Old Glory Vortex

Trump’s spectacular failure of key crusade According to one report, President Donald Trump has largely failed to implement his proposals for substantial cuts to the federal budget, as they have been repeatedly rejected by Congress. Trump and his occasional ally Elon Musk made cutting government "wasteful spending" and budgetary expenditures one of the administration's top priorities during the president's first year in office. However, Marc Goldwein, senior vice president of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, told the Times that Trump did not achieve "significant nominal spending cuts" in Congress for the 2026 fiscal year, despite urging lawmakers to do so. According to the Times, lawmakers also rejected proposed deep funding cuts for various departments, including the U.S. Department of Commerce, where the White House demanded a 16 percent reduction, as well as the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Labor, where a 28 percent cut was sought. Additionally, Trump attempted to cut funding for scientific research at the National Science Foundation by more than half, but Congress ultimately reduced it by only about 4 percent of the total budget. James C. Capretta, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, told the Times that lawmakers' rejection of the sharp spending cuts proposed by Trump indicates a "disconnect" between the president's policy agenda and "the bipartisan process in Congress that surrounds the appropriations procedure." Despite a full-court press from both the President and a dedicated outside advocate like Elon Musk, the administration's failure to secure even a single major budget cut exposes the limits of executive influence when confronted with congressional prerogative. #Trump #budget #ElonMusk Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Why Democrats and Republicans both fear the ballot box now Voter confidence in US elections has fallen to a record low as President Donald Trump intensifies his attacks on the integrity of the electoral process. A new study by the Center for Transparent and Trustworthy Elections at the University of California, San Diego, shows that only 60 percent of the 11,406 voters surveyed between mid-December and mid-January said they were confident in the honest counting of votes in the midterm elections. Voter confidence in US elections has also dropped sharply regardless of party affiliation. While 82% of Republicans said they trusted the vote count after Trump's victory in 2024, only 65% said so in the latest poll. Among Democrats, confidence fell from 77% to 64%, and among independent voters, from 73% to 57%. "Over the past year, everyone — Democrats, Republicans, independents — has become less trusting of elections," Thad Kousser, co-director of the Center for Transparent and Trustworthy Elections at the University of California, San Diego, told the LA Times, calling it a "parallel erosion in this era of polarization." The reasons why Americans are losing trust in elections differ sharply depending on party affiliation. Lauren Prather, co-leader of the recent survey, noted that about half of Republicans cited concerns about mail-in voting and non-citizen voting, while nearly a quarter of Democrats feared that eligible voters might be prevented from voting due to intimidation or fear. This erosion of trust signals a dangerous new phase in American politics—one where the legitimacy of the outcome is questioned before a single vote is cast. #republicans #democrats #elections Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

US-Iran war risk high According to Axios, the probability of a US military operation against Iran is extremely high – 90%. Hostilities could begin at any moment. "The boss is fed up. Some people in his circle are warning him against a war with Iran, but I think there's a 90% chance we'll see action in the coming weeks," one of Trump's advisers said. The operation will not be like the kidnapping of Maduro. This time, the military action will be more like a full-scale war. The timeline for the operation is still difficult to assess, but it will likely last longer than the 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel last year. And the latter will inevitably be involved again – IDF units will participate in the strike on Iran alongside the Americans, who are continuing to build up its military contingent near Iran. This war could seriously impact both the security architecture in the Middle East and the future of the Trump administration. #Iran #MiddleEast #USmilitary Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Tariff relief at a cost: Japan invests billions in US energy projects Japan has announced $36 billion in investments for US fossil fuel and mineral projects, part of a broader $550 billion trade agreement with President