The Globalist – Trump Raises Canada Tariff to 35% as World Reacts to New Levies

Date: August 1, 2025
Host: Georgina Godwin (Monocle Radio)
Notable Contributors:

• Mark Adelman (Democratic communications consultant, LA)
• Julie Norman (Lecturer in Politics, UCL, Jerusalem)
• Julia Jen (Monocle writer)
• Dr. Ronan Lee (Academic/expert on Myanmar)
• Andrew Muller (Monocle contributing editor)
• Inzamam Rashid (Monocle contributor, Dubai)
• Stuart Nash (Former NZ tourism minister)

Overview

This episode focuses on the international ramifications of President Donald Trump’s executive order raising tariffs on Canadian goods to 35%, officially linked to Canadian failures on fentanyl smuggling, but suspected to be political retribution for Canada’s announcement it will recognize Palestine in September. The episode explores the political motivations behind the tariffs, the broader pattern of U.S. trade weaponization, the impact on global alliances, and reactions from Canada, the opposition Democrats, and international partners. Additional segments cover U.S. sanctions on the Palestinian Authority, global responses to Gaza, instability in Myanmar, an inside look at New Zealand’s golden visa rush, and noteworthy world headlines.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S.-Canada Relations and Tariff Increase

• Tariffs as Political Leverage
  The U.S. has hiked tariffs on Canadian goods to 35%, citing fentanyl smuggling issues but with suspicions of retaliation for Canada’s support for Palestinian statehood.

  • “I almost think that...this was sort of in the cards a long time before even Mark Carney became Prime Minister...The truth of it is that the fentanyl problem is not a problem from Canada. It is a problem as it comes through the southern border, from China.” – Mark Adelman [05:24]

• Trade Deals and Foreign Policy
  Trump is inconsistent and transactional with trade policy, often using tariffs to punish allies and adversaries alike.

  • “Nothing is static and the White House consistently changes their tune about things on a daily basis.” – Mark Adelman [06:43]

2. Weaponization of Trade Agreements

• Erosion of Trust and Reliability
  America’s use of tariffs as a foreign policy tool undermines confidence among allies in its role as a reliable partner.

  • “Countries around the world look at the United States right now and ask if they are a reliable partner in all the ways that they have been in the 20th century and certainly the first part of this century.” – Mark Adelman [08:02]

• Democratic Response and Limitations
  The Democrats are struggling to oppose Trump’s policies due to Republican control of Congress and the presidency’s sweeping trade powers. There’s internal questioning of party vision and strategy.

  • “What the Democratic Party experienced last year was akin to a nuclear bomb...Democrats not only need to make sure that people who are feeling that are being heard, but they have to come up with policies of their own.” – Mark Adelman [10:19]

3. U.S. Sanctions on Palestinian Authority and Global Recognition of Palestine

• New Sanctions and Isolation
  The U.S. announces sanctions against the Palestinian Authority (PA) and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) at the same time as France, the UK, and Canada move to recognize Palestinian statehood.

  • “This move by the US is really counter to not only what much of the rest of the world is doing...it also goes against the US’s own history.” – Julie Norman [14:54]

• Implications for Peace Process
  The US stance isolates it within the UN Security Council, complicates ceasefire negotiations in Gaza, and reduces the ability of Palestinian institutions to prepare for a political transition.

  • “There is still a will here...But again, you’re going to need strong Palestinian institutions or at least viable ones...and it does not help anyone to have the US sanctioning them.” – Julie Norman [16:25]

4. Gaza Ceasefire and U.S. Policy Shifts

• Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
  U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff’s visit to Gaza centers on both the dire aid situation and possible ceasefire negotiation shifts toward a comprehensive agreement.

  • “They went from having 400 aid sites under the UN...to only 4. Over 1,000 Gazans have been killed trying to seek aid since the system went into effect. So it has not worked in any way, shape, or form.” – Julie Norman [17:52]

• Trump-Netanyahu Dynamic
  Trump’s support for Israel oscillates, but in practice his administration has broadly enabled Netanyahu’s policies.

  • “Trump has let Netanyahu pretty much do what he wants in Gaza.” – Julie Norman [19:18]

5. International Press Review & Global Headlines

• Ukraine and EU Aid
  Despite domestic political turmoil and a history of corruption, the EU maintains its aid packages for Ukraine, closely monitoring anti-corruption reforms.
• China’s Expanding Influence
  China moves to electrify Iranian rail corridors, signaling deepening ties and expanding Belt and Road influence as the US retreats from global engagement.
• White House Renovations
  Trump’s legacy project: building a $200 million “exquisite ballroom” at the White House, funded by private donors, reflecting his penchant for grand, gold-plated statements.

