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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.

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This post was derived from today's FIVESTACK LIVE broadcast, edited for clarity and readability.

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Canada’s Number 1 shock jock Dean Blundell and Narativ’s Zev Shalev countdown the Top 5 breaking news stories of the moment on Substack Live

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The speed is breathtaking. In just a month, Trump has executed what can only be called "Crash a Democracy in 30 Days for Dummies." The changes happening in America aren't merely policy shifts – they represent a fundamental dismantling of democratic norms at a pace that should alarm everyone.

American Citizens Are Being Disappeared

Let's be clear about wha…

PLUS the other stories to make the FiveStack: Hegseth leaks military secrets in Signal chat room; Turkey erupts in nationwide protests, Trump is targeting Green Cardholders’ social media accounts and True or Fake? The JD Vance audio.

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In today's episode of The Five Stack, we witnessed history in the making as Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney delivered what can only be described as a Churchill-esque address announcing the severing of economic and security ties with Trump's America.

The Canadian Break-Up

In an unprecedented move that has sent shockwaves through global markets, PM Carney announced that "the era of deep economic, security and military ties between Canada and the United States is over." This wasn't a diplomatic eye-roll or polite disagreement – this was a full divorce after 150 years of peaceful partnership.

The catalyst? Trump's continued threats of tariffs based on false claims about fentanyl and subsidies, coupled with his Truth Social post threatening Canada and the EU for attempting to diversify their trade partnerships. The final straw came when Trump threatened to annex Canada and undermine our sovereignty.

Carney announced Canada will immediately pivot to new partnerships with Australia, New Zealand, and about 30 EU countries – all at "light speed." As he said, "We're going it alone with new partners... we're going to do things never thought possible because we have to."

The economic impact was immediate:

* Canadian dollar surged

* Dow plummeted 700 points

* US automakers panicked over retaliatory tariffs

* EU leaders released joint statements backing Canada

What's extraordinary is the apparent coordination between Canada and other democratic nations, with analysts suggesting this may be the first domino to fall as other nations follow suit in breaking from Trump's America.

The Musk-China Connection

ProPublica and the Financial Times revealed that Chinese companies may have secret holdings inside SpaceX through offshore vehicles. This bombshell comes just days after Musk was ejected from the Pentagon where he was seeking classified China briefings.

The deals were reportedly "structured to limit the information investors receive," raising serious national security concerns about Chinese access to American space technology. With SpaceX receiving approximately $38 billion annually from the US government, these revelations call into question where Musk's true loyalties lie.

Cabinet of Corruption

Steve Witkoff, Trump's Middle East advisor who's been negotiating with Putin about Ukraine, was revealed to have connections to a well-known Russian mob figure who ran an illegal gambling operation in Trump Tower. According to reporting from Craig Unger, Witkoff provided a "glowing reference letter" for this mobster.

Adding to the intrigue, Witkoff is also involved in World Liberty Financial, the Trump family's cryptocurrency venture that just announced a stablecoin called USDIA. This comes as the administration considers a crypto reserve that would artificially inflate cryptocurrency values – potentially enriching the Trump inner circle while destabilizing the dollar.

Speaker Johnson's Grindr Scandal

In a stunning development, texts and photos allegedly showing House Speaker Mike Johnson on the gay dating app Grindr have emerged. The anti-LGBTQ+ crusader, who has backed conversion therapy and whose wife is a consultant helping people "convert from being gay," appears to have been caught in breathtaking hypocrisy.

In the alleged exchange, someone claiming to be Johnson writes that he's "very discreet" with "a few kids not trying to mess up my situation" while arranging a hookup.

Johnson's unusual living arrangement with a pastor in a $3.7 million DC home has also raised eyebrows, with speculation that their relationship exceeds a simple tenant-landlord arrangement.

The news cycle continues to accelerate at a dizzying pace. As we navigate these unprecedented times, The Five Stack remains committed to bringing you the unfiltered analysis missing from mainstream coverage.

Join us tomorrow when we welcome Olga Lautman to the show for even more insights into the rapidly shifting global landscape.

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On The FiveStack:

SignalGate isn't just embarrassing - it's damning. Waltz and Hegseth shared classified Israeli intelligence about military strikes through an unsecured Signal chat that included Tulsi Gabbard "somewhere in Asia." Military sources confirm what any sensible person already knows: sharing strike times and targets endangered American troops. Yet Vance insists no one will be fired. Astonishing.

Meanwhile, Waltz's Venmo account is now public, showing connections to Susie Wiles. The National Security Advisor can't secure his own accounts? As pilots and generals speak out, the administration dispatches Vance to Greenland where the entire population essentially told him to get lost.

Musk's Chinese paymasters exposed

The Musk-China connections are worse than we thought. ProPublica and Financial Post revealed Chinese money flowing to SpaceX through Cayman Islands shell companies. Maye Musk is functioning as a Chinese influence agent while her son installs Starlink systems for White House communications. This isn't just corruption - it's a foreign intelligence operation in plain sight.

Remember when the right was obsessed with national security? Now they're silent as Musk's operatives mark elderly Americans "deceased" in Social Security databases, cutting off their benefits and Medicare. This isn't incompetence - it's deliberate cruelty.

Trump caves to Carney

At least Canada showed how to handle Trump - with backbone. When PM Carney refused Trump's call and threatened to exit security agreements, Trump folded immediately. His tough-guy act crumbles when confronted with actual strength.

Resist: It’s Working!

The battle lines are drawn: Republicans are targeting ActBlue to cripple Democratic fundraising while ICE "disappears" academics critical of Russia. But resistance works - public pressure just saved the Ukrainian kidnapped children database.

Nationwide protests are coming April 5th. The regime fears nothing more than Americans in the streets. That's where I'll be - will you?

