The MeidasTouch Podcast: Canadian MP Charlie Angus on Canada Making Trump Pay

Release Date: March 17, 2025
Guest: Charlie Angus, Member of Parliament, Canada
Host: MeidasTouch Network (Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas)

Introduction

In this compelling episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast, the Meiselas brothers engage with Charlie Angus, a prominent Canadian Member of Parliament, to discuss the escalating tensions between Canada and the Trump administration. The conversation delves into the economic and diplomatic fallout resulting from President Donald Trump's aggressive policies towards Canada, the ensuing Canadian resistance, and the broader implications for international relations.

Rising US-Canada Tensions Under Trump

The podcast opens with the host addressing the deteriorating relationship between the United States and Canada under President Trump's leadership. Highlighting various media headlines, the host underscores the severity of Canadian discontent:

• Politico: "What other countries are taking away from Trump's battle with Canada?"
• USA Today: "Canadian cold shoulder. Trump's antics anger our otherwise polite neighbor."
• Washington Post: "Canadians are canceling U.S. trips as Trump sours relations and notes explaining why they're not coming."

The host emphasizes the unexpected scale of the Canadian boycott, contradicting initial U.S. tourism Bureau predictions of a 10% drop to actual figures nearing a 50-75% decline. This significant reduction threatens to have a devastating impact on the U.S. economy.

"I was saying no way [the boycott would be 10%]. I said it's going to be closer to 50 to 75, closer to 100."
— Host [01:43]

Marco Rubio's Role and Canadian Response

The discussion shifts to Secretary of State Marco Rubio's involvement in the G7 summit in Canada. Rubio attempted to downplay the tensions by characterizing them as mere disagreements:

"Understand why the Canadians are taking such umbrage at these, these comments coming from the president."
— Host [03:33]

Charlie Angus critiques Rubio's stance, labeling it dismissive and equating it to an act of war:

"When you say that someone doesn't have a right to have a country, that's an act of war."
— Charlie Angus [04:44]

Economic Fallout and Boycott Impact

Charlie Angus provides an in-depth analysis of the economic repercussions stemming from the Trump administration's policies:

• Tourism Decline: The projected loss of 140,000 jobs due to a 10% drop in Canadian travel has already surpassed initial estimates, with actual declines reaching 40%.

• Industrial Uncertainty: Regions along the Highway 401 corridor, the industrial heartland of Canada, face significant uncertainty as trade agreements falter. Communities reliant on cross-border manufacturing and trade are particularly vulnerable.

"We're getting these nightmare stories of ICE detention centers of people who traveling across the border to fix their visa or that who've been strip searched, chained, kept in deplorable conditions."
— Charlie Angus [04:44]

Canadian Resistance and Global Solidarity

Angus highlights the robust Canadian resistance, describing it as stronger than anticipated. This resistance is not only limited to economic measures but also extends to garnering international support:

"Canadians get that this threat against us is an act of war. So we're not picking up guns yet, but we are really forming up into lines in terms of resistance."
— Charlie Angus [06:00]

He notes that Canada's strategy of economic disengagement is inspiring similar movements in Europe, with countries like France and Ireland observing and possibly emulating Canada's approach to pressure the United States economically.

Message to Donald Trump

In a passionate conclusion, Charlie Angus addresses President Trump directly, articulating the Canadian stance and the resolve to counteract his policies:

"Donald, how many fights can you pick before you really prove to the world that you lose every single one of them?"
— Charlie Angus [12:14]

He condemns Trump's alliances and policy decisions, asserting Canada's readiness to defend its sovereignty and economic interests:

"If you're going to make them our enemy, well, Donald, we're going to fight you the whole way and you're going to lose."
— Charlie Angus [12:14]

Angus emphasizes the resilience and unity of Canada, positioning the nation as a steadfast defender of democracy and international rule of law against Trump's erratic leadership.

Conclusion

The episode culminates with a reaffirmation of Canada's unwavering stance against the Trump administration's provocations. Charlie Angus underscores the collective Canadian effort to mitigate the adverse effects of Trump's policies and to maintain robust international alliances. The Meiselas brothers commend Angus for his insightful analysis and unwavering commitment to defending Canadian interests on the global stage.

"It's up to you, Donald. Do what you're going to do. But we're ready."
— Charlie Angus [12:14]

Key Takeaways

• Economic Impact: The Trump administration's tariffs and aggressive trade policies have significantly harmed U.S.-Canada economic relations, with substantial job losses and industrial uncertainty in Canada.

• Canadian Solidarity: There is a strong, unified Canadian resistance against U.S. policies, characterized by substantial reductions in tourism and strategic economic disengagement.

• Global Influence: Canada's response is influencing other nations, fostering a broader international movement to challenge and mitigate the effects of Trump's policies.

• Diplomatic Tensions: High-level U.S. officials, including Marco Rubio and Peter Navarro, have attempted to downplay Canadian discontent, which Charlie Angus vehemently opposes.

• Message of Defiance: Charlie Angus delivers a clear and forceful message to President Trump, emphasizing Canada's readiness to defend its sovereignty and economic interests against ongoing aggression.

For those interested in the full discussion, tune into The MeidasTouch Podcast every Tuesday and Friday morning, with live video episodes on Mondays and Thursdays at 8 PM ET/5 PM PT on the MeidasTouch YouTube channel.