Trump Quickly Folds to Canada as Reality Sets In

Summary

The MeidasTouch Podcast: "Trump Quickly Folds to Canada as Reality Sets In"

Release Date: March 12, 2025

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Introduction

In this pivotal episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast, hosts Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas delve into the escalating trade tensions between the United States and Canada, highlighting the cyclical nature of threats, retaliation, and eventual backtracking by the Trump administration. The discussion underscores the broader implications of these actions on U.S. democracy, international relations, and economic stability.

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The Cycle of Tariffs and Retaliation

The episode opens with Ben, the top lawyer among the brothers, outlining the repetitive pattern observed in President Donald Trump's dealings with Canada. He likens the situation to "Groundhog Day," where Trump consistently threatens Canada with tariffs and even annexation, only to reverse course after Canadian retaliation destabilizes the markets.

Ben: "The Trump regime folds to Canada once again. It's like Groundhog Day. The same day, over and over, Trump wakes up in the morning, he threatens Canada with tariffs and annexation." [00:29]

A pivotal moment occurs when Trump dispatches his trade advisor, Peter Navarro, who had recently served a prison sentence for contempt of Congress, to negotiate with Canada. Navarro's attempts to de-escalate the situation are met with skepticism by the hosts.

Peter Navarro: "I would just ask my friends in Canada to let's, let's tamp down the rhetoric. I understand politics, and it's a political season." [01:15]

Ben criticizes Navarro's approach, emphasizing that the administration's weakness is becoming increasingly apparent through such reversals.

Ben: "Do you know how weak and pathetic that makes the Trump regime then look? It's a cycle of taunts, bullying, and then weakness repeated over and over again." [02:11]

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Canadian Resilience and Boycott Response

The podcast transitions to the steadfast resistance from Canada, particularly through the actions of Canadian Member of Parliament Charlie Angus. Angus articulates the severe impact of Canada's retaliatory measures, highlighting a significant decline in U.S. tourism and economic activity.

Charlie Angus: "Flights to the US in February were down 40%. This is having a huge effect. And this is the power of the boycott." [05:07]

He further emphasizes the unified stance of Canada against Trump's trade war, positioning Canada as the primary line of resistance against the administration's policies.

Charlie Angus: "Canada has become the number one line of resistance to you and your regime." [05:07]

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Responses from Canadian Leadership

The hosts bring attention to responses from Canadian leaders, including Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario, and Mark Carney, the interim Prime Minister and leader of the Liberal Party.

Doug Ford: "We should be booming both countries right now." [06:43]

Mark Carney: "America is not Canada, and Canada never, ever will be part of America in any way, shape or form." [09:19]

Mark Carney underscores Canada's determination to maintain its sovereignty and resist any attempts at annexation, reinforcing the nation's unwavering position against Trump's propositions.

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Trump's Propaganda and Public Perception

The discussion shifts to the Trump administration's narrative, which the hosts critique as propaganda aimed at undermining Canada's stance while masking the administration's own inconsistencies.

During an exchange with the Associated Press Reporter, a Trump spokesperson attempts to frame tariffs as tax cuts, a claim the hosts vehemently dispute.

Trump Administration Spokesperson: "Tariffs are a tax cut for the American people." [13:38]

Host: "Tariffs are quite literally a tax on American consumers. They're not a tax cut." [14:07]

The hosts expose the contradictions in the administration's messaging, highlighting how tariffs, which are meant to protect domestic industries, are being misrepresented to the public.

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Economic Implications vs. Trump's Messaging

The episode critically examines the economic ramifications of Trump's tariff policies. While the administration portrays tariffs as beneficial for Americans, the hosts argue that they instead impose additional costs on consumers and exacerbate market volatility.

Associated Press Reporter: "Tariffs are a tax hike on foreign countries that, again, have been ripping us off." [13:38]

The hosts challenge the authenticity of these claims, illustrating how tariffs can stifle economic growth and burden American consumers, contrary to the administration's assertions.

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The Artificial Borders and Trump's Rhetoric

A particularly contentious issue discussed is Trump's characterization of the U.S.-Canada border as "artificial," a rhetoric that echoes sentiments often associated with authoritarian regimes like Putin's Russia.

Trump Administration Spokesperson: "The borders are artificial." [15:54]

Ben criticizes this stance, pointing out the incongruity in Trump's language, especially given his hardline stance on borders domestically.

Ben: "That's exactly the opposite of what Trump said. But who cares when it comes to Donald Trump about consistency to begin with." [15:54]

This rhetoric not only undermines the established international boundaries but also damages the perception of the U.S. as a stable and respectful global leader.

