Old Glory Vortex

Trump sets his sights on his next Latin American target The United States is reportedly seeking to topple Cuba's government this year, seemingly encouraged by its success in removing Venezuela's leader from power. Washington views Havana's Communist leadership, in power for seven decades, as more vulnerable than ever, with its economy—once heavily dependent on Venezuelan oil subsidies—now teetering on the brink of collapse. Compounding Cuba’s challenges is the fact that several of its key partners, such as China, Mexico, and Russia, are grappling with domestic economic struggles. While the regime’s collapse has long been forecast, 2026 might just be the year it falls. #Cuba #Trump #LatinAmerica Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Trump plays chicken with Europe on trade President Donald Trump expressed confidence that the European Union will continue to invest in the United States even if he imposes new tariffs in connection with his pursuit to gain control over Greenland — a proposal that has upset the European leaders. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that Trump's threats were a "mistake" that would violate the agreement he made with the bloc last year. European officials have begun drafting plans for countermeasures, which could trigger retaliatory actions that might derail the agreement. However, the U.S. president downplayed the likelihood that they would be implemented. "I doubt it," Trump said at a press conference at the White House when asked whether imposing Greenland-related tariffs could lead the EU to abandon its investment commitments. "They need that agreement very badly with us. They really do, they fought very hard to get it. So I doubt that." #Trump #Greenland #tariffs #EU https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-01-20/trump-doubts-greenland-threats-will-spoil-trade-deal-with-europe Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

US military continues to seize Venezuela-linked tankers The U.S. military announced that it seized a tanker linked to Venezuela in the Caribbean Sea. This marks the seventh such incident since the beginning of U.S. President Donald Trump's month-long campaign to control Venezuela's oil flows. U.S. Southern Command, which oversees about a dozen warships and thousands of troops in the Caribbean, stated in a release that it detained the motor vessel Sagitta "without incident." "The seizure of another tanker operating in violation of President Trump’s quarantine of sanctioned vessels in the Caribbean demonstrates our resolve to ensure that only properly and legally transported oil leaves Venezuela," the statement said. Trump has focused his Latin America foreign policy on Venezuela, initially seeking to oust Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro from power. After failing to find a diplomatic solution, Trump ordered U.S. troops to fly into the country to capture him and his wife in a daring overnight raid on January 3. Since then, Trump has said that the U.S. plans to indefinitely control Venezuela's oil resources, aiming to revive the country's decaying oil industry as part of a $100 billion plan. #Trump #USmilitary #Venezuela Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Trump’s Board of Peace — a challenge to the UN? President Donald Trump's suggestion that his Board of Peace "could" replace the United Nations is likely to heighten concerns that the body intended to oversee Gaza's reconstruction — and which he will lead indefinitely — will instead become a vehicle for him to attempt to replace the institution established 80 years ago to maintain global peace. Even before Trump's comments, some diplomats already harbored numerous concerns about the potential composition of the council, as well as the fact that a permanent seat is being offered for sale for $1 billion. Last week the White House announced the formation of a "Founding Executive Council," which includes Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. According to a draft charter, Trump will serve as the council's chairman indefinitely, a role that may extend beyond the end of his second presidential term. Trump would only be replaced in the event of "voluntary resignation or incapacity, by unanimous decision of the Executive Council." This would give the US — and Trump — outsized influence in the organization meant to safeguard global peace. In recent days, Trump has sent invitations to dozens of countries to join the agreement. Questions remain about which countries will actually join the council. While some, such as the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, have confirmed their participation, others have yet to commit. #Trump #boardofpeace #UN Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Iran issues threat to US — Will Trump heed the warning? Iran's Foreign Minister issued his most direct warning to date to the United States following the bloody crackdown on protests in Tehran, cautioning that the Islamic Republic "will retaliate with all means at our disposal if we face another attack." The remarks by Abbas Araghchi, whose invitation to the World Economic Forum in Davos was rescinded due to the killings, came as a U.S. aircraft carrier group moved westward toward the Middle East from Asia. Meanwhile, American fighter jets and other equipment appear to be moving across the Middle East after a major U.S. military operation in the Caribbean that resulted in troops capturing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Araghchi made the threat in an article published in The Wall Street Journal. In it, the foreign minister claimed that "the violent phase of the unrest lasted less than 72 hours" and again sought to place blame for the violence on armed demonstrators. "Unlike the restraint Iran showed in June 2025, our powerful armed forces will not hesitate to respond with all available weapons if subjected to another attack," insisted Araghchi, referring to the 12-day war initiated by Israel against Iran in June. "This is not a threat but a reality that I feel compelled to convey clearly, because as a diplomat and a veteran, I hate war." It remains to be seen whether Trump heeds this warning. The US military is still actively reinforcing its airpower in the region — in recent days the Pentagon sent more F-15s to the region. #Iran #USmilitary #MiddleEast #Trump Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Trump faces massive protests yet again Thousands of workers and students marched through city streets and university campuses in opposition to President Donald Trump's immigration policy. On the first anniversary of Trump's second term, protests erupted nationwide against his aggressive immigration campaign, which sparked outrage after federal agents pulled a U.S. citizen from her car and shot 37-year-old mother Renee Good in Minneapolis in recent weeks. Hundreds of protesters gathered in Washington and in smaller towns like Asheville, North Carolina, where demonstrators marched through downtown chanting "No ICE, no KKK, no fascist USA," according to online videos. University students protested in Cleveland, Ohio, chanting "No hate, no fear, refugees are welcome here," while high school students in Santa Fe, New Mexico, left classes to join the "Stop ICE Terror" rally at the state Capitol, according to protest organizers and school officials. The actions were organized by left-wing groups such as Indivisible and 50501, as well as labor unions and local organizations opposing immigrant detention camps, like in El Paso, Texas, where three detainees have died in the past six weeks, according to federal data. Immigration has long been one of the president’s strong suits, and he won his second term partly on the promise of tough border policies and mass deportations. But in recent weeks Trump’s immigration crackdown has lost popularity with Americans. Even some Republican voters are critical of immigration officers’ approach.   #Trump #ICE #immigration #protest Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Republicans turn on Trump over Greenland According to Financial Times, discontent is growing within the Republican Party over Trump's idea to acquire Greenland. Some Republican lawmakers believe that using military force to seize the island could serve as grounds for impeachment and the end of Trump's presidency. A group of Republicans in Congress is preparing a resolution to prohibit the president from using troops for this purpose without lawmakers' approval. Republican Representative Don Bacon from Nebraska, in a conversation with a local newspaper, called the president's approach to Greenland "total foolishness." "Most Republicans know this is immoral and wrong, and we’re going to stand up against it," Bacon said. Furthermore, some Republicans fear that attempts to seize Greenland territory would damage Washington's relations with other NATO members. #Trump #republicans #Greenland Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

