The MeidasTouch Podcast Summary
Episode: Wow! Fox News Gives Up on Trump in Shocking Twist
Release Date: April 24, 2025
Introduction
In this episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast, the Meiselas brothers—Ben, Brett, and Jordy—delve into the recent shifts in Fox News' coverage of former President Donald Trump. They analyze Fox News' apparent shift from staunch support to a more critical stance, highlighting significant changes in the network's portrayal of Trump’s administration.
Fox News' Shift in Coverage of Donald Trump
Joe Scarborough opens the discussion by critiquing Fox News' recent approach to covering Trump. He refers to the network as "state regime media" and points out that some of their shows have begun to challenge Trump more openly than before.
Joe Scarborough [00:00]: "Wow. Fox, which I call state regime media, almost seemed to be giving up on Donald Trump yesterday. At least on some of their shows they were calling the guy out."
The brothers emphasize the significance of Fox News displaying a new poll that portrays Trump’s first 100 days with historically low approval ratings compared to past presidents.
Joe Scarborough [00:00]: "At least in the first 100 days, Donald Trump has the worst approval of any modern president by far."
Trump’s Approval Ratings and Economic Performance
The podcast highlights Fox News hosts discussing Trump’s economic management, citing the newly released Fox poll which indicates a severe dip in Trump's approval ratings.
Brett Baier [01:15]: "Watch this president talking tariffs in the economy. If you look at our new FOX News poll at 100 days, job approval compared to other presidents, there you see the president at 44% and you see his first term at 45%."
The Meiselas brothers discuss the implications of these ratings, suggesting that Fox News is using these polls to question Trump’s competence in handling the economy.
Joe Scarborough [04:45]: "Robert Wolf... never seeing the economy be mishandled in this way in his entire career."
Economic mismanagement is further criticized through comments from financial experts on Fox News, who label Trump’s economic policies as missteps and "unforced errors."
Kevin Hassett [04:53]: "This is probably the biggest manufactured crisis I've seen with a bunch of unforced errors."
Foreign Policy Critique: Ukraine and Russia
A significant portion of the episode focuses on Trump’s foreign policy, particularly his handling of relations with Ukraine and Russia. Fox News hosts are portrayed as critical of Trump's interactions with Ukrainian President Zelensky and Russian President Putin.
Joe Scarborough [01:38]: "Donald Trump continues to attack President Zelinsky of Ukraine and ... tries to compliment and suck up to Vladimir Putin."
Robert Wolf criticizes Trump’s approach, highlighting the lack of substantial concessions from Putin and questioning Trump's statements about Zelensky.
Robert Wolf [02:13]: "I'm not sure what concessions Putin will ever be willing to make, but he certainly hadn't made very many so far."
The Meiselas brothers argue that Trump's foreign policy statements are detrimental to peace negotiations, further straining international relations.
Joe Scarborough [03:12]: "Ukrainian President Zelensky is boasting ... that Crimea was lost years ago. Let me just stop reading it right there ... Donald Trump is a terrorist himself, as a felon, as a sexual abuser, as someone who aids and abets Vladimir Putin's genocide."
Criticism of Fox News Hosts
The podcast critiques specific Fox News hosts for their coverage of Trump, highlighting a divide within the network between different personalities.
Joe Scarborough [07:06]: "You had Jesse Waters seeing that. And Jeffy Jesse, vile, disgusting propagandist that he is."
Jesse Watters is singled out for promoting conspiracy theories and undermining factual discourse.
Steve Moore [07:49]: "So it's the contribution that he made is not how much he saved the taxpayers ..."
The brothers express frustration with hosts like Will Kane and MAGA Mike Johnson, who they feel perpetuate misleading narratives about Trump’s policies and initiatives.
Joe Scarborough [10:03]: "We're gonna give money for, to women who have babies. ... trying to bring in new white babies."
MAGA Mike Johnson is criticized for echoing questionable policies reminiscent of historical authoritarian regimes.
MAGA Mike Johnson [10:03]: "We are the Republican Party. We're the pro family party ... supporting policies that help families ..."
Inconsistent Messaging on Tariffs
The episode discusses Fox News' contradictory messages regarding tariffs, highlighting statements from Caroline Levitt that seem to contradict Trump’s earlier promises to reduce tariffs on China.
Caroline Levitt [12:39]: "There will be no unilateral reduction in tariffs against China ..."
The Meiselas brothers point out the inconsistency and confusion this causes, suggesting that Fox News is strategically releasing information to undermine Trump’s negotiation stance.
Joe Scarborough [13:25]: "Fox was like, all right, release the poll. And Murdoch was like, release the poll. We got to shut this guy down right now."
Conclusion: Fox News’ Portrayal of Trump
Wrapping up, Joe Scarborough summarizes Fox News' conflicted coverage—some hosts are openly critical, while others continue to support Trump unreservedly. The brothers argue that despite the mixed messages, Fox News is increasingly distancing itself from Trump by highlighting unfavorable polls and questioning his policies.
Joe Scarborough [14:07]: "Let me let them know he was a fraud. ... He's a felon. The guy lies about everything."
The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to engage with The MeidasTouch community, emphasizing the network's commitment to holding media accountable and supporting democratic values.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- Joe Scarborough [00:00]: "Fox ... almost seemed to be giving up on Donald Trump yesterday."
- Brett Baier [01:15]: "Watch this president talking tariffs in the economy."
- Kevin Hassett [04:53]: "This is probably the biggest manufactured crisis I've seen with a bunch of unforced errors."
- Joe Scarborough [03:12]: "Donald Trump is a terrorist himself, as a felon, as a sexual abuser..."
- MAGA Mike Johnson [10:03]: "We are the Republican Party. We're the pro family party..."
- Joe Scarborough [14:07]: "He's a fraud. ... He's a felon. The guy lies about everything."
Closing Remarks
The MeidasTouch brothers offer a critical lens on Fox News' current relationship with Donald Trump, suggesting a pivotal moment where the network may be reevaluating its support. They encourage listeners to stay informed and engaged through their platform, pledging continued coverage of media bias and support for democratic principles.
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