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Conclusion

In wrapping up the episode, the hosts reiterate the perceived weakness of the Trump administration in handling international trade relations. They call for greater awareness and support from their audience, emphasizing the importance of standing up for democratic values and economic stability.

Ben: "The truth is more important than ever." [16:55]

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Key Takeaways

• Cyclical Weakness: The Trump administration's repetitive pattern of threats and retractions exposes inherent weaknesses in leadership during international disputes.

• Canadian Resilience: Canada remains steadfast in its resistance, significantly impacting U.S. economic sectors through effective boycotts and retaliatory measures.

• Propaganda vs. Reality: The administration's attempts to rebrand tariffs as beneficial tax cuts are contested, revealing a disconnect between official narratives and economic realities.

• Sovereignty and International Relations: Trump's rhetoric undermines established national borders, challenging the integrity of international relations and U.S. global standing.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Ben Meiselas:

  • "The Trump regime folds to Canada once again. It's like Groundhog Day." [00:29]
  • "Do you know how weak and pathetic that makes the Trump regime then look?" [02:11]
  • "The truth is more important than ever." [16:55]

• Peter Navarro:

  • "I would just ask my friends in Canada to let's, let's tamp down the rhetoric." [01:15]
  • "Tariffs are a tax cut for the American people." [13:38]

• Charlie Angus:

  • "Flights to the US in February were down 40%. This is having a huge effect. And this is the power of the boycott." [05:07]
  • "Canada has become the number one line of resistance to you and your regime." [05:07]

• Mark Carney:

  • "America is not Canada, and Canada never, ever will be part of America in any way, shape or form." [09:19]

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Final Thoughts

This episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast offers a critical examination of the Trump administration's approach to international trade, particularly with Canada. Through incisive commentary and highlighted speeches from key figures, the hosts shed light on the broader implications for U.S. democracy and global standing. Listeners are encouraged to stay informed and support initiatives that uphold democratic values and economic integrity.

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For more insights and discussions, tune in to future episodes every Tuesday and Friday morning, and join the brothers LIVE on YouTube every Monday and Thursday night at 8p ET/5p PT.

Transcript

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[Podcast Host]

The Trump regime folds to Canada once again. It's like Groundhogs Day. The same day, over and over, Trump wakes up in the morning, he threatens Canada with tariffs and annexation. Canada goes elbows up over the boards. They stand up to Donald Trump. They say, we're going to retaliate. The markets start to crash. Donald Trump panics. And then Donald Trump reverses course. Now, yesterday, Donald Trump sent out his trade advisor, Peter Navarro, fresh from his recent prison sentence for contempt of Congress. And he goes, whoa, whoa, whoa, Canada, can you tone down that rhetoric? You're being a little mean to us because they're being mean to us here. Play this clip.

[Peter Navarro]

I would just ask my friends in Canada to let's, let's tamp down the rhetoric. I understand politics, and it's a political season. There's.

[Podcast Host]

Well, we're seriously. And by the way, this is what Navarro and the Trump regime was doing all day, making appearances like this, saying, all right, everybody, we just gotta tone it down. Canada was getting, you're getting a little carried away there with your rhetoric here. Watch this.

[Peter Navarro]

But frankly, the premier, he's been, I mean, look, just Tampa down, please, over there, okay? Just throwing down the hockey gloves and stop that rhetoric. And let's just look at what we're trying to do. We love Canada, but look, there's some big issues there, and we're not going to tolerate anything but them stopping killing Americans and, and doing what's right with respect to things like steel and aluminum, which they've been dumping into our country. And that's stopping.

[Podcast Host]

Carried away with your rhetoric. You know, there's this meme that I think is so appropriate right now, right here, where it's like the US Shoots Canada and then the US Goes, how could Canada do this to us? Look at what Donald Trump posted earlier yesterday. He said, the only thing that makes sense is for Canada to become our cherished 51st state. And then Donald Trump said, there won't need to be tariffs if we annex you. And then Trump said the artificial line of separation drawn many years ago will finally disappear and we will have the safest and most beautiful nation anywhere in the world. And your brilliant anthem, oh, Canada will continue to play. But now representing a great and powerful state within the greatest nation the world has ever seen. I think we should stop using the language that this is merely a trade war. When Donald Trump makes posts like this, threatening conquest and annexation, we're actually talking about declarations of real war. And so when the Trump regime declares war on Canada and Canada goes elbows up and over the boards and punches back and applies retaliatory tariffs and boycotts all US Tourism and takes American booze off the shelves, the Trump regime then sends Peter tomorrow. I'm so sorry. I'm so good. Could you tone it down? You're being mean to us. Do you know how weak and pathetic that makes the Trump regime then look? It's a cycle of taunts, bullying, and then weakness repeated over and over again. Let me just share this with you. Talking about going elbows up. My recent interview with Canadian Member of Parliament Charlie Angus. He directed this message at Donald Trump before Donald Trump sent Peter Navarro to back down. Here, play this clip.

