The MeidasTouch Podcast Thursday Afternoon Breaking News Updates with Ben - 3/12/26
24 snips
Mar 12, 2026 
Hakeem Jeffries, U.S. House Democratic Leader from New York and congressional lawmaker, weighs in with sharp critique of the administration and calls for restoring congressional checks. Conversation covers U.S. unpreparedness against Iran's drone threat, regional escalations including tanker attacks and Strait closures, concerns about presidential fitness and the stakes for the midterms.
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Iran Gains Economically While Under Attack
- Ben says Iran is profiting from the conflict by exporting oil through the Strait and selling to allies like China, funding more drones and strikes.
- He cites an estimated 13.7 million barrels exported since the war began.
Civilian Casualties And Political Fallout
- Ben and Hakeem Jeffries stress U.S. strikes killed schoolchildren and that the Trump regime tried to cover it up.
- Jeffries calls the war a failure of choice, cites seven service member deaths and rising domestic costs.
Congress Must Restore Checks During War
- Jeffries criticizes the GOP retreat at Trump properties as tone-deaf while U.S. is at war and argues Congress must act as a check.
- He urges Democrats to retake the House to restore oversight.