Trump Loses it as World Calls his Bluff…Finally!!!

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Trump Loses it as World Calls his Bluff…Finally!!!

Podcast: The MeidasTouch Podcast
Date: January 18, 2026
Hosts: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas
Episode Theme:
This explosive episode unpacks how former President Donald Trump’s aggressive trade and military posturing over Greenland backfires spectacularly, with the European Union and global leaders uniting to reject his threats. The brothers dissect Trump’s tariff proposals, his controversial “peace board,” diplomatic pushbacks, and the domestic and international fallout of his actions—all with their trademark passion for democracy and energetic sibling banter.

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Main Theme & Purpose

The Meiselas brothers tackle the mounting international crisis triggered by Donald Trump’s threats of tariffs and invasion regarding Greenland. Through a mix of news recaps, quoted statements, and sarcastic commentary, they explore how Trump’s latest gambit unites the world against him, undermines U.S. credibility, and yields potentially disastrous consequences for American interests abroad and at home.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Trump’s Tariff and Invasion Threats Over Greenland

[02:30]

• Trump announces punitive tariffs (10–25%) against European countries failing to support a U.S. invasion of Greenland.
• European Union (EU) responds with emergency meetings in Brussels and threatens to halt approval of a US-EU trade deal.
• Host highlights the absurdity:

  “Donald Trump is absolutely losing it as European leaders are calling an emergency meeting…” (Political Commentator, 02:30)

2. United European Stand—Firm Rejections & Defiant Statements

[03:28–06:57]

• Swedish PM Ulf Kristersen:

  "We will not let ourselves be blackmailed. Only Denmark and Greenland decide on issues concerning Denmark and Greenland. ... Sweden is now having intensive discussions with other EU countries, Norway and the United Kingdom, for a coordinated response." (03:28)

• French President Emmanuel Macron:

  "No intimidation nor threat will influence us, neither in Ukraine, nor in Greenland, nor anywhere else in the world when we are confronted with such situations." (05:45) "Tariff threats are unacceptable and have no place in this context. Europeans will respond to them in a united and coordinated manner." (06:00)

  • Host notes Macron’s clear anti-Trump, anti-Putin message and European alignment.

• Polish PM Donald Tusk (audio clip):

  “A country that is a member of NATO attacked by another country that is also a NATO member? ... That would truly be the end of the world, the world as we know it.” (European Political Analyst, 06:13)

• EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (audio clip, 06:57):

  “We choose fair trade over tariffs. We choose a productive long term partnership over isolation. And above all, we intend to deliver real and tangible benefits to our people and our businesses.”

3. Trump’s “Peace Board” Exposed as Personal Pay-to-Play

[07:45]

• Bloomberg scoop: Trump asks for $1 billion per country to be a permanent member—paid to him personally, not the U.S.
• Even Netanyahu rejects it, signaling global mistrust.

  “Pay Donald Trump a billion dollars? ... What in the world are we talking about right here, folks?” (Political Commentator, 09:24)

• White House confirms the story, noting payment is not obligatory for temporary membership but required for permanence.

4. Global Economic Fallout: US Isolation as New Trade Blocs Form

[09:35]

• While U.S. proposes isolationist tariffs, the EU signs a landmark free trade agreement with the Mercosur group (Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and now Bolivia), comprising 700 million consumers.
• Host highlights winners (South American farmers, Canada) and losers (American businesses).

  “You think about it, as the Trump regime is engaged in all these tariff threats, who do you think is going to be screwed by this? I mean, American farmers, American business...” (Political Commentator, 10:20)

5. Domestic Reactions: GOP Divisions & Trump Loyalism

[11:32–13:02]

• Sen. Jim Banks (pro-Trump):

  “I’m glad that President Trump is showing the type of leadership on the world stage that puts America first ... I’m excited to see where this leads.” (Pro-Trump Supporter, 11:56)

• Discussion of Nebraska Rep. Don Bacon quitting Congress, cheered by MAGA Republicans as ‘rhinos’ are purged.

