Headshots of geopolitical changes

Katie Pavlich asks about new and additional flights of Venezuelan

gang members

PressSec: "Americans can absolutely expect to see the continuation

of the mass deportation campaign..."

The Trump administration is ramping up its mass deportation efforts,

with White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirming today
that additional flights targeting Venezuelan gang members are in the
works. The announcement came during a heated press briefing when Fox
News contributor Katie Pavlich pressed Leavitt on the status of new
deportation operations aimed at members of the notorious Tren de
Aragua gang.Geopolitics Now brings you these moments now

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Benjamin Netanyahu:Hamas is responsible for this war

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the Border Police Judea

and Samaria District Undercover Unit Base, and received a
comprehensive briefing from its commander about the unit's ramified
operational activity since the outbreak of the war.

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Federal Reserve Holds Interest Rates Steady at 4.25%–4.50% Amid

Economic Uncertainty

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell announced today that the

central bank will maintain its benchmark interest rate range at
4.25% to 4.50%, signaling caution as economic clouds loom on the
horizon. The decision, made during the Fed’s latest policy meeting,
reflects growing unease about the nation’s financial trajectory,
with Powell citing “heightened uncertainty” as a key factor.The
decision to hold rates steady comes after a series of aggressive
hikes in 2023 and early 2024 aimed at taming inflation, which peaked
at a 40-year high. Though consumer prices have eased to around 3.1%
annually—still above the Fed’s 2% target—the economy is showing
mixed signals. Job growth has slowed, with unemployment ticking up
to 4.3%, while manufacturing and retail sectors report softening
demand. Meanwhile, global tensions, including supply chain
disruptions tied to conflicts in Eastern Europe and West Africa,
have kept energy and commodity prices volatile.Wall Street had been
split on the Fed’s next move, with some analysts anticipating a
quarter-point cut to spur growth, while others warned that easing
too soon could reignite inflation. Powell acknowledged the debate
but emphasized a wait-and-see approach. “We’re data-dependent, not
calendar-driven,” he said. “The risks of doing too much or too
little are both in play, so we’re staying vigilant.”Markets reacted
tepidly, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average dipping 0.2% and the
S&P 500 holding flat by midday. Bond yields edged up slightly, as
investors digested the Fed’s signal that rate cuts aren’t imminent.
Small businesses and homeowners hoping for relief from high
borrowing costs may have to wait longer, while savers continue to
benefit from elevated returns on deposits.Looking ahead, Powell
hinted that the Fed’s next moves hinge on incoming data,
particularly April’s jobs report and inflation readings. “If
uncertainty persists or the economy weakens more than expected,
we’re prepared to adjust,” he said, leaving the door ajar for future
shifts. For now, though, the Fed’s steady hand underscores a
delicate balancing act in an increasingly unpredictable world.

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Host Intro

"Welcome to Geopolitics Now, your nexus between geography, politics,

and the unfolding events shaping our world. Good evening, and
welcome to Geopolitics Now—where we unpack the moves shaping the
world, no fluff, no filter. I’m your host,Michael Enudi, and tonight
we’re diving into three big stories. The U.S. eyeing a power play
over the Panama Canal, the Trump-Putin call that’s raising eyebrows,
and the AI war pitting China’s Manus against OpenAI—with Sam Altman
pushing to ban his rival, DeepSeek. It’s a lot to chew on, so let’s
get to it. This is your geopolitics as it stands now.

GP Stinger plays

U.S. MOVE ON PANAMA CANAL

Host:First, the Panama Canal. This isn’t just about shipping lanes—
it’s a geopolitical linchpin, and the U.S. is making waves. Word is
the Trump administration’s exploring ways to tighten its grip—think
economic leverage or even a beefed-up military presence. Why?
China’s been schmoozing Panama with infrastructure deals, and
Washington’s not happy about itHere’s the deal: the canal moves 6%
of global trade, critical for U.S. access between oceans. We handed
it over to Panama in ’99, but with China’s Belt and Road creeping
in, the U.S. sees a threat. Is this about securing a vital artery,
or just flexing in Latin America? I’d argue it’s both. China’s
influence is real—ports, loans, the whole playbook—but this could
also be a shiny distraction from domestic headaches. The catch? Push
too hard, and Panama might lean harder into Beijing. High stakes,
delicate game.

