Ben Meiselas and Michael Popok return with another packed episode of the top-rated Legal AF podcast, tackling the latest legal and political chaos shaping the nation. This episode is being provided to our Meidas+ subscribers ad-free! If you are able to support our reporting and the growth of this network, and would like to see more ad-free content like this, please consider joining now as a paid subscriber.
Here’s what’s on deck: First, Trump is back to conducting foreign, domestic, national security, and trade policy through social media posts—but this time, it’s backfired spectacularly. The President of Mexico has outmaneuvered him, using Trump’s erratic online declarations to her advantage and effectively "winning" the trade war before it even began. Second, Trump’s picks for national security and defense roles are raising alarms—and for good reason. His Department of Defense nominee, Pete Hegseth, has been deemed unfit for the position by none other than his own mother, who inadvertently shared her blunt assessment in an email, calling her son an "abuser of women." Third, the Trump transition continues to redefine corruption, fueled by dark money, cryptocurrency schemes, and unethical relationships between proposed regulators and the industries they’re supposed to oversee. The result? A less safe and secure America. And that’s just the start—tune in for more insight and analysis at the intersection of law and politics.
It should be obvious from Trump’s picks that he plans to destroy the government piece by piece agency by agency. Is there no government agency or law to stop him please!!!!!!
WE can PRAY for some serious "DIVINE INTERVENTION here... he needs to be stopped NOW !! WE cannot let him and his Nazi cult take office ever again !!
I'm sorry, but prayer has been scientifically proven to be 100% ineffective. We will have to do some real physical actions to stop this destruction of our government. I'm not trying to be funny; it's just a fact.
Trump's nominees lack the competence, ethics, background, and character to be effective cabinet leaders. Trump is filling the government with loons, traitors, slackers, fools, blunderers and corrupt plutocrats.
Trump picks have nothing to do with actual qualifications at all it’s like he’s picking staff for his old apprentice show, that really sucked for entertainment!
Trump and co want to make the government NO longer functional!
I have had a bumper sticker on my car for many years: RESIST
How do you resist when you are just one of many anxious people? I have no idea and I am more lost than I have been my entire life.
Proud to be a member of the enemy within, because I am an enemy to misogyn, racism, fascism, climate deniers and anyone who thinks a human is illegal.
That's why I wear this "Happy to Be The Enemy Within" t-shirt with pride! 👇
libtees-2.creator-spring.com/listing/enwith
You are right on! Where did you get the T-shirt? I want one!...LOL!!! :-)
Clicking here 👇 😉
libtees-2.creator-spring.com/listing/enwith
Thank you for the link. I'm getting one to wear around this seriously Red senior co-op.🤣🤣🤣
Got it! Thanks. :-)
You’re welcome! 😉
It's like Michelle Obama said, DO SOMETHING! Write your congress people. More importantly, your Senators. Whether you like them or not, they represent you and have to answer to you. Regardless of how they respond, keep at it. The more people letting them know we care the better. They can't ignore a mass of people calling for action. Besides, it gives them an out for bucking 45 with their competing senators. So, if you haven't been already, write! And don't just complain. State your reasons why this person(s) is unacceptable for the office. They need facts, too. If you can't do anything else, at least you can do this! And when MAGAs try to tell you how great it will be or how either person was equally bad just say they will get what they voted for and go mute. Or ignore them. Think Amish-SHUN THEM.
Resist any way you can find that may be a bit outside your comfort zone it takes ALL of us!
If you want 45 stopped, you need to DO SOMETHING! Find out what you can do and DO IT! We all need to stand up in whatever little or bigger ways we can. Shun MAGAs. Tell them they will get what they voted for and walk away
Karen, Please read till the end:
Can anyone explain WHY Article 14 Sec 3 is not being vigorously employed against Trump. The constitution is clear, Trump is NOT ELIGIBLE to be president… he forfeited that privilege by instigating his failed coup.
SCOTUS decided that States could not remove Trump’s name from their ballots but SCOTUS did not eliminate invoking Section 3 of Article 14. It’s not too late; it will be too late if Trump is sworn in!
