'Elbows Up!': Canada MP Charlie Angus Torches Trump Over Threats

Summary

The MeidasTouch Podcast: 'Elbows Up!': Canada MP Charlie Angus Torches Trump Over Threats

Release Date: March 3, 2025
Host: Ben Meiselas
Guest: Charlie Angus, Member of Parliament, Canada

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Introduction and Context

In this compelling episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast, host Ben Meiselas welcomes Charlie Angus, a prominent Canadian Member of Parliament, to discuss the escalating tensions between Canada and the United States under the Trump administration. The conversation centers around President Donald Trump's potential implementation of tariffs on Canadian goods and the broader implications for North American relations and economic stability.

Trump's Tariff Threats and Canada's Response

Ben initiates the discussion by referencing Trump's recent statements about impending tariffs, scheduled to take effect on Tuesday. He probes Charlie Angus about the current sentiment in Canada regarding these threats.

Charlie Angus (00:58):
"Canadians are really sickened in their stomach. We've been ready for a fight, but seeing Trump sell America's reputation and relations, and selling out jobs with economic uncertainty, has made Canadians much more determined. We're hunkering down and ready to face whatever comes." (01:22)

Charlie elaborates on the deep-seated frustration Canadians feel towards Trump's aggressive economic policies, emphasizing that the Canadian government has been preparing for potential retaliatory actions. He underscores the harm such tariffs would inflict on both nations due to their highly integrated economies.

Economic Implications of the Tariffs

Ben delves deeper into the possible economic fallout if the tariffs are enforced, questioning the immediate effects on industries like automotive manufacturing.

Charlie Angus (03:34):
"This is going to hurt us. America's number one export market is Canada, and vice versa. In the auto sector alone, within four days of tariffs, plants like Toledo and Lansing would start to shut down. The economic devastation would be massive." (03:34)

He highlights the vulnerability of intertwined industries and predicts rapid closures of key manufacturing plants, which would lead to significant job losses and economic downturns on both sides of the border.

Canadian Determination and Public Sentiment

The conversation shifts to the broader Canadian public's reaction and their unwavering stance against Trump's tactics.

Charlie Angus (05:28):
"The first 40 or 50 days of the Trump administration have been the end of the American century. America is now very isolated and alone, benefiting Putin and China. Canadians are seriously angry, and this anger won't dissipate if Trump retracts his threats." (06:23)

Charlie conveys a sense of national unity and resilience among Canadians, portraying the country's response as both strong and enduring. He criticizes the administration's actions as not only damaging bilateral relations but also diminishing America's standing on the global stage.

Symbolism and Rallying Calls: 'Elbows Up'

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the cultural and symbolic rallying cry "Elbows Up!," a phrase resonating deeply within the Canadian community.

Ben Meiselas (08:17):
"We talked about the phrase 'elbows up' used by Mike Myers on SNL, which has a special meaning in Canada. Charlie, can you explain its significance?"

Charlie Angus (09:07):
"Elbows up refers to Gordie Howe, a legendary hockey player from Saskatchewan. When Gordie did 'elbows up,' it meant serious defense—people get black eyes and lose teeth. When Mike Myers used it on SNL, it was a call for Canadians to stand firm and fight back against leaders like JD Vance and Pete Navarro. It's a message that Canadians are ready to take action and won't be passive." (09:07)

This phrase serves as a unifying and motivational banner for Canadians, symbolizing their readiness to defend their interests vigorously.

A Direct Message to Donald Trump

As the episode nears its conclusion, Charlie Angus delivers a powerful and direct message to President Trump, addressing his administration's actions and their personal impact.

Charlie Angus (11:05):
"Donald, you brought us together, but for what you've done to your nation, it'll take decades to recover, if ever. You've isolated America, making it easy for Putin and China to benefit. The world sees you for who you are—a puppet of Vladimir Putin, not a hero. Your actions have profoundly damaged your legacy." (11:05)

He emphasizes the long-term negative consequences of Trump's policies, both domestically and internationally, portraying them as ultimately self-defeating.

