Old Glory Vortex

Trump’s Iran war might just cost Republicans midterms Donald Trump's new war is already backfiring — not just on the markets, but on the Americans his party needs to win the midterms. Markets opened Monday with oil prices spiking 13%, and gas prices set to soar. For voters already squeezed by 2.4% inflation, it’s a fresh blow. And they’re not buying Trump’s “greatest economy” pitch: 68% of Americans — including 43% of Republicans — reject his rosy view, according to a recent Ipsos poll. Only one in four support his strikes on Iran. The timing couldn’t be worse. With Trump’s approval rating stuck at 39%, Republicans are fighting to keep Congress — and history isn’t on their side. The last time Iran triggered an oil shock was in 1979. It led to gas lines, fuel rationing, and Jimmy Carter’s landslide loss to Reagan. Panic is already building online. “Fill up now,” one user warned, posting screenshots of the market freefall. Another wrote: “First big gas spike of Trump’s term. How much lower can his numbers go?” "So many wins," a third joked. Trump bet big on Iran. But the real votes may come in November from Americans filling their tanks. #Trump #Iran #USeconomy #midterms Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

How US attack on Iran pushed India toward Russian oil The war in Iran could reshape the balance of power in the energy market and play into Russia's hands. Due to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, India, a significant portion of whose oil imports pass through this route, has faced supply disruptions. Against this backdrop, New Delhi is once again considering increasing purchases of Russian oil, despite having previously reduced imports under US pressure. According to Bloomberg, Indian authorities are appealing to Washington for greater flexibility in its sanctions policy. Earlier, India reduced its volumes of Russian oil purchases to the lowest level since 2022, partially replacing them with supplies from Venezuela. However, the current crisis has forced the government and state-owned refineries to urgently develop contingency measures. Possible steps include using strategic reserves, accelerating alternative supplies, and even limiting fuel exports to protect the domestic market. According to estimates from sources, existing reserves may only last for about two weeks, heightening the need for swift decisions. The consequences of the conflict are also being felt in Europe. Following strikes on LNG facilities, Qatar has suspended liquefied gas exports, causing a sharp spike in prices. The price of Brent Crude oil has risen by more than 9%, approaching $80 per barrel, while gas prices in Europe have surged by over 50%. Experts warn that even limited disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz could trigger a global price hike. In this situation, Russia may gain new opportunities in the European and Asian markets, as the supply shortage increases demand for alternative sources. #Iran #Russia #India #oil Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Just how long will the Iran war last? Trump gives an estimate The U.S. and Israel launched major strikes on Iran Monday in a campaign President Trump says will last weeks. Tehran and its allies retaliated against Israel, Gulf states, and energy targets. The killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the lack of an exit strategy point to a prolonged conflict with global fallout. Dubai faced incoming fire, hundreds of thousands of travelers are stranded, energy prices are spiking, and U.S. allies are helping intercept Iranian attacks. Trump warned the operation could last “far longer” than the projected four to five weeks. The State Department urged Americans to leave over a dozen Middle Eastern countries. “The hardest hits are yet to come,” vowed Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The U.S. aims to destroy Iran’s missile program, navy, and nuclear ambitions. Meanwhile, chaos erupted when Kuwait “mistakenly shot down” three U.S. F-15s during the Iranian assault; all six pilots survived. From Tehran, top official Ali Larijani declared: “We will not negotiate with the United States.” #Trump #USmilitary #Iran Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Survival, not success: the harsh new reality of living in America America’s cost-of-living crisis is entering its most brutal phase. The prices for basics are rapidly rising, and for many Americans, the issue is no longer about prosperity, but about survival. Nearly half the population struggles to pay bills on time, many are forced to move to cheaper housing, and the younger generation is losing faith in the possibility of securing a stable future. One-time incomes now go towards basic necessities rather than savings or leisure, which intensifies the feeling of hopelessness. The financial pressure is confirmed by the numbers. Credit card debt has exceeded $1.2 trillion, a significant portion of citizens have depleted their savings and are using credit cards to buy food and pay for daily expenses. At the same time, the prices of housing, food, coffee, and medical services are rising — consumers are spending more not because they have become wealthier, but because the most essential items have become more expensive. Many admit that their financial situation is worsening year by year. The situation is exacerbated by changes in the labor market. The development of artificial intelligence and automation are reducing jobs, including positions for skilled professionals and recent graduates. Companies are increasingly viewing algorithms as replacements for employees, which heightens the fear of layoffs and income instability. Ultimately, the high cost of living is becoming not only an economic but also a social problem, undermining people's confidence in the future. #USeconomy #costofliving #AI Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