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Let’s explore further with the Panama Canal—a narrow strip of water
that’s been a geopolitical football for over a century. Word out of
Washington is that the Trump administration’s cooking up plans to
reassert U.S. influence. We’re talking economic pressure—maybe
leaning on trade deals or dangling aid packages—and whispers of a
beefier military footprint in the region. Why the sudden interest?
Two words: China’s rise.This canal isn’t just a shortcut—it’s a
jugular vein for global trade, handling about 6% of the world’s
shipping traffic, including $270 billion in U.S. goods annually.
Back in 1977, Jimmy Carter signed it over to Panama, with full
control handed off in ’99. It was a noble gesture—decolonization
vibes—but the U.S. never really let go of the leash. Fast forward to
today, and China’s Belt and Road Initiative is all over Panama.
They’ve got stakes in ports like Colón and Balboa, a $1.4 billion
bridge project, and a cozy diplomatic switch from Taiwan to Beijing
in 2017. That’s got the Pentagon and State Department sweating.So,
what’s the play? Option one: national security. The canal’s a
lifeline for U.S. naval mobility—think aircraft carriers zipping
between oceans—and China’s creeping influence could choke that in a
crisis, say, over Taiwan. Option two: economic leverage. Trump’s
team might push Panama to freeze out Chinese firms, maybe with
tariffs or sanctions as the stick. Option three—and this is the wild
card—a permanent U.S. presence, like a base or joint control talks.
Here’s my breakdown: it’s a legit concern—China’s not building
bridges out of charity—but it’s also a classic Trump flex. Domestic
approval’s shaky, inflation’s biting, and nothing distracts like a
foreign policy win. The risk? Panama’s not a pushover. President
Cortizo’s already juggling U.S. demands and Chinese cash—tilt too
hard, and he might double down on Beijing. Latin America’s watching,
too—Mexico, Colombia, Brazil. Overreach here could spark a regional
backlash, leaving the U.S. with less sway, not more. This is chess,
not checkers, and the board’s wide open.

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TRUMP-PUTIN CALL AND IMPLICATIONS

Host:Next, the Trump-Putin call. Yesterday, March 18th, the two had
what Trump called a “very good” talk. Putin allegedly offered a 30-
day pause on strikes against Ukraine’s grid—then bombed it anyway.
Classic bait-and-switch. Trump’s pushing to end the war quick, and
Putin’s dangling a deal: recognize Russia’s hold on eastern
Ukraine.The stakes? Huge. If Trump green-lights this, it’s a middle
finger to NATO—Poland and the Baltics would flip—and a signal that
might makes right. Zelensky’s already livid, calling Putin’s
promises fiction. But if Trump’s just playing for time, it’s a smart
hedge. My take: he wants a win, but Putin’s not budging without
blood. Congress could spoil the party—hawks won’t stomach a sellout.
This chess match is far from checkmate.

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the Trump-Putin call—a diplomatic bombshell that’s got the world

buzzing. On March 18th, the two leaders had what Trump called a
“very good” conversation—his first with Putin since reclaiming the
White House. The pitch? Putin reportedly floated a 30-day pause on
strikes against Ukraine’s energy grid—a lifeline as winter bites.
Trump, ever the dealmaker, touted it as progress toward ending the
war “in 24 hours,” his campaign promise. Then, hours later, Russian
drones slammed into Ukrainian substations, plunging half a million
homes into darkness. So much for good faith.Let’s unpack this.
Trump’s obsessed with a quick win—Ukraine’s his ticket to look tough
without boots on the ground. Sources say Putin’s dangling a bigger
carrot: a ceasefire if the U.S. blesses Russia’s grip on Luhansk,
Donetsk, and maybe Crimea. That’s a red line for Kyiv—Zelensky’s
already on X blasting Putin’s “fantasy”—but Trump might see it as a
pragmatic out. Cut aid, call it peace, bring the boys home—victory
lap secured.The implications are seismic. If Trump bites, NATO’s in
crisis mode. Poland’s got 300,000 troops on alert; the Baltics are
screaming about Munich 1938 vibes. A U.S. nod to Russian annexation
could greenlight aggression globally—think China and Taiwan, or Iran
in the Gulf. Allies like Germany and France might start hedging
bets, cozying up to Moscow or Beijing to cover their flanks. And
don’t sleep on Ukraine—Zelensky’s not folding; he’ll fight with
sticks if he has to, dragging this into a guerilla slog.But here’s
the flip side: Trump might be playing Putin. He’s no stranger to
bluffing—promise the moon, deliver a pebble. This could be a stall—
keep Putin talking while the U.S. ramps up arms to Kyiv or twists
Europe’s arm for more cash. The wildcard’s Congress. Hawks like
Lindsey Graham and Mike Johnson are itching to lock Trump in with
sanctions or a $50 billion aid package. My take? Trump wants the
photo op—him, Putin, a handshake—but Putin’s a scorpion. He’ll sting
the second Trump turns his back. Ukraine’s the pawn here, and the
clock’s ticking.

