Close Reading

It’s been a while since I’ve seen an intelligent leader speaking to his people as if they were adults.

Canadian from Alberta here. I'm very impressed by our Prime Minister today. He was speaking intelligently, firm, and showed great leadership. Way to go Justin, you showed Trump how a person in a leadership role should conduct himself.

The citizens of the US did not vote for Bone spurs because of his intelligence.

An intelligent, polite, courteous Canadian leader calling out a vicious, demented, intellectually stunted, illiterate, swindling, lying, draft-dodging, tax-dodging rapist?\nNetflix will have a ball with this screenplay, they've already given me half a million for the sketch.\nMusk will be next under the lawnmower...\nLove etc.,

No you believe in us protecting you for free for forever. And it’s over. You are crippling yourselves Canada. And again, you must have a team of moderators that crowd source opinions and use mine often to prepare you for your next speech. I am but one intelligent Hoosier calling these moves… you really will be losing seafood here next ;). Trade war is hardly 25%, and the tariffs were meant to be reciprocal anyways XD so wooo, big move. Weren’t you facing fraud charges or something just recently cuz you stole from your own people?

Unfortunately, intelligent words don’t work with MAGA mindset. Standing together is good but doing it in a virtual world makes no difference to a real war in Ukraine where people continue to die as the orange face in a suit without a man inside it destroys the world around him.,

I can't believe the people of the USA really elected him. Come on, you know Trump plays very dirty--I refuse to believe that the majority of voters are this brain dead. If our nation is this stupid then we deserve everything that is coming to us. PS: Trudeau, it's way too nice to tell Trump he's a smart guy--he's evil, not at all intelligent. Can we please stop conflating scheming, bullying and manipulation with intelligence---any dumb ass can scheme, bully and manipulate (the prisons are full with this kind of human being), but you actually have to be intelligent to collaborate, listen and manage.

