In an interview excerpt from “60 Minutes,” President Trump stated that Chinese President Xi Jinping assured him China would not take action regarding Taiwan during his presidency. Trump claims Xi and his officials have openly expressed this sentiment, recognizing the potential consequences. While the topic was not discussed during their recent talks in South Korea, Trump expressed confidence in China’s restraint. The U.S. maintains a policy of strategic ambiguity regarding Taiwan, and Trump declined to confirm if the U.S. would defend Taiwan if attacked.
Read More
Venezuela has reported the capture of mercenaries allegedly linked to the CIA, claiming they were planning a “false flag” operation intended to instigate a military conflict. This accusation comes amid heightened tensions, as the U.S. has increased military presence in the Caribbean and conducted strikes on alleged drug vessels, drawing criticism and concerns about international law violations. U.S. officials, however, maintain the operations are aimed at combating drug trafficking. The U.S. military is also conducting joint exercises with Trinidad and Tobago, further escalating the situation, with many suggesting the exercises are aimed at removing Maduro from power.
Read More
Following Israel’s withdrawal from portions of Gaza under a US-backed ceasefire, President Trump threatened action against Hamas for its public executions, reversing his earlier stance. He stated that if Hamas continued killing, retribution would be enacted. The comments came amidst a plea from an Israeli-backed militia in Gaza, urging Trump to protect residents from Hamas’s actions. While clarifying the US wouldn’t deploy troops, Trump indicated the retaliation would be carried out by others “very nearby,” under US auspices.
Read More
The United States, under the Trump administration, is planning to double a private sector bailout for Argentina, increasing it to $40 billion to stabilize the nation’s struggling currency. This move, announced by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, aims to bolster the peso, which has lost significant value against the dollar, and help Argentina manage its substantial external debt. The bailout is conditional on President Milei remaining in power, as stated by Trump. The deal is controversial, with critics questioning the prioritization of foreign aid over domestic needs, and raising concerns about its impact on both Argentina’s economy and American farmers.
Read More
Bessent says US considers doubling aid to Argentina to $40B, and that’s where we begin. It’s a headline that’s sure to spark a reaction, isn’t it? Forty billion dollars. Let that number sink in for a moment. The initial gut reaction? Confusion. Why Argentina? Especially when there are reports of domestic issues that are struggling for funding. It’s hard not to question the priorities, especially when it feels like some things are being overlooked.
The core of the issue feels like a contradiction of promises. Remember “America First”? That phrase was bandied about quite a bit. Seeing this kind of aid package for another country, especially when that country is involved in trade that might be seen as competitive with the US, seems to fly in the face of that.… Continue reading
President Xi Jinping is urging the United States to alter its long-standing description of its position on Taiwan’s independence. This demand, if met, would represent a significant diplomatic victory for China. Beijing has requested that the U.S. government formally state its “opposition” to Taiwan’s independence. This information was revealed by a source familiar with the matter, who preferred to remain anonymous.
Read More
US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has publicly stated that India is among the countries the US aims to rectify within its trade agenda, urging them to adjust their trade practices for better access to the American market. He cited high US trade levies on Indian goods and stated that these nations must “react correctly” to the US by opening markets and ceasing actions deemed harmful. Lutnick has set specific conditions, including discontinuing purchases of Russian oil and withdrawing from BRICS, or face consequences. Trade negotiations between India and the US have resumed, but the US is looking for major changes in India’s trade and geopolitical approach.
Read More
Trump is breaking US diplomacy, State Department staffers say. It’s not exactly a secret, but it’s a situation that’s drawing some serious concern, especially from those who work within the State Department. The consensus seems to be that the way things are going, the U.S. is losing its footing on the world stage, and it’s all tied to how Trump handles diplomacy, or rather, doesn’t. It’s like the classic definition of insanity – doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. Here, the repeated actions appear to be eroding the very tools that the United States needs to navigate a complex world.… Continue reading
Following discussions with both Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Vladimir Putin decided to escalate military actions in Ukraine, targeting critical infrastructure after Zelenskyy rejected Russia’s demands regarding the eastern regions. Sources indicate Putin believes escalation is the most effective way to force Ukraine into negotiations on his terms and that Trump will not intervene. Consequently, Putin intends to continue these attacks, perceiving a lack of significant opposition from the United States and Europe based on observations of the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Drone and missile strikes increased significantly in the weeks following the talks.
Read More
The US has designated Colombia as a country that has “demonstrably failed” to meet its obligations to control drug trafficking, citing record cocaine production under President Gustavo Petro’s administration. Colombia’s government responded by announcing it would stop purchasing weapons from the US. The US attributed the surge to Petro’s policies, specifically peace talks with armed groups involved in drug trafficking, despite Petro’s claims that the increases occurred during the previous administration. While the US has not cut off aid, it has put pressure on the Colombian government to take more action, opening the possibility for recertification if aggressive steps are taken.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood