The Morning Sixpack - November 26, 2024
Trump tariffs to hit China, Mexico, and Canada; Israel pulls more fuckery with its neighbors, Trump "ToTaL ExOneRaTIOn!"
1. Trump to slap 25 percent tariffs across the board on Mexico and Canada on day one!
President-elect Donald Trump has announced plans to impose significant tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada, and China. He intends to implement a 25% tariff on all products from Mexico and Canada, citing concerns over illegal immigration and drug trafficking.
Additionally, a 10% tariff is proposed on Chinese goods, aimed at addressing issues related to fentanyl trafficking.
This Tariff will remain in effect until such time as Drugs, in particular Fentanyl, and all Illegal Aliens stop this Invasion of our Country! Both Mexico and Canada have the absolute right and power to easily solve this long simmering problem. We hereby demand that they use this power, and until such time that they do, it is time for them to pay a very big price!
Trump
These measures are part of Trump's broader strategy to protect American industries and reduce the trade deficit and sock it to China, Mexico, and Canada. However, experts warn that such tariffs will lead to higher consumer prices and trade wars with key international partners. See #2 immediately below. This is no joke.
Source: https://wapo.st/4151ZJM (gift article, free to read without subscription)
2. Beijing warns US ‘nobody will win in a trade war’ after Trump vows to impose tariffs on China, Mexico and Canada
The Chinese government has warned the United States that "nobody will win in a trade war" in response to President Trump's threat to impose tariffs on China, Mexico, and Canada. Various countries, including Mexico and Canada, have disputed Trump’s tariff threats, labeling them as "counter to facts and reality". This announcement has triggered a negative impact on Asian stocks.
President Trump’s threats are viewed as a signal of the escalating trade dispute between the United States and other nations. This comes after the Trump administration's recent decision to impose 25% tariffs on steel imports and 10% tariffs on aluminum imports from Canada, Mexico, and the European Union, citing national security concerns. This move was met with backlash from these trading partners, with counter-tariffs being imposed on U.S. goods. In the case of China, the Trump administration has ramped up its trade war rhetoric due to what it identifies as unfair trading practices.
The response from China underscores their belief that a trade war would harm both countries' economies significantly. In particular, China stands as the United States' largest trading partner and holds significant economic leverage. While it remains to be seen what the real impact of these potential tariffs will be, market reactions such as the hit on Asian stocks show the immediate economic repercussions these measures can have globally. Furthermore, the stand taken by other affected countries—Mexico and Canada—corroborates that navigating this international economic landscape will be a complex task that the Trump administration will screw up beyond comprehension.
3. How Trump plans to seize the power of the purse from Congress
In his second term, Trump has proposed reviving the power of "impoundment," allowing the president to withhold funding from federal programs that he opposes, even if Congress has already approved those funds. This idea directly challenges the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974, which was enacted to prevent presidents from unilaterally refusing to spend money appropriated by Congress. The act was designed to safeguard Congress's constitutional authority over federal spending, ensuring the executive branch cannot override legislative decisions on appropriations.
Legal experts warn that Trump’s proposed actions will lead to severe constitutional conflicts by undermining the principle of checks and balances.
If implemented, this approach would erode Congress's exclusive power of the purse, shifting significant budgetary control to the executive branch. Critics argue that such a move would not only politicize federal spending further but will also set a dangerous precedent for future administrations to bypass legislative authority. The debate underscores the ongoing tension between the executive and legislative branches over budgetary control and the broader implications for American democracy.
NOTE: Congress has been ceding more and more power to the executive for decades now, and they’re getting what they deserve.
Source: https://www.propublica.org/article/trump-impoundment-appropriations-congress-budget
4. Israel bombards Beirut suburbs as its leadership prepares to vote on ceasefire with Hezbollah
Israeli warplanes launched strikes on Beirut and a southern Lebanese city in response to attacks from Hezbollah. This comes as a potential ceasefire proposal formulated by the U.S. is set to be voted on by Israel's security cabinet. The proposed deal will pause all fighting activities for two months, requiring Hezbollah’s withdrawal from the majority of southern Lebanon. This agreement allows Israel the right to retaliate if it assesses that Hezbollah is breaching its responsibilities. An international panel, led by the U.S., will be monitoring the actions of all parties.
The agreement was made possible by intensive negotiations intended to bring an end to over a year of conflict between Israel and its northern neighbor, Lebanon. As part of the deal, international peacekeeping forces, which include Lebanese troops and U.N. peacekeepers, will be deployed in the southern parts of Lebanon. According to Lebanese officials, the plan is supported by Hezbollah. Israel's Defense Minister, Israel Katz, has issued a warning that Israel will carry out strikes against Hezbollah if the peacekeeping force under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) does not enforce the deal effectively.
Josep Borrell, the European Union’s top diplomat, noted that the deal addresses Israel's security concerns. The ceasefire plan, however, hasn't halted Israeli operations aimed at crippling Hezbollah’s military capabilities in Lebanon, including airstrikes on Beirut's southern suburbs and the southern city of Tyre. These actions have raised questions about the feasibility of the ceasefire. The fracture in the region has had significant humanitarian implications, with the war leading to mass displacement and casualties on both sides. With over 3,760 people killed, 1.2 million people displaced by Israeli fire, and 50,000 Israelis evacuating their homes, it is clear that a resolution to this conflict is critical. The outcome of the proposed ceasefire, therefore, carries significant implications for regional stability and potential future foreign intervention.
5. Trump's 2020 election interference case dismissed
Turns out, “nobody is above the law” is complete, utter bullshit.
Donald Trump's 2020 election interference case has been dismissed after a request from special counsel Jack Smith.
This legal chicanery comes amid ongoing analysis of Trump's role concerning issues of accountability relating to the January 6 Capitol riot. Despite this recent dismissal, Trump's evasion of responsibility for the events of January 6 continues to reverberate and is predicted to do so for the next four years and future generations. History books will be written chronicling how Trump evaded justice.
The dismissed case was initiated by Jack Smith. The dismissal of this case will be heralded by Trump and his supporters as a significant triumph (“Total exoneration!”), demonstrating his continued legal maneuverability post-presidency.
Moreover, the CNN report brings to light a compelling angle: Trump's evasion of January 6 accountability will echo for years to come. This highlights a broader societal and historical perspective beyond his personal legal battles. It underscores an influential narrative that the Trump era has shaped, with ramifications that will influence how future generations perceive accountability and presidential authority.
This is a day that will go down in infamy.
Source: https://www.axios.com/2024/11/25/jack-smith-trump-dc-case-dismissed
6. World's oldest man dies, now youngest in the afterlife
John Tinniswood, recognized as the world's oldest man, passed away on November 25, 2024, at the age of 112.
Born on August 26, 1912, in Liverpool, England, Tinniswood's life spanned significant historical events, including both World Wars. During World War II, he served in an administrative capacity within the Royal Army Pay Corps, contributing to logistical operations.
After the war, he worked as an accountant for Royal Mail, Shell-Mex, and BP before retiring in 1972.
In his later years, Tinniswood attributed his longevity to "moderation" and considered it "pure luck." He became the world's oldest living man on June 29, 2024, following the death of Shi Ping of China.
Tinniswood passed away in Southport, England, leaving behind a legacy that reflects a century of remarkable experiences.
Source: https://www.aol.com/worlds-oldest-man-dies-england-113608104.html