5. US-CANADA TARIFF TENSIONS ESCALATE
Trump and Trudeau had a 50-minute call today that ended "somewhat friendly," according to Trump's own statement. The conversation focused heavily on tariffs and border security, with Trump making unsubstantiated claims about fentanyl crossing the Canadian border.
In a tweet following the call, Trump claimed Trudeau couldn't tell him when the Canadian election would take place, suggesting the Prime Minister is "trying to use this issue to stay in power."
Meanwhile, Canada is standing firm against these tariff threats. The Canadian approach has been "forceful," with Trudeau refusing to back down as Trump promises reciprocal sanctions.
Notably, Canadian icon Wayne Gretzky has faced substantial criticism at home for his apparent support of Trump and silence on these issues affecting Canada-US relations.
4. TRUMP HALTS CRITICAL INTELLIGENCE SHARING WITH UKRAINE
In a dangerous development, the Trump administration has ordered at least a partial halt to crucial intelligence sharing with Ukraine. American satellite and GPS intelligence has been vital to Ukraine's defense against Russian invasion, allowing for precise targeting and strategic operations.
This decision not only endangers Ukrainian forces but also puts foreign volunteers at risk - including Canadians and Americans fighting alongside Ukrainian troops. The intelligence support reportedly began decreasing about a month ago, with Ukrainian requests for target information beyond 60km from their border meeting silence from American intelligence services.
The move has been widely interpreted as another example of Trump's alignment with Russian interests.
3. MACRON: "WE CAN'T RELY ON AMERICA ANYMORE"
French President Emmanuel Macron has announced a dramatic shift in European security strategy, declaring that Europe can no longer depend on the United States. The EU Commission President unveiled an €800 billion "ReArm Europe" plan aimed at military self-sufficiency.
This initiative has been in development for about a month, with European leaders like Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer working together after concluding they couldn't trust the incoming Trump administration.
The €800 billion package includes €150 billion earmarked specifically to help Ukraine and friendly countries build munitions and intelligence capabilities to counter Russia. Macron, Starmer, Trudeau, and leaders from Finland, Sweden, and Baltic countries have all indicated willingness to put "boots on the ground" as part of a comprehensive peace plan.
This represents a significant power shift, with European nations stepping up to fill the vacuum left by America's withdrawal under Trump.
2. MUSK'S SETBACKS MOUNT AS ADMINISTRATION ADMITS MISTAKES
Elon Musk's role in the administration came under scrutiny after Trump referred to him as "the head of DOGE" during his address to Congress - directly contradicting what government lawyers have been arguing in court. The administration has been insisting that Musk is merely an advisor, not the head of the Department of Government Efficiency.
Musk has now admitted to making "mistakes" as multiple agencies, including the CDC, are rehiring approximately half of the staff that was fired during initial cost-cutting purges.
Trump mentioned Musk six times during his address to Congress, while completely failing to mention healthcare or specific plans to help average Americans.
1. TRUMP'S ADDRESS TO CONGRESS: "THE WORST SPEECH IN HISTORY"
Trump's 100-minute address to Congress - the longest such speech in 60 years - received mixed reviews, with a CBS poll showing 76% approval among a predominantly Republican audience.
The speech was criticized for being filled with falsehoods, self-aggrandizement, and attacks on critics rather than substantive policy. Trump used the occasion to congratulate himself repeatedly while creating what critics called "an augmented reality" disconnected from actual conditions in America.
Particularly troubling was Trump's handling of the Ukraine situation, teasing a potential peace deal throughout the speech only to reveal at the end that no such agreement existed. He claimed to have spoken with Russia, stating that "Russia says they really want peace" - a claim met with skepticism given Putin's ongoing aggression.
Trump also made bizarre comments about Greenland, suggesting America might "take over" the autonomous Danish territory, telling Greenlanders they would "love it" - rhetoric reminiscent of Putin's statements before invading Ukraine.
Catch FIVESTACK LIVE with Dean Blundell and Zev Shalev regularly on Substack and at Narativ.org and Crier.co
This post was derived from today's FIVESTACK LIVE broadcast, edited for clarity and readability.
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