[Charlie Angus]

After 60 some days of your chaos, you ripped up your European treaties, you sold out the people of Ukraine, you've acted in a disgraceful manner towards our allies. You're right running a chainsaw through American democracy. But you made it clear that Canada is your number one enemy, your next door neighbors. So here's the thing. You're threatening us with tariffs. You're going to bring them in, you're going to bring us to our knees and then you start panicking because we don't back down. And now you're trying to him and haw and change. You know, what you said just, you know, a couple of days ago, we don't care. It doesn't matter until you bring all the tariffs off, until you start, stop harassing us and threatening our border. The, the punishment is going to keep coming from Canada because we realize right now that Canada has become the number one line of resistance to you and your regime. So since you've backtracked, we've up, we've upped the ante.

[Podcast Host]

Now here's Charlie Angus talking about the boycott and he says that the statistics he's seeing, it's about a 40 to 50% decline in certain flights to the US and tourism and consumption which is going to cost the US billions and billions of dollars. Watch Charlie Angus.

[Charlie Angus]

Really interesting statistic I saw was that flights to the US in February were down 40%. Now, they talked in January about a 10% drop causing, I don't know, 15,000 jobs right off the top. A 40% drop is extraordinary. And then you add to that the fact that February is a really, really cold month in Canada. People love going south to the US and they're not. They're going either to Mexico or they're staying home to do tours in the summer through Canada. So this is having a huge effect. And this is the power of the boycott. The boycott will start putting pressure on the governors. It'll put pressure on red state and blue state legislators to start standing up and saying this is an insane thing. Why would the United States consider its number one en the world to be not China, not North Korea, not Vladimir Putin, but their next door neighbors in Canada with an integrated market, which is the most successful marketing arrangement in the world today? Why would they blow that up? That's something Donald Trump is going to have to explain to the American people.

[Podcast Host]

Then you have the premier of Ontario, Doug Ford. He went on a number of shows in America, and here's what he had to say.

[Doug Ford]

Here, play this clip on the electricity. Stay tuned.

[Podcast Host]

So what does that look like? What are the potential responses?

[Doug Ford]

Well, we'll see. I'll talk to the team and we'll make an appropriate response to President Trump. Again, I stress this is not the American people. Canadians know it. And if we go into a recession itself made by one person, it's called President Trump's recession, which shouldn't be this way. We should be booming both countries right now.

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[Podcast Host]

Now, one of the things that Premier Ford said too, is that he was gonna apply his own tariffs on energy, which was above and beyond other retaliatory tariffs, above and beyond the boycott. And then that freaked out the Trump regime and Trump regime that ended up like negotiating against themselves and then acting like they got some deal or concessions when the Trump regime literally threatened annexation and then once again pulled back their threats. I mean, they do this every single day now, it seems. You wake up. Tariffs, no tariffs. Tariffs, no tariffs. Who? Did Donald Trump actually post that? Oh, he did. Are they actually going to sign the tariffs? Oh, they're not going to sign it. What's actually going on here? Let me show you the new leader of the Liberal Party, the interim, soon to be interim Prime Minister Mark Carney. Here was his very pointed message to the Trump regime. Let's play this clip.

[Mark Carney]

America is not Canada, and Canada never, ever will be part of America in any way, shape or form. Look, we didn't ask for this fight. We didn't ask for this fight. But Canadians are always ready when someone else drops the gloves. So the Americans, they should make no mistake in trade, as in hockey. Canada will win.

[Podcast Host]

