Trump Escalates Military Buildup in Caribbean | Balance of Power 10/24/2025

Military & Geopolitics - The U S is deploying the USS Jerry Ford carrier strike group to the Caribbean amid rising tensions with Venezuela, potentially targeting drug facilities and trafficking routes [4] - The U S has already conducted 10 strikes on suspected drug smuggling, resulting in over 40 deaths, raising legality concerns [6] - President Trump has imposed sanctions on Colombia's President Petro, accusing him of allowing drug trafficking [8][10] - The U S military presence includes B-1 bombers, F-35 squadrons, 8 warships, submarines, air patrol vehicles, and Reaper drones [59] - The President confirmed a covert CIA operation is happening on the ground in Venezuela [71] Trade & Economics - Trade talks between the U S and Canada were halted due to a controversial TV ad, leading to potential discussions at the APEC summit [2][14][16][23] - Ontario agreed to pull the anti-tariff ad starting Monday to allow trade talks to resume [15] - The market shrugged off trade concerns, focusing on inflation numbers and expectations of future Fed rate cuts [32][33][34] - A delayed CPI report showed softer-than-expected inflation in September, strengthening the case for more rate cuts [40] - The Treasury Department approved a $20 billion rescue package for Argentina, along with another $20 billion in private financing [48] Politics & Policy - New York Attorney General Letitia James pleaded not guilty to mortgage fraud charges, alleging political motivation [3][86] - The administration will make its case in court for the right to layoff thousands of federal workers amid the government shutdown [39] - 25 states could cut off SNAP food benefits, affecting 42 million Americans, if the government remains closed [40] - The White House framed the softer-than-expected CPI number as justifying the view that tariffs are not inflationary [43]