Since Trump took office, over 352,000 Federal employees have been fired, resigned, or retired and were not replaced. The Federal workforce is smaller today than at any point since 1966.

WHO Tests Pandemic “Strategy Game” Simulating Ebola Outbreak

A dress rehearsal for the next global outbreak.

https://nataliegwinters.substack.com/p/exclusive-who-tests-pandemic-strategy

Trump takes shot at Wall Street Journal

https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/116376868752554780

The Economic Destruction Of Trump’s War Goes Far Beyond High Gas Prices – THE MISES INSTITUTE

the emphasis on pain at the pump threatens to badly understate the economic damage of this war. And it helps feed the false impression that, if this new attempt at a ceasefire holds and the war ends somewhat quickly, gas prices will fall back down as fast as they rose, and then all the global economic turmoil the world’s been worrying about will be avoided.

It won’t. A lot of economic pain has already been locked in by this war. But to really understand it, it’s necessary to keep a few important economic truths at the front of our minds.

Unlike gas prices, these effects will take some time to develop—especially in the US, where our supply chain is momentarily protected from the initial impacts. And they won’t be as clearly tied to the war in the minds of most people. But the costs of all this economic destruction are real, they are substantial, and they are already locked in.

https://www.zerohedge.com/political/economic-destruction-trumps-war-goes-far-beyond-high-gas-prices

THE WORLD IS SLOWLY BUT SURELY CATCHING ON

Trump threatening to “take out the entire country in one night” and bombing Iran’s power plants and bridges was actually one of his greatest plays of all time. I’m not exaggerating.

But most people lost their minds over Trump’s recent comments and post. And that’s because they lack a negotiation filter to make sense of him.

Trump has been aggressively scope-setting–establishing a ceiling so high and gruesome that everything below it would eventually look like a reasonable outcome.

I would even argue that this ceasefire wouldn’t have seemed reasonable at all had we not have had Trump’s Easter post. Think about it.

Imagine Trump never having threatened to blow Iran off the map, and the world spending 48 hours ruminating about it.

A ceasefire would’ve seemed mediocre. Not anymore.

It feels like Trump stopped WWIII. He put the image in everyone’s head that Iran was going to get sent back to the stone age. That didn’t happen, so a ceasefire and more negotiations seem like such a big win.

And here’s another move that nobody is talking about. Each time Trump extended a deadline (and he extended four of them) he wasn’t just buying time. He was letting the architecture get bigger.

Deadline one: US-Iran bilateral. Reopen the strait or face strikes.

Deadline two: Pakistan enters the channel. The conversation is no longer two parties; it’s three.

Deadline three: Pakistan hosts Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey in Islamabad. Now it’s a regional table.

Deadline four: the “Islamabad Accord” framework–a named document with regional backing and two phases.

By the time tonight arrived, Trump hadn’t just been negotiating with Iran. He’d been building a coalition of every major regional stakeholder around a shared interest in the outcome.

Saudi Arabia and the UAE have wanted Iran contained for decades. Egypt and Turkey wanted regional stability and a seat at the table. Pakistan wanted the credibility of brokering a historic deal.

In tonight’s post, Trump did something extraordinary: he announced the ceasefire “on behalf of the United States of America, as President, and also representing the Countries of the Middle East.”

He’s not brokering a US-Iran deal anymore. What he’s doing is positioning himself as the representative of a regional coalition–Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, Turkey, Pakistan–all behind the framework that’s now being finalized.

The permanent deal, when it comes, won’t be Trump versus Iran. It’ll be Iran versus a bloc that includes every major power in the region, with Trump holding the pen.

Again, Trump went from a Strait of Hormuz negotiation to a Middle East security architecture. A week ago this didn’t seem possible. Even a few days ago it didn’t seem possible. And yet here we are.

Trump kept the ceiling high enough that the deal had room to grow into something much larger than where it started.

Trump is on an all-time run.

https://x.com/AmericanDebunk/status/2041713625174266175

”””””””

There is a plan for this war and it’s working out exactly as America wants it to. Trumps post tonight is yet more proof of it.

The prevailing narrative is that America doesn’t know what it’s doing. That argument is BS.

This isn’t about Iran. America is resetting the global order and moving forward quickly with the Greater North America plan.

It is the end of globalism as we know it.

1. Middle East
– Iran is now choking the strait (tolls, threats) causing Middle Eastern oil to become less desirable (not a reliable source). Ramifications of the war will continue for years. Iran has attacked other Middle Eastern powers, now all on edge and openly aggressive. Iran weakened enough it can’t get nukes, but not enough it can’t cause serious problems. Continued chaos in the Strait for the foreseeable, bad for oil business in the Middle East (see oil leaders mtg Trump). Great for American oil.