And so what does Donald Trump continue to do throughout the day? It's just lots of whining, social media whining. It's like trolling on his social media platform and exits. It's just weird. They go, why would our country allow another country to supply us with electricity even for a small area? Who made these decisions and why? And can you imagine Canada stooping so low as to use electricity that so affects the life of innocent people as a bargaining chip and a threat. I don't know, maybe you threaten their existence, maybe you threaten their sovereignty. Maybe when you do something, sometimes people react. You know, the rest of the world are not like these spineless Pyongyang MAGA Republicans who dutifully clap at Dear Leader. Most of the world looks at you like the pathetic, weak moron that you actually are who keeps tanking the. But I guess when you tank the markets, that's a great opportunity for your band of grifters like MAGA Republican former Congress member Matt Gaetz, who said, we told you there would be market volatility. You can protect your savings and retirement. I trust oldencrestgold to manage my gold and silver portfolio, and it's growing my wealth. So you've got Matt Gaetz selling products over a market crash. Who else would do that? Hmm? Oh, Donald Trump and Elon Musk selling Teslas doing product placement ads outside of the White House as they are unleashing these disorganized and pathetic and dangerous trade wars that are backfiring in their face as they're tanking the markets. They're selling Teslas and Donald Trump's like, ooh, I don't know how to drive. I don't know how to drive. And then meanwhile, they're having their regime propaganda like Jesse Waters act all tough to kind of COVID it up and be like, okay, can you believe that Canada tried to shut off our electricity? It's like they want us to invade them. Yeah, we're going to invade them. Here, play this clip. Before we get to Eli, can you believe Canada tried to shut off our electricity? I mean, it's almost like they want us to invade. I don't think that y'all are building the case for Canada to be nicer to you when you talk like that, when you speak in language of invasion through American state regime media, it is so utterly, utterly pathetic. One of the things that I enjoyed watching as well, though, is Caroline Levitt learn what a tariff is in real time. And then she was like, you don't know what a tariff is. A tariff is a tax cut. The Americans are getting their. Their tariff tax cuts. That's what we promised. Like, no tax on Social Security tariffs. What? What are you even talking about? First off, you're not doing no tax on Social Security, no tax on tips, and no tax on overtime. And tariffs are quite literally a tax on American consumers. They're not a tax cut. Here, play this clip.

[Trump Administration Spokesperson]

You're welcome.

[Associated Press Reporter]

If we could just step back for a second. When President Trump last addressed the brt, when he was on the campaign trail, his big push was on tax cuts. He's going there today as he's proposing tax hikes in the form of tariffs.

[Charlie Angus]

And I'm curious, he's not for why.

[Associated Press Reporter]

He'S prioritizing that over the tax cuts.

[Trump Administration Spokesperson]

He's actually not implementing tax hikes. Tariffs are a tax hike on foreign countries that, again, have been ripping us off. Tariffs are a tax cut for the American people. And the president is a staunch advocate of tax cuts. As you know, he campaigned on no taxes on tips, no taxes on overtime, no taxes on Social Security benefits. He is committed to all three of those things. And he expects Congress to pass them later this year.

[Associated Press Reporter]

I'm sorry, have you ever paid a tariff?

[Podcast Host]

Because I have.

[Associated Press Reporter]

They don't get charged on foreign companies. They get charged on the importers.

[Trump Administration Spokesperson]

And ultimately, when we have fair and balanced trade, which the American people have not seen in decades, as I said at the beginning, revenues will stay here, wages will go up, and our country will be made wealthy again. And I think it's insulting that you are trying to test my knowledge of economics and the decisions that this president has made. I now regret giving a question to the Associated Press. Mary.

[Podcast Host]

Oh, and then they go back to their line though, that while they're folding to Canada, while they are sending Navarro out and showing utter weakness, then she goes back to, you know, saying, well, you know, look, we want Canada to be our 51st state. Everybody knows that. Here, play this clip on Canada.

[Trump Administration Spokesperson]

After all of these threats to increase tariffs or turn off electricity, I wonder, does this administration still consider Canada to be a close ally of the United States? Well, I think Canada is a neighbor. They are a partner. They have always been an ally. Perhaps they are becoming a competitor now. But as the president also laid out in his Truth Social post today, he believes that Canadians would benefit greatly from becoming the 51st state of the United States of America. And I actually looked into some of the research about the cost of living in Canada and the cost of living is much higher than it is here in the United States of America. The average cost of a home in Canada is much higher. In Quebec, the highest tax rate for an income of 150,000 or more is 53.3%. More than half of Canadians incomes they are being taxed on. So the president has made it clear that he believes Canadians would be better served economically, militarily if they were to become the 51st state of the United States of America.

[Podcast Host]

Reagan, I guess I should mention as well finally that in that Trump social media post he says that the borders are artificial. Like Isn't he like Mr. Border? And now he goes, when it comes to Canada, those borders are artificial. It's just a line. People drew it with a ruler. Why would they draw such an artificial line with a ruler? Listen, first off that that's exactly the opposite of what Trump said. But who cares when it comes to Donald Trump about consistency to begin with. But it's the language of Putin he's using verbatim. The language of Putin. It's just a border, artificial border. And Canada has taken note. Europe has taken note. The world has taken note. And could you imagine though, if Putin sent somebody out and go, oh, they're being mean to us. They're being mean to us. What are we even watching? What are we even watching?

[Charlie Angus]

Weakness.

[Podcast Host]

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