Political Beatdown with Michael Cohen Political Beatdown Full Episode - 1/15/2026
Jan 16, 2026
Michael Cohen and Ben Meiselas delve into Donald Trump's alarming Truth Social rants, including threats of invoking the Insurrection Act. They discuss the implications of Maria Karina Machado's meeting with Trump and analyze oil money connections involving Qatari banks. Cohen likens Trump's acceptance of gifts to 'stolen valor' and condemns moral decay in domestic policing. The duo also critiques media coverage of the Epstein files and highlights the troubling normalization of authoritarian behavior among Trump supporters.
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Machado's Visit Looked Transactional
- Maria Corina Machado's Oval Office visit looked like political barter rather than legitimate endorsement.
- Ben Meiselas and Michael Cohen argue it undermines her credibility and highlights Trump's transactional foreign policy.
Purple Hearts Sent To Trump
- Michael Cohen recounts people sending Trump Purple Hearts and other medals when he became president-elect.
- He said Trump kept some and that accepting such gifts felt like 'stolen valor.'
Where Venezuela Money Could End Up
- Cohen and Meiselas suggest Venezuela oil revenue may be routed outside U.S. oversight.
- They warn such deals could enrich associates and bypass Congressional transparency.