Trumps own words, “Vote for me, you will never have to vote again!” \nThis one is showing up on several pages. Make up your own mind. \nThere is something rancid in America, a slow, creeping rot that smells like cold McDonald’s fries, aerosol hairspray, and the unmistakable musk of a country too sedated to recognize its own hostage situation. For years, the idea that Donald Trump was compromised by Russia was dismissed as paranoid fantasy—just another wild-eyed conspiracy theory, another overblown headline in the endless saga of American political dysfunction. \nBut now, two former Soviet intelligence officers—Alnur Mussayev and Yuri Shvets—are saying it outright: Trump was recruited by the KGB in 1987, groomed as an asset, and remains under Russian control to this day. \nAnd the worst part? He’s already back in the White House. \nThat’s right, America. You did it. You walked face-first into the banana peel of history, slipped, and fell straight into the arms of Vladimir Putin. Trump was kicked out in 2020, spent four years plotting his comeback, and now he’s returned, like a bloated, orange cockroach that just won’t die. The Kremlin’s favorite stooge is running the country again, and this time, he knows exactly how to stay in power. \nIf you think this is just another round of the Trump Show, you’re not paying attention. This isn’t politics anymore. This is treason. This is foreign subversion. This is a God forsaken coup in slow motion. \nLet’s break it down, nice and simple. \nAlnur Mussayev isn’t some Twitter conspiracy theorist with a tinfoil hat and a podcast. He’s the former head of Kazakhstan’s National Security Committee, which means he knows exactly how Russian intelligence works—because he was part of the system. And what he’s saying should make every American’s blood run cold. \nAccording to Mussayev, Trump was identified, recruited, and compromised by the KGB in 1987 during his first trip to Moscow. They saw him for what he was: a narcissistic, greedy, attention-starved buffoon who could be easily manipulated. The KGB flattered him, promised him business deals, and planted the seeds of political ambition in his empty little head. And from that moment on, he was their man. \nBut Mussayev isn’t alone. Former KGB major Yuri Shvets said the exact same thing in 2021: Trump was cultivated by Soviet intelligence because he was an easy mark—too stupid to realize he was being played, too egotistical to care. They saw him as a useful idiot—a man who could one day be nudged into power, a walking, talking Trojan Horse for Russian interests. \nAnd now? The plan has worked. Trump spent four years in office weakening America from within, got booted out, and now he’s back for round two. \nIf you had told the American public in 1962 that a Soviet-backed asset would one day sit in the White House, they would have burned Washington to the ground before letting it happen. But today? Nobody seems to care. \nThe media treats this like just another wacky subplot in the never-ending Trump reality show. Congress is too busy fighting over meaningless culture war nonsense to do anything about it. And the American public? Exhausted. Numb. Checked out. Years of scandals—Russia collusion, Ukraine blackmail, classified documents, tax fraud, sexual assault, an attempted coup—have fried the country’s brain like an overcooked steak at Mar-a-Lago. \nTrump has done the impossible. He has committed so many crimes, so openly, so brazenly, that none of them matter anymore. \nAnd now, with Mussayev’s revelation that Trump is an active foreign asset, we have finally reached the point where the biggest political scandal in American history is met with a collective shrug. \nThis is how democracy dies—not with a bang, but with a goddamn eye-roll. \nThis is the part where the skeptics start clutching their pearls. “Oh, come on,” they say. “If Trump were really a Russian asset, wouldn’t there be more proof?” \nTo which I say: Are you blind, or just willfully stupid? \nLet’s go through the evidence, shall we? \nTrump spent his entire first term doing exactly what Russia wanted. He attacked NATO, calling it “obsolete” and threatening to pull the U.S. out. He tried to blackmail Ukraine into manufacturing dirt on Joe Biden, because weakening Ukraine helps one man and one man only: Vladimir Putin. He pulled U.S. troops out of Syria, handing power over to Russian forces. He picked fights with Canada and Europe while cozying up to dictators. \nEven now, in his second term, he is more openly pro-Putin than ever. He has made it clear that he will not protect NATO allies from Russian aggression. He is actively dismantling America’s alliances, just as Russia planned. And while Americans scream at each other over whether Target should sell rainbow t-shirts, Trump is quietly selling the country to the Kremlin. \nAt some point, you have to stop calling it a coincidence and start calling it what it is: treason. \nThe United States is running out of time. If Trump serves out this term without being removed, America as a functioning democracy is finished. \nThe media needs to wake up. Enough with the “Trump fatigue” excuse. This is not just another scandal—this is the single greatest infiltration of American power in history. Journalists need to dig into Mussayev’s claims, demand declassification of intelligence files, and treat this like the national emergency that it is. \nCongress needs to subpoena Mussayev immediately. His testimony must be public, and every document he has should be reviewed. If there is proof that Trump has been compromised since the 1980s, the American people need to know. \nThe Justice Department needs to stop pretending that Trump is just another politician. If there is evidence that the sitting president of the United States is working in Russia’s interests, he must be removed from office and prosecuted for espionage. \nAnd the American public? You have one last chance. This is not about Republican vs. Democrat. This is not about taxes, gas prices, or whatever nonsense outrage is dominating the news today. This is about whether the United States remains a sovereign nation, or if we spend the rest of the century as a Russian client state with a golf course. \nThe sheer volume of Trump's corruption, the blatant nature of his crimes, the mountain of evidence that should have ended his political career a hundred times over—none of it mattered. He survived it all, not because he was innocent, but because he drowned the country in so much scandal that nothing stuck. \nBut this time, it’s different. If Mussayev and Shvets are right, this isn’t just another chapter in the endless Trump circus. This is the culmination of a decades-long Russian intelligence operation to install an asset in the White House. \nThere is no coming back from this. If America lets Trump serve out this term without removing him, then the United States as a democratic republic is finished. The country won’t collapse overnight. There won’t be tanks in the streets. Instead, the destruction of democracy will happen in slow motion—buried under lawsuits, propaganda, and corruption so blatant that people stop caring. \nIf America lets this happen—if Trump is allowed to complete his mission—then Putin wins. The West crumbles. And the people who could have stopped it will look back, years from now, and wonder how they let it happen. \nGood night, and good luck. Because if people don’t wake up, America is going to sleepwalk straight into its own funeral.