6. Virginia’s Political Shift & Trump’s Border Tactics

[13:02–14:31]

• Abigail Spanberger’s first action as Virginia governor: Repeals prior executive order mandating state cooperation with ICE.
• In response, “Trump regime” sends federal enforcement to Virginia, described as harassment/intimidation.
• Governor Spanberger (executive order clip):

  “State and local law enforcement should not be required to divert their limited resources to enforce federal civil immigration laws. ... Virginia state and local law enforcement officers must be able to focus on their responsibilities and investigating crime and community policing.” (European Union Official, 14:05)

7. Trump’s Betrayal of Sen. Bill Cassidy

[14:31]

• Cassidy supported RFK Jr.’s health secretary nomination, hoping for Trump’s endorsement.
• Trump drops support, instead backing Julia Letlow.
• Host’s biting commentary:

  “…you probably have killed tens of thousands of people by allowing RFK Jr. to remove the vaccine recommendations which will result in so many kids dying of measles, mumps, rubella, plagues that have been extinguished…” (Political Commentator, 14:31)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• French President Macron:

  “No intimidation nor threat will influence us, neither in Ukraine, nor in Greenland, nor anywhere else in the world…” (05:45)

• Polish PM Tusk:

  “That would truly be the end of the world, the world as we know it.” (06:38)

• Podcast Host (on Trump’s personal ‘peace board’ fees):

  “Pay Donald Trump a billion dollars? ... What in the world are we talking about right here, folks?” (09:24)

• Sen. Jim Banks:

  “I’m glad that President Trump is showing the type of leadership on the world stage…” (11:56)

• Governor Spanberger:

  “…it is a responsibility of federal law enforcement. Virginia state and local law enforcement officers must be able to focus on their responsibilities…” (14:05)

• Host’s Sarcastic Summation of Cassidy's Role:

  “…you probably have killed tens of thousands of people by allowing RFK Jr. to remove the vaccine recommendations…” (14:31)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• 02:30 – Overview of Trump’s Greenland tariff threats and global reaction
• 03:28–06:13 – European leaders speak out (Sweden, France, Poland)
• 06:57 – In-depth EU Commission response (Ursula von der Leyen clip)
• 07:45 – Trump’s “board of peace” and Bloomberg exposé
• 09:35 – Analysis of new EU–Mercosur trade deal and impact on U.S.
• 11:32 – MAGA Republican reactions; support for Trump’s Greenland strategy
• 13:02 – Major political changes in Virginia, ICE cooperation revoked
• 14:05 – Governor Spanberger’s executive order speech
• 14:31 – Drama over Bill Cassidy, RFK Jr., and Trump’s shifting endorsements

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Conclusion

This episode spotlights Trump’s escalating confrontational rhetoric and global overreach, only to see the world rally in opposition and outmaneuver him with new alliances. Through cutting critiques, direct quotes from foreign leaders, and a passionate defense of democratic norms, the MeidasTouch brothers expose the absurdity and potential harms of America’s new isolationism—both abroad and at home. As always, the brothers urge listeners to stay informed and engaged.

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Transcript

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[Political Commentator]

Donald Trump is absolutely losing it as European leaders are calling an emergency meeting today. European Union ambassadors are meeting in Brussels Following Donald Trump's announcement that he will be tariffing European countries 10 to 25% additional tariffs if they don't support the United States invading Greenland. We're also learning that European Union lawmakers are now set to halt the approval of the European Union's trade deal with the United States since Donald Trump has stated that he will be imposing 15 or 10 or 25% or even more tariffs on certain European countries that are defending Greenland or who have sent special forces to protect Greenland. We're also hearing from European leaders. Let's take a look at what the Swedish Prime Minister, Ulf Kristersen, just said after Donald Trump is now threatening these additional sanctions for any European country that does not allow the US to invade Greenland. Prime Minister Christensen says the following we will not let ourselves be blackmailed. Only Denmark and Greenland decide on issues concerning Denmark and Greenland. I will always stand up for my country and for our allied neighbors. This is an EU issue that affects many more countries than those now being singled out. Sweden is now having intensive discussions with other EU countries, Norway and the United Kingdom, for a coordinated response. French President Emmanuel Macron says the following in response to the threats by Donald Trump to tariff France and other nations that are protecting Greenland from a United States invasion. France is committed to the sovereignty and independence of nations in Europe as elsewhere. This guides our choices. It underpins our attachments to the United nations and to our Charter. It is on this basis that we support and will continue to support Ukraine and that we have built a coalition of the willing for a robust and lasting peace to defend these principles and our security. It is also on that basis that we have decided to join the exercises decided by Denmark and Greenland. We stand by this decision, especially because it concerns security in the Arctic and at the frontiers of our Europe. No intimidation nor threat will influence us, neither in Ukraine, nor in Greenland, nor anywhere else in the world when we are confronted with such situations. Get the message that Macron sending right there. Russia, you won't intimidate us in Ukraine. And Trump, you won't intimidate us in Ukraine and you won't intimidate us in Greenland. Knowing that Trump and Putin are allied in both of those threats, Macron goes on to say, tariff threats are unacceptable and have no place in this context. Europeans will respond to them in a united and coordinated manner. If they are to be confirmed, we will know how to uphold European sovereignty. It is in this spirit that I will speak with our European partners and I'll just show you right here what the Polish leader, Prime Minister Tusk, had to say. Let's play this clip right here where he talks about how if Donald Trump actually goes through with what he's threatening to do with these tariffs and also the threat of invasion of Greenland, that he will literally be destroying the entire world as we know it. But Europe will be ready Here. Play this clip today.

