As we approach mid 2026 most things are up in the air and unclear as to how they are going to land. The Iran War, the Russian Ukraine War, the China factor, the current state of international relations, and the economic stability of the world are all very fluid and indefinite. Things are changing at a rapid rate on almost every level of perspective and analysis, making it difficult to pick a point in time in which to provide a current analysis to form predictions as to what happens next. As of May 19, 2026, here is a brief summary of the current state of central banking, debt position, global economies and markets, and political unrest going on in the world. Iran continues to create problems for the whole world with their attempts to control and disrupt shipping in the Hormuz Strait. Iran has not only attacked ships in the strait, but they have also attacked other Arab nations, threatening any nation who doesn’t agree with their policies. Things are not likely to turn out well for Iran.
Central Banks & Banking
Most of the central banks of the world are lowering interest rates and continuing to print money to keep their faltering economies afloat. Currencies are being devalued, but because almost every central bank is doing the same thing, they are maintaining their value against each other. However, there are specific mitigating circumstances like the Iran debacle, which is causing the value of Iran currency to hit record lows. At the end of April, the Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged. This was the last meeting in which Fed Chair Jerome Powell presided as Kevin Walsh has now been confirmed as the new Chairman of the Federal Reserve. In March, the Fed moved to relax capital rules for banks in an effort to ease the pressure on them, especially as it relates to both commercial and consumer lending.
Senate Confirms Kevin Warsh as New Fed Chair (5.13.26) https://www.theepochtimes.com/us/senate-confirms-kevin-warsh-as-new-fed-chair-6025168?utm_source=RTNews&src_src=RTNews&utm_campaign=rtbreaking-2026-05-13-2&src_cmp=rtbreaking-2026-05-13-2&utm_medium=email&utm_term=digital&est=mt2%2BQdrrn5ZaQDL4H%2BmfU3vjzjPwGvgOzKVW6hlXuAl67X2ZtYmdzLAqh0Q%3D
Iran’s Currency Hits Record Low as US Blockade Deepens Economic Strain (4.29.26) https://www.theepochtimes.com/world/irans-currency-hits-record-low-as-us-blockade-deepens-economic-strain-6018814?utm_source=Morningbrief&src_src=Morningbrief&utm_campaign=mb-2026-04-30&src_cmp=mb-2026-04-30&utm_medium=email&est=3sYVMM5A4o%2BmzVjfxBp9D%2B%2B%2FLg11irhlrKXUWPOwdm%2F%2BeIAPlDZK88S8fy4%3D
Fed Leaves Interest Rates Unchanged (4.29.26) https://www.theepochtimes.com/business/fed-leaves-interest-rates-unchanged-6018886?utm_source=Morningbrief&src_src=Morningbrief&utm_campaign=mb-2026-04-30&src_cmp=mb-2026-04-30&utm_medium=email&est=1Zfq%2FwpxHvTtBDBqyOY2ICppWV4NuqjaKVcM6NB03cnic%2B1I%2BR6NpkORsXA%3D
Fed Moves to Ease Capital Rules for Banks (3.21.26) https://www.theepochtimes.com/us/fed-moves-to-ease-capital-rules-for-banks-6001429?utm_source=Morningbrief&src_src=Morningbrief&utm_campaign=mb-2026-03-21&src_cmp=mb-2026-03-21&utm_medium=email&est=R3XYQqUDerpSrL5im%2Fa5Zpmf8%2FsX40wLoZmSzcqXf%2BnfZ%2FRQ5aTiA%2Bp5P1c%3D
Debt
National debt and consumer debt levels are both exorbitant and rising, increasing the risk levels on banks and causing the Fed to ease capital rules a few months ago. The US has been making progress in the area of spending by uncovering massive fraud in the federal funding of government programs on both the state and federal levels. In addition, they have altered are applying more scrutiny towards expenditures like the SNAP program:
[DAILY CALLER] – “Millions have lost access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits since new work requirements became law July 2025, the Wall Street Journal reported Saturday. There have been nearly 3.5 million fewer enrollees for SNAP benefits since July 2025 as the number fell from an average of 42.1 million in the previous fiscal year to 38.5 million as of Jan. 2026, the WSJ reported, citing federal data. The new work requirements stipulate that able-bodied and mentally fit adults aged 18–64 years old without dependents aged under 14 years old must take up paid or unpaid employment, volunteering, or a government-run work program for at least 80 hours a month, according to the outlet.”
The Epoch Times reported, “The federal government lost up to half a trillion dollars to fraud each year over a five-year period, according to an April 15 report from the Government Accountability Office. That’s enough to employ a million people for seven years or purchase a million homes. Based on data from fiscal years 2018 through 2022, the federal watchdog estimated that the federal government lost between $233 billion and $521 billion annually to fraud. An estimated $300 billion was lost to fraud in three pandemic relief programs over three years” Shrinking the bureaucracy, reducing the number of federal workers, eliminating needles government programs, and identifying fraud all work together to reduce federal expenditures and lower government spending. While the US as a whole is making progress, some states and big cities like New York, California, Chicago, Seattle, and Los Angeles are getting worse. In March, Moody International Credit Rating Agency lowered the credit rating on New York City and it has only gotten worse since then, as businesses and wealthy individuals exit New York, due to their foolish tax policy, regulatory environment, and high minimum wage.
