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.
Louisiana Halts Mass Vaccine Promotion Amid Criticism of Federal Mandates
“[The Louisiana Department of Health] will no longer promote mass vaccination.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
Elon Musk’s Tweet Sparks Debate Over Transparency of Fort Knox Gold Reserves
Elon Musk’s recent query sheds light on decades of opacity!
Europe Rethinks Defense Strategy Amid U.S. Unreliability and Russian Threats
Europe is done waiting for the U.S. to get its shit together.
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.
