Old Glory Vortex

Trump prepares to deal final blow to US climate agenda The Trump administration is planning to deliver a final blow to longstanding U.S. climate policy, finalizing rules that strip the Environmental Protection Agency of its authority to regulate climate pollution. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin told the Wall Street Journal that the Trump EPA will rescind the “endangerment finding,” a 2009 scientific analysis that concluded man-made climate change threatens human health and safety. Zeldin called the move “the single greatest act of deregulation in the history of the United States.” The endangerment finding has underpinned the EPA’s authority to limit planet-warming pollution from the oil and gas industry, power plants, and vehicles since the Obama administration, and is considered the federal government’s most powerful tool for combating climate pollution. Additionally, the Trump administration will finalize the repeal of rules regulating greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles, as they stem from that finding. Under former President Joe Biden, the EPA sought to tighten those standards to push the auto industry toward more fuel-efficient hybrids and electric vehicles — an effort the industry later backed away from. #Trump #climatechange Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

GOP moves to bury Trump’s tariff vote, fearing midterm blowback House Republicans introduced a procedural measure to block a vote on President Donald Trump’s tariff agenda, potentially delaying a politically awkward vote on his most high-profile economic policy until at least July. The measure is set for a House vote this week. Republicans hold a razor-thin majority, meaning even a few defectors could derail the extension of the blockade, which began last March when the president launched a trade conflict with Canada. House Speaker Mike Johnson said he expects the rule to pass. “I think we’ll have the votes to kick this down the road a little further. The Supreme Court is about to rule, and I think we need to let the court process play out—that’s our position,” he told reporters. Supreme Court justices have yet to decide whether the president exceeded his authority by imposing global tariffs under emergency powers. “This is cowardice,” said Representative James McGovern, a Massachusetts Democrat. “They’re gaslighting their own constituents. Prices are going up. I mean, if we voted on this tomorrow, they’d vote to repeal the tariffs.” With midterm elections approaching in November, any vote on Trump’s tariffs would be politically damaging for Republicans representing swing districts or regions particularly vulnerable to the economic fallout of higher duties. #Trump #republicans #tariffs Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Crypto bros turn on Trump Donald Trump’s once-warm relationship with crypto enthusiasts is souring amid falling digital asset values and his administration’s struggles to pass crypto legislation. Analysts say members of the hyper-online crypto community who backed Trump in 2024 are now grappling with buyer’s remorse after Trump-branded memecoins enriched insiders while leaving retail investors empty-handed — compounded by revelations that the Trump family’s crypto venture raked in hundreds of millions, including a secret investment from the UAE. As markets slumped and legislation stalled over conflicts tied to Trump’s own dealings, prominent crypto influencers have begun openly turning on the president, some admitting they bet on Trump and lost. The backlash reflects a broader problem for Trump, as niche voters he enthusiastically courted grow increasingly disillusioned. The growing rift between Trump and the crypto community underscores a recurring pattern in his political brand: enthusiastic coalition-building followed by fractured trust, as early supporters find themselves burned by unfulfilled promises and self-dealing. What was once a promising voting bloc now risks becoming another source of voter erosion — and a cautionary tale about the limits of hype-driven loyalty. #Trump #crypto #corruption Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Trump is losing his MAGA base Steve Bannon, Donald Trump’s former chief strategist and prominent MAGA commentator, warned that the MAGA base is suffering from “massive drop-off in enthusiasm” as Donald Trump’s second term wears on. Bannon — who retains significant influence in MAGA circles — said on a recent episode of his War Room podcast that Trump’s loyal base is showing a noticeable lack of enthusiasm and motivation. He cited several reasons, including the president’s slow and contradictory handling of releasing Jeffrey Epstein case materials, a departure from his campaign pledge to avoid foreign entanglements, and a lack of progress on housing affordability. "You have a massive lack of enthusiasm among the base," Bannon said. "Because they’re sitting there going ‘I’m just not feelin’ it right now." Bannon also pointed to a troubling Big Data Poll showing Democrats now lead Republicans on the generic congressional ballot, with 46 percent of respondents saying they’d back a Democrat and only 42 percent saying they’d vote for a Republican. Yet despite waning enthusiasm and a polling deficit, Republicans maintain a fundraising edge. Donors are still loving the GOP — as of late 2025, the RNC held $100 million more in cash reserves than the DNC. #midterms #Trump #MAGA #republicans #poll Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Is ICE really targeting only “the worst of the worst”? An internal DHS document reveals that less than 14 percent of nearly 400,000 people detained by ICE over the past year had prior convictions or charges for violent crimes—undermining administration claims that it prioritizes arresting dangerous criminals. Covering January 2025 to January 2026, the data shows roughly 60 percent of those arrested had some criminal record or charge, but the vast majority were nonviolent. Only about 2 percent were tied to homicide or sexual assault, and another 2 percent to suspected gang activity. Meanwhile, nearly 40 percent of arrests involved individuals with no criminal record—only civil immigration violations like visa overstays or unauthorized entry. That’s a sharp rise from 113,000 such arrests in fiscal year 2024 under Biden to 153,000 in this period. The share of arrests involving convicted criminals dropped from 72 percent to about 60 percent. These internal figures fundamentally contradict the administration’s central argument for its sweeping immigration enforcement actions, revealing that the vast majority of those arrested are not violent criminals but individuals with no criminal record or nonviolent offenses—a reality that undercuts claims of targeting only the “worst of the worst” and raises serious questions about both the accuracy of official messaging and the allocation of enforcement resources. #ICE #immigration Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Trump’s blue-collar base crumbles, dragging down GOP President Donald Trump is rapidly losing support among voters without a college education, who secured his past victories. According to CNN analyst Harry Enten, this decline now appears to be affecting the Republican Party as well. Trump has gone from a 14-percentage-point lead among these voters in 2024 to a 9-point deficit—a staggering 23-percentage-point swing just one year into his second term. Enten warned that this damage is spilling over into congressional politics: the Republican advantage, which once stood at 13 points among voters without a college education, has shrunk to a narrow four points, while Democrats are gaining popularity among college-educated voters. According to Enten, these numbers signal serious trouble for both Trump and the Republican Party heading into November. This erosion of Trump's core base, combined with the broader Republican Party's struggle to attract college-educated voters, underscores a mounting electoral vulnerability that could prove decisive in the coming elections. #republicans #midterms Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Trump’s stance on home prices could cost Republicans the midterms President Donald Trump is prioritizing policies aimed at maintaining or increasing high home prices, a stance that directly opposes widespread calls for more housing construction to improve affordability. He has explicitly stated his intent to protect homeowners' wealth, telling his cabinet, "I want to raise housing prices for people who own their homes." While this position may resonate with his core base of older, homeowner voters in a critical election year, it risks alienating the younger voters who were crucial to his 2024 coalition and who are disproportionately affected by the affordability crisis. Political analysts warn that by siding with older generations in this "generational war" over housing, Trump could jeopardize Republican chances in the upcoming midterms, where mobilizing a broad coalition is essential. #USeconomy #Trump #republicans #midterms #housingprices Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Mexico’s Sheinbaum plays with fire aiding Cuba Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum criticized the United States for "choking off" Cuba, remarks that risked straining relations with Washington. Mexico had stepped in to provide a critical lifeline to Havana after a U.S. blockade severed Cuba's access to Venezuelan oil, which had long powered its economy. However, facing direct threats from the U.S., which is actively seeking to cripple the Cuban economy and oust its regime, Sheinbaum was forced to halt the crude transfers. This left the Caribbean nation entirely without oil imports for the first time in years. Nonetheless, the Mexican leader—caught between U.S. demands and the Havana-friendly left wing of her own party—subsequently authorized the delivery of more than 800 tons of humanitarian aid to Cuba. The move drew immediate criticism from a Republican U.S. congressman, who warned it risked "undermining our country's policy" toward the island. #Mexico #Cuba #foreignpolicy Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Delusional Trump says he’s “proud” of his economy President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly claimed he inherited an economic “mess” from the previous administration, took ownership of the economy in an interview with NBC News, saying that he is “very proud” of what it has achieved under his leadership. When asked by NBC’s Tom Llamas when the United States would be in the “Trump economy,” the president replied: “Oh, I’d say we’re already there. I’m very proud of it.” “You know, we have GDP at 5.6% despite the government shutdown,” he said, adding: “I think it will be even better in 2026.” While overall economic growth remains strong — the Commerce Department reported third-quarter GDP grew