New German Chancellor Rips Trump in Acceptance Speech

Summary

The MeidasTouch Podcast: Episode Summary

Title: New German Chancellor Rips Trump in Acceptance Speech
Release Date: February 24, 2025
Hosts: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas
Podcast: The MeidasTouch Podcast

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Introduction

In this compelling episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast, the Meiselas brothers delve into the seismic shifts in global politics following the recent German federal elections. The focus centers on the newly elected Chancellor Frederick Mares' fiery acceptance speech, which took aim at prominent American figures and highlighted the shifting dynamics between Europe and the United States.

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Chancellor Frederick Mares' Condemnation of American Influence

Chancellor Mares delivered a robust condemnation of former President Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and J.D. Vance, accusing them of meddling in German politics. According to Mares, their support for the German neo-Nazi party AfD, which underperformed in the elections, was a direct interference similar to Russian manipulations.

Notable Quote:
Chancellor Frederick Mares ([01:28]):

"The absolute priority from my point of view is that the Europeans communicate and are united among themselves... Look at what Mr. Elon Musk has done recently in terms of interventions in the German elections. That is an unprecedented event."

The brothers discuss how Mares equated these American figures with Vladimir Putin, emphasizing the gravity of external interference in democratic processes.

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Germany's Political Landscape and Election Outcomes

The episode highlights the unexpected performance of the AfD, which failed to secure victory contrary to initial polls. Instead, the conservative coalition CDU/CSU emerged victorious, allowing for a swift government formation.

CDU/CSU Representative's Statement: ([03:47]):

"We must quickly become capable of taking action again so that we can do the right thing domestically, be present in Europe and be noticed in the world."

The Meiselas brothers interpret this as a mandate for decisive governance, positioning Germany as a pivotal player in strengthening European unity and reducing reliance on the U.S.

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Europe’s Shift Towards Independence from the United States

Chancellor Mares advocates for a robust and independent Europe, questioning the future of NATO and suggesting the establishment of a European Common Defense Alliance. This shift signifies a potential realignment of global alliances and a move towards self-reliant defense strategies.

Notable Quote:
Chancellor Frederick Mares ([03:05]):

"...we step by step, also truly achieve independence from the USA... We are under such massive pressure from two sides that my absolute priority now truly is to establish unity in Europe."

The podcast hosts analyze the implications of this stance, considering the broader impact on transatlantic relations and global geopolitical stability.

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International Reactions and Support for Ukraine

The episode covers supportive statements from European leaders like French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Kier Starmer, who reinforce the legitimacy of Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and condemn Russian aggression.

Emmanuel Macron’s Statement: ([08:10]):

"The Ukrainian president was elected through free elections in Ukraine... If we want free elections in Ukraine, there needs to be a lasting peace in Ukraine."

Kier Starmer’s Address: ([10:37]):

"Peace only comes through strength... We Europeans, including the United Kingdom, have to do more for our defence and security."

The brothers commend these leaders for their unwavering support of Ukrainian sovereignty and democratic values, contrasting them with the current U.S. administration's stance.

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Critique of the Trump Administration’s Foreign Policy

A significant portion of the episode critiques the Trump administration, particularly focusing on Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Special Envoy Witkoff. The administration is accused of undermining the recognition of Russia as the aggressor in the Ukraine conflict and facilitating alliances that benefit Russia.

Pete Hegseth’s Remarks: ([12:20]):

"Fair to say it's a very complicated situation."

Special Envoy Witkoff’s Commentary: ([13:02]):

"Trust building begins with good, proper communication... I think they're going to be successful."

The podcast hosts dissect these statements, portraying them as attempts to legitimize Russian aggression and weaken NATO’s collective security.

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Allegations of U.S. Interference and Propaganda

The Meiselas brothers highlight allegations that the Trump administration, alongside Elon Musk and JD Vance, engaged in efforts to pressure Ukraine into relinquishing its Starlink connections unless rare earth minerals were supplied to the U.S. They argue this is a form of economic coercion detrimental to both Ukraine and global security.

Notable Quote:
Jim Himes ([18:39]):

"It's like watching a bad episode of the Sopranos with their shakedown, oh, give us your minerals or else."

The discussion underscores the ethical and strategic ramifications of such actions, questioning the integrity of U.S. foreign policy under Trump.

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European Unity and Future Defense Strategies

The episode emphasizes Chancellor Mares' commitment to forging a united and militarily independent Europe. The brothers analyze how this shift could lead to the formation of a European defense mechanism, reducing reliance on American military support and fostering self-sufficiency.

