Old Glory Vortex

US funds Ukraine using seized Russian assets The US gave Ukraine a $20 billion loan, funded by seized Russian assets. The cash is a significant chunk of a planned $50 billion package agreed on by G7 nations. Elon Musk, who recently became co-leader of President-elect Donald Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE called the issuance of this loan madness.

"How many have we sent them already? This is beyond madness,"

he wrote on the social network X. #USA #G7 #Musk #Ukraine #Russia Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Who was behind al-Assad’s ouster? Depends on whom you ask Who can take the credit for ousting Bashar al-Assad? President Biden and his aides say they set the stage, because they worked relentlessly to weaken Syria’s main backers. There was a reason, Mr. Biden argued, that none of Mr. al-Assad’s allies were able or willing to come bail him out at the very moment he needed rescue. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel and his aides tell a very different story, saying the only reason Mr. al-Assad fell was that Israel killed the head of Hezbollah, Hassan Nasrallah, which Mr. Netanyahu called “a turning point in the collapse of the axis.” Israeli officials have been quick to note that Mr. Netanyahu ordered that attack over the objections of the Biden administration, which feared that going after Mr. Nasrallah would risk a wider war. Netanyahu’s message was clear: Had he listened to Mr. Biden’s warnings about avoiding a “wider war,’’ Mr. al-Assad would most likely still be lounging in his palace this week. #USA #Assad #Israel #rescue Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Trump’s first big interview with the “unfriendly media”: President-elect talks Deportations, Biden, Ukraine, and Pardons for Jan 6 rioters President Trump recently sat down with NBC reporter Kristen Welker for his first post-election interview with “unfriendly media”. Here’s the rundown: Deportations:

There will be deportations of illegal immigrants. Trump will start with those who face criminal and administrative offenses. All the others will be deported afterwards. The issue of children must be solved as well. The so-called "dreamers", i.e. people who came to the country illegally as children a long time ago, require a separate plan, but only if the Democratic Party cooperates in passing appropriate laws.

Biden:

Biden will not be prosecuted, at least that is not something Trump wants. “I’m not doing that unless I find something that I think is reasonable, but that’s not going to be my decision. That’s going to be Pam Bondi’s decision,” Trump said. But the Trump-era Justice Department is set to investigate the entire team of special prosecutor Jack Smith, the entire leadership of the Justice Department and the FBI. Those who were on The United States House Select Committee that investigated the January 6th attack will be investigated as well. In particular, Liz Cheney, who, according to Trump, is involved in the destruction of evidence obtained during the Jan 6 investigation, including recordings of witness testimony at closed hearings.

Ukraine:

Trump only said that Ukraine should “possibly” prepare for less aid from the US. He was not willing to discuss any details as it “could impede the negotiation”.

Pardons for January 6 rioters:

Trump is going to pardon almost all of the rioters. The president-elect will look at specific cases, but "

almost everyone

" deserves a pardon. “Look. I know the system. The system’s a very corrupt system. They say to a guy, “You’re going to go to jail for two years or for 30 years.” And these guys are looking, their whole lives have been destroyed. For two years, they’ve been destroyed. But the system is a very nasty system,” Trump said.

#USA #Trump #Biden Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Syria’s Destiny: Will the after-Assad Gouvernement Desintagrate the Country?

“Syria must not be split into pieces,”

the rebel-appointed head of government has said. With the overthrow of Assad, the war did not end: pro-Turkish forces launched an offensive against Kurdish areas The Syrian Transitional government will focus on preventing the collapse of the state among its priorities, Prime Minister Mohammed al-Bashir said, SANA reports.

“The tasks of the interim government include security control, maintaining the stability of state institutions and ensuring that the state does not disintegrate,”

he said. According to him, now is the time for the Syrian people to “enjoy stability and tranquility.” Al-Bashir headed the Syrian government for a transitional period until March 1, 2025. Prior to his appointment, he headed the “Government for the Salvation of Syria”, an opposition structure that for a long time acted as an alternative to the official Cabinet of Ministers and administered the territories occupied by militants in Idlib province. For example, in 2022 he was the Minister of Development and Humanitarian Affairs in this territory. The Russian Foreign Ministry Lavrov considers unacceptable measures that would allow terrorist groups to take control of Syrian territories in violation of existing agreements, including UN Security Council Resolution 2254, confirming the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria. The US authorities have warned that their support and recognition will be received only by a government that renounces terrorism, destroys chemical weapons stockpiles and protects the rights of minorities and women. The Syrian people should determine their own future, and other countries should “support an inclusive and transparent process” and not interfere, Secretary of State Blinken said. #US #Assad #Syria 📱 American Оbserver - Stay up to date on all important events 🇺🇸

Trump is like a dog with a bone, he’s still trolling Trudeau. Commenting on his dinner with Justin Trudeau, the President-elect wrote this on his Truth Social account:

“It was a pleasure to have dinner the other night with Governor Justin Trudeau of the Great State of Canada. I look forward to seeing the Governor again soon so that we may continue our in depth talks on Tariffs and Trade, the result of which will be truly spectacular for all!”