Global debt is also an issue plaguing most countries with China and Iran topping the list. “Beijing has long maintained that government debt risks are overall safe and controllable. According to the official data disclosed by China’s Ministry of Finance, China’s government debt balance stood at about 96.05 trillion yuan (about $14 trillion) at the end of 2025, including roughly 41.23 trillion yuan ($6 trillion) in central government debt and 54.82 trillion yuan ($8 trillion) in local government debt. But the official figures published by the Chinese communist regime tell only part of the story, which covers explicit, legally recognized debt. In reality, both central and local governments carry substantial contingent liabilities—implicit or hidden debt tied to guarantees or potential bailouts. Given the heavy state involvement in China’s economy, the scope and scale of such liabilities are extensive.” – Epoch Times
Millions Drop Off Welfare Rolls as New Trump Eligibility Rules Take Effect (5.5.26)
How Big is China’s Real Overall Government Debt (5.2.26) https://www.theepochtimes.com/opinion/how-big-is-chinas-real-overall-government-debt-6018753?utm_source=Morningbrief&src_src=Morningbrief&utm_campaign=mb-2026-05-03&src_cmp=mb-2026-05-03&utm_medium=email&est=%2BwBmiinN%2FPz8jJMYQvp3yUBIBXGhaGsrJjQlAwRq4ctr7pP%2FptZHtt%2FFrug%3D
$521 Billion Fraud Landscape (4.17.26) https://www.theepochtimes.com/us/521-billion-fraud-landscape-what-to-know-6012329?utm_source=Morningbrief&src_src=Morningbrief&utm_campaign=mb-2026-04-18&src_cmp=mb-2026-04-18&utm_medium=email&est=7KsQJcX2yihteW118eaCilCZlYKLkpu66HR%2BQMf4UtkOCY%2Bmvbw1CKXPfr4%3D
Moody’s Lowers NYC’s Credit Outlook to Negative Due to Budget Gaps (3.11.26) https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/moodys-lowers-nycs-credit-outlook-224959530.html
Global Markets & Economies
Federal Workforce Shrank by 12% in Trump’s First Year Back in Office (3.5.26) https://www.theepochtimes.com/us/federal-workforce-shrank-by-12-percent-in-trumps-first-year-back-in-office-5994226?utm_source=Morningbrief&src_src=Morningbrief&utm_campaign=mb-2026-03-05&src_cmp=mb-2026-03-05&utm_medium=email&est=dVzYNw3cUJpFO1201rRY%2FsSQNPiZAfjoIzqz0zl3f1kJthI5qXTJkmkkG2U%3D
Globally, many countries are experiencing financial difficulties. Much of the problems thsy are experiencing, are due to their ideological woke globalist immigration, energy, over regulated, economic policies. China’s economy is struggling as their access to much needed commodities like cheap Venezuelan and Iranian oil, and the cancelling of trade agreements by many of its trading partners has greatly weakened their economy.
One very real pressure is the US-Iran War, which has driven up both the price and availability of oil. This, in turn, has driven up the cost of transportation, farming, and manufacturing, as many other areas. The US has once again become the number oil producer globally, as the rest of the world needs a reliable source of oil and may permanently stop buying oil from Iran to avoid travel through the Straits of Hormuz. The US has also fast-tracked the building of its first new oil refinery in 50 years. On April 25th, Epoch Times reported, “Despite these tensions and the fact that countries like Australia have made it clear that they will not aid the US in reopening the Strait of Hormuz (which Australia relies on for the majority of its energy supplies), Trump has offered considerable help to prevent Australia from facing total economic collapse” (Add which Epoch Times Article you got this from here). The US is also assisting other nations to help them through this crisis.
“In contrast, countries like Iran have long used their energy resources to exert influence and, in some cases, fund destabilizing activities around the world. As reliance on these regimes becomes more risky, the opportunity for the United States to step in grows significantly. This moment could mark the beginning of a broader global realignment—one that strengthens America economically while weakening hostile powers”. – Epoch Times. China’s economy is detreating, their exports are down, their domestic spending is down and this is from their own estimates released on April1 14th.