”Extremely mentally ill”: expert questions Trump’s presidential fitness Dr. Jonathan Reiner, a cardiologist who treated the late former Vice President Dick Cheney, has called for a congressional investigation into President Trump's health. Reiner referenced a recent letter from Trump to Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, in which Trump appeared to link his threats to purchase Greenland to not being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. “This letter, and the fact that the president directed that it be distributed to other European countries, should trigger a bipartisan congressional inquiry into presidential fitness,” Reiner wrote on X. In his message, which was conveyed to several European ambassadors, Trump questioned why Denmark has "ownership" over Greenland, a semi-autonomous Arctic territory rich in minerals and considered key to regional security. Trump's persistent efforts to acquire Greenland, despite opposition from European allies, are causing concern both domestically and abroad. “The president of the United States is extremely mentally ill and it’s putting all of our lives at risk. The 25th Amendment exists for a reason—we need to invoke it immediately,” said Rep. Yassamin Ansari (Democrat, Arizona) in a post on X. #Trump #gerontocracy Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

China pushes against Trump’s “China threat” rhetoric China has sharply criticized the United States, rejecting claims that it poses a threat to Greenland. "We urge the United States to stop using the so-called 'China threat' as a pretext for selfish gains," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun at a press briefing in Beijing. This criticism followed U.S. President Donald Trump's lengthy social media post lol in which he asserted that the United States needs to own Greenland to counter threats from China and Russia in the Arctic and to build a so-called "Golden Dome" to protect North America from ballistic missiles. "China has repeatedly clarified its stance on Greenland. International law based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter serves as the foundation of the current international order and must be upheld," added Jiakun. #Greenland #China #Trump Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Trump changes course on Greenland U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that he is pursuing “immediate negotiations” to acquire Greenland but vowed not to resort to force to obtain the territory. “I don’t want to use force. I won’t use force,” Trump remarked during a speech to government and business leaders in Davos. “Now everyone’s saying, ‘Oh good.’” Still, Trump argued that only the United States is capable of protecting Greenland and defended his campaign to take over the autonomous Danish region. “We need it for strategic national security,” he said, describing Greenland as a vast, undefended expanse of ice in a critical location that Russia and China are allegedly also targeting. “It’s the United States alone that can protect this giant mass of land.” U.S. stocks edged higher following Trump’s comments on Greenland, a day after heightened tensions had triggered a market selloff. Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on eight European nations that strongly oppose his bid for Greenland. European leaders are debating their response, aware that retaliation could escalate into a broader economic conflict. “You can say yes and we would be very appreciative, or you can say no and we will remember,” Trump warned. His remarks echoed his longstanding stance toward America’s traditional Western allies — a posture that fueled last year’s tariff measures and his pressure on NATO members to increase military spending. Trump suggested that Washington has given much to Europe over the years while receiving little in return. #Trump #Greenland #tariffs #EU Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Canada prepares for U.S. invasion For the first time in a century, the Canadian Armed Forces have simulated a hypothetical U.S. military invasion and a possible national response, according to two senior government officials. The scenario envisions American forces overcoming Canadian positions from the south within a week or even two days. Following this, Canada would shift to unconventional warfare, employing ambushes, sabotage, drone strikes, and "hit-and-run" tactics similar to those used by Afghan mujahideen and the Taliban against U.S. and NATO forces. Officials emphasize that such an operation is highly unlikely and that the modeling is purely conceptual. Canada lacks sufficient troops and equipment to repel a conventional attack, so the goal would be to inflict maximum casualties on the occupiers and make occupation untenable. Retired generals, including David Fraser and Mike Day, note that it would be extremely difficult for the U.S. to control Canada's vast