The MeidasTouch Podcast

Episode: World Leaders Deliver Fatal Blow to Absent Trump at G20
Date: November 23, 2025
Hosts: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas

Episode Overview

In this episode, the Meiselas brothers dive into the historic G20 summit held in South Africa, which unfolded without the United States' participation due to a boycott led by Donald Trump. The brothers dissect powerful speeches and unprecedented moments as world leaders openly rebuke Trump and the U.S. regime, emphasizing the significance of multilateralism in global governance. They highlight the global community’s relief and effectiveness in the absence of Trump, analyze the latest in US foreign policy missteps, and discuss the broader ramifications for democracy and international order.

Key Discussion Points

1. G20 Becomes G19: An Unprecedented United Declaration

[02:56-06:25]

• The G20 summit was marked by Trump’s boycott, with the U.S. absent over debunked claims of a “white genocide” in South Africa.
• The remaining G19 immediately issued a joint declaration championing multilateralism—a first, as such statements usually come at the close after lengthy negotiations.
• Notable quote:
  • South African President Cyril Ramaphosa ([04:53]):
    “The G20 underscores the value of... multilateralism. It recognizes that the challenges that we face can only be resolved through cooperation, collaboration and partnership... The adoption of the declaration... sends a message of hope and solidarity across the world.”

2. Speeches Directly Rebuking Trump and U.S. Policy

[06:26-10:41]

• Leaders used their time to set a tone counter to Trump’s isolationist, anti-institutional approach.
• Finland’s President Alexander Stubb delivered a concise and pointed message on the necessity of multilateralism and adapting post-WWII institutions to today’s reality.
• Notable quote:
  • President Alexander Stubb ([07:00-10:02]):
    “We have a choice between multilateralism... and multipolarity. And these two things are very different. Multilateralism is about cooperation, it’s about rules, it’s about norms, and it’s about institutions... The power structure of [multilateral institutions] is right now unfair. It needs to be changed. We need to distribute power in a world that exists today, not the world that existed in 1945.”

3. Analysis: Relief Without Trump

[10:41-12:39]

• Dr. Oscar von Heerden, South African commentator, notes that without Trump, the summit was more substantial and constructive.
• Notable exchange:
  • Dr. Oscar von Heerden ([12:13]):
    “He was going to throw his toys out of the cot, he was going to want to play golf and just take all the limelight onto him and away from the summit. I think it’s a blessing in disguise... we could move quickly with speed and agree on very, very fundamental things.”

4. Global Media and Leaders React to U.S. Absence

[13:13-17:08]

• Sky News and Australian and Canadian outlets focus on Trump’s absence, relief, and how it allowed for more meaningful dialogue.
• Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand underscores the importance of asserting democratic values multilaterally, especially in the current volatile climate.
• Notable dialogue:
  • Anita Anand ([17:08]):
    “We are in a moment where the global trading order is becoming completely realigned... Canada is utilizing every opportunity, multilaterally and bilaterally, to ensure that our interests are asserted...”

5. World Leaders Show Unity While U.S. Policy Falters

[17:56-20:52]

• Social media images from the summit show a rare harmony among leaders.
• Amid this unity, domestic U.S. stories point to looming military action in Venezuela and the collapse of the so-called Gaza ceasefire.
• The brothers highlight Trump's insincerity and unseriousness, contrasting it with the gravitas at G20.
• Memorable moment:
  • Ben Meiselas ([19:56]):
    “I mean, just even look how unserious Donald Trump is right here... I mean, here Trump is yesterday... I got a golf, I’m golfing today. It’s exactly what Van Der Hen said... like just an unserious human being.”

6. The Russia–Ukraine “Peace” Plan: A Russian Giveaway

[20:52-23:22]

• Trump administration floats a peace proposal for Ukraine that nearly mirrors Russia’s demands—a plan apparently translated almost verbatim from Russia’s so-called “28-point plan.”
• Zelensky and European leaders strongly oppose any concession that surrenders territory or weakens Ukrainian sovereignty.
• Notable quote:
  • Official Statement ([23:08]):
    “We are clear on the principle that borders must not be changed by force... We reiterate that the implementation of elements relating to the European Union and relating to NATO would need consent of EU and NATO members, respectively.”

7. U.S. Technology Transfers and Conflicts of Interest

[23:22-end]

• Discussion shifts to the U.S. Commerce Department allowing advanced Nvidia Blackwell chips to be sold to Saudi Arabia, despite concerns about backdoor transfers to China and Russia.
• Hosts critique the Trump regime’s willingness to risk national security for personal deals.
• Notable commentary:
  • Ben Meiselas ([24:50]):
    “First off, it shouldn’t be given to Saudi, the Saudis in the first place, the Blackwell chips. But then we want to trust this regime that it’s not then going to find its way into China... despicable.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Trump’s Absence:

  • “Donald Trump is a cancer throughout the world. We don’t want him. Get rid of this guy, stay out of all of these, and the world can actually get along.” – Ben Meiselas ([10:41])

• On Multilateralism:

  • “For me, multilateralism is about cooperation, it’s about rules... My big worry right now is that the world is moving more in a multipolar direction… more about deals, and therefore... more prone to conflict.” – Alexander Stubb ([08:08])

• On the Unconventional G19 Declaration:

  • “We thank all delegations who have worked together with us in good faith to produce a worthy G20 outcome document for this historic leaders meeting...” – Cyril Ramaphosa ([04:53])

• On Russian-Led Peace Plan:

  • “It seems that the United States just put the Russian plan through Google Translate... and then they said that that’s their, that that’s going to be the plan right there. And Zelensky’s like, no.” – Ben Meiselas ([21:52])

Important Timestamps

• [02:56] – Ben sets the scene of the G20 and Trump’s boycott.
• [04:53] – President Ramaphosa delivers the opening, unity-focused statement.
• [07:00] – President Stubb’s speech on multilateralism.
• [12:13] – Analyst Dr. Oscar von Heerden on how Trump’s absence improved the summit.
• [13:13, 14:42, 17:08] – International media and leaders react to Trump’s absence at the G20.
• [19:56] – Ben underscores Trump’s unserious behavior versus the world leaders.
• [22:58] – Trump confirmation of U.S. position on a peace deal for Ukraine.
• [23:22] – The brothers break down the implications of transferring sensitive tech to Saudi Arabia, with possible risks to China.

Summary

The episode paints a vivid picture of a G20 summit both liberated and emboldened by the absence of Donald Trump and the U.S., illustrating a world eager for renewed commitment to multilateralism and constructive diplomacy. The brothers’ analysis is laced with characteristic humor and indignation as they contrast the gravity of global proceedings with Trump’s insular, transactional approach. With notable clips, international perspectives, and clear-eyed critique, the Meiselas brothers provide listeners with a sense of both the historical significance and worrisome implications of America’s current trajectory on the world stage.