Furious Kenya Blasts Trump in Public Meeting

Summary

The MeidasTouch Podcast: Episode Summary

Episode Title: Furious Kenya Blasts Trump in Public Meeting
Release Date: April 27, 2025
Hosts: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas
Guests: None explicitly mentioned

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1. Introduction to Africa's Geopolitical Landscape

Ben Meiselas opens the episode by discussing the shifting geopolitical dynamics in Africa, particularly East Africa. He emphasizes how former President Donald Trump's policies have adversely affected the United States' standing on the continent. Ben highlights President William Ruto of Kenya's strong condemnation of Trump, stating that Trump has "created a death blow to the current world order" (00:55).

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2. China's Strategic Involvement in Africa

Ben elaborates on China's growing influence in Africa through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative. He points out that Xi Jinping of China recognizes Africa as "one of the fastest growing digital continents" (01:18). China's investments in infrastructure—such as roads, railways, and government buildings—are portrayed as strategic moves to secure soft power and foster economic ties.

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3. Kenya's Economic Growth and Strategic Alliances

Focusing on Kenya, Ben notes its burgeoning economy, valued at approximately $131.67 billion, making it the largest in East Africa. He discusses President Ruto's state visit to China, where he expressed gratitude for China's substantial financial support in sectors like health, education, and disaster relief (05:45). This move underscores Kenya's pivot towards China amidst declining U.S. influence under Trump.

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4. Contrast Between U.S. and Chinese Policies in Africa

Ben contrasts the U.S. and China's approaches in Africa. While China is actively investing and providing aid, the Trump administration is criticized for withdrawing support, as seen in the denial of emergency aid to U.S. states affected by natural disasters (07:45). Ben argues that China's sustained engagement contrasts sharply with the U.S.'s diminishing presence, which Trump and Elon Musk have further weakened through policy cuts.

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5. President Ruto's State Visit to China

A key highlight is the detailed account of President Ruto's visit to Beijing. Ben shares a clip from France24 Correspondent discussing Ruto's intent to expand Kenya-China partnerships, especially in manufacturing and digital infrastructure (06:04). This visit symbolizes Kenya's strategic alignment with China over the U.S., fueled by China's robust investments.

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6. Trump's Demeaning Remarks About Africa

Ben critically examines Donald Trump's remarks about Africa, highlighting his lack of understanding and dismissive attitude. He cites Trump's belittling comments about African nations like Lesotho and the Congo, where Trump referred to African immigrants as "many people from the Congo" without acknowledging the continent's diversity (06:52 - 07:26). Moreover, Ben references a controversial post by Trump claiming involvement in "settling violent wars and conflicts in Africa," which his editor describes as "demeaning" and ignorant of Africa's cultural complexities (07:26).

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7. European Union's Response to U.S. Weakness in Africa

In response to the perceived U.S. weakness under Trump, Ben highlights the European Union's proactive stance in Africa. A clip features EU Representative outlining the EU's commitment to multilateralism, rule-based international order, and partnerships with South Africa, emphasizing values like solidarity, equality, and sustainability (09:07 - 09:49). This positions the EU as a reliable partner contrasting the U.S.'s faltering engagement.

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8. President Biden's Commitment to Kenya and Africa

Shifting focus to former President Joe Biden, Ben discusses Biden's strategic efforts to restore and strengthen U.S. ties with Kenya and Africa. He references Biden's state visit to Kenya, where he celebrated the 60th anniversary of Kenya-U.S. relations, highlighting shared democratic values and collaborative efforts in health, economic, cyber, and climate security (12:11 - 13:09). Biden's appointment of Meg Whitman as Ambassador to Kenya underscores his administration's commitment to fostering economic growth and changing the narrative about Africa in the U.S. business community.