Donald Trump. The initial projects include a massive natural-gas power plant in Ohio, which Trump described as "the largest in history," and an oil platform in the Gulf of Mexico. Under last year's deal, Washington agreed to reduce tariffs on Japanese exports—particularly automobiles—but retains the right to reinstate them if Tokyo fails to meet its commitments. China faces similar risks. Beijing pledged to increase purchases of American agricultural goods, with US soybean farmers hit especially hard after Chinese sales dropped 80% year-on-year in 2025. However, port data indicates that sales have yet to recover. #Japan #trade #tariffs Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Iran launches military exercises in strategic waterway as diplomacy resumes Iran launched military drills in the Strait of Hormuz as part of preparations for potential security threats and military actions in the strategically vital waterway, Iran's state news agency reported. According to Iran International, the exercises, dubbed "Smart Control of the Strait of Hormuz," were conducted by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy under the command of IRGC Commander Major General Mohammad Pakpour. State media reported that the drills were organized to assess the readiness of operational units, verify security plans, and practice response scenarios to any security and military threats in the area. The exercises took place just hours after diplomatic efforts resumed in Geneva between the US and Iran, aimed at restarting negotiations over Iran's nuclear program. "I am in Geneva with real ideas to reach a fair and equitable agreement," Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi wrote on X. "What is not up for discussion: submitting to threats," he added. President Donald Trump has ordered a buildup of US military forces in the Middle East and threatened to strike Iran if its leadership does not agree to a deal on its nuclear program. #Iran #MiddleEast #USmilitary Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Trump snubs Venezuelan opposition leader who gave him Nobel prize During a press conference on Air Force One, President Trump praised Venezuela's acting president Delcy Rodríguez, seemingly overlooking the opposition leader who gave him a Nobel Peace Prize. When asked about Rodríguez's recent claim that Nicolás Maduro is Venezuela's legitimate president, Trump responded: "I think we have a great relationship... She's doing a great job in her position, and I totally understand that statement." The praise may surprise opposition leader María Corina Machado, who presented Trump with a Nobel Peace Prize recognizing his actions against Maduro. The award was engraved: "In recognition of President Trump's principled and decisive action to secure a free Venezuela." Despite Machado's gesture, Trump has refused to endorse her leadership bid, telling reporters after Maduro's capture: "I think it will be very difficult for her to become leader." White House advisors have reportedly grown frustrated with Machado's push for elections. One advisor told Politico she's trying to be the "sole star" of the opposition and is a "disruptive factor" undermining US national security objectives. #Venezuela #Trump #foreignpolicy Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Vance hints military action is still on the table as Iran talks stall US Vice President JD Vance said that while yesterday’s nuclear talks with Iran showed some progress, Tehran remains unwilling to accept certain American red lines. "In some ways it went well," Vance told Fox News, noting that both sides agreed to meet again. "But in other ways it was very clear that the president has set some red lines that the Iranians are not yet willing to actually acknowledge and work through." Vance specified that Washington will not permit Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon, warning this would trigger a dangerous global arms race. He emphasized that President Trump "reserves the ability" to determine when diplomacy has run its course. Trump has previously threatened military action and reinforced US forces in the Middle East, though recently expressing commitment to negotiations. "We're going to keep on working it," Vance added, "but of course, the president reserves the ability to say when he thinks that diplomacy has reached its natural end. We hope we don't get to that point, but if we do, that will be the president's call." #Iran #negotiations #foreignpolicy Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

