The MeidasTouch Podcast: Episode Summary

Title: David Frum Reacts to Trump Failed Trade Wars
Release Date: July 9, 2025
Hosts: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas (MeidasTouch Network)
Guest: David Frum, columnist and commentator
Podcast Description: Combining brotherly banter, comedy, and deep discussions on democracy, the Meiselas brothers engage with top political leaders and offer insightful analysis on current events.

Introduction

In this episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast, hosts Ben, Brett, and Jordy engage in a robust discussion with guest David Frum from The Atlantic. The conversation centers on former President Donald Trump's failed trade wars, their impact on international relations, and the broader implications for the United States' position in the global order.

1. Trump's Offensive Posts and Global Reactions [00:31]

Carl:
"Throughout the world are absolutely furious at Donald Trump and the Trump regime. It seems that every day Donald Trump just wakes up and then he'll make a post that's just incredibly offensive against the sovereignty of a nation..." (00:31)

• Key Points:
  • Offensive Social Media Posts: Trump’s daily posts disparaging countries like Canada, Brazil, and Japan have fueled global anger.
  • Impact on International Relations: Negative rhetoric has strained diplomatic ties and damaged the U.S.'s reputation abroad.
  • Economic Consequences: Decline in tourism and foreign investment due to diminishing trust and respect for the U.S.

2. Critique of Trump’s Trade Policies [02:34]

David Frum:
"What a tariff is is the equivalent of picking up a hammer and hitting yourself in the head. And he's saying to the world, we will not stop hitting ourselves in the head unless you all agree to hit yourselves in the head." (06:55)

• Key Points:
  • Ineffectiveness of Tariffs: Frum argues that Trump's tariffs are economically self-harming, imposing higher costs on American consumers without achieving desired trade outcomes.
  • Peter Navarro’s Role: Criticized as being as counterproductive in trade as certain figures are in public health.
  • Economic Strain: Tariffs disproportionately affect working and middle-class Americans, leading to higher prices and reduced purchasing power.

3. Declining U.S. Tourism and Trade [04:35]

David Frum:
"The mistrust and dislike of the United States that is expressed by the lack of tourism is being felt all across the economy." (05:33)

• Key Points:
  • Significant Drop in Tourism: Estimated decline of $29 billion this year, potentially higher.
  • Canceled Trips and Investments: Many international travelers are canceling trips and postponing real estate investments in the U.S.
  • Anecdotal Evidence: Personal observations from travelers and potential investors reflect a broader trend of reduced confidence in the U.S.

4. Impact on International Relations and World Order [07:53]

Carl:
"It seems that things are... shifting rapidly, with traditional alliances like NATO being tested and new alliances forming between countries like China, South Korea, and Japan." (07:53)

David Frum:
"China is surrounded by enemies from Vietnam to India, and enemies, by the way, it's made. It's not like they're victims. They have provoked these enemies and they have no friends." (08:58)

• Key Points:
  • Changing Alliances: Traditional alliances are being strained while new partnerships are emerging in response to the U.S.'s weakened stance.
  • U.S. vs. China: Comparison of the geopolitical strategies and alliances of the U.S. and China, highlighting the U.S.'s network of like-minded allies.
  • Strategic Vulnerabilities: Discussion on Trump's rhetoric about annexing Greenland and its potential to destabilize NATO and international security.

5. Threat to NATO and U.S. Alliances [10:34]

David Frum:
"The United States easily could seize control over most of the territory of Greenland, but doing so would be committing aggression against NATO ally Denmark... And NATO just collapses." (10:34)

• Key Points:
  • Annexation Threats: Trump's statements about annexing territories like Greenland pose serious threats to international alliances.
  • NATO's Integrity: Aggression within NATO could undermine the entire alliance, leading to its potential collapse.
  • Global Security Risks: Destabilization of NATO would have far-reaching consequences for global security and the balance of power.

6. U.S. Domestic Policy and International Perception [11:33]

David Frum:
"They're friends, they're partners. They can trust them. And when you undermine that, you not only encourage foreign dictators, you encourage those at home, who want to destroy the American system of democracy by defaming America's place in the world." (11:33)

• Key Points:
  • Value of Alliances: Emphasis on the importance of maintaining strong international partnerships for both security and economic prosperity.
  • Internal Divisions: Donald Trump's rhetoric fuels internal and external perceptions that weaken democratic institutions and U.S. global standing.
  • Counteracting Defamation: Upholding the U.S.'s reputation through alliances counters narratives that paint the country as an imperialist regime.

7. Trump's Inconsistent Foreign Policy Actions [13:27]

Carl:
"Trump always, you know, chickens out. And you look at the deadline, July 9, 90 deals, 90 days or else, and pretty much no country's budge. Then what does Donald Trump do on his own?" (13:27)

David Frum:
"Donald Trump has been very obviously switching sides... the United States is flipping from being a Ukrainian ally in this war to being a Russian ally." (15:48)

• Key Points:
  • Broken Promises: Trump's unfulfilled promise of "90 deals in 90 days" highlights his failure to deliver on trade objectives.
  • Impact on Ukraine: Withdrawal of support to Ukraine has severe consequences, including loss of lives and weakened defense against aggression.
  • Shift in Alliances: The U.S.'s inconsistent stance causes uncertainty and emboldens adversaries like Russia and China.

8. Conclusions on U.S.'s Position and Future [17:10]

David Frum:
"A world in which the United States withdraws is a world in which everybody needs nuclear weapons." (17:10)

• Key Points:
  • Post-WWII Security Model: The U.S. has historically provided global security, allowing allies to focus on development and prosperity.
  • Risks of Withdrawal: Without U.S. leadership, global stability is threatened, potentially leading to increased militarization and conflict.
  • Call to Action: Emphasis on the need for the U.S. to maintain its role in global security to prevent a more dangerous and unstable world.

Conclusion

This episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast provides a critical analysis of Donald Trump's failed trade wars and their extensive repercussions on both the U.S. economy and international relations. David Frum articulates how Trump's aggressive rhetoric and ineffective trade policies have not only strained global alliances but also undermined America's economic interests and international standing. The discussion underscores the importance of sustained U.S. leadership in global security and the maintenance of robust international partnerships to ensure global stability and prosperity.

Notable Quotes:

• David Frum: "What a tariff is is the equivalent of picking up a hammer and hitting yourself in the head." (06:55)
• David Frum: "A world in which the United States withdraws is a world in which everybody needs nuclear weapons." (17:10)
• Carl: "Trump always, you know, chickens out." (13:27)

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