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Introducing Manus: The General AI Agent

Manus is a general AI agent that bridges minds and actions: it

doesn't just think, it delivers results. Manus excels at various
tasks in work and life, getting everything done while you rest.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K27diMbCsuw

AI WAR - MANUS VS. OPENAI & DEEPSEEK BAN

Host:ow, the AI war. China’s Manus and DeepSeek are squaring off
against OpenAI, and it’s getting messy. Manus—an “autonomous agent”—
is China’s big swing at AGI, promising to handle tasks solo. It’s
ambitious, but glitchy—more hype than horsepower so far. Then
there’s DeepSeek, the budget brawler outpacing OpenAI’s reasoning
models, sending shockwaves through Silicon Valley.Enter Sam Altman.
OpenAI’s boss is lobbying Trump to ban DeepSeek, crying “security
risk”—think Chinese data grabs. He wants it off U.S. devices and
clouds, TikTok-style. But let’s cut the noise: DeepSeek runs on
American servers, and Altman once praised it as “invigorating.” This
isn’t about safety—it’s about OpenAI losing ground. A ban might
stall China, but it could also stagnate U.S. innovation. Manus may
falter, but China’s AI machine keeps churning. Altman’s playing
defense; he needs to build, not beg.

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https://cdn.openai.com/global-affairs/ostp-rfi/ec680b75-d539-4653-
b297-8bcf6e5f7686/openai-response-ostp-nsf-rfi-notice-request-for-
information-on-the-development-of-an-artificial-intelligence-ai-
action-plan.pdf

Now, the AI war—a clash that’s less about algorithms and more about
who runs the 21st century. On one side, OpenAI, the U.S. poster
child, led by Sam Altman—ChatGPT’s daddy. On the other, China’s
swinging with Manus and DeepSeek, two flavors of tech ambition
that’ve got Silicon Valley shaking. Oh, and Altman’s latest move?
He’s begging Trump to ban DeepSeek, crying national security. Buckle
up—this is a slugfest.Let’s start with Manus. Launched in February
by a Beijing-backed outfit, it’s billed as an “autonomous agent”—an
AI that doesn’t just chat, but acts. Think booking flights, sorting
data, running simulations—all while you sleep. China’s crowing it’s
a step toward artificial general intelligence—AGI, the holy grail
where machines think like us. Sounds dazzling, but dig deeper: beta
testers on X say it’s clunky—laggy responses, weird outputs, like a
toddler with a calculator. Still, the intent’s clear—China’s gunning
for the top, and Manus is their moonshot.Then there’s DeepSeek—less
flashy, more lethal. Its R1 model dropped in December, smashing
benchmarks for reasoning and math, outpacing OpenAI’s latest at a
tenth the cost. Startups from Austin to Singapore are ditching
pricier U.S. models, and VCs are spooked—OpenAI’s valuation dipped
8% in January. DeepSeek’s secret? Open-source guts and ruthless
efficiency, built by a Shenzhen crew with ex-Tencent muscle. It’s
not AGI—it’s a scalpel, and it’s cutting deep.

Cue Sam Altman.

OpenAI’s not taking this lying down—they’re lobbying Trump’s team

for a DeepSeek ban, claiming it’s a “state-controlled” Trojan horse
feeding data to Beijing. The ask? Block it from U.S. app stores,
government devices, even cloud giants like AWS and Azure—think
TikTok 2.0. Altman’s pitching it as patriotism, tied to Trump’s
“America First” AI push—Project Stargate, a $100 billion plan to
outpace China by 2030.But let’s peel this onion. DeepSeek’s models
run on U.S. infrastructure—Microsoft’s servers, not Huawei’s. Altman
himself called it “invigorating” competition in a January podcast—
now it’s a threat? This reeks of panic. OpenAI’s lead’s shrinking—
its latest rollout flopped on physics problems—and DeepSeek’s eating
their lunch. A ban might buy time, maybe kneecap a rival, but the
evidence is thin. No leaks show CCP data grabs; it’s all
hypotheticals. Meanwhile, Trump’s crew—think Peter Thiel whispering
in his ear—might see this as a cheap win: slap China, boost U.S.
tech, call it a day.Here’s the rub: this could backfire
spectacularly. Innovation needs pressure—shield OpenAI, and it gets
fat and slow. China’s not stopping—Manus might stumble, but their AI
labs are a conveyor belt. Ban DeepSeek, and allies like the UK or
Japan might shrug—why ditch cheap tech over vague fears? Worse, it
could spark a tit-for-tat—China blocks Nvidia chips, and the U.S.
tech stack craters. My verdict? Altman’s playing checkers in a chess
world. Build better, not louder—because this war’s just warming up.

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Closing Opinion:That’s Geopolitics Now for tonight. The Panama Canal

power play, Trump and Putin’s dance, and an AI war that’s all about
who rules the future. It’s power, plain and simple—who’s got it,
who’s grabbing it, who’s risking it all.

Host:"This is how hard power and soft power, oil and wine, are
altering the landscape of global spheres of influence. We are, in
many ways, walking through prophetic outlines laid out in the Bible—
a grand geopolitical narrative unfolding before our eyes. As we
continue to watch these developments, one thing is clear: the
intersection of geopolitics and biblical prophecy is more than a
coincidence. It is a conversation shaping the future of nations."

"Well, that about wraps it up for this edition of Geopolitics Now.

These are my opinions, and I leave you to form your own conclusions.
Have a great week, and see you next time."