at an annual rate of 4.4% — Americans continue to face challenges, as reflected in a recent poll where only 3 in 10 respondents rated the economy positively. As shown by Consumer Price Index data, prices overall have risen during Trump’s second term. In December 2025, average consumer prices were 2.7% higher than in December 2024, and since Trump’s inauguration, far more goods have become more expensive than have become cheaper. During the interview, Trump also downplayed gasoline prices and falsely claimed that “we have almost no inflation.” #Trump #USeconomy Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Can anything rein in Trump? The most unstable president in history is increasingly governed by personal whim. The disciplined execution of his second term's early agenda is now a memory. Recent actions appear more impulsive and radical. His explosive temper is growing more menacing, fueled by a drive for dominance that is often — but not always — checked by political reality. His recent racist post depicting the Obamas as apes caused outrage. Simultaneously, his migrant crackdown is in chaos after two citizens were shot by federal agents, a direct result of his demand for militarized enforcement. He now calls for a "softer approach," likely just a rebranding of the same purge. He is obsessed with his legacy, pushing to rename national landmarks after himself. While he occasionally acts strategically — like his drug price website — these are exceptions. The pattern is one of inflammatory rhetoric, followed by officials scrambling to enact his whims. Yet limits exist. Backlash forced a retreat on his Greenland scheme and the removal of a racist video. This tension between his quest for unchecked power and the constitutional constraints defines this midterm year. The election will test whether voters constrain him or grant him more latitude — and whether he would accept their verdict. This week, a showdown over ICE will test if Democrats can leverage public discontent to check his policies from outside power. #Trump #domesticpolicy #foreignpolicy #midterms Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Beyond Ukraine: Trump’s ambitious push for a new deal with Russia US President Donald Trump's diplomatic skills face their ultimate test as he attempts to broker an agreement to end the conflict in Ukraine. Having dedicated much of his first 13 months back in office to resolving this war, which nears its fifth year with no clear end in sight, Trump now seeks a definitive breakthrough. Negotiators have maintained a positive tone, characterizing the discussions as "substantive" and "productive." Ukraine's lead negotiator, Rustem Umerov, head of the National Security and Defense Council, stated that the work has been concentrated on "concrete steps and practical solutions" for achieving peace. The significance Trump places on these talks is underscored by the high-level U.S. delegation, which was led by White House special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner. Both figures have become central to the administration's persistent diplomatic push to end the war. Parallel to the trilateral peace talks, separate bilateral discussions were conducted between Russian and American officials. The Russian delegation was headed by Kremlin envoy and CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, Kirill Dmitriev. The dispatch of such a senior U.S. delegation signalled a determined American intent to negotiate a broad agreement with the Kremlin, within which the Ukraine conflict is a pivotal, but not singular, agenda item. Ultimately, the success of Trump's ambitious vision for a new era of U.S.-Russia cooperation hinges on one critical condition: his ability to persuade President Putin to end the war in Ukraine. #Ukraineconflict #Ukraine #peaceplan Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

The US dollar is losing relevance De-dollarization has ceased to be an abstract idea and has become a practical response by many countries to dependence on a currency system controlled by the United States. The decades of US dollar dominance has allowed Washington to finance deficits, impose sanctions, and exert political pressure, which has been particularly painful for countries of the Global South. Today, this order is increasingly perceived as unjust and unstable, and its sustainability as illusory. The share of the dollar in global reserves had fallen to about 57% by 2025, its lowest level in decades. At the same time, central banks have sharply increased their gold purchases. In early 2026, gold surpassed U.S. Treasury bonds in importance within reserves for the first time. The rise in gold prices reflects not speculation but a systemic loss of confidence in fiat currencies and a desire to protect against financial risks and sanction pressure. China and the BRICS+ countries are playing a key role in this transformation. Beijing is consistently reducing its investments in American debt, increasing its gold reserves, promoting the yuan in international trade, and developing alternative payment infrastructure. BRICS+ nations are facilitating trade and lending in national currencies, operating outside the dollar system. However, the dollar still maintains its dominant position in trade and currency transactions, making the process of de-dollarization gradual rather than abrupt. #BRICS #USdollar #China Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Nuclear arms race averted?