2. Europe
– As energy crisis hits, Europe becomes more reliant on American oil and gas (due to above), good leverage for negotiations and long term debt ceiling (initially a worry) as europe is forced to buy more US debt if it wants energy deals. Ukraine war good long term as it knocks out Russia as energy supplier to Europe and keeps Russians weakened in attrition. Who does Europe turn to for oil? Only supplier left is America who now controls one of the largest oil producers in the world, Venezuela.

3. China
– America is in a serious trade/tariff war with China, its biggest rising global threat. 45% of China’s oil comes from the strait. Venezuela’s largest oil buyer was China (50%-80%). Who now has the upper hand in that negotiation? Mid-term, China has to play USA’s game.

4. Greenland
– NATO allies predictably failed to help, proves Trumps point they can’t be relied upon protect Greenland (take UK battleship already out of commission as an example) – don’t forget allies were all briefed that the war in Iran was coming, they walked into the trap. UK is a prime example, ask why so much focus from Trump on its failure to help? Because it’s a massive European power and the “special relationship” is a symbolic target.

5. South America (separate from Iran war but part of the same plan)
– USA has already begun working on removing enemies and anti-US regimes. See recent Shield of America’s mtg, financial support for Argentina, Venezuela and threats to Cuba. USA is securing is back garden and forcing China out permanently.

If you think all of that looks like America losing, then you’ll hate to see what winning looks like.

Their plan is working. This is the Greater North America project is in full swing, it’s part of a massive reset of the global order.

ALEX ARMSTRONG UKs GBN NEWS

https://x.com/alexarmstrong/status/2042059768508879305?s=46

………….

BEST PIECE IS FROM VICTOR DAVIS HANSON . …CLICK TO ENLARGE

…………MORE DOTS CONNECTED FROM JEFF CHILDERS IN THE COMMENTS SECTION…

Netanyahu doubles down on refusing ceasefire in Lebanon — ‘We will continue bombing Hezbollah.’

Netanyahu reiterated in a video address that Lebanon is not included in the ceasefire with Iran. He also said that the Lebanese government had made “repeated requests” to start “peace negotiations.”

Last night, Netanyahu instructed his cabinet to begin direct negotiations with Lebanon with the aim of achieving two goals: disarming Hezbollah and creating a lasting peace between Lebanon and Israel.

“We continue to strike Hezbollah with force, and we will not stop until we restore your security,” he said in the video address and added, “Israel is stronger than ever, Iran is weaker than ever.”

https://www.nbcnews.com/world/iran/live-blog/live-updates-iran-war-ceasefire-trump-hormuz-israel-lebanon-rcna267390#rcrd107430

 

Public positions are shifting by the second in the ME

Mojtaba Khamenei vows revenge, signals Hormuz shift, warns Arab neighbors

A long message attributed to Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei vowed to “not let go” of attackers, seek compensation and “avenge” the dead, warned it would take Hormuz Strait “to a new phase,” and urged Arab neighbors to “stand in the right place” and turn away from Western powers.

“Everyone must know that, God willing, we will certainly not let go of the criminal aggressors who attacked our country. We will definitely seek compensation for every damage inflicted, as well as blood money for the martyrs and compensation for the wounded of this war,” said the message marking the 40th day after Ali Khamenei’s death.

https://www.iranintl.com/en/202604095362

Break from the war — Roger Stone and Laura Loomer bury hatchets in each other’s backs…….

Entertaining but irrelevant in the scope of anyone else’s life……..really ….. in public ….. via “X”????

ROGER –> https://x.com/RogerJStoneJr/status/2041952339020378282

LAURA –> https://x.com/LauraLoomer/status/2041744935234195933

Iran says Hormuz remains closed until full Lebanon ceasefire achieved – Fars

Fars News Agency, affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, cited an informed source as saying that the Islamic Republic rules out negotiations with Washington and keeps the Strait of Hormuz closed until a full ceasefire is established in Lebanon.

“One of the operational options on the table is keeping the Strait of Hormuz closed. According to data and field monitoring, it has been clear since this morning that this strategic maritime route remains closed, and this situation will continue until a full ceasefire with Lebanon is achieved,” the source was quoted as saying.

Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has significantly dropped since the start of the Iran war. On April 7, only five ships crossed the strait, according to MarineTraffic data.

https://www.iranintl.com/en/202604099082

AND (for a different official IRANIAN position)

Iran’s Ghalibaf says talks possible if US halts ceasefire violations

“The acceptance of Iran’s 10-point plan as the framework of talks was not achieved through negotiation, but through an exchange of texts,” Ghalibaf said.

