March 12th, 2025: Trump Slaps New Tariffs On Canada & Security Clearance Crackdown
Mar 12, 2025
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Tensions rise as President Trump imposes new tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum, intensifying the trade conflict. Meanwhile, a historic negotiation is set between Israel and Lebanon to resolve land border issues. The Trump administration's controversial withdrawal of security clearances from former officials raises eyebrows about national security motives. Finally, the introduction of a new CBP app aims to facilitate self-deportation among undocumented migrants, sparking debate and criticism.
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Quick takeaways
The escalating trade conflict with Canada sees Trump enact new tariffs, prompting a temporary truce and renewed negotiations over trade agreements.
Israel and Lebanon's historic agreement to negotiate their border signifies a potential diplomatic breakthrough, despite ongoing regional security challenges.
Deep dives
Escalating Trade Tensions Between the U.S. and Canada
The trade war between the U.S. and Canada has intensified, marked by President Trump's threats of severe tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum following Ontario's decision to impose electricity surcharges on American customers. Trump announced his intention to double existing tariffs to 50%, calling Canada’s actions outrageous. Despite this escalation, a temporary truce was reached when both sides backed down from immediate economic threats, agreeing to renegotiate aspects of the North American Free Trade Treaty. However, significant tariffs on steel and aluminum remain and further tensions loom as Trump threatens future levies unless Canada lifts its tariffs on U.S. dairy and agricultural products.
Israel and Lebanon Set for Border Negotiations
Israel and Lebanon have agreed to engage in formal negotiations over their long-disputed land border, a significant diplomatic development coming months after Israel's invasion of Lebanon. The U.S.-led talks aim to stabilize a ceasefire and address ongoing territorial disputes that have historically contributed to conflict in the region. Negotiations will focus on 13 contested border points and will involve trilateral working groups to facilitate discussions on related issues such as Lebanese prisoners held by Israel. While this agreement marks a potential breakthrough, persistent challenges from Hezbollah and longstanding security concerns remain significant obstacles to lasting peace.
Controversial Changes to Immigration Policy and Security Clearances
The Trump administration has initiated a controversial revamp of an immigration app, rebranding it to encourage undocumented migrants to self-deport, forming part of a broader mass deportation strategy. The new feature allows migrants to report their intent to leave the U.S., framed as a way to secure future legal re-entry. This move has faced backlash from immigration advocates who view it as a misleading tactic devoid of guarantees for legal residency. Additionally, the administration has revoked security clearances for numerous Biden officials, igniting debates around the politically motivated nature of these actions amidst an ongoing tension between different governmental factions.
The trade war with Canada escalates—President Trump slaps fresh tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum after Ontario’s governor announces electricity surcharges for American customers. We’ll break down the latest developments and what this means for U.S.-Canada relations.
A diplomatic breakthrough in the Middle East—Israel and Lebanon are set to negotiate their land border for the first time in years, just months after Israel’s invasion of Lebanon.
The Trump administration moves to revoke security clearances from former Biden officials once again, raising questions about access to classified intelligence.
And in today’s Back of the Brief—the Department of Homeland Security rolls out a new CBP app with a controversial “self-deport” feature.
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