US No Longer Exporting Democracy: Is NATO Done For?

Originally published at: https://peakprosperity.com/daily-digest/us-no-longer-exporting-democracy-is-nato-done-for/

US Politics

The Trump administration has halted funds for the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), a U.S. instrument for supporting global freedom movements. This decision signals a shift in U.S. foreign policy priorities, moving away from promoting democracy as a cornerstone of American global influence. Critics argue this could undermine U.S. commitment to democratic values, while supporters see it as a necessary realignment of foreign aid priorities.

Additionally, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has terminated over 1,000 employees, primarily probationary staff, in a move expected to save over $98 million annually. This decision aligns with Trump’s initiative to enhance government efficiency, led by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The terminations have sparked criticism from some lawmakers and unions, who argue that the cuts could exacerbate staffing issues and hinder veterans’ access to care. VA Secretary Doug Collins has defended the terminations, stating they are part of a strategy to better allocate resources for veterans’ care.

Trump plans to cut 9,000 jobs at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), targeting probationary employees. This move is also part of DOGE’s efforts, prompting concerns about potential access to sensitive taxpayer data. The job cuts follow a previous expansion of the IRS workforce under the Inflation Reduction Act, which aimed to bolster tax collection efforts. While some argue these layoffs are necessary to reduce government overreach, others express concerns about potential delays in tax processing.

Finally, DOGE reportedly sets its sights on auditing US gold reserves at Fort Knox. The reserves, last audited in 1974, remain a topic of speculation, with calls for a full accounting to address decades of opacity. This discussion underscores broader concerns about financial transparency and accountability in government institutions. While some argue for a comprehensive audit, others suggest that the focus on Fort Knox may distract from more pressing economic issues.

Health

Louisiana has announced it will cease promoting mass vaccination, with the state’s surgeon general criticizing federal mandates for COVID-19 vaccines. The decision emphasizes personal choice and highlights issues such as inconsistent guidance and mandates on civil liberties. Despite this, vaccines will remain available, and healthcare providers are encouraged to discuss their benefits and risks with patients. The move contrasts with New Orleans’ continued support for vaccination efforts, amid concerns that the state’s policy might reduce vaccination rates for preventable diseases. The CDC has released studies supporting the benefits of vaccination, particularly in reducing hospitalization risks among older adults.

Meanwhile, calls for the withdrawal of COVID-19 vaccines have intensified, with over 81,000 physicians, scientists, and concerned citizens citing excess mortality and negative efficacy as reasons for their removal. Allegations of DNA contamination and increased infection risk have fueled these demands, with critics labeling the continued use of mRNA vaccines as negligent. However, public health authorities, including the WHO, maintain that the vaccines are safe and effective, dismissing claims of widespread contamination.

Economy

Martin Armstrong has discussed what he terms a “gold panic,” where the central bank in London reportedly struggles to deliver gold, causing market unrest. The Bank of England’s sale of gold to raise funds, compounded by tariff concerns, has led to a shortage. Armstrong attributes the panic to geopolitical tensions, particularly between Europe and Russia, and expresses skepticism about the dollar being backed by gold without significant political changes. He emphasizes that debt, rather than central banks, is the real creator of money, and the current situation reflects broader economic shifts. While some attribute rising gold prices to geopolitical instability, others suggest speculative trading also plays a role.

In other news, Global steel production has reportedly stagnated since 2021, with 2024 figures showing a slight decline to 1881 million tons from 2020’s 1885 million tons. This stagnation, the longest since the early 1990s, is attributed to broader economic challenges, including reduced demand from the automotive and construction sectors, China’s real estate market issues, and Europe’s deindustrialization. Steel production, which relies heavily on energy-intensive processes, is affected by the current energy crisis, with rising material costs and protectionist measures further impacting the industry. The situation has been compared to the 1970s oil shock, with energy extraction becoming less efficient and economic growth limited. However, some state that efforts towards greener steel production in Europe and technological innovations aimed at reducing energy consumption could offer potential solutions to these challenges.