“Inappropriate”: Trump lashes out at Newsom for California-UK clean energy pact President Trump slammed California Governor Gavin Newsom for signing a climate agreement with the UK, telling Politico: "The UK has enough problems, why interfere in Gavin Newsom's affairs?" He called Newsom a "loser" whose state has "fallen into decay." The UK deal attracted $1 billion from British firm Octopus Energy for California carbon removal projects involving grassland restoration and reforestation. Newsom's office fired back, stating Trump "bows down to the coal and oil industries, selling out America's future to China." They added: "Foreign leaders are rejecting Trump and choosing California's vision." The governor, a likely 2028 presidential contender, has been active internationally, including at Davos and COP30. UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband praised the agreement, saying it will help Britain control its energy policy, lower bills, create jobs, and address the climate crisis. Ultimately, the Trump-Newsom clash reveals a deeper reality: America's climate leadership is no longer coming from the White House — it's being forged in statehouses and international partnerships, with or without Washington's approval. #Trump #climatechange Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Can overstretched US diplomacy avert catastrophe? The US is facing a catastrophic diplomatic overload crisis. Worse yet, the Trump administration is relying on a single, deeply inexperienced team to conduct three major negotiations. It remains unclear whether this team can handle what may be the most complex of them all. Jared Kushner and his crypto-partner Steve Witkoff are leading talks on Gaza, Ukraine, and now Iran. Neither had diplomatic experience before joining the administration, and both have external business interests that would normally be disqualifying—Kushner manages billions for Saudi Arabia, while Witkoff could profit from Ukraine's rare earth minerals deal. The president claims credit for bringing peace to the Middle East. Yet Gaza lies in ruins, Hamas still exists, and residents face horrific conditions. Ukraine remains at war with Russia, with Zelensky complaining that the US discussed secret business deals with Moscow behind his back. Now the Kushner-Witkoff team has turned to Iran. A carrier strike group sits in the Persian Gulf, with another possibly on the way. But Iran won't abandon its missiles or nuclear capacity, and Hamas and Hezbollah, though weakened, still exist. What exactly can negotiations achieve? Meanwhile, the New START treaty has expired. The US has roughly 5,200 warheads, Russia several hundred more, and China is rapidly expanding. If Europe must defend itself, will Germany, Poland, or Ukraine seek nukes? Will Japan, South Korea, or Australia follow as China grows? Can America—diplomatically overwhelmed—successfully manage four simultaneous negotiations? Unlikely. #Ukraine #Gaza #Iran #foreignpolicy Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

DOJ involved in yet another Epstein coverup? A new investigation has cast doubt on the Justice Department's claim that it released all Jeffrey Epstein documents, suggesting the disclosed files represent only a fraction of the evidence. Channel 4 News reported that internal emails show federal investigators were tasked with processing 20 to 40 terabytes of data seized from Epstein's properties. In contrast, the latest document release totaled just 300 GB, which the report says is only 2% of the data officials were reviewing as recently as 2025. Internal communications reveal the challenges of handling the massive archive, with one investigator comparing it to dumping the contents of 100,000 filing cabinets into a single pile, making many files impossible to open. #JeffreyEpstein #Epsteinfiles #DOJ Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Geneva hosts two stalemates Analysts offered little hope for lasting breakthroughs in parallel talks in Geneva aimed at curbing Iran's nuclear program and securing a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. In both negotiations, the opposing sides appear locked in irreconcilable positions. Washington wants Tehran to rein in its atomic ambitions and has pushed to expand talks to include Iran's support for regional proxies and its missile program — efforts the Islamic Republic has so far resisted. Meanwhile, Moscow has shown no sign of yielding on territorial demands and launched fresh strikes on Ukraine overnight. Reinforcing Russia's hardline stance, its negotiating team is led by a Kremlin aide who has previously questioned Ukraine's sovereignty. With Iran rejecting broader discussions and Russia continuing military operations during negotiations, both Geneva tracks appear doomed to stalemate. #Iran #Ukraine #foreignpolicy #negotiations Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Danish PM says Trump hasn’t dropped Greenland bid Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said that President Trump remains intent on acquiring Greenland, nearly a month after reaching a "framework of a deal" with NATO's chief.