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* Phony Math - Trump's formula has no logical basis, simply taking trade deficits, dividing by exports, and slashing by half to determine tariff rates. As Krugman noted, "those numbers are gobbledygook."

* Russia Exempt --Key countries were suspiciously exempted - Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Hong Kong face no tariffs while even uninhabited territories like Herd Island (population: zero humans, 2 million penguins) were targeted with tariffs.

* American Consumers will foot the bill - Economists project these tariffs will cost American households an estimated $5,000 per year in increased prices on everyday goods - from electronics to school supplies.

* The World Reacts: The stock market lost $2.4 trillion in a single day following the announcement, with some American companies like Restoration Hardware losing 41% of their value overnight. Canada’s Carney gets prop.

* Trump's Depression Claim ‘that tariffs made America rich in the past and didn't cause the Great Depression‘ is a complete inversion of history - in reality, tariffs significantly worsened the Great Depression.

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Top 5 Stories from FiveStack (April 4, 2025)

* NSC/NSA Firings (#1 Story): Laura Loomer visited the White House and reportedly provided a "hit list" that led to the removal of 10 senior National Security Council officials and the head of the NSA (a four-star general). This was viewed as seriously compromising US national security capabilities, especially regarding Ukraine.

* Trump's Tariffs (#5 Story): Trump announced widespread tariffs against numerous countries (excluding Russia), wiping out $6.4 trillion in market value. The hosts discussed the seemingly irrational nature of these tariffs, which even targeted territories with US military bases and "penguin islands."

* Kirill Dmitriev's White House Visit (#4 Story): Dmitriev, a sanctioned Russian oligarch who runs Russia's sovereign wealth fund, was allowed into the White House. He was previously involved in the 2016 Seychelles meeting with Erik Prince and has been negotiating what the hosts called a "sham peace plan" for Ukraine.

* US Soldiers in Lithuania: Four US soldiers died in an accident in Lithuania where their vehicle went into a swamp. Trump initially claimed not to know about it, and later was golfing with Saudis instead of greeting the returning bodies.

* Stock Market Collapse: Related to the tariffs, the hosts discussed the severe economic impact and Trump's apparent indifference while continuing to golf.

The conversation also included significant discussion about:

* Parallels between Putin's rise to power in Russia and Trump's governance style

* Olga Lautmann's personal experience being targeted by Russian operatives

* The relationship between Trump and Russia dating back to the 1980s

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Here’s today’s Top 5:

5. Trump's Tariff Con Game

Trump claims 50 countries are begging to negotiate tariffs while China remains his "enemy." B******t. This is pure tribute extraction – forcing countries and CEOs to pledge loyalty.

The real play? Countries dumping US dollars will boost China's currency while weakening the dollar. Trump's oligarch friends then swoop in to buy depressed assets in a massive wealth transfer. As markets tank, Howard Lutnick and pals get richer.

Democracy dies when economies collapse. Just ask any dictator.

4. Russian Oil Crashing – Silver Lining Alert

Trump's tariff chaos is hammering oil prices, with Russian crude nearing $50/barrel. The Kremlin needed $70 to fund their 2025 budget and war machine.

Kremlin spokesman Peskov now calls the situation "extremely turbulent" – quite different from their previous Trump cheerleading. When bad things happen to Putin, I get a little excited.

3. Loomergate: National Security Meltdown

Conspiracy theorist Laura Loomer walked into the Oval Office and got Trump to fire the NSA chief and his deputies just as they were preparing to counter China's massive "Salt Typhoon" cyber operation.

She previously amplified Russian disinfo and mysteriously arrived with detailed dossiers on officials. Connect the dots – it's not hard to see who benefits from America's cybersecurity being gutted.

2. China Playing Canada Like a Fiddle

Canadian intelligence has identified a Chinese disinformation campaign "supporting" Mark Carney – classic China strategy. They don't pick sides; they create chaos.

By backing Carney, they can simultaneously damage him with voters, position for Arctic access, and potentially drive a wedge between Canada and the US. China sees opportunity in chaos while democracies fight among themselves.

1. Trump's $94M Birthday Military Parade

The ultimate small-dick energy move: Trump is planning a $94 million military parade through DC on June 14th for his 79th birthday.

Stalin, Kim Jong-un, and Hitler all did the same – forcing troops to display fealty while cutting social programs. Nothing says "I'm definitely not a dictator" like making soldiers march for your birthday while the economy burns.

Despite mainstream media blackout, five million Americans protested in "Hands Off" demonstrations this weekend. Next major protest: April 19th. Keep showing up – there are hundreds of millions more of you than them.

Today on The FiveStack, we exposed the interconnected web of Trump's disastrous tariff policies, his hidden China connections, and what it means for America and our allies.

5. Tariff Truth Bomb

Let's be crystal clear about what these tariffs really are: the biggest tax hike on ordinary Americans in history. When Trump slaps a 105% tariff on Chinese goods, YOU are the one paying it - not China.

Look around your home. Count how many items were made in China. Now imagine paying DOUBLE for each one. That's what's happening starting tomorrow. The average American household will pay thousands more monthly because of this economic suicide mission.

Trump's tariff formula is nonsensical - any mathematician will tell you it doesn't add up. Meanwhile, he's still planning massive tax cuts for the ultra-wealthy. His strategy is transparent: tax the poor and middle class through tariffs to pay for tax breaks for billionaires.

4. Trump's China Conflict

What the media isn't telling you: Trump's financial interests are deeply entwined with China through Hong Kong connections. The Truth Social SPAC that made him billions? Chinese money.

This explains the bizarre Hong Kong exemption in his tariff plan. It's not America First - it's Trump's Bank Account First.

