5️⃣ Carney Stands Firm as Trump Threatens Canada
Trump declared this week he "doesn't want Canada to play any part in the North American auto industry" – seemingly unaware of the deeply integrated cross-border supply chain that took decades to build. Canadian PM Mark Carney responded with unmistakable clarity: "This is Canada – we decide what happens here."
The confrontation comes at a pivotal moment with Canada's election just days away. Carney's positioning Canada to withstand economic hostility, arguing his domestic investment plan can generate more value ($144B) than Trump's tariffs could potentially cost ($90B). As Carney bluntly stated, "The old relationship with the United States is over" – a sobering assessment from America's historically closest ally.
4️⃣ China Officially Confirms No Trade Talks Exist
Beijing has now directly contradicted Trump's daily claims of ongoing negotiations, officially confirming what we've been reporting: there are simply no trade talks happening between China and the US. China has escalated its position, demanding complete cancellation of all American tariffs before they'll even consider dialogue.
The economic stakes couldn't be higher. While the US plays short-term politics with tariffs, China is methodically reshaping global trade architecture to America's permanent disadvantage. Treasury Secretary Bessent admitted the situation is "not sustainable" as China actively consolidates relationships with former US partners – building economic bonds that will endure long after this administration.
3️⃣ Elon vs. Bessent: Billionaires Brawl in West Wing
The West Wing witnessed what witnesses described as "two billionaire, middle-aged men thinking it was WWE" when Elon Musk and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent nearly came to blows over IRS leadership. The confrontation grew so heated an aide had to physically separate them.
At stake was control of the IRS – Musk backed Gary Shapley (the Hunter Biden tax case whistleblower) while Bessent wanted his deputy Michael Faulkender. Bessent ultimately prevailed, with Shapley ousted after just 48-72 hours, making Faulkender the fifth IRS chief since January. The incident raises disturbing questions about why a private citizen with active investigations against his companies somehow gained authority to select the head of the agency that might investigate him.
2️⃣ Musk's $2 Trillion DOGE Promise Shrinks to $150 Billion
As Musk nears the end of his DOGE tenure, his initial promise of $2 trillion in government savings has collapsed to just $150 billion – missing his target by a staggering factor of 13. One analyst compared it to "asking a real estate agent to find a $300,000 house and being shown a place listing for $4 million."
The entire DOGE exercise appears increasingly to have been a data collection operation rather than a legitimate efficiency effort. By targeting agencies investigating his companies – from the SEC to the Department of Transportation – Musk effectively neutralized oversight while gaining unprecedented access to government systems. This wasn't about cutting waste; it was about reshaping America's economic structure to benefit a small group of crypto billionaires.
1️⃣ Trump Offers Ukraine Deal: Give Russia Crimea, No NATO
Trump has announced a "very good chance" for a Ukraine-Russia ceasefire based on U.S. proposals that include recognizing Russia's illegal 2014 annexation of Crimea and guaranteeing Ukraine cannot join NATO – essentially capitulating to Putin's two primary demands. In an astonishing statement, Trump characterized Russia's "restraint from taking the whole country" as a "pretty big concession."
This came as Russia launched 75 missiles and 145 drones at Ukraine, killing 12 civilians and injuring over 110. Trump's response was stunningly weak: "I am not happy with the Russian strikes on Kyiv. Not necessary. Very bad timing. Vladimir, stop." There was no condemnation of civilian deaths, no consequences – just an awkward plea for peace so everyone can "get rich" together. This isn't diplomatic wisdom – it's appeasement from a president who appears incapable of standing up to Russia under any circumstances.
The FiveStack is available as an audio podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Advertising inquiries email next@narativ.org. The FiveStack is a co-production of deanblundell.substack.com and narativ.org.
Share this post