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9. Meg Whitman's Role and Vision for Kenya

Ben presents insights from Meg Whitman, the U.S. Ambassador to Kenya, emphasizing her focus on job creation and attracting foreign direct investment (14:50). In her interview at the Princeton School of Public International Affairs, Whitman discusses the necessity of altering both the narrative and the regulatory environment to enhance Kenya's economic landscape (14:50 - 16:00). Her efforts aim to bolster Kenya's dynamic economy, particularly in sectors like technology and AI, countering China's dominance.

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10. The Importance of Comprehensive News Coverage

Concluding his segment, Ben stresses the significance of covering African affairs comprehensively. He asserts that The MeidasTouch Network, with its extensive platform, is uniquely positioned to highlight the geopolitical shifts occurring in regions like Kenya. By providing in-depth analysis, the podcast aims to inform listeners about the real-time impact of political changes and support democratic values globally (16:00).

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Ben Meiselas (00:55): "Donald Trump has just created a death blow to the current world order."

• France24 Correspondent (06:04): "Ruto is hoping to expand that partnership, especially in the manufacturing and digital infrastructure sectors."

• Donald Trump (06:52): "$8,000,000 to promote LGBTQ I Plus in the African nation of Lesotho, which nobody has ever heard of."

• Donald Trump (07:16): "The Congo and Africa. Many, many people come from the Congo. I don't know what that is, but they came from the Congo, Congo and all over the world."

• EU Representative (09:07): "We have many parallels between European Union and South Africa... committed to multilateralism, rule based international order..."

• Joe Biden (12:11): "United in diversity or as they say."

• Meg Whitman (14:50): "The narrative among most business people in America is 30 or 40 years old. They don't understand the economic situation... the potential of many of the countries in Africa."

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Conclusion

In this episode, The MeidasTouch Podcast delves deep into the geopolitical tensions between the United States and China in Africa, using Kenya as a focal point. Through incisive analysis and compelling discussions, Ben Meiselas sheds light on the implications of Trump's policies on America's global standing, China's strategic investments, and Biden's efforts to rejuvenate U.S.-Africa relations. The episode underscores the critical need for informed discourse on international relations and the preservation of democratic values worldwide.

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Stay Connected:
For more in-depth discussions and updates, subscribe to The MeidasTouch Podcast every Tuesday and Friday morning, and catch live video sessions every Monday and Thursday night at 8 PM ET on the MeidasTouch YouTube channel.

Transcript

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[Ben Meiselas]

Throughout Africa, and East Africa is no exception. The countries on the continent are at Donald Trump. They believe that Trump is blowing up the world order. And all of the goodwill that former President Biden helped establish in various African nations, Donald Trump has wiped out instantly. And you know who has pronounced on that? Xi Jinping of China should be noted that Africa is one of the fastest growing digital continents in the United States, probably the fastest growing digital continent. A lot of big business growing there and it's important that we invest in Africa. If you take a look in East Africa, for example, in the Republic of Kenya, which, which now has the largest economy in east Africa, about 131.67 billion. So about what, four or five times the GDP of El Salvador, which Donald Trump loves so much there. The Kenyan President William Ruto basically said that Trump has just created a death blow to the current world order. A death blow, he said. And, and then shortly after making those remarks, as Donald Trump tariffed the world, President Ruto of the Republic of Kenya took a state visit to China to meet with Xi Jinping. So as Donald Trump has been lying this whole week and faking having conversations with Xi Jinping further humiliating the United States, we know what Xi Jinping was doing. He was giving a state welcome, a big celebratory visit to, to the leader of Kenya, President Ruto. Now it should be noted how strategically smart former President Biden was right here. So who was the ambassador to the Republic of Kenya under former President Biden's administration? It was Meg Whitman, the former CEO of eBay and HP. And it was a very strong and powerful showing by former President Biden that he was committed not just to the Republic of Kenya, but also to the entire continent in Africa, and that it was an important priority for him to invest in Africa. In Africa. Now we know that China has sought this foothold in Africa through their Belt and Road or their Bridge and Road initiatives, the new Silk Road, where they've spent billions in different African nations. They've helped build, build government buildings, they've helped build highways there because they understand the strategic importance of Africa to China and building goodwill and what that could ultimately do. They have strong power, they have soft power. A lot of what the United States was doing also with usaid, which Trump and Elon Musk gutted, was kind of similar, you know, in trying to help out African nations and show solidarity with, with countries. So let me show you what went down. As I mentioned, President William Ruto of Kenya, after saying that Trump issued a death blow to the world out order, he meets with Xi Jinping. He goes to China, he's in Beijing. He thanks Xi Jinping for the tens of millions of dollars in support for health, education and disaster relief, as well as for the plan construction of a new complex for Kenya's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. And by the way, you take a look at rude background, you would think that he would be someone who Donald Trump would try to cultivate. And evident, an evangelical Christian from a modest background who was elected on promises to help Kenya's poor in a country that was struggling with debt. Think about this. You've seen my reporting from this past week. Donald Trump has denied emergency aid to red states like Arkansas, to Kentucky, to Georgia for like debris removal, things caused by flooding, tornadoes, Hurricane Helene, North Carolina. Donald Trump stopped emergency relief. China is giving emergency disaster relief to Kenya, not just Kenya, across the world. Why? They also want Kenya to join the BRICS bloc. And China is making their play right now. And they also uniquely understand that Africa in general is the fastest growing digital, digital continent. And in under 100 days, Trump has just totally destroyed America's presence there. Let me show you what went down when you had President Ruto of Kenya show up at the state visit in China this past week. Let me just show you what it looks like. Play this clip. Here's how France24 correspondent talks about it. Let's play this clip.