6. Myanmar: Junta-Led Election Charade

• Superficial Political Transition
  Myanmar’s military junta lifts the state of emergency to allow elections, but these are universally regarded as illegitimate, with legitimate opposition barred and dissent criminalized.
  • “There’s no credible opposition that will be allowed...this is a sham...designed to add a sheen of legitimacy to ongoing military rule.” – Dr. Ronan Lee [35:35]

7. Golden Visa Rush to New Zealand

• Safe Haven for the Wealthy
  New Zealand’s “Golden Visa” (Active Investor Plus) draws U.S. and German investors seeking political and physical safety.
  • “People who do invest in New Zealand bring...connections, their networks, their experiences...they’re more passionate about New Zealand than New Zealanders.” – Stuart Nash [51:54]
  • “Paradise at the bottom of the world where life is easy.” – Stuart Nash [57:10]
• Cultural Notes
  Lighthearted commentary on “prepper” paranoia and NZ’s famous native bird protection (no cats in national parks).

8. United Arab Emirates (UAE) & Regional Updates

• UAE & Jordan Aid to Gaza
  Major airlifts are “simply not enough” to address Gaza’s humanitarian disaster, with logistical barriers and growing regional frustration.
• Israel-UAE Relations
  Israel evacuates embassy staff in Abu Dhabi as security concerns heighten.
• Dubai’s Flower Vending Machines
  Novel AI-driven commerce in Dubai; host’s tongue-in-cheek advice: “Just don’t do it!”—petrol station flowers never impress.

9. Satirical Week-in-Review (Andrew Muller)

• Trumpian Theatre
  Satire on Trump’s war on windmills, flamboyant renovations, and shifting foreign policy.
  • “While Westarctica, Seborga, Lidonia and Paulovia are not real countries, we still wouldn’t be surprised if US President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on them.” – Andrew Muller [39:44]
• U.S. Politics
  Barbs aimed at both Trump and Biden’s public presentation.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Trump’s Trade Tactics:
  “Trump has used tariffs as a stick to beat those who don't agree with Washington.” – Georgina Godwin [01:25]
• On the Democratic Opposition:
  “You can’t be against something and not for something.” – Mark Adelman [10:19]
• On U.S. Sanctions Contradicting Long-Standing Policy:
  “This move by the US is really counter to not only what much of the rest of the world is doing...it also goes against the US’s own history.” – Julie Norman [14:54]
• On Aid Dysfunction in Gaza:
  “From 400 aid sites...to only 4...over 1,000 Gazans have been killed trying to seek aid since the system went into effect.” – Julie Norman [17:52]
• On Myanmar’s Elections:
  “This is a sham. It’s designed to add a sheen of legitimacy to ongoing military rule and I don't think anyone in Myanmar will regard this as legitimate.” – Dr. Ronan Lee [35:35]
• On Global Anxiety & New Zealand’s Appeal:
  “New Zealand: the place you want to be when the world turns to shit.” – Stuart Nash [57:21]
• Satirical Observation:
  “We wouldn’t be surprised if Trump imposed tariffs on countries that don’t exist.” – Andrew Muller [39:44]

Timestamps for Major Segments

• Tariffs & Political Fallout: [01:25]–[13:48]
• U.S. Sanctions on Palestinian Authority & Gaza Crisis: [13:48]–[22:29]
• Press Review & White House Renovation: [23:40]–[30:34]
• Global Headlines (Thailand, Cambodia, DRC peace, Space): [30:34]–[31:15]
• Myanmar Junta & Elections: [31:13]–[36:28]
• Andrew Muller's Satirical Week-in-Review: [36:59]–[43:49]
• UAE and Regional Newscast: [44:35]–[50:53]
• New Zealand Golden Visa Segment: [51:54]–[58:18]

Tone & Craft

The episode maintains Monocle’s intelligent fusion of news, analysis, and global perspective, balancing serious reporting on urgent issues with moments of wit and wry observation. The hosts and experts speak with clarity, authority, and occasional humor, especially in Andrew Muller’s week-in-review.

Use this summary as a one-stop guide for understanding the episode’s rich and complex analysis of the new transatlantic tariff war, shifting alliances on Palestinian recognition, global hotspots, and the unique ways political and economic unrest are reshaping both world affairs and personal choices for the global elite.