Get Fact Up - March 26th, 2025
Vol. 1, No. 8.
Fentanyl Blame: Canada Not Listed
The U.S. Director of National Intelligence appeared before a Senate Intelligence Committee speaking about the Annual Threat Assessment of the US intelligence Community.
The Annual Threat Assessment is a big deal. Every year, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) pulls together this comprehensive, unclassified report laying out what the U.S. intelligence community sees as the most pressing national security threats—right now and in the near future.
It’s not just background reading for policymakers — it shapes how the U.S. prepares for everything from cyberattacks and foreign interference to geopolitical tensions and global instability. When this report drops, people pay attention.
Where was Canada?
President Trump, as we know, claims fentanyl entering from the northern border poses an “unusual and extraordinary threat.” Of course, he his linking tariffs as one of the main reasons, and Ottawa’s failure to curb fentanyl trafficking.
But the U.S. intelligence report identifies Mexico, and sourcing from China and India, as the main sources of fentanyl.
When asked about why Canada is not listed, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard said the assessment focuses only on the most extreme threats.
Is Chipotle Closing?
Feeling overwhelmed by annexation threats? Obviously, you're not alone.
But Americans? Not so much.
If Google Trends are any indication, our southern neighbours aren't exactly fixated on Canada... or thinking about us at all.
We love Google Trends, so before a single whisper of “Canada” appears, here’s what Americans have actually been searching:
PlayStation Plus April free games
Sarah Jessica Parker
E-ZPass
Peanuts Snoopy
Starbucks
Ben Affleck
And yes — “Is Chipotle closing?”
(For the record: Chipotle is not closing. A rumour sparked a mini online panic. Burritos are safe.)
Canada barely makes the list — Justin Bieber shows up somewhere down the scroll. LINK
Paul Krugman Gets It
, Nobel-winning economist and public thinker, recently weighed in on Canada — and the Get Fact team thinks it rings true. A good reminder of how Americans do see us.Speaking to mostly a US audience, Krugman notes, Canadians know the U.S. — the politics, the pop culture, and especially paying close attention to the chaos in the White House right now.
Americans? They mostly forget Canada exists. Maybe a bit less now.
Canadian identity has always hinged on not being American, he writes, and it’s quiet, sometimes mocked, but deeply rooted.
Now, talk of a 51st state feels less like a joke and more like a warning, writing Canadians know exactly who they are…
And they’re not looking to join the party — because, as Krugman puts it, they’ve seen the guest list.
Liberation Day Coming
When April 2 hits — Trump’s self-declared “liberation day” — and tariffs kick in, will they be tiered? Is Canada’s likely in the “low tier”? Toronto Star takes a closer look.
But with 25% already on steel and aluminum, low hurts.
Get Fact will be watching — who’s ready to take the hit, and who’s ready to hit back? And the economy? LINK
Meanwhile, Trump’s Still Talking 51st State.
U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance is now lumping Canada in with Greenland under American “protection.”
Vance announced he’ll accompany his wife on an unsolicited visit to Denmark — a move its Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has called “unacceptable pressure.”
“We will resist,” she stated bluntly.
Which makes us wonder: what kind of reception would Vance get if he dropped in on Canada?
Not the Chattering Class
C-SPAN’s not exactly must-see TV — but we watched this town hall last week, start to finish, because it was genuinely upsetting.
As Republican lawmakers face angry town halls across the U.S., lots of yelling and tears, and clearly many Americans are upset, and about Trump’s annexation talk.
THE CANADIANS ARE GOOD PEOPLE. I RESPECT THEM AND I WANT TO COHABITATE ON NORTH AMERICA'S CONTINENT WITH THEM AND I WANT THEM TO FEEL RESPECTED. I DO APPRECIATE CANADA. (APPLAUSE)
On this one Rep. Mike Flood, serving as the U.S. representative for Nebraska's 1st congressional district, was asked point-blank if he’d oppose “going to war with Canada.”
“Inaction is support,” the voter said. “You’re backing tariffs on allies like Canada — and Trump’s plan to make them the 51st state.”
“Yes,” he said. “Canada is a long-time, important ally. They’ve fought beside us in every major conflict. We share a peaceful border. They’re good people, and I want them to feel respected.”
And note, Nebraska is not a border state!
Maple Washing?
Many brands are pivoting and finding creative ways to market around both tariffs and escalating U.S. rhetoric of Canada’s sovereignty.
Moosehead Breweries Ltd., Canada’s oldest independent beer maker, launched a massive wood case of 1,461 beer cans — one for each day of Trump’s presidency.
A 1,461-pack?
Moosehead announced the first pack sold within minutes of launch, and there is a waitlist of 400.
Looks expensive and it is expensive. About $3,500 (CAN).
Any shipping south?
Let us know if you see anything worth sharing—Canadians pushing back against attacks, misinformation, or disinformation.
And if we got something wrong? Tell us. It happens. We correct it.
See you tomorrow.