In spite of gas prices almost doubling, the US economy is doing quite well. Unemployment rates are at a historic low, the stock market is continuing to surge, and crude oil production has hit a new record high. Epoch Times reported, “U.S. manufacturing activity held steady in April, despite the war in Iran driving up factory costs, new industry data released on May 1 show. April’s purchasing managers’ index—a monthly survey of firms indicating the sector’s prevailing economic direction—was unchanged at 52.7, according to the Institute for Supply Management. While it fell short of the market estimate of 53.0, it was the highest level since August 2022. New orders accelerated, production expanded, and supplier deliveries lengthened. Employment levels declined at the fastest rate in four months. Prices advanced last month, climbing at the sharpest pace in more than four years, driven by rising oil and diesel costs tied to the nine-week-old Iranian conflict. The U.S. economy grew faster than many predicted over the past year, outpacing other advanced economies, especially in Europe, where growth has nearly stalled. Analysts say President Donald Trump’s pro-growth policies, combined with a surge in investment in artificial intelligence, have further strengthened the country’s economic momentum. The United States is “at the doorstep of a new industrial revolution,” said Stoyan Panayotov, a financial adviser and founder of Babylon Wealth Management. Recently, S&P 500 companies have reported earnings that beat market expectations. More than 70 percent of companies recorded positive earnings surprises in the fourth quarter of 2025, according to FactSet data. On Feb. 6, the Dow Jones Industrial Average surpassed 50,000 for the first time—after the S&P hit 7,000 on Jan. 28. During his State of the Union address on Feb. 24, Trump credited these milestones to his economic policies, particularly tariffs. In a Truth Social post on Feb. 6, the president also made a bold prediction: “I am predicting 100,000 on the Dow by the end of my term. Remember, Trump was right about everything! – Epoch Times
Elon Musk true to form, has begun to build a facility the likes of which has never been seen before and will change the entire computer chip market industry. The Blaze reported, “The super-factory will alter everyday life, if it actually happens. Terafab is a cultural event as much as a technical announcement. Measuring compute in watts means that the limiting factor is energy throughput. The International Energy Agency has described data centers as a fast-growing fraction of global electricity demand; by 2030, in its base case, that demand could roughly double. The technical core of Terafab is its most defensible part. The pitch is about iteration speed: If you can design a chip, fabricate it, package it, test it, and revise the mask, all inside one building, without shipping components between specialized facilities in different countries, you can improve faster than anyone who does not. In conventional semiconductor manufacturing, these functions are geographically and organizationally scattered. A mask set travels; a wafer ships; a packaged part crosses an ocean. Each journey is a delay, and delay is the enemy of the feedback loop. Terafab is a wager that learning velocity beats static node leadership. … The factory is where the future lives, and the future needs power.”
China’s Economy Loses Momentum Despite Booming Exports – Official Data (5.18.26) https://www.theepochtimes.com/china/chinas-economy-loses-momentum-despite-booming-exports-official-data-6027205?utm_source=RTNews&src_src=RTNews&utm_campaign=rtbreaking-2026-05-18-2&src_cmp=rtbreaking-2026-05-18-2&utm_medium=email&est=e%2B9af7BsWNKpWHMjoHgqDUoXzKCDyudgH2RUZMUm3blwDurD6gQ%2FNY5dggc%3D
The Complicated Reality Behind High Gas Prices (5.5.26) https://www.theepochtimes.com/article/the-complicated-reality-behind-high-gas-prices-6018213?utm_source=Morningbrief&src_src=Morningbrief&utm_campaign=mb-2026-05-06&src_cmp=mb-2026-05-06&utm_medium=email&est=jNhrewV6Vh3czxos7n5Pil9o00IVPsy5sRnbE3wU5XplRZDKekR0bNQRYFE%3D
Booming Oil Shipments Lift US Exports to Record High in March (5.5.26) https://www.theepochtimes.com/business/booming-oil-shipments-lift-us-exports-to-record-high-in-march-6021347?utm_source=Morningbrief&src_src=Morningbrief&utm_campaign=mb-2026-05-06&src_cmp=mb-2026-05-06&utm_medium=email&est=B46TNXgf6KaaTpcMJaK6nS3fex2agSAMxQL4Z%2Bbu5YVP7UUjOpmPb8l3KNo%3D
