Mexico and Canada just gave a masterclass in handling Trump: let him brag, give him a face-saving win, and walk away having conceded nothing. The Big Picture unpacks how this strategy could keep him in check on the world stage.
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Yeah, it's pretty easy to make "concessions" to a guy who has no idea what you already have and seems to be pathologically opposed to reading anything.
The problem with "massaging his ego" is he can then brag about his (non-existent) "wins", validating his supporters
This becomes a downward spiral
The more he is seen to win, the more supporters believe him & think he is winning on their behalf and could act as a recruiting tool to get more support
I have to believe that countries all over the world have their osy-ops people working 24/7 on how to drive Trump to their desired destination. That's the game so we better play too.
And Chamberlain thought he was appeasing Hitler: heard of World War 2? Trump and his thugs just want to see the whole world burn. They have no empathy for anyone except their poor pathetic selves. Remember how Nazi death camp personnel wanted us to see how hard it on them to gas and burn millions.
Oh my god yes. Been years in the making, John birch, Olin, heritage, project 2025. They just finally found the useful idiot willing to do and say anything and lie in a manner most sane people just couldn’t carry off. Trump is just the pustule to the carbuncle that is the GOP.
Exactly, he's just a glorified stooge they can distract the public with. While many of us will be busy laughing and/or cringing at trumps latest bs/blunder, he's serving his purpose as a distraction for all the dodgy deals being made in the shadows.
Treaties torn, allies scorned, trust dissolving like a sandcastle at high tide. The greatest threat to America? Isolation, suspicion, betrayal. A world is turning its back. Once the beacon—soon, just a flicker.
EU, UK, take note: A handshake today, a dagger tomorrow. Proceed at your peril.
Canada—a resource rich nation, polite to a fault, nudged from its slumber by the howling chaos of a would-be emperor next door.
Canada, jolted awake, now eying new pipelines, fortifies borders, and seeks new markets—belatedly realizing self-reliance isn’t just wise, it’s survival.
Thanks, Donnie!
The counter to your point is this: All this does is reinforce the MAGA bully mantra to get their way and for them to now celebrate their Orangina-felon for “another victory” despite Biden doing the same thing years ago peacefully & with dignity.
Don't be so sure. I live in Mexico, and the president here is going to come up against many of her voters who oppose everything she is going to have to do to anesthetize the Orange Menace. The game is still in play and we are wondering what comes next.
The bigger concern is that his vitriol drives away trade partners. And to maintain the current standard of living with embargos on all sides, the US will argue for self-determination while committing to imperial wars for resources. Like Germany 1930s.
How did they placate? They gave him something he already had. Results so far are we’ve stopped a number of illegal aliens from entering Canada from the US.
They gave him a "win" which means he can validate his actions
His supporters perceive that he "winning" for them
It could become a downward spiral if he is able to recruit more people based on "results delivered"
His support base also use it as "evidence" that his tactics are effective
I can see that the tactic is pragmatic in the short term, in the longer term I think that letting him think he has won (& de facto letting his supporters think he won) could just embolden him and his supporters to do worse
I agree. It might be a crummy way to feel, but I honestly think the only way to lift the wool from the eyes of his supporters is for them to feel the pain. In situations like this, he walks away, claiming victory & his cult believe him.
I appreciate that, and for the most part agree that leopards need to start eating many faces. But as a Canadian, WE didn't vote for him, and thus, we shouldn't have to invite the leopards in too. Our leaders' first job is protecting our interests — which they did — not sticking it to Trump.
I don't disagree with you. Both Canada and Mexico dodged a bullet. However, I wonder how many more they may have to dodge? Or, does he just go harass another country? He's a bully, so I am wondering if he just comes back for more later, believing he can get a concession. He is delusional.
Don't read too much into it. It's Musk who has the serious agenda. Musk leaves Trump in the playpen to talk about conquering Greenland and other nonsense. Works as a distraction.
