Podcast Summary: The MeidasTouch Podcast – "Yikes! Fox News Loses It as Trump Tanks Bad"
Release Date: February 13, 2025
Host/Authors: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas
Episode Title: Yikes! Fox News Loses It as Trump Tanks Bad
Introduction
In this episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast, the Meiselas brothers delve deep into the recent shifts in Fox News' coverage amidst the declining popularity of former President Donald Trump. The discussion highlights Fox News' handling of economic issues, particularly inflation, and their perceived pivot towards pro-Trump propaganda in response to Trump's criticisms of government policies.
Fox News' Coverage of Inflation and Trump
The episode begins with the hosts criticizing Fox News for its portrayal of rising inflation. Maria Bartiromo, a prominent Fox News anchor, attributed the spike in egg prices to the avian flu, deliberately avoiding any blame towards Donald Trump.
- Host (00:00): "The Fox state regime media strikes again... they treat him like he's a little toddler. Oh, it's never Donald Trump's fault. Always the victim."
The hosts argue that Fox News initially downplays Trump's role in economic issues but quickly shifts narrative when Trump begins publicly criticizing government policies and officials.
Trump's Reaction and Fox's Shift to Propaganda
As Trump takes to social media to blame President Biden for inflation and challenges Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell to lower interest rates, Fox News responds by overhauling its coverage to support Trump.
- Host (02:35): "Fox has to recalibrate its entire programming... This is what they're doing here."
The podcast highlights how Fox integrates guests like Marjorie Taylor Greene, Caroline Levitt, and Stephen Miller to bolster a pro-Trump agenda, often praising figures like Elon Musk.
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Stephen Miller (03:15): "Donald Trump looks more brilliant and more genius every single day as he's implementing his agenda... Our lives are getting better by the minute."
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Marjorie Taylor Greene (03:55): "Elon Musk is giving our entire country an inside look at the actual fraud, waste, abuse that's been going on for decades."
Critique of Fox Guests and Supporting Trump
The hosts express skepticism towards the praises of Elon Musk, pointing out his involvement in government contracts and ongoing investigations.
- Host (04:52): "A guy who built his business off of government contracts, someone who is being investigated by mostly every single government agency for all of his misconduct."
They mock the portrayal of Musk as a selfless genius, highlighting contradictions between his business dealings and public image.
Sarah Huckabee Sanders' Appearances on Fox
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders of Arkansas is criticized for her perceived mismanagement and wasteful spending while promoting anti-fraud narratives on Fox.
- Sarah Huckabee Sanders (06:55): "We should be looking at all of the waste and the fraud... The Democrats are terrified at what all he's going to find."
The hosts argue that Sanders' actions undermine her critiques, painting her as part of the problem she claims to oppose.
Jesse Waters' Propaganda Against Trump
Jesse Waters is portrayed as instrumental in pushing a narrative that demonizes Trump, depicting him as a victim of government overreach.
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Jesse Waters (07:52): "This isn't Revenge. It just so happens that the people who have weaponized the government against Trump are also the ones breaking the law."
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Jesse Waters (08:09): "Trump is, despite what people say about him, a true humanitarian... he doesn't get a lot of credit for that."
The hosts emphasize how this portrayal serves to manipulate Fox's right-wing audience into viewing Trump sympathetically despite controversies.
Congressman Chip Roy on Trump's Impoundment
The podcast discusses Congressman Chip Roy's stance on Trump's attempts to impound federal funds, which the hosts argue undermines the constitutional power of Congress over the purse.
- Stephen Miller (09:32): "The president is right... He can do it the way he sees fit as the chief executive."
Roy's defense of Trump's actions is criticized as a move towards authoritarianism.
Jessica Tarlov's Pushback
Jessica Tarlov is highlighted as a counterbalance to Fox's narrative, challenging the propaganda disseminated by pro-Trump commentators.
- Jessica Tarlov (12:40): "The real issue here is that he's talking a big game about transparency, but he's not being transparent himself."
The hosts commend Tarlov for questioning Elon Musk's transparency and government dealings, contrasting her approach with that of Fox News.
Russia and U.S. Stock Market Dynamics
A brief mention is made of the contrasting performance between the Russian and U.S. stock markets, with Russia's market soaring amid the U.S.'s struggles, though details are sparse.
MAGA's Attack on Judge John Bates
The episode criticizes the MAGA movement's efforts to discredit Judge John Bates, who presided over significant cases related to the January 6th defendants.
- Host (15:38): "Federal Judge John Bates... MAGA was going after him."
The hosts argue that these attacks are part of a broader strategy to undermine judicial independence and accountability.
John Bolton's Comments on Trump and Russia
John Bolton's recent comments on former President Trump's policies towards Russia and Ukraine are dissected, highlighting concerns over Trump's negotiation tactics.
- John Bolton (17:02): "If you're going into a negotiation, you don't announce what's acceptable to you before it begins... There's no country out there that's better at pocketing concessions that you make and then wanting more."
Bolton criticizes Trump's approach as too conciliatory towards Putin, suggesting it borders on surrender rather than effective negotiation.
Conclusion
The Meiselas brothers conclude the episode by urging listeners to recognize the manipulative tactics employed by Fox News in shaping public perception of Donald Trump. They emphasize the importance of supporting democracy against perceived authoritarian shifts within media and political landscapes.
Notable Quotes:
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Stephen Miller (03:15): "Donald Trump looks more brilliant and more genius every single day as he's implementing his agenda... Our lives are getting better by the minute."
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Marjorie Taylor Greene (03:55): "Elon Musk is giving our entire country an inside look at the actual fraud, waste, abuse that's been going on for decades."
-
Sarah Huckabee Sanders (06:55): "We should be looking at all of the waste and the fraud... The Democrats are terrified at what all he's going to find."
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Jesse Waters (07:52): "This isn't Revenge. It just so happens that the people who have weaponized the government against Trump are also the ones breaking the law."
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John Bolton (17:02): "If you're going into a negotiation, you don't announce what's acceptable to you before it begins... There's no country out there that's better at pocketing concessions that you make and then wanting more."
This episode provides a critical examination of Fox News' evolving narrative in response to Trump's diminishing popularity, highlighting the interplay between media, politics, and public perception. The MeidasTouch Network underscores the need for vigilant support of democratic principles amidst shifting media landscapes.