Podcast Summary: Furious Canada Punches Trump in the Face in Asia

Podcast: The MeidasTouch Podcast
Episode Date: October 27, 2025
Hosts: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas
Main Guests: Mark Carney (Prime Minister of Canada), Charlie Angus (Leader, Meidas Canada), Michael Wolff (Trump biographer)

Overview

This episode centers on Canada’s bold response to Donald Trump’s escalating hostility and threats of new tariffs, particularly in the context of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s speeches at the ASEAN conference in Malaysia. The discussion showcases how Canada is redefining its trade priorities, openly distancing itself from the United States, and embracing new global alliances. The hosts blend in their signature humor and sharp political commentary, supported by in-depth interviews and powerful soundbites from Carney, Canadian leaders, and even a historical clip from Ronald Reagan. The underlying theme is Canada’s transition from a US-dependent posture to a globally engaged, progressive, and sovereign nation punching back against what the brothers call Trump’s “lunatic” rants and unreliable American governance.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Canada’s Strategic Pivot Away from the U.S. (03:00–05:40, 07:23–09:26)

• Mark Carney’s ASEAN Speeches:
  • Carney underscores Canada’s robust ambitions, including doubling non-US exports within the next decade, and highlights a projected $300 billion increase in exports, mainly targeting Asia.
  • Quote:
    “We are going to double our non US exports over the course of the next 10 years. We think we can do it in a much shorter period of time.” — Mark Carney, 02:45
  • Plans to attract half a trillion dollars in new investments over five years, emphasizing energy diversification and infrastructure (LNG, nuclear, trade corridors).
• On Moving Away from U.S. Reliance:
  • Carney acknowledges a “crisis” due to the reversal of North American integration, arguing that what were once strengths (close U.S. ties) have become vulnerabilities.
  • Quote:
    “When you have a big change like that and you had your economy oriented towards that which ours was, some of your strengths become vulnerabilities and you have to do big things.” — Mark Carney, 08:10
  • Emphasizes bold leadership and generational investments as responses to global and regional uncertainty.

2. Trump’s Trade War Rhetoric & Canada’s Response (00:40–04:23, 05:11–06:33)

• Trump’s threats of new tariffs (10%) are denounced as reactive and rooted in personal grievances.
• Carney’s tone at ASEAN is often satirical, mocking Trump’s “American-level boasting” while presenting Canada as a reliable global partner.
  • Quote:
    “You need a partner who respects the letter of agreements … But also the spirit of agreements and the values underneath.” — Mark Carney, 05:20
• The podcast draws a vivid contrast between Trump’s “whining” about perceived slights and Carney’s focus on reliability, rules-based trade, and values such as inclusivity and sustainability.

3. Redefining Global Trade Relationships (10:09–12:58, 15:11–17:46)

• Carney describes the new U.S. trade policy as a “rupture, not a transition,” likening the U.S. approach to a country club where access must be paid for.
  • Quote:
    “If you want to have any dealings with the United States, you need to pay a fee … That’s not what we’re doing here in Canada. We focus on free trade.” — Mark Carney paraphrased by Host, 09:45
• He advocates for stronger ties with ASEAN, the EU, and through CPTPP, pursuing free trade agreements based on shared values and predictability.
• Canada seeks to grow non-U.S. exports by 50% in a decade, aiming to finalize an FTA with ASEAN and accelerate agreements with countries like the Philippines.

4. Inclusivity & Sustainability as a Direct Rebuke to Trump (14:33–15:11, 15:50–17:46)

• The ASEAN Summit’s theme (“inclusivity and sustainability”) is highlighted as an implicit rebuke of Trump’s policies—emphasizing values Canada shares and seeks in international partnerships.
• Carney lauds ASEAN’s approach and Canada’s alignment with these values, positioning Canada as a forward-thinking, globally responsible nation.

5. Canadian Domestic Reaction & Town Hall Movement (20:15–22:02)

• Charlie Angus describes a growing determination among Canadians to move past dependence on the U.S., citing both economic opportunities (Ontario wines in Norway) and a deepening distrust of the U.S. as a rule-of-law partner.
  • Quote:
    “People are saying we’re done with them … What’s really concerning to Canadians is the disintegration of the rule of law south of the border.” — Charlie Angus, 20:37
• Angus expresses incredulity at Canadian media’s deference to American sensitivities, especially juxtaposed with Trump’s vulgar use of AI videos and erratic behavior.