I imagine every world leader when addressing Trump says "Good Day Mr President Your Penis is enormous!" And after that Trump just tunes out and they could get him to do anything. Because we all know Trump is a slut for compliments.
Like babysitting a small fragile child😬🤣😬 His cult will never bother to figure out the truth and continue to support and vote for him. What a world we live in.
This is dangerous and should not be pursued as an avenue. Fake wins are a part of autocratic rule and with the FCC fully ready to go after media we won't hear about it here. We need foreign nations to clown his ass and make him look weak, not consistently give him fuel.
This is true. However, this was NEVER about what happened on the world stage. It was about his followers beholding his wondrous deal-making, and being convinced that he was achieving stuff that the Democrats couldn't. The fact that they don't know what he achieved is secondary to how he is portrayed
This would be great advice if other world leaders didn’t have egos that need to be fed, too. Mexico and Canada have genuinely good, egoless leaders… and they’re few and far between.
The problem with that is the billionaire media in the Us shall straight faced report it as a major victory and the inattentive public shall believe it, resulting in the idiots failing up again and again until it all collapses when reality can no longer sustain against their fantasies.
That’s the only way to handle Trump. As long as he thinks the attention is on him, and he “appears” to be winning, everything will still be trashed, but maybe less.
I like every part of this except the part that allows his supporters to continue to be fed lies about what a strong leader he is. This does nothing to break that hold. They need to see the stark reality.
Honestly though, it's like placating a 3 year old with a Uzi. You might have gotten some calm for now, but sooner or later that thing is going to go off.
I don't think they did not really as usually when Trump is slapped off he's usually planning another attempt so don't believe it Canada or Mexico be on your guard he's up to something trust me. Never turn your back on a skunk
George this tactic is them assuming Trump will go away in 4 years. The EU should not do this they should destroy his enablers mainly the oligarchs. We are going to need help to save America.
The beauty of it is that they are excellent trading partners. Mexico has great produce and Canada can supply the grains and Lumber. The everyday consumers are in great shape without the US.
He’s so easy to manipulate it’s embarrassing. Remember when the Arab leaders put together that nonsensical ’ceremony’ with swords and a glowing orb? They could barely keep straight faces and trump looking so smug and proud of himself? It was pathetic.
Trudeau is playing chess. Like any master, he isn't sharing his moves but you can bet he's got lots more tricks up his sleeve. Culture (TV/movie production) as a bargaining chip for example. We do have a problem named Jeff and he's a Trumper. We're hoping Jeff gets destroyed in the next election.
This is not entirely accurate. Canada did make (minor) concessions, but the real story is the negotiations that are are going to continue over the next few weeks, where more important concessions are going to be made to avoid the tariffs. The pressure is also pushing the government rightward.
It does concern me that this kind of tactic plays into Trump's long-term advantage. It's exactly why the MAGA's think he "accomplished so much" during his first term. It's all about the optics. We know he didn't "win" anything, but for MAGA watching Fox and other right-wing media, he's their hero.
George, his Narcissistic brain sees only a winner and a loser. He must feel he has won, his ego is that fragile. You are right that other countries may have to offer him what he already has in order to move forward. His mind will take it as a win and he'll drift on to the next thing.
But Trump is calling it a victory for him and all the right wing media are supporting him in his claim. It’s ok for those who are prepared to look beyond the headlines but I bet a survey of Joe Public would show a big win for Trump
One of the better tactics when dealing with narcissists and bullies. Sometimes bolstering your boundaries makes them angrier... Just smile and nod, and walk away 😑
That we "didn't concede anything" makes me cringe. Because there was nothing for Canada to concede. Felon Trump's "Fentanyl crisis" was a made-up story; as was his "they don't allow our banks in" or "they abuse us" with a trade agreement that Trump himself negotiated and signed. It was all made up.