[News Correspondent]

On Tuesday, Kenya's President William Ruto arrived in Beijing for talks aimed at increasing investment and trade. China is already Kenya's biggest lender. They funded massive road, railway and power projects. Ruto is hoping to expand that partnership, especially in the manufacturing and digital infrastructure sectors.

[Ben Meiselas]

So in contrast, let me just share with you how Donald Trump just talks about Africa in general, how he just overgeneralizes Africa and how he makes just the discussions of African nations like, into a joke. So I just showed you that this was Donald Trump from the joint address he gave to Congress. Play this clip.

[Donald Trump]

$8,000,000 to promote LGBTQ I Plus in the African nation of Lesotho, which nobody has ever heard of.

[Ben Meiselas]

Here's what Donald Trump said about Congo in the Oval Office over the past few weeks. I'll just show you this one clip, but he says this over and over again. Play this clip all over the world.

[Donald Trump]

The Congo and Africa. Many, many people come from the Congo. I don't know what that is, but they came from the Congo, Congo and all over the world. They came in open.

[Ben Meiselas]

And then Donald Trump posted this on Friday. Big news coming out of Africa, where I am also involved in settling violent wars and conflicts. I don't know why so many of these events have fallen to me and my administration, but they have and we have done an unprecedented job in getting them settled or putting them in a position for peace. Stay tuned. Exclamation point. As our editor in chief, Ron Philip Koski writes while on his trip to Italy for the Pope's funeral, Trump says he is ending violent wars and conflicts in Africa. And again, Donald Trump has no understanding for cultural differences within Africa. What nations are in Africa? And I'll show you this as well. As Donald Trump continues to demean African nations. You know, Donald Trump has said horrible things about South Africa. He and Elon Musk have just said, you know, the, the worst things about the government there imaginable. Executive orders about South Africa. The European Union Commission and European Union leaders have stepped up and they also see US weakness under Trump. And so they've talked about we like diversity. We're for you, we're with you. Watch what they put together in the European Union Commission and European leaders. Play this clip.

[Joe Biden]

Today we have a joint event by the eu, France, Italy and Germany and.