Carmakers Draw on Pickups, Tariff Refunds, and Service Revenue Amid EV Losses (5.2.26) https://www.theepochtimes.com/business/carmakers-draw-on-pickups-tariff-refunds-and-service-revenue-amid-ev-losses-6019755?utm_source=Morningbrief&src_src=Morningbrief&utm_campaign=mb-2026-05-03&src_cmp=mb-2026-05-03&utm_medium=email&est=qOsgufB20gNnFRphwJD1rQ%2F9F4lFUPVQWSRDAAh2ecRHAW9btd1D0ArEeMM%3D
Gas Prices Lift US Inflation to 3.8%, the Highest Level in Nearly 3 Years (5.12.26) https://www.theepochtimes.com/business/gas-prices-lift-us-annual-inflation-rate-to-3-8-percent-highest-since-may-2023-post-6024546?utm_source=Morningbrief&src_src=Morningbrief&utm_campaign=mb-2026-05-13&src_cmp=mb-2026-05-13&utm_medium=email&est=sVTA1iSqXPBphsPHeot0o0N7r4fPepBGfijkuPlCefQ65s%2BIGjLunPpxemg%3D
US Manufacturing Activity Holds Steady Despite Surging Costs (5.2.26) https://www.theepochtimes.com/business/us-manufacturing-activity-holds-steady-despite-surging-costs-6020051?utm_source=Morningbrief&src_src=Morningbrief&utm_campaign=mb-2026-05-03&src_cmp=mb-2026-05-03&utm_medium=email&est=6Cc0%2BFpgTxQ62MBidl%2FUpLgO51HktmMsVvfW0gYcXNRx%2BekUh%2Fnaq4kE%2B%2Bc%3D
Iran War Threatens China’s 4.5% Growth Target (5.3.26) https://www.theepochtimes.com/china/iran-war-threatens-chinas-4-5-percent-growth-target-analysts-6020611?utm_source=Morningbrief&src_src=Morningbrief&utm_campaign=mb-2026-05-04&src_cmp=mb-2026-05-04&utm_medium=email&est=PhSg0Be8DekgqrNBFpo48pWs%2Bi2NTUdjGL9moffRVFPEFQLJg9FAVqacTlc%3D
Latest Jobs Report Smashes Expectations, Stock Market Surges (5.8.26) https://www.theblaze.com/news/jobs-numbers-april-trump-stocks?utm_source=theblaze-breaking&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Trending&utm_term=ACTIVE%20LIST%20-%20TheBlaze%20Breaking%20News&tpcc=email-breaking
Trump Announces Tariff Increase to 25% on Cars and Trucks From EU (5.1.26) https://www.theepochtimes.com/us/trump-announces-new-25-percent-tariff-on-cars-and-trucks-from-eu-6020019?utm_source=RTNews&src_src=RTNews&utm_campaign=rtbreaking-2026-05-01-5&src_cmp=rtbreaking-2026-05-01-5&utm_medium=email&utm_term=digital&est=8kAE8cr30eyDmH5KzvVZaziPWotoefxtevtkBTsMjsCrdeMW2ZWMoZsd6V0%3D
Jobless Claims Stay Near Historic Lows Ahead of April Jobs Report (5.7.26) https://www.theepochtimes.com/business/jobless-claims-stay-near-historic-lows-ahead-of-april-jobs-report-6022566?utm_source=Morningbrief&src_src=Morningbrief&utm_campaign=mb-2026-05-08&src_cmp=mb-2026-05-08&utm_medium=email&est=%2BvbHCw7YqVRTIjuChrLpENZLHv4EOOaWO7tdbek5olshIq%2B7%2FeFe3ZKhI2w%3D
Ship of Shame Australia Saved by Trump’s Emergency Fuel Shipments (4.25.26) https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/ship-shame-australia-saved-trumps-emergency-fuel-shipments?utm_source=daily_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=7867
Iran’s Currency Hits Record Low as US Blockade Deepens Economic Strain (4.29.26) https://www.theepochtimes.com/world/irans-currency-hits-record-low-as-us-blockade-deepens-economic-strain-6018814?utm_source=Morningbrief&src_src=Morningbrief&utm_campaign=mb-2026-04-30&src_cmp=mb-2026-04-30&utm_medium=email&est=3sYVMM5A4o%2BmzVjfxBp9D%2B%2B%2FLg11irhlrKXUWPOwdm%2F%2BeIAPlDZK88S8fy4%3D
Chinese Export Growth Slows Sharply as Trade Surplus Shrinks (4.14.26) https://www.theepochtimes.com/china/chinese-export-growth-slows-sharply-as-trade-surplus-shrinks-6011880?utm_source=Morningbrief&src_src=Morningbrief&utm_campaign=mb-2026-04-15&src_cmp=mb-2026-04-15&utm_medium=email&est=JrU0LPpq4QBojZG8jwys3v6VtwSQ%2BTzBMfYwwgbDx2lDfPTec0BibGUVAKs%3D
Argentina Is Booming—Capitalism Remains Undefeated (4.13.26) https://www.theepochtimes.com/opinion/argentina-is-booming-capitalism-remains-undefeated-6011285?utm_source=Morningbrief&src_src=Morningbrief&utm_campaign=mb-2026-04-14&src_cmp=mb-2026-04-14&utm_medium=email&est=mq9NI8IefrUoToRhR8BaaihDLaKVDIPd%2BwcG718d3PDorn9Q6BzP%2Bxp1%2FS4%3D
US Crude Oil Production Sets New Record in 2025 (4.3.25) https://www.theepochtimes.com/business/us-crude-oil-production-sets-new-record-in-2025-post-6007662?utm_source=RTNews&src_src=RTNews&utm_campaign=rtbreaking-2026-04-03-3&src_cmp=rtbreaking-2026-04-03-3&utm_medium=email&est=efzXd7ZwmjwBGfZEmiZpvRuu4uq6QeCefBa8mt5NB5OM%2FSZHJVJ%2Beo0RaSU%3D
Elon Musk’s Terafab is Coming, And You’re Not Ready (4.7.26) https://www.theblaze.com/return/elon-musk-s-terafab-is-coming-and-you-re-not-ready?utm_source=theblaze-breaking&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Morning%20Trending&utm_term=ACTIVE%20LIST%20-%20TheBlaze%20Breaking%20News&tpcc=email-breaking