LET'S ADDRESS THE REAL REASON PUTIN INVADED UKRAINE WITH TRUMP'S BLESSING...PART ONE OF TWO PARTS...ДАВАЙТЕ РОЗБЕРЕМОСЯ ЗІ СПРАВЖНЬОЮ ПРИЧИНОЮ, ЧОМУ ПУТІН ВТОРГСЯ В УКРАЇНУ З БЛАГОСЛОВЕННЯ ТРАМПА... ЧАСТИНА ПЕРША З ДВОХ ЧАСТИН
Honestly,I think Canada and Mexico should have done everything to destroy trump and give him an economic beat down.. to make him look like the stupid fool he really is.
There is nothing in it for Canada and Mexico. Why would they give themselves the headache? They have countries of their own to run. If they have to in the future cos he's daft enough to go back then that's different.
This is a chilling walkthrough on how Elon and bros are implementing the playbook from Curtis Yarvin to make the US return to a feudal society: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RpPTRcz1no
I've stated this more than *40x: (Orange Shitler) & (it's) Nazi-aspirated cultist lunatics aren't the only 1s responsible; THE EMOTIONALLY COMPROMISED / COMPULSIVE, petty, selfish, willfully ignorant, dipshits that threw in / voted for (it) are Indirectly responsible for this.
I'm siding w Canada🌐🇺🇳
You should watch the UN Security Council clips on Youtube. China has taken the lead and will hopefully do well; the young chinese reporter looked like his New Year was suddenly extra good - àll that propaganda about the US being stupid & uneducated & selfish WAS TRUE! Gobsmacked is the word.
President Molina did the same to Rubio. Told him Panama would leave the Chinese Roads and Bridges program as a concession. But the program expires next year and not renewing it was part of his election platform last year.
George ... Canada is spending a billion dollars to keep Trump happy, even tho heightened border security is not needed ... I fear Trump has won this one ...
That was already announced when Biden was president. Very little is new. Needed to be done anyway. We are more afraid of mass entry to Canada because of the US crackdown.
I wonder how we should reflect that domestically. On one hand, we need to resist what he's doing, on the other hand, inflaming him also seems dangerous when there are lives at stake. I'm so fucking sick of this being a hostage situation.
World leaders have worked out how to deal with Trumps ideas. Its the way you deal with a toddler who has done a shit drawing. You say its good and you'll put it on the fridge where everyone can look at it, then ignore it.
Problem. He brags, people believe he’s a winner, and will be more likely to support his agenda. He needs to be knocked down and humiliated to the point where people with what little conscience they have left are too ashamed to be associated with him. Shunned politically & socially.
None of his base will ever actually follow up on the things they agree to so they can literally just just nod in agreement to the old senile man and go about their day.
Remember the Tour Xi Jinping took Trump on? Trump supporters were awed as if it was proof Trump was special, and not some devastating power play by Xi to reinforce his authority.
All these "saving face" strategies aren't going to stop him from doing permanent damage internationally.
After the Cuban Missile Crisis Kennedy ordered his cabinet and staff to not brag about victory but instead praised Krushchev for his diplomacy and for working towards a peaceful solution.
I understand what you’re saying, but giving him a “face-saving win” will translate to an actual win for many people here because of the maga spin. That just reinforces the notion that he’s some great negotiator, which is why some people voted for him. No wins- face-saving or real- is my goal.
But he sees us making fun of him. Will pointing it out make it harder for this to be successful a second time? Look what happened when we all laughed about how the flags would be half-staff for inauguration.
He's a meaningless figurehead who will be allowed to exist as long as the base loves him. Once President Musk secures power, they'll put the Dotard in a rubber room and let him sign hats.
My hope is that the federal government will use the pressure from Trump to fix some issues that need to be addressed - the ease of money laundering in Canada, meeting our NATO spending targets, getting our defense procurement under control. Victories for everyone.