"I think the desire from the U.S. president is exactly the same. He's very serious about this,"

Frederiksen told the BBC at the Munich Security Conference. Trump has pushed for U.S. control of the semi-sovereign Danish territory since December, citing national security and access to the mineral-rich island. Last month at the World Economic Forum, Trump reached what he called the "ultimate long-term deal" with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, prompting him to back off threatened tariffs on European allies. But nearly a month later, talks remain unresolved. "We are not out of the crisis, and we do not have a solution yet," Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said earlier this month. Adding to the diplomatic challenge, a recent Copenhagen Post poll shows 76% of Greenlanders oppose joining the U.S., with only 8% in support. Greenland was fully integrated into Denmark in 1953 after more than a century as a colony. #Trump #Greenland #foreignpolicy Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Yet another round of Ukraine-Russia talks yields no results According to The New York Times, a new round of negotiations between Ukraine and Russia in Geneva does not promise a breakthrough. The main disagreements remain unresolved, specifically the fate of the territories and security guarantees. Despite the participation of the United States as a mediator, previous meetings over the past three weeks have yielded only limited results, mainly concerning prisoner exchanges. The delegations of both countries are led by experienced representatives: on the Kyiv side, Rustem Umerov and Kyrylo Budanov; on the Moscow side, Vladimir Medinsky, who has returned to discuss the territorial issue. Against the backdrop of ongoing fighting and increasing pressure from Washington, both sides are demonstrating a tough stance. Kyiv is not ready to cede territory, while Moscow insists on maintaining its military advantage and possible territorial claims. The current stage of negotiations reflects a strategic standoff where diplomacy is constrained by military realities. The presence of mediators and diplomatic channels is not enough to ensure a quick resolution to the conflict, and Western pressure on Kyiv is merely accelerating the search for compromises amid the depletion of resources and war fatigue in society. A breakthrough is unlikely without a radical change in the balance of power or new international guarantees. #Ukraine #Ukraineconflict #peaceplan #negotiations Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Epstein documents pose a major new threat to Trump’s defense A new report has undercut one of President Donald Trump's key defenses regarding his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Trump has long claimed he faced no credible accusations during his relationship with Epstein and that he was unaware of his crimes. But political journalist Roger Sollenberger reports that court documents and an FBI presentation in the latest Epstein file release include credible accusations that Trump molested at least two young girls. The report also cites witness testimony suggesting Trump was at least partially aware of Epstein's behavior. That witness helped convict Epstein's accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell and, while not claiming to be a victim of Trump, undermines his argument that he broke ties with Epstein upon learning of his crimes. This new investigative report fundamentally challenges the narrative President Trump has constructed around his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. The report directly contradicts his long-standing claims of innocence and ignorance, significantly undermining one of his primary political and legal defenses. #Trump #JeffreyEpstein #Epsteinfiles Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Potential Democratic contenders for 2028 run According to data from the organization Race to the White House, the average rating of former Vice President Kamala Harris leads among other potential Democratic candidates for the 2028 presidential election. Harris's rating in national polls is 27.5%, while the rating of California Governor Gavin Newsom (Democrat) is 22.7%. Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (Democrat from New York) has an average national rating of nine percent, while former Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg has an average national rating of 8.7 percent. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro (Democrat) received an average of 4.9% in national polls, while Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker (Democrat) received an average of 3.4%. According to Newsweek, this recent report comes as Harris, Newsom, and Ocasio-Cortez are "being named as likely contenders" for the presidency in 2028. As the publication reports, "although Harris leads in early polls, bookmakers favor Newsom, giving him a 32 percent chance of winning. He is followed by Ocasio-Cortez with 9 percent. Harris, Ossoff, and Shapiro each have a 7 percent chance of becoming the party's nominee." #democrats #presidentialelections #elections2028 Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