when are all of you sheepeople going to realize that this media is offering only propagandized information. and their newscaster’s probably don’t even realize what they’ve been sold. That's why they’re so good at 4:38 selling us that garbage. I think it was Clinton that legalized us being propagandized. this man was shamed out of his Prime Minister position. he’s no friend to Canada and certainly not a friend to America. he’s been bought off and I’m sure he comes with a high price tag??????\nThe swamp is an ugly place. Maybe it takes an ugly acting man to clean it up. Go Trump! \nI’m turning off the fake news, it’s such a turn off the way they insult our intelligence. Wake up people!

You speak boldly only because you're ending your term, leaving the mess for others to deal with. Not sure why other comments said you're intelligent!

Tough to have to play to Trumps ego , when we know he’s not smart , not intelligent, and not smart enough to to realise how stupid he is:(

Watched the whole speech on Canadian news. This is what a real leader sounds like....an actual , intelligent adult.\nTrump has made it very clear he is working for Putin to destroy America in every way possible. Those who\nvoted for him, and still support him are absolute idiots.

Wow, what an intelligent speech from Mr. Trudeau! (compared to the orange, stupid, crazy old man's liars).\nWe stand with Canada and Ukraine. Sorry, American people! We boycott all kinds of American products: NO Tesla, NO vacation in the USA, NO Apple, NO Netflix, NO Lewis, Nike, McDonald, Coke...

Trump is not the US and his behavior is not in the best interest of the US. He is the president because he is a skilled con man. However, narcissistic bullying tactics do not work forever as long as there are people with a modicum of intelligence and self respect. He’s trying to be a bully to get his way because it worked for him in the past. He’s is using his position to bolster himself financially and his ego. Everyone should stand up for themselves to include those in the US.

This is what an intelligent, and reasoned leader looks like, and sounds like, USA you got Trump, how did that happen?

It’s an embarrassment. I hope Canada and the rest of the world realize that millions of intelligent progressive Americans do not support the orange clown who we have the misfortune of having as our president. We envy you for having an eloquent respectable leader.

Trump’s childish babbling and incoherent ramblings are really put on display when compared to intelligent, full structured sentences. Fuck all things Trump and MAGA.

Impressive speech from Trudeau, just one thing I don't agree with him. He called Trump intelligent. I don't know any greater idiot in this World.

Nice to hear an intelligent speech. Why destroy relationships with your closest allies and then cuddle up to Putin and Russia? The only thing that makes sense is that Trump wants to make the USA like Russia. An oligarchy where the ultra-rich have all the money and control, and everyone else is poor and powerless.

Oh how I wish we had a young and intelligent president

As an expatriate Canadian living outside of Canada for 40 years I have always been proud to be Canadian. Today I am 5 fold proud of my country and prime minister who have shown an intelligent but firm response to an adolescent bully.

Well done for speaking so articulately and intelligently nothing but respect for Canada from Scotland❤

A very intelligent, honest and masterful speech! I live in Germany and support Mr. Trudeau and the Canadian citizens 100%. I hope that the people of the USA will soon realize that their own president is destroying their country and damaging the USA's reputation around the world.

This speech is neither intelligent nor thought out. But it is hyperbolic, with plenty of name calling, and he has made it all about himself.\nCanada does not have a grown-up for a president; it has a coward.

We in America, would be blessed to have a leader of your stature, intelligence and integrity. We are embarrassed and sickened by trump's, deception, lies, theft and other criminal and injurious behaviors. We know that he is an evil, hateful and ignoranrt criminal.

If they seem to think that maggot 47 is a “smart” man…then their judge of character needs to be deeply reexamined because he’s a dumb as dumb can get then dig a hole lower then THAT’S where his intelligence lies.

An intelligent, well-mannered and decent person. What a striking difference from the arrogant, egotistical, pompous, pissed-off representatives of the current US administration.

from Germany: \nSince the war in Ukraine, Germany has been buying 13 times more gas from the USA (from 1% currently to 13%). It's time to show solidarity with Canada and get our gas from there. To all Canadians: be grateful for such a sincere and intelligent prime minister. Thank you, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, for your clear words!

