Podcast: Trade Wars, Laser Beams and Deposition Drama
Washington didn’t just hum this week—it sparked. From trade deadlines to AI showdowns to Epstein-era fireworks, today’s Sixpack is a tour through power, politics and policy colliding in real time. Let’s get into it.
The North American trade pact could tumble into yearly renewals if Trump refuses to extend it in July. Canada is warning that the USMCA may shift into annual reviews, injecting fresh uncertainty into billions in cross-border commerce. Businesses hate guessing games, and this one comes with supply chains attached.
The Pentagon is reviewing its $200 million Anthropic contract after the AI firm refused unrestricted lawful military use of its models. Defense officials want full flexibility; Anthropic insists on guardrails against mass surveillance and autonomous lethal weapons. Silicon Valley ethics just met Pentagon procurement.
The U.S. military fired a laser near the Texas border and accidentally downed its own Customs and Border Protection drone. Lawmakers say their “heads are exploding” over coordination failures between DHS, the Pentagon and the FAA. Nothing says operational excellence like friendly fire via laser beam.
A closed-door Clinton deposition turned chaotic after a leaked photo from inside the room hit social media. Rep. Lauren Boebert’s move paused testimony and reignited demands for full public release of transcripts and video. Transparency, but make it viral.
Hillary Clinton demanded Donald Trump testify under oath over allegations tied to the Epstein files. She accused the Justice Department of potentially withholding material and said if Congress is serious, it should question the sitting president directly. Republicans say that’s off the table—for now.
Federal agents arrested a Columbia student at dawn—then Trump reversed it hours later. ICE cited visa issues; critics blasted the tactics used to enter her apartment. By afternoon, she was free after intervention from New York’s mayor and the White House. Immigration policy by speed dial.
That’s your Morning Sixpack: trade brinkmanship, AI boundaries, border chaos and deposition drama—all before lunch. Stay sharp.