6. Reassessing Relations with China and the U.S. (22:02–24:01)

• Angus draws a parallel between Canada’s current relationship with both China and the U.S., recalling the Meng Wanzhou incident and the lack of U.S. support.
• Notes the irony that Canadians are now reconsidering ties with Beijing, not out of preference, but necessity—because trust in the U.S. has deteriorated so badly.

7. Trump’s Longtime Obsession with Canada (24:39–26:20)

• Michael Wolff recounts the origins of Trump’s fascination with annexing Canada, tracing it to a flippant suggestion by Roger Ailes in 2016.
  • Notable Quote:
    “You could annex Canada. And Trump said, you know, I’ve always wondered, looking at the map, why don’t we own Canada?” — Michael Wolff, 24:50
• Trump’s fantasy reveals his transactional view of countries as assets to expand.

8. Reagan’s View: A Contrasting American Legacy (26:35–27:00)

• Hosts play a classic Ronald Reagan radio address praising the U.S.-Canada partnership:
  • Quote:
    “We share a democratic tradition and we share the hopes, dreams and aspirations of free people.” — Ronald Reagan (archive), 26:48
• Used as a sharp contrast to Trump’s antagonism and Canada’s new internationalist approach.

9. Comparing Real Trade Deals to Trump’s “Deals” (27:00–28:26)

• Hosts deride Trump’s penchant for empty press releases and non-binding “deals” versus Carney’s detailed and enforceable agreements.
• Emphasize the seriousness and transparency of Carney’s economic diplomacy versus Trump’s performative, substance-free approach.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Mark Carney:

  • “I’m just warming up for my American level of boasting.” (02:13)
  • “In a crisis, you have to be bold, you have to act big.” (08:15)
  • “The United States has a new trade policy … we are going to charge countries for access to the US. It’s like access to a good country club …” (10:30)
  • “Inclusivity and sustainability … is very recognizable for Canada and our approach.” (16:30)
  • “The old system is gone, the new one has not yet formed. And so, it’s a big question … those of us in this room will help determine where that is.” (17:57)

• Charlie Angus:

  • “This is a guy who showed a video, an AI video of him dumping diarrhea on his own citizens. This man is not worthy of any office in any land.” (21:11)
  • “Right now, Canada is reconsidering that relationship with China. Why? Because we can no longer trust the United States.” (23:28)

• Michael Wolff:

  • “You could annex Canada. And Trump said, you know, I’ve always wondered, looking at the map, why don’t we own Canada?” (24:50)

• Ronald Reagan:

  • “We share much more than a common border. We share a democratic tradition and we share the hopes, dreams and aspirations of free people.” (26:48)

Key Timestamps

• 00:43 — Show begins substantive coverage: Trump’s threat, Canada’s response
• 02:11–04:23 — Mark Carney’s major ASEAN speech, ambitions for trade diversification
• 05:11–06:33 — Carney on values of reliable partnership, rules-based order
• 07:23–09:26 — Carney: Crisis as change in U.S.-Canada relationship, need for bold action
• 10:09–12:58 — Country-club comparison, warnings on U.S.-centered trade, EU/CPTPP references
• 15:11–17:46 — ASEAN inclusivity/sustainability, FTA initiatives, Canada-Philippines
• 20:15–22:02 — Charlie Angus reports on the mood across Canada and shifting attitudes
• 22:02–24:01 — Angus on rethinking China and the U.S., loss of trust
• 24:39–26:20 — Michael Wolff on Trump’s annexation obsession
• 26:35–27:00 — Ronald Reagan’s tribute to Canada-U.S. friendship
• 27:00–28:26 — Host commentary on real vs. fake deals

Conclusion

This episode offers a compelling look at how Canada, under Prime Minister Mark Carney, is actively confronting Trump-era American antagonism, pivoting towards Asia and Europe, and leaning into values-based trade. The hosts use humor and sharp critiques to highlight the differences between Carney’s diligent, tangible diplomacy and Trump’s performative bluster. Contributions from Charlie Angus and Michael Wolff provide additional context about the Canadian public’s sentiment and Trump’s long-held, transactional approach toward Canada. The episode closes by reinforcing Canada’s emergence as a confident, independent actor on the world stage, ready to leave behind a fractious and unreliable United States.

For listeners: This summary captures the full flow and energy of the episode, spotlighting the central arguments, humor, and standout quotes—all without needing to sit through the entire show.