Trump Announces Fuel Standard Updates, New Loans to Benefit American Farmers (3.27.26) https://www.theepochtimes.com/us/trump-announces-fuel-standard-updates-new-loans-to-benefit-american-farmers-6004640?utm_source=Morningbrief&src_src=Morningbrief&utm_campaign=mb-2026-03-28&src_cmp=mb-2026-03-28&utm_medium=email&est=M%2FHEeN3XcM2HJOhNZ%2B6B%2FbgcJdo3nQE5XL7V9xG2YWIjuVBwdMrzSD6LMyw%3D
Trump Announces First New US Oil Refinery in 50 Years Planned for Texas (3.11.26) https://www.theepochtimes.com/us/trump-announces-first-new-us-oil-refinery-in-50-years-planned-for-texas-5996936?utm_source=Morningbrief&src_src=Morningbrief&utm_campaign=mb-2026-03-12&src_cmp=mb-2026-03-12&utm_medium=email&est=0gkparlYNlcwZCgVOt4JH5Dju8mN49UUYBI6vYLwJPl4gf%2FDm4G0DdeN1ww%3D
Moody’s Lowers NYC’s Credit Outlook to Negative Due to Budget Gaps (3.11.26) https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/moodys-lowers-nycs-credit-outlook-224959530.html
Mortgage Rates Drop Below 6% for First Time in More Than 3 Years (2.26.26) https://www.theepochtimes.com/us/mortgage-rates-hit-3-year-low-boosting-buying-power-5991336?utm_source=Morningbrief&src_src=Morningbrief&utm_campaign=mb-2026-02-27&src_cmp=mb-2026-02-27&utm_medium=email&est=m5t4MwFXPt4IYZ981THvelCri60%2BJKOvj7QKVSVOJVWD3czKiV3LgflcQ2Q%3D
Private Credit Pressures Mount as BlackRock Limits Client Redemptions (3.7.26) https://www.theepochtimes.com/business/private-credit-pressures-mount-as-blackrock-limits-client-redemptions-5995379?utm_source=Morningbrief&src_src=Morningbrief&utm_campaign=mb-2026-03-07&src_cmp=mb-2026-03-07&utm_medium=email&est=36mmfFX4OHRMdaMZtusddCYbnNiDWPdh14ym5SekAZ1WJaskVkP%2FYwl8tSw%3D
Trump Revokes Obama-Era Greenhouse Gas Finding in Largest Deregulatory Action in U.S. History (2.13.26) https://www.zerohedge.com/technology/largest-act-deregulation-us-history-trump-admin-repeal-obama-era-greenhouse-gas-finding?utm_source=daily_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=7218
Political Unrest
The International landscape is radically different than it was 16 months ago. Military alliances, treaties, immigration, global trade, and energy policies have all changed. Many of the climate change pushers have admitted they were wrong and are now moving as fast as they can to build, reopen, or expand nuclear and coal plants to produce the necessary energy for the server facilities used to power AI. The US has effectively removed China’s influence in South America and Central America by establishing new economic and military alliances and agreements. The US has reinstituted the Monroe Doctrine which establishes that no European or Asian country will exercise control over other countries in the Western Hemisphere. President Trump is focusing on strengthening and forming new economic and military alliances with South and Central America. He also is removing and addressing the problem nations like Venezuela, Cuba, and Colombia that are unwilling to cooperate and could act as a terrorist or military foothold for another hostile nation.
The UK, EU, and Canada have all become more totalitarian as they institute censorship, digital IDs, and remove the vestiges of freedom in their societies. The UN, NATO, and many of the old alliances are crumbling and becoming irrelevant. Trump has talked about possibly withdrawing from NATO completely, but for now he has been withdrawing thousands of troops from Germany, Italy, and other European nations and plans to continue to do so. As reported on May 20th the Epoch times reported that the NATO Commander said, “The NATO alliance should expect continued U.S. troop withdrawals from Europe, the U.S. general serving as the alliance’s top military official said on May 19. Speaking at an alliance press conference on Tuesday, U.S. Air Force Gen. Alexus Grynkewich—NATO’s supreme allied commander—detailed ongoing efforts to shift the burden for security in Europe from U.S. forces to more local forces. Grynkewich said the defense chiefs of the various NATO member nations have been advised to expect changes in U.S. troop levels in Europe.” – Epoch Times. The United States is continuing its fight to take down cartels and has formed a new coalition with several Latin American countries which include military operations on the ground.
