w/b 25th of November 2024
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This week, North America faced a series of political and economic disruptions. Donald Trump’s controversial cabinet picks for his incoming presidency. Meanwhile, Trump’s proposed tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods have caused diplomatic rifts with both nations. The ongoing trade tension has deepened the strain in North America. Also, in New York, pro-Palestinian protests led to the arrests of 21 activists as they disrupted the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade. The protests were part of a broader campaign advocating for Palestinian rights, coinciding with wider Black Friday demonstrations across the US.
In other global news, the UK escalated its efforts to isolate Russia economically, targeting its shadow fleet in an attempt to further sever Russia’s links to international trade. Meanwhile, Ontario, Canada, was hit by a devastating snowstorm, burying regions under a record 140 cm of snow and causing widespread disruption. Finally, in the UK, Transport Secretary Louise Haigh resigned amid a scandal involving a stolen phone, further adding to the political challenges faced by the Labour government
Donald Trump’s Controversial Cabinet Picks
As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office, his cabinet appointments have sparked significant debate, with critics raising concerns about the qualifications and ideologies of many of his nominees. Among the most controversial picks are Kash Patel for FBI Director and Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense. These appointments, along with others, are shaping up to define the early direction of his administration. Here’s a closer look at the key individuals nominated for top positions.1
Kash Patel
On November 28, 2024, Trump selected Kash Patel, a former government official and lawyer, to lead the FBI. Patel is known for his vocal support of conspiracy theories, particularly the baseless claims of widespread voter fraud in the 2020 election. His nomination has raised alarms among civil liberties advocates, who fear his views could undermine the independence of the FBI and lead to overreach in law enforcement. Patel’s past calls to prosecute journalists who publish classified information further complicate his nomination, drawing sharp criticism from press freedom organizations and progressive group
Pete Hegseth
Also announced on November 28, 2024, Pete Hegseth, a veteran and conservative TV commentator, was named Secretary of Defense. Hegseth’s views have been widely criticized for their extremism, and he is known for his contentious stance on issues such as military spending and foreign policy. His nomination has been met with significant pushback due to allegations of sexual misconduct and prior ethical violations, which have resurfaced during the confirmation process. Critics question his suitability for leading the Pentagon, citing his limited experience in government and defence policy
Robert F. Kennedy Jr
In a controversial move, President-elect Donald Trump appointed Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vocal critic of vaccine mandates, as Secretary of Health and Human Services. Known for his environmental advocacy and scepticism toward mainstream public health policies, Kennedy’s nomination has stirred debate. While he brings a strong public profile, his appointment is expected to impact future health policy, particularly around vaccination and environmental health, causing concern among healthcare experts and advocates for public health reforms. His confirmation is likely to face significant scrutiny.
Scott Bessent
Trump also nominated Scott Bessent, an economist and financial expert, as Secretary of the Treasury. Bessent, who has extensive experience in global financial markets, is expected to bring a pragmatic approach to managing U.S. fiscal policy. However, his nomination has sparked debate, with some critics concerned about his past ties to large financial institutions and his alignment with Trump’s economic priorities. As he prepares for Senate confirmation, Besent’s leadership will be scrutinised, particularly regarding his approach to tax policy, regulations, and addressing the national debt.
Marco Rubio
President-elect Donald Trump appointed Senator Marco Rubio as Secretary of State, a move that has garnered attention due to Rubio’s foreign policy experience and strong stance on issues like human rights and global democracy. Rubio, known for his vocal opposition to the Russian government and his support for international sanctions, brings a more traditional approach to diplomacy. While his critics question his ability to navigate complex international relations, particularly in dealing with adversarial nations like China and Russia, his appointment signals a shift towards more conventional foreign policy leadership.
Elon Musk & Vivek Ramaswamy
On November 12, 2024, Trump announced that Elon Musk, along with Vivek Ramaswamy, would lead the newly proposed Department of Government Efficiency. This department would focus on reducing federal bureaucracy, though it’s expected to be more of a presidential commission rather than a full executive department due to the need for Congressional approval for official department. Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, is known for his controversial and outspoken public persona, while Ramaswamy has made waves as an entrepreneur and critic of corporate America. Their appointment raises concerns due to their lack of direct governmental experience and their polarising public views. Critics argue that the focus on efficiency might overlook critical issues related to regulation, transparency, and accountability.
Trump’s cabinet choices highlight a pattern of appointing individuals whose views and histories reflect his own populist and nationalist approach to governance. As the confirmation hearings unfold, these nominations will continue to fuel debate over the direction of the Trump administration. With opposition from both Democrats and moderate Republicans, the coming weeks will likely determine whether these controversial picks can secure the necessary support in the Senate.