Notable Quote:
Chancellor Frederick Mares ([03:05]):

"It has absolutely no illusions about what is happening from America."

The hosts explore potential scenarios where Europe takes a more assertive role in global security, potentially reshaping international alliances and power dynamics.

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Russian and Other Global Reactions

The podcast touches on Russian state media’s praise for Trump, Musk, and Vance, aligning them with Putin’s narrative. Additionally, statements from other global leaders like UK Prime Minister Kier Starmer further solidify the European stance against American interference.

Notable Quote:
Envoy Witkoff ([17:26]):

"We had really good, we just had a great discussion, me and President Putin... they are going to be successful."

The Meiselas brothers critique these alliances, suggesting they strengthen Russia’s geopolitical influence while weakening Western solidarity.

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Conclusion and Implications for Democracy

Wrapping up, the hosts reflect on the broader implications of these political maneuvers for democracy worldwide. They commend European leaders for their resistance against authoritarian influences and express concerns over the direction of U.S. politics under Trump’s leadership.

Final Thoughts:
The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to stay informed and support democratic institutions. The Meiselas brothers stress the importance of unity in safeguarding democratic values against both internal and external threats.

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Key Takeaways

• German Leadership: Chancellor Mares’ speech marks a significant stance against American interference and advocates for European unity.
• Shift in Alliances: Europe is moving towards independent defense strategies, potentially reconfiguring global alliances.
• Critique of U.S. Policies: The Trump administration is scrutinized for undermining international stability and supporting adversarial figures.
• Support for Ukraine: European leaders reaffirm their commitment to Ukrainian sovereignty and democratic integrity.
• Global Implications: The episode highlights the delicate balance between maintaining alliances and fostering autonomous governance within Europe.

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Join the Conversation:
Engage with the MeidasTouch Podcast community, the MeidasMighty, for more in-depth discussions on these critical issues. Stay tuned for future episodes every Tuesday and Friday morning, and catch live discussions on YouTube every Monday and Thursday night.

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This summary is based on the provided transcript and aims to encapsulate the key discussions and insights from the episode. For a comprehensive understanding, listening to the full episode is recommended.

Transcript

[Commentator]

Germany's new chancellor, Frederick Mares did not hold back in his acceptance speech over this weekend in his condemnation of Donald Trump, Elon Musk and J.D. vance and the American government. Under those individuals, there were elections held in Germany. Musk, Trump, J.D. vance and the MAGA movement in America were supporting the German neo Nazi party known as the AfD, which was also aligned with Russia. The AfD did worse than what they were expected to do and some initial polling. They came in second, the cdu, CSU came in first. They were going to be able to form a government forthwith. And over here, the new chancellor, which is the leader in Germany, Frederick Mares, did not hold back. He lumped Donald Trump, Musk, JD Vance together with enemies like Vladimir Putin and Russia. He talked about the election interference, the malicious and wanton interference that was engaged in by Trump, Musk, J.D. vance and other magazines in America, similar to what Putin was doing. Chancellor Mayors also is providing a very strong defense of Ukraine and also spoke about a strong Europe. Let me show you this part of Chancellor Mayor's acceptance speech where he called out Donald Trump, Musk and Vance and compared them to Putin. Play this clip.

[Chancellor Frederick Mares]

The absolute priority from my point of view is, is that the Europeans communicate and are united among themselves. Currently the larger part of European politics without Germany. It has of course something to do with the election campaign and also now this interim phase. But I am in close communication with many prime ministers, heads of state and government, leaders of the European Union. And for me, the absolute priority will be to strengthen Europe as quickly as possible so that we, step by step, also truly achieve independence from the usa. I would not have believed that I would have to say something like this on a TV program. But at the latest, after last week's statements by Donald Trump, it's clear that the Americans, at least this part of the American government, are largely indifferent to Europe's fate. I am very curious about how we will approach the NATO summit at the end of June, head towards June, whether we will still be talking about NATO in its current state or if we need to establish independent European defense capabilities much more quickly. So that has absolute priority for me and I have absolutely no illusions about what is happening from America. Look at what Mr. Elon Musk has done recently in terms of interventions in the German elections. That is an unprecedented event. So the interventions from Washington were no less dramatic and drastic and ultimately brazen than the interventions we had from Moscow still seen. So we are under such massive pressure from two sides that my absolute priority now truly is to establish unity in Europe.

