In a series of astonishing moves on his first full day back in office, President Donald Trump has unleashed a barrage of executive orders that defy belief and threaten to destabilize domestic and international landscapes. Among these actions, the most shocking includes the sweeping pardons of nearly 1,500 individuals convicted in connection with the January 6 Capitol attack and the announcement of impending 25% tariffs on all imports from Canada and Mexico, set to take effect on February 1.

President Trump: 25% tariffs on each of Canada and Mexico beginning February 1st. pic.twitter.com/ncfBmMI242

— Stephen Taylor (@stephen_taylor) January 21, 2025

Sweeping Pardons for January 6 Rioters: A Green Light for Political Violence?

Fulfilling a controversial campaign promise, President Trump issued pardons to approximately 1,500 individuals convicted for their roles in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. This unprecedented act of clemency extends to prominent figures such as Enrique Tarrio, leader of the Proud Boys, and Stewart Rhodes, founder of the Oath Keepers, both previously sentenced for seditious conspiracy.

Fanone: I have been betrayed by my country and I have been betrayed by those who supported Donald Trump. Whether you voted for him because he promised these pardons, or for some other reason, you knew that this was coming. And here we are. pic.twitter.com/csGD745pYa

— Acyn (@Acyn) January 21, 2025

Critics argue that these pardons effectively condone political violence, undermining the rule of law and emboldening extremist groups. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer condemned the move, stating it sends a “dangerous signal legitimizing anti-democratic actions.”

The decision has sparked outrage among civil rights organizations and law enforcement agencies, who view it as a blatant affront to justice and a perilous precedent for future unrest.

Crushing Tariffs on Canada and Mexico: A Prelude to Economic Turmoil

As if the pardons weren’t alarming enough, President Trump has declared his intention to impose a staggering 25% tariff on all goods imported from Canada and Mexico, effective February 1. This move threatens to ignite a trade war with two of the United States’ closest allies and most significant trading partners. Trump’s Tariffs have little to do with offsetting tax hikes for Americans and more to do with bringing Mexico and Canada to our knees, so we have little choice but to feel like joining America is our only hope.

This is a direct threat to Canada, Mexico and Greenland, btw. https://t.co/5zbzozuKPz

— Dean Blundell🇨🇦 (@ItsDeanBlundell) January 21, 2025

Details of the Tariffs and Potential Retaliation

The proposed tariffs will affect many products, including automobiles, agricultural goods, and raw materials. Industry experts warn that such sweeping measures could increase American consumers’ prices, disrupt the supply chain, and cause retaliatory actions from the affected nations.

Canadian officials have expressed their readiness to respond decisively. Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly and Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc emphasized ongoing efforts to prevent the tariffs but assured that countermeasures would be implemented if necessary. The economic stakes are extraordinarily high, given that 75% of Canadian exports are destined for the US.

Joly announced that Canada was ready with a solid retaliatory plan in Washington yesterday for meetings with Trump officials, which must not have gone well.

Melanie Joly says the Liberals now have a plan regarding Canada US relations.
1) First, to prevent tariffs
2) Prepare a response
3) Diversity our economy. Prevent trade barriers between provinces and territories. (They have had 9 years to do this to far). pic.twitter.com/wtrHzd7fJi

— sonofabench (@therealmrbench) January 20, 2025

Mark Carney’s Call for Diversification

In light of these developments, Mark Carney, former governor of the Bank of England and newly announced candidate for Canada’s prime minister, has advocated diversifying Canada’s trade partnerships. Carney emphasizes the need to reduce economic dependence on the US and seek new markets to mitigate the risks posed by such protectionist measures. Carney is one of the world’s most respected economists and had some harsh words and sobering thoughts about moving away from our relationship with the US, diversifying our trading partners, and focusing on penalizing America through similar economic actions and sanctions.

Provincial and Federal Responses: Targeting Vulnerable US Industries

Canada’s federal government and provincial leaders are strategizing potential retaliatory measures. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has convened meetings with provincial premiers to ensure a unified response, stating that “no one region of Canada should disproportionately bear the burden” of the tariffs.

While specific countermeasures are under discussion, potential targets include US industries where tariffs would significantly impact agriculture and manufacturing. However, Alberta’s Premier Danielle Smith has indicated she would not support halting energy shipments to the US as a form of retaliation. Premier Smith spent the last week hobnobbing with Trump admin dickheads like Pete Hegseth and Marco Rubio and appears to have lied about the nature of her conversation with Trump.

It was a pleasure speaking with Florida Senator Marco Rubio @marcorubio, nominee for U.S. Secretary of State, and Peter Hegseth @PeteHegseth, nominee for U.S. Secretary of Defense.

Wishing them both success at their upcoming confirmation hearings.

In my view, Canada must meet… pic.twitter.com/UlFotWBkqL

— Danielle Smith (@ABDanielleSmith) January 20, 2025

Smith is the only Premier not to sign onto the “Team Canada” approach, with several other Conservative Premiers calling her intentions out; Ontario’s Doug Ford has gone so far as to say, “If you’re not with us, you’re against us.”

He plans to regulate Ontario’s energy sales in the US and remove ” every bottle of US liquor” from Ontario’s shelves.

A Disconcerting Start to a New Term

President Trump’s actions on his first day back in office have sent shockwaves through political and economic spheres. The mass pardons of January 6 rioters raise profound concerns about the normalization of political violence, while the looming tariffs on Canada and Mexico threaten to unravel decades of economic cooperation. As the situation unfolds, the international community watches with bated breath, bracing for the repercussions of these unprecedented decisions.

We’re in a new time, kids. America is not our ally anymore. They are a predator state, much like Russia is to their neighboring countries, and America’s appetite for expansion has never been greater.