My Opinion on this
Well, here we are again—Donald Trump’s cabinet choices are already a nightmare before he’s even officially in office. I said it back when he was first elected: this is a loss for politics. But now? It’s a whole new level of frightening. A Fox News anchor leading the Pentagon? An anti-vaxxer running the US healthcare system? This is beyond ridiculous—it’s terrifying. It’s a sad, messy reminder of how, in a world of superpowers, qualified, competent leadership is often sidelined for personal loyalties and political favors. We’ve got men in power with questionable ethics, a shocking disregard for expertise, and a history of sexual assault that doesn’t seem to hold them back.
It’s honestly baffling. It feels like the system is broken to the point that, at this stage, the only thing worse than them getting into power is the fact that they might actually stay there. These cabinet picks still need to be approved by the Senate, but with the current Republican-majority, it’s hard to imagine anything stopping this reckless parade of appointments. If they get confirmed, we can only pray that the red tape and dysfunction of government slows them down.
But here’s the twist: it’s also hard not to feel like the public’s expectations for the US government are so low that there’s only one way they can go from here—up. Unless, of course, they manage to dig themselves even deeper into the mess they’ve created. Let’s be honest, though: at this point, we should all be concerned about just how deep that hole might actually be.
Canada and Mexico Respond to Trump’s Tariff Threats
The diplomatic rift between the United States and its North American neighbours has escalated recently, exacerbated by both trade issues and global geopolitical tensions. President-elect Donald Trump’s controversial announcement of a 25% tariff on Canadian and Mexican imports, aimed at rectifying trade imbalances, has sparked backlash.
A tariff is a government-imposed tax on imports or exports designed to regulate trade, protect domestic industries, and generate revenue. It increases the cost of foreign goods, making them less competitive in the domestic market. Tariffs can be used strategically to encourage local production, influence trade balances, or retaliate against trading partners. However, they can also lead to trade disputes and higher costs for consumers and businesses relying on imported goods.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has been careful yet assertive in opposing the tariffs, calling for continued cooperation. However, Trudeau has also warned that retaliatory measures could follow if the tariffs are enacted, especially considering the possible negative impacts on key Canadian sectors, such as agriculture and automotive manufacturing.
Meanwhile, the United States’ political climate is being further complicated by a major international legal issue: the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) recent arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, related to alleged war crimes during the Israel-Hamas conflict. The ruling has stirred up political tensions worldwide, and the U.S. — a staunch ally of Israel — is now pressuring countries like Canada not to comply with the ICC’s order, despite the fact that Canada, a signatory to the Rome Statute, is legally obliged to do so.
For the average American and Canadian citizen, these political developments have direct implications. If the U.S. and Canada’s diplomatic relations sour further, there could be significant disruptions to trade, affecting everything from the price of goods to the stability of industries that rely on cross-border collaboration. On top of that, the U.S.’s pressure on Canada regarding the ICC’s ruling complicates matters for Canadian citizens who might feel torn between their government’s obligations to international justice and the political pressures from their powerful neighbour. With Trump’s tariff threats already stirring up uncertainty, and the ICC situation further testing the bounds of international cooperation, the economic and political landscapes of both countries stand to be dramatically reshaped in the coming years.
This ongoing tension isn’t just a matter of high-level diplomacy; it’s a situation that could trickle down to affect the pocketbooks and political views of everyday citizens. The near future promises a high-stakes game of trade, law, and power on the North American stage.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade Protest
Thanksgiving in New York this year took an unexpected turn when activists disrupted the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Palestine. The protest, organised by a coalition of grassroots groups, sought to draw attention to the Palestinian cause by calling for a U.S. arms embargo and an end to military aid to Israel. Demonstrators carried banners, chanted slogans, and blocked parts of the parade route, effectively halting the procession for a brief period.2
The protest was strategically timed to coincide with broader Black Friday demonstrations, which targeted corporations accused of complicity in human rights violations. Protestors emphasized the connection between consumer practices, corporate interests, and global conflicts, particularly in regions like the Middle East. By linking these movements, the activists highlighted how U.S. support for Israeli policies intersects with American economic practices and international politics.
Reactions were divided. Supporters lauded the protest for raising awareness about Palestinian rights, pointing to the urgency of addressing the ongoing humanitarian issues in Gaza and the West Bank. They argued that disrupting the parade was a necessary act of civil disobedience to break through mainstream political apathy on the issue. However, opponents criticized the disruption, arguing that it overshadowed a cherished American tradition and diverted attention from a celebration of national unity. Despite the mixed reactions, the protest succeeded in shifting public attention back to a controversial issue that often remains sidelined in mainstream political discourse.
