Bulwark Takes: Canada PM Carney Visits Trump’s Oval Office of Insanity
Release Date: May 6, 2025
Host/Authors: Sam Stein and Tim Miller
Introduction
In this episode of Bulwark Takes, Sam Stein and Tim Miller delve into the recent historic meeting between Canada's newly elected Prime Minister, Mark Carney, and former U.S. President Donald Trump at the Oval Office. The discussion explores the implications of this high-profile visit, focusing on evolving trade dynamics, Trump's shifting stance on tariffs, and broader geopolitical strategies.
Mark Carney's Inaugural Visit to the Oval Office
Sam Stein opens the conversation by highlighting the significance of Mark Carney's first visit to the Oval Office shortly after his election. He notes the symbolic parallels to Ukrainian President Zelensky's previous meetings, emphasizing the doors and seats of power as central to diplomatic engagements.
Sam Stein [00:00]: “Mark Carney was just elected, what, like a week ago. He gets his first trip, goes to the Oval...”
Tim Miller adds a light-hearted jab at Sam's observations, setting the stage for their nuanced analysis.
Trump's Backtracking on Trade Policies
A major focal point of the discussion is Trump's unexpected shift away from aggressive trade deals. Sam recounts Trump's initial support for Carney, suggesting that Trump's acknowledgment of Carney's election played a role in their diplomatic interactions.
Sam Stein [00:45]: “But this was notable not because it was contentious. It was notable because Trump backtracked in a fairly substantial way on the issue of trade.”
Tim Miller criticizes Trump's inconsistent messaging on tariffs, portraying him as obstructive to free-market principles.
Tim Miller [01:05]: “These tariffs are not going anywhere... He is pushing for autarky and he wants to crush the American economy.”
The Stance on Tariffs and Trade Deals
The conversation shifts to the specifics of the trade negotiations between the U.S. and Canada. Howard Lutnick interjects with a firm stance against lifting tariffs, reflecting Trump's unwavering position.
Howard Lutnick [02:26]: “We don't have to sign deals. They have to sign deals with us. They want a piece of our market, we don't want a piece of their market.”
Sam and Tim analyze the implications of Trump's refusal to engage in new trade agreements, suggesting that few, if any, concessions will be forthcoming.
Sam Stein [04:33]: “No, just the way it is... But I do say it's kind of interesting to watch that disconnect between the advisors and Trump.”
Tim Miller [02:56]: “He doesn't think he's a department store owner. He's a Maoist. Now he wants central planning of the entire government.”
Disconnect Between Trump's Advisors and His Policies
A recurring theme is the apparent disconnect between Trump's advisors and his actual policy decisions. Sam observes that while advisors discuss potential deals, Trump remains uninterested in pursuing them, focusing instead on maintaining tariffs and controlling market prices.
Sam Stein [05:49]: “He just thinks I'm going to set the prices and people can shop at our store regardless. And it's yet another case where all these Trump advisers think they're doing the thing that's going to please Trump and they just look silly and foolish at the end of it.”
Tim highlights the unsustainable nature of Trump's trade strategies, particularly concerning China, suggesting that external economic pressures are a key component of his approach.
Tim Miller [06:43]: “Besson's point now, big point now, is that this is unsustainable for... he says, for their economy, it's unsustainable and anything that's unsustainable will eventually end.”
Broader Geopolitical Implications
The discussion briefly touches upon Trump's comments on NATO and international security, acknowledging that while Trump threatened to undermine NATO, it inadvertently led to increased commitment from member countries.
Tim Miller [08:28]: “He has kind of by like threatening to break up NATO, and now all the NATO countries are doing more. So I get that.”
Sam agrees, noting Carney's restrained yet strategic comments on strengthening U.S.-Canada relations within existing frameworks like USMCA.
Sam Stein [08:55]: “He did a few things that I don't really like that I wouldn't want to do... But he does, like, little things like that where these are sort of like Canadian nice compliments, but it's nothing.”
Side Discussion: CDC Salmonella Warning
In an unrelated aside, Sam mentions a recent CDC warning about salmonella linked to backyard chickens, tying it to Brooke Rollins' advice on addressing the egg crisis by encouraging people to raise poultry.
Sam Stein [01:41]: “Had nothing to do with Carney. But yesterday this story broke out that the CDC was issuing a salmonella warning because people were touching their chickens that they were putting in their backyard.”
This brief tangent serves to highlight the podcast's commitment to covering a breadth of current issues, even amidst their primary focus on international politics.
Trump's Comments on Obama and WOKE Workers
The conversation shifts to Trump's peculiar remarks regarding former President Obama and the construction of his library, where Trump sarcastically criticizes Obama's project management while promoting his preference for "WOKE" workers.
Howard Lutnick [09:36]: “He wants woke people to build it.”
Sam Stein [09:55]: “But yeah, I thought Carney did what you're supposed to do, which is go in there, say your bit, get out.”
This exchange underscores the often chaotic and contradictory nature of Trump's public statements, further complicating diplomatic relations.
Conclusion
As the episode wraps up, Sam and Tim reflect on the complexities of the U.S.-Canada relationship under Trump's unpredictable leadership. They commend Mark Carney for maintaining a steadfast position amid shifting political tides, emphasizing the challenges ahead in renegotiating trade deals and ensuring bilateral cooperation.
Tim Miller [10:30]: “Foreign world or in Sam? I don't have any other thoughts beyond that.”
Sam Stein [10:35]: “Okay, cool. All right. Thank you, buddy. Appreciate it.”
The hosts sign off with a shared sentiment on the uncertain yet critical path forward for North American trade relations.
Notable Quotes
- Sam Stein [00:00]: “Mark Carney was just elected, what, like a week ago. He gets his first trip, goes to the Oval...”
- Tim Miller [01:05]: “These tariffs are not going anywhere... He is pushing for autarky and he wants to crush the American economy.”
- Howard Lutnick [02:26]: “We don't have to sign deals. They have to sign deals with us. They want a piece of our market, we don't want a piece of their market.”
- Sam Stein [04:33]: “No, just the way it is... But I do say it's kind of interesting to watch that disconnect between the advisors and Trump.”
- Tim Miller [06:43]: “Besson's point now, big point now, is that this is unsustainable for... he says, for their economy, it's unsustainable and anything that's unsustainable will eventually end.”
- Sam Stein [08:55]: “He did a few things that I don't really like that I wouldn't want to do... But he does, like, little things like that where these are sort of like Canadian nice compliments, but it's nothing.”
- Howard Lutnick [09:36]: “He wants woke people to build it.”
This episode of Bulwark Takes provides an incisive analysis of the evolving U.S.-Canada relations under Trump's administration, highlighting the intricate balance between diplomatic courtesy and rigid economic policies. Through engaging dialogue and critical perspectives, Sam Stein and Tim Miller offer listeners a comprehensive understanding of the current geopolitical landscape.