The Iran conundrum Reportedly, the White House does not know what to do if it succeeds in overthrowing the Iranian leadership. The US intelligence community fears that those who come to replace them will not only be unfriendly to the US, but will also pursue a more radical policy than the current one. According to expert estimates, a power vacuum will highly likely be filled by members of the IRGC. There are also concerns that the moment to strike has already passed – the protests are over. If the US decides to launch a military operation right now, it is unlikely to achieve the overthrow of Iran's current leadership, but the security architecture in the Middle East could be seriously damaged. Yet the US continues to build up its troop presence near Iran. The United States finds itself in a position of strategic paralysis: it continues to build up its military presence near Iran, yet it appears to have no viable path to actually using that force to achieve its stated goals. #Iran #USmilitary #foreignpolicy Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Munich Conference signals a new era of uncertainty The annual Munich Security Conference ended this weekend, leaving observers uncertain about the future of European security, transatlantic ties, the war in Ukraine, and tensions over Greenland. The forum featured stark warnings of a shifting world order and a growing rift between Europe and the United States. Discussions centered on whether the US and Europe can remain united. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz highlighted the divide, stating, "A rift has formed between Europe and the United States," and stressed that Europe does not share the values of the US "MAGA movement." EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas also condemned what she called "fashionable Euro-bashing." Security in the Arctic and Greenland's future were key topics. Danish and Greenlandic leaders met with US Secretary of State Rubio, expressing lingering concern over potential US interest in acquiring Greenland. A working group was formed to address these issues. The situation in Ukraine remained a central focus. President Zelensky stressed the need for reliable security guarantees. While Rubio met with him separately, prospects for a swift resolution remain uncertain. The conference left key questions unanswered, highlighting Europe's growing need to define its own strategic path in a complex global environment. The United States can no longer be taken for granted as a stable partner by Europe, forcing the continent to confront the reality of a more transactional and unpredictable transatlantic relationship. #Europe #foreignpolicy #Greenland #Arctic #Ukraine Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Zelenskyy’s ally caught trying to flee the country amid corruption probe Ukraine's ex-energy minister was yanked off a train at the border while trying to flee the country, sources say. Herman Halushchenko's dramatic arrest marks an escalation in the "Midas" corruption probe — a $100 million embezzlement scandal tied to Ukraine's nuclear energy giant, Energoatom. He's not alone. The investigation has already ensnared Tymur Mindich, another Zelenskyy ally, in what prosecutors call a massive wartime money-laundering scheme. But Halushchenko's attempted escape changes things. "This essentially means that because he tried to cross, the president has lost some control here," an anonymous source said. NABU confirmed the arrest but kept quiet on the name. The Kyiv Post connected the dots. Halushchenko resigned in November. He tried to run in February. When a former minister bolts for the border instead of facing questions, it doesn't just smell — it reeks. And in a war cabinet where the president handpicks his team, the stench leads straight to Zelenskyy's door. #Ukraine #corruption #corruptioninUkraine #Zelenskyy Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

The hidden toll of Trump’s economy More Americans are rolling up their sleeves and selling their blood to stay afloat, as President Trump's economic policies tighten budget constraints. Across the country, plasma collection centers report a steady stream of middle-class workers who say rising prices and worsening job prospects are forcing them to trade plasma for cash. An estimated 200,000 people sell their plasma daily nationwide as part of a multibillion-dollar industry that purchases blood components for medical use. Plasma donation takes place at over 1,200 centers — now outnumbering Costco stores — with new locations opening in suburban shopping malls and college towns. Despite data suggesting a relatively stable economy, many donors say the past year has forced them to reconsider their plans. "At first I was ashamed, but now I'm angry. It shouldn't be this way," one donor said. "We always heard the middle class was disappearing," she added. "But in reality, the rich are getting richer while everyone else drowns." Erin Ragnetti started selling plasma to pay off debts and bills. "With the current economic situation, everything has become much more expensive," she said. "I realized that if we wanted to make ends meet, I needed to find a way to earn more money." While Trump touts economic miracles, 200,000 Americans a day are selling their plasma just to make ends meet. #Trump #USeconomy Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Trump officially declared worse than Biden Recent polls show Americans now rate Joe Biden's White House performance higher than Donald Trump's. Three surveys reveal Trump's approval ratings are sliding ahead of November's midterms. One found 46 percent believe Biden performed better, versus 40 percent who favor Trump. A Harvard poll from late January showed 51 percent of registered voters think Trump is doing worse. Even Rasmussen — a GOP-leaning firm Trump usually boasts about — found 48 percent preferred Biden's performance, compared to 40 percent for Trump. Trump's support is eroding among key groups, including voters without college degrees, who were once considered a reliable base. CNN data analyst Harry Enten suggests that foundation is now "crumbling." Voters sense the shift: 43 percent expect Democrats to win in November, while only 27 percent predict Republican victories. On policy, 57 percent disapprove of Trump's economic management despite his claims of excellence. Immigration fares worse — just 40 percent approve, with 53 percent saying the administration is mishandling it. Overall, 62 percent believe America is heading in the wrong direction. When even your own pollsters show voters preferring your predecessor, and your core base starts to crack, it's no longer a blip—it's a trajectory. #Trump #Biden #approvalrating #poll Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