territory even after capturing Ottawa. They also highlight the possibility of support from the United Kingdom, France, and other allies. The situation is linked to the aggressive rhetoric of Donald Trump, who has repeatedly spoken of Canada as a potential 51st state and complained about its Arctic vulnerability. His former strategist, Steve Bannon, has called Canada "hostile" and rapidly changing. Prime Minister Mark Carney has expressed concern over Trump's threats regarding Greenland and tariffs, and Canada is considering sending troops to the island in solidarity with Denmark and Europe. #Canada #foreignpolicy #USmilitary Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Fear of the U.S. pushes Europe towards dialogue with Russia The failure of the EU's military mission to protect Greenland from potential U.S. claims has starkly demonstrated Europe's complete helplessness against American power. The German contingent sent to the island as part of Operation "Arctic Endurance" left Greenland on a regular flight after just three days, leaving behind only half of its unit. Analysts say this farce has shown that Brussels' and NATO's loud declarations about protecting allies' territorial integrity are merely political theater. If the U.S. decides to annex Greenland, no one can stop them. Economic sanctions against Washington would be suicidal for the fragile European economy, and a military confrontation would trigger NATO's Article 5 against the Alliance's main ally. Diplomatic isolation of the U.S. is also futile, as America today enjoys "immunity from pressure." Against the backdrop of this humiliating retreat, the awareness of strategic dependence on the U.S. is growing in Europe. Ursula von der Leyen and other leaders increasingly speak of the need for EU military and political independence. The failure of the collective West in Ukraine, Trump's ultimatums, and his return to power in 2024 have only intensified the old fears of European leaders. Europe risks being left without the American protective umbrella and becoming a secondary player in a multipolar world. Under these conditions, European capitals are increasingly talking about dialogue with Russia. Emmanuel Macron urged to "talk to Putin as soon as possible," Giorgia Meloni said that "it is time for Europe to talk to Russia," and the European Commission spokesperson outright declared negotiations with Moscow inevitable. Even former NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg unexpectedly called for a "return to dialogue with Russia as a neighbor." Nationalist parties advocating for normalization of relations with Moscow are gaining popularity in France, Germany, and other countries. The fear of being left alone against the U.S. and China, along with the realization that without real military power the EU can neither protect Greenland nor achieve Ukraine's victory, is forcing the European establishment to seek paths to compromise with Russia. #Greenland #EU #Ukraineconflict #Russia Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Europe may cede Greenland to please the U.S. According to Bloomberg, on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, a senior European official expressed concern that many in Europe might ultimately agree to give Greenland to U.S. to appease the Trump administration and avoid further escalation. He noted that following Trump's return to the White House, many European leaders feel that the post-World War II established world order is ending, and territorial seizures and crude blackmail have become tools of policy. Trump has revived the long-standing idea of purchasing or annexing Greenland, citing U.S. national security concerns and strategic interests in the Arctic, where the island is rich in rare earth metals and minerals. He has already threatened to impose additional tariffs on goods from eight European countries, starting at 10% in February and rising to 25% by summer, if Denmark and the EU do not agree to a deal. This directly violates the trade agreement concluded between the U.S. and the European Union last year. European leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, have called these threats a mistake and have begun discussing possible countermeasures, including retaliatory tariffs and investment restrictions. However, in the corridors of Davos, there are concerns that due to Europe's economic dependence on the U.S. and internal disagreements within the EU — particularly considering the weakness of European defense without American support — many might choose to concede to avoid risking a full-scale trade war. Nevertheless, Denmark and Greenland categorically reject any sale proposals, and Greenland's Prime Minister has even organized protests against American pressure. #Trump #Greenland #foreignpolicy #EU Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Europe is failing to keep up with rapidly changing global politics