NATO Commander Says Further US Troop Reductions Expected in Europe (5.20.26) https://www.theepochtimes.com/world/nato-commander-says-further-us-troop-reductions-expected-in-europe-6028720?utm_source=Morningbrief&src_src=Morningbrief&utm_campaign=mb-2026-05-20&src_cmp=mb-2026-05-20&utm_medium=email&est=zn9oA8GM%2B1iYD1gCsjureGnJKn4TeNcoSOx%2BJqFkjq%2BQIZiO41FqznidfMA%3D
US Orders Withdrawal of 5,000 Troops From Germany- Pentagon (5.1.26) https://www.theepochtimes.com/us/us-orders-withdrawal-of-5000-troops-from-germany-pentagon-6020179?utm_source=Morningbrief&src_src=Morningbrief&utm_campaign=mb-2026-05-02&src_cmp=mb-2026-05-02&utm_medium=email&est=B6ErUmrOUgaR9v%2FN%2BmiTzD%2FH4QFJjcZMMUo3nufrYABIlZqVItkPRNhQT0w%3D
Trump Says He’s Strongly Considering Pulling US Out of NATO (4.2.26) https://www.theepochtimes.com/us/trump-says-hes-strongly-considering-pulling-us-out-of-nato-6006576?utm_source=Morningbrief&src_src=Morningbrief&utm_campaign=mb-2026-04-02&src_cmp=mb-2026-04-02&utm_medium=email&est=%2FDv%2B0ZWKnKYwoQ%2BGzlTIl8k4oC1i0LZQd1x%2FCe6bmjmgc1w37M54CEr8gMs%3D
Cuba’s Energy Minister Says Nation Is Completely Out of Diesel, Fuel Oil (5.15.26) https://www.theepochtimes.com/world/cubas-energy-minister-says-nation-is-completely-out-of-diesel-fuel-oil-6025663?utm_source=Morningbrief&src_src=Morningbrief&utm_campaign=mb-2026-05-15&src_cmp=mb-2026-05-15&utm_medium=email&est=YCh%2BCOuVLPpidKD8taIs7uhJwCJuCQYJ3Bo5aOZ6sG5bRb%2BPyPja6ZT%2Fmdw%3D
US, Chile Sign Agreements to Boost Critical Minerals Investment, Security Cooperation (4.21.26) https://www.theepochtimes.com/world/us-chile-sign-agreements-to-boost-critical-minerals-investment-security-cooperation-6014916?utm_source=Morningbrief&src_src=Morningbrief&utm_campaign=mb-2026-04-22&src_cmp=mb-2026-04-22&utm_medium=email&est=LJdXs950Rxiot2Gza8Fd7Wws52fvTubMov3cIFKohzwnltllyZqASwBrEhs%3D
US Goes on Offense in Latin America (3.10.26) https://www.theepochtimes.com/epochtv/us-goes-on-offense-in-latin-america-5996178?utm_source=Goodevening&src_src=Goodevening&utm_campaign=gv-2026-03-10&src_cmp=gv-2026-03-10&utm_medium=email&est=r2%2F2ZoHEdo4zzI3r%2BYm8kuoas4kVZLm2tACVbrr6WOzBVxXg3PyjAA3nKF8%3D
US Military Supremacy Shines as China Fails Big in Iran, Venezuela (3.11.26) https://thehill.com/opinion/national-security/5776516-china-military-tech-shortcomings https://thehill.com/opinion/national-security/5776516-china-military-tech-shortcomings/
Trump Announces Military Coalition With Latin American Leaders to Eradicate Cartels (3.7.26) https://www.theepochtimes.com/us/trump-announces-military-coalition-with-latin-america-leaders-to-eradicate-cartels-5995534?utm_source=Morningbrief&src_src=Morningbrief&utm_campaign=mb-2026-03-08&src_cmp=mb-2026-03-08&utm_medium=email&est=WLZdACO%2BSxAbJO7urfrc4KAl6zvgvCPtGsOSBL5wE6sEAwozGV5h7XXBQrk%3D
The US and Israel attacked Iran after it refused to stop executing its people and relinquish its nuclear weapons. Iran’s navy, air force, missile capabilities, and leadership have been almost completely wiped out. It is unclear who is running Iran, but they still seem to have the ability to exercise drone attacks and harass ships in the Straits Hormuz. The fourth cease fire is about to expire and Iran keeps sending ridiculous options and demands to the US, refusing all reasonable ones. The unfortunate result will likely be a far greater destruction of Iranian infrastructure and a total elimination of the current regime, if their own citizens don’t take them out first.
Currently Trump has initiated a naval blockade of all exports out of Iran, economically incapacitating them. “The Iranian regime has not been able to export any crude oil for nearly a month amid the United States’ naval blockade, a maritime intelligence company says. TankTrackers.com, a ship-monitoring service that tracks crude oil movements, said in a May 12 post on X that, to the best of its knowledge, “Iran hasn’t successfully exported any crude oil by sea over the past 28 days.” – Epoch Times. Iran’s oil storage time clock has run out which means they either burn the oil being drilled or they shut down the oil drills which could take 6 months to a year to restart, if they could be even be restarted.
“The Cuban energy and mines minister said on May 13 that the country has completely run out of diesel and heavy fuel oil, and that its power grid has entered a “critical” state, as Havana faces its worst rolling blackouts in decades amid a U.S. blockade that has strangled the island of fuel. “We have absolutely no fuel [oil], and absolutely no diesel,” Cuban Energy and Mines Minister Vicente de la O Levy told a news conference covered by Cuba’s state-run media. “We have no reserves.” De la O Levy said daily power outages were affecting millions of Cubans. Hundreds of Cubans protested in the streets of several neighborhoods on May 13, blocking roads with burning garbage and chanting, “Turn on the lights!” and “The people, united, will never be defeated.” Cuba was heavily reliant on Venezuelan oil… and Mexico also stopped sending oil, under pressure from the United States. The U.S. State Department said in a May 13 post on X that it “is publicly restating the United States’ generous offer to provide additional direct humanitarian assistance to the Cuban people.” – Epoch Times
Many including myself have been wondering why Trump keeps extending the cease fire, knowing that the current Iranian regime will never give up their nuclear weapon capabilities, power, and will remain unyielding and unreasonable to their last breath. Could it be, that the real reason behind the extensions is to cause a complete change in the international purchase of oil, which would change the nations selling the oil, the geographic routes to acquire the oil, and getting rid of the former necessity to have to travel through the Hormuz Straits, causing the nations to buy oil from a more reliable partner who won’t use the proceeds to build a nuclear weapon which could be used against them? Additionally, the longer the stalemate continues, the more desperate, Cuba, China, EU, UK, Australia, and other problematic nations are forced to make different choices. In the end, the Straits of Hormuz would become a non-issue and only a few nations will buy oil from Iran in the future. The whole world would benefit from not having to deal with Iran or travel through the Straits of Hormuz. The US, who is already the number one exporter of crude & refined oil, would benefit immensely. I suspect the Iranian stalemate will end after these goals are accomplished.