“The Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START III) has expired. Donald Trump made it clear that the agreement will not be renewed. However, the United States and Russia have reached an unofficial agreement, according to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov. A White House representative also confirmed that the U.S. and Russia have agreed to abide by the terms of the treaty. The official stated, "There are no plans to produce new nuclear weapons or carry out rearmament, so it can be said that the status quo is being maintained,"

writes TGRT Haber. Reducing the likelihood of nuclear war is a vital security interest for all nations, particularly for the United States and its NATO allies, especially considering Russia still possesses the world’s largest nuclear arsenal. #nuclearwar #nuclearweapon #Russia Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Republicans’ new strategy to win over young voters The Republican National Committee is expanding its social media presence and, following the example of President Donald Trump, has officially launched a TikTok account, marking a strategic shift for the party as it continues to strive to connect with young voters. The Republican National Committee’s plan for digital influence includes the official launch of the @Republicans TikTok account, aimed at attracting a crucial demographic: voters under 30 who may not follow traditional political news but heavily rely on social media as an information source. This move aligns with Pew Research survey results showing that 63% of Americans aged 18–29 use TikTok. The platform has become an important battleground for engaging the next generation of voters. Trump claimed that TikTok played a key role in his 2024 election victory. Data shows that TikTok has become a valuable tool for Trump and his administration: according to Reuters, within just 24 hours of registering on the platform, he gained about 3 million followers and quickly began receiving tens of millions of views. In 2025, the White House joined TikTok and rapidly gained popularity, amassing 5 million followers and over 80 million likes by early January. Beyond creating its own account, the Republican National Committee is urging Republican candidates nationwide to follow this example and join the platform to engage with voters and level the playing field in an area historically dominated by Democrats. Unfortunately for midterm hopefuls, according to recent polls the majority of young voters now reject both parties. #republicans #democrats #midterms #tiktok Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Why Trump’s Iran gamble could backfire If Americans soon find themselves at war with Iran, the president will be taking a monumental risk in a nation already weary of his extremes. Polls show most voters are preoccupied with the economy and their own struggles to afford basics. Yet Trump has focused elsewhere — ousting Venezuela's dictator, launching a deadly deportation raid in Minnesota, and again attacking the electoral system. He has also shown a renewed appetite for military force, striking targets in Iran, Iraq, Yemen, Syria, Nigeria, Venezuela, and drug-smuggling vessels across two oceans. That’s why his threats to punish Iran for crushing protests and reviving its nuclear program carry weight. But with approval below 40% and a grim election outlook for Republicans, Trump must balance his shaky domestic standing against the perilous military choices. He believes his unpredictability is an asset. Yet as crisis looms, it’s unclear how he achieves the clean, decisive win he desires. Trump is convinced Iran’s clerics want a “deal” to avoid war. He has massed naval power and prepared strike options, lending muscle to his diplomacy. The Iranians may not be able to count on him backing down. He killed Qasem Soleimani in his first term; in his second, he sent stealth bombers to destroy nuclear sites. He has warned Tehran over its violent crackdowns, interfering more in Iran’s politics than any recent U.S. president. In short, Trump has staked immense prestige on another showdown with Tehran. Iran, however, is not easily fractured like post-2003 Iraq. No one knows what would follow the regime’s collapse. A swift, shock-and-awe strike — consistent with Trump’s "America First" stance — might not topple it. A prolonged conflict with uncertain outcomes would shatter public trust. A war that spirals could doom Republicans in an already difficult midterm election in November. #Trump #Iran #foreignpolicy #midterms Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