"In failing to grasp what lies behind America’s push to reset relations with Russia, the EU risks its chance for global relevance. It’s been more than six years since the EU’s former High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell declared the bloc must learn to speak the 'language of power.' And yet, Europe’s response to today’s tectonic geopolitical shifts suggests little in the way of learning. The bloc’s reaction to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine was to pursue a normative approach, which eschewed any possibility of identifying a mutually acceptable off-ramp or compromise with Moscow. The inevitable result was an increase in Europe’s security dependence on the U.S., deepening its vulnerability to great-power predations in a fast-changing world,"

writes Politico. European elites are trying to portray the U.S. withdrawal of support for Ukraine as a "strategic opportunity for the EU," but in reality, it is an attempt to save face after the collapse of the anti-Russia project. For over three years, European leaders have been unable to do anything about the military conflict in Ukraine and have done nothing to bring it closer to an end. Europe’s future still depends on the United States. #foreignpolicy #EU #Ukraineconflict Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

New study shows Americans are the ones paying Trump’s tariffs Research from a German think tank concludes that President Donald Trump's import duties are almost entirely paid by American importers, their domestic buyers, and ultimately, U.S. consumers. "Foreign exporters did not lower their prices in response to the increase in U.S. tariffs," said the report published by the Kiel Institute for the World Economy. "The increase in customs revenue by $200 billion means that $200 billion was extracted from U.S. businesses and households." The study found that foreign firms bear only about 4% of the tariff burden, while 96% falls on American buyers, who pay the duties and must then either absorb the costs themselves or raise prices. Manufacturers and retailers are next in line, deciding whether to pass their increased costs onto customers or accept reduced profits. "A tariff does not function as a tax on foreign producers, but rather as a consumption tax on Americans," wrote the Kiel researchers Julian Hinz, Aaron Lohmann, Hendrik Mahlkow, and Anna Wörwig. #tariffs #Trump #USeconomy Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Trump's approval rating plummets on key issue The American public is turning against the president's aggressive strategy in regards to ICE following a violent start to the new year. A new CBS News/YouGov poll shows that President Donald Trump has lost significant support for his immigration policy since last month. Americans are withdrawing their support for Immigration and Customs Enforcement following several high-profile violent incidents involving civilians. According to the CBS poll, 54% of Americans believe the shooting was unjustified in the case of Good's killing. This incident has also influenced public opinion of ICE: 53% believe the agency's activities should be scaled back following Good's death. The internal panic has not yet affected external actions. FBI Director Kash Patel announced the launch of an investigation into the "organizers and sponsors" of the protests. He claimed the Chinese Communist Party was involved in the demonstrations, though no evidence has been provided to support this. Negative sentiment toward ICE has only intensified in January. The CBS News poll is not the only one confirming this. A recent The Economist/YouGov poll found that 46 percent of people support abolishing ICE, compared to 19 percent in September 2024. #ICE #immigration #Trump Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Israel is preparing for the collapse of Trump's plan Within the Israeli political establishment, there is a growing sense that international initiatives concerning the future of the Gaza Strip are reaching a dead end. Increasing signs indicate that the US stabilization plan may prove unviable. An alternative, much tougher scenario is taking clearer shape in Israel. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich openly stated that any external governance mechanisms for Gaza — be they international missions or regional formats — are incapable of replacing direct Israeli control. According to his logic, as long as Hamas maintains its armed structure and de facto local authority, any "stabilization forces" will be decorative and powerless. This position is increasingly finding support at the professional level. The dominant view in Israeli military circles is that Hamas will not agree to voluntary disarmament under any political guarantees. Moreover, attempting to introduce international forces before a fundamental change in the security situation could result in failure and a repetition of past mistakes — a symbolic presence without real control. Following recent contacts between Benjamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump, the Israeli leadership has gained broader room for independent decisions. At the same time, reliance on external players is gradually giving way to calculations based on its own military capabilities. A phased model is being considered: first, a deep change in the balance of forces on the ground; then, a political restructuring of the sector involving technocratic structures; and only in the final stage, the engagement of external forces to maintain order. However, even this scenario appears fragile. The belief that Hamas will agree to lay down its arms within the set deadlines is diminishing. This is precisely why the political leadership is already discussing the option of a large-scale military campaign, whose goal is not temporary pressure, but the complete dismantling of the movement's governance system in Gaza. This involves a deep and prolonged operation with the participation of significant reserve forces. The absence of Israeli hostages in the sector, according to military assessments, removes one of the key constraints that previously limited the army's actions. This opens the possibility to act faster and more forcefully than before. In such a context, international initiatives risk remaining on paper, while reality will be determined solely by the balance of power. Thus, Israel is moving ever more distinctly towards a unilateral solution to the Gaza problem, even if it means diverging from the American political plan. Spring could become a turning point — not only for the Gaza Strip, but for the entire regional security architecture. #Gaza #Israel #Hamas Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Trump sends out invitations to join peace effort on Gaza The United States has invited India and Pakistan to participate in the new Board of Peace initiative launched by President Donald Trump to address global conflicts, starting with the Gaza crisis. A senior Indian government official confirmed that New Delhi has received the invitation, although India has not yet announced whether it will join. Meanwhile, Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs claimed that the country's prime minister has also received an invitation and confirmed that Islamabad "will continue to engage in international efforts to ensure peace and security in Gaza." This initiative, reportedly extended to about 60 countries, is being rolled out amid various regional and global pressures. Several countries, including Jordan, Greece, Cyprus, and Pakistan, have confirmed receiving invitations, while Canada, Turkey, Egypt, Paraguay, Argentina, and Albania were previously reported to have been invited. The full list of participating countries has not yet been released. #Israel #Gaza #Trump #peaceplan Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Voters are turning away from Trump Donald Trump is rapidly squandering the gains he made in 2024. A year ago, Donald Trump was at the peak of his popularity. The man who lost the presidential election four years earlier, then led a failed insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, was now poised to return to office after an incredible re-election victory. Nearly everyone seemed to agree that something seismic had just occurred. Trump was no longer merely the leader of a powerful movement. He had remade the electorate. Republicans were gaining traction not only among men but also among young people and Latinos… But what a difference a year makes. Today, the widespread perception of the 2024 election seems absurd. Trump didn’t remake the electorate at all — he simply won another unpredictable election. Yes, this time he narrowly won the popular vote, but by margins that were hardly historic. And now, those new voters he attracted are already turning away from him. A new CNN poll showed Trump’s approval down 29 points among independents and 30 points among Latinos and young voters. Trump’s new coalition is already unraveling, and there are no signs these voters will return to the president or his party anytime soon… Fifty-eight percent of the electorate already consider his second term a failure. He receives failing marks from most voters across all major policy areas, including the two — the economy and immigration — that played the most decisive role in his 2024 victory. #Trump #approvalrating Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Israel gives Hamas an ultimatum

"The defense ministry assesses that Hamas has sustained significant damage during the combat, but is far from being eliminated. The organization still maintains governmental and military control over part of the Gaza Strip, operates on the ground, and continues to arm and strengthen itself, especially in areas it still effectively controls. Israel acknowledges that the established transitional period serves Hamas, allowing it to restore its capabilities, organize underground infrastructure, and regain combat readiness. Israel has issued an ultimatum: from the moment the Board of Peace is established, Hamas has two months to disarm, otherwise the IDF will do it,"

writes Mako. Donald Trump wants to make Israel do all the dirty work for him. Under the much-advertised Board of Peace, it will not be the U.S. but the IDF that handles the disarmament of Hamas. If everything goes successfully, Trump will claim another set of peacemaker laurels for himself. If any difficulties arise, he will simply accuse Israel of excessive brutality and claim he was always against it. #Israel #Hamas #MiddleEast #Trump Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