[European Political Analyst]

This is perhaps not the place or time for a detailed analysis of the geopolitical and military consequences of a potential armed intervention by the United States in Greenland. It would be in a political sense, one way or another, and from our perspective, a disaster. What I mean is, is it a conflict or an attempt to seize control of territory? A country that is a member of NATO attacked by another country that is also a NATO member? And if that happens to be the United States, well, that would truly be the end of the world, the world as we know it.

[Political Commentator]

Let me play you this next clip right here from the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Here's what she has to say about that as well. Let's play this clip right here.

[European Union Official]

We are creating a market of 700 million people and a GDP of almost 20% of the global GDP is being traded here. This is phenomenal and this agreement sends a very strong message to the world. It reflects a clear and deliberate choice. We choose fair trade over tariffs. We choose a productive long term partnership over isolation. And above all, we intend to deliver real and tangible benefits to our people and our businesses.

[Political Commentator]

Now, while that's taking place as well, one of the things that we are learning is, you know, Donald Trump talked about this peace board that he's doing. Remember, we talked about it two days ago. He posted about a peace board. Well, Bloomberg's got a scoop right here with Alberto Nardelli. This is what they've learned. Donald Trump has told countries that want to serve on his board of peace they will have to pay him or $1 billion to be permanent members. You heard me right. Pay him, not the United States of America. Regardless, this whole idea would be crazy anyway. Dangerous. But pay Donald Trump a billion dollars? Bloomberg has obtained the draft charter. It appears to suggest that Donald Trump himself controls the money. The charter would be considered unacceptable to most countries who could have potentially joined the board. Sources say even Netanyahu has rejected the terms. When Netanyahu is rejecting the terms, that tells you something. Several nations strongly oppose the draft of Trump's charter and are working on collectively pushing back against the proposals. They are concerned that Trump is trying to build a rival to the United nations that's about more than Gaza and that he would totally control it. It means that despite Trump's advertising of the Board of Peace, it does not have the support of key regional and global players. Now, it should be not it, that the White House has confirmed the story. And the White House says, though, that the billion dollar payment to Donald Trump is not obligatory. But if you want to become a permanent member, you have to give Donald Trump the billion dollars. But you could join for less money that you pay him if you just want to become a temporary member. I mean, what in the world are we talking about right here, folks?

[Pro-Trump Supporter]

Just.

[Political Commentator]

And while Donald Trump is making the United States weaker, while we see Europe, Europe making sure that they're asserting their authority and saying, we're ready to go to war with you, Donald. Also, yesterday, the European Union and the Mercourcer bloc of South American nations officially signed their landmark free trade agreement, bringing 700 million consumers together in a free trade deal. It was officially signed in Paraguay and the European Union. And what's called the Mercutia with the Mercourcier bloc of South American countries formally signed this free trade agreement. And the Mercurial, the Piercer bloc includes Brazil, it includes Argentina, it includes Paraguay and Uruguay, and Bolivia is the bloc's newest member, joining with the European Union. And you think about it, as the Trump regime is engaged in all these tariff threats, who do you think is going to be screwed by this? I mean, American farmers, American business, you know, who's going to thrive out of this? I mean, think about the ranchers in Brazil. Think about all the farmers in Brazil and Argentina. Think about how Canada's gonna thrive, even though not in this particular deal, but on other deals, as Canada makes a free trade deal, or not a free trade deal, but a $1 trillion new strategic partnership with China for LNG, liquefied natural gas for China to send its EVs, China to start buying more canola. I mean, there's so much going on right there. I mean, listen to what the United. This is what Mike Walls, Donald Trump's ambassador to the UN had to say. Greenland. How utterly pathetic is this? Play this clip.

