A Tesla showroom in The Hague was vandalized with anti-fascist graffiti, following similar incidents in Germany, where Musk’s support for a far-right party fueled the attacks. This comes amidst declining Tesla sales in the Netherlands, potentially linked to Musk’s controversial political activities and the resulting negative publicity. The vandalism reflects growing public unease regarding Musk’s influence and the perceived association of Tesla with far-right politics. While some companies are reconsidering Tesla purchases, others report continued strong demand for the electric vehicles.
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Sanctioned Russian senator Suleiman Kerimov, through the Delaware-registered Heritage Trust, secretly held approximately 1% of SpaceX stock from 2017 until at least summer 2022, potentially forfeiting a stake worth $3.5 billion. This occurred despite US sanctions imposed due to Kerimov’s close ties to Vladimir Putin. It remains unclear if SpaceX was aware of Kerimov’s ownership, as inquiries to involved parties went unanswered. The revelation highlights a significant loophole in existing sanctions, allowing a high-profile sanctioned individual to maintain substantial investments in a prominent American company.
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Following a public speech criticizing the Taliban’s ban on girls’ education, Deputy Foreign Minister Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai was reportedly forced to flee Afghanistan. Stanikzai’s criticism, delivered at a January 20th graduation ceremony, cited religious and ethical justifications for overturning the ban. Subsequently, he was allegedly ordered arrested by the Taliban’s supreme leader, leading to his departure for the UAE, though he cited health reasons. This incident highlights the ongoing oppression of women and girls under Taliban rule, a situation currently under investigation by the International Criminal Court.
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Following a 30-day pause on US tariffs, New Brunswick will maintain existing American alcohol on NB Liquor shelves but halt further purchases. Premier Susan Holt announced this decision alongside a four-point plan to review government procurement, support workers and businesses affected by potential tariffs, review internal trade barriers, and explore additional protective measures. While some contracts with US companies will be maintained for essential services, the province aims to replace US products with Canadian alternatives wherever possible. This response comes after several other Canadian provinces implemented similar measures, including banning US alcohol and limiting contracts with US companies.
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Tesla’s January performance in France, the EU’s second-largest EV market, was significantly weaker than the overall market trend. Registrations dropped a dramatic 63%, totaling just 1,141 vehicles — the lowest since August 2022. This decline contrasts with a small overall decrease in industry sales and EV sales specifically. The sharp fall in Tesla registrations suggests challenges for the company in this key European market.
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Ukrainian reports indicate a potential withdrawal of North Korean troops from the front lines in the Kursk region, following heavy casualties estimated at 1,000 out of 11,000 deployed soldiers in just three months. This assessment, supported by similar reports from the New York Times, suggests significant losses impacting North Korea’s participation in the conflict. While the withdrawal may not be permanent, the North Koreans’ apparent vulnerability to Ukrainian drones highlights the challenges they face in modern warfare. Despite this setback, Russia and North Korea continue to strengthen their military alliance.
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China is initiating legal action against the U.S. at the WTO, alleging that President Trump’s 10% tariff on all Chinese imports violates WTO trade rules. This action follows Trump’s justification of the tariffs under the IEEPA, citing a national emergency due to illegal immigration and drug trafficking, primarily fentanyl originating from China. While China acknowledges its role in providing precursor chemicals, it rejects responsibility for the U.S. fentanyl crisis and urges a more collaborative approach to address the issue. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce vows to implement countermeasures to protect its interests.
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In response to newly imposed U.S. tariffs, Canadian businesses are emphasizing domestic sourcing. Loblaw Companies Ltd. plans to increase its procurement of Canadian-grown and -made food, while also exploring Mexican alternatives. Shopify intends to incorporate features promoting local purchases within its Shop app for Canadian, U.S., and Mexican markets. These actions follow President Trump’s announcement of 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods, met by Canada’s own retaliatory tariffs totaling $30 billion initially, set to rise to $125 billion.
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In response to Donald Trump’s newly imposed tariffs, Premier François Legault convened a meeting with key Quebec financial leaders. The afternoon session included executives from Desjardins, Banque Nationale, Caisse de Dépôt, Investissement Québec, and Hydro-Québec, along with key ministers. Discussions focused on potential countermeasures, including the possibility of restricting hydroelectric power exports to the United States, a suggestion previously floated by Legault. Further action has already been taken, with the SAQ instructed to remove all American products from its shelves and distribution channels. A press conference is scheduled to follow the meetings.
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Following a 30-day postponement of U.S. tariffs negotiated by Prime Minister Trudeau, Ontario has paused its retaliatory measures. These measures included removing U.S. alcohol from LCBO shelves and cancelling a $100 million Starlink internet deal. While the retaliatory actions are temporarily suspended, Premier Ford warned they could be reinstated if tariffs are implemented. The pause allows for further negotiations and underscores the precarious nature of the Canada-U.S. trade relationship.
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John Q. Hosedrinker