Solidarity and Closing Remarks

In the closing moments, Ben reaffirms the podcast's support for Canada and its people, echoing the sentiments expressed by Charlie.

Ben Meiselas (12:34):
"We stand in solidarity with the people of Canada. More of us in America support democracy over Trump's authoritarian regime. To our Canadian listeners, elbows up—we don't blame you for taking a strong stance." (12:38)

Charlie reciprocates the gratitude and solidarity, reinforcing the message of unity against oppressive tactics.

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Key Takeaways

• Economic Interdependence: The US and Canada share deeply integrated economies, making tariffs a mutually destructive strategy.

• Canadian Resilience: Canadians are prepared and determined to defend their national interests against Trump's aggressive policies.

• Symbolic Rallying Cry: "Elbows Up!" represents a call to action and resilience, drawing from Canadian cultural icons.

• Global Isolation of the US: Trump's actions have isolated the US internationally, benefiting adversaries like Putin and China.

• Unifying Message: The episode underscores a united front between the US and Canada in supporting democracy and opposing authoritarianism.

Notable Quotes

• Charlie Angus on Trump's Impact:
  "Donald, man, you brought us all together, so congratulations for that. But for what you've done to your nation, it'll take decades to recover, if ever." (11:05)

• Explanation of 'Elbows Up':
  "Elbows up refers to Gordie Howe... When Mike Myers used it on SNL, it was a call for Canadians to stand firm and fight back." (09:07)

• Charlie's View on American Isolation:
  "America is now very isolated and alone, benefiting Putin and China." (06:23)

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Conclusion

This episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast offers a profound exploration of the strained US-Canada relations under the Trump administration, highlighting the economic repercussions and the steadfast Canadian resolve to defend their nation's sovereignty. Through insightful dialogue and impactful quotes, Ben and Charlie shed light on the broader implications of political maneuvers that threaten democratic values and international alliances.

For listeners seeking a deep dive into contemporary political tensions and the dynamics between neighboring nations, this episode serves as an essential and engaging resource.

Transcript

[Ben]

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[Charlie Angus]

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[Ben]

I'm joined by Canadian Member of Parliament Charlie Angus. Since we last spoke, Donald Trump says these tariffs are going to happen. Charlie, they're supposed to happen on Tuesday. Although now you've got people in the Trump administration saying, well, it's possible that if Canada does this or that, what's going on? What's the vibe in Canada right now, Mr. Angus?

[Charlie Angus]

I think right now, after the horrific abuse that Donald Trump and J.D. vance subjected a genuine war hero President Zelensky to in the White House while having some troll from the Russian media there to watch it, Canadians are really sickened in their stomach. I mean, we've been ready for a fight. We've been knowing that this guy's going to come and try and push us around, and we've been getting ready for it. But we saw that. We saw that at the same time that Pete Navarro, the crackpot, the crackpot economic guru that Donald Trump's been listening to, saying that they were going to redraw our borders. That's an act of war. So suddenly, this fight that we're seeing in Canada is feeling very different right now, and it's feeling like we are going to a different place. And it's really made Canadians much more determined. So the Trump tariffs, yeah, maybe they're coming, maybe they're not. Maybe shouting, you know, this whole thing, we've been told he needs to look like he's got a victory, he's got to win something. It's like, it's like those relatives that you have who are like gambling addicts who, like, basically sold the house and they come back and they want a thousand bucks, and they said they won something. Trump is. Is selling America's reputation. He's selling their relations. He's selling out thousands of jobs with this economic uncertainty. And Canadians are just hunkering down. Bring it on, Donald. Whatever you're going to do, you're going to do. We're going to do what we're going to do and it ain't going to be pretty.

[Ben]

Charlie, paint the picture. If these tariffs were to be implemented, what are you hearing on the ground in terms of factories closing, businesses shutting down, what kind of economic devastation do you anticipate would be inflicted on America? I mean, I know that Canada is prepared, has been preparing. This is part of the national discourse there because of the threats in America. I don't think people are taking it as, as seriously. So what do you think will happen?