[Pro-Trump Supporter]

And to the, you know, to, to the Democrats who say, well, you know, they're giving you full access. Look, everybody knows that if you are renting a place or a home, you treat it differently than if you own it. Yeah. And from a standpoint of international law, President Trump is trying to make a deal.

[Political Commentator]

And here's what MAGA Republican Senator Jim Banks had to say. He's like, I'm glad that Republican Congressmember from Donald Trump, Republican Congressmember from Nebraska. Don Bacon is quitting. He goes, I'm happy that Don Bacon is quitting because now we don't have to deal with rhinos. And I'm glad that Donald Trump is out there trying to take over Greenland. Yeah, America taking over Greenland. Play this clip wrong.

[Pro-Trump Supporter]

And I'm glad that Don Bacon is quitting Congress. He's, he's going away. I'm glad that President Trump is showing the type of leadership on the world stage that puts America first, that recognizes that Greenland is strategically very valuable and important. And we can't allow Greenland to fall in the hands of our biggest enemies like China and Russia. And that's why these, President Trump taking an economic approach and putting Western Europe on notice that we want to make a deal. We want, we want to use Greenland in a strategic way that's good for Greenland, that's good, really good for Europe, by the way. But at the end of the day, it's really good for America's national security interest. And I was glad to see President Trump's announcement this morning about, about tariffs and trying to bring these negotiations along and bring, bring Denmark to the table. That, that's, that's exactly what President Trump should do. He's not the first president who's tried to try to do this, who's tried to acquire Greenland, but he's taking a. President Trump is taking a serious and strategic approach to negotiate a deal. That's what we hired President Trump to do. And I'm excited to see where this leads.

[Political Commentator]

Now, a few more things I want to discuss with you. Yesterday, a big day in Virginia. You had Abigail Spanberger, the new governor, officially was sworn in. Major executive orders, major referendums were passed, including mid decade redistricting referendum in April, women's reproductive rights referendum in April. But also her first act as governor was to repeal Glenn Youngkin's executive order that mandated state and local law enforcement to cooperate with ice. And then, as a result, the Trump regime started sending ICE and Border Patrol Gestapo into Central Virginia and other areas to harass, threaten and intimidate the population of Virginia. Watch as Governor Spanberger signs this first executive order revoking the mandatory requirement that Virginia helps ICE abduct people and invade the commonwealth. Here, play this clip.

[European Union Official]

And this executive order rescinds executive order number 47. State and local law enforcement should not be required to divert their limited resources to enforce federal civil immigration laws. It is a responsibility of federal law enforcement. Virginia state and local law enforcement officers must be able to focus on their rapport responsibilities and investigating crime and community policing.

[Political Commentator]

Lastly, I want to point out the following. Donald Trump late last night also announced that he would be throwing Bill Cassidy under the bus. Senator Cassidy from Louisiana who tried to appease Donald Trump by supporting RFK Jr's nomination as the health Secretary. Cassidy is a physician and it was Cassidy's vote that led to RFK and he leads the health committee. And it was Cassidy who pushed forward RFK Jr. Through committee and because he wanted Donald Trump's endorsement. But Donald Trump's no longer endorsing him. Trump's endorsing somebody then by the name of Julia Letlow. And Trump says Julia Letlow has my full endorsement. If she decides, if she decides to run, I will support her. Basically, I'll support her over Bill Cassidy. And you know, Bill Cassidy, I hope it was worth it that now you've basically single handedly are responsible for so much blood on your hands. Bill Cassidy, when you look in the mirror, just know that you violated your Hippocratic oath and you probably have killed tens of thousands of people by allowing RFK Jr. To remove the vaccine recommendations which will result in so many kids dying of measles, mumps, rubella, plagues that have been extinguished for a very long period of time. Great work there. Great work there. And I'm being sarcastic, of course. So there you have it, folks. We'll keep you posted on this emergency meeting that's taking place today. We'll keep you posted as always every step of the way here on the Midas Touch Network. Hit subscribe. Help us get to 6 million. We appreciate you all so much for watching. Love this video. Support independent media and unlock exclusive content ad free videos and custom emojis. By becoming a paid member of our YouTube channel today. You can also gift memberships to others. Let's keep growing together.

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