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Ottawa Backs Down on Digital Tax Dispute Amid Pressure from Trump White House

Canada has reportedly agreed to delay its planned digital services tax (DST) following pressure from former U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration, according to a recent statement from the White House. The tax, which was originally slated to target tech giants like Amazon, Meta, and Google, had been a major sticking point in U.S.-Canada trade discussions. The White House claimed Canada “caved” to U.S. demands after months of negotiations, with Trump’s team arguing the tax unfairly targeted American firms. The Canadian government, however, framed the delay as a strategic move to preserve economic stability and avoid retaliatory tariffs. Critics within Canada argue that the government’s decision reflects a growing trend of yielding to U.S. economic influence, while others say the delay is pragmatic given ongoing global talks about a coordinated approach to taxing digital revenues. The issue remains contentious, and observers are watching closely to see whether Canada will revive th...
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U.S. Tightens Visa Screening for Harvard-Bound Travelers

In a significant policy shift, the Trump administration has ordered additional vetting for all visa applicants seeking to travel to Harvard University for any purpose. The directive, issued by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, applies to prospective students, faculty, employees, contractors, guest speakers, and even tourists.

The administration cites concerns over Harvard's alleged failure to maintain a campus environment free from violence and anti-Semitism, prompting stricter screening measures. Consular officers have been instructed to scrutinize applicants' online presence, including social media activity, and may request individuals to make private accounts public for evaluation.

This move is part of a broader immigration crackdown, with officials emphasizing the need to identify applicants with histories of anti-Semitic harassment and violence. The policy also serves as a pilot program for expanded visa screening across other U.S. universities.

Harvard has faced mounting pressure from the administration, including funding freezes and investigations into alleged discriminatory practices. The university argues that these measures are politically motivated and retaliatory.

As the policy takes effect, its implications for international students and academic freedom remain a topic of heated debate. Critics warn that such measures could deter global talent from seeking education in the U.S., while supporters argue that enhanced security is necessary to protect national interests.

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