[EU Representative]

We have many parallels between European Union and South Africa. Like you, we are committed to multilateralism, rule based international order and more equity and justice in the world. Just like you, we love our constitutional rights and protections and we do believe in a non racial, non sexist democracy. Like you, we pursue the values of solidarity, equality and sustainability. As South Africa's most important trading partner, investment partner in partnering values, you can rely on the European Union and its member states during G20 residency within 2025 and beyond.

[Joe Biden]

United in diversity or as they say.

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[Ben Meiselas]

Okay, now let me just rewind for a moment and show you. You saw the state visit Kenya in Beijing. President Ruto, this is former President Biden. He posted on May 26, 2024. Not all that long ago. What? A year? A year ago? Little more than a year ago. America and Kenya, divided by distance, united by democratic values. Think about that. And here's the video he posted.

[Joe Biden]

President Rudo, Mrs. Rudo, it's an honor to welcome you to the White house to celebrate 60 years of partnership between Kenya and the United States. At the stroke of midnight on December 12, 1963, the world changed. Many Americans and many people around the world watched with great hope as hundreds of thousands of Kenyans came together, raised a new flag, declared their freedom, and gave life to a new nation. It was a moment that forever connected our two nations together. The United States and Kenya are working to deliver on the challenges that matter most to our people's lives. Health security, economic security, cyber security and climate security. Across the region, Kenya and America are driving a race to the top. With investments that we have and high standards for workers, technology and environment. The past is our proof that we are stronger and the world is safer when Kenya and the United States work together.

[Ben Meiselas]

And then from that state visit that former President Biden gave to President Ruto, he said, today I am optimistic and hopeful as I was all those years ago when Kenyan patriots raised a new flag high into the midnight sky. Kenya and the United States stand together, committed to each other, committed to our people and committed to building a better world. Now, Meg Whitman again, what an incredible ambassador to have in Kenya, given her background. And why is she a perfect fit? Because in Kenya, entrepreneurial spirit, building business. I know Donald Trump thinks Africa's all war and conflict, but entrepreneurial spirit, digital, expanding economy, growth semiconductor chips, AI. There's a lot to do there and a lot that China's trying to do. So former President Biden's playing the geopolitical game and having an entrepreneur like Meg Whitman, like an all star. She explains how she was picked to be the ambassador. She goes, joe Biden called me and said, hey Meg, I want you to be an ambassador. And before I can say anything, he said, I want you to go to Kenya. I said, Kenya. I was thinking France. But she then goes on to talk about why it was so important. Here's just a small portion of Meg Whitman's Honorable Margaret Whitman. She goes by Meg. Her, her quick interview that she gave recently it at the Princeton School of Public International Affairs. Play this clip.

[Meg Whitman]

So I became convinced that the number one thing I could add value as non career diplomat is jobs, jobs, jobs and attracting foreign direct investment and helping to shape the economic investment climate so Kenyan firms could grow and thrive. So we work together on what changes from a legal and regulatory standpoint would help companies. And then how do you change the narrative on Africa and Kenya? I know that when I was at HP and eBay, I thought about Africa 1% of the time. Yeah, yeah, yeah, I got it. But I got things going on in Europe and Latin America and Asia and Africa is a really long way away. And I think the narrative among most business people in America is 30 or 40 years old. They don't understand the economic situation, they don't understand the demographics and they don't understand the potential of many of the countries in Africa. So the very first thing we had to do was to start off by changing the narrative and then changing the regulatory environment to make foreign direct investment and frankly the Kenyan dynamic economy more able to succeed.

[Ben Meiselas]

I think it's so important that the news cover this stuff now that we have this major platform at the Midas Touch Network. The same way I cover news in Canada, I cover news in Australia, in Europe, South America and Mexico, Central America and elsewhere. I think it's so important that we cover what's going on in Africa, East Africa, Kenya. We talk about the geopolitical ramifications of of Donald Trump's destruction of America's power in the world, and we're seeing it in real time this past week. Thanks for watching. Hit subscribe let's get to 5 million subscribers. The truth is more important than ever. Check out our new Truth over lies [e-mail] touch.com all 100% USA union made.