European Politics

A Greek Member of the European Parliament, Afroditi Latinopoulou, has criticized the EU’s socialist policies, attributing economic and social turmoil to decades of leftist governance. Her speech is another example of the resurgence of right-wing populism as a response to these policies, advocating for liberal economic reforms and a return to traditional values. Latinopoulou’s remarks come amid growing nationalist sentiment across Europe, challenging the EU’s current direction. Supporters of EU policies argue that initiatives addressing climate change and social inequality are crucial for long-term sustainability.

Geopolitics

Europe is reportedly rethinking its defense strategy in response to perceived U.S. unreliability and Russian threats. French President Emmanuel Macron has called an emergency summit in Paris, with European leaders discussing increased support for Ukraine and the development of a European defense strategy independent of the U.S. This shift reflects concerns over America’s commitment to NATO under President Trump and the need for Europe to bolster its own security capabilities. The potential formation of an “Army of Europe” could significantly alter the geopolitical landscape and redefine NATO’s role. While some European citizens support a more autonomous defense force, others emphasize the importance of maintaining strong ties with NATO.

Sources

The Steel Ceiling: Why Global Production Has Hit a Wall

Global steel production has stopped growing in 2021.

Source | Submitted by Barbara

Gold Rush Panic: Martin Armstrong Discusses Central Bank Woes and Global Economic Shifts with Mike Adams

Gold historically has been more of the hedge against government, but not inflation.

Source | Submitted by rhollenb

VA Cuts Over 1,000 Jobs in Cost-Saving Move Amidst Criticism of ‘Indiscriminate’ Firings

At VA, we are focused on saving money so it can be better spent on Veteran care.

Source

Louisiana Halts Mass Vaccine Promotion Amid Criticism of Federal Mandates

“[The Louisiana Department of Health] will no longer promote mass vaccination.”

Source

Greek MEP Blasts EU’s Socialist Policies: “You Have Failed!”

France, Italy, Germany, Spain, and my homeland Greece have been devastated by groundless socialist policies.

Source

IRS Faces 9,000 Job Cuts Amid Musk-Led Audit Under Trump Administration

The Trump administration is expected to begin laying off thousands of employees at the Internal Revenue Service, six people briefed on the matter said, as billionaire Elon Musk’s team begins to target tax collections.

Source

Trump Administration Halts NED Funds, Signaling Shift in U.S. Foreign Policy Priorities

NED, a key U.S. instrument for supporting grassroots freedom movements around the world and founded under Reagan, is under siege.

Source

Calls for COVID-19 Vaccine Withdrawal Surge Amid Allegations of Excess Mortality and Negative Efficacy

Over 81,000 physicians, scientists, and concerned citizens, 240 elected officials, and 17 professional physician organizations are calling for the immediate removal of COVID-19 ‘vaccines’ from the market.

Source

Elon Musk’s Tweet Sparks Debate Over Transparency of Fort Knox Gold Reserves

Elon Musk’s recent query sheds light on decades of opacity!

Source

Europe Rethinks Defense Strategy Amid U.S. Unreliability and Russian Threats

Europe is done waiting for the U.S. to get its shit together.

Source

In addition to sources submitted by community members, the following were also used in the creation of this report: Xinhua News Agency, Reuters, The Guardian, Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, OilPrice.com, CleanTechnica, The Financial Times, Greenpeace, The Economist, SteelGuru, ZeroHedge, The Ron Paul Institute, The Intercept, TechCrunch, South China Morning Post, The Hill, The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Diplomat, The Lancet, Children’s Health Defense, The European Medicines Agency (EMA), The World Health Organization (WHO), CNN, The Daily Sceptic, Defense_Civil25 on X, GoldSeek Blog, NATO’s official X account, Politico Europe, and Le Monde.

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Jimmy Dore did a good piece on NED:

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Politics is a no-take-prisoners affair. The EU is a product not of voting by the peoples but by treaties among the elite. One has to think of Europe as a dying organism because of its resources, energy, and monetary situations. The Euro currency infrastructure is horribly out of kilter and its rules shockingly abused.
With a population of 145 million geographically spread so thin, Russia is hardly visible compared to the EU with a population of 450 million. The disparity makes Europe an undigestible target. Further, a war would leave literally nothing of value in Europe; no natural resources and a people unprepared for both starvation and rebuilding. Russia could not afford a monster loss of its own population.
European politicians realize the move to stay in power will have to be imposition of authoritarianism on the people of the EU. However, authoritarianism is limited by its ability to enforce. A “European Armed Forces” can be viewed as just a preservation package for the politicians now ruling France and Germany. It could be conveniently combined with the feeling of insecurity by the Baltic Peoples, Poland and Central Europe. Yes, free access to the Baltic region would allow for better Russian trade, but with who?
While the elite might fanaticize about war, the people of Western Europe are not on board. Any further the decline of Europe would increase the insecurity of the leadership. It would leave the only “survival route” for the ruling class; that is, to overcome the limits of authoritarianism by gaining a functioning military.