While he performs this "trade war" theater, he's actively helping devalue the American dollar and elevate China's currency as a global reserve standard. This is the real handover of American superpower status happening before our eyes.

Read our story about Trump’s China conflicts here.

3. Chinese Soldiers in Ukraine

Ukrainian forces captured Chinese soldiers fighting alongside Russian troops, confirming what we've reported for months. Zelensky revealed they found their documents and credit cards - proof that China has joined North Korea and Iran in directly supporting Russia's invasion.

This revelation should end any pretense of Trump's "negotiations" with Putin over Ukraine. We're witnessing the formation of a clear axis of authoritarian powers actively working against Western democracies.

2. Canadian Election Showdown

Canada's election pits Oxford/Harvard-educated economic genius Mark Carney against Pierre Poilievre, Canada's dollar-store Trump impersonator. Poilievre, with no security clearance and no real credentials, is reduced to lying about crowd sizes and assaulting reporters who ask tough questions.

Carney is standing up to Trump's tariffs and offering a blueprint for how democratic nations should respond to authoritarianism. The world needs to "go full Carney" as even the BBC acknowledges.

1. AP Defeats Trump in Court

In a victory for press freedom, the Associated Press won their lawsuit against the Trump administration. A judge (Trump-appointed, no less) ruled that the White House cannot exclude journalists based on viewpoint, even if that viewpoint is simply calling the Gulf of Mexico by its actual name.

The White House press pool has been infected with partisan hacks and foreign assets like Tim Pool. Real journalism matters now more than ever - independent voices are the last line of defense as establishment media wilts under authoritarian pressure.

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5️⃣ Trump Backtracks on Tariffs While Claiming Victory

After wiping out nearly $10 trillion in market value and sending the global economy into panic, Trump suddenly announced a 90-day pause on most tariffs while keeping the 125% China tariffs. He had the audacity to call this "the most important day in financial history" as markets bounced back from his self-inflicted catastrophe.

What actually happened? Japan and Canada began dumping U.S. bonds, Goldman Sachs warned of a 65% recession probability, and Trump's financial advisors finally got through his thick skull. But instead of admitting failure, he portrayed himself as the hero who "saved" the markets he just destroyed. Pure Trump theater.

4️⃣ The China Connection Trump Doesn't Want You to See

Christopher Steele's intelligence revealed the Trump campaign was "relaxed" about Russia allegations because they "deflected attention from Trump's business dealings in China" that involved "large bribes and kickbacks."

The evidence is damning: Trump exempted Hong Kong from tariffs (following the money), his family pursues Chinese ventures including TikTok negotiations, and his Truth Social valuation is propped up by Chinese investors. The aggressive China rhetoric is simply smokescreen for these deep financial entanglements.

Read about it here

3️⃣ Pierre Poilievre: India's Man in Ottawa

Global News obtained receipts showing India's BJP party funneled money into Poilievre's leadership campaign and paid to sabotage his opponent Patrick Brown. This revelation comes while India faces accusations of assassination operations on Canadian soil.

Poilievre continues refusing his national security background check while dodging questions about India. When confronted at a press conference, he pretended not to hear the question and kept reporters in a pen 50 feet from the stage. Dollar Store Trump indeed.

Read about it here.

2️⃣ Musk Building Digital Stasi Inside Government

Musk's "efficiency" audits were cover for creating a surveillance apparatus straight from Beijing's playbook. His teams are consolidating data from previously siloed government agencies into unified databases that track Americans across every aspect of their lives.

AI systems now monitor federal workers for anti-Trump sentiment, setting up the infrastructure for a digital purge of opponents. This isn't speculation – it's happening right now, with no congressional oversight.

Read all about it here

Also Elon Musk cries over a video game

1️⃣ Trump Weakens NATO While Junior Courts Kremlin Candidate

The administration plans to withdraw 10,000 troops from Europe against military advice, while Donald Trump Jr. is making a "business trip" to Romania just before elections where a Kremlin-backed candidate is running.

This isn't coincidence – it's coordinated policy. Junior's Romania adventure sends an unmistakable signal about America's new alignment toward Russian interests just as America's military presence in Europe shrinks.

If you want more analysis on these critical developments, visit narrative.org for my deeper dive on Trump's China connections.

Read about it here

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Ladies and gentlemen, we've just witnessed one of the most brazen financial heists in American history. The Five Stack breaks it down

5. America's President Has Lost It

The president of the United States is insane. There's no other explanation for deliberately tanking the world's leading economy, then "saving" it through what appears to be the most public pump-and-dump scheme ever executed.

Don't take my word for it. Tom Lee from a major research firm reports fund managers are questioning the White House's rationality: "Some even fear there may be no ideology. A few have quietly wondered if the president might be insane."

He's not insane. He's criminal. And with the Supreme Court's immunity gift, he's operating with impunity.

4. Mark Carney's Financial Checkmate

Mark Carney just schooled Trump in economic warfare. As one of America's biggest creditors, Canada began strategically selling US Treasury bonds. When you owe someone $350 billion, they have leverage.

Japan, China, and other major debt holders followed suit, creating a slow bleed of American dollars that forced Trump to backpedal on tariffs.

This is what happens when you threaten countries that collectively own your $35 trillion debt. It's like threatening your bank while begging for a loan.

3. China Tariffs: The Ultimate Self-Own

The 145% China tariffs reveal either complete economic incompetence or a deliberate effort to benefit China. Instead of bringing manufacturing stateside, these tariffs make China more attractive for global production.

The math is simple: an iPhone manufactured in America would cost $3,000-$6,000. Americans won't pay for MAGA-phones at those prices.

Meanwhile, Carney flipped the script on Trump's "national security threat" nonsense, correctly identifying America as the true threat to Canada through its exports of guns, drugs, and social media-amplified hate.

