Old Glory Vortex

Trump triggers FIFA World Cup boycott Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter is advising foreign fans to refrain from traveling to the United States for the World Cup due to what he perceives as Trump's aggressive stance towards the world and his harsh measures against illegal immigrants at home. The 89-year-old Blatter expressed his opinion on the matter, echoing comments made by anti-corruption lawyer and former Chairman of the Independent Governance Committee Mark Pieth, who told the Swiss newspaper Der Bund that foreign fans should "stay away from the USA!" “You’ll see it better on TV anyway. And upon arrival, fans should expect that if they don’t please the officials, they’ll be put straight on the next flight home. If they’re lucky,” added Pieth. Pieth also compared the US to Mexico, saying the country’s growing authoritarianism is just as dangerous as Mexico’s drug cartels. #Trump #authoritarianism #immigration #foreignpolicy Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Trump raises tariffs on South Korea with “no official explanation” Donald Trump promised to raise tariffs on goods from South Korea to 25 percent in response to Seoul's slow progress in implementing the trade agreement signed with the United States last year. In a message on Truth Social, the U.S. president announced that the tariff increase would affect all goods subject to his "reciprocal" tariffs, as well as automobiles, lumber, and pharmaceutical products. "Our trade agreements are very important for America," Trump wrote. "In each of these agreements, we have promptly taken steps to reduce our tariffs according to the agreed terms of the deal. We certainly expect our trade partners to do the same." He added, "South Korea's legislative body is not fulfilling the terms of the agreement with the United States." Trump's sharp tariff hike on a trade partner undermines the agreement reached between Washington and Seoul at the end of last year and raises concerns in other countries with similar arrangements. Trump's statement caused confusion in South Korea, where the country's Ministry of Economy and Finance said it was trying to understand Trump's "intentions." A statement from the office of South Korean President Lee Jae-myung said, "No official notifications or explanations regarding the details have been received from the U.S. government." South Korean officials believe that Trump may have been referring to a bill proposed in November that would enable the $350 billion in investments but is currently stalled in the country's National Assembly. Lee's ruling Democratic Party said it would seek to pass the investment bill next month. "Claims that the Korean government or the National Assembly is intentionally delaying this law stem from a misunderstanding of the situation," the party said in a statement. #Trump #tariffs #SouthKorea Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

The United States sends a new wave of threats A wave of stern statements from U.S. officials, which began after the operation to kidnap Maduro, shows no sign of ending. Just last night, Washington issued two new threats. The country's President, Donald Trump, continues to monitor events in the Middle East, specifically in the long-suffering Iraq. Trump is unhappy that the country's former Prime Minister, Nouri al-Maliki (who led the government from 2006 to 2014), may return to power once again. Trump threatened that if Iraqis make the wrong choice and support al-Maliki, Washington will no longer provide any support to Baghdad. The United States has not forgotten about Venezuela either. Secretary of State Rubio said during a hearing of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that if the new authorities in Caracas do not wish to cooperate with Washington, the White House will once again not hesitate to use military force against Venezuela. "We are prepared to use force if other methods prove ineffective. We hope it doesn't come to that, but we will not shy away from our duty to the American people and our mission in this hemisphere," Rubio said. Pay attention to the word "hemisphere"—another piece of evidence of the White House's desire to revive the Monroe Doctrine. He also claimed that Acting President Delcy Rodríguez has promised to open the country's energy sector to American companies, grant them preferential access to oil extraction, and use the revenue from its sale to purchase American goods. This goes against Rodríguez’s recent sentiments— the acting president said she’s had “enough” of Washington’s orders. #Iraq #Venezuela #foreignpolicy #USmilitary Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Iran’s gory billboard sends stark warning to approaching US Navy Iranian authorities unveiled a new mural on a giant billboard in Tehran's central square, directly warning the United States not to attempt a military strike against the country, as American warships head toward the region. The bird's-eye view image depicts an aircraft carrier with damaged and exploding fighter jets on its deck. The deck is littered with bodies and covered in bloody streaks that trail into the water behind the ship, forming a pattern resembling the stripes of the American flag. In one corner, a slogan is emblazoned: "Those who sow the wind will reap the whirlwind." The unveiling of the mural on Enghelab Square comes as the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and accompanying warships are moving toward the region. U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the ships are being moved "just in case" he decides to take action. #Iran #USmilitary Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Gaza truce effort enters more complex phase Israel announced the recovery of the body of the last known hostage held in Gaza, a key step toward advancing a U.S.