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NATO is a pillar of “global stability” to the U.S. … I.e., a global strong arm to protect Western interests and a bully to those who tell them no.

EU will up their ante to 3.5% of GDP to match the demands of their wartime economy. This is more than sufficient to fund NATO and the MIC

The U.S. cant give up on Ukraine and won’t take their boot off the neck of the Russian Empire. It won’t happen under Trump or anyone else in office. It’s not up to them anyway.

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Why are ‘western’ nations under such attack? Why do they outwardly despise Trump, Putin, and peace? I have never seen Russia as the real enemy. I see the invisible hand that purposefully sows hate between the ‘west’ and Russia as the real enemy. Who backed the Bolsheviks and the Nazis? I think what we are witnessing is a 5th generational war to make public the real enemy. War with Russia only benefits a certain group and I do not think they are happy that Trump/Putin want peace. I also do not think open war with Russia and the USA will ever happen. The common sense crew has the strings now. What is the history of Ukraine and what has been going on there that they will sacrifice millions to keep quiet? JMHO. Skol!

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War is a question of affordablity. Where will the money come from? What benefit will accrue at what cost? The USA has borrowed itself into a position that demands change. The alternative to no change will happen when the when the Pied Piper collects what was promised. Debt cannot be expunged without eliminating an equal amount of wealth.

Who really owns that debt though? It’s the same gang that prints the money to generate it. I.e., the a-national owners and controllers of global financialized capital / OCGFC. They don’t pledge their allegiance to any nation. They play God and start wars to perpetuate their power.

I believe that America may very well be going through that deflation with this current regime. They could bankrupt us on our energy powering AI (much of which is global investment) and the energy companies could be slaughtered cheaply. They’ve also floated the idea of selling Intel to TSMC right as the State Department removed the language on Taiwan that acknowledged the One China doctrine:

See the setup there?

Now circling back to the OCGFC, some may rightly say that the Russian Empire represents a people who are rooted in the Orthodox church. Since OCGFC has put a fork in organized Western religion and had co-opted almost (if not) ALL Christian churches in the West - leading up to and during the scamdemic - which they perpetrated on us all - you can imagine how much they despise the Russian people. I have heard quite a few analysts say exactly this over the years - most recently Jeffrey Prather on his Prather Point podcast last Thursday.

Now looking again at AI - if the 15 new massive AI ata centers being built out aren’t being put up to bankrupt America’s energy, then they just might be going all in on something as sinister as the pursuit of Singularity … or what Sam Altman rebranded as The Merge in one if his personal blog posts 7 years ago.

Regardless, I am personally very bearish on the path forward for America. This new regime appears to be facilitating the house cleaning that is necessary to run government on autopilot. It’s a system that will be rooted in blockchain technology, which will inevitably make each and everyone of us fully transparent to their algos.

I don’t see any direly needed job creation out of this regime. Just the mass shitcanning of federal government. Who BTW represents 23MM jobs and is responsible for generating 50% of total GDP.

The MIC will continue getting paid selling weapons through the EU as they increase defense spending from 2% to 3.5% (they almost have to in order to have a chance of Russia not steamrolling them within the next 18 months - which may indeed happen regardless of what they spend).

Drill Baby Drill will also put more Americans out of work (I’ll have to dig up the analysis that I read on the stark reality of this). OPEC can also crush America in a heartbeat. They’ve been making good profits with oil right where it is, and the West really has no leverage over them whatsoever.

This is a very risky time with no bright light at the end of the tunnel AFAICT.

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Great 15 min interview with the Data Republican on her work on ASAID:

https://x.com/stevedeaceshow/status/1890106236030353813?s=46

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