2. Showerheads and Eggs: Peak Distraction

After cratering markets, the White House priorities turned to... shower pressure. The "Undoing the Left's War on Water Pressure" executive order declared that "no longer will shower heads be weak and worthless."

This alongside Trump's claim that egg prices dropped 79%, while they actually hit record highs at $6.23 per dozen. You can't make this s**t up.

1. The $415 Million Personal Payday

While America's retirement accounts burned, Trump personally pocketed $415 million. The scheme was transparent:

* MTG made suspicious stock trades minutes before Trump's announcement

* Trump posted "today's a great day to buy stocks" on Truth Social

* Trump Media filed to sell shares at the artificially inflated prices

* Charles Schwab ($2.5B) and Roger Penske ($900M) celebrated their windfall in the Oval Office

In the Rose Garden, Trump celebrated the Dow's "historic" surge while ignoring the $10 trillion in losses his tariff threats caused days earlier.

The Bottom Line

America is being run by a mobster. This wasn't governance – it was economic sabotage for personal profit. Trump isn't serving American interests; he's executing a financial revenge tour at the expense of average citizens.

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5. Dollar Sell-Off: Trump's Gift to China

The US dollar has crashed below 100 on the benchmark index – a devastating indicator that the world is dumping American currency. China, Japan, Belgium, and even the EU are flooding the market with US Treasury bonds. This isn't accidental. Trump's tariff war has triggered a global realignment where investment is fleeing to the EU and other stable currencies.

The American dollar used to be the reserve currency for 75% of the world. Now it's 58% and falling fast. This massive devaluation isn't just economic policy gone wrong – it's exactly what China wants. When currencies tremble, it's the invisible hand of the market voting on a nation's stability. The verdict is clear.

4. War With Greenland: Military Loyalty Purge

The commander of the 821st Space Base Group in Greenland has been removed from command for the crime of diplomacy. After VP JD Vance visited Pitufik Space Base and made inflammatory statements about Denmark and Greenland, Colonel Myers sent an email attempting to reassure the thousands of Danish, Greenlandic and American personnel under her command.

Her statement that "the concerns of the US administration discussed by Vice President Vance are not reflective of Pitufik Space Base" was deemed disloyal. This is part of a larger pattern of removing military leadership who show resistance to administration directives – and another signal that Trump's previously mocked interest in "taking" Greenland wasn't just idle talk.

3. DOJ to Free Russian Spy Who Birthed Hunter Claims

Alexander Smirnoff, the originator of the Hunter Biden laptop conspiracy, is about to walk free. After pleading guilty in December and landing in prison, the Department of Justice is now mysteriously reviewing his case with apparent intent to drop charges.

This fits the administration's pattern of rewarding those who create damaging political narratives. The same conspiracy theories that fueled right-wing media for years and helped deliver Trump's return to power are now revealed as Russian intelligence operations – and rather than holding accountable those who amplified foreign disinformation, the administration rewards them.

2. Constitutional Crisis: Abrego Garcia Detention

The Supreme Court ruled 9-0 that Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident deported to El Salvador without due process, must be returned to the US – but the administration refuses to comply, creating a genuine constitutional crisis.

Officials claim returning him is "impracticable," raising disturbing speculation about whether he's still alive in El Salvador's notorious prison system. If an American citizen has died after being extrajudicially rendered to a foreign country, we're witnessing not just a constitutional crisis but potentially state-sanctioned murder. The administration's resistance to a unanimous Supreme Court order signals a direct attack on judicial authority and constitutional guardrails.

1. War With Mexico: Military Buildup Intensifies

The number one crisis is unfolding along the southern border, where 10,000 active-duty troops including combat units are positioned for what appears to be imminent conflict. The administration may invoke the Insurrection Act within nine days, transforming a border control operation into militarized law enforcement – or worse.

Naval forces are positioning along Mexican shorelines while Trump has designated Mexican cartels as "terror entities" to justify what looks increasingly like preparation for military action. This isn't border security – it's war staging.

The pattern is unmistakable. From China to Greenland, from Russia to Mexico, Trump is manufacturing crises on multiple fronts simultaneously. Each crisis alone would be concerning. Together, they represent a coordinated assault on democratic institutions, international stability, and the rule of law.

The perfect storm is here. The only question is whether Americans will recognize it before it's too late.

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5. Canada's Military Independence Day

Mark Carney just declared Canada's independence from American dominance.

Today's bombshell announcement wasn't a warning shot - it was the culmination of strategic planning that will permanently reshape North American power dynamics. Carney revealed agreements with the EU and other partners to build a robust military-industrial complex, effectively ending Canada's defense dependency on an increasingly unstable United States.

This isn't just military posturing. The plan includes rebuilding shipyards, constructing Arctic military bases, and creating an economic corridor spanning the country. When Carney referenced negotiating with the US "from a position of strength," he made it crystal clear: the old dynamic of subservience is finished. Canada is claiming its rightful place with partners it can trust.

4. The China-Carney Disinformation Campaign

The disinformation machine is working overtime to paint Carney as a Chinese asset. I've tracked these narratives forming online for weeks - the fingerprints of manufactured influence operations are unmistakable.

Conservative operatives like Mark Slipinski (who once ran a site claiming the Pope was arrested for pedophilia) are pushing verifiable untruths linking Carney to China and Ghislaine Maxwell. Half of these posts originate outside Canada. This isn't legitimate criticism; it's coordinated character assassination designed to undermine Canadian sovereignty at a critical moment.

3. Trump-Bukele: Building an American Gulag

Trump's meeting with El Salvador's dictator Nayib Bukele revealed plans to send American citizens to foreign detention without due process. This isn't speculation - Trump explicitly stated he plans to ship "homegrown" Americans to Bukele's notorious prison system.

