact.”
- Notable Quote (Caroline Levitt):
  “The Democrats’ reckless 43 day government shutdown…proved that America does not need a federal Department of Education.” [04:12]
- Host Outrage:
  “You’re saying the thing you learned was not how people were suffering but to take away the Department of Education to harm our kids…Is so disgusting.” — Ben Meiselas [04:52]

5. Derogatory Comments on NYC Mayor-elect Mamdani

Levitt’s Language: Levitt refers to the incoming NYC mayor as “a communist” and ridicules the Democratic Party for supporting him.
- Notable Quote (Caroline Levitt):
  "It speaks volumes that tomorrow we have a communist coming to the White House because that’s who the Democrat Party elected as the mayor of the largest city…” [05:49]
- Host Response:
  The brothers call this “evil, weird, demented” behavior and question the administration’s professionalism and decency.

6. Claims of Political Violence and Military Loyalty

Incendiary Accusations:
Levitt accuses Democrats of inciting political violence by suggesting the military should not follow illegal orders.
- Notable Quote (Caroline Levitt):
  “They are literally saying to 1.3 million active duty service members not to defy the chain of command, not to follow lawful orders…To suggest and encourage that active duty service members defy the chain of command is a very dangerous thing for sitting members of Congress to do. And they should be held accountable…” [08:32]
Escalation:
Trump’s own inflammatory social media posts reportedly include wishing death or hanging for Democrats regarding their stance on military lawfulness, which Levitt dodges or shifts blame over.

7. The Ukraine "Peace Plan" Questioned

Reporter Challenges:
Levitt is questioned about a peace plan that would force Ukraine to surrender territory and military power to Russia. She deflects, criticizing the reporter’s “biased” sources and invoking Trump’s “historic success” in Middle East negotiations.
- Notable Quote (Reporter):
  “According to our sources, this proposal demands major concessions from Ukraine and doesn’t demand much from Russia. So was Russia involved in drafting?” [10:17]
- Notable Quote (Caroline Levitt):
  “Your understanding is wrong. Have you read the full plan? You haven’t…We are hearing out both sides of this war to understand what can you commit to, to end the war…” [10:29]

8. Absolute Loyalty to Trump, Even on Potentially Illegal Orders

Reporter Presses On:
A key exchange focuses on whether administration officials are expected to follow all of Trump’s orders—legal or not. Levitt evasively insists Trump only gives lawful orders and again blames Democrats for undermining the chain of command.
- Notable Quote (Reporter):
  “No matter what the order is…does the president expect those cabinet members…to go ahead with those orders regardless?” [11:57]
- Notable Quote (Caroline Levitt):
  “The president expects his cabinet officials…to follow the law and to demand accountability…If this were Republican members of Congress who were encouraging members of the military…to defy orders…the entire room would be up in arms…” [12:19]

9. The Brothers’ Closing Reactions

The Meiselas brothers repeatedly label the White House’s rhetoric and conduct as “disgusting,” “horrific,” and “dangerous.”
They encourage listeners to subscribe and stay vigilant, underlining the urgent need to support democracy and hold power to account.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Important Timestamps

00:30 — Breakdown of the press conference and Caroline Levitt running off stage
01:37 — Levitt defends Trump’s “piggy” comment
03:26 — Levitt attacks South African President and details G20 boycott
04:12 — Claims against the Department of Education in shutdown context
05:49 — Levitt's “communist” NYC Mayor-elect outburst
08:32 — Accusations regarding military orders and political violence
10:29 — Defense of Ukraine “peace plan”
12:19 — Absolute loyalty to Trump and legality of presidential orders
13:10 — Host’s summary, outrage, call to action

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White House Panics in Disaster Presser as Admin Collapses

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Summary

The MeidasTouch Podcast

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The "Disaster" White House Press Conference

2. Trump’s Insult Toward Reporter ("Piggy" Comment)

3. Attacks on South African President and G20 Boycott

4. Department of Education and Lessons From the Government Shutdown

5. Derogatory Comments on NYC Mayor-elect Mamdani

6. Claims of Political Violence and Military Loyalty

7. The Ukraine "Peace Plan" Questioned

8. Absolute Loyalty to Trump, Even on Potentially Illegal Orders

9. The Brothers’ Closing Reactions

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Important Timestamps

Tone and Language

Summary

The MeidasTouch Podcast

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The "Disaster" White House Press Conference

2. Trump’s Insult Toward Reporter ("Piggy" Comment)

3. Attacks on South African President and G20 Boycott

4. Department of Education and Lessons From the Government Shutdown

5. Derogatory Comments on NYC Mayor-elect Mamdani

6. Claims of Political Violence and Military Loyalty

7. The Ukraine "Peace Plan" Questioned

8. Absolute Loyalty to Trump, Even on Potentially Illegal Orders

9. The Brothers’ Closing Reactions

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Important Timestamps

Tone and Language