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WEEKLY NEWS SUMMARY - MARCH 12, 2025
In this week's Intersect, read about:
Canada’s New PM Mark Carney Immediately Takes Shot at Trump Over Trade War, 51st State Comments: ‘Will Destroy Our Way of Life’
“Mark Carney, the former head of the UK and Canada central banks, was named Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s successor Sunday and immediately fired shots at President Trump in his victory speech. Carney, 59, overwhelmingly won the race to lead the country’s federal Liberal party on Sunday after taking home 86% of the ballots, making him the first outsider with no real political background to become Canadian prime minister.” Read more at the New York Post.
THINK.
- Who is Mark Carney? Though he has never held an elected office, he brings a wealth of experience in the financial sector. He served as the governor of the Bank of Canada for nearly five years and later became the first non-British governor of the Bank of England.
- Since taking office, President Trump has repeatedly suggested that Canada could become America’s 51st state. But in a speech following his victory on Sunday, Mark Carney stated, “America is not Canada. And Canada never, ever will be part of America in any way, shape or form.” He continued, “The Americans want our resources, our water, our land, our country. Think about it. If they succeed, they will destroy our way of life.”
- With Justin Trudeau’s replacement selected, a prime ministerial election is on the horizon, giving Canada’s Conservative Party a chance to take power. In the meantime, Mark Carney will be the key figure navigating relations with the Trump administration on issues like tariffs, border security, and more. As close neighbors, the U.S. and Canada depend on each other in many ways, making a strong partnership essential for both nations.
PRAY.
Lord, we pray for Prime Minister Mark Carney. Please give him wisdom and understanding as he leads Canada. We also pray for a strengthened relationship between the United States and our neighbor Canada in the days ahead. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
ACT.
A critical race is underway in the historic battleground state of Wisconsin. Two candidates are vying for a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court—a position that will shape decisions on redistricting, election integrity, and the future of local, state, and federal elections for years to come. You can help ensure that every freedom-loving Wisconsinite turns out to vote in this nationally significant election. Learn more here.
Trump Nixes $400M In Columbia University Grants Over Anti-Israel Encampments
“The Trump administration has canceled $400 million in federal grants to Columbia University, stating that persistent anti-Israel encampments and harassment of Jewish students on campus have gone unaddressed. The Department of Justice, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Education and the General Services Administration announced this action as part of a larger federal review.” Read more at The Christian Post.
THINK.
- The decision to slash some federal funding for Columbia University was made by four agencies “due to the school’s continued inaction in the face of persistent harassment of Jewish students.” Still, this $400 million is just a fraction of the $5 billion in grants allocated to the university. In response to this decision, Secretary of Education Linda McMahon said, “Universities must comply with all federal antidiscrimination laws if they are going to receive federal funding. For too long, Columbia has abandoned that obligation to Jewish students studying on its campus. Today, we demonstrate to Columbia and other universities that we will not tolerate their appalling inaction any longer.”
- Over the weekend, Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and former Columbia graduate student, was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents for allegedly inciting violence on the campuses of Columbia University and Barnard College. The State Department announced that it is revoking Khalil’s green card, but a federal judge has temporarily blocked his deportation. As of Monday morning, a petition calling for Khalil’s release has gathered over 800,000 signatures.
- All this comes as tensions between Israel and Hamas remain high. President Trump met with several of the freed hostages in the Oval Office last week to hear their horrific accounts of the time they spent in Hamas captivity. Following the meeting, he wrote the following on Truth Social: “Release all of the Hostages now, not later, and immediately return all of the dead bodies of the people you murdered, or it is OVER for you.”
PRAY.
Pray for an end to antisemitism and all forms of discrimination. Ask the Lord to bring justice to those who promote hatred and make threats, and to foster peace and understanding among all people.
ACT.
Israel continues to need our prayers. Please join us in praying for peace and stability in Israel and the surrounding region. Our 5 Prayer Points for Israel guide can help direct you as you pray—download it here.
Trump Says a Transition Period for The Economy Is Likely: ‘You Can’t Really Watch the Stock Market’
“President Donald Trump and other senior White House officials have spent the past several days bracing Americans for a potential economic slowdown that they say will then lead to stronger growth ahead.” Read more at CNBC.
THINK.
- Will there or won’t there be a recession? That is the question on many Americans’ minds as stocks continue to tumble. When asked that very question by Fox News anchor Maria Bartiromo, President Trump said, “There is a period of transition, because what we’re doing is very big,” later adding that there might be a “disruption” as he executes his agenda.
- Any time there is a significant drop in the stock market, fears of a recession emerge. But is the stock market indicative of a larger problem? Charles Gasparino, a columnist for the New York Post, said the following in a recent op-ed: “Yes, what Trump wants to do — and has to do, given the load he was left with — was always destined to create some short-term pain for the long-term gain…. [But] if history is any guide, the real economy that most people care about is poised to do just fine given what Trump is planning, and eventually, so will the stock market.”
- Uncertainty is scary, especially when it comes to our financial security and stability. But, as the old worship song goes, “Because He lives, I can face tomorrow, because He lives, all fear is gone; because I know He holds the future, and life is worth the living, just because He lives!” May we all find peace in Jesus and trust in His unfailing faithfulness.
PRAY.
Lord, the uncertainty of the stock market and the possibility of a recession can be unsettling. Please grant us wisdom and discernment as we navigate financial decisions and replace our anxiety with Your peace. We trust in You for the future. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
ACT.
It is always refreshing and comforting to unite with others in prayer in uncertain times. If you’d like to meet each Monday and pray over our nation and her leaders with our army of grassroots volunteers—Action Partners—sign up here.
Map Shows Chinese Navy Encircling US Ally in New Show of Force
“A new Newsweek map shows how the Chinese navy completed a circumnavigation of Australia, a key United States ally in the South Pacific Ocean, in about a month.” Read more at Newsweek.
THINK.
- Since the beginning of February, three Chinese military ships—the CNS Zunyi, CNS Hengyang, and CNS Weishanhu—have been circumnavigating Australia. The prime minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese, said in a recent Cabinet meeting that they will continue to monitor China’s movements using their military fleet.
- The United States and Australia are key allies in the Indo-Pacific, working together to strengthen regional stability and defense cooperation. The U.S. maintains military forces in Australia, and in late February, a U.S. nuclear-powered submarine docked there, highlighting the depth of this strategic partnership. This alliance is crucial in countering global threats and ensuring a free and secure Pacific.
- In addition to its actions in Australia, China’s defense ministry issued a stark warning to the people of Taiwan on Sunday. A spokesperson declared, “The more rampant ‘Taiwan independence’ separatists become, the tighter the noose around their necks and the sharper the sword hanging over their heads will be.”
PRAY.
Lord, we pray for Australia and its leaders as they face growing threats. Please protect our allies and grant U.S. and global leaders’ discernment as they respond to rising tensions. May peace prevail. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
ACT.
The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is a threat to America that cannot be ignored. In his 2019 book, Trump vs. China, former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich lays out a clear and urgent case for how the CCP is working to undermine American security—and what we must do to stop it. Arm yourself with the facts by ordering a copy today.
My Faith Votes— is a ministry that motivates, equips, and activates Christians in America to vote in every election, transforming our communities and influencing our nation with biblical truth. An estimated 25 million Christians who are registered to vote, fail to vote in presidential elections. My Faith Votes is on a mission to change this statistic by helping Christians act on their faith and vote in every election. When we pray unceasingly for our nation, think biblically about the issues, and vote consistently in every election the impact of Christians taking action from the local to the state and federal level will be unprecedented.
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