Loading summary
A
This episode is brought to you by Lifelock. When you visit the doctor, you probably hand over your insurance, your ID and contact details. It's just one of the many places that has your personal info and if any of them accidentally expose it, you could be at risk for identity theft. Lifelock monitors millions of data points a second. If you become a victim, they'll fix it, guaranteed or your money back. Save up to 40% your first year@lifelock.com podcast terms apply. This episode is brought to you by Progressive Insurance Fiscally responsible financial geniuses, Monetary magicians. These are things people say about drivers who switch their car insurance to Progressive and save hundreds. Visit progressive.com to see if you could save Progressive Casualty Insurance Company and affiliates. Potential savings will vary. Not available in all states or situations.
B
Introducing Family Freedom From T Mobile we'll pay off four phones up to $3200.
A
And give you four free phones, all.
B
On America's largest 5G network. Visit your local T Mobile location or learn more@t mobile.com FamilyFreedom up to $800 per line via virtual prepaid card typically takes 15 days.
A
Free phones via 24 monthly bill credits with finance agreement eg Apple iPhone16128Gigabyte829 99.
B
Eligible trade in eg iPhone 11 Pro.
A
For well qualified credits end and balance due if you pay off early or cancel contact T Mobile did you see the game last night?
C
Of course you did, because you used Instacart to do your grocery restock.
A
Plus you got snacks for the game, all without missing a single play.
C
And that's on multitasking.
A
So we're not saying that Instacart is a hack for game day, but it might be the ultimate play this football season. Enjoy $0 delivery fees on your first three orders. Service fees apply for three orders in 14 days. Excludes restaurants, foreign leaders, foreign nations absolutely furious at Donald Trump, his regime, and by proxy, the entire United States. They're canceling military projects with the United States, canceling military contracts with the United States and they are looking elsewhere. Europe's just saying we're going to buy from Europe, not the United States anymore. We saw Canada as well doing a reevaluation of its F35 orders. And we're seeing this around the world. Trump viewed as not a reliable person. Duh. And that Trump has previously even joked about putting in a kill switch into our military weapons. And people see how he's treating Ukraine right now, how he's sucking up to Vladimir Putin. So take a Look right here. A big loss for Trump in the United States of America as Denmark chooses a Franco Italian air defense system over the US Patriot air defense system that contracts about $8 billion going away from the United States in, in favor of this Franco Italian company. And this decision comes after the United States has threatened to annex Greenland, which is part of the territory of Denmark, and then the United States has engaged in an espionage campaign to try to topple the leadership in Greenland so that America could conquer it. You think Denmark's going to want to buy your military equipment? Are you freaking stupid, Donald? You think that's a good look to a good way to treat your allies? By the way, as Poland has invoked Article 4 of NATO, which is the consultation step before Article 5, which is we're going to have to go to war potentially together to stop Russia's invasion of Poland with drones, Donald Trump's response is, I don't really think that Russia did it. I'm not really going to cast blame anywhere here. It may have been a mistake. I don't know what happened. So what did Russia do? Well, they sent drones into Romania, another NATO ally. You show weakness, Putin escalates. Putin tests the resolve of NATO. And Donald Trump is showing that not only does he not have resolve, but he's a Putin bootlicker. That's what he is. He is a Putin bootlicker. And it is absolutely gross and disgusting. But it's not just losing that contract to Denmark. You also have the United States losing a pivotal contract to Portugal. Portugal picks the French rafale over America's F35 for NATO fleet modernization. Portugal buying from France. And by the way, we're seeing all across the country, or rather all across the world countries reevaluating their military purchases in the United States. At the same time, you see tourism in the United States at beyond recessionary levels at this point. You want to look at the economy of Las Vegas right now. It's getting absolutely crushed as a result of Canadians, Europeans, Australians, people from around the world, people from Africa, Mexico, Central America don't want to go there, can end up in a potentially concentration camp. By the way, we saw what happened to the South Korean workers who were all here with lawful, valid papers for a $12 billion project at a Hyundai plant. And what did Trump do? He sent ICE agents to round up over 300 South Korean workers, gave South Korea the middle finger, treated the South Korean workers who were trying to train American workers at this Hyundai plant like they were war criminals. And then after Donald Trump's like, hey, you guys want to stay? Like, we don't want to stay. We're going back to South Korea and we ain't coming back. And by the way, remember when Donald Trump said that he had a trade deal with South Korea? Remember the big announcement? I did a deal with South Korea. There's no trade deal with South Korea at all. And Donald Trump's commerce Secretary, Howard Lutnick, had to admit there is no trade deal and there likely isn't going to be one with South Korea as a result of the United States treatment of hardworking South Koreans who are trying to be here in the United States to train American workers after billions of dollars of investments by South Korea. Here's what Howard Lutnick had to say. Play this clip to the point on Hyundai. So is the Korea trade deal in jeopardy now?