“Today we are witnessing part of this sense of victory. The arrogant US president’s historic retreat, abandoning the United States’ plan and accepting the generalities of the Islamic Republic’s 10-point plan — in which Iran’s rights are explicitly stated — is an undeniable victory for Islamic Iran in this civilizational war,” he said.

https://www.iranintl.com/en/202604095069

China’s PBOC Aggressively Buys March Gold Dip

Highest purchase volume in over a year

China’s central bank increased gold reserves by approximately five metric tons in March, marking its largest monthly purchase in over a year and extending its accumulation streak to 17 consecutive months, even as bullion prices came under pressure during the Iran conflict.

The People’s Bank of China added roughly 160,000 troy ounces of gold in March, reinforcing its role as a steady source of demand in the global bullion market amid heightened geopolitical volatility and shifting rate expectations.

https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2026-04-09/chinas-pboc-aggressively-buys-march-gold-dip

Newsmax is publicly calling for, and actually demanding the arrest of Barack Obama

Newsmax is publicly calling for, and actually demanding the arrest of Barack Obama and all of his co-conspirators! Including Hillary Clinton, who hatched the plan to overthrow the U.S. government and the will of the American people!

https://x.com/indyfor45th47th/status/2041939005596483804

75 seconds

AND

The Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard:

Literally spells it out word by word: Barack Obama created a fake intelligence report that went on to serve as a foundation for everything that came after—the Russian collusion conspiracy hoax, a seditious conspiracy—effectively with the intent to aid and abet the overthrow of the U.S. government.

https://x.com/Real_RobN/status/2041944972702990588

1 1/2 minutes

Torpedo-shaped drone linked to China recovered from Indonesian waters

Fisherman pulled a suspected Chinese underwater surveillance drone in one of the most strategic Indo-Pacific sea lanes.

https://interestingengineering.com/military/chinese-underwater-drone-found-in-indonesia-2026

 

I would think the US Government would like to get it’s hands on that device…….reverse engineering

SANE ASYLUM

How Trump Took the U.S. to War With Iran (Inside the WH Situation Room) – NY Times

In a series of Situation Room meetings, President Trump weighed his instincts against the deep concerns of his vice president and a pessimistic intelligence assessment. Here’s the inside story of how he made the fateful decision.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/07/us/politics/trump-iran-war.html?

We regret to inform you that Canada is cooked.

This is Leah Gazan MP.

The federal Government of Canada is comprised of three branches. The Parliament of Canada is the legislative branch.

Ergo, Leah is an elected representative of the Canadian federal government.

“MMIWG2SLGBTQQIA+”

The Canadian government just dropped this absolute monstrosity (and no, it isn’t satire).

https://x.com/SamanthaTaghoy/status/2042038086742225012

https://x.com/Laurieluvsmolly/status/2042091757244993901

 

Did you know?

That Q1 26 avg gold price was $4,950?  $825 higher than Q4 25?   That’s 20% higher QoQ.

It’s  a 74% increase YOY for Q1 25 for gold prices.

Margins expanded for most majors to $3,250 per ounce in Q1 26?

OK, gold stocks are down 17% from the Feb high of 117.18 on the GDX.

Avg gold price up 20% QoQ, margins are leveraged, GDX down 17% from high?  Do you see an opportunity?

Producers will continue to print money, pay down debt, increase cash balances, buy back shares, increase dividends, and buy resources from explorers.  Not that you should look at PE’s on miners, but PE’s will continue to drop on these companies making them a value play…..free cash flows will increase as will cash flow multiples.

 

Iran internet blackout enters 41st day, NetBlocks says

https://www.iranintl.com/en/202604091382

WE NOW TURN OUR UNDIVIDED ATTENTION TO …FRAUDFEST…ONE NATION UNDER FRAUD

BREAKING: JD Vance’s anti-fraud task force just identified $6.3 BILLION DOLLARS in potentially FRAUDULENT contracts

This is absolutely HUGE. Go after them all!

They have 30 days to prove they’re REAL, or we get a refund

“Fraud Czar JD Vance and the task force found the federal government handed out contracts to potentially fraudulent businesses.”

This comes as RAIDS are happening in Gavin Newsom’s California, with hospices being suspended due to fraud

https://x.com/EricLDaugh/status/2042252585986363543

……………………….

I SUBMIT THIS IS THE BIGGEST SCANDAL OF ALL…WAY MORE SIGNIFICANT THAT IRAN OR RUSSIAGATE OR COVIDGATE OR EPSTEINGATE OR ANYTHING ELSE THE USA HAS HAD TO ENDURE….THE BOTTOM LINE IS LIKELEY THAT A HUGE % OF THE US DEBT IS DUE TO FRAUD ALLOWED AND AIDED BY THE DEMOFUCKS AND THEIR NGO STRATEGY …AND THE KICKBACKS THEY RECEIVED ….