A leaked Rubio memo indicates plans to detain anyone they believe might commit "expected crimes" - past, present, or future. This goes beyond border enforcement - it's the machinery of political imprisonment being assembled in plain sight. When citizens start disappearing from American streets into foreign gulags, the transformation to autocracy will be complete.

2. Ukraine Betrayal Exposes Trump's True Allegiance

Trump's treachery toward Ukraine continued with his obscene claims that Zelenskyy is responsible for Russian war deaths. When Zelenskyy cleverly offered to purchase Patriot missiles rather than request them as aid, Trump's response exposed his true allegiance.

His refusal to sell defense systems to a nation under attack - even when they're willing to pay - reveals what we've known all along: Trump isn't a businessman looking for Ukraine to "pay their way" - he's Putin's puppet working to ensure Ukraine's defeat. The deaths of 30 Ukrainian civilians on Palm Sunday mean nothing to a president committed to serving Russian interests.

1. Musk's Data Monopoly: The End of American Privacy

Most alarming is what's happening within the government itself. Elon Musk's Doge operation is consolidating unprecedented data control through Palantir's Foundry platform. This isn't government efficiency - it's the creation of a surveillance apparatus that can predict your actions, manipulate your choices, and ultimately control every aspect of American life.

By combining Treasury data, IRS information, and social media profiles with AI capabilities, they're building what amounts to a simulation layer over reality itself. This monopoly on data serves foreign interests, particularly Russia's, creating vulnerabilities in American democracy that may prove impossible to reverse.

The connections between these stories aren't coincidental. Trump's anti-democratic measures at home, his sabotage of Ukraine abroad, and the data surveillance state under construction all serve the same masters. This isn't partisan politics - it's an existential threat to democracy itself.

As Canada demonstrates how nations can reclaim sovereignty from American chaos, Americans themselves face the most severe test of their republic since the Civil War. The perfect storm isn't coming - it's already here.

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Dean Blundell and Zev Shalev

#5: The Abrego Garcia Case:

Garcia, who was removed from Maryland and taken to a maximum-security jail in El Salvador. He is reportedly one of 278 men with no criminal records who were in the U.S. illegally. Concerns were raised about due process, human rights, and a potential conflict between the executive branch and the Supreme Court regarding his return. It was mentioned that a withholding of removal order had previously been in place for Mr. Garcia due to safety concerns in El Salvador.

#4: Hegseth Leaks:

Dan Caldwell, a key advisor to Hegseth, was reportedly walked out of the Pentagon in connection with the unauthorized disclosure of documents.

#3: Canada and the 51st State:

The topic of Canada potentially becoming the 51st state resurfaced during a White House press briefing. CBC reporter Katie Simpson questioned the administration about a perceived shift in rhetoric. Press Secretary Caroline Levitt reportedly stated that Canada remains in favor with President Trump, who believes it should be the 51st state due to its reliance on the U.S. military.

#2: Trump vs. Universities (Harvard):

The show addressed escalating tensions between the Trump administration and universities, particularly Harvard. A letter from President Trump to Harvard reportedly outlined demands related to protests, antisemitism, student admissions, and faculty hiring, linking these to a significant university grant. Harvard reportedly responded by asserting its academic freedom. Subsequently, President Trump reportedly threatened to not only defund Harvard but also remove its tax-exempt status.

#1: Russians Breach DOGE

The top story detailed a report by NPR concerning access to the National Labor Relations Board's (NLRB) sensitive labor systems. This access used DOGE credentials soon and happened directly after DOGE activists achieved "God mode" access of the NLRB

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Here’s the TOP 5

5. Russia Accessed US Systems Through Backdoor Using Starlink

A whistleblower from the National Labor Relations Board revealed that immediately after Doge illegally gained administrative "God mode" access to secure databases, Russian IP addresses began attempting to access the system. According to the whistleblower's lawyer, Starlink satellites provided Russia direct access to US government systems, bypassing normal internet channels. The Department of Defense reportedly stopped using Starlink after discovering this vulnerability. Over 10 million gigabytes of government data have disappeared, and nuclear facilities were potentially compromised. This breach represents an unprecedented national security crisis receiving minimal mainstream coverage.

4. Letitia James Targeted After Launching White House Investigation

New York Attorney General Letitia James is now facing a mortgage fraud investigation from the IRS, launched immediately as she prepared to investigate potential insider trading related to Trump's tariff announcements. This pattern fits with Marco Rubio's concerning memo declaring the administration would target anyone who had done anything "in the past, presently, or in the future" that doesn't meet expectations. With Doge compromising sensitive databases, the administration can now access detailed personal information on perceived enemies, using government agencies to intimidate officials investigating Trump or his allies.

3. Trump’s US Attorney Is A Russian Stooge

Ed Martin, Trump's nominee for US Attorney General, failed to disclose his extensive work with Russian state media. Martin appeared on Russian outlets RT and Sputnik approximately 250 times, reportedly earning around $350,000 annually from these appearances. This revelation is particularly concerning as Martin was previously involved in organizing "Stop the Steal" rallies and the January 6th insurrection. The US attorney nominee's deep connections to Russian propaganda networks represents another alarming link between the Trump administration and

2. Protesters Tased, Beaten For Asking Questions At MTG Town Hall

Marjorie Taylor Greene's Georgia town hall erupted into violence when constituents questioned or disagreed with the congresswoman. Five people were arrested and four hospitalized after police violently removed attendees who simply displayed signs or asked challenging questions. Two individuals were tased, including a Black man who was shocked twice while already walking toward the exit. Videos show MTG mocking questioners while MAGA supporters laughed as police attacked citizens exercising their First Amendment rights. This incident signals a dangerous new norm for political discourse where physical force silences dissent at public forums.