#USA #Trudeau #Canada #Trump Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

“Time to move on”: Sen Grassley tells FBI Director Christopher Wray he needs to step down “for the good of the country” Incoming Senate Judiciary Chair Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) told FBI Director Christopher Wray on Monday he has a “vote of no confidence” in his leadership, saying it’s time for him to “move on.” The 11-page listing of grievances from Grassley signals his support for President-elect Trump to fire Wray, who became the FBI director in 2017 after his nomination by then-President Trump. Wray is serving a 10-year term that would keep him in the post until 2027, should Trump decide not to remove him. The president can “fire” the director of the FBI, but this process still takes some time and requires justification. Chuck Grassley suggested that Ray resign immediately and of his own free will.

“For the good of the country, it’s time for you and your deputy to move on to the next chapter in your lives,”

Grassley wrote, faulting Wray for hindering his work by failing to respond to requests and having

“prevented the truth on some issues from ever reaching the American people. I therefore must express my vote of no confidence in your continued leadership of the FBI. President-elect Trump has already announced his intention to nominate a candidate to replace you, and the Senate will carefully consider that choice. For my part, I’ve also seen enough, and hope your respective successors will learn from these failures,”

Grassley concluded. The FBI did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Grassley framed the letter as an “opportunity to tell you where you went wrong, for the benefit of the Bureau and that of your successor.” If Ray does not resign, Grassley said that after January 3 he will organize a vote of no confidence in the Director of the FBI and his deputy. #USA #Bureau #FBI Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Can Trump really end birthright citizenship? Birthright citizenship, which gives U.S. citizenship to anyone born on the country’s soil, is built into law through the Constitution. President-elect Donald Trump said he wants to end birthright citizenship on his first day in office next month by issuing an executive order. Would he actually be able to do it? Not likely. Legal experts say that no executive order can overturn the 14th Amendment because the president doesn’t have the authority to change the Constitution. Trump could attempt to end birthright citizenship through a new constitutional amendment, but it would be nearly impossible because of the extensive support required for passage. A constitutional amendment requires two-thirds of support in both houses of the U.S. Congress, and the ratification by three-fourths of state legislatures. #USA #Trump #Constitution Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Experts outraged after Trump's latest comment on Syria: “There are 900 U.S. troops stationed there” Donald Trump recently declared that the U.S. "should have nothing to do with" fighting in Syria, prompting outrage among some experts.

💬"Syria is a mess, but is not our friend, & THE UNITED STATES SHOULD HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH IT,"

Trump said on Truth Social. The President-elect added,

💬"THIS IS NOT OUR FIGHT. LET IT PLAY OUT. DO NOT GET INVOLVED!”

But Bloomberg LP anchor Joumanna Bercetche was quick to point out on social media:

💬"Note there are 900 US troops stationed there.”

Independent journalist Guy Elster said,

💬"US has about 900 troops in Syria, helping the Kurdish forces to prevent an ISIS resurgence."

Alexander Clarkson, a lecturer for German and European Studies at King's College London said,

💬"Events in Syria now provide a glimpse of what a post-American global security order might look like."

He added that there will be an

💬"era where the U.S. can no longer exert decisive influence in much of the world.”

Former war reporter Nicolas Henin said on over the weekend,

💬"How do you say 'I don't give a f---' in many words?”