[Commentator]

Now. In this next clip, Chancellor Mares talks about a united Europe that can no longer rely on the United States. He talks about his role leading Germany, a strong Germany that no longer has the United States as an ally or a friend. And Chancellor Maers continued to reiterate as well that he doesn't know what's even going to happen in June when there's supposed to be a NATO summit, because it clearly seems that Donald Trump, Musk and J.D. vance are pulling the United States out of NATO such that there needs to be a new European Common Defense Alliance. Play this clip.

[CDU/CSU Representative]

We the CDU, the CSU, the union. We won this federal election in 2025. Thank you very much for the trust you have placed in us and in me personally. I am aware of the responsibility. I am also aware of the magnitude of the task that now lies ahead of us. I approach this with the utmost respect and I know it will not be easy. We led a very tough election campaign. This campaign was nevertheless very necessary, including the debate on the important and major issues of our country, such as economic policy, migration, foreign and security policy and internal security. But now we will talk with each other and above all, it is about re establishing a capable government in Germany as quickly as possible. The world out there is not waiting for us and it is not waiting for lengthy coalition talks and negotiations either. We must quickly become capable of taking action again so that we can do the right thing domestically, be present in Europe and be noticed in the world. Germany will be reliably governed again and that is what the Union stands for. That is what we stand for and what I personally stand for, folks.

[Commentator]

We are watching historic developments rapidly progress with new security arrangements where America under the Donald Trump, Elon Musk, JD Vance fascist regime is being isolated and now just pushed out, rightfully so by Europe, also by other countries like Canada, Mexico and elsewhere as Donald Trump tries to create alliances with Vladimir Putin, which most Americans don't want at all. Embarrassingly, Donald Trump does not know anything about German politics because Donald Trump tried to act like this was a victory for him, even though he supported the AfD, the Neo Nazi party in Germany. Because Donald Trump was like, look, everybody, the conservative party in Germany won. Everybody. That's because of me. The cdu, csu, Conservatives, everybody, they won. It's like us, Absolutely. Not to be clear, the cdu, CSU is probably much closer to being like the Democrats in the United States of America. And Donald Trump again was supporting the opposite party, the Putin Party, which did not win, but Donald Trump wrote the following. Looks like the conservative party in Germany has won the very big and highly anticipated election. Much like the usa, the people of Germany got tired of the no common sense agenda, especially on energy and immigration, that has prevailed for so many years. This is a great day for Germany and for the United States of America under the leadership of a gentleman named Donald J. Trump. Congratulations to all. Many more victories to follow. And again, it just shows you that not only is Donald Trump just dangerous, he is a complete and total idiot. By claiming that as a victory, you clearly heard Chancellor mayors or future Chancellor mayor's speech there, which was condemning Donald Trump. And also in terms of like energy policy, for example, the policies embraced by the cdu, CSU would be more analogous to all of the things that are ridiculous MAGA parties here in America would call the Green New Deals scam or whatever it is now. Europe is uniting right now and we're seeing people stand up to Donald Trump. For example, here's French President Emmanuel Macron saying that, look, Ukraine has had legitimate elections and all of Donald Trump's statements about Zelensky not being legitimate is Putin propaganda and false. Play this clip.

[Emmanuel Macron]

I mean, we shouldn't buy into the arguments I hear everywhere. The Ukrainian president was elected through free elections in Ukraine. In fact, he wasn't the favorite at all. I remember it like it was yesterday. And so he's a president elected in a free system. This is not the case for Vladimir Putin, who kills his opponents and has been manipulating these elections for a long time. Unfortunately, this is not the case in too many countries in the world he then had to enact because it was war in his country, martial law. Do you think he can organize presidential or legislative elections in a country where several million Ukrainian men and women have fled for their safety? In a country where he has mobilized several million others who are on the front lines, where there are 1000 dead and injured per day and where there is a whole strip of its territory that is conquered by Russia. What are we talking about? Do you think that in the same situation we would have fun holding elections? He cannot hold elections. So if we want free elections in Ukraine, there needs to be a lasting peace in Ukraine. That's the prerequisite. Anyone who acts before that is manipulating. And what is the plan of some. I know it very well. A ceasefire that will not be respected. Quickly, quickly. Elections. To manipulate them is not a good idea. So yes, President Zelenskyy is legitimate and we wish for more democracy in Ukraine over time, thanks to lasting peace. And President Zelenskyy wants democracy in Ukraine too, since he's a product of it. If the system had been manipulated, he would never have been elected president himself.