[Charlie Angus]

Well, this is, this is a really important point because it's going to hurt us. I mean, we're an integrated market. America's number one export market is Canada, and Canada's number one export market is the United States. It makes sense. This is, we're trading nations, so we understand that we're going to be hurt. But since Donald's put the fact that he doesn't believe we're a real nation on the table and we're seeing very Putin like abuse towards our borders and our national security and our right to even exist, Canadians understand, okay, we're in this for the long haul. As for the United States, the impacts are going to, they've already started from the massive boycott that's happening of all American products and American vacation destinations, which Canadians love to go to the United States in the winter and they're not going. But I think one of the big, big areas that's going to shock American, it's going to shock the Trump administration is what's going to happen in the auto sector. I mean, everybody pays attention to the tech bros, but auto drives the economy. This is the system is set up cross border between the United States and Canada in such an intricate manner. From what we're hearing from people who are very, very aware of how integrated the market is between the United States and Canada, within four days, four days. Whether or not Canada even retaliates, within four days of the tariffs being put on, plants like Toledo and Lansing, Michigan start to go down. Bowling Green starts to go down. So Canada is going to take a. But once you start shutting down auto plants, you are doing massive damage to the economy. So again, Donald, what's your end game here? What are you trying to do? What's this big victory you're going to score once you mess with Otto, you are messing with America's. Economy. You're certainly messing with Canada's economy and you're not going to come out on the winning side of this.

[Ben]

Well, it seems like that's why Trump's secretary, Scott Besant, Trump's commissary, Howard Lutnick, they seem to get it, but of course, they're spineless, so they're not going to ever stand up to him. That's why they say things like, oh, well, this is a fluid situation. And to your point, well, can't you just make it seem like Trump's, you know, got a win here? But I think the point that you're making is, as this happens again, here we go again. We were here 30 days ago and here it is. It's like at this point, the Canadians are not buying American stuff. Right. The Canadians are not traveling to America. I mean, also, it's like a measles outbreak in Texas and musk has gutted our agencies. But, like, almost regardless of what's happened, a lot of the damage has been done. I mean, not quite like if the tariffs are implemented and retaliatory, but. Right. A lot's happened already.

[Charlie Angus]

I think this first 40 or 50 days of the Trump madness have been the end of the American century. I don't know how else to put it. When I was in Europe, I felt that we see that Norwegian suppliers are refusing to fuel American ships. America has now suddenly isolated on the world stage. And to what benefit? It's certainly to the benefit of Putin. It's certainly to the benefit of China. But when America is fighting its number one ally like Canada and making us as angry as we are. And again, I think our Canadian view and our American viewers will generally sense that Canadians don't tend to get really angry. We are seriously angry now, and this is a lasting anger. It's not going to go away if Donald backs off or he gives tariffs on one thing but not the other. I don't think anything's changing here. People are really, this is a profound line in the sand that's been crossed because it's about our right to exist as a people. And Canadians are very, very, we become kin very quickly when you suddenly attack one of us. But what he's done is he's attacked the world, certainly Vladimir Putin. I bet their champagne corks going off in the Kremlin every night. I bet in Beijing they're doing the happy dance right now. America is now very, very isolated and very alone. And I think a lot of ordinary Americans who are going to be traveling are going to be picking up a lot of animosity for stuff they probably had nothing to do with. This is about Donald. This is about J.D. vance. This is about the abuse that they gave President Zelensky. This is about doofuses like Pete Navarro and Robert Kennedy Jr. And the whole gang of cretins that they brought in and allowed to take over what was supposed to be our shining light on the Hill.