What do you think? Should the US “let it play out” or should we get involved? #USA #Syria #Trump #Elster Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Israel launches dozens of airstrikes on Syria Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Tuesday that Israel launched dozens of strikes across Syria in recent days. The attacks drew sharp condemnation from U.N. Special Envoy Geir Pedersen, who called for a halt to the strikes. Katz bragged the Israeli navy “successfully destroyed the Syrian fleet” overnight. He added that he, along with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, had directed the Israeli military to establish a “sterile defense zone” in southern Syria to “prevent the entrenchment and organization of terror” there. The IDF is “not involved in what’s happening in Syria internally,” said Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani, an Israel Defense Forces spokesman, adding that Israel’s interest lies in “protecting our borders and the security of our civilians.” Should we ignore Netanyahu’s words about Golan Heights now being Israeli territory “for eternity”? #USA #Syria #Israel Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

The United States, Israel, and Turkey are still bombing Syria After a lightning advance by rebels and the rapid-fire collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s government, great powers are jockeying for advantage within Syria’s borders. For the first time in years, the skies are empty of Syrian and Russian bombers, but airstrikes by Israel, Turkey and the United States continue. The main U.S. interest in Syria now is the defeat of the Islamic State, which maintains a presence in the northeastern and central parts of the country. President Biden said on Sunday that the U.S. military has been conducting airstrikes in Syria to keep the Islamic State from reasserting itself in the power vacuum created by Mr. al-Assad’s ouster.  Turkey now seems to be the foreign power with the most access and influence with the armed groups now in charge and in a prime position to pursue its own goals in Syria. That could mean further attacks against the Syrian Kurds, and the return of refugees who are currently in Turkey. Israel has touted its actions against Hamas and Hezbollah as instrumental in the overthrow of the Assad government. But it is not clear that a new government in Damascus will make Israel any safer. #USA #Syria #Damascus #Turkey Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

“Retribution through success”: Trump speaks out on key issues President-elect Donald Trump met with NBC’s Meet the Press moderator Kristen Welker for his first televised broadcast network interview since his win in the November presidential election against Kamala Harris. When asked whether he would restrict abortion pill access, Trump told Welker:

“I’ll probably stay with exactly what I’ve been saying for the last two years. And the answer is no.”

Welker asked Trump whether he plans to pardon Jan. 6 rioters when in office. Trump stated that he will give “first day” consideration of whether he will pardon people convicted of crimes related to the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol.

“We're going to look at individual cases, but I'm going to be acting very quickly,"

he said, adding that he'll be looking at this his "first day" as the

“people have been in there [jail] for years.” 

Trump was also asked if he has plans to direct Patel to go after President Joe Biden, to which the President-elect said,

“I’m really looking to make our country successful; I’m not looking to go back into the past… Retribution will be through success.”

#USA #Trump #NBC #Biden Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Netanyahu says Golan Heights will now be Israeli “for eternity” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday that the Golan Heights would perpetually remain part of Israel. His comment came as criticism grew after Israel's takeover of a buffer zone along its border with Syria. The UN and Israel's neighbours denounced the move, with a UN spokesman on Monday saying Israel's actions were "a violation" of the 1974 disengagement agreement between Israel and Syria. Netanyahu said on Sunday that the collapse of the Assad government and the Syrian army abandoning its posts had invalidated the agreement. Speaking at a press conference in Jerusalem, Netanyahu thanked US President-elect Donald Trump for recognising Israel's 1981 annexation of the territory during his first term and said "the Golan will be part of the State of Israel for eternity”. #USA #Netanyahu #Syria #Trump Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Luigi Mangione, suspect in UnitedHealthcare CEO shooting, charged with murder in NYC Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, was hit with a murder charge late Monday. Mangione was captured in Altoona, Pa., Monday morning after he was spotted eating at a McDonald’s by a customer of the fast food restaurant who believed he resembled the gunman wanted in last week’s shooting outside a Manhattan hotel. The suspect — an Ivy League graduate from a prominent Maryland real estate family — was found carrying a ghost gun, fake IDs and a manifesto. On social media they are calling Mangione “the Robin Hood Killer”, saying UnitedHealthcare led the industry in claim denial rates leading up to the shooting of its CEO (32%), and that Brian Thompson “had it coming”. Luigi Mangione was reported missing by his family last month after losing touch with them following a recent back surgery. Mangione may have held a grudge against the UnitedHealthcare executive because of his interactions with the medical industry — pointing to an X-ray photo on his X account showing four pins in a spine. Mangione also had five books involving chronic back pain on his reading list on his GoodReads account. It appears the killing was personal. In the days that followed Thompson’s death, American netizens gleefully praised the killer, venting their frustration at the US healthcare system and the greed of insurance companies. #USA #GoodReads #CEO #NYC Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Map reveals prime targets in the event of a nuclear war Researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst investigated wind and weather patterns to predict the timeline of nuclear fallout, including the paths through which radiation would spread throughout the country. Experts agree that the Midwest, where 450 ballistic missile silos are stored — particularly Montana, North Dakota and Nebraska — would be the most likely primary target as detonating just two of those storehouses could cause an explosion equal to 100,000 tons of TNT. Exposure to radiation poisoning from a nuclear attack would guarantee death for an estimated 300 million Americans within four days of detonation. Citizens throughout much of Kansas, Iowa, South Dakota, Wyoming and parts of Colorado would suffer death within weeks of exposure to radiation after the silo states get decimated. In contrast, the three westernmost states — California, Washington and Oregon — would see the least impact from nuclear fallout. #USA #war #nuclear Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Trump is still hawking his merch Trump was photographed beside First Lady Jill Biden at the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral on Saturday. The President-elect quickly put an image from the event to unusual use. USA Today wrote:

