The MeidasTouch Podcast

Episode: Furious World Leaders Defy Trump and He Threatens Nukes!!!
Date: February 7, 2026
Hosts: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas

Main Theme

This episode explores worldwide backlash against Donald Trump’s policies and rhetoric, with a special focus on leaders openly defying Trump’s regime, his escalation of nuclear threats, the unraveling of diplomatic norms, and a deep dive into how these global tensions are impacting democracy, energy costs, and international stability.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Canada Stands Up to Trump: The Greenland Consulate Incident

[01:30–03:26]

• Background: Canada opens a consulate in Nuuk, Greenland, despite explicit warnings from Trump’s regime. Trump has indicated a desire to “take over” Greenland, instructing allies not to show support there.
• Canadian Defiance: Prime Minister Carney and Foreign Minister Anita Anand stress Canadian sovereignty and support for Greenland’s autonomy.
  • Quote (paraphrased): “You can’t boss us around. We’re sovereign, we’re strong, we’re North. We’re Canada. Get the hell out of here.” – Ben Meiselas ([01:40])
• Contrast: The enthusiasm at the consulate is juxtaposed with JD Vance being booed at the Milan Olympics—emphasizing the U.S. regime’s declining global reputation.

2. Venezuela: Trump’s Oil Schemes and Opposition Suppression

[03:26–05:16]

• Maria Corina Machado’s Defiance: Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado criticizes Delsey Rodriguez (the Maduro regime’s figurehead), highlighting ongoing political persecution under Trump’s endorsed arrangement.
  • Quote: “Do you think someone that has put children behind Yale and teenage girls being forced to sexual activities … is doing this on her own will? Of course not.” – Maria Corina Machado ([04:46])
• Trump Regime’s Response: The White House and top advisors (anonymous in Politico) dismiss Machado’s calls for democracy, calling her a “spoiler” and telling her to “shut up.” ([05:16])

3. Ramp-Up of Nuclear Tensions and the Breakdown of Treaties

[05:16–10:52]

• Escalation: U.S., China, and Russia are all threatening nuclear buildups as major arms control treaties (START) expire.
• Accusations: Trump’s envoys accuse China of clandestine nuclear testing back in 2020, during Trump’s previous term. The episode highlights the irony/hypocrisy: Trump covered up the tests while in office, only to use them now as a pretext for escalation.
• Erosion of Trust: The MeidasTouch hosts highlight how, given Trump’s relentless misinformation, it’s hard for Americans to trust even the regime's national security assertions.
  • Quote: “… with all of the lies from the Trump regime, literally about everything, you can’t believe this Trump regime.” – Ben Meiselas ([08:51])

4. Spotlight on Energy Policy: Soaring Costs Amid Winter Storms

[09:01–10:52]

• Cost Surge: U.S. energy prices are up 13% under Trump, per the Energy Information Administration; bills are climbing in several states amidst severe winter storms.
• Trump’s Attacks on Clean Energy: Over 300 clean energy projects canceled or threatened, exacerbating energy supply issues and rate hikes.
  • Quote: “Trump’s reckless energy policies are making it more expensive to survive, and Americans are paying the price.” – Midas Touch Host ([10:15])
• Call for Engagement: Listeners are urged to share personal experiences with rising energy costs in the comments.

5. Trump’s Social Media Escalations and Strange Military Boasts

[10:52–14:29]

• Official Statements: Trump posts belligerent proclamations about America’s power and “rebuilding the military,” blames predecessors, and makes bizarre boasts about introducing more powerful “battleships.”
  • Quote: “I completely rebuilt its military in my first term … including new and many refurbished nuclear weapons … Now continue to rebuild our military at levels never seen before. We are even adding battleships which are 100 times more powerful than the ones that roamed the seas during WW2.” – Donald Trump (quoted by Ben, [12:35])
• Nuclear Arms Race: Trump signals intent to resume nuclear testing, using Chinese violations as rationale—despite the U.S. itself having ignored or covered up similar activity.
  • Quote: “So that’s basically what that message is. And saying let’s do a nuclear weapons arms race again.” – Ben Meiselas ([13:07])
• Media Reaction (or Lack Thereof): The hosts express frustration at U.S. media’s normalization of Trump’s erratic, even dangerous, social media activity.

6. China’s Diplomatic Leverage and the Taiwan Tension

[14:30–16:50]

• State Visit Drama: China threatens to cancel Trump’s upcoming Beijing visit in response to possible U.S. arms sales to Taiwan. Xi Jinping leverages Trump’s need for diplomatic validation.
  • Quote: “Xi Jinping’s holding this above Trump’s head … and saying, you can’t help Taiwan, basically.” – Ben Meiselas ([15:27])

7. European Leaders Push Back Against Trump and Authoritarians

[16:51–17:57]

• Germany: Chancellor Friedrich Merz refuses to engage in negotiations that would enable further Russian aggression in Ukraine—contrasting European resolve with Trump’s “fake negotiations.”
  • Quote: “The key to ending this war lies with Moscow. And I think he’s putting down a real marker right there.” – Ben Meiselas ([17:23])
• Spain: PM Pedro Sanchez delivers a forceful speech on reining in social media platforms, protecting children online, and resisting Big Tech’s influence.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Canadian Defiance:
  “You can’t boss us around. We’re sovereign, we’re strong, we’re North. We’re Canada. Get the hell out of here.”
  – Ben Meiselas relaying Canada’s message ([01:40])

• On Venezuelan Opposition:
  "Do you think she's doing this on her own will? Of course not."
  – Maria Corina Machado ([04:46])

• On Trump Regime’s Hypocrisy:
  "…with all of the lies from the Trump regime … you can’t believe this Trump regime."
  – Ben Meiselas ([08:51])

• Energy Policy Reality Check:
  "Trump's reckless energy policies are making it more expensive to survive, and Americans are paying the price."
  – Midas Touch Host ([10:15])

• Trump’s Military Boasts:
  "I completely rebuilt its military … We are even adding battleships which are 100 times more powerful than the ones that roamed the seas during WW2."
  – Quoting Trump ([12:35])

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [01:30] Canada opens consulate in Greenland, defies Trump warnings
• [03:26] Venezuela: Maria Corina Machado blasts Trump-backed regime
• [05:16] U.S. nuclear tensions: China, Russia, and arms control breakdowns
• [09:01] U.S. energy price surge and Trump attacks on clean energy
• [10:52] Trump’s social media rants, battleship remarks, nuclear bravado
• [14:30] China threatens to cancel Trump’s state visit over Taiwan arms
• [16:51] Germany/Spain push back against Trump, Russia, Big Tech

Tone and Style

The Meiselas brothers maintain their signature blend of sharp political commentary, informed analysis, and irreverent humor (“word salad and gibberish”), with passionate, unapologetic support for democracy and direct criticism of authoritarian actions. The conversation is fast-paced, urgent, and direct, often laced with incredulity and dark comedy—reflecting the gravity and absurdity of the current global political climate.

For Listeners

This episode is a whirlwind tour of major world leaders refusing to play by Trump’s rules, the dangers of renewed nuclear brinkmanship, real-life impacts of energy policy on American families, and the ways democracy champions are pushing back worldwide. Ideal for those wanting both a topical deep dive and energetic, critical commentary.