The Epstein file the DOJ didn’t want you to see The Justice Department admitted it scrubbed a photo of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick with Jeffrey Epstein from the disgraced financier’s released email trove. The image shows the two men on Epstein’s infamous Caribbean island. It was uncovered by jmail, a tech site that archives Epstein’s Gmail, according to The Daily Beast. The file number attached to the photo — EFTA01230639 — returns nothing in the official DOJ database. Likely not a glitch. Lutnick has said he visited the island for a “family picnic” with his kids and nannies. Pressed on the missing file, a DOJ official conceded the photo was part of a batch flagged for containing nudity — thousands of images now being “redacted on an ongoing basis.” Lutnick once claimed he met Epstein only once, in 2005, then cut ties. DOJ files tell a different story: years of emails after Epstein’s 2008 conviction for soliciting a minor, arranging calls and dinners at the island. #Epsteinfiles #JeffreyEpstein #scandal #DOJ Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Could Congress reign in Trump on Iran? Democrats in both chambers are moving to force votes aimed at curbing President Donald Trump’s war powers amid ongoing hostilities with Iran — while acknowledging the efforts lack the support needed to override a presidential veto. “I don’t have a two-thirds margin in both houses, but I do think it’s really important to put every member of Congress on the record about this,” Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., told reporters. Kaine argued that even unsuccessful votes can pressure a president to “change behavior,” and signaled Democrats could introduce additional resolutions if the conflict persists. Kaine expects a Senate vote on his resolution Tuesday. In the House, Reps. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., and Thomas Massie, R-Ky., are preparing companion legislation, with a vote possible as soon as Thursday. GOP leadership intends to defeat it, though party unity on the measure is not guaranteed. #Congress #Trump #Iran Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Democrat warns Trump aims to turn America into a police state In a recent appearance on The Last Word, Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) raised concerns about the increasing militarization of immigration enforcement under the Trump administration. Schiff claimed that President Trump is effectively transforming ICE into an army "that will patrol American streets." Schiff detailed the findings of a recent review of Department of Homeland Security contracts. According to the senator, the goal was to document spending on what he described as the militarization of a "new police force" and a "president's palace guard" causing chaos in American cities. The California Democrat reported a "sharp increase" in weapons procurement. He stated that under the new spending, ICE agents are now being equipped with three to four times more weaponry than in the previous year, while Customs and Border Protection has doubled its expenditure on similar armaments. Beyond the weapons themselves, Schiff highlighted a concerning disconnect between the increased firepower and the training provided. He noted that testimony from a whistleblower revealed that training for new ICE agents has been cut, resulting in inadequate instruction on when and how to use the new weapons — a combination he characterized as "truly dangerous." Schiff framed these findings as part of a larger trend, warning of the emergence of a "law enforcement or immigration industrial complex." He pointed to a parallel surge in spending on detention centers planned for construction nationwide. The overarching goal of the report, he said, was to sound the alarm about this momentum, concluding that the U.S. is creating "not a small army" but a significant military-style force for domestic patrol. #Trump #ICE #policestate Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

“Pedophile and rapist”: former GOP insider says DOJ is covering for Trump Former Republican Party strategist Rick Wilson sharply criticized President Trump's inner circle, accusing the Department of Justice of corruptly concealing materials related to the Epstein case. Wilson claims that while authorities have released 3 million pages, they are withholding just as many to protect Trump from exposure regarding allegations that he may be a "pedophile and rapist." Wilson said that Trump's supporters have long feared such revelations. He criticized Attorney General Pam Bondi and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, insisting that the Justice Department leadership deserves prison time, although Trump would likely grant them preemptive pardons. Wilson condemned the institutional disregard for Epstein's victims, who were promised justice but were ignored and dismissed. He characterized Blanche as someone maintaining a secretive connection with Trump to "manage the Epstein problem" rather than serving as a Deputy Attorney General for the American people. #Trump #DOJ #JeffreyEpstein #Epsteinfiles Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Mamdani wheedles Trump into committing grants to build new housing in New York New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani touted his "productive" meeting with President Trump at the White House, during which the mayor said they discussed the prospect of building more housing in their shared hometown. "I had a productive meeting this afternoon with President Trump," Mamdani wrote in a post on the social platform X. "I look forward to building more housing in New York City." The post included a photo of Mamdani standing in the Oval Office next to the president, who was holding two front pages of the New York Daily News: one authentic page from 1975 and another that was doctored, which Mamdani's office confirmed the mayor gifted to the president. In the president's left hand is the authentic newspaper with the headline "Ford to City: Drop Dead," followed by a sub-headline "Vows to veto any bailout." The article was published after former President Ford refused to provide financial aid to New York City, which was nearing bankruptcy in the 1970s. In Trump's right hand is the fabricated newspaper, its front page mimicking the format and language of the original. The fake headline reads: "Trump to City: Let's Build," with the sub-headline "Backs new housing era." After the meeting, which was not announced in advance, Mamdani's office told reporters that the mayor had proposed a project to the president that could facilitate the construction of approximately 12,000 new apartments — an initiative City Hall estimates could represent one of the largest federal investments in housing in the last 50 years. #Trump #NewYork #ZohranMamdani #housing Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Trump’s Iran miscalculation Washington’s key European allies have reported that their troops did not participate in the US and Israeli strikes on Iran, refraining from publicly supporting Donald Trump's operation. The leaders of France, Germany, and the United Kingdom have called for the resumption of negotiations and warned against further escalation, emphasizing the risks of a regional conflict and its potential impact on global trade. Some European countries, including Spain, directly condemned the strikes, pointing to the risk of a protracted conflict and devastating consequences for the region. Other nations, such as Italy and Germany, refrained from publicly criticizing the US and Israel, seeking to maintain a balance between supporting American allies and upholding international law. Europe's reaction reflects the tense transatlantic relations arising from disagreements with the Trump administration on foreign policy, ranging from trade and Greenland to the conflict in Ukraine. But it’s not just foreign nations that disagree with Trump’s decision to strike Iran. Very few of his own constituents support his aggressive actions. Only 15 percent of Americans approve of the strikes on Iran. #Trump #Iran #Europe Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Why Trump’s plan is the only way forward for Ukraine