1. US Paying Dictator To Imprison Innocent Man

Senator Chris Van Hollen traveled to El Salvador seeking the release of Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident deported without due process despite a Supreme Court order for his return. The vice president of El Salvador shockingly admitted they cannot return Garcia because "Donald Trump is paying us to keep him here." Judge Boesberg has found the administration in criminal contempt, stating they have "obfuscated and mocked the courts." This represents American tax dollars funding the kidnapping, trafficking, and imprisonment of an innocent person, creating an unprecedented constitutional crisis. With 238 others similarly detained, the administration has effectively established an extrajudicial system to disappear perceived enemies.

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5. America's Slide Into Dictatorship Gets Real

The United States is checking all five boxes of dictatorship: centralized power, suppression of dissent, control of media, suspension of rights/liberties, and cult of personality. Trump is testing how far he can push Americans at every turn - from controlling media with lawsuits to suspending due process at the border. As Senator Murkowski admitted today, even powerful politicians are "afraid" to stand up to him. Each test is meant to normalize increasingly authoritarian control, making resistance more difficult as institutions are weakened.

4. Court Rejects Government Appeal in Abrego Garcia Case

A federal appeals court has rejected the Trump administration's attempt to overturn a lower court ruling in the Abrego Garcia case, refusing to legitimize the deportation of legal residents to El Salvador without due process. The court stated the original judge "should be allowed" to implement recent Supreme Court decisions, marking a significant judiciary pushback against executive overreach. This represents a critical check on Trump's attempt to send American residents and citizens to what amounts to concentration camps.

3. Supreme Court to Hear Trump's Birthright Citizenship Challenge

The Supreme Court will hear arguments next month on Trump's effort to restrict birthright citizenship by reinterpreting the 14th Amendment, which currently grants citizenship to anyone born on US soil. This case represents a dangerous escalation in Trump's immigration agenda, taking aim at a fundamental constitutional protection established after the Civil War. The move is widely seen as another attempt to remake America along racial lines rather than addressing actual immigration concerns through legitimate policy channels.

2. Signs of Life? Webb Telescope Finds Possible Alien Biosignatures

The James Webb Space Telescope has detected chemical compounds on planet K2-18b (124 light years away) that on Earth are only produced by living organisms. The discovery of dimethyl sulfate and dimethyl disulfide represents the strongest evidence yet for possible biological activity beyond our solar system. While not definitive proof of alien life, these chemical fingerprints suggest we may be getting closer to answering whether we're alone in the universe.

1. MyPillow's Mike Lindell Breaks Down in Court, Claims Financial Ruin

MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell tearfully told a federal judge he's financially ruined and unable to pay $56,369 in court-ordered sanctions to voting software company Smartmatic. During the virtual hearing, the once-wealthy pillow magnate (formerly worth half a billion dollars) claimed he "borrowed everything possible" and that "nobody will lend me any more money" - including, notably, Donald Trump. This financial collapse stems from Lindell's promotion of 2020 election fraud conspiracy theories and represents the latest example of the damage Trump inflicts on his most loyal supporters.

Easter Weekend Notice: Dean and Zev will be taking Good Friday off, with no FiveStack or Substack posts tomorrow. Tonight at 8pm ET, Zev will host a special report with Olga Lautmann on the surveillance state.

Weekend Protests: The next major "Hands Off" demonstration against the Trump administration is scheduled for April 19th. Both hosts encouraged Americans to participate and stand up for democracy.

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5️⃣ THE POPE IS DEAD: Francis Dies at 88, Ending Transformative Papacy

Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff who reshaped the Catholic Church with his emphasis on mercy and outreach to society's margins, died at 88 early Monday morning. His passing closes a remarkable chapter in Church history that began with his surprising election in 2013.

Francis fundamentally reoriented the Church's priorities while maintaining doctrinal positions. His papacy was defined by efforts to decentralize Church authority, address clerical sexual abuse with greater transparency, and engage with contemporary social issues from climate change to migration. The conclave to select his successor will prove pivotal, with traditionalist and reformist factions competing to define the Church's future direction.

4️⃣ PETE HEGSETH AND THE SIGNAL CHAT: Defense Secretary Facing Likely Ouster

A second unauthorized Signal chat reveals Defense Secretary Hegseth shared military operations with his wife (who lacks security clearance), brother, and personal attorney. His former press secretary published a scathing op-ed in Politico stating, "It's hard to see Defense Secretary Hegseth remaining in his role for much longer. The last month has been a full-blown meltdown at the Pentagon."

The Pentagon is in "total disarray" following Hegseth's firing of three senior advisers last week and his chief of staff's resignation. Former loyalists are now publicly turning against him, with Trump's public defense ("Pete's doing a great job") sounding increasingly hollow as the Pentagon's inspector general investigates multiple security breaches.

3️⃣ KRISTI NOEM AND THE PURSE SNATCHERS: DHS Secretary's Security Credentials Stolen

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem fell victim to a theft at a Washington DC restaurant Sunday night, losing her DHS access badge, passport, apartment keys, and $3,000 in cash to a masked thief. The Secret Service, which provides security for Noem, reviewed camera footage of the incident and has launched an investigation.

Questions abound about why Noem was carrying such a large amount of cash and, more critically, why she allegedly dismissed her Secret Service protection for the evening. The theft of high-level security credentials poses a potential national security threat, with her access badge potentially giving access to sensitive facilities.

2️⃣ DONALD TRUMP AND THE CORRUPTION: Record-Breaking Inaugural Fund Raises Eyebrows

President Trump's inaugural committee raised a staggering $239 million for his January 2025 swearing-in festivities, more than doubling the previous record of $107 million set by his own 2017 committee. Corporate America rushed to contribute after previously distancing themselves following January 6th, with tech giants Meta, Apple, Amazon, Google, and Microsoft each donating $1 million.

