Following President Trump’s repeated assertions that Canada should become the 51st U.S. state, Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly firmly rejected the idea at the G7 meeting, stating that Canada’s sovereignty is non-negotiable. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged a discrepancy between the President’s stance and the Canadian government’s position, while emphasizing the G7’s ability to collaborate despite disagreements. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also unequivocally dismissed the notion of Canadian annexation. Despite the conflict, the G7 ministers committed to working together on areas of mutual agreement.
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Retaliatory tariffs imposed by countries in response to Trump’s trade policies are negatively impacting American industries and workers, many of whom are Trump supporters. These tariffs, targeting sectors like agriculture and manufacturing, are causing job losses and economic hardship in key states that voted for Trump. Despite this, many supporters remain loyal, attributing the difficulties to necessary, albeit painful, long-term economic strategies. The New York Times analysis highlights the disproportionate impact on Trump voters employed in the targeted industries, potentially creating a significant political backlash.
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In a joint operation with Iraqi forces, a U.S. airstrike in Anbar Province eliminated Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rifai, also known as Abu Khadijah, the number two leader of ISIS. Al-Rifai oversaw global operations, logistics, planning, and a significant portion of the group’s finances. The strike, announced by U.S. Central Command and President Trump, represents a significant blow to the terrorist organization. Despite territorial losses, ISIS remains a threat, particularly given the instability in Syria.
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Senator Chris Murphy warned that maintaining typical political norms under President Trump’s administration jeopardizes American democracy. He criticized ten Senate Democrats, including Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, for voting with Republicans on a spending bill, arguing that such actions embolden Trump’s authoritarian tendencies. Murphy stressed the need for Democrats to prioritize resisting Trump’s actions, even at political risk, citing public opinion demanding stronger opposition. He called for internal Democratic discussions on more assertive strategies, suggesting using future legislative battles, such as the debt ceiling, to challenge the President.
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A virtual summit hosted by U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer proposed a 10,000-strong multinational peacekeeping force for Ukraine, contingent upon a peace deal with Russia. This coalition, involving at least 35 countries providing various support, aims to secure Ukraine post-conflict. While the U.K. and France are expected to be the largest contributors, some European nations have expressed reservations. Further military talks are scheduled for March 20th to solidify the coalition’s plans.
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Four Indonesian fishermen filed a lawsuit against Bumble Bee Foods, alleging forced labor, physical abuse, and denial of medical care while working on vessels within the company’s supply chain. The complaint details instances of beatings, stabbings, and the withholding of wages, with workers essentially held captive at sea due to imposed debt and the perpetual nature of the fishing operations. The plaintiffs seek damages and systemic changes to ensure fair wages, adequate care, and regular port returns for all workers in Bumble Bee’s fishing network. The lawsuit aims to prevent similar exploitation and secure justice for those currently working under similar conditions.
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Prime Minister Mark Carney’s first foreign trip prioritizes strengthening alliances with France and the U.K. amidst President Trump’s aggressive trade policies and threats to Canadian sovereignty. His meetings in Paris and London aim to diversify trade and potentially coordinate responses to U.S. tariffs. The trip also includes a visit to Canada’s Arctic to reaffirm its sovereignty in the region, a concern heightened by Trump’s actions. While avoiding a Washington visit, Carney seeks to de-escalate tensions through future communication with President Trump.
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Five Republican Minnesota senators will introduce a bill classifying “Trump Derangement Syndrome” (TDS) as a mental illness, defining it as “acute onset of paranoia” regarding Donald Trump’s presidencies. The bill, set for review by the Senate Health and Human Services Committee on Monday, proposes amending state statutes to include TDS as a diagnosable condition. Critics argue TDS is a politically motivated label lacking clinical basis and could be used to suppress dissent, while proponents claim it manifests as hostility and aggression towards Trump and his supporters. The bill’s passage is uncertain given the DFL’s narrow Senate majority.
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Thousands protested Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s pro-Russia stance and his obstruction of EU actions concerning Ukraine in Budapest. Simultaneously, Orbán presented twelve demands to the EU, including a “Union without Ukraine,” increased national veto power, and a crackdown on foreign-funded organizations. In response, the opposition launched a referendum, “Voice of the Nation,” encompassing questions on EU and NATO membership and term limits for the Prime Minister. Orbán’s actions, timed to coincide with a national holiday, included threats against media and NGOs he deemed “foreign agents.”
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John Q. Hosedrinker