Originally published at: https://peakprosperity.com/daily-digest/erika-kirk-to-meet-with-candace-owens-clintons-face-contempt-are-we-in-a-double-bubble/
Economy
Ed Dowd has pointed to rising delinquencies in consumer credit cards and auto loans, as well as potential mortgage defaults, as indicators of a possible credit destruction cycle. Layoffs at companies including Amazon and UPS have coincided with these trends, according to reports. Issues in private credit, such as bankruptcies in subprime auto lending and other sectors, have been noted as potential contributors to wider effects. The housing market is experiencing increased inventory and reduced sales, with reports attributing multi-family overbuilding partly to immigration as a factor in declining rents and stalled deals.
Meanwhile, the Bank for International Settlements has issued a warning about a rare alignment in gold and equity markets, described by the organization as a âdouble bubble,â where both assets have risen together for the first time in more than 50 years, reportedly driven by speculation rather than underlying fundamentals. Gold prices have increased by approximately 60 percent in 2025, in line with gains in tech and AI sectors, which could affect traditional diversification strategies in the event of a market correction, per analysts. Some reports, however, highlight U.S. economic resilience with GDP growth at 2.8 percent in Q4 2025 and steady unemployment at 4.1 percent, downplaying systemic risks from private credit.
Out in the real economy, retailers including Walmart have started placing premium ribeye steak behind metal barriers, a measure that reportedly began in April 2025.
Charlie Kirk
Erika Kirk is scheduled to meet privately with podcaster Candace Owens today (December 15) to discuss Owensâ claims that implicate TPUSA members, supporters of Israel in the U.S., and the French military in Kirkâs death. Both sides have agreed to suspend public statements, livestreams, and social media activity until after the meeting. TPUSA has canceled a planned rebuttal livestream in response. Owens has reportedly questioned Erika Kirkâs leadership motives since she assumed the role. During a recent CBS News town hall, Kirk called for an end to criticism of her family and organization, responding to Owens by saying, âStop.â The last person known to have spoken with Charlie Kirk was Utah Valley student Hunter Kozak, who attended the town hall. TPUSA sources have denied internal involvement, describing Owensâ theories as divisive misinformation.
Epstein Files
House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer has warned Bill and Hillary Clinton that they must appear for depositions regarding their connections to Jeffrey Epstein or face contempt of Congress charges. Subpoenas issued in August set Hillary Clintonâs testimony for October 9 and Bill Clintonâs for October 14, but their lawyersâ delays and lack of response led to the ultimatum. Comer referenced Bill Clintonâs more than 20 flights on Epsteinâs plane, visits to his private island, and 17 meetings at the White House during his presidency as bases for the investigation. The committee contacted the Clintonsâ attorney directly, requiring appearances next week or rescheduling for early January. Similar subpoenas have been issued to former officials including William Barr, Robert Mueller, Loretta Lynch, and James Comey. President Trump has advocated for the full release of Epsteinâs files, calling the matter a âDemocrat hoaxâ intended to divert attention from Republican achievements. In his 2024 book, Bill Clinton acknowledged traveling on Epsteinâs plane for humanitarian purposes but expressed regret about the relationship. Democrats have attempted to link Trump to the Epstein files during the inquiry. The Clintons have indicated willingness to provide sworn statements, citing the inquiryâs political motivations.
Geopolitics
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has indicated openness to forgoing NATO membership in return for legally binding security guarantees from the United States, European allies, Canada, and Japan to help conclude the war. These guarantees would resemble NATOâs Article 5 and would require approval from the U.S. Congress. Zelenskyy shared these views ahead of meetings in Berlin with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, followed by talks with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Recent discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin were described by Ukrainian officials as constructive but lacking compromises, including a proposal for a demilitarized zone in Donetsk, which Ukraine rejected. Zelenskyy has expressed support for parts of a U.S.-proposed economic rebuilding plan for postwar Ukraine, which was refined from an initial 28-point outline that reportedly included territorial concessions and a NATO membership ban. Russia has reportedly escalated attacks, deploying over 1,500 drones, nearly 900 guided bombs, and 46 missiles in the past week, resulting in hundreds of thousands of people in multiple regions losing access to power, heat, or water. Skeptics have argued that such bilateral security pacts may lack the collective strength of NATOâs framework, while others suggest it would be de facto no different than NATO membership.