President Biden, VP Harris, Congress and Federal Judges have sworn to uphold the Constitution, they MUST ACT NOW… immediately convene an emergency Federal Grand Jury and present the already documented evidence that proves Trump's guilt as an insurrectionist!! Article 14 Sec 3 demands this bold action in order to save our country! The societal impact would be significant and dangerous, but those negative consequences would pale when compared to Trump's stated intentions!
Trump is NOT president until sworn in... just don’t swear him in! The ‘Trump Travesty’ must be stopped and President Biden is the only individual with the authority and power to set this in action and he must… otherwise Trump and minions will cause total chaos as our country goes to shambles!!
_ _ _
I’ve been trying very hard to get the word out! Anything each of us blog reader can do will be helpful and appreciated. Contacting your Congressman is a good start. Thanks.
He is already violating national security by allowing unapproved individuals into his inner circle
Trumps Project 2025 is a terrorist manifesto. Treasonous.
Bullseye!!!
Can they refuse to swear him in if he doesn’t sign the ethics agreement?
Evidently no one who matters or who can do anything cares to hold him accountable. I mean. Ugh
Trump doesn't even understand the word "ethics," and do you think he has the ability to sign his name? I don't. I believe all he can do is put an "X" on any document. He has the intelligence of a dumbed-down 5-year-old.
You really shouldn't denigrate 5 year old children like this. I seriously object to anyone texting insults of small children.🤭
John Robber refuse to swear him in? Not likely.
Are we just going to watch it happen
What can be legally done, besides complain and worry. Hard to watch the news anymore, so disgusting
No, I plan to call each undemocratic move, factually, logically, calmly in a way everyday people like each and everyone of us can hear.
I am curious how you plan on doing that. I am very interested in what is possible.
Hi Karen,
An excellent question. I plan to resume following the LegalAF podcast and Hot takes Daily beginning December 2nd.
I am planning on drafting one or two sentences in the comment section that I hope to send to people who are part of my network of those people who are or might be receptive to a very short factual statement that cuts through the disinformation or outright lies.
Continue speaking truth to power to family, friends, neighbors, colleagues, and of course…making your opinion known in the comment sections online.
I am doing that now. I don’t know what else to do right now. Thanks
It would appear so.
Yes. We are sitting ducks watching the dismantling of our government.
As Sean Connery said to an FBI agent, Elliot Ness, facing a similar mob, “What are you prepared to DO?” It really looks like it’s coming down to actual life and death vs total surrender of democracy.
We can’t go after trump but we can go after the heritage foundation
How? Please elucidate. People REALLY want to know!
I'm open to suggestions too. I'd love some ideas about going after the heritage foundation please.
He should not be allowed to take office if he will not sign these presidential contracts. Period!
Either he signs or in 2027 it becomes an article in his third impeachment. And no Mitch McConnell to protect him.
Right? Nobody else can get a government job or even a hospital job without passing a background check and signing a contract. Why tf isn't the president held to even higher standards? It's ludicrous.
Women in power shouldn’t be underestimated.
Hope. NONE of the orange baby man's clown show would be happening if he was disqualified day one after forensic psychiatrist Dr Bandy X Lee's report of the five dangerous mental pathologies of Donald Trump.
"World Mental Health Coalition"
https://youtube.com/@dangerouscasenow2523?si=OzNy4LkMVxd8JzHZ
We must use Every avenue possible to Stop these Sick Corrupt MAGA MORONS! Knowledge is Truth to Power! Support the true patriotic Legislators of both parties. There are Good people in Power who are actively notifying the public what we can do to stop Corrupt MAGA Trump and his supporters, i.e. No King in America legislation.
How can I get these notifications about how to sto IT and the supporters. ?????
It is important not to accept or or normalize felonious activity.
That’s what sociopaths do. They pick on those closest to them
I liked the Guliani video. Hope Karma hits Every MAGA Nutjob like it did with Guliana and Trump! Want to see E. Jean Carell and New York Taxpayers get their $$ Now! Our justice system really fumbled.
Liz Cheney, Adam Kisinger and Kamala told their supporters Many times that this election was about national security which is above politics! Every Patriotic news source should explain this fact.