Such an intelligent leader . OMG..

Never been so embarrassed to be American. Thank you for calmly speaking out, using intelligent words and phrasing, stating FACTS, speaking Truth and not spewing any form of hate!!!! Canadians have every right to beam with Pride after this speech!

How smart and intelligent leader Canadians have, we south Asians can just think and beg for this kind of a leader, god bless Canada and its people.

Trudeau is impressive. Dignified and intelligent. He is a stark contrast to the inarticulate mobster who runs the United States.

Oh, this is what it looks like, when the head government official, speaks intelligently to the people…..

An intelligent, serios president! The opposit of the US president.

Please note this; he speaks well, true enough. An intelligent and wise leader not so much.

AGREE,what is this about definitely not the border !Trumps REGIME is trying to weaken Canada so he can Annex us!!!\nThat will never happen most Americans disagree with Trump more than half now after what has happened in the news lately!!\nThank you Mr.Trudeau for an eloquent,intelligent response to Trumps DUMB plan.After decades of good relations between our nations Trump has chosen Putin’s playbook\nCanadians and the world now are BOYCOTTING the once upon a time Ally Our neighbour America!!\nThis will not play out well for Americans Canadians or Mexicans \n??????

Here's a leader that is articulate, eloquent and and intelligent..Trump speaks like an uneducated thug who couldn't care less about hurting American families..he only wanted the votes of the uninformed and those that do no research

Fantastic clear and intelligent speech , thank you ?

Fantastic speech. Only one lie: I don't actually believe he thinks Trump is intelligent......

Now.. there's an intelligent leader...the Canadians got it right ? .

Honest, intelligent, the exact opposite of KKKomrade Dumpster .

What an intelligent president ??\nBut guess what?? American people will just roll over and accept whatever Vladimir Trump do to them \nWe sitting on our couch laughing ? \nThey voted for him it’s not even been 3 months \nI am hoping and praying it hits American people exactly where it’s gona hurt \n“ their pockets” \nMake \nAmerica \nStupid \nAgain \nCanada please trade more with European Union and Britain \n??????

What an intelligent and articulate speech compare to Trumps endless mumbling and articulation of a demented grandpa with strange worldview. I am so sorry for Americans. I think this is the worse American president in history and he will definitely make history as in as the most incompetent American leader in its history. I can’t help but wonder who the hell was voting for this idiot?

As a collective and to take a lead from a dignified president that this is how he should be confronted with his insanity and intimidation\nIf enough leaders take a firm stand, point out the facts, and expose him for his tsunami of outright lies, he will crumble, bullies and weak people who hide behind a facade of toughness always do \nWell done, sir, a great, balanced, and well delivered speech and a breath of fresh air to hear coherence and intelligence

American here and I say well done Trudeau. I see courage, intelligence and class in this speech compared to the cowardice, brown nosing and treachery I see on our side.

Surely everyone has noticed just how intelligent Mr. Trudea really is when he speaks. Quite a contrast when Mr. Trump is speaking about anything. Never once did this gentleman make this conversation about himself or issue any threats towards or against America. In a matter of days America has succeeded in isolating itself from its allies and the rest of the world and all the while China has remained Incredibly Silent.

Mr. Trudeau: Please DO NOT attribute this to the United States. This is Donald Trump doing this. There are zero sane and/or intelligent Americans who are for this. It's sad to hear you talk about us as if we all agree with the idiot in charge. God Bless America and God Bless Canada.

Canada has a smart, intelligent leader.

This must be baffling to many Americans hearing an articulate, well-spoken, and intelligent leader. Many Americans just assume the rest of the world is illiterate and stupid, like the masses of Americans are. The propaganda that is spewed out telling Americans how great their country is isn't reality. Sad, really. When you elect a leader like Trump, it's clear to the rest of the world that there is a shortage of intelligence in the USA.

As a Canadian, this would be the first or 2nd time Trudeau has spoken intelligently