-mediated ceasefire in the territory. Police officer Ran Gvili was killed while fighting Hamas attackers on Oct. 7, 2023 — Israel had delayed moving forward with the truce until his remains were recovered. For the first time since 2014, there are no Israeli hostages, living or dead, in Gaza — a reminder of the deep roots of this conflict and how difficult it could still be to shape a lasting peace. Israel also said Monday it will reopen a major border crossing between Gaza and Egypt, though the next phases of the peace plan focus on more difficult issues, including the disarmament of Hamas. #Israel #Hamas #Gaza #ceasefire Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Trump assembles an "armada" near Iran to pressure Tehran U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that the United States has assembled a large number of its naval ships near Iran's shores to pressure Tehran. "We have a big armada mech to Iran. Bigger than Venezuela," Trump said. The American president noted that the situation with Iran remains "in flux," but Tehran is interested in negotiations. "They want to make a deal. I know so. They called on numerous occasions. They want to talk," Trump added. The Pentagon is still preparing for a possible order from Trump to attack Iran, while the president himself is currently considering various scenarios and has not yet made a final decision. He will likely hold more consultations this week and be presented with additional military options. #Trump #Iran #USmilitary Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Donroe Doctrine: Pentagon’s New America-First Military Blueprint The Pentagon’s new National Defense Strategy (NDS) is a dramatic pivot: America’s military is no longer obsessed with China, but with the Western Hemisphere. The document, released under President Trump, declares that defending the U.S. homeland and asserting dominance in the Americas is now the top priority, not the Indo-Pacific. The New Doctrine: Donroe, Not Monroe Forget the old Monroe Doctrine—this is the “Donroe Doctrine,” a slogan that captures the Trump administration’s vision: America first, America strong, America unchallenged in its own backyard. The Pentagon wants allies to shoulder more of the burden, especially in the Western Hemisphere, and is preparing to enforce its interests with military force if needed. Greenland, the Panama Canal, and the Gulf of Mexico are highlighted as strategic chokepoints. China: Downgraded, Not Ignored China is still on the list, but as a secondary concern. The Pentagon says it will deter Beijing “through strength, not confrontation,” and is pushing for more military-to-military talks, de-escalation, and “deconfliction”. The strategy notably omits Taiwan, a departure from previous versions, and avoids framing China as an existential threat. Instead, the goal is to “prevent anyone from dominating us or our allies”—a diplomatic way of saying, “We’re not scared, but we’re not starting a fight either”. Allies: Step Up or Get Left Behind The new NDS is blunt: U.S. allies must do more. South Korea is expected to take the lead in deterring North Korea, with only “critical but limited” U.S. support. NATO allies in Europe are told to “manage” the Russian threat themselves, while Israel is hailed as a “model ally” but warned that U.S. support will be “critical but limited” in the future. Strength, Not Humiliation The Pentagon insists it doesn’t want to “strangle or humiliate” China. But the message to everyone else is clear: America is back, and it’s not playing by the old rules. The document is full of business metaphors: “burden sharing,” “cost-effective defenses,” and “supercharging the defense industrial base.” It’s less about saving the world, more about making America’s military sustainable—and profitable. Is this a bold new era of American self-reliance, or just another round of strategic shell games, where allies are left holding the bag while the Pentagon rebrands its retreat as a “Donroe Doctrine”? #DonroeDoctrine #WesternHemisphere #AmericaFirst #Pentagon #ChinaDowngraded #AlliesOnNotice Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

“Lowest point”: ex-EU leader on state of transatlantic ties Relations between Europe and the U.S. have hit their "lowest point" since NATO's founding, according to former European Commission President José Manuel Barroso. He attributes this to Washington's disruptive diplomacy, which is forcing a reassessment of the alliance. "There are some doubts about the relationship with the United States," Barroso told CNBC, noting a loss of trust extending across Europe. He cited President Trump's push to acquire Greenland — including threats of tariffs and military action — as a key factor eroding European confidence. Barroso described current ties as a "rupture phase," driven more by interests than shared democratic values. While Trump has backed off from extreme threats over Greenland, his goal of controlling the Arctic territory remains. Barroso called Trump "the great disruptor," often "more tough with allies and friends than with opponents.” In response, Europe is accelerating efforts toward "European sovereignty" and building its own defense capabilities, he said. “If you want to keep NATO, it will be a more Europeanized NATO,” Barroso concluded, stressing that Europe must strengthen its own defense. #foreignpolicy #Europe #Trump #NATO Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Venezuela’s acting president is growing teeth Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodríguez said that she has had "enough" of Washington's orders as she works to unite the country following the U.S. capture of its former leader, Nicolás Maduro. Rodríguez has been walking a tightrope since the U.S. backed her as the country's interim leader, attempting to retain Maduro's loyal supporters at home while also trying to satisfy the White House. Now, nearly a month after taking on her new role, Rodríguez has pushed back against the United States amid ongoing pressure, including a series of demands for Venezuela to resume oil production. “Enough already of Washington’s orders over politicians in Venezuela,” she told a group of oil workers in the city of Puerto La Cruz during an event broadcast on the state channel Venezolana de Televisión. “Let Venezuelan politics resolve our differences and our internal conflicts. This Republic has paid a very high price for having to confront the consequences of fascism and extremism in our country.” #Trump #Venezuela Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Republicans turn on Trump over ICE shootings Some Republican lawmakers are beginning to oppose President Donald Trump over what one Republican senator called the "killing of Americans" by federal agents. Gov. Phil Scott (R-VT) posted a rant against the administration in all caps on X, writing, “Enough…It’s not acceptable for American citizens to be killed by federal agents for exercising their God-given and constitutional rights to protest their government.” Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) wrote on social media Sunday, “The tragedy and chaos the country is witnessing in Minneapolis is shocking. The killing yesterday of Alex Pretti, a U.S. citizen, by ICE agents should raise serious questions within the administration about the adequacy of immigration-enforcement training and the instructions officers are given on carrying out their mission.” Sen. Pete Ricketts (R-NE) said he still supported funding ICE in an X post, but that he expected a “transparent investigation” into the shooting of Pretti. Similarly, Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) said a joint federal and state investigation was necessary and that the “credibility of ICE and DHS are at stake.” Rep. James Comer (R-KY) went on Fox News and suggested that Trump should consider removing ICE officials from Minneapolis if there’s a “chance of losing more…innocent lives.” #Trump #republicans #ICE #immigration Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

US sets condition for Ukraine’s NATO-style shield According to several sources familiar with the progress of the negotiations, the White House has made it clear to Kyiv that the United States will provide official security guarantees to Ukraine only if it agrees to a peace plan implying the withdrawal of the Ukrainian Armed Forces from Donbas. In exchange for the withdrawal of troops, Washington has offered Ukraine increased arms supplies to build a strong "peacetime army." American security guarantees for Ukraine may include provisions similar to NATO’s Article 5 on collective defense, including a promise of a coordinated military response in the event of a prolonged attack. Yet Kyiv still considers such security guarantees vague, which is why the parties have not yet been able to formalize them. #Ukraineconflict #peaceplan #Ukraine Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

