Episode Summary: "Trump has DISASTER LANDING into Malaysia as WORLD TURNS ON HIM"

Podcast: The MeidasTouch Podcast
Hosts: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas
Date: October 26, 2025

Main Theme / Purpose

This episode dives into the global and domestic backlash against Donald Trump as he arrives in Malaysia during a U.S. government shutdown. The Meiselas brothers discuss the implications of Trump’s behavior on international relations, U.S.-Canada trade tensions, global perceptions of American leadership, and recent domestic unrest, highlighting the worldwide erosion of trust in the U.S. and democracy.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Trump’s Malaysia “Disaster Landing” and Canada Tariff Escalation

• As Trump lands in Malaysia during an unprecedented government shutdown, he creates fresh controversy by imposing a 10% tariff increase on Canada.

• The move is triggered by a Canadian ad using Ronald Reagan’s own words criticizing tariffs—words Trump labels fraudulent, despite being on record and public domain.

• The brothers fact-check Trump’s claims, pointing out they are baseless and reflect a pattern of erratic, retaliatory governance.

  “The President of the United States has just announced an arbitrary price hike on Americans because his feelings were hurt by an ad accurately quoting Ronald Reagan’s criticism of tariffs… What a baby.” (Political Commentator/Ben, 02:31)

• Discussion includes the co-opting of the Reagan Foundation by Trump/MAGA allies, further distorting historical context.

2. Canadian Perspective – Interview with Charlie Angus

• Charlie Angus, former Canadian parliamentarian and head of Midas Canada, reacts to Trump's threats and actions.

• Angus highlights strong Canadian resolve, economic shifts to new markets, and deep concern over U.S. democratic backsliding under Trump.

  “People are not going to be expecting him to live up to his word. And it's forcing all nations... to look elsewhere. And so Canada's looking elsewhere.” (Charlie Angus, 07:28)

  “This is a guy who showed a video, an AI video of him dumping diarrhea on his own citizens. This man is not worthy of any office in any land.” (Charlie Angus, 07:15)

3. Global Response: Singapore’s Prime Minister on Post-American Order

• Singapore’s leader, in an interview with the Financial Times, offers a sober assessment: America is no longer the world’s stabilizing force, ushering in a turbulent, multipolar era.

  “We are certainly in the midst of a great transition to a multipolar world, a post-American order... there is no doubt it will be messy and unpredictable because America is stepping back from its role as global insurer.” (Singapore Leader, 09:13)

• Emphasizes the need for nations to forge new alliances, invest together in global issues, and not “wait for things to happen.”

• The global order shifts are seen as structural, not temporary, with Trump as both a symptom and driver.

4. Irish Backlash – Election of Catherine Connolly & Critique of Trump

• Catherine Connolly, outspoken Trump critic, is set to become Ireland’s next president.

• A highlighted speech (from February) sees Connolly condemning Trump’s plans on Gaza and America’s “language games” around international law.

  “I have difficulty calling him President Trump. Somebody that's clearly said he's going to invade and take over Gaza... And we're here today after Amnesty in 2018 issued a report that told us Israel was operating a vile apartheid regime.” (Catherine Connolly, 12:33–14:26)

5. Human Rights Abuses and Authoritarian Drift in the U.S.

• Reports and live commentary on chemical weapon attacks by federal agents on U.S. citizens in Chicago, violating judicial injunctions.
• The hosts draw comparisons with war crimes abroad and express outrage at the militarization of police against protestors.

6. Analysis of Trump’s Economic Policy: State Monopolies and Corruption

• Referencing reporting from Der Spiegel, the hosts critique Trump’s economic maneuvering as “state monopoly capitalism,” blending government and corporate interests, halting federal oversight, and creating a climate ripe for fraud.

  “Trump has seized corporate interests, taken control basically of them, is picking winners and losers... We know how this story ends.” (Political Commentator/Ben, 16:09)

7. Distraction Tactics and Russian Influence

• Trump’s public tantrums over the Canadian ad seen as distractions from other alarming news: head of Russia’s sovereign wealth fund arrives in the U.S. for “official talks,” implying further political interference.

8. Memorable Banter / Tone

• The brothers heavily lampoon Trump’s “babyish” conduct and the absurdity of the day’s news, injecting signature humor and sarcasm throughout.
• They exhort their listeners (“the MeidasMighty”) to stay engaged, resist authoritarianism, and support independent media.

Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• “What a baby.” (Political Commentator as Trump announces tariffs over a commercial, 02:31)
• “This man is not worthy of any office in any land.” (Charlie Angus on Trump’s conduct, 07:15)
• “We are certainly in the midst of a great transition to a multipolar world...” (Singapore Leader, 09:13)
• “I have difficulty calling him President Trump. Somebody that's clearly said he's going to invade and take over Gaza.” (Catherine Connolly, 13:13)
• “Trump has seized corporate interests, taken control basically of them, is picking winners and losers...” (Political Commentator, 16:09)
• “Ronald Reagan loved tariffs and they said he didn’t.” (Trump’s AI clip, mocking tone, 18:32)
• “And I don't think it's coincidental that as Trump tries to distract us, who comes into the United States? The Russia sovereign wealth fund head...” (Political Commentator, 18:44)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 02:00 – Trump’s landing in Malaysia and tariff escalation on Canada
• 06:40 – Canadian reaction and interview with Charlie Angus
• 08:02 – Singapore PM’s remarks on U.S. decline and global multipolarity
• 11:36 – Irish backlash, Catherine Connolly’s speech
• 14:43 – Gaza humanitarian crisis and comparison with Trump’s conduct
• 15:20 – Chemical weapon attacks in Chicago
• 16:09 – Economic critique and state-corporate fusion under Trump
• 18:32 – Parody/AI clip mocking Trump’s Babyish behavior
• 18:44 – Russian sovereign wealth fund head visits U.S.

Overall Tone and Conclusion

With their trademark blend of biting humor and urgent democratic advocacy, the Meiselas brothers paint a picture of a U.S. presidency in global freefall, alienating allies, attacking democratic institutions, and acting with vindictiveness on the world stage. The episode underscores how quickly America’s standing has eroded, and how urgent it is to defend democracy—both at home and abroad.

Final Note:
Listeners are encouraged to stay vigilant, support democratic movements, and keep holding power to account as the world navigates “messy and unpredictable” new realities.