D
Well, the Koreans didn't sign when the President was in.
A
Right?
D
The President came in. You remember that. It came to the White House. Notice how we didn't talk about trade because he didn't sign the piece of paper. I mean, the devil is in the details always. Well, I think they saw the Japanese now, so there's no flexibility.
A
Right.
D
The Japanese signed the contract. The Koreans either accept that deal or pay the tariffs. Black and white. Pay the tariffs or accept the deal.
A
But has the immigration raid led to more tension there about.
D
I think you're going to see President Trump go out and address that. He knows that to build these great factories, we need leadership of people who built them before if he wants to do it fast. So I think he's going to make a deal with the different countries that when they want to build big here, he'll find a way to get their workers proper work vehicles, visas, meaning short term work visas, train Americans and then head home. I think the President is very clear. I think you're going to see an ABC from him. A, you come in. B, you train Americans and see you head on home again.
A
That guy is just my Howard, my Howard Lutnick impression. The Trump economy really starts in 2026. We don't own this. This is not our economy. This is Biden and Biden. Okay? Trump's economy is 2026. That's. That's what then we're going to have a boom. We're going to have a boom.
D
Okay.
A
We're going to have a boom. Anyway. That's my Howard Lutnick impression. I'm sorry if it's annoying, but this is back on July 30th. July 30th. A long time ago. When Fox announced Trump has done a trade deal with South Korea. No, he didn't. He doesn't have a trade deal with any country. Zero trade deals. You know why? Because a deal I need to see signed and binding. You show me paperwork that says binding and signed and I can read the term sent to me, the published one that shows binding signed by the right representatives. Anyway, here's how Fox reported it. Then play this clip.
E
Breaking at this moment, President Trump just announcing a trade deal with South Korea on Truth Social, saying, I'm pleased to announce that the United States of America has agreed to a full and complete trade deal with the Republic of Korea. The deal is that South Korea will give to The United States $350 billion for investments owned and controlled by the United States and selected by myself as president. Additionally, South Korea will purchase $100 billion of liquid natural gas or other energy products. And further, South Korea has agreed to invest a large sum of money for their investment purposes. The sum will be announced when the South Korean president comes to the White House for a bilateral meeting. He also congratulates the new president on his electoral success. He goes on to say, it is also agreed that South Korea will be completely open to trade with the United States and that they will accept American product, including cars and trucks, agriculture, etc. We have agreed to a tariff for South Korea of 15%. America will not be charged a tariff. I'd like to thank the trade representatives who came forward today. It was an honor to meet them and talk about the great success their country. So under the wire, South Korea comes in and a trade deal is struck, according to the President of the United States seconds ago.
A
So Donald Trump is asked a few days back, so do you have plans to go to Japan and go to South Korea this fall? Trump's response is, what does that mean? What does that mean? Do you have plans to go to South Korea and Japan? And it's a pretty basic question. I know there's a lot of things going on. Things good here. Play this clip.
C
Thank you. Everybody plans to go to Japan and.
A
South Korea this fall.
C
What does that mean?
A
Do you have plans to go to South Korea? Maybe.
C
I think we'll see. But it's going to be very interesting what comes out. I think we may have learned something because when they come here and there's nobody that can do what they're supposed to be doing and they bring people, those people can also teach our people, you know, it's complicated stuff and something very interesting could come out of that. Thank you. Everybody.