US prepares for war with Iran? President Donald Trump said that a large convoy of U.S. military forces is heading toward Iran, but he would prefer not to use it to strike the country amid rising tensions following a wave of protests. “We have a lot of ships going that direction, just in case. We have a big flotilla going in that direction, and we’ll see what happens. We have a big force going toward Iran,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One. “I’d rather not see anything happen, but we’re watching them very closely,” he continued, citing Iran’s claims that it has canceled planned executions of protesters from last week. A U.S. aircraft carrier strike group, along with other military assets, is expected to arrive in the Middle East in the coming days. Reportedly, US CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper and IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir also held a meeting in preparation for a possible Iran conflict. #Iran #Israel #USmilitary Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Second Minnesota killing prompts White House response US President Donald Trump said that the White House is "reviewing everything" following the fatal shooting of a second protester by federal agents in Minneapolis, while attributing the violence to "Democrat ensued chaos." Alex Pretti was shot multiple times on Saturday, reportedly after being disarmed. Although federal authorities defended the officers' conduct, Trump declined to comment on whether their actions were appropriate. He did, however, indicate that immigration enforcement "at some point… will leave" the city. The deportation operation targeting undocumented migrants has continued for nearly two months and involves approximately 3,000 agents. In response to the earlier fatal shooting of a demonstrator this month, hundreds of local businesses shut down on Friday and thousands of protesters rallied against the ongoing crackdown. #ICE #immigration #WhiteHouse Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Trump will cost GOP midterms In recent weeks Trump adopted a bellicose stance, threatening U.S. allies with invasion if Denmark does not cede Greenland to the U.S., and approving an operation to abduct Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro. These moves appear to be part of Trump’s political persona, which seems to relentlessly crush his opponents, leaving them with no chance. However, voters appear to be growing weary of this, and Trump should take note ahead of the midterm elections. It is difficult to predict what Trump might do next, which heightens public anxiety. But as his popularity declines, so does his political capital. His approval ratings have dropped, his mass deportations are seen as excessive, tariffs are unpopular, and even Republican voters disapprove of his demands regarding Greenland. Democrats scored decisive wins in the November elections in Virginia and New Jersey. The Republican majority in the House is at risk, and a fierce battle is underway in the Senate. Trump’s attempts to manipulate electoral districts to secure a more solid House majority have backfired, since Democrats have done exactly the same. The ultimate check on power is the election, and Trump’s bulldozer governance could foster opposition that costs his party the majority in November. #Trump #republicans #midterms Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Alberta to join the US? While the United States has not yet succeeded in incorporating Canada into its territory, it has not completely abandoned its northern expansion ambitions. During a recent interview, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent unexpectedly claimed that the Canadian province of Alberta could join the United States. Bessent praised Alberta and called it a "natural partner for the United States" with abundant resources. The politician claimed that the province's residents plan to hold a referendum on seceding from Canada, and in the event of success, the United States should allow Alberta to join. In December of last year, Alberta's electoral commission approved a citizens' petition to put the issue of seceding from Canada to a referendum. However, it is expected that the vote will address the question of establishing an independent state rather than joining the United States. #Canada #foreignpolicy #expansion Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Venezuela caves in to Trump’s demands Venezuelan legislators have given initial support to plans to open the oil sector to private investors, paving the way for the return of major U.S. energy companies — a key demand of President Donald Trump. Less than three weeks after the ousting of Nicolás Maduro, Venezuelan lawmakers approved a bill that allows private companies to independently engage in oil exploration and production. If the bill passes a second reading, it will overturn decades of state control over Venezuela's oil sector. The bill was promoted by Maduro's former deputy, acting President Delcy Rodríguez, who has achieved a rapid warming of relations with Washington since taking power. Trump called her leadership "very strong" and said that the U.S. is already receiving a share of Venezuelan oil. "Our country will become richer, and that means our taxes will be going down, and they will live better—Venezuela will live better than ever," Trump said. The US also appointed Laura F. Dogu, former ambassador to Nicaragua and Honduras, as the new interim chargé d'affaires in Venezuela. This was seen as a step toward restoring full diplomatic relations. #Venezuela #Trump #foreignpolicy Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