[Ben]

You and I have talked about some Canadian phrases and I think as you are adopting me as an honorary Canadian for purposes of our pro democracy stance. We talked on a past interview about going over the boards and what that means when Canadians go gloves off and they're saying we're peaceful people. But once you poke us like that, there's a point where go look at the history of when Canadians fight, Canadians win. There was this moment on SNL with Mike Myers where he was wearing the Canada is Not for sale shirt. But then he also gave a gesture that Canadians understood what it means, pointing to his elbow and whispering, elbows up. Which I know our Canadian audience saw and it may have been lost on the American audience. Tell us about that rallying call and what you're hearing in Canada.

[Charlie Angus]

Well, Ben, since so many of my working class voters up in Northern Ontario watch you, they expect that you understand what elbows up means. So we are just going to go that you guys totally get elbows up. Elbows up is refers to Gordie Howe from Floral, Saskatchewan, who's leader of the production line of the Detroit Red Wings. Gordy was the sweetest guy on the planet. But when Gordy did elbows up, it meant people got black eyes and people lost teeth. So last night or Saturday night when Mike Myers is on Saturday Night Live and he's like, everybody loves him in Canada. There's so many great Canadian actors and comedians and artists who are in the United States. And to us, we get it that they're going to the big leagues, but we always consider him hometown boy. So when Mike Miles elbows up, that message to Canadians was don't be polite, don't hope for the best. You do what you have to do and do it the way Gordy would do it. Which means people are going to get black eyes, people are going to lose teeth. And so for the doofus leaders like JD Vance and Pete Navarro and the Trump gang, they're going to be in for a real shock. Mike sent the message and that's message. I've been hearing it all day. Elbows up, elbows up, elbows up. I've been talking to like capitalist businessmen who travel the world who tell me, never going back, never spending a dime. Elbows up. So Mike sent a message on SNL last night. It was the secret code, but the code has been well received and everybody in Canada feeling really good about Mike Myers right now.

[Ben]

Finally, I want you to send a message right now. You know that the Trump administration and their team are watching this show. They're probably watching it more now, given a lot of the coverage that you've seen out there, that this show is beating the Joe Rogan show. We're also the number one podcast in Canada and America right now. So a lot of people are listening and watching this. So what is your message to Donald Trump, Charlie Angus?

[Charlie Angus]

Well, Donald, what? You had to bring a guy from. From the Russian state media in to watch you try and beat up President Zelensky and you thought that would make you look good. It made you look like the crook and the cheap hood that you are. It's sickened us in our stomachs. But I've been talking to people all over the world who are sickened in their stomachs by what you tried to pull off. Zelensky is a man that you will never be in a million years. He's a genuine hero. So, Donald, where are you going to go with this? Are you going to continue to be the puppet and the bootlicker of Vladimir Putin, another criminal, a guy whose economy isn't one fifth or one tenth of what the United States is? Is that what you're gon give up? Because the rest of the world understands now very clearly who you are, and we understand who heroes are, and you're not one of them. So right now in Canada, the emotions and the commitment that we're feeling towards the people of Ukraine and for the people of our country. Donald, man, you brought us all together, so congratulations for that. But for what you've done to your nation. Come on. It'll take decades, if ever, that people can rise up out of the swamp that you've dragged into. Donald. It's just. Ben, you're the art of the deal. Come on. In what world?

[Ben]

Charlie Angus, Member of Parliament in Canada, appreciate you as always.

[Charlie Angus]

Thank you so much for having me. Great on the show. People are watching back home.

[Ben]

We stand in solidarity with the people of Canada. There's more of us in America than Trumpers, and I want everyone in Canada to know that. And you know, we're here in America fighting back against this authoritarian regime, but we know you got to go elbows up. We know that y'all gotta do what you gotta do. And we don't blame you for it. We don't blame you for it. Here, elbows up.

[Charlie Angus]

Okay, thanks so much everyone.

[Ben]

Hit subscribe. Let's get to 5 million subscribers. Can't get enough Midas? Check out the Midas plus substack for ad free articles, reports, podcasts, daily recaps from Ron Filipkowski, and more. Sign up for free [e-mail] Marketing is.

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[Ben]

Today.