The MeidasTouch Podcast

Episode: World Leaders Put Screws in Trump for Disaster in DC
Date: August 24, 2025

Episode Overview

In this charged episode, the Meiselas brothers dive deep into escalating global frustration with Donald Trump, as world leaders react to his response—or lack thereof—to a Major Russian missile strike destroying a US-owned factory in Western Ukraine. The hosts dissect how Trump's behavior, particularly his public camaraderie with Vladimir Putin and inaction over the Russian attack, has infuriated international allies and empowered Russian state propaganda. Throughout the discussion, the brothers highlight the geopolitical and moral implications of US leadership, using a mix of analysis, news clips, and their usual animated banter.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. World Reaction to Trump’s Weakness on Russia

[02:22–07:02]

• Global Outrage:
  Leaders from Ukraine (Zelensky), France (Macron), the UK (Starmer), Australia (Albanese), Germany (Mars), Canada (Carney), and the EU (von der Leyen) have voiced grave concerns about Trump’s apparent deference to Putin.

• Direct Attack:
  A US electronics factory, Flex, in Ukraine—far from the front lines—was destroyed by a Russian missile. The attack was widely interpreted as a deliberate challenge to US interests—and an implicit test of US resolve.

• Trump’s Response:
  Instead of condemnation or action, Trump showcased a photograph sent by Putin and boasted about their relationship during a public event intended for the FIFA World Cup, infuriating allies.

• Quote:
  “Putin bombs an American factory in Ukraine and Trump shows everyone a picture of him and his buddy Putin and brags about wanting to invite him to the World Cup. This is sick. This is absolutely sick stuff right here.” — Political Commentator ([04:30])

• Zelensky’s Statement:
  Zelensky marked the war’s 1,276th day, expressing patriotic resolve and the urgent need for “strong security guarantees” from Western partners.

2. Trump and Orbán: Friendly Dictators and Bizarre Priorities

[02:22–07:02]

• Viktor Orbán’s Letter:
  The Hungarian PM, facing domestic political instability, wrote to Trump protesting Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries that supplied Hungary.
• Trump’s Response:
  Trump expressed anger over Ukraine’s actions, addressing Orbán in a personal and undiplomatic tone:
  "Victor, I do not like hearing, I am very angry about it. Tell Slovakia also, you're a great friend, Donald." ([approx. 04:10])
• European and global leaders are left baffled and exasperated by Trump’s priorities and personal alliances.

3. Russian and Trump Responses: Spin, Denial, and Missed Action

[07:02–11:59]

• Putin’s Team Sticks to Hardline:
  Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov made clear that Russia would not participate in ceasefire or security guarantee talks, contradicting US media spin about Trump brokering peace.

  • “There is no meeting planned... Putin is ready to meet with Zelensky when the agenda would be ready for a summit, and this agenda is not ready at all.” — Russian Official ([09:14])

• Trump Avoids Questions, Makes False Claims:
  When Trump was asked directly whether he had discussed the attacked US factory with Putin:

  • "I'm not happy about it. And I'm not happy about anything having to do with that war. I said I settled, not seven wars... so it would be 10." — Trump ([13:17])

• Commentators point out Trump’s deflection and fabrication about ending “10 wars,” highlighting his avoidance of real issues.

4. Russian State Media: Triumphalism and Direct Ties to Trump

[13:45–18:12]

• Russian Propaganda’s Spin:
  Russian state TV uses Trump’s actions to gloat about “no criticism from the White House” during Russian strikes, stating flatly that pro-Trump Republicans are now openly aligned with Russia’s aims.

• Attack on John Bolton:
  Russian media claims credit for the US raid on former Trump National Security Adviser John Bolton, implying Trump is carrying out Russian vendettas domestically.

  • “I want to remind you that right here in the studio...I clearly stated that the Federal Bureau of Investigation should carry out a comprehensive set of operational measures [against Bolton]... I urged President Trump to listen to these recommendations.” — Russian State Media Commentator ([17:44])

• Bolton’s Response:
  Bolton (prior to raid) issues a statement:

  • “Russia has not changed its goal, drag Ukraine into a new Russian empire...Meanwhile, meetings will continue because Trump wants a Nobel Peace Prize. But I don't see these talks making any progress, just true facts.” ([approx. 18:00])

5. Ukraine’s Position: Resilience Amid Betrayal

[18:12–20:40]

• Ukrainian Strength:
  Despite minimal territory change since 2022 and prodigious Russian casualties, Ukraine stands defiant, thanks to its military and Western support.

• Financial Realities:
  Ukraine has to actively raise funds to buy American weapons that the US may not actually deliver, further highlighting reliance on transactional arrangements rather than true alliances.

• Quote:
  "Ukraine's defending itself valiantly as long as it just gets the support it needs, but again, you have Trump showing utter weakness." — Political Commentator ([20:40])

Notable Quotes and Moments

Trump’s Public Boast:
"That's a man named Vladimir Putin, who I believe will be coming, depending on what happens. He may be coming and he may not, depending on what happens. We have a lot of things happening over the next couple of weeks, but I thought it was a nice picture of him. Okay, of me, but nice of him. So that was very nice that it was sent to me."
— Donald Trump ([07:02])

Russian State Media on Trump’s Alignment:
"Personally, I believe that Trump understands it's necessary to allow Russia by military means, to make Zelensky accept the current realities. And this will work in favor of Trump's peace plan. That's why the Americans are now extremely interested in Russian military successes."
— Russian State Media Commentator ([16:13])

On the US Factory Bombing:
"Russia is not only devastating Ukraine, it's humiliating American business..."
— Political Commentator relaying US Chamber of Commerce leader’s remarks ([11:59])

On the State of the Russia-Ukraine War:
"Putin said he would be able to take over Kiev in three days. He didn't. Now we're in 2025... It will take years and years and years and 2 million casualties in Russia for them to even make any slight progress from where they are now based on all intelligence out there."
— Political Commentator ([20:40])

Important Timestamps

• International Reaction to Russian Strike: [02:22–07:02]
• Trump Showcases Putin Photo at FIFA Event: [07:02]
• Sergey Lavrov on Non-Existent Ceasefire Talks: [08:56–09:14]
• Trump Dodges Missile Attack Question: [13:07–13:45]
• Russian TV Praising Trump and Attacking Bolton: [14:55–17:44]
• Summation of War Status and World Displeasure with Trump: [18:12–end]

Summary

This episode underscores the growing global alarm over Trump's permissive stance toward Russian aggression and his disregard for traditional US alliances. Through news analysis, translated Russian media, and sharp commentary, the MeidasTouch team illustrates how Trump's leadership emboldens adversaries, demoralizes allies, and exposes American interests to overt attack and propaganda. The brothers deliver a lucid, biting critique that blends international headlines with on-the-ground impacts, offering a vital (and at times darkly comic) account of democracy under pressure in 2025.