The MeidasTouch Podcast
Episode: Furious World Leaders Deliver Fatal Blow to Trump War Plans
Date: November 19, 2025
Hosts: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas
Episode Overview
This episode dissects the rapidly shifting global alliances triggered by former President Donald Trump’s foreign policies, especially his alignment with Saudi Arabia, and the backlash from traditional U.S. allies. The brothers dive into how countries like Sweden, France, Canada, and Ukraine are actively forging new defense, economic, and political partnerships independent of the U.S., weakening America’s historic leadership role. The episode combines analysis, direct news clips, and the signature brotherly banter aimed at supporting democracy.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Escalating Global Pushback Against U.S. Under Trump
- World Reaction to Trump’s Saudi Ties: Trump’s overt alliance with Saudi Arabia—exemplified by his Oval Office meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS)—has drawn global condemnation. The hosts emphasize how this shift alienates the U.S. from its traditional allies: Canada, Europe, and Australia.
- “It looked like Donald Trump had a crush on MBS. It was bizarre. And Donald Trump was saying what a great ally of ours. Don’t you ever offend this guy.” (Host, 02:00)
- Consequences for U.S. Military Exports: Nations are reconsidering purchases of American military hardware due to trust issues and politicization. Canada, for instance, is evaluating Swedish fighter jets over U.S. F-35s.
2. Sweden and Canada Forge Stronger Ties
Timestamps: 04:02 – 12:08
-
Swedish Deputy Prime Minister’s Direct Rebuke:
- She identifies Canada as a “true friend,” implying the U.S. is no longer trustworthy or aligned with Swedish values.
“In those times, you need to choose your friends wisely. And Sweden is choosing Canada ... I think Canada is quite a bit of family to Sweden. … But that openness should not be used against us. And I think now we need to choose our friends very, very wisely.”
— Swedish Deputy Prime Minister, [04:02]- She attributes the deepening bilateral relationship partly to Trump’s unpredictability.
“We still see the US as our friends in Sweden, but they have become so much more unpredictable. And we are looking for partners … not only transactional, like ‘how can I profit for you,’ but ‘how can we both profit from this.’”
— Swedish Deputy Prime Minister, [07:32] -
Canada’s Potential Shift Away from U.S. Defense Sector:
- Sweden is actively promoting Saab’s Gripen fighter jets as alternatives to U.S. F-35s.
- Emphasis on value-driven, reliable partnerships for critical defense projects.
“Sweden is open for business. … Gripen is probably the best fighter jet in the world. … It would be a great opportunity for the strategic partnership to go from paper to action between Sweden and Canada.”
— Swedish Deputy Prime Minister, [09:48]
3. Major Defense Realignment in Europe: France and Ukraine
Timestamps: 13:38 – 18:45
-
Historic Arms Deal Between France and Ukraine:
- Ukraine signs a 10-year agreement with France for up to 100 Rafale fighter jets, anti-drone systems, and other advanced weaponry.
- Reflects Europe’s pivot to self-reliance and reduced dependence on U.S. security guarantees.
“One of the most productive visits of this year and certainly a new step in our strategic partnership with France. We have signed a historic agreement providing for a new fleet of fighter jets for Ukraine. … Each bilateral agreement is a contribution to the Ukrainian future as an integral part of the united Europe.”
— Ukrainian President Zelensky, [14:53] -
France’s Affirmation of European Unity:
- Macron frames Ukraine as inherently European, commits French support for Ukraine’s defense and integration into the EU.
“Ukraine belongs to the European family … by its values, its history and its courage. … France remains by your side. Together with our partners, we will continue to work for peace, a just, lasting peace, in accordance with international law.”
— French President Emmanuel Macron, [17:35]
4. Mexico’s Firm Warning on Sovereignty
Timestamps: 18:45 – 19:14
-
President Sheinbaum Pushes Back Against Trump:
- Mexico’s president responds forcefully to Trump’s threats of U.S. military action in Mexico, emphasizing respect for sovereignty and opposition to any interference.
“We do not agree with any process of interference or interventionism and … we are a sovereign state.”
— President Claudia Sheinbaum, [19:14]
5. Risks to U.S. Technology and Security
Timestamps: 20:01 – 21:30
-
Potential Transfer of U.S. Technology to China:
- Concern raised that Trump’s policies of selling advanced military technology to Saudi Arabia could lead to that technology being shared with China, undermining U.S. security.
“Lots of people think that Donald Trump, by giving away chip technology to the Emiratis … and weapons to Saudi Arabia, ends up just helping China and Russia and Iran get that technology, which is why no other administration had done this before.”
— Host Commentary, [21:00]
6. Summary of Shifting World Order
Timestamps: 21:30 – End
- Polarized Global Power Blocs:
- The episode concludes with observations on a fragmented global landscape:
- Western democracies (Canada, Europe, Australia, UK) are distancing themselves from the U.S.
- China, Russia, and their allies are consolidating through blocs like BRICS.
- The hosts argue that U.S. global standing has dramatically eroded due to recent leadership—“America has weakened itself to levels that it was hard to even fathom.” (Host, [21:30])
- The episode concludes with observations on a fragmented global landscape:
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On Trump’s Saudi Meeting:
"We’re seeing a new world order shaping before our eyes as Donald Trump was in the Oval Office with the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, MBS. And it looked like Donald Trump had a crush on MBS. It was bizarre."
Host commentary, [01:55] -
Sweden’s Directness:
"We need to choose our friends very, very wisely. So when we come to America, we come to Canada now."
Swedish Deputy Prime Minister, [05:00] -
Call for Reliable Values:
"We’d like to partner up even closer with Canada to make sure we have value chains in a double sense. … but also value with countries with whom we share the same values."
Swedish Deputy Prime Minister, [06:35] -
Macron’s Commitment to Ukraine:
"France remains by your side. ... Together with our partners, we will continue to work for peace, a just, lasting peace, in accordance with international law."
French President Emmanuel Macron, [17:35] -
On Generational Consequences:
"I can’t emphasize enough the massive global reshuffling of power taking place before our eyes as Donald Trump continues to isolate the United States and generationally make the US Weaker."
Host, [09:10]
Timeline of Important Segments
| Timestamp | Segment Description | |-----------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:55 | Opening: Trump’s Saudi meeting draws fury from global leaders | | 04:02 | Swedish Deputy PM on choosing Canada over U.S. | | 06:03 | Sweden emphasizes value-based defense partnerships | | 07:32 | Impact of Trump’s unpredictability on Sweden—Canada ties | | 09:33 | Saab’s Gripen could replace Canadian F-35 orders | | 13:38 | Ukraine signs 10-year defense deal with France | | 14:53 | Zelensky addresses Ukraine-France partnership | | 17:35 | Macron pledges French and European support for Ukraine | | 19:14 | Mexico’s President Sheinbaum rebuffs Trump’s threats | | 20:01 | Host warns of U.S. technology leaking to China via Saudi Arabia | | 21:30 | Conclusion: America’s diminishing world leadership |
Closing Thoughts
The MeidasTouch brothers present a critical look at how Trump’s foreign policy has provoked profound shifts: long-standing allies are openly questioning U.S. reliability, while rivals stand to profit from American missteps. The episode is rich in news clips, urgent warnings, and the hosts’ signature advocacy for a pro-democracy world order.
This summary omits advertisements, commercial breaks, and standard intros/outros for streamlined relevance.