You are totally wrong about Prime Minister Trudeau. He has been through this before. He will enact retaliatory tariffs. He has several Provincial leaders who will cause trouble. Especially because they are looking to drill baby drill while he is promoting climate protections. Plus thanks to the US we have our own right wing maga like problem. He is from a true legacy of leadership. He is not begging for anything and he will negotiate. Remember Canada and Mexico have very different issues. Walk softly but carry a big stick. And smile and have great hair while doing it.
Although I am embarrassed by what appears to rolling over by Trudeau. I agree we have a similar problem with our right wing opposition party and I am fearful of that as well. I hope you’re correct.
It is such a sick, sick joke what he is doing.
You do realize that this is all going spectacularly according to plan, right? Within a few weeks of inauguration, the people pulling the strings will 25th amendment trump right out of there. His current behavior will be used as proof that he is unfit. Then we will have president jd and what ever nightmare he picks for vp. Project 2025 will be implemented in full. And one day, the happy lemming MAGAts will realize as they run off the cliff to their death that their faces were indeed eaten by the leopards.
I can’t wait for the imbecile to croak. He actually makes me sick with anger!🤬
I think at some point we’ll have to lay our livelihoods and actual lives on the line. Nothing will stop him besides HIGHLY organized and coordinated action, but we are so fragmented. I have NO idea what to join, what to do, from my red state of Indiana. So, like the 1930s and into the 40s, it’ll come down to life-and-death struggle. And we won’t read about it online because they’ll be in charge of that too. We literally need shortwave radio and snail mail and local action to communicate.
"We will take America without firing a shot. We do not have to invade the US. We will destroy you from within." Khrushchev 18 Nov 1956 . . . really , after all the lend-lease so they could get to Berlin . . . this nation is rogue state, led by criminals and now they have stolen the USA's democracy with the help of pseudo-christians, cults and their unchallenged propaganda. imho xxx come on USA!! Don't let it happen, be better than this. Truth needs more than a label and a baseball cap xx it needs exposing lies xxx imho xxx thnxxx
Keep bringing the truth to us guys. This is the only platform I trust to do that.
Cathy, our job is to then take what Ben and Popok bring to us and carry it forward each day- simply and in small direct bites.
Glad to be able to watch this here.
He should be arrested as a terrorists and Democrats should stay in power.
I'm game on that! Let's do it!
Kakistpcracy meets kleptocracy - we the people get sucked dry by stupid, rich thieves.
Trump is going to create a “food bank” style grocery shopping experience for Americans, with only the lowest-priced products available (which will still gouge our wallets)…because Ralphs, Vons, (and even LA’s tony Gelson’s market) etc will not invest in higher-priced goods that will rot on the shelves.
I am a political/history addict because I love America!
It's as if we're turning our entire govt. over to a vicious street gang! The incredible incompetence is matched only by the treasonous desire of these people to do away with our democracy!
Trump's not so smart, can't even control a fart!
Do The People one big favor...Take as much of your content out from behind the paywall on all platforms. If you need Benjamins to run your network, sell ads like they do on TV. The Revolution will not happen in your bank accounts.
You guys are good. I enjoy your videos and podcasts and Substack posts. That is those I can see. I don't do paywalls, I'm too poor for that (untouchable caste). Your partisanship I would say is only in taking sides between democracy and a Nazi Dictator. I'm with the DSA myself because I agree the DNC doesn't give a rat's rear for the "working poor" (working caste and untouchables). They are owned by the Corporations just like the RepubliCONs who have been publicly known as Representatives of the Rich since the 1890s. These RepubliCONs (I call them that because they depend on the Modern Conservative Scam to win elections...They claim to be the "working man's party, and I do mean man, not human then once elected tell them by their actions to go pound sand.). Since WWII their most fervent wet dream has been to undo the New Deal and all other social welfare laws since. What we see today is the culmination of a long term effort to dumb down the people and destabilize the government by sewing seeds of distrust through poor performance of the agencies and the wilful spread of lies and conspiracy theories. The result is a populace who cannot think and is very well informed by lies. Hallelujah noel be it heaven or hell the government we get we deserve.
DSC needs to join with Democrats and re-figure it. We have a two party system and any other way is just useless and destructive.
