The Munk Debates Podcast Trump's military speech ramblings should concern every Canadian
Oct 2, 2025
Andrew Coyne, a longtime political columnist at The Globe and Mail, joins Rudyard to dissect alarming U.S. military rhetoric. They explore Trump’s suggestion of using American cities as military training grounds, raising concerns about the implications for dissent. The duo grapples with the dilemma facing military officers on obeying unlawful commands and analyzes Trump’s repeated musings about making Canada the 51st state, questioning the economic and sovereignty impacts. They conclude by discussing how Canada can enhance its attractiveness for investment amidst rising U.S. pressures.
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Military Used Against Domestic Dissent
- Trump explicitly suggested using American cities as training grounds for the military to fight an "enemy within."
- Andrew Coyne warns this amounted to a deliberate call to use the military against domestic dissent and called it fascistic in nature.
A Push To Remove Rules Of Engagement
- Pete Hegseth lectured senior officers about military "wokeness" and urged removing rules of engagement.
- Coyne says this paired with Trump's remarks signaled encouragement to relax legal and ethical constraints on force.
Officer Decorum Masks Hard Choices
- The assembled flag officers mostly remained impassive and followed protocol, not applauding political speeches.
- Coyne stresses officers swear an oath to the Constitution and must weigh obeying orders against unlawful commands.