A
Well, what you're doing, as well as what you did with India, as you pushed India closer to China, you also, in the past, what few months, we saw the trade representatives from China, South Korea and Japan all meet. Do you remember when Biden was in office? Remember, not only did Biden add two new members to NATO, Finland and Sweden, pretty big deal to do that. That's a, that's a move of strength, especially because they're very close to Russia, that they felt protected by NATO to make that move. But Biden brought together South Korea, Japan, USA Trilateral, and Trump destroyed it. Now they're meeting with China. That's what's taking place right there. And you see, like, did you see this? The President of Brazil, Lula, when he came out with a very strong statement after their Supreme Court did what the American Supreme Court was too cowardly in America to do. But in Brazil, they found their former incident insurrectionist President Jair Bolsonaro guilty and sentenced him to 27 years. That's our Supreme Court in the United States. Our chicken Shi. You know what I mean? Supreme Court in the United States. Not only that chicken, that. That's actually being nice. Our complicit in fascism, right wing Supreme Court in the United States said, you get absolute immunity. Donald Trump, go ahead, Send Seal Team 6 to kill your political opponents. And he's like, well, maybe I'll start with a fishing boat off of the coast of Venezuela. Again, I'm not sure why I'm doing that voice, but here is Lula. Here's what he's got to say about. If Trump was living in Brazil, he'd be in jail right now. If President Trump were living in Brazil and had done what he did at the Capitol, he would be on trial here too. Because here the law applies to everyone. That's what he says. That's. And by the way, Trump is tariff Brazil like 50%. And Lula's like, I don't give an F. I don't give an F. Come at me, bro. Come at me. We're a sovereign nation of Brazil. You think you scare me? Do what you want to do. I'm going to represent my country.
B
The weather is heating up and your nighttime bedroom temperature has a huge impact on your sleep quality. If you wake up too hot or too cold, I highly recommend that you check out Miracle Maid's bedsheets. Miraclemade sheets are inspired by NASA and use silver infused fabrics that are temperature regulating so you can sleep at the perfect temperature all night long. Now, using those silver infused fabrics, Inspired by NASA, Miraclemade sheets are thermoregulating and designed to keep you at the perfect temperature all night long no matter the weather, so you get better sleep every night. These sheets are infused with silver that Prevent up to 99.7% of bacterial growth, leaving them to stay cleaner and fresh three times longer than other sheets sheets. No more gross odors. Miracle made sheets are luxuriously comfortable without the high price tag of other luxury brands and feel as nice if not nicer than sheets used by some five star hotels. Stop sleeping on bacteria. Bacteria can clog your pores causing breakouts and acne. Sleep clean with Miracle. Upgrade your sleep as the weather heats up. Go to trymiracle.com midas to try Miracle made sheets today and whether you're buying them for yourself or as a gift for a loved one, if you order today you can save over 40%. And if you use our promo code Midas at checkout, you'll get free three piece towel set and save an extra 20%. Miracle is so confident in their product it's backed with a 30 day money back guarantee, so if you aren't 100% satisfied, you'll get a full refund. Upgrade your sleep with Miracle maid. Go to trymiracle.com midas and use the code MIDAS to claim your free three piece towel set and save over 40%. Off again, that's try miracle.com midas to treat yourself thank you Miracle Maid for sponsoring this episode.
A
And here he talks about Trump threatening to impose tariffs on countries that do regulations of big tech. Here, play this clip and there's the.
C
Issue of the latest news which is the position of the United United States government acting as if it were the emperor of planet Earth. That is, it's absurd because I won't repeat here what I've already said about Brazil, but it continues to make threats to the entire world. Now, Last night at 9 o' clock he posted on his Twitter or on his portal, I don't know, a note threatening again that anyone who messes with their big techs will suffer the consequences. It is a threat to any country. The big techs are an American asset and he does not accept anyone interfering. This may be true for them. For us, it is an American asset, but it is not our asset. We are a sovereign country. We have a constitution. We have legislation. And anyone who wants to enter these eight and a half million square kilometers, our airspace, our maritime space, our forest, must answer to our Constitution and our legislation. That's how it has to be so that we can build and strengthen this democratic, multilateral world that Brazil is coming committed to defending. These are important issues that are on the agenda.
A
And then, in a nationwide broadcast, Lula sent a message to Trump and to Brazilian politicians who encourage attacks on Brazil. History is not going to forgive you. Here, play this clip.
C
No, we are not and will not be a colony of anyone again. We are capable of governing and taking care of our land and our people without interference from any foreign government. We maintain friendly relations with all countries, but we do not accept orders from anyone. Brazil has only one owner, the Brazilian people. That is why we defend our wealth, our environment, our institutions. We defend our democracy and will resist anyone who tries to strike it. It is unacceptable the role of some Brazilian politicians who encourage attacks on Brazil. They were elected to work for the Brazilian people, but they only defend their personal interests. They are traitors to the nation. History will not forgive you.