[Commentator]

While all of this is taking place, the Russian propaganda shows Russian state, regime, media is loving all of this. Here is a clip from Russian state praising Donald Trump and Musk and J.D. vance for being, quote, in total alignment with Putin. Let's play it. When Trump is answering questions about the press conference. I think it is not a coincidence that many of the narratives that are being voiced largely materialized after their conversation. The phrases he is saying are so deep and so correct, they are in total alignment with the way we see things going from Germany to France and now to the uk. The UK Prime Minister Kier Starmer, he gave a speech saying that Ukraine must be at the table for any talks on its future following the US Russian alliance. Play this clip.

[Kier Starmer]

Peace only comes through strength. Nobody wants the bloodshed to continue. Nobody, least of all the Ukrainians. But after everything that they have suffered, after everything that they have fought for, there can be no discussion about Ukraine without Ukraine. And the people of Ukraine must have a long term secure future. Instability in Europe always washes up on our shores. And this is a generational moment. I've been saying for some time that we Europeans, including the United Kingdom, have to do more for our defence and security. The US Is right about that. In this new era, we can't cling on to the comforts of the past. It's time to take responsibility for our security, our continent. And I'm clear that Britain will take a leading responsibility. We have to be ready to play our role if a force is required in Ukraine once a peace agreement is reached. And we have to be ready to reshape our economy with industrial policy to stand up for Ukraine, to stand up for Europe, but most of all to stand up for our security because Ukraine is vital to us.

[Commentator]

And while this is taking place, the former Fox News host turned Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth was asked on Fox shows on Sunday, is it fair to say, can you just admit that Russia attacked unprovoked into Ukraine, to which Hegseth refused to call Russia the aggressor? Play this clip.

[Pete Hegseth]

Linsky should come to the table because this economic partnership is an important thing for the future of his country, and we hope that he will very soon.

[Jim Himes]

But fair to say Russia attacked unprovoked into Ukraine three years ago tomorrow.

[Pete Hegseth]

Fair to say it's a very complicated situation.

[Jim Himes]

Okay, we'll leave it there.

[Commentator]

And everybody in the Trump Authoritarian regime now refuses to call Russia the aggressor. Here is another US Special envoy to the Middle east right here, Envoy Witkoff. And here he is asked a basic question, and he says the war didn't have to happen. It was provoked. It doesn't necessarily mean it was provoked by Russia. Here, play this clip that the war.

[Envoy Witkoff]

Irrespective of who started it, needs to end. Too many people's lives have been expunged as a result of it, and it just doesn't make sense to the President. He wants to be the peacemaking president. Peace through strength. And I don't blame him. I actually concur right down the line with his thought process around this. That's 1, 2. That the war didn't need to happen. It was provoked. It doesn't necessarily mean it was provoked by the Russians. There were all kinds of conversations back then about Ukraine joining NATO. The President has spoken about this. That didn't need to happen. It basically became a threat to the Russians. And so we have to deal with that fact. And those are real facts on the ground here. But be that as it may, the Russians have indicated that they are responsive to an end to this.

[Commentator]

Yeah, and as Sir William Browder says, this guy was also talking about his friendship with Putin after spending 3.5 hours with him at the Kremlin. He really should read Red Notice and learn about what happened to Sergey Magnitsky and me. Um, another comment right here from Anders. As Lund says, the Trump administration and Musk are now the leading liars in the world, possibly even worse than Putin. Ukraine did not provoke Russia's assault. Russia attacked Ukraine for no reason. There was no discussion about Ukraine joining NATO. Ukraine suffered from neutrality, by the way. Here's Pete Hegseth again saying that the firing of top military lawyers and top military brass was necessary to make sure that there don't exist roadblocks to anything that's about to happen. What the hell?

[Jim Himes]

Here, play branches for people who may not know. I mean, they. They give advice to the military about what is lawful and what isn't. Not surprisingly, there's been some backlash to those who are worried about their removal. One Georgetown law professor says this Trump also firing the Army, Navy and Air Force Jags. In some ways, that's even more chilling than firing the four stars. It's what you do when you're planning to break the law. You get rid of any lawyers who might try to slow you down. Your response to her.

[Pete Hegseth]

I don't know who Rosa is and her what her hyperbole is all about ultimately we want lawyers who give sound constitutional advice and don't exist to attempt to be roadblocks to anything, anything that happens in their spots. What we know about these T jags are called T jags inside the military. Traditionally they've been elected by each other or chosen by each other, which is exactly how it works, often with the chairman as well. Small group of insulated officers who perpetuate the status quo. Well, guess what? Status quo hasn't worked very well at the Pentagon. It's time for fresh blood. So we're gonna open then.

