The Art of Capitulation

Malhuret cuts through the illusion that Trump’s foreign policy is “tough” or “strategic.” Instead, he exposes it for what it really is: capitulation disguised as strength.

“The king of the deal is showing what the art of the deal is. He thinks he is going to intimidate China by lying down in front of Putin, but Xi Jinping, faced with such a disaster, is undoubtedly accelerating preparations for the invasion of Taiwan.”

Trump believes that appeasing Russia will somehow deter China. In reality, it is doing the opposite. By signaling that the U.S. will abandon its allies, he is sending a green light to dictators everywhere:

• Putin now knows he can continue his war in Ukraine without American intervention.
• Xi Jinping sees this weakness and is likely speeding up plans to invade Taiwan.
• Iran, North Korea, and other authoritarian regimes are taking notes.

The Unprecedented Destruction of American Democracy

Malhuret does not stop at foreign policy. He warns that what is happening inside the United States is just as dangerous:

“Never in history has a president of the United States capitulated to the enemy. No one has ever supported an aggressor against an ally. Never has anyone trampled on the American Constitution, issued so many illegal decrees, suddenly dismissed military staff, weakened all counter-powers, and taken control of social networks.”

He calls this not just an “illiberal drift” but the “beginning of the confiscation of democracy.”

“Let us remember that it only took one month, three weeks, and two days to bring down the Weimar Republic and its Constitution.”

This is the most chilling comparison of all. Malhuret is warning that democracy does not die overnight—it collapses piece by piece while people watch in disbelief. The fall of the Weimar Republic in 1933 was shockingly fast, proving that no democracy—no matter how strong—should assume its survival is guaranteed.

Nero’s Court: The Danger of Indifference and Chaos

Malhuret compared Trump and his enablers to the court of Nero, the infamous Roman emperor who watched Rome burn while indulging in excess and spectacle. He stated:

“While the flames rise in Ukraine, while authoritarian regimes unite against us, we see in the United States a court of Nero—where jesters laugh, conspirators plot, and cowards remain silent.”

This is not just a critique of Trump himself but of the entire movement that enables him. It describes a leadership class that prioritizes personal gain over national stability, entertains itself while crises escalate, and abandons principles in favor of opportunism and spectacle.

The court of Nero is not just in Washington—it is in every democracy where politicians ignore warning signs, spread lies, and undermine institutions while pretending everything is fine.

History has shown us that Nero’s court never survives. It collapses in flames, dragging the empire down with it. The question is whether the rest of the world will burn with it—or act before it’s too late.

Canada Must Choose: Will We Be Passive Witnesses or Defenders of Democracy?

Malhuret’s speech is a wake-up call for Canada. For too long, we have assumed that:

✔️ The United States will always be our reliable ally.
✔️ The global order will always favor democracy.
✔️ We are too stable to be affected by rising authoritarianism.

None of these assumptions hold true anymore. Canada must act now—not later.

Beyond Defense: Canada Must Secure Its Own Economic Future

Malhuret’s warning is not just about defense and military readiness. Canada must also prepare for the economic consequences of an increasingly unstable world.

For decades, we have relied on the United States as our largest trading partner and economic safety net. But what if the U.S. turns inward, imposes tariffs on allies, and retreats from global trade agreements?

“He will impose more customs duties on you than on his enemies.”

This is not speculation—it is a pattern we have already seen under Trump. If we do not diversify our economy, we risk being at the mercy of an unreliable and erratic partner.

What Canada Must Do Immediately

1. Strengthen Our Own Economy: End Interprovincial Trade Barriers

It is absurd that it is easier for Canadian businesses to trade with foreign countries than with other provinces. If we want to secure our economy from outside shocks, the first step is ensuring that Canada functions as a real, unified economic powerhouse.

✔️ Eliminate interprovincial trade barriers—this economic self-sabotage weakens our competitiveness.
✔️ Streamline regulations across provinces so businesses can scale up without bureaucratic obstacles that don’t exist in other advanced nations.
✔️ Develop a national energy and infrastructure strategy—rather than letting provincial politics stifle key projects that would strengthen our country as a whole.

2. Buy Canadian: Patriotism in Our Economy

Malhuret’s speech is about self-reliance, and nothing is more self-destructive than a country that refuses to support its own economy.

✔️ Governments must lead by example—federal and provincial procurement should prioritize Canadian suppliers whenever possible.
✔️ Encourage “Buy Canadian” habits—not just with slogans, but with real incentives for businesses and consumers.
✔️ Invest in Canadian manufacturing and innovation—to ensure we do not remain dependent on foreign supply chains for key industries like energy, defense, and technology.

3. Strengthen Our Trade Partnerships Beyond the U.S.

If Trump undermines NATO and global trade, Canada must turn to Europe, Japan, and other reliable partners.

✔️ Expand trade with Europe, ensuring we maximize its benefits.
✔️ Deepen ties with Japan, South Korea, and Australia, prioritizing economic agreements beyond just the U.S. and China.
✔️ Strengthen our role in the Indo-Pacific as a counterbalance to Chinese economic pressure.

A Final Warning: The Fire is Spreading

Malhuret has laid it out: The world is at a turning point.

• Authoritarianism is rising.
• The strongest democracy in the world is under threat—from within.
• If we do nothing, history tells us what comes next.

Democracy is not a given. It survives only when people are willing to fight for it.

The choice is ours. Will Canada be a passive observer as democracy is dismantled, or will we take action now to secure our future?

Claude Malhuret has spoken the truth. Canada must listen.