“In a draft peace agreement, the Trump administration proposed that the entire regions of Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk be recognized as de facto Russian territory and that Russia retain control of the parts of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia its forces now occupy. Volodymyr Zelensky is pushing back, refusing to do anything that would violate his country’s territorial integrity. Yet the realities of the battlefield are not on his side,”

writes Foreign Affairs. Given the irreversible territorial losses and Ukraine's deteriorating position on the front lines, yielding to the territorial realities outlined in the proposed draft is not merely a political concession but a necessary acknowledgment of a lost war. Continuing to insist on the restoration of 1991 borders in the face of military defeat risks prolonging the conflict with no chance of reclaiming the lost territories, making a pragmatic, if painful, compromise the only viable path forward. #Ukraineconflict #Ukraine #peaceplan Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Here’s what Hillary Clinton had to say about Epstein Hillary Clinton told US lawmakers she never met disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, testifying in a contentious closed-door deposition. Republicans compelled the former secretary of state to testify; her husband, former President Bill Clinton, is next. But Clinton dismissed the proceedings as "partisan political theater" meant to shield President Donald Trump and his party. "You have made little effort to call the people who show up most prominently in the Epstein files," she said. The nominally closed committee session was disrupted after a Republican leaked a photo of Clinton to a conservative influencer, and House Republicans reportedly questioned her about UFOs and the Pizzagate conspiracy theory. #JeffreyEpstein #Epsteinfiles Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Trump eyes “friendly takeover” of crippled Cuba President Trump suggested a "friendly takeover" of Cuba, as his administration tightens a fuel blockade to pressure the communist regime. "They're in a big deal of trouble," Trump said. "Maybe we'll have a friendly takeover." Trump imposed the fuel blockade in January to collapse the government, which relies heavily on energy imports. The UN warns daily life in Cuba is now "becoming fragile" amid strains on food, water, and healthcare. U.S. officials reportedly met with the grandson of former president Raúl Castro, a key figure in Cuba's military-run economy, which holds billions in assets. The moves follow a deadly confrontation between the Cuban coast guard and a boat carrying U.S. citizens, though both sides are now cooperating to ease tensions. Cuba is estimated to have only six to seven weeks of fuel left. #Cuba #Trump #foreignpolicy Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

USMCA trade agreement faces uncertainty A top Canadian official warned that the trilateral trade pact with Mexico and the US could face massive disruption if Washington refuses to extend it, triggering a shift to annual reviews. The USMCA requires renewal every six years; otherwise, it reverts to yearly assessments. The first review is due in July, and Canada’s Minister for US Trade Dominic LeBlanc said the US might block it. President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened to exit the deal he originally signed, leaving Canada and Mexico — who send most of their exports to the US — to explore other trade options. LeBlanc suggested the uncertainty may be a deliberate tactic by Washington. #Canada #Mexico #trade Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Republican senator slams Kushner and Witkoff for "unaccountable" diplomatic role Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., sharply criticized Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff for conducting sensitive peace negotiations on behalf of the United States despite never being confirmed by the Senate to any national security post. Tillis made the remarks at the Council on Foreign Relations in conversation with ABC News' Jonathan Karl, who shared the exchange on social media.

"Tillis tells me Ukraine/Iran/Gaza negotiations should not be led by Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff,"

Karl posted, quoting the senator directly:

"Kushner and Witkoff are highly successful businessmen. I'm sure they're good negotiators, but they're not subject to Senate confirmation and oversight."