[Commentator]

You had Donald Trump's Treasury Secretary talking like a mobster. Scott Besant, the Treasury Secretary is talking about how he's really just doing his best with Donald and Elon to try to extort Ukraine for their rare earth movement minerals. Play the clip.

[Kier Starmer]

A partnership between Ukraine and the US that involves strategic minerals, energy and state owned enterprises where we set up a partnership and we are only looking forward, we. It is a win win. President Trump, they created this idea himself. It is a win win. We make money if the Ukrainian people make money. And I believe that, that with the United States of America our know how our, our businesses willing to come in and provide capital that we can accelerate the Ukrainian growth trajectory and take in substantial monies for the US taxpayers and get the Ukrainian economy on a growth, great growth trajectory.

[Commentator]

And by the way, Russia loves all of this. As Julia Davis who monitors all things Russia propaganda, give her a shout out. She does great work. She goes, Trump and his team are gladly spreading Russian propaganda and Moscow is showcasing their subservience. Why blame Russia for its genocidal expansionist invasion when you can blame NATO? And that's what Russia is showing that the Trump administration's doing and playing the Trump clips over and over again. Here's the special envoy Witkoff again talking about his great discussions with Putin. Let's play it.

[Envoy Witkoff]

The meeting ended and I looked at my watch and it was close to three and a half hours that we were in there and hopefully that that suggests that a lot of good things got accomplished. I think that President Trump believes, and I believe because he believes it, that trust building begins with good, proper communication. And we had really good, we just had a great discussion, me and President Putin and. And now it will be up to President Putin and President Trump to work something out. And I think they're going to be successful.

[Jim Himes]

Did you have an intelligence officer or anyone else with you?

[I]

That's an extraordinary amount of face time with Putin.

[Envoy Witkoff]

I had, it was just Me, it was just you.

[Commentator]

And then finally, here is Democratic Congress member Jim Himes, who I think's been stepping up a lot late lately. And he says when you watch the language, Trump and Bessant and Musk and Vance and all of these Magas, it's like watching a bad episode of the Sopranos with their shakedown, oh, give us your rare earth minerals or else. Here, play this clip us have some.

[Jim Himes]

Kind of guarantee or return on the billions of taxpayer dollars that have flowed into that conflict.

[I]

Well, Shannon, I have. I mean, I have two problems with that concept. One, it just looks like an episode of the Sopranos, right? Give us your minerals or we're not going to help you fight a bloody butcher. I mean, is this really what we want the greatest country in history to be known for, for like, you know, some mafia thing? Look, we've always stood with the good guys. We stood with Churchill against Hitler in World War I. We stood with the good guys even when we've gotten it wrong. In Vietnam, we were standing with the good guys against the Viet Cong. In Iraq, we were going after Saddam Hussein. Now this president is standing with the bad guy. He's saying Zelensky is the problem, when Zelensky, with very few resources, is trying to stand up for democracy against a totalitarian butcher. What really worries me, Shannon, though, is what do you think President Xi is thinking? Because President Xi wakes up every single morning thinking is, today they go the day I go into Taiwan.

[Commentator]

One of the things also that we've been reporting on that's worth mentioning as well is that there have been lots of credible reports that the Trump administration, Musk and others have been threatening Ukraine to shut off their Starlink connection, even though it's already been fully paid for by Poland. The Polish government has fully paid for Ukraine's Starlink. But nonetheless, you have the Trump administration still threatening that Elon Musk will shut off their Starlink if they don't submit and give America all of its rare earth minerals, materials. Like, seriously, what the hell is going on here, folks? Been seeing lots of polling lately as well, showing how unpopular Donald Trump's attempted alliance or alliance with Putin is here in America. It's a shameful thing. It's embarrassing to be an American while Trump is sucking up to Putin like this and making America subservient to Russia, helping the Russian stock market soar while he crushes the American markets. This is a pathetic authoritarian regime we have here in the United States. Let's not mince words when we call it out and again. Powerful words there. Talk about not mincing words from Germany's new chancellor, Frederick Mers. Let me know what you think. Hit subscribe let's get to 5 million. Can't get enough Midas? Check out the Midas plus substack for AD. Free articles, reports, reports, podcasts, daily recaps from Ron Filipkowski, and more. Sign up for free [e-mail].

[Jim Himes]

You'Re pretty smart when people talk about you. Too smart comes up a lot. So why are you trying to prove them wrong? Why are you pushing the limits of science and powering the nuclear engines of the world's most powerful navy? If you were born for it, isn't it time to make a smart choice? You can be smart, or you can be nuke smart. Become a nuclear [e-mail] nukesmart America's Navy forged by the sea.