标签： North America

Dick Cheney, the former US vice-president who served under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009, passed away on Monday evening at the age of 84. His family confirmed that his death was due to complications from pneumonia, cardiac disease, and vascular conditions. Cheney, often described as one of the most powerful vice-presidents in American history, played a pivotal role in shaping US foreign policy, particularly in the decisions that led to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. In recent years, Cheney became a vocal critic of former President Donald Trump, aligning with his daughter Liz Cheney, who has been a prominent Republican opponent of Trump in Congress. Notably, during the 2024 election, Cheney surprised many by endorsing Democratic candidate Kamala Harris and condemning Trump, marking a significant shift in his political stance. His legacy remains a subject of both admiration and controversy, reflecting his profound impact on American politics.

On Tuesday, Canada’s Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne presented the nation’s federal budget, marking Prime Minister Mark Carney’s first major fiscal plan since taking office. The budget, described as both a political manifesto and a spending blueprint, outlines a comprehensive strategy to position Canada as the strongest economy in the G7. It comes at a time of significant global change, with Canada’s relationship with the US—its largest trading partner—undergoing rapid shifts. The budget warns of economic headwinds and emphasizes the need for a robust response to ensure Canada’s competitiveness on the global stage. The plan includes C$280 billion in spending, which could push the deficit to C$78.3 billion, the second-largest in Canadian history. Key investments target infrastructure, defense, housing, and digital corridors, while C$60 billion in spending cuts over five years will be achieved through public sector job reductions and AI adoption. The budget also introduces a Climate Competitiveness Strategy, aiming to make Canada a clean energy superpower by supporting low-emission projects and carbon capture technologies. Defense spending will see a significant boost, with C$81.8 billion allocated over five years to meet NATO targets and address Arctic security. Immigration targets are being reduced, and several Trudeau-era policies, including the consumer carbon tax and luxury vehicle tax, have been scrapped. The budget also addresses the impact of US tariffs, offering C$5 billion in support for affected industries and launching a C$10 billion loan facility to help businesses weather trade-related challenges.

Dick Cheney, the former U.S. vice-president who passed away on Tuesday, played a pivotal role in reshaping the scope of presidential authority in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. His influence extended beyond his tenure, as Donald Trump now leverages the very mechanisms Cheney established to advance his own political objectives. Despite their personal and ideological differences, both leaders have significantly expanded the powers of the executive branch, often bypassing traditional checks and balances.

Cheney’s career in government spanned decades, beginning with his role in Richard Nixon’s administration and culminating in his influential position as vice-president under George W. Bush. The 9/11 attacks provided Cheney with a unique opportunity to redefine executive authority, enabling Bush to pursue the ‘war on terror’ with minimal constraints. This approach, as detailed in Barton Gellman’s 2008 book ‘Angler,’ was driven by a shared belief in the necessity of robust government action.

Today, Trump has inherited and further amplified these expanded powers, using them to justify actions such as military strikes and domestic surveillance. While Cheney’s policies were rooted in a post-9/11 sense of national unity, Trump’s agenda often lacks such consensus, leading to widespread public concern. Despite their differences, both leaders have demonstrated a willingness to deploy military force abroad and circumvent judicial oversight.

Cheney’s later years saw him become a vocal critic of Trump, particularly after the 2020 election. He warned of the dangers Trump posed to the republic, even endorsing Democrat Kamala Harris in 2024. Trump, in turn, dismissed Cheney as a proponent of ‘endless, nonsensical wars.’

The parallels between Cheney and Trump extend to their use of executive authority in areas such as military intervention, detention practices, and surveillance. Both leaders have pushed the boundaries of presidential power, often with controversial consequences. As the U.S. grapples with the legacy of Cheney’s policies and Trump’s ongoing actions, the debate over the limits of executive authority remains a central issue in American politics.

The legality of former President Donald Trump’s sweeping global tariffs is set to be determined by the US Supreme Court. The highest court in the nation will assess whether Trump’s use of emergency powers to impose these tariffs constitutes an overreach of presidential authority. A hearing is scheduled for November 5, following a federal appeals court ruling that declared the tariffs illegal. These tariffs, announced in April, imposed a flat 10% rate on imports from all countries, a move Trump argued was necessary to address ‘unfair’ trade relations with the US. The case reached the Supreme Court after two lower courts ruled that Trump lacked the authority to implement such broad tariffs. The appellate court’s 7-4 decision rejected Trump’s claim that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) permitted these tariffs, stating that the law does not grant the president the power to impose tariffs or taxes. Trump criticized the ruling, calling it ‘highly partisan’ and a ‘disaster’ for the country. The case originated from legal challenges by small businesses and a group of 12 US states. The Supreme Court’s decision could have significant implications for Trump’s political legacy, the US economy, and global trade relations. If the court upholds the lower courts’ rulings, it could lead to uncertainty in financial markets and questions about the validity of existing trade deals. Conversely, a ruling in Trump’s favor could embolden future presidents to use the IEEPA more aggressively. The conservative majority on the Supreme Court has frequently sided with Trump, but the court has also been critical of presidential overreach. The ruling will specifically address Trump’s ‘reciprocal tariffs,’ which include various rates on imports from countries like China, Mexico, and Canada. Tariffs imposed under Section 232, aimed at protecting national security, remain unaffected by this case.

Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government has introduced its first federal budget, outlining a bold economic transformation plan to address the pressures of US tariffs and foster long-term growth. Dubbed an ‘investment budget,’ the fiscal blueprint increases Canada’s deficit to C$78 billion, up from C$51.7 billion, while aiming to attract C$1 trillion in investments over the next five years. Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne presented the budget in the House of Commons, emphasizing the need for ‘bold and swift action’ during a period of profound change. The budget includes significant spending on infrastructure, defense, and artificial intelligence (AI), alongside cuts to the federal workforce and international aid. To counter US tariffs, which have already impacted sectors like steel, aluminum, and automobiles, the government plans to invest C$280 billion to enhance productivity, competitiveness, and resilience. This includes modernizing trade infrastructure and doubling exports to non-US markets. The budget also proposes C$30 billion in defense spending, aligning with NATO commitments, and nearly C$1 billion to advance AI integration. However, the plan faces political hurdles, as Carney’s Liberal government lacks a majority and requires support from other parties to pass the budget. Opposition leaders have expressed concerns over the deficit and austerity measures, raising the possibility of a federal election if the budget fails to gain approval.

Dick Cheney, a pivotal figure in U.S. politics and one of the most powerful vice presidents in American history, has passed away at the age of 84. His family confirmed his death on Tuesday, attributing it to complications from pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease. Cheney, who served as vice president under George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009, was a driving force behind the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq, a decision that remains highly controversial.