Canada Throws Elbows at Trump

Good morning, Nothing like a fresh round of tariffs, travel bans, and airstrikes to keep the world spinning. Grab your coffee—it's going to be a diplomatic rollercoaster

More chaos coming your way…..

TRADE WAR
Elbows up! Canada checks Trump’s tough talk

Canada, a nation known for its politeness, is now rallying with a more combative spirit as tensions with the U.S. escalate. President Donald Trump’s tariffs and controversial remarks about annexation have struck a nerve, fueling a surge of nationalism.

The phrase "Elbows Up," borrowed from hockey, has become a rallying cry—emblazoned on shirts, chanted at protests, and even the name of a new podcast dissecting Canada’s shifting identity. Boycotts of U.S. products and travel, along with provinces removing American alcohol from shelves, feel very betrayed.

At a recent Elbows Up rally in Ottawa, over 1,000 people gathered, waving Canadian flags and carrying signs criticizing Trump’s perceived imperialism. More events are planned across the country. Journalist Jordan Heath-Rawlings likens the tension to a "national divorce," while comedian Shaun Majumder sees it as a defining moment for Canada’s identity beyond clichés of beavers and politeness.

Even outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, in his farewell speech, invoked the phrase: "We're a country that will be diplomatic when we can but fight when we must. Elbows up!"

WORLD
Trump’s travel blacklist, 41 countries on notice

According to multiple sources and a confidential memo reviewed by Reuters, the Trump administration is considering expanding travel restrictions to enhance national security.

The proposed policy would divide countries into three tiers:

1. Full visa suspension: This would impact 10 countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, Syria, Cuba, and North Korea.

2. Partial suspensions: 5 countries (Eritrea, Haiti, Laos, Myanmar, South Sudan) would face restrictions on tourist, student, and other immigrant visas.

3. Potential partial restrictions: If their governments don't fix certain issues within 60 days, 26 countries, such as Belarus, Pakistan, and Turkmenistan, might have some visa restrictions.

The list is still in the works and awaits approval from Secretary of State Marco Rubio. It brings to mind Trump's earlier travel ban, which, as you might remember, faced legal hurdles before finally being upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018.

This new proposal is part of a larger immigration plan that Trump has promised during his second term. In a speech this past October, he shared his intentions to limit travel from regions like the Gaza Strip, Libya, and Yemen.

While the State Department hasn’t provided any comments yet, this topic is sure to ignite discussions. Some critics may feel it unfairly targets specific groups, while supporters might view it as an important step for national security.

Bottom line: The Trump administration is considering a major expansion of travel restrictions. We'll be watching this one closely.

WHAT'S GOING ON
Ceasefire hangs by a thread

Hours after Putin outlined ceasefire conditions, Russia and Ukraine launched massive aerial attacks, with over 100 drones reported on both sides. Ukraine intercepted 130 of 178 Russian drones, but key energy sites were hit, causing blackouts. Meanwhile, a Ukrainian strike sparked a fire near a Russian oil refinery.

Despite Kyiv backing a U.S.-proposed truce, Zelenskyy warned of a tough U.S. response if Moscow stalls. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged allies to keep pressure on Putin. As fighting intensifies, the road to peace remains uncertain.