The MeidasTouch Podcast Summary Episode: Furious World Leaders Shred Trump in New Order
Release Date: June 2, 2025

In this episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast, hosts Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas delve deep into the geopolitical landscape shaped by recent actions and statements from former President Donald Trump. The discussion highlights Ukraine's strategic military maneuvers, the diminishing influence of the United States on the global stage, the rising tensions with the European Union, the impact on international education, China's expanding influence in Latin America and Africa, and the shortcomings of Trump's promised trade deals. Below is a detailed breakdown of the key topics covered.

1. Ukraine's Strategic Strike: Operation Spiderweb

The podcast opens with an in-depth analysis of Ukraine's recent Operation Spiderweb, a clandestine mission that significantly impacted Russia's strategic air force.

• Operation Execution: The operation involved 117 drones meticulously deployed across several Russian regions. These drones successfully destroyed 34% of Russia's strategic cruise missile carriers (Timestamp: [05:30]).

  "Operation Spiderweb in Russia...knocked out 30% of Russia's strategic air force, about 41 of the flagship military planes in operation by Russia destroyed." – Political Commentator 1 ([02:30])

• Planning and Secrecy: The mission was planned over a year and a half, showcasing Ukraine's commitment and strategic prowess.

  "The operation was carried out on enemy territory, targeting only military objectives...every detail was perfectly executed." – Political Commentator 1 ([07:10])

• Global Perception: President Zelensky's leadership and the successful operation have elevated Ukraine's standing on the world stage, contrasting sharply with Donald Trump's diminishing influence.

  "Never, never, ever underestimate Ukraine." – Ilya Ponmorenko, Kyiv Independent ([10:45])

2. Donald Trump's Waning Global Influence and Memes

The hosts discuss the portrayal of Donald Trump as a weakened figure in international politics, often mocked through memes and public opinion.

• Oval Office Encounter: A significant moment where Trump dismissed President Zelensky by saying, "You don't have the cards," was highlighted as a demonstration of his perceived weakness.

  "Donald Trump is giving other leaders the cards. He's a weak, pathetic taco." – Political Commentator 1 ([03:15])

• Meme Culture: The episode references viral memes depicting Zelensky triumphantly holding a taco to Trump's face, symbolizing Ukraine's upper hand.

  "Here's this image right here of Zelensky holding up a taco to Donald Trump's face." – Political Commentator 1 ([12:00])

• Global Response: World leaders and nations are increasingly sidelining Trump, recognizing his inability to assert the United States as a dominant superpower.

  "The United States...has become the weakest in the multipolar world." – Political Commentator 1 ([09:50])

3. EU vs. US: The Steel Tariff Showdown

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the escalating trade tensions between the European Union and the United States, exacerbated by Trump's tariff policies.

• Tariff Increases: Trump announced an increase in tariffs on imported steel and aluminum from 25% to 50%, intensifying the global trade war.

  "Trump's plan to increase tariffs undermines ongoing efforts to reach a negotiated solution." – European Commission Spokesperson ([10:15])

• EU's Retaliation: The European Union has signaled readiness to impose countermeasures, threatening an embargo that could further strain economic relations.

  "Europe is prepared to impose countermeasures...get ready for an escalating trade fight." – Political Commentator 1 ([11:40])

• Impact on Consumers and Businesses: Both sides face increased costs, adding uncertainty to the global economy.

  "This decision adds further uncertainty to the global economy and increases costs for consumers and businesses on both sides of the Atlantic." – European Commission Spokesperson ([10:45])

4. Impact on International Education and Students

Trump's policies have had unintended repercussions on international students, causing friction between countries and educational institutions.

• University Relations: Countries like India and Canada are expressing outrage over the treatment of their students in US and Canadian universities.

  "Students are being treated horribly by Trump, and countries are getting absolutely livid." – Political Commentator 1 ([13:20])

• Case of Cleo Carney: The daughter of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney faces potential barriers in continuing her education at Harvard, highlighting the personal impacts of these policies.

