Originally published at: https://peakprosperity.com/daily-digest/dismantling-usaid-autonomous-armageddon/
US Politics
USAID has come under scrutiny amid a freeze on aid programs by the Trump administration. The agency’s website went offline, sparking concerns about its future. Allegations have resurfaced regarding USAID’s purported role as a CIA front, with claims of funding riots in Ukraine in 2014 and paying journalists to investigate Rudy Giuliani. Elon Musk has claimed that Trump plans to dismantle USAID, citing its inefficiency and partisanship. This aligns with Trump’s broader strategy to realign U.S. foreign aid, marking a significant shift in America’s global role. Critics argue that USAID funds often support political agendas rather than genuine development projects. Some experts warn that dismantling USAID could create a vacuum in U.S. foreign aid, potentially allowing other nations to increase their influence in developing countries.
Also making headlines, Elon Musk and the DOGE team have reportedly been granted access to the U.S. Treasury Department’s payment system. This access allows them to monitor and potentially limit government spending. The move followed internal disputes within the Treasury, leading to the sudden retirement of a top official. However, the Treasury Department has not confirmed granting such access, and reports suggest the retirement was due to internal restructuring.
Finally, the release of the story of Michael Shane Daughtry, a former SWAT officer, highlights what some describe as alleged government overreach following the January 6, 2021 protest. Despite his peaceful participation, Daughtry reportedly faced aggressive legal actions, including house arrest and severe restrictions. His experience is cited in discussions about government actions against January 6 defendants. While some media outlets report on alleged mistreatment, others note the unprecedented number of cases and the legal system’s challenges in handling them.
Economy
The London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) is experiencing delays in gold withdrawals, with wait times reportedly extending from four to eight weeks. This has raised concerns among some observers about the reliability of the system, with suggestions of a de facto default. The situation highlights discussions on the strategic importance of fiat alternatives in addressing inflation and perceived flaws in the monetary system. Indicators such as rising Exchange for Physicals (EFPs), lease rates, and borrowing costs are noted as pointing to risks in the precious metals market. The Bank of England, which holds approximately $450 billion in gold, recently transferred nearly 400 metric tons to the COMEX. The wealth management industry, overseeing $125 trillion, could potentially impact the market with even a small allocation to gold. The silver market, smaller and reportedly in deficit for over four years, also faces potential changes. Structural factors, including the freezing of Russian reserves, have reportedly accelerated central banks’ shift towards gold. Basel rule changes have elevated gold to a tier 1 asset, prompting institutions to adjust their holdings. The sustainability of the current monetary system is questioned by figures like Powell, Fink, Dimon, and Dalio, with various scenarios illustrating potential outcomes of this financial shift. However, the LBMA has denied any default, attributing delays to operational challenges, while some financial institutions argue these are temporary issues not indicative of systemic failure.
Health
A recent study has raised concerns about the potential neurodevelopmental effects of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine BNT162b2, particularly in male rats. The research examined the impact of the vaccine on WNT and BDNF signaling pathways, cytokine levels, and behaviors related to autism. Pregnant rats were vaccinated, and their offspring were assessed for autism-like behaviors, neuronal counts, and motor skills. The study reported significant changes in WNT gene expression and BDNF levels, with male rats exhibiting pronounced autism-like behaviors, reduced social interaction, repetitive behaviors, decreased neuronal counts, and impaired motor performance. These findings suggest potential neurodevelopmental impacts of the vaccine, warranting further human studies to explore these mechanisms. Experts like Dr. Paul Offit caution against extrapolating animal study results to humans, citing extensive data showing no increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in children born to vaccinated mothers.
Geopolitics
The Pugwash Conference on Science and World Affairs recently hosted a webinar titled “Autonomous Armageddon: Nuclear Weapons and Artificial Intelligence,” discussing the global risks associated with AI’s rapid advancement. Esteemed speakers expressed concerns about AI potentially surpassing human intelligence and manipulating its creators. The fear is that AI, lacking emotions and empathy, could rationalize harmful decisions without guilt. The conference emphasized the need for governments to recognize AI’s potential risks and implement measures to prevent its unchecked advancement. While some experts warn of AI’s potential for harm, others argue that with proper oversight, AI could significantly benefit humanity.
Sources
LBMA’s Gold Withdrawal Delays Signal De Facto Default: A Wake-Up Call for Fiat Alternatives
If you buy gold and can’t get it, do you really own it?
Source | Submitted by Gamma Geek
Prenatal COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine Exposure Linked to Autism-Like Behaviors in Male Rats: Study Highlights WNT and BDNF Pathway Disruptions
Notably, male rats exhibited pronounced autism-like behaviors, characterized by a marked reduction in social interaction and repetitive patterns of behavior.
Source | Submitted by sand_kitty
From SWAT to Scapegoat: A Jan. 6 Participant’s Tale of Alleged Government Overreach
His story is one of full-on corruption.
Source | Submitted by Redneck Engineer
AI and the Looming Threat: Experts Warn of a Potential Autonomous Armageddon
AI is here to stay, becoming increasingly complex, and, like a sponge, it absorbs information at an astonishing rate.
Source | Submitted by Celeo Ramirez
Elon Musk and DOGE Team Gain Unprecedented Access to U.S. Treasury Payment System
Elon Musk and the DOGE Team are Granted Access to the Treasury Department’s Payment System
Source | Submitted by Chris Martenson
USAID Website Goes Dark Amid Trump Administration’s Aid Freeze, Sparking Congressional Concerns
The website of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has stopped working amid the freezing of aid programs by the administration of Donald Trump.
Source | Submitted by pnwdefector
RFK Jr. Alleges CIA Role in 2014 Ukraine Coup via USAID Funding
So they’re picking the new government a month before the old government is overthrown.
Allegations Surface: USAID’s $20M Funding to Journalists for Giuliani Investigation Questioned
Why did USAID pay $20 million to hit piece journalists to dig up dirt on Rudy Giuliani and use that dirt as the basis to impeach the sitting US President in 2019?
Source | Submitted by Chris Martenson
Elon Musk Claims Trump Plans to Dismantle USAID, Citing Partisanship and Inefficiency
Elon Musk said President Trump has agreed to close the US Agency for International Development for good.
The End of an Era: Trump’s USAID Cuts Signal a Historic Shift in U.S. Global Strategy
We’re looking at a seismic shift in the US’s relationship with the world, via Arnaud Bertrand.
In addition to sources submitted by community members, the following were also used in the creation of this report: Bank of England, LBMA, Financial News, Reuters, Dr. Paul Offit, The Washington Post, The Hill, Bloomberg, The Guardian, Elon Musk, Defense One, and Wait But Why.