I have talked to a lot of Canadians on the issues of economics and trade. As a result, I can say with complete sincerity that not since the COVID-19 examples of New Zealand (lockdowns) and Australia (vaxx), has a nation engaged in such a level of mass cognitive dissonance as the govt of Canada on the issue of economics and trade – in the past few years. It is stunning.

To understand the reality of the situation Here’s an IN-DEPTH LINK. Apparently, few really understand the full scope of the issues.

President Trump responds to the latest decision of the Canadian government.

PRESIDENT TRUMP: “Canada was caught, red handed, putting up a fraudulent advertisement on Ronald Reagan’s Speech on Tariffs. The Reagan Foundation said that they, “created an ad campaign using selective audio and video of President Ronald Reagan. The ad misrepresents the Presidential Radio Address,” and “did not seek nor receive permission to use and edit the remarks. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute is reviewing its legal options in this matter.”

“The sole purpose of this FRAUD was Canada’s hope that the United States Supreme Court will come to their “rescue” on Tariffs that they have used for years to hurt the United States. Now the United States is able to defend itself against high and overbearing Canadian Tariffs (and those from the rest of the World as well!). Ronald Reagan LOVED Tariffs for purposes of National Security and the Economy, but Canada said he didn’t! Their Advertisement was to be taken down, IMMEDIATELY, but they let it run last night during the World Series, knowing that it was a FRAUD.”

“Because of their serious misrepresentation of the facts, and hostile act, I am increasing the Tariff on Canada by 10% over and above what they are paying now. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” [SOURCE]

President Trump said he will not be meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney in Malaysia.

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Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and former NBA player Damon Jones were arrested Thursday over their alleged participation in two major illegal gambling schemes — one involving bets placed on NBA games, the other involving underground poker games — investigated by the FBI.

Working with organized crime groups, NBA “insiders” such as Rozier and Jones would pass along confidential information in exchange for some of the proceeds, said Joseph Nocella, the interim U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York. “They relied on corrupt individuals, including Jones and Rozier. They also used misused information obtained during long-standing friendships they had with NBA players and coaches,” he said. (more)

However, Stephen A Smith sees something more nefarious afoot, as President Trump is executing a conspiracy of criminal investigations against the cultural sports of black Americans.  Smith notes the NBA, NFL and WNBA are all likely targets of a vast FBI sting operation, intended to target people of color who are engaged in sports and conducting criminal activity.  There’s also the possibility of Russians being involved in the set-up.  WATCH:

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Can you imagine the brain function that leads to this type of a conclusion?

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Airforce One was refueling in Qatar en route to Malaysia for the ASEAN summit.  In a little bit of a surprise, the Amir of Qatar came to the airport to pay a courtesy visit to President Trump.  Smiles all around.  WATCH:

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President Trump held a press gaggle with the traveling pool immediately after taking off from the refueling in Qatar.  Below.

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In an effort to keep the Daily Open Thread a little more open topic we are going to start a new daily thread for “Presidential Politics”. Please use this thread to post anything relating to the Donald Trump Administration and Presidency.

This thread will refresh daily and appear above the Open Discussion Thread.

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Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. THY WILL BE DONE, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but DELIVER US FROM EVIL.

For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen †

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Here’s the audio of President Trump discussing his trip to Asia to attend the ASEAN and APEC summits in Malaysia and South Korea respectively.

President Trump is anticipated to meet with Chinese Chairman Xi Jinping in South Korea and there is a rumor that Trump and North Korea leader Kim Jong-un might meet somewhere. President Trump even made mention that if media put out the word, he would be willing to meet with Chairman Kim at the DMZ while he is in South Korea.  Audio Below:

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There has been a slight bit of ambiguity in President Trump’s schedule as he heads to Asia for the first time in his second term.  The President will attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Malaysia first.  The focus of President Trump and the ASEAN nations will be economics and regional stability.  Then President Trump will then head to Japan.

Washington and Tokyo reached a trade agreement earlier this year, which included the promise of $550 billion of investments in U.S. projects. Interestingly, Japan is in a moment of political transition, as Sanae Takaichi was elected to be the country’s first female prime minister. Takaichi is a protégé of Shinzo Abe, a former prime minister and dear friend of President Trump.  The meeting between Takaichi and Trump will likely hold a lot of very positive energy for both leaders; there is great respect.

President Trump will then head to South Korea, which is hosting this year’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. President Trump has said he’ll sit down with Chinese Chairman Xi Jinping while he’s there for a much-anticipated meeting.  Additionally, President Trump will be discussing tariffs on South Korean autos and directly addressing stalled trade negotiations.  There is also a possibility for President Trump to visit North Korea’s Kim Jong-un and reconnect after several years of separation.  There is a lot of potential for this overall visit to Asia.

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As long as the communication backchannels between Trump and Putin remain actively engaged, the risk of escalation is contained but the anxiety of the Europeans continues.

President Trump emissary Steve Witkoff and President Putin emissary Kirill Dmitriev are meeting this weekend in Miami to continue conversations.

As noted by Politico, “Kirill Dmitriev, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s special presidential representative for investment and economic cooperation, is flying to Florida to meet with Trump envoy Steve Witkoff, a White House official confirmed to POLITICO. […] “With Trump soon departing for Asia, Witkoff is again on the front lines of negotiating. Dmitriev, as the CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, has particular interests in establishing further U.S.-Russia business relations.” (more)

Both President Trump and President Putin have noted publicly their conversations about building an economic relationship once the issues of the Ukraine war are settled.

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Stephen Miller’s body language is funny as he addresses the media and answers their questions.

Speaking in front of the White House, Miller answered questions about Canada’s trade provocations, Trump meeting with Chairman Xi, the Gerald Ford strike group heading south to bolster drug enforcement efforts and much more.  Miller ends the conversation with customary deplume, “these are terrorists, and they’re going to be killed. Thank you very much.”  WATCH:

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As the U.S. military continues targeting drug vessels from Venezuelan Transnational Criminal Organizations, the Dept of War is sending an entire U.S. Carrier Strike Group into the region.  The Gerald Ford carrier strike group is pictured below:

The announcement was made by Pentagon Spokesperson Sean Parnell.

In support of the President’s directive to dismantle Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs) and counter narco-terrorism in defense of the Homeland, the Secretary of War has directed the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group and embarked carrier air wing to the U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) area of responsibility (AOR).

The enhanced U.S. force presence in the USSOUTHCOM AOR will bolster U.S. capacity to detect, monitor, and disrupt illicit actors and activities that compromise the safety and prosperity of the United States homeland and our security in the Western Hemisphere. These forces will enhance and augment existing capabilities to disrupt narcotics trafficking and degrade and dismantle TCOs. (link)

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