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

Release Date: March 12, 2025

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.

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]

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]

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.

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.

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.

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.

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]

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.

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]

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.

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.