Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum have solidified their countries’ relationship through a new strategic partnership, aiming to deepen ties amidst the uncertainty of a potential second Trump presidency in the U.S. This agreement encompasses developing trade and security relationships, infrastructure investment, and joint efforts on climate and conservation initiatives. Both leaders emphasized the importance of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), with Carney stating Canada’s commitment to working with both partners. Further, the two leaders discussed the upcoming CUSMA review next year.
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Reports indicate that Donald Trump is orchestrating the sale of TikTok’s U.S. assets to a consortium of right-wing billionaires and allies. This deal, involving figures like Marc Andreessen and Larry Ellison, is expected to convert the platform into a propaganda tool, raising concerns about democratic values and consumer privacy. Despite claims of prioritizing national security, the move is viewed as a power grab aimed at controlling information and silencing dissent. The acquisition aligns with a broader strategy of media consolidation by Trump’s allies, echoing authoritarian tactics seen elsewhere and threatening the integrity of American media.
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President Trump has repeatedly and incorrectly claimed to have settled conflicts between Azerbaijan and Albania. This claim, repeated in multiple interviews and appearances, misrepresents the countries involved. In a recent Fox News appearance, Trump described a scenario in the Oval Office involving the leaders of these nations, emphasizing the closeness achieved during the supposed resolution. The accuracy of these claims is questionable, considering the ongoing conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia.
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David Letterman weighed in on the indefinite suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! at the Atlantic Festival, condemning the move as a result of an “authoritarian criminal administration” in the Oval Office. Letterman, who hosted late-night shows for decades, stated he never faced pressure from any governmental agency regarding his political humor. He criticized the Federal Communications Commission’s Brendan Carr and expressed his belief that Kimmel’s situation reflects a broader trend of managed media and manipulation within the industry. Letterman also mentioned the end of Stephen Colbert’s run on late night at CBS, saying that it was “inexcusable”, as the show was being manipulated to appease the president.
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Former President Donald Trump has been privately pressuring national security officials to regain control of Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan, which the Taliban seized after the US withdrawal in 2021. Trump believes the base is vital for monitoring China, accessing rare earth elements, combating ISIS, and potentially reopening a diplomatic facility. While a 2020 agreement mandated a full US troop withdrawal, Trump has suggested the US has leverage over the Taliban due to their need for assistance. Bagram, a key military hub for nearly two decades, was left by US troops in 2021, with its departure criticized in a State Department review for contributing to the chaotic overall withdrawal.
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Speaking aboard Air Force One, President Trump suggested revoking the licenses of broadcast television networks critical of him. This followed ABC’s suspension of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” due to the host’s comments. Trump referenced negative media coverage, particularly from Kimmel and Stephen Colbert, asserting these networks are biased. He deferred to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, emphasizing his patriotism and hinting at potential action regarding network licenses.
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The Trump administration has petitioned the Supreme Court for an emergency order to remove Lisa Cook from the Federal Reserve’s board of governors. This action follows a failed attempt by the administration to oust Cook, who was appointed by President Joe Biden, and is part of a larger effort to reshape the Fed. The legal challenge is unprecedented, as no president has previously fired a sitting Fed governor. The administration argues that Cook’s alleged actions regarding mortgage rates raise concerns about her trustworthiness and ability to manage interest rates, though she denies any wrongdoing and has not been charged with a crime.
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During a press conference in the UK, the former US president expressed disappointment in Vladimir Putin, stating that the Russian leader had “let him down” in the efforts to secure a peace deal in Ukraine. Trump, who previously believed the conflict would be easily resolved, criticized Putin for the ongoing violence and casualties. He also suggested that Putin initiated the war due to a lack of respect for the then-current US leadership. Meanwhile, the UK’s Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, echoed calls to increase pressure on Russia to reach a lasting peace agreement, with the UK deploying Typhoon jets to support NATO’s “Eastern Sentry” mission in Poland.
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Following the assassination of Charlie Kirk, Tucker Carlson expressed concern that the Trump administration would use the event to implement “hate speech” laws, potentially infringing upon the First Amendment. Carlson, a former Fox News host, specifically criticized Attorney General Pam Bondi’s comments, which suggested the Justice Department would target individuals using hate speech. In addition, several members of Trump’s administration have pledged action against those who appear to celebrate or mock Kirk’s death, leading to backlash, including the indefinite suspension of Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show.
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Following the death of Charlie Kirk, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg criticized the Trump administration for attempting to “exploit” the tragedy. Buttigieg argued that the focus should not be on political divisions but on actions that either help or hurt the country. He specifically condemned Trump’s response, which promised to target those involved and organizations supporting political violence, as damaging. Buttigieg stressed the need to reject anyone who attempts to exploit such violence and advocated for free political debate while also acknowledging the role of social media, particularly its impact on young men.
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John Q. Hosedrinker