Meanwhile Canadian businesses are laying off workers. Orders are not placed with businesses while the threat of 25% tariffs looms for March.
The stock markets are affected daily by the next bit of nonsense he utters. No doubt insider trading is taking place.
Sorry, but I have no idea what you mean by that. Canadian citizens have become focused on supporting our businesses. Many small businesses are advising in forums that they are laying off employees now. We are doing our best to offset lost exports.
Yes, Canadians are banding together against Trump but I do not know of any business that has already laid off anyone because of threatened tariffs. There have been public sector layoffs because of other things, like cuts in foreign student numbers.
IMO, Canada should have straight up stood up to the bully.
Once they called Trump's bluff and he started to back down, Canada should have said, "We don't want a temporary reprieve. Either Trump promises no tariffs or our tariffs are going into effect right now."
The problem here is that he and his minions will say that Felon47 won. That he got Mexico and Canada to bend the knee as Fox said. The Emperor is naked, and nobody has the cojones to tell him that he is.
In a world where perception is reality, he is still able to spread the perception that he "won." While I agree he did not gain anything remotely tangible, he was able to add to his narrative of winning, which goes to buttressing up his base of support. Oh, where is the CIA when you need them....
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This becomes a downward spiral
The more he is seen to win, the more supporters believe him & think he is winning on their behalf and could act as a recruiting tool to get more support
https://bsky.app/profile/deadder.bsky.social/post/3lhefu7qi3s2e
Trump is just the new mouthpiece and symbolic figure head akin to how they hired Reagan to sell the start of the plan.
"Trump is just the pustule to the carbuncle that is the GOP."
This is the real reason the media and GOP hated Obama so much. He came in after 8 stagnant years disrupting the plan.
They can’t come out and say they want to kill a handicap people and black folk.
They can’t come out and say they want to imprison all homosexuals.
Can’t come out and say martial rape is going away again.
Same shit they did with Reagan
EU, UK, take note: A handshake today, a dagger tomorrow. Proceed at your peril.
Canada, jolted awake, now eying new pipelines, fortifies borders, and seeks new markets—belatedly realizing self-reliance isn’t just wise, it’s survival.
Thanks, Donnie!
USE IT EU 💪
His supporters perceive that he "winning" for them
It could become a downward spiral if he is able to recruit more people based on "results delivered"
His support base also use it as "evidence" that his tactics are effective
All world leaders should take the same approach as the Danish member of Parliament...
"Mr Trump, fuck off."
And today we're flying manned reconnaissance aircraft over Crimea.
Looks like Vova read "Art of the Deal"
But Gaza? & the U.S.?
Yeah,still needs to be finessed.
https://www.democracynow.org/2025/2/5/headlines/ukraines_zelensky_accepts_trumps_bid_to_trade_us_arms_for_rare_earth_minerals
I remember that POS from the 1980s being a total douchbag
He started it. Make him pay, let things bite deep, show what a fraud he is… THEN wring concessions out of HIM.
Anything else is enablement.
I'm siding w Canada🌐🇺🇳
This is about survival.
https://bsky.app/profile/proconsul.bsky.social/post/3lh7jnrhha224
We stand together.
https://lawlordtobe.com/2025/02/08/you-should-have-read-the-warning/
Wake up his followers your deity is not cool!
All these "saving face" strategies aren't going to stop him from doing permanent damage internationally.
The stock markets are affected daily by the next bit of nonsense he utters. No doubt insider trading is taking place.
They simply put the pacifier back in the big baby’s mouth and changed his diaper.
Once they called Trump's bluff and he started to back down, Canada should have said, "We don't want a temporary reprieve. Either Trump promises no tariffs or our tariffs are going into effect right now."
Send the markets into a nosedive.
It feels far more like two victims of an abuser temporarily staved off an immediate beating by stroking the abuser's ego.
While there was a short-term reprieve, the abuser is incentivized to repeat the threats. Hardly "masterclass".