Other Global News this Week
UK Targets Russia’s Shadow Fleet in Largest Sanctions Escalation Yet
The UK’s crackdown on Russia’s shadow fleet reached new heights, with the announcement of sanctions against 30 additional vessels linked to Russia’s illicit oil trade. These ships, operating under false ownership and bypassing international sanctions, play a crucial role in sustaining Russia’s financial backing of its military operations in Ukraine. By targeting the vessels and their Russian insurers, the UK aims to further isolate Russia from the global trade network, making it increasingly difficult for the Kremlin to fund its war effort.
The sanctions package, which now affects over 70 ships, forms part of the UK’s broader strategy to choke Russia’s economic lifeline. Foreign Secretary David Lammy underscored that the move was designed to hold Russia accountable for its aggression, weakening its military capabilities while also addressing environmental risks posed by these unregulated vessels. The sanctions not only target Russia’s ability to trade but also send a clear message to the maritime industry that enabling Russia’s war machine will not go unpunished.
As the conflict continues, these measures illustrate the UK’s commitment to standing firm against Russian aggression but also highlight the broader international effort to secure the global trade system and prevent the exploitation of loopholes that could undermine sanctions.3
Ontario Hit by Record-Breaking Snowstorm, Stranding Drivers and Causing Widespread Disruption
A major snowstorm hit Ontario, Canada, causing widespread disruption. The storm dumped up to 140 centimetres of snow in some areas, including the popular cottage country regions of Muskoka, making roads impassable. Highway 11, a key route connecting Northern Ontario to southern parts of the province, was closed in both directions due to whiteout conditions, leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded. The storm caused widespread power outages, with local authorities declaring a state of emergency in Gravenhurst, a town particularly hard-hit by the snowfall.
Emergency response teams, including snowmobile riders, were deployed to assist drivers trapped in their vehicles. The Ontario Provincial Police coordinated rescue operations, but snow accumulations and treacherous travel conditions made their work challenging. While some infrastructure has already been cleared, the storm’s after effects continue to disrupt local travel and power supply. This extreme weather event, considered one of the most intense in recent years, has prompted a broader conversation about climate change and the preparedness of communities in the face of increasingly extreme weather patterns.4
UK Transport Secretary Resignation Amid Scandal
On November 29, 2024, Louise Haigh resigned from her position as the UK’s Transport Secretary following an incident involving a stolen phone, which she feared could distract from the Labour government’s agenda. Haigh’s departure has further complicated the Labour Party’s internal dynamics at a time when it faces mounting pressure to maintain focus on key areas like transport infrastructure and environmental reform. The incident, which raised questions about political accountability, highlights the delicate balance that politicians must strike between personal conduct and their public roles.
While Haigh expressed her belief that the stolen phone could be exploited to undermine the government’s credibility, the timing of her resignation also adds to the broader scrutiny of the Labour leadership. With the party still grappling with post-election issues, including maintaining unity within its ranks, her resignation brings a new layer of complexity to its efforts to move forward.
Critics have noted that this episode reflects a pattern of mismanagement within the government, pointing to the increasing importance of public perception in shaping political outcomes. As the Labour Party continues to navigate these internal challenges, Haigh’s resignation raises questions about the effectiveness of its leadership and whether it can maintain its focus on pressing policy issues without being derailed by personal or internal scandals. 5
Footnotes
- Cabral, S. (2024). Who Has Joined Trump’s Team and Cabinet so far? BBC News. [online] 8 Nov. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx24gze60yzo [Accessed 10 Dec. 2024]. ↩︎
- Reuters Staff (2024). Pro-Palestinian Protesters Arrested at New York Thanksgiving Parade. Reuters. [online] 29 Nov. Available at: https://www.reuters.com/world/us/pro-palestinian-protesters-arrested-new-york-thanksgiving-parade-2024-11-28/ [Accessed 10 Dec. 2024]. ↩︎
- Law News (2024). UK Targets Russian Shadow Fleet. [online] Solicitors Journal. Available at: https://www.solicitorsjournal.com/sjarticle/uk-targets-russian-shadow-fleet [Accessed 10 Dec. 2024]. ↩︎
- Press, T.C. (2024). Parts of Ontario Hit by Weekend Storm May Get Another 14 Cm of snow: Weather Advisory. [online] Global News. Available at: https://globalnews.ca/news/10901567/huntsville-bracebridge-gravenhurst-london-snow/ [Accessed 10 Dec. 2024]. ↩︎
- Brown, F. (2024). Transport Secretary Louise Haigh Resigns after Sky News Revealed Mobile Phone Guilty Plea. [online] Sky News. Available at: https://news.sky.com/story/transport-secretary-louise-haigh-resigns-after-mobile-phone-mistake-13262782 [Accessed 10 Dec. 2024]. ↩︎
Reigniting Politics 
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