I sent $100 to support MeightyMeidas. Love the advert-free videos. Excellent content.
Just a slight correction: The Navy has about 450,000 people in it, not one and half million as Michael P. stated in the broadcast.
Has it occured to you how difficult that visit was for Justin Trudeau to make? You do not have the notes from that meeting. I object to your characterization. You want everyone to kick ass when it comes to Trump. "Sometimes you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar." If Canadians win, if the meeting moves the needle, do it. You celebrated in a podcast how Premier Doug Ford, a Magna wannabe in Ontario, was badmouthing Trump. He made racist remarks, stating Ontario was no
Mexico, throwing Mexico under the bus, and that was ok with you, because he dissed Trump. Come on Ben, Midas is better than this.
Responsiblel leadership may look different. Canadian politics may differ. If the provincial "premiers" (please check pronunciation of this for your next podcast) have indicated a need for the meeting, the federal leader should take note. "Resistance" can look different. Not everything is or should be a bull in a china shop approach.
Ben and team: First, thanks for the great work. My only other feedback/request is to avoid referring to Trump’s cabinet nominees as appointees. Trump nominates but the Senate must confirm. Yes, many of these picks will unfortunately get approved, but please avoid implying that these lunatics have been appointed. As of now, they’ve been nominated. Everyone watching should be encouraged to call their Senators asking for No votes, especially on Hegseth, Gabbard, RFK Jr, and Patel. Thanks.
Foreign dictators are sleeping like babies because they know he can’t play them so beware because the only thing he can do is ruin us by going after us domestically and taking apart our democracy. He’s an ugly resentful man.
He's burning down the house before he's in it. No surprise there. I'm still impressed by the staggering stupidity of Don the Con. Seems a dictator on day 1 was the least of it. Thankyou Legal AF and the Meidas team for keeping us up to date, alarming though it is. Much better to know.
I really appreciate the in-depth facts. I learn something new from each podcast.
Our immediate concern should be that Putin tilted the election. National security violation We should be discussing the war powers Act.
It almost seems like Trump is just going bonkers for the fun of making the world crazy. That two-year-old rapist, fraudster, con man, insurrectionist is concerned only with what pleases him at the moment. If these picks don't go through, he'll find equally morbid choices - he might not even give a damn. I tend to think he's not the evil genius people think he is. I think he's an evil jackass. He's stupid as a stick. Listens to some of his masters some of the time. Otherwise, he's just unhinged, doing things to piss people off.
If I didn't know better I would think you guys are talking about a FOX Entertainment Media comedy show called "The Donald Trump Comedy Hour" where everything is made up and so phony it is supposed to be funny. The problem is FOX is a terrorist-supporting media and there is absolutely nothing funny about Trump and his obedient minions. Or is my sense of humor just behind the times? Please, let me know!
Good job. Keep up the good work. JTC
I really liked the allegory of the nightclub and the VIP room. It might break through to some people. Might make them go hm.
Why didn't Biden and the Democrats scream Biden's accomplishments???
He is going to tank our economy!
Love you both!! Thank you for all your hard work! I know it takes a lot out of you so don’t forget to take care of yourselves! ♥️🌅
Good let him keep picking these idiots and he will fail in the first few weeks😅😅😅
Joni Ernst just wants to be included… to feel special. She was always going to cave.
I’m thinking about why the farmers in my area voted for trump both times? These are beef and milk cow farmers.
I love everything you guys do except the song at the end. Please reevaluate using that.
Great job he did about time someone doesn’t give away everything we have to the enemy
Targeted Justice Team ⚖️ God-bless.
Isn't Biden the sitting President until Jan. 20th.
Teen age shows have resolved having to deal with bullys.
I keep running across posts on Bsky that intimates that because of the Insurrection. The 14th amendment requires that both Senate and congress have to give their “consent?” By 2/3 majority before he can take the oath of office. Is there any teeth in that?
Just a minor issue here but you guys and so many in media refer to him constantly by his full name Donald Trump, he loves to hear his name all the time - just say Trump + only Trump ! Thx
What a bunch of slimeballs being thrown at us by the incoming Neo-Nazis. It all needs to be reported on & publicized, time & time again, relentlessly. As Robert Graves wrote in I, Claudius: "Let all the poison that lurks in the mud hatch out." So persist & resist, everyone. We are The New Resistance.