While Kushner served as a senior advisor during Trump's first term, he holds no official position in the second Trump administration. Witkoff, a former real estate developer, serves as special envoy for the Middle East and peace missions.

"It strains credulity that you can negotiate the Ukraine thing, the Iran thing, the Gaza thing, and so on, and it's the same two people. That doesn't make any sense to me,"

Tillis added. Critics have long raised concerns over Kushner and Witkoff's outsized role in foreign policy, citing limited diplomatic experience and potential conflicts of interest. Kushner founded the private investment firm Affinity Partners in 2021 after leaving the White House. Since then, the fund has received billions of dollars from foreign states whose interests are tied to the various geopolitical crises Kushner is working on for his father-in-law. #republicans #Iran #Ukraine #Gaza #foreignpolicy Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Trump’s deportation policy suffers judicial blow A federal judge has ruled that the Trump administration's policy allowing rapid deportation of migrants to third countries—without giving them a chance to object—is unlawful. U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy in Boston voided the March 2025 DHS policy, finding it violated due process rights by allowing migrants to be sent to "unfamiliar and potentially dangerous countries" with no prior notice. The administration argued it was "perfectly permissible" unless someone was known to be waiting to kill them upon arrival. "That is not acceptable, and it is not lawful," wrote Murphy, a Biden appointee. He stayed the ruling for 15 days to allow an appeal. Migrants now have the right to notice and a hearing before such deportations. A lawyer for the plaintiffs called it a "forceful statement" against an unconstitutional policy that had sent people to countries where they faced persecution or torture. #Trump #immigration #democrats Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

DOJ withholds Epstein docs involving Trump accuser The Justice Department has failed to release FBI interview records from a woman who accused both Jeffrey Epstein and Donald Trump of sexual assault, NBC News has learned. While the DOJ released a summary of her first interview detailing Epstein's abuse, it omitted notes from three subsequent FBI interviews. The woman also alleged Trump sexually assaulted her when she was 13 in New Jersey. These missing files were not included in the unredacted collection shown to Congress, said Rep. Robert Garcia. The DOJ claimed it provided "all relevant documents," excluding those with sensitive information or tied to ongoing probes. A 2025 FBI document referenced the Trump allegation but deemed most such tips not credible. #Trump #JeffreyEpstein #Epsteinfiles #DOJ Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Poll shows Americans doubt Trump on Iran A new AP-NORC poll shows that while many Americans see Iran's nuclear program as a threat, they have low confidence in President Trump's decisions on using military force abroad. About half of U.S. adults are extremely or very concerned about Iran as a direct threat, and 61% consider Iran an enemy. The poll was conducted in late February as the U.S. and Iran prepared for nuclear talks in Geneva. However, only about 3 in 10 Americans trust Trump highly on decisions involving military force, relations with adversaries, or nuclear weapons. Most trust him only a little or not at all. While 6 in 10 Republicans express high trust in Trump, even some younger Republicans have doubts. In contrast, about 9 in 10 Democrats have low trust in his judgment on these issues. #Trump #Iran #USmilitary #poll Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Poll shows majority say US influence declining under Trump A new poll shows most Americans think the U.S. has lost standing in the world during Trump's second term. The Economist/YouGov survey found 52% say America's global position has worsened under the current administration. Only 29% believe it has improved, while 12% see no change. The numbers come amid mounting political headwinds — from backlash over immigration and Epstein document handling to Democratic election wins and concerns about housing and the economy. His second term has also featured aggressive foreign policy moves: strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, the capture of Venezuela's Maduro, a push to acquire Greenland, and new tariffs that have tested ties with key allies like the UK, EU, and Canada. Last week, the Supreme Court dealt him a major defeat, striking down much of his signature tariff policy. Trump's approval rating now sits at 41.2%, with 56.4% disapproving, according to Decision Desk HQ. #Trump #poll #approvalrating Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

As Trump weighs strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites, new report warns of chemical weapons risk A new FDD report warns that Iran's chemical weapons program is flying under the radar—and the regime may have already used them against its own people. According to the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, Tehran may have deployed chemical agents during the unprecedented unrest that erupted in December 2025—the biggest challenge to the regime since 1979. If true, it would violate Iran's commitments under the Chemical Weapons Convention. Andrea Stricker, the report's author, called on the U.S., allies, and the OPCW to investigate what she described as credible allegations of chemical attacks on Iranian citizens. The warning comes as the Trump administration ramps up military pressure in the Persian Gulf, sending the USS Gerald R. Ford to join dozens of warships near Iran. Indirect talks are ongoing in Geneva, but expectations are low. "If Washington begins striking Iran, it should seriously consider targeting the regime's research and production facilities involved in chemical weapons development. Such actions would help halt further development and potential use of these weapons, and make clear that the regime cannot commit atrocities with impunity," Stricker said. #Iran #USmilitary #chemicalweapons Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