Podcast Summary: The MeidasTouch Podcast

Episode: Furious Canada Humiliates Trump’s Despicable Ambassador
Date: November 28, 2025
Hosts: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas (MeidasTouch Network)

Overview

In this episode, the Meiselas brothers dive into a diplomatic fiasco between the U.S. and Canada, focusing on the widely criticized behavior of Trump’s Ambassador to Canada, Pete Hoekstra. The show explores the fallout from recent U.S. tariffs, the decisive response from Canadian leadership under Prime Minister Carney, and the broader collapse of U.S.-Canada relations under Trump’s administration. With a mix of irreverent commentary and substantial political analysis, the brothers break down how Canada is charting a new course, turning away from the U.S. and looking to global partnerships.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra’s Embarrassing Stint in Canada

Segment: [02:04–06:33]

• Pete Hoekstra’s Speech:
  Hoekstra draws ire during a Canadian manufacturing conference by dismissing Canadian frustration over being referred to as “the 51st state,” then condescendingly jokes about Canadians needing to “lighten up.”
• Quote:

  “You just don’t understand why we’re so mad about the 51st state... Yeah, you’re right, I don’t.”
  — Pete Hoekstra [03:02]

• He further complains about Canadian-funded political ads targeting Trump, suggesting these moves were unprecedented provocations.
• Quote:

  “You do not come into America and start running political ads, government-funded political ads, and expect there will be no consequences or reaction from the United States of America in the Trump administration.”
  — Pete Hoekstra [04:32]

• Canadian Perspective:
  Canadian commentators label Hoekstra as “the worst ambassador to Canada,” calling out his buffoonery and how his attitude reflects Trump's disregard for diplomatic norms.

2. Canada Boycotts U.S. Travel – Economic Fallout

Segment: [06:34–08:47]

• Canadian Travel Down:
  Reports reveal a sharp decline in Canadians visiting the U.S. over Thanksgiving due to strained relations.
  • Stat: Return trips by car from the U.S. to Canada down 30%; by air, down 24% (October data).
  • Quote:

    “Canadians say their top reason for avoiding the US is a resolve to stand up for Canada.”
    — CTV Reporter John Van of All Rao [08:31]

• Reasons for the Boycott:
  Widespread backlash against Trump-era tariffs and the perception of Americans as adversaries.
  • Quote:

    “Canadians now don't think of Americans as their friends... but as an adversary.”
    — Pete Hoekstra [07:41]

3. Prime Minister Carney’s Break with the U.S.

Segment: [09:02–12:43]

• Economic Severance:
  Prime Minister Carney delivers a stark speech declaring the end of the tight U.S.-Canada economic alliance, citing devastating impacts of U.S. tariffs.
  • Quote:

    “We know that this decades-long process of our ever closer economic relationship between Canada and the United States has ended... U.S. tariffs and the uncertainty they’re creating will cost Canadians around 1.8% of GDP. That’s about $50 billion lost... a rupture.”
    — PM Carney [09:02–10:29]

  • Carney pledges a dramatic pivot in Canada’s economic strategy, focusing on resilience and independence.

4. Canada’s Bold New Economic Plan

Segment: [12:03–13:04]

• $1 Trillion Investment:
  Carney announces Budget 2025, featuring a $1 trillion investment to supercharge Canadian industries, especially those hit by tariffs (steel, aluminum, auto, lumber).
  • Quote:

    “Unleash $1 trillion in total investments in Canada over the next five years... to give ourselves far more than any foreign nation can ever take away.”
    — PM Carney [12:03]

5. Forging Global Trade Ties

Segment: [12:43–15:43]

• Expanding Beyond the U.S.:
  Carney highlights new and ongoing trade deals with India, Thailand, and the Philippines, emphasizing speed and diversification.
  • Quote:

    “Every country wants to do a deal with Canada... Let’s focus, let’s take the opportunity, let’s diversify, let’s build out...”
    — PM Carney [13:14]

  • Stresses strategic investments to ensure Canadian industries remain robust, positioning Canada globally.

6. Targeted Tariff Policy – Not a U.S.-Directed Move

Segment: [15:28–17:37]

• Tariff Adjustments:
  Carney clarifies recent Canadian tariff changes are not retaliation against the U.S., but a global approach designed to aid domestic industry.
  • Quote:

    “It is a global approach. And... is creating some space for Canadian steel producers to fill it.”
    — PM Carney [15:43]

  • The timing of tariff adjustments is business-driven, not political pressure or retaliation.

    “January 31st is a judgment based on... the time in which it can take Canadian companies to ramp up and fulfill that demand.”
    — PM Carney [17:16]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Pete Hoekstra’s Tone-Deafness:

  “Just a joke, just a joke. Lighten up.”
  — Pete Hoekstra [04:14]

• Canadian Commentator’s Rebuttal:

  “This guy may be the worst ambassador to Canada. Like, quite literally ever. What a clown, what a buffoon.”
  — Canadian Political Commentator [05:52]

• Carney on Breaking the Historic Ties:

  “Our plan: move our economy from reliance to resilience and to give ourselves far more than any foreign nation can ever take away.”
  — PM Carney [10:25]

• Carney on Trade Diversification:

  “Let’s have a five to eight-year process? No. Let’s focus, let’s diversify, let’s build out.”
  — PM Carney [13:14]

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |-----------------------------------------|-------------| | Hoekstra’s Conference Meltdown | 02:04–06:33 | | Canadian Travel Boycott & Stats | 06:34–08:47 | | Carney Declares End of U.S. Partnership | 09:02–10:29 | | Budget 2025 Investment Plan | 12:03–12:43 | | Canada’s Expanding Global Trade Deals | 12:43–15:28 | | Carney Explains New Tariff Policy | 15:28–17:37 |

Episode Tone

• The episode blends biting satire, righteous indignation, and a spirit of resilience. The Meiselas brothers and featured Canadians use humor and sharp critique to underscore the serious diplomatic rift, championing Canada’s assertive stance and exposing the Trump ambassador’s undiplomatic approach.

Conclusion

This episode gives listeners an incisive look at how Trump’s antagonistic foreign policy has not only soured America’s oldest alliance but catalyzed a Canadian pivot—toward economic independence and new global partnerships. Prime Minister Carney’s response is framed as both a necessary act of national self-preservation and the beginning of a new era for Canadian prosperity.