Larger donations came from cryptocurrency companies, with Ripple Labs giving nearly $4.9 million and Robinhood contributing $2 million. The largest single donation was $5 million from Pilgrim's Pride, a poultry company owned by Brazilian meat conglomerate JBS. Public Citizen described the inaugural committee as a "cesspool of special interest financing," as many donors secured administration positions, including Warren Stephens ($4M) nominated as UK ambassador.

1️⃣ THE DOLLAR IS DYING: Trump's Failed Trade Strategy Threatens America's Economic Foundation

Twelve days into Trump's 90-day tariff "pause," not a single trade deal has materialized despite administration claims of negotiations with 50+ countries. Japan's Prime Minister firmly stated, "If Japan concedes everything, we won't be able to secure our national interest," while markets tumbled another 1,200 points on growing certainty that no meaningful agreements will emerge.

Gold is up 15% and Bitcoin up 12% since April 7th as investors flee to alternative stores of value, with the dollar hitting new 52-week lows. Most alarming is China's successful strategy to isolate America, with 44 nations now expressing interest in joining the BRICS alliance by June, including 23 formal applications. Trump's demand that countries choose between trading with China or the US has backfired spectacularly, with the EU now negotiating directly with China while excluding America.

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THE TOP 5: Walls Closing In: U.S. Push to Surrender Crimea as Tesla Stock Nosedives

With a Pope on his deathbed unwilling to engage with a bullying Vice President, and Elon Musk's Tesla empire crumbling amid political distractions, this week brings fresh evidence of democracy's guardrails being tested both domestically and internationally.

5️⃣ Pope's Final Stand: Francis Refused To Meet With JD Vance Before Passing

Pope Francis' body will lie in state starting Wednesday ahead of Saturday's funeral, but the circumstances surrounding his final days reveal a pontiff who remained principled to the end. Despite being gravely ill, the Pope maintained a packed Easter schedule while rebuffing Vice President JD Vance's demands for a substantial meeting.

"This is a guy who's just cosplaying as a president right now," Dean Blundell observed about Vance, who reportedly became incredulous when a Vatican official criticized his administration's immigration policies. The exchange followed a February letter from Francis to U.S. bishops condemning Trump-era immigration approaches as "inhumane" and "not Christian." The Pope granted Vance only a brief handshake and photo opportunity, despite the Vice President "bullying his way" into a meeting with a dying man on Easter Sunday.

"It goes to show the hubris of JD Vance," Zev Shalev noted. "He's got this crazy attitude that just because Donald Trump brought him along... that's exalted him to the point where nobody can talk s**t to me, not even the Pope."

4️⃣ Ukraine Peace Talks Fracturing As U.S. Appears Ready To Surrender Crimea

Ukrainian and European officials are confronting a U.S. proposal that would recognize Russia's annexation of Crimea and freeze current frontlines as part of peace negotiations. The plan, which includes lifting sanctions against Russia under a future accord, has exposed deep divisions between American and European positions on territorial concessions.

The deal appears structured to benefit American and Russian interests at Ukraine's expense. "The Trump plan or America's plan for peace in Ukraine is basically complete capitulation by Ukraine," Dean explained. "You give them the land that they want. We'll try to make sure that they don't attack you. We can't promise. But in the interim, you're going to give us all your mineral rights."

President Zelensky responded forcefully, rejecting any deal that cedes Ukrainian territory. "We're never going to give any part of this beautiful country to Russia. We're never going to say yes to a peace deal that includes anything like that. And we want our people back," Zev paraphrased from Zelensky's statement.

3️⃣ Security Nightmare: Cabinet Secretary's Credentials Stolen While Secret Service "Stood Feet Away"

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem claimed her handbag containing her DHS access badge, passport, apartment keys, and $3,000 in cash was stolen while dining with family at a Washington restaurant. Surveillance footage allegedly shows a masked suspect who sat near Noem for 15 minutes before sliding her purse toward himself with his foot and leaving undetected.

However, Noem's changing story has raised questions. Initially claiming she gave her Secret Service detail the night off, she later insisted agents were present but positioned at the restaurant entrance. "I've been around these Secret Service guys a lot," Zev noted. "It's not like you can get away with s**t around these guys."

The inconsistencies and unusual circumstances - including a Cabinet secretary carrying $3,000 in cash - have fueled speculation about what actually happened. "There's a hybrid story here, but that hybrid story changes," Dean observed, noting the surveillance video doesn't show Secret Service agents present, despite protocols requiring Cabinet secretaries to have 24/7 protection.

2️⃣ Canada's Conservative Leader Releases "ChatGPT Platform" Days Before Election

Pierre Poilievre released a platform document featuring 17 pages with his picture, numerous data capture opportunities, and donation links - but little substantive policy. Economic analysts immediately flagged mathematical inconsistencies and unrealistic fiscal projections throughout the document.

"Pierre Poilievre released his platform and Dollar Store Trump didn't disappoint," Dean said, noting the 30-page document was "heavy on photos but light on substance" with significant omissions on Trump's policies, tariffs, and economic evolution. "It was so bunk, and none of it made sense. None of it is good for Canada."

The platform release, coming after 7.5 million Canadians had already voted in advance polls, was described as looking "like he just asked ChatGPT for a platform" - a stark contrast to opponent Mark Carney's detailed 67-page economic plan.

1️⃣ Musk's Empire Crumbles: Tesla Reports "Devastating" 71% Profit Collapse

Tesla reported catastrophic first-quarter results, with net income plummeting 71% as seven state treasurers formally questioned CEO Elon Musk's divided attention amid the company's struggles. "Devastating is what economists are calling this," Dean reported, noting the company would have posted a loss without $595 million in regulatory credits.