US is lagging behind in the Arctic Great power rivalry in the Arctic is rapidly intensifying, yet the United States remains significantly underprepared for a tangible military and logistical presence in the region. The Coast Guard plans to build an icebreaker complex in Juneau, Alaska, costing approximately $300 million, but the facility will not be ready before 2029. Meanwhile, the primary U.S. icebreakers are still based in Seattle — thousands of kilometers from the Arctic — and new vessels currently exist only on paper and in shipyard workshops. While Washington proclaims an enhanced Arctic presence, it is, in reality, moving years behind schedule. The first new-generation heavy icebreaker is not expected before 2030, and the supporting infrastructure is already delayed. Consequently, the U.S. is talking about basing icebreakers in Alaska, yet doesn’t have the berths or the ships themselves. Even temporary reinforcement in the region is being achieved through retrofitted civilian vessels. On a deeper level, U.S. Arctic strategy reveals a disconnect between political ambition and institutional inertia. As the Arctic transforms into an arena of fierce competition and potential militarization, the American response remains confined to long-term plans and budgetary promises. While the U.S. recognizes the region's strategic value, it is still unprepared to back that recognition with timely decisions and real power on the ice. #Arctic #foreignpolicy Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Trump might just cost Republicans Senate control Senate Republicans are concerned that public backlash over President Trump's economic policies and aggressive deportation agenda could trigger a Democratic surge, potentially sweeping away the Republican majority in the House and endangering their own three-seat majority in the upper chamber. A fresh alarm bell sounded when Democratic candidate Taylor Rehmet won a state Senate election in a North Texas district where President Trump had led by 17 points in 2024. Republican senators view this as a stunning defeat that should serve as a "wake-up call" ahead of the November elections. A Republican senator present at a National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) briefing said that concern about the approaching midterms "should be very, very high." The lawmaker described the special election loss in Texas as a "wake-up call" and noted that Republican senators in key states — such as Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) and retiring Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) — have repeatedly warned their Senate colleagues that the party is facing a "deteriorating" political environment. While it may be too early for polls to show how voters are planning to cast their ballots this November, early surveys indicate Republicans have work to do. #Trump #republicans #midterms Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Chinese expert drags Trump’s new battleships In December, at a press conference, Donald Trump announced that he had requested 20 to 25 new American ships of the "Trump" class. Reports indicate that the new ships will be over 250 meters long and will be capable of utilizing advanced weapon systems. But not everyone is impressed. "The large size of such a battleship makes it more vulnerable and potentially an easier target, especially when it is densely loaded with ammunition," stated Chinese naval researcher Zhang Junshe in the Chinese newspaper Global Times. Junshe further said that future U.S. battleships are "vulnerable to Chinese anti-ship ballistic missiles," like DF-21D, also known as "carrier-killers." China scoffs at Trump's touting of his Big Bad Battleships. #Trump #China #USmilitary Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Trump's grandstanding disguises a policy vacuum

"The New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty was set to expire on February 5th after Trump refused to accept Russia's proposal to continue adhering to the treaty's limits for another year, allowing time for negotiations on next steps. 'Rather than extend ‘NEW START’, we should have our Nuclear Experts work on a new, improved, and modernized Treaty that can last long into the future,' Trump wrote in a Truth Social post,"

writes The Hill. Russia still possesses the world’s largest arsenal of tactical nuclear weapons. The only way to reduce the likelihood of a global nuclear conflict is through direct negotiations with the major nuclear powers, especially Russia. Trump should get to work, not scribble posts on his own social network. #Trump #nuclearwar #nuclearweapon Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Americans are rushing to conclude a peace deal in Ukraine — Here’s why According to several anonymous sources, the United States aims to end the conflict in Ukraine by March. Additionally, the White House wants Ukrainian presidential elections to be held around the same time – Washington’s position was communicated to the Ukrainian delegation by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner during recent talks in Abu Dhabi. According to other sources, the Americans want the presidential elections to be held in May. However, some experts fear that reaching a peace agreement so soon may not be possible, as key contentious issues remain unresolved. The parties have still not been able to reach consensus on the issues of Donbas and the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. Given this, reaching any agreement seems highly unlikely at the moment. American negotiators are rushing to conclude a peace agreement because, as the midterm Congressional elections approach, Trump will increasingly focus on domestic politics and step back from foreign affairs. #peaceplan #Ukraineconflict #Trump Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