Summary of "The MeidasTouch Podcast" Episode: "WTF?! Trump Threatens NEW WAR…with MEXICO?!"

Release Date: November 29, 2024

In this gripping episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast, hosts Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas delve into alarming new developments surrounding former President Donald Trump’s alleged threats to wage war against Mexico. Combining sharp analysis with their trademark brotherly banter, the Meiselas brothers unpack the potential geopolitical ramifications of Trump’s proposed military actions aimed at curbing the fentanyl crisis.

1. Introduction to the Threat of War

The episode kicks off with Brett Marcellus setting the stage for the day’s explosive topic. Referencing recent reports from Rolling Stone, Brett discusses the startling claims that Trump is contemplating a full-scale invasion of Mexico to combat the flow of fentanyl into the United States.

Brett Marcellus [02:09]:

"We've heard a lot recently about Donald Trump starting a trade war with our allies, but that may be the least of our worries. We are now hearing reports that Trump is thinking of starting an actual war with Mexico."

2. Historical Context and Previous Statements

Brett further contextualizes the discussion by recalling past instances where Trump and his allies hinted at aggressive actions against Mexico. He cites a 2023 statement by Republican James Comer and a 2022 admission by Trump himself, illustrating a consistent thread of hostility towards Mexico within Trump’s rhetoric.

Brett Marcellus [02:10]:

"This is not the first time Trump has suggested this. Here's a clip from 2023 of Republican James Comer saying that we should have our military on the border and troops in Mexico."

3. Insider Accounts from Trump’s Inner Circle

The podcast features a detailed recounting of conversations between Trump and his advisors, notably from Mark Esper, Trump's former Secretary of Defense. Esper’s revelations provide a firsthand account of Trump’s contemplation of military strikes against Mexican drug laboratories.

Mark Esper [03:55]:

"The president approached me about a sensitive issue... he asked me if the military could, shoot missiles into Mexico to destroy the drug labs and take out the cartels."

Esper emphasizes the gravity and illegality of such actions, highlighting Trump's persistence despite clear legal and ethical boundaries.

Mark Esper [07:45]:

"Shooting missiles into Mexico would be illegal. It would also be an act of war... This would not only violate international law but also destroy our relationship with Mexico."

4. Support and Endorsement from Key Republican Figures

The episode explores how Trump’s proposed actions have garnered support from various Republican leaders and his cabinet picks. Figures such as Senator Marco Rubio and Fox News commentator Pete Hegseth express openness to military intervention, provided there is Mexican government cooperation.

Pete Hegseth [08:07]:

"If it takes military action, that's what it may take eventually... If you put the fear in the minds of drug lords, at least as a start, they can't operate with impunity."

Representative Mike Waltz [08:34]:

"We introduced legislation to create an authorization for use of military force to target Mexican drug cartels... it would give the president sophisticated military resources to disrupt cartel operations."

5. Response from Mexican Leadership

Adding depth to the discussion, the podcast includes a response from Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. She vehemently denies Trump’s accusations, attributing the drug trade’s persistence to American demand and emphasizing that much of the illegal weaponry in Mexico originates from the United States.

Claudia Sheinbaum [16:11]:

"Es un problema de consumo... el 70% de las armas ilegales incautadas en México provienen de los Estados Unidos."

(Translation: "It's a consumption problem... 70% of illegal weapons seized in Mexico come from the United States.")

6. Implications and Future Prospects

The hosts analyze the potential fallout of such aggressive policies, discussing the legality, ethical considerations, and international repercussions of invading a neighboring sovereign nation. They also ponder the impact on US-Mexico relations and global standing.

Lindsey Graham [16:36]:

"Can we agree folks that this is absolutely insane that we don't start wars with our closest allies and invade raid our neighbors? And can we finally put to rest this MAGA lie that Trump stands for peace."

Graham’s vehement stance underscores the bipartisan concerns regarding Trump’s aggressive foreign policy proposals.

7. Conclusion and Call to Action

Wrapping up, Brett Marcellus urges listeners to subscribe and support the podcast, emphasizing the importance of staying informed on such critical national security issues.

Brett Marcellus [16:36]:

"We are going to continue to call this new administration out every single day, but we can't do it without you. Remember to hit subscribe and help us get to 4 million subscribers."

Key Takeaways

• Trump’s Aggressive Stance: The episode reveals Trump’s serious consideration of military action against Mexico as a solution to the fentanyl crisis, moving beyond rhetoric to potential policy.

• Support within GOP: Several Republican leaders and Trump's cabinet selections have expressed openness to military intervention, signaling potential shifts in party policy.

• Legal and Ethical Concerns: Experts like Mark Esper highlight the illegality and peril of invading a sovereign nation, emphasizing the broader implications for international law and US-Mexico relations.

• Mexican Rebuttal: Mexico’s leadership denies the proposed aggression, placing responsibility on American demand and pointing out the influx of illegal weapons from the US.

• National and Global Impact: Such actions could severely damage diplomatic ties, destabilize the region, and tarnish the United States' global reputation.

Notable Quotes

• Brett Marcellus [02:10]:

  "This is not the first time Trump has suggested this... May apply from your fryer to the table."

• Mark Esper [03:55]:

  "Shooting missiles into Mexico would be illegal. It would also be an act of war."

• Pete Hegseth [08:07]:

  "If it takes military action, that's what it may take eventually."

• Claudia Sheinbaum [16:11]:

  "70% of the illegal weapons seized in Mexico come from the United States."

• Lindsey Graham [16:36]:

  "This is absolutely insane that we don't start wars with our closest allies and invade raid our neighbors."

Conclusion

This episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast sheds light on a potentially explosive turn in US-Mexico relations, driven by former President Trump’s controversial proposals. Through in-depth discussions and insider accounts, the Meiselas brothers provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the stakes involved, the political currents supporting such actions, and the profound consequences that could ensue. As the situation unfolds, the podcast underscores the importance of vigilance and informed discourse in safeguarding democratic values and international peace.