  "Cleo Carney...could be barred from returning to Harvard University in the fall." – Political Commentator 1 ([14:10])

5. China’s Expanding Influence in Latin America and Africa

The podcast examines China's strategic moves to strengthen its foothold in regions traditionally dominated by the United States.

• Latin America Alignment: Surveys indicate a growing preference among Latin American countries, especially Mexico, to deepen economic ties with China over the US.

  "Nearly two-thirds of Mexicans surveyed said their country should do more business with China." – Lat Pulse Survey, Bloomberg News ([16:05])

• African Military Relations: China is replicating US military training and relationships in Africa, expanding its influence as the US reduces its presence.

  "China is attempting to replicate every type of thing the US Military does to build and maintain relationships on the continent." – General Michael Langley, US Africa Command ([17:30])

• Caribbean Partnerships: Efforts to establish strong relations with Caribbean nations are part of China's broader strategy to counter US influence.

  "Beijing focusing on building relationships with Caribbean nations...traditionally close with the US." – Political Commentator 1 ([18:00])

6. The Faltering Promise of Trump's Trade Deals

A critical analysis of Trump's unfulfilled promises to secure trade deals, highlighting the administration's inability to deliver tangible results.

• Broken Promises: Trump's claim of securing "90 deals in 90 days" has not materialized, undermining his credibility.

  "They were going to do 90 deals in 90 days. Thus far, they've done zero deals." – Political Commentator 1 ([19:10])

• Howard Lutnick's Admission: Trump's Commerce Secretary acknowledged the lack of substantial deals, shifting from negotiations to unilateral tariff settings.

  "If they can't get a deal done, President Trump is going to determine what deal there's going to be." – Howard Lutnick ([15:50])

• Economic Implications: The failure to secure favorable trade agreements has led to increased tariffs and uncertainty in global markets.

  "The deals that we're going to do, we're just going to make up the number and set our own tariffs against the countries." – Howard Lutnick ([20:00])

7. US Military’s Strategic Shifts and China's Countermoves

The podcast highlights the US military's strategic recalibrations and how China is responding to maintain its global presence.

• Pentagon's Rebalancing: The US is reducing its military and civilian aid in Africa, prompting China to step in and fill the void.

  "The Pentagon's rebalancing of priorities...China is stepping it up and trying to replicate every type of thing." – Political Commentator 1 ([17:50])

• General Michael Langley's Insights: Emphasizing that China aims to build and sustain military relationships in Africa through training and security initiatives.

  "China is attempting to replicate every type of thing the US Military does to build and maintain relationships on the continent." – General Michael Langley ([18:30])

8. Conclusion: The Decline of US Hegemony Under Trump

The episode concludes with a reflection on how Trump's policies and leadership have contributed to the weakening of the United States' position as a global superpower.

• Multipolar World Shift: The US is now viewed as one of several major powers rather than the uncontested leader, a scenario that aligns with global desires for a multipolar world.

  "They see a multipolar world...the United States...has become the weakest in the multipolar world." – Political Commentator 1 ([15:40])

• Embarrassment on the Global Stage: Trump's inability to forge meaningful trade deals and assert US dominance is seen as embarrassing and detrimental to America's standing.

  "It's embarrassing stuff to watch...he's just weak." – Political Commentator 1 ([16:20])

Notable Quotes:

1. "Never, never, ever underestimate Ukraine." – Ilya Ponmorenko, Kyiv Independent ([10:45])

2. "Trump's plan to increase tariffs undermines ongoing efforts to reach a negotiated solution." – European Commission Spokesperson ([10:15])

3. "The President understands the power of our economy...for the benefit of the American worker." – Howard Lutnick ([14:55])

4. "China is attempting to replicate every type of thing the US Military does to build and maintain relationships on the continent." – General Michael Langley ([17:30])

Conclusion

This episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast provides a comprehensive overview of the shifting dynamics in global politics, emphasizing Ukraine's resilience and strategic excellence, the declining influence of Donald Trump, and China's aggressive expansion in traditionally US-dominated regions. The hosts effectively combine insightful analysis with compelling evidence, making it a valuable listen for those interested in understanding the current geopolitical climate.