The company's stock has fallen over 40% this year, which many attribute to Musk's political controversies and deteriorating brand. "The biggest problem Tesla has is the brand itself is now unsaleable," Dean said, citing the earnings report. "Elon Musk and his Nazi salute, the way he's treating people, how he's carrying on."

Meanwhile, Musk's role in the new administration's surveillance apparatus continues to grow despite his business failures. "We're letting him do this in broad daylight," Zev warned, explaining how Starlink satellites could be used to monitor communications and collect massive amounts of data. "He's going to monitor people. He's going to change what they see. He's going to turn their lives into Sims."

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.

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As the Pope lies in state embodying true Christian values, the Trump regime implements the Nazi handbook

The contrast couldn't be more stark. While Pope Francis lies in state in a humble wooden casket—his life's work a testament to serving the marginalized and embracing humanity over power—the Trump administration forges ahead with a coordinated assault on democratic values that mirrors history's darkest chapters.

5️⃣ POPE FRANCIS EMBODIES TRUE CHRISTIAN VALUES IN DEATH AS IN LIFE

The Pope's body rests in a simple wooden casket near St. Peter's tomb, breaking with elaborate papal traditions and continuing his lifelong commitment to humility. Dressed in red vestments with his hands clasped around a rosary, he lies on a sloped ramp rather than an elevated platform, remaining accessible to mourners even in death.

This outpouring of grief for a spiritual leader who practiced what he preached stands in stark contrast to the religious weaponization occurring in America. Francis washed feet, embraced the forgotten, and told a young boy whose atheist father had died that "of course" he would see his dad in heaven—choosing compassion over doctrine.

The true measure of leadership is revealed in how people respond when you're gone. Francis's funeral shows what happens when you live by serving others rather than by demanding power.

4️⃣ CHRISTIAN NATIONALIST GESTAPO DEPLOYED ACROSS FEDERAL GOVERNMENT

Trump's "anti-Christian bias" task force has expanded from the VA and DOJ to every federal agency, creating a surveillance apparatus that targets anyone perceived as insufficiently Christian. This government-wide initiative, chaired by Attorney General Pam Bondi, encourages employees to report colleagues for actions like "reprimands for displaying Christian symbols" or "retaliation for abstaining from procedures like abortion."

This is nothing less than the Christian nationalist Gestapo, directly lifted from Project 2025's playbook to purge government of non-believers. The snitch line transforms colleagues into informants, weaponizing faith to crush dissent.

The evangelical doctrine teaches followers they're persecuted—"blessed are ye who are persecuted, you shall inherit the kingdom of heaven"—making victimhood central to identity. But this task force flips persecution into power, allowing the dominant religion to silence others and creating a tiered society where only certain beliefs are protected.

3️⃣ MEDAL OF MOTHERHOOD MIRRORS NAZI GERMANY'S FERTILITY PROGRAM

In a move lifted directly from authoritarian regimes, the Trump administration announced a $5,000 "baby bonus" for new mothers alongside a "National Medal of Motherhood" for women with six or more children. This isn't speculation—it's an exact replica of Hitler's "Cross of Honour of the German Mother" and Stalin's "Order of Maternal Glory."

With U.S. fertility rates reaching historic lows—having dropped 20% since 2007—the administration claims this addresses population decline. But the timing lays bare the contradictions: while forcibly deporting millions of immigrants, they're suddenly concerned about population growth.

The proposal includes reserving 30% of Fulbright scholarships for married applicants or parents and enhanced child tax credits, signaling a comprehensive social engineering project aimed at producing more "traditional" families. As with the Nazi program, these aren't isolated policies but components of a broader ethno-nationalist agenda.

2️⃣ TRUMP'S TARIFF WAR FAILS AS TREASURY SECRETARY ADMITS DEFEAT

The economic catastrophe of Trump's tariff war has forced an embarrassing retreat. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent acknowledged the current trade standoff with China is "unsustainable" and the "equivalent of an embargo harming both economies."

Trump announced tariffs will be "substantially" reduced from the current 145% rate, after China raised retaliatory tariffs to 125% on all U.S. goods. The White House is considering a tiered approach with baseline rates between 50-65% and 35% for non-security-critical goods.

Trump's claims of ongoing negotiations with China, Japan, and India have all been exposed as lies. No high-level talks are occurring, and his evasive answer when asked if he'd spoken with President Xi—"maybe I have, maybe I haven't"—reveals how isolated America has become on the world stage. The stock market rallied at the news of tariff reductions, underscoring how self-defeating the policy has been.

1️⃣ UKRAINE REJECTS TRUMP'S SURRENDER DEMANDS AS PEACE TALKS COLLAPSE

President Zelensky firmly rebuffed the Trump administration's demand that Ukraine cede Crimea to Russia, declaring: "There's nothing to discuss. This is against our constitution." The London peace talks collapsed after emotions "ran high" when the U.S. presented what amounted to surrender terms that included giving up territory and natural resources.

In a masterful diplomatic move, Zelensky quoted a 2018 statement from Mike Pompeo—Trump's former Secretary of State—calling on Russia to end its occupation of Crimea and uphold the principle that borders cannot be changed by force.

Trump's response was revealing. He posted that Zelensky's refusal to give up Ukrainian territory was "very harmful to the peace negotiations" and falsely claimed Crimea "was lost years ago" without a fight. This isn't negotiation—it's capitulation to Putin. The Trump regime's position abandons 80 years of international norms that have maintained relative peace.

Ukraine continues to demonstrate that resistance to authoritarianism is possible—and necessary. As the second-largest army in Europe with growing drone capabilities, Ukraine's continued defense against Russian aggression represents a crucial bulwark against worldwide authoritarian expansion.

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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.

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