In a dramatic turn of events, President Donald Trump has abruptly canceled all trade negotiations with Canada following a controversial television advertisement aired by a Canadian media outlet. The ad, which Trump claims misrepresented U.S. tariffs and featured a manipulated clip of Ronald Reagan, triggered a fiery response on his Truth Social account late Thursday. Trump called the ad “egregious” and accused Canada of attempting to sway U.S. court decisions through propaganda. The move comes amid already tense trade relations and could have serious implications for North American economic stability.
Meanwhile, Trump is preparing for a high-stakes meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping next week in South Korea. Ahead of that summit, U.S. and Chinese delegations are holding trade talks in Malaysia from October 24 to 27. The discussions are critical, as a 100% tariff on Chinese goods is set to take effect November 1 in retaliation for China’s restrictions on rare earth exports. Both sides are expected to build on a “consensus” reached during a September phone call between Trump and Xi.
Adding to the international drama, hundreds of protesters gathered in Kuala Lumpur today to oppose Trump’s upcoming attendance at the ASEAN Summit. Led by Malaysia’s opposition party PAS and pro-Palestine activists, demonstrators held placards outside the U.S. Embassy, criticizing Trump’s foreign policy and presence at the regional gathering. Trump is expected to arrive in Malaysia on Sunday for the summit, which runs October 26–28.
Back home, Trump’s support among Generation Z voters continues to erode. A new YouGov/Economist poll shows only 25% of Gen Z respondents approve of his performance, down from 30% last month. The net approval rating among this group now stands at –42 points, signaling a sharp decline in youth support. Analysts suggest the drop reflects growing disillusionment with Trump’s policies and rhetoric, especially among younger, more progressive voters.
The White House is also facing scrutiny over its decision to demolish part of the East Wing to make way for a new presidential ballroom. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the move, citing legal authority and “executive discretion.” The announcement comes as the government shutdown enters its 23rd day, with federal workers still unpaid and partisan gridlock deepening in the Senate.
As Trump navigates mounting domestic and international pressure, his administration remains defiant. Whether it’s trade wars, youth backlash, or architectural controversy, Trump continues to dominate headlines with a mix of unpredictability and political force. The coming week—with summits, protests, and policy showdowns—could prove pivotal for his presidency and global standing.