China has had to re-evaluate after all the military aid and equipment failed miserably in Venezuela and Iran, while the US weaponry, strategy and logistics were both effective and impressive. Trump met with Xi in mid-May and got them to admit that Iran shouldn’t be allowed to have nuclear weapons or control of the Straits of Hormuz. After having just met Xi, Trump says he is going to speak directly to Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen on arms sales, the likes of which haven’t happened in decades. At the same time, Trump is pausing the 86-year-old US Canadian defense agreement, because of Canada’s lack of spending and commitment to defend North America. Canada is making poor choices and its economy is not doing well. One of its provinces, Alberta, has collected three times the necessary signatures to vote to succeed from Canada and have had talks with the Trump Administration about possibly joining the US.
Iran Threatens U.S. as Trump Warns Strike Could Still Come (5.21.26) IFA https://ifapray.org/blog/iran-threatens-u-s-as-trump-warns-strike-could-still-come /
Trump Hints at Intervention in Cuba Following Indictment of Castro (5.21.26) https://www.theepochtimes.com/us/trump-hints-at-intervention-in-cuba-following-indictment-of-castro-6035575?utm_source=Morningbrief&src_src=Morningbrief&utm_campaign=mb-2026-05-22&src_cmp=mb-2026-05-22&utm_medium=email&est=S3ac5Qo8zTuJHkkzNrISMGICdN8VBITEIl0hSCCIIfeyLvEuuXE90STlm84%3D
US Calls Canada’s Bluff on Defense Spending Pauses 86-Year-Old Alliance (5.21.26) https://www.theblaze.com/align/us-calls-canadas-bluff-on-defense-spending-pauses-86-year-old-alliance?utm_source=theblaze-breaking&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Trending&utm_term=ACTIVE%20LIST%20-%20TheBlaze%20Breaking%20News&tpcc=email-breaking
South African Farming Crisis May Trigger Food Shortages Across The Continent (5.20.26) https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/south-african-farming-crisis-may-trigger-food-shortages-across-continent?utm_source=daily_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=8117
Trump Says He Will Speak Directly With Taiwanese President as US Considers Arms Sales (5.21.26) https://www.theepochtimes.com/china/trump-says-he-will-speak-directly-with-taiwanese-president-as-us-considers-arms-sales-6031546?utm_source=Morningbrief&src_src=Morningbrief&utm_campaign=mb-2026-05-21&src_cmp=mb-2026-05-21&utm_medium=email&est=XjPWziWN1RdLtVp%2FtPl%2BAocOlshExCGQvDstw5hx2gj0HONej1ggxwhVBi0%3D
Middle East Commander Says Iran’s Drones Are Depleted, US Navy Could Open Strait of Hormuz (5.15.26) https://www.theepochtimes.com/world/middle-east-commander-says-irans-drones-are-depleted-us-navy-could-open-strait-of-hormuz-6025976?utm_source=Morningbrief&src_src=Morningbrief&utm_campaign=mb-2026-05-15&src_cmp=mb-2026-05-15&utm_medium=email&est=T%2F5GHkfZOpQ%2B%2BeG9XUxcUVO4bOoBQD2RwZTyLYQXxzrczy6KM%2FUEV571JIQ%3D
The Strait of Hormuz is a Warning, Alaska is the Answer (5.20.26)
Iran Hasn’t Exported Crude Oil in 28 Days Amid US Blockade- Maritime Intelligence Company (5.13.26) https://www.theepochtimes.com/world/iran-hasnt-exported-crude-oil-in-28-days-amid-us-blockade-maritime-intelligence-company-6025067?utm_source=RTNews&src_src=RTNews&utm_campaign=rtbreaking-2026-05-13-2&src_cmp=rtbreaking-2026-05-13-2&utm_medium=email&utm_term=digital&est=XetjHBZ1O73YakQlVmZ4MTx7FUOAnHLo4DCSs%2BGAmacJQDrKsscPQAbCGBc%3D
Trump Calls Iran’s Response to Peace Proposal Totally Unacceptable (5.9.26) https://www.theepochtimes.com/world/iran-sends-response-to-us-peace-proposal-iranian-state-media-6023735?utm_source=RTNews&src_src=RTNews&utm_campaign=rtbreaking-2026-05-10-5&src_cmp=rtbreaking-2026-05-10-5&utm_medium=email&est=PFrkUDv96EDHoUcwntRojaMUjdFndYltQz64Z2XgNEwhSdJzRGz8JN7xytk%3D
Bessent’s Suffocating Iranian Regime Strategy Materializes in Kharg Island Satellite Imagery (5.14.26) https://www.zerohedge.com/energy/bessents-suffocating-iranian-regime-strategy-materializes-kharg-island-satellite-imagery?utm_source=daily_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=8054
Iran’s Oil Storage Clock Is About to Run Out (5.6.26) https://www.theepochtimes.com/article/irans-oil-storage-clock-is-about-to-run-out-6019875?utm_source=RTNews&src_src=RTNews&utm_campaign=rtbreaking-2026-05-06-4&src_cmp=rtbreaking-2026-05-06-4&utm_medium=email&est=TThpchqmV9Ofce%2FjR0f5QwspQcBkAWKrEe8X4dvLh%2F%2Fpe%2FZhR%2BBf0e1ByOQ%3D