SEE COMMENTS FOR MORE FRAUDBUSTERS ACTION

Gold Isn’t A Hedge Anymore…….enters a new phase

https://www.zerohedge.com/the-market-ear/gold-isnt-hedge-anymore

Iran To Allow No More Than 15 Vessels Per Day Through Hormuz: Russian Media

Iranian official to TASS: There will be no return to the pre-war status quo.

Despite the positive development of a shaky US-Iran ceasefire holding, the reality is that Tehran still maintains de facto control over the vital Strait of Hormuz waterway. A mere few vessels passed without incident on Wednesday, before Iran’s military closed the strait again, citing Israel’s massive attacks on Lebanon.

The Associated Press has emphasized Thursday, “Iran’s approval system for ships granted safe passage – after vetting by the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps – remains unchanged despite US President Donald Trump’s demand for the strait to be reopened.”

“Last week was the busiest week since the start of the war with 72 passages, still 90% below normal volumes, Lloyd’s said,” the AP report continues. “Most of the vessels allowed through are connected to Iran, although some Indian vessels have gotten through with diplomatic intervention by the Indian government.”

https://www.zerohedge.com/energy/iran-allow-no-more-15-vessels-day-through-hormuz-russian-media

UPDATE – 04/09/26 – More Iran Truce Optimism: Israel To Open Ceasefire Negotiations With Lebanon After Trump Pressures Netanyahu, Oil Drops

Summary:

  • Bibi says pursuing Lebanon ceasefire after reports of Trump pressure. Over 250 killed and 1,000+ wounded in Lebanon from Wednesday surprise attack by Israel’s military. UAE, Pakistan, and even EU (Kallas) condemn.
  • WH confirms Vice President Vance will lead Kushner-Witkoff delegation in Pakistan, seen as positive in Tehran and Islamabad.
  • Trump warns of more military action if Iran doesn’t uphold ‘real’ ceasefire deal, after disagreement over Lebanon truce status as part of deal.
  • Despite some last-minute shots in Lebanon by Israel, bombs go largely silent across Gulf and Middle East.
  • Hormuz Strait still effectively controlled by Iran: only a few vessels had passed on Wednesday. TASS reporting only 15 ‘vetted’ tankers per day to be let through.

https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/trump-warns-action-if-iran-fails-uphold-real-ceasefire-optimism-persists-bombing

miners are

not behaving positively to say the least.
Is it time to bail????
geo political, oil price….
central banks…. any ideas???????////
northstar has his chart of miners over 50 yrs
losing 90% to gold……
Are we in a trough of ‘testing’……..??

POWELL NOT EXPECTED TO STAY ON AT FED AFTER HIS TERM

HASSETT

The experts are STUNNED that President Trump slashed the federal deficit by -$600 BILLION dollars last year, partially due to tariffs

Federal employment has been cut by over 300,000 THOUSAND workers

https://x.com/EricLDaugh/status/2042224728211857804

EURO PEONS ON NOTICE

TRUMP reportedly issues Europe an ultimatum: deploy real military forces, including warships, to the Strait of Hormuz within days

Eligible US men will be automatically registered for military draft pool beginning in December

The rule change was submitted by The Selective Service System, which maintains a database of Americans who would be eligible for the draft, on March 30. ‘This statutory change transfers responsibility for registration from individual men to SSS through integration with federal data sources,’ the agency’s website said.

There is a fine of up to $250,000, five years in prison and loss of eligibility for federal programs for men who fail to register.

https://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/politics/eligible-us-men-will-be-automatically-registered-for-military-draft-pool-beginning-in-december/ar-AA20sxjI?

Is there a world championship for being a vassal?

Journalist: “Is the (Iran) war against international law?”

German Foreign Minister Wadephul: “I can’t comment on it until the US sends us the text.”

Wild to publicly admit that Germany can’t say if the US broke international law until the US sends them the text.

https://x.com/MyLordBebo/status/2041820721056199044

30 seconds

Spain to reopen embassy in Iran: Spanish foreign minister

Spain will reopen its embassy in Iran, which was closed in March due to the war, Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares said Thursday, following the truce reached between the United States, Israel, and Iran.

https://english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-east/2026/04/09/spain-to-reopen-embassy-in-iran-spanish-foreign-minister

Israeli Journalist (Amit Segal) With Ties to Netanyahu Unconcerned by Trump’s Jail Threats Following Leaked Reporting

Amit Segal, known for his close ties with Netanyahu, dismisses Trump’s threats over leaked airman story

Segal confirmed on his Telegram channel that he was the first reporter to publish the story about the Air Force officer whose F-15 fighter jet was shot down.

https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/israeli-journalist-unfazed-trump-threats-leaked-airman-story-1790415

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/who-is-amit-segal-journalