Friday, March 28, 2025

Trade wars. Rising tension. Nationwide crackdowns.

Author

Prepper Perry
March 28, 2025

Happy Friday everyone! This week, the U.S. ramped up enforcement at home and rattled alliances abroad. Canada said its old relationship with America is over, Europe threatened retaliation over new car tariffs, and the Arctic is becoming a new front for power projection. At the same time, federal agents launched a sweeping gang crackdown, and the EU told citizens to prepare for crisis. Here’s what you need to know.

BRIEFING ROOM

GEOPOLITICS

Canada PM: “Old Relationship With U.S. Is Over” Amid Tariff War

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney declared the end of Canada’s traditional economic and military alliance with the U.S., responding sharply to Trump’s 25% tariffs on car imports. Canada will retaliate with its own tariffs aimed at having “maximum impact” on the U.S. economy. The U.S. has already imposed steep duties on Canadian steel, aluminum, and now vehicles, escalating tensions across North America. With elections in Canada looming and U.S. threats extending to the E.U., a broader trade standoff is in motion.

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PREPPER PERSPECTIVE

This signals a serious breakdown between two of North America’s closest partners. The fallout could impact jobs, prices, and regional stability, especially in industries like auto manufacturing, steel, and aluminum. Beyond trade, it’s a warning about how quickly international cooperation can unravel. For anyone paying attention, this is about more than cars. It’s about the fragility of global systems we often take for granted and how easily political shifts can reshape economic security overnight.

TECH

Trump Floats Tariff Relief if China Approves TikTok Deal

President Trump said he may ease tariffs on China if the Chinese government approves a deal to sell TikTok to a U.S. buyer. Under an executive order, ByteDance has until April 5th to divest the app or face a nationwide ban. This comes after the Supreme Court upheld the restriction, citing national security concerns. China criticized the move, repeating that trade wars “produce no winners,” while U.S. officials scramble to finalize a buyer before the deadline.

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PREPPER PERSPECTIVE

This isn’t just about TikTok. It shows how tech platforms are being used as bargaining chips in global negotiations. Decisions like this can affect trade deals, data privacy, and market access. It’s a clear sign that digital tools and platforms are now part of foreign policy, and access to them can shift quickly depending on who is in power.

GEOPOLITICS

Putin Responds to U.S. Push for Greenland, Vows Arctic Military Expansion

At an Arctic policy forum in Murmansk, Russian President Vladimir Putin said President Trump’s renewed push for influence over Greenland aligns with long-standing U.S. ambitions. He cited historical attempts by the U.S. to buy the mineral rich territory and warned that Russia will counter NATO activity in the Arctic by boosting its military presence and modernizing infrastructure. With shrinking polar ice opening access to new resources and shipping lanes, tensions in the Arctic are rising.

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PREPPER PERSPECTIVE

Russia has steadily expanded its Arctic presence for over a decade, reopening old Soviet bases, modernizing outposts, and building the world’s largest fleet of icebreakers. With the Arctic holding vast energy reserves and new shipping routes emerging, control of this region carries growing global significance. As the U.S. renews its interest in Greenland, this quiet race for the Arctic could shape future conflicts, trade, and access to critical resources.

SECURITY

Top MS-13 Leader Arrested in Virginia as U.S. Launches Major Crackdown

Federal agents arrested 24 year old Henry Josue Villatoro Santos, a high ranking MS-13 leader, during a raid in Virginia. Officials say he was responsible for overseeing violent operations across the East Coast. The arrest is part of a broader FBI-led task force that has resulted in over 340 arrests in less than a month, backed by Attorney General Pam Bondi and President Trump. Authorities say the crackdown will now expand nationwide. The gang, designated a terrorist group by the administration, has been linked to a history of brutal crimes across the U.S., especially in areas like Long Island and Los Angeles.

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PREPPER PERSPECTIVE

Cracking down on violent gangs like MS-13 is necessary, and this arrest is a major win for law enforcement. But with over 340 people arrested in just a few weeks, there’s growing concern that some may be misidentified—especially with reports of individuals being targeted based on tattoos alone. It’s a reminder that while strong enforcement is needed, oversight matters too. Safety shouldn’t come at the expense of getting it wrong.

THE DEBRIEF

France and Germany warned that Trump’s 25% auto tariffs could fuel inflation and destabilize global trade. EU leaders are planning a coordinated response, while automakers brace for higher prices and production cuts. Some models could rise by up to $12,000 if a trade war escalates.

NATO clarified that its secretary-general misspoke when suggesting four missing U.S. soldiers had died during a training exercise in Lithuania. Their vehicle was found submerged, but recovery efforts are still underway. The soldiers went missing near the Belarus border, raising regional tensions.

Heavy airstrikes hit Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, including parts of Sanaa, as the U.S. expands its military campaign. The strikes appear broader than those under the previous administration, now targeting personnel and urban sites. Civilian injuries were reported as tensions rise in the region.

The European Commission released new guidance urging citizens to keep at least 72 hours’ worth of food and supplies on hand. Citing Russia’s war in Ukraine and growing geopolitical threats, the E.U. says Europe must adopt a culture of preparedness. Schools may soon teach crisis readiness and disinformation defense.

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