European Politics
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has stated he will block any EU funding for Ukraineâs military spending, accusing Western Europe of undervaluing Russian and Ukrainian lives and extending the conflict. In a letter to European Council President AntĂłnio Costa and other EU leaders ahead of the next summit, Fico said Slovakia would oppose proposals to cover Ukraineâs 2026-2027 military costs, including the use of frozen Russian assets, which he claims could lead to corruption and hinder U.S.-led peace initiatives centered on reconstruction. Fico has called for non-military aid, including humanitarian support, energy supplies, infrastructure, and help for 200,000 Ukrainian refugees in Slovakia, while supporting Ukraineâs EU accession despite reservations from some member states. He described Slovakiaâs stance as unwavering, irrespective of how long negotiations continue. EU diplomats have viewed Ficoâs remarks as populist posturing that tests the blocâs unity.
A Mediana survey indicates that 83 percent of Hungarians expect foreign interference in the April 2026 parliamentary elections, with 53 percent suspecting Russia, 49 percent the European Union or United States, and 25 percent Ukraine. The survey also shows that perceptions of Ukraine as a threat have increased since the war began, now exceeding views of Russia as a threat. The ruling Fidesz party, led by Prime Minister Viktor OrbĂĄn, is facing competition from the centrist TISZA party under PĂ©ter Magyar, with recent polls showing Fidesz trailing by four percentage points among all voters and seven points among decided voters. Fidesz has highlighted its positions on opposing war, supporting family policies, and restricting immigration, in contrast to TISZAâs reported alignment with Brussels policies, amid EU decisions to withhold funds over rule-of-law issues and migrant quotas. Opposition figures have portrayed interference claims as deflections from domestic issues like corruption.
Energy
The European Union intends to revise its 2035 target for COâ emissions from new cars and vans, lowering the required reduction from 100 percent to 90 percent compared to 2021 levels, according to senior MEP Manfred Weber. The change, expected to be announced next week, follows requests from automakers such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Volkswagen, which have reported declining deliveries due to reduced demand in Asia, higher energy costs after cuts to Russian imports, and competition from domestic electric vehicle manufacturers. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has requested more flexibility in a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, citing economic pressures on the industry. Environmental advocates, including Spainâs Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, have urged against weakening the policy to uphold climate goals.
Sources
Ed Dowd Warns: At the Dawn of the Credit Destruction Cycle
So, this is where we are, at the beginning of the credit destruction cycle.
Source | Submitted by Acorn Endeavors
Zelenskyy Open to Dropping NATO Bid for Security Guarantees in Berlin Peace Talks
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is willing to drop efforts to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) if the United States and European allies offer âsecurity guaranteesâ in order to end the war.
BIS Warns of Rare âDouble Bubbleâ in Gold and Equities
âIf history repeats itself, overvaluation followed by reversion, investors could suffer steep losses in both their equity and gold holdings simultaneously, eliminating the traditional diversification benefit of holding both.â
83% of Hungarians Fear Foreign Meddling in 2026 Elections, Poll Shows
The vast majority, 83 percent, of respondents to a Mediana survey say next yearâs parliamentary election in Hungary could face interference from foreign intelligence agencies.
Slovak PM Fico Slams EU âWarmongers,â Vows to Block Military Aid to Ukraine Over Devalued Lives
âIf for Western Europe the life of a Russian or a Ukrainian is worth shit, I do not want to be part of such a Western Europe.â
EU Retreats on 2035 Combustion Engine Phase-Out, Eyes 90% COâ Cut
âFrom 2035 onwards, a 90% reduction in COâ emissions will now be mandatory for automakersâ fleet targets.â
Erika Kirk to Hold Private Talks with Candace Owens Over Charlie Kirk Murder Claims
âCandace Owens and I are meeting for a private, in-person discussion on Monday, December 15.â
Clintons Issued Ultimatum: Testify on Epstein Ties or Face Contempt of Congress
âIf the Clintons fail to appear for their depositions next week or schedule a date for early January, the Oversight Committee will begin contempt of Congress proceedings to hold them accountable.â
Walmartâs Beefed-Up Security: $45 Ribeye Packs Now Locked Behind Metal Wires
We shouldnât have to live in a country where steaks have security systems attached to them
In addition to sources submitted by community members, the following were also used in the creation of this report: Bloomberg News, Tim Respectable Life, Namiko Zutrau Hart, Szabolcs Panyi, Euractiv, Reuters, Ameya Hardas, The Guardian, and The New York Times.