Podcast Summary: "Don’t Blame Canada: Trump Blew It With Our Besties"

Podcast Title: How Is This Better?
Host: Akilah Hughes
Episode: Don’t Blame Canada: Trump Blew It With Our Besties
Release Date: June 13, 2025
Produced by: COURIER

Introduction

In this episode of "How Is This Better?", host Akilah Hughes delves into the strained relationship between the United States and Canada, exacerbated by former President Donald Trump's contentious rhetoric and policies. Through insightful discussions with Noor Azriah, host of the Canada Land podcast, and a personal account from Silke Labson, a US expatriate in Canada, the episode explores the multifaceted impact of Trump's actions on political, economic, and social spheres.

Deterioration of US-Canada Relations

The podcast opens with Akilah expressing frustration over the declining US-Canada relationship, emphasizing the historical camaraderie between the two nations. Akilah Hughes laments, "Canada was America's closest friend... Things look totally fubar" at [01:57].

Noor Azriah elaborates on the shift, highlighting how Trump's incendiary remarks have fundamentally altered Canadian perceptions of America. She notes, "Canadians love being Canadian. They love not being American" at [04:45], underscoring a growing desire for national identity separate from US influence.

Impact of Trump's Rhetoric and Policies

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on Trump's derogatory comments about Canada, particularly his "51st state" rhetoric. Noor Azriah recounts initial dismissals of Trump's threats as jokes but observes a dramatic change in sentiment over time: "Even about a month ago, Canadian politicians weren't really saying, Donald Trump is saying he's going to annex us... I think most of us would think it's so outlandish" at [04:46].

The conversation shifts to the economic repercussions, specifically the imposition of tariffs and trade wars initiated by Trump. Akilah Hughes questions the rationale behind waging a "warrantless trade war" and escalating tensions, asking, "How is it better to wage a warrantless trade war...?" at [01:57].

Economic Consequences and Trade Wars

The economic fallout is significant, with references to tariffs affecting industries on both sides. Unnamed Speaker 1 mentions, "These tariffs are stupid... It's deeply affecting business as usual in many of these states" at [07:13]. Noor Azriah provides a detailed account of Canada's initial response, including a $1.3 billion investment in border security to address Trump's fentanyl accusations: "We invested 1.3 billion Canadian dollars to a border plan aimed at preventing fentanyl from crossing the border" at [10:12].

Noor also debunks Trump's claims about fentanyl trafficking, citing a Globe and Mail investigation that found minimal fentanyl quantities actually entering through the northern border: "15 pounds of fentanyl... originated from Mexico... 5.5 pounds through the northern border" at [08:00].

Shifts in Canadian Political Landscape

Trump's actions have catalyzed a significant shift in Canadian politics. Noor Azriah explains how the Liberal Party, led by Mark Carney, has gained momentum at the expense of the Conservatives: "Trump has single handedly revitalized the Liberal Party" at [17:54]. This political realignment reflects a broader move towards economic independence and national unity among Canadians.

Unnamed Speaker 3 adds, "It's just black. Reduction of deaths in America... it's just black" at [11:20], emphasizing the minimal impact of Trump's policies compared to the massive societal issues in the US.

Personal Account: Expatriate Experience in Canada

The episode features Silke Labson, a friend of Akilah who relocated to Canada during Trump's presidency. Silke shares her emotional and practical journey, highlighting the stark contrasts between life in the US and Canada. She reflects, "When you get off the airplane, you're walking through, it's calm... I felt like I was meditating through the airport" at [20:20].

Her narrative underscores the benefits of Canada's healthcare system and social stability. Silke recounts a distressing experience with a burst appendix, contrasting it with her previous healthcare coverage in the US: "When my appendix burst... they just go, 'here's some Advil'" at [22:21]. This personal testimony illustrates the tangible advantages that motivated her to remain in Canada despite initial relocation challenges.

Societal and Cultural Shifts

The podcast discusses the broader societal implications of the strained relationship. Noor Azriah observes a burgeoning "buy Canadian" movement, with citizens actively boycotting American products and fostering a stronger national identity: "There's a huge buy Canadian moment that we're living through right now" at [05:48].

Additionally, the episode touches upon the polarization within Canadian society, where discussions about US politics often reignite tensions and divide social interactions. Silke Labson mentions, "It starts a whole Trump conversation... it's my social battery, but I try to just leave it out as much as possible" at [23:30].

Future of US-Canada Relations

In concluding the discussion, Noor Azriah expresses skepticism about the future restoration of the US-Canada relationship to its former state. She states, "What we once had is no longer anymore... I don't know what it will take to get back to where we were, and I'm not sure we ever will" at [25:18]. This sentiment highlights the enduring impact of Trump's policies and rhetoric on the bilateral alliance.

Host's Reflections and Conclusion

Akilah Hughes wraps up the episode by reaffirming the detrimental effects of Trump's actions: "It's not better to hurt both economies... It's just not better" at [25:44]. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining healthy international relationships and the long-term consequences of undermining them.

The episode concludes with a personal touch as Akilah reaches out to her friend in Canada, Silke Labson, to provide a firsthand account of life amid these political upheavals.

Notable Quotes

• Akilah Hughes: "Canada was America's closest friend... Things look totally fubar." [01:57]

• Noor Azriah: "Canadians love being Canadian. They love not being American." [04:45]

• Akilah Hughes: "How is it better to wage a warrantless trade war...?" [01:57]

• Noor Azriah: "We invested 1.3 billion Canadian dollars to a border plan aimed at preventing fentanyl from crossing the border." [10:12]

• Silke Labson: "When you get off the airplane, you're walking through, it's calm... I felt like I was meditating through the airport." [20:20]

• Noor Azriah: "Trump has single handedly revitalized the Liberal Party." [17:54]

• Silke Labson: "I has to find a job, get them to sponsor me... it cost me in total about $20,000 to move here." [21:30]

• Noor Azriah: "What we once had is no longer anymore... I don't know what it will take to get back to where we were, and I'm not sure we ever will." [25:18]

• Akilah Hughes: "It's not better to hurt both economies... It's just not better." [25:44]

Conclusion

"Don’t Blame Canada: Trump Blew It With Our Besties" offers a comprehensive exploration of the fracturing US-Canada relationship under Trump's administration. Through expert analysis and personal narratives, Akilah Hughes highlights the profound and lasting impacts of political rhetoric and policy decisions on international alliances. The episode serves as a poignant reflection on the importance of diplomatic relations and the far-reaching consequences of undermining them.