A
Can I show you this moment as well? When Brazil's Supreme Court sentenced Brazil's former president Jair Bolsonaro to 27 years. Watch this major historical moment right here. Here, play this clip.
F
In total, considering all the penalties set above in the existence, as the majority of the panel recognize, of the material concurrence of offenses, material concurrence provided for in Article 69 of the Penal Code, which determines the sum of the penalties. I said the final sentence for the defendant Hair Mesias, that is Bolsonaro, at 27 years and three months, being 24 years and nine months of imprisonment and two years and six months of detention, plus 124 daily fines, each daily fine at the value of one minimum wage. I set the initial regime for serving the sentence as closed regime in accordance with Article 33 of the Penal Code. The fine penalty is also set as 124 daily fines. The value of one minimum wage always considered here. I will not repeat for all the other defendants. The minimum wage is always considered as in effect at the time of the act and updated until the date of actual payment. So in summary, 27 years and three months of imprisonment being 24 years and nine months of reclusion, two years and six months of detention and 124 days fine is the sentence.
A
So you have Donald Trump continuing not just to show weakness, but complicity with Russia, right? What was, what was Donald Trump's post yesterday morning? He goes, this is a letter from Donald Trump, dude, it's a social media post. Chill. It's, it's. It's not. It's not a letter. But then he goes, this is A letter from Donald Trump. I will impose sanctions on Russia if Europe agrees not to buy any more oil from Russia and to impose sanctions on Russia. And the Europe is imposed, Europe has imposed sanctions on Russia. Europe can do more. Europe has basically by and large, other than two countries, Hungary and Slovakia, who Trump's closest allies with Hungary and Slovakia, other than that Europe is no longer directly buying its oil from Russia. Now there isn't some issues with Europe going and end run around and buying some oil from India, which basically originates from Russia, by the way. The US Does a lot of the same as well and Europe, but it's a very small amount. I mean, 1%, 2%. The overwhelming supply of oil in Russia, in Europe is not coming from Russia other than Hungary and Slovakia. And by the way, Viktor Orban, the right wing authoritarian leader of Hungary, wrote Donald Trump a letter. And in that letter, Orban told Donald Trump, hey, you got to tell Ukraine to stop bombing the Russian oil refineries. We depend on that oil. And then Donald Trump's like, I'm so sorry to hear that, Viktor Orban. Tell Slovakia I say hello as though they're a person. Tell Slovakia I say hello. Awful. It Donald Trump, it bothers me, it upsets me that Ukraine is targeting the Russian oil refineries that are supplying you with your oil. So you, you've blessed and supported Hungary as well as Slovakia getting their oil from Russia. We have that, that letter. So you've supported that also. You, you've been removing the sanctions from Russia. You're bringing in eggs from Russia as egg prices again are going up. You're bringing in eggs from Russia. Well, they have an egg shortage there. You've removed sanctions against Russian banks and you gave Putin the biggest propaganda win of Russian history. One of the most humiliating moments in American history with our troops on their fricking knees rolling out a red carpet and actually, actually on their knees rolling out a red carpet for Vladimir Putin as you zigzag back and forth and couldn't walk in a fricking straight line. And then Putin was laughing and then he had Sergey Lavrov as foreign minister wearing the USSR shirt and, and laughing that, you know, that he was even there in the first place. And then you said, oh, if there's no ceasefire, we're going to impose sanctions. And now you just change the goalposts over and over and over again. Putin did not agree to a ceasefire. Putin did not agree to a bilateral or trilateral talks. Putin did not agree to security guarantees. Putin didn't agree to anything. He escalated attacks on Ukraine, killing more innocent Ukraine is the biggest drone strikes of the entire war by Russia took place after that Alaska debacle, which should go down in history as one of the the most shameful moment of America foreign policy. America on its knees. That's how I would have framed it. But our corporate news like, oh, that's the art of deal making. Because our corporate news is just freaking stupid and propaganda here in the United States, objectively the weakest thing ever. That's how all of the other countries like damn, America's fucking is is is that curse is is as weak as can be right there. But no, nothing came out of it other than Russia escalating its attacks, killing more innocent Ukrainians, driving more as part of its offensive and then sending drones into Poland and into Romania. Great work, Donald. The world thinks you're an absolute idiot because you are. And you've completely thrown the United States foreign policy under the bus. Never have we been weaker. Never have we been less safe. It is a debacle and it needs to be covered the way I'm covering it because it's, because it's the truth. Go look at international news of what's taking place. It's ridiculous. Hit subscribe. Let's get to 6 million. Thanks for watching.