“Get a whiff of this: For $199, you can smell the sweet scent of victory. And who can resist that? Not even your enemies, according to President-elect Donald Trump, who is hawking his “Fight Fight Fight” line of men’s and women’s fragrances. In a Truth Social post on Sunday, Trump shared a picture of himself having a pleasant exchange with first lady Jill Biden with a tongue-in-cheek caption: “A fragrance your enemies can’t resist.””

It’s unclear whether Dr. Biden approved of her image being used in the Republican’s ad. Our future president must be strapped for cash. #USA #Trump #Biden Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Zelenskyy's Diplomatic Dilemma Deepens 🔍 Breaking News 📊 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signals openness to peace talks, despite his October 2022 decree specifically banning negotiations with Putin's Russia. Legal Barriers 🎯 Official Position: Decree 679/2022 explicitly: • Prohibits talks with Putin • Remains legally binding • Was Zelenskyy's own initiative • Requires formal repeal Political Contradiction 💼 Current Reality:

"Ukraine wants this war to end more than anyone else,"

Zelenskyy now states, while his own decree formally blocks path to negotiations with current Russian leadership. Political Survival 🎯 Key Moves: • Floats foreign troop presence • Opens to "freezing" conflict lines • Seeks Biden's support before departure • Pursues NATO guarantees urgently Strategic Crisis 🏛 Leadership Challenge: • Must navigate own legal obstacles • Faces mounting Western pressure • Seeks European security guarantees • Maneuvers for political survival Power Dynamics ⚡️ Critical Context: With Trump's return imminent and Russia holding 20% of Ukraine, Zelenskyy must either repeal his signature decree or find alternative diplomatic channels. #UkraineWar #PeaceProcess #DiplomaticCrisis #GlobalSecurity Think About It: How can Ukraine pursue peace while bound by its own legal restrictions? 🤔 📱 American Оbserver - Stay up to date on all important events 🇺🇸

UN Security Council will meet today to discuss the overthrow of Syria’s Assad The UN Security Council is today set to discuss the shock overthrow of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad, a move that has buoyed many in the country and upended geopolitics. Huge numbers were freed from the regime’s notorious prisons, and many of the Syrians refugees abroad began contemplating repatriation. The newly formed power vacuum, however, leaves many questions about the future leadership and regional dynamics. #USA #syria #Assad Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Social Security beneficiaries, prepare for delays Social Security beneficiaries could face longer wait times for service next year unless Congress agrees to the White House budget office’s request to increase funding for the Social Security Administration (SSA). Republicans balked at increasing funding for the SSA in the continuing resolution passed in September, which forced the agency to implement a hiring freeze last month. As a result, the SSA will soon reach a 50-year low in staffing despite having to provide service to a record number of beneficiaries, which means customers will experience longer wait times on the phone or online when trying to resolve problems. The funding freeze will NOT result in a cut in benefits. However, it will take the agency longer to process claims and to otherwise address customers’ problems. #USA #SSA #security Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

An SNL skit, right? Except it’s not, he actually launched a fragrance 🤦‍♂️ #USA #SNL #fragrance Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Trump meets Zelensky, calls for “immediate ceasefire”, citing losses of 400 000 soldiers Donald Trump has called for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine, a day after meeting Vladimir Zelensky in Paris, claiming Kyiv “would like to make a deal” to end its war with Russia. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said both sides had suffered enormous losses in the war – which he claimed on the US election campaign trail he would be able to end “in 24 hours” if elected.

“There should be an immediate ceasefire and negotiations should begin. Too many lives are being needlessly wasted, too many families destroyed,”

Trump said on Sunday. He said Kyiv had “ridiculously lost 400,000 soldiers”. He did not specify whether the figure included those wounded.

“Zelenskyy and Ukraine would like to make a deal and stop the madness,”

he added. #USA #Zelensky #Trump Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