"We've now seeped into the water supply." 😍
I'm waiting to see how Joni-Bribee & Large Marge get along.
Happy Birthday ,Michael!
So many tigers! Letitia James, E. Jean Carroll, Robbie Kaplan, Claudia Sheinbaum, Tanya Chutkan, Kamalalalalala... Hey TFG, VivElonia, JDCouch, GaetzGate, HegsethTrog, & all you other Beta Boys, meet more & more Alpha Women.
DJ Trump... "DISASTER" J TRUMP... His "oval office" meetings should be in a prison cell (oval: optional). The LEMMINGS that supported him will find someone to Blame for the upcoming "race to the bottom"; can we recover?
It's disgusting the way Trudeau went to Florida a & kissed trump's ass, instead of just standing up to him like Mexico's president did.
Lest Trump defenders cry, "Who cares what these people do on their own time?! Eff you!!" a reminder. It's not possible to do two jobs well. Which one do you think Trump will devote the bulk of his time to...
This new administration is going to mete out justice to themselves. Nature's culling process.
BTW - the story about how you guys met was a great story - very cool! I enjoyed reading it! Thank you!
Ben !! Ingenious Reporting as Usual !! The Baby Adorable ! Congratulations !! However This is For Micheal Popoc ! And It's Going To Be Long ! In the Case of Chevron ! For 30 years+ No Federal Court Judge's Have Even Touched on this subject ! I think it's because The Higher Court Judge's knew that it shouldn't Be in The Premises Of the Judicial Branch in the First Place !? You have E.P.A. Clearly Executive Branch ! And Trump Has Once again Crossed a fine line !! (Like so Many Others He Has Crossed Already !!? ) Between presidential Executive Branch And Executive Branch Government !!?? Ever Since this Has Come into Being !! The EPA should had Experts Doing Research For Decades !!? And I Believe They Did Not !! Instead Deferring To Chevron Experience !! Leaving the Legislative Branch Completely Clueless !! Not mention finding a Bi-Partisen Legislation to hammer out a Congressional Law In This Case Which I Believe This Should Clearly Fall Under !!? The EPA and Independent Fisheries Need To Come To Common Ground With The EPA !! The Independent Fisheries Think They Have Won !! Until Their's No Eco-system Left !! And ( Big Industry ) Chevron Will Be The Big Winners !! Look at New England Fisheries All The way Up to Canada Broken And Abandoned Fishing Town's All along the Coast !!
Sometimes ɓest strategy is not frontal assault, as per the doomed Charge of the Light Brigade. Trudeau has shown he is absolutely no fan of Trump. But as when trade negotiations were ongoing, he holds his counsel and does what is needed. Maslow said when your only tool is a hammer, every problem you see is a nail. I believe that even with the best of intentions, media representing centrist- left leaning points of view are currently grieving the loss of the election and feel a hammer approach is the best way forward. Not true.
Thanks Anne. I’ll keep that in mind. We haven’t got a date for the next election yet. I should be more up to date with Canada’s issues but I’ve been mesmerized by Trump’s antics. Ever since 2016 I’ve woken up each morning wondering what crazy/stupid thing he’s going to do that day. I can’t imagine how stressful it must be to be an American right now. Whatever happens we will be affected.
Muskrat
🐀
I think you mean it is rising. If those numbers are in dollars, then it became cheaper which means the dollar is stronger.
I live in Mexico and the dollar has gotten way better but it's really not the dollar, the peso has fallen.
I've been learning due to necessity and curiosity because I live in Mexico and exchange dollars to pesos all the time. It's amazing how much you can make/save when you pay attention. The dollar doesn't get strong because of our economy so to speak, it's more due to the weakness of the other country's currency. There are many factors at play and is basically over my head but at least I'm trying to learn.
Aren’t you special and also aren’t you an asshole
fuck you TROLL you're not going to last long here. we are much smarter than you and your trash wasting oxygen. what a pathetic fucked up life you led.