B
Want to stay plugged in? Become a subscriber to our substack@midasplus.com you'll get daily recaps from Ron Filipkowski ad free episodes of our podcast and more exclusive content only available@midasplus.com.
A
Packages by Expedia. You were made to occasionally take the hard route to the top of the Eiffel Tower. We were made to easily bundle your trip Expedia made to travel flight inclusive packages are ator protected.
Hosts: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas
This episode delves into the growing isolation of Donald Trump by world leaders as global wars intensify and how his administration’s foreign policy blunders have triggered a wave of contract cancellations, diminished international alliances, and widespread condemnation from key global actors. The Meiselas brothers break down the global fallout from Trump's latest actions, highlight specific incidents of U.S. isolation, and compare foreign responses to the U.S. with developments in countries like Brazil and across NATO. The tone mixes serious concern with signature brotherly banter and sharp humor.
[02:00] Ben launches into how foreign leaders are furious with Trump and the U.S., canceling military contracts and seeking arms from other countries.
[03:45] Portugal also chose French Rafale jets over the U.S. F-35 for NATO fleet modernization.
Widespread military contract reviews signal lack of trust in U.S. stability and leadership under Trump.
[04:40] Trump administration’s ICE raid on lawful South Korean workers at a Hyundai plant in the U.S. led to South Korea pulling back.
[06:31] Trump's Commerce Secretary, Howard Lutnick, on Fox, admits no trade deal has been signed after Trump’s announcement.
[09:46] When pressed about visiting Japan or South Korea, Trump gives a non-answer, reflecting strained relations and lack of clear engagement.
[11:50] Brazil’s President Lula’s fierce reactions highlighted after former President Bolsonaro is sentenced to 27 years for insurrection.
Trump’s tariffs on Brazil seen as bluster; Lula refuses to be intimidated.
[15:09] Lula addresses Trump’s threats over global tech regulation:
On national TV, Lula sends a warning to pro-coup politicians: “History will not forgive you.” — Lula [17:46]
[19:21] Trump’s posture on Russia:
Viktor Orban (Hungary) and Slovakia honored by Trump’s indulgence of Russian oil deals. Trump’s response: “Tell Slovakia I say hello as though they’re a person.” — Ben [20:45]
Trump's “art of deal making” with Putin leads to a humiliating scene where U.S. troops roll out a red carpet on their knees—a signal to the world of American weakness.
Ben on Trump’s global reputation:
“The world thinks you’re an absolute idiot because you are. And you’ve completely thrown the United States foreign policy under the bus. Never have we been weaker. Never have we been less safe.” [22:10]
Howard Lutnick (as Commerce Secretary) on Korean trade:
“The President came in ... didn’t sign the piece of paper... the Koreans either accept that deal or pay the tariffs ... pay the tariffs or accept the deal.” [06:37]
Lula (President of Brazil) on sovereignty:
“Brazil has only one owner: the Brazilian people. ... We maintain friendly relations with all countries, but we do not accept orders from anyone.” [16:53]
Ben, satirizing Trump’s style:
“This is a letter from Donald Trump, dude, it’s a social media post. Chill.” [19:21]
Direct comparison to Brazil’s justice system:
“If Trump was living in Brazil, he’d be in jail right now. ... Here the law applies to everyone.” — Lula [12:20]
On Trump and Putin:
“He is a Putin bootlicker. And it is absolutely gross and disgusting.” [04:40]
The brothers pivot between sharp, detailed political analysis and comic impressions of various political figures, notably Ben’s mock Howard Lutnick and Trump personas. The tone is direct, sometimes profane, and unapologetically critical of Trump-era foreign and domestic missteps. They provide granular context on how U.S. diplomatic blunders are leading to cascading losses—from global contracts, to alliances, to basic reputation—while celebrating global moments of accountability (like Brazil’s sentencing of its ex-president) as models for the U.S. to emulate.
If you missed this episode:
You’ll walk away with a clear-eyed, often biting overview of the Trump administration’s alienation of U.S. allies, diplomatic blunders, the rise of foreign pushback, and the worsening perception of America abroad—all peppered with the Meiselas brothers’ signature humor and righteous frustration.