Alberta Separatists Get 300k+ Signatures, Enough to Trigger Referendum on Leaving Canada (5.6.26) https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/alberta-separatists-get-300k-signatures-enough-to-trigger-referendum-on-leaving-canada/?utm_source=digest-2026-05-06&utm_medium=email
What Automatic Draft Registration Would Mean for the Nation (4.11.26) IFA
Trump Begins Blockade of Hormuz Strait, Says Iran Will Not Be Allowed to Profit From Extortion (4.12.26) https://www.zerohedge.com/energy/uae-oil-chief-warns-world-cant-allow-hormuz-closure-2-tankers-u-turn-and-us-emerges-last?utm_source=&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=7746
Spain Erupts, Patriots Attacked By Socialist Mob Over Mass Illegal Migrant Amnesty (4.18.26) https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/spain-erupts-patriots-attacked-socialist-mob-over-mass-illegal-migrant-amnesty?utm_source=daily_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=7811
Cartels Are Going Broke as US Fentanyl Supply Drops by Almost 60% Says Homan (3.27.25) https://www.theepochtimes.com/us/cartels-are-going-broke-as-us-fentanyl-supply-drops-by-almost-60-percent-homan-6004419?utm_source=Morningbrief&src_src=Morningbrief&utm_campaign=mb-2026-03-28&src_cmp=mb-2026-03-28&utm_medium=email&est=U4yU5uslAgC2hYgYVC2gdUKudLZdIvbUnkCMma3XrmqYXyfinBsHhHbVfnc%3D
What to Know About the Challenges to Securing the Strait of Hormuz Explained (3.16.26) 4 mins https://www.theepochtimes.com/epochtv/what-to-know-about-the-challenges-to-securing-the-strait-of-hormuz-5999361?utm_source=Morningbrief&src_src=Morningbrief&utm_campaign=mb-2026-03-17&src_cmp=mb-2026-03-17&utm_medium=email&est=uDGTR79yX9cw%2BKkBomLDioHAvblYl0AGvJWGtbdUMkmrCcKodPqcdSuRNTk%3D – very good!
Who Really Controls Iran Inside the Regime’s Power Struggle (3.26.26) IFA
Signs of Disobedience Inside China’s Military (3.13.26) Robert Suettinger https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7Vwa-kJhTs
Trump Officials Held Secret Meetings With Prominent Canadian Group Seeking To Secede (1.30.26) https://www.zerohedge.com/political/trump-officials-held-secret-meetings-prominent-canadian-group-seeking-secede?utm_source=daily_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=7065
Perspective
The Epoch Times reported, “Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Feb. 22 said that glyphosate is poisonous but necessary as he backed President Donald Trump’s recent order designating the production of the herbicide as critical to national security. In a lengthy post on social media, Kennedy said pesticides and herbicides are toxic. “When we apply them across millions of acres and allow them into our food system, we put Americans at risk,” he wrote. “Chemical manufacturers have paid tens of billions of dollars to settle cancer claims linked to their products, and many agricultural communities report elevated cancer rates and chronic disease. Unfortunately, our agricultural system depends heavily on these chemicals.” I disagree with both Trump & RFK; you don’t poison your people for national security or any other reason. The remaining articles are interesting reads, from different perspectives.
Central Banks Are Hoarding Gold Governments are Starting to Hoard People (4.13.26) SMC https://www.schiffsovereign.com/trends/central-banks-are-hoarding-gold-governments-are-starting-to-hoard-people-154995/?inf_contact_key=b2fa8582da1085d6218120dac5c06f44cc0558ed5d4c28cbfab114022b1ec50d
RFK Jr. Defends Trump’s Glyphosate Order (2.24.26) https://www.theepochtimes.com/us/rfk-jr-defends-trumps-glyphosate-order-5989185?utm_source=Morningbrief&src_src=Morningbrief&utm_campaign=mb-2026-02-24&src_cmp=mb-2026-02-24&utm_medium=email&est=F8IuN6xNeFmfBs5WwJhFb9RM4K4mU29FWYwIfxtgl5SPcu27jIz5tF%2Bu6VI%3D
Does America Still Have the Tools to Solve Its Problems (1.30.26) SMC
Trump Hails Turnaround for the Ages in State of the Union (2.25.26) https://www.theepochtimes.com/us/trump-at-state-of-the-union-a-turnaround-for-the-ages-5990227?utm_source=Morningbrief&src_src=Morningbrief&utm_campaign=mb-2026-02-25&src_cmp=mb-2026-02-25&utm_medium=email&est=q5JoOktPv%2Fx4tZLoXmrHuoDpScVIO8kzLJm9yczM72CUB8VM8pYuOZyt33I%3D
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Fulton's Perspective on Global Economies, Markets & Political Events 