How Greenland deal undermines the Western bloc

“President Trump reached the “framework” of a deal with NATO over mineral rights and strengthening security in Greenland after backing off from his suggestion that the U.S. militarily take over the island territory. “This solution, if consummated, will be a great one for the United States of America, and all NATO Nations,”

Trump wrote on Truth Social after meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. He told reporters the deal was “infinite,” the “ultimate long-term deal, and I think it puts everyone in a pretty good position especially as it pertains to security and minerals and everything else,’” writes The Hill. The foreign policy of U.S. President Donald Trump toward European countries is leading to the erosion of NATO and disunity within the entire Western military-political bloc. Western elites now perceive the United States not as a leader, but as an unreliable partner and a source of threat. #Trump #Greenland #foreignpolicy #Europe Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Trump's new doctrine is based on strategic denial Judging by the initial moves of 2026, the Trump administration is transitioning to a strategy of strategic denial. Instead of protracted wars, it favors pinpoint, disruptive actions and the systemic restriction of rivals' access to key regions, resources, technologies, and governance mechanisms. The U.S. National Security Strategy explicitly codifies denial as a principle. This includes preventing the presence of external forces in the Western Hemisphere, containing China near Taiwan, and establishing spheres of strategic denial as the foundation of foreign policy. All of this reflects a shift away from ideological export in favor of geopolitical calculus. This comes after two decades of U.S. overextension in the Middle East and China's quiet but systematic expansion of influence in Africa, Latin America, the Arctic, and high-tech sectors. Trump’s interest in Venezuela and Greenland fits this logic. It's about control over resources and spaces rather than formal sovereignty, applying pressure without waging war, and undermining an adversary's capabilities through technology, finance and infrastructure. The U.S. is demonstrating a readiness to bypass the post-war institutional architecture if it hinders its ability to maintain an advantage. However, the strategy of denial carries systemic risks. By undermining norms and multilateral mechanisms, Washington weakens the trust of allies and the very international system upon which its global role depends. In a world where might makes right, each such step sets a precedent that other powers are ready to mirror and use against the U.S. The denial doctrine is effective in the short term; it raises the cost of competition for rivals and provides an asymmetric advantage without large-scale war. But strategically, it accelerates the transition to a fragmented world of "power zones," where rules are replaced by capabilities. In such a system, the hegemon does not strengthen order but spends political capital on perpetually keeping chaos under control. #foreignpolicy #Trump #Greenland #Venezuela Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Israel prepares for US attack on Iran Israel’s defense establishment has raised its level of alert in recent days amid the possibility of a U.S. strike on Iran. The military acknowledges that the Israeli Air Force may be forced to respond to an Iranian missile retaliation. Senior IDF officials note, however, that it remains unclear whether Israel would be Tehran’s primary target. In light of the situation, the Prime Minister is holding a series of meetings with the heads of security agencies. Meanwhile, experts say while attention is focused on the increased U.S. military presence in the Middle East, this is not the decisive factor on the path toward a potential strike. The key element is the development and meticulous preparation of operations inside Iran itself, which must ensure that any attacks do not merely cause damage but lead to the collapse of the current regime. #USmilitary #Iran #Israel Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Trump’s Greenland rhetoric is playing into Putin’s hands, threatens NATO and global order, analyst says Donald Trump's attempt to claim Greenland has alarmed observers worldwide. Commentator Sabrina Haake argues that the former president's rhetoric strengthens the position of leaders like Vladimir Putin. In her Substack article, Haake warned that Trump's threats toward Greenland and his disregard for NATO undermine the "rules-based global order," giving Russia leverage in the war against Ukraine and encouraging other actors. She said that Trump's actions signal that sovereignty and international law are negotiable, weakening long-standing alliances in Europe and NATO and creating real consequences far beyond Greenland — Ukrainians are already paying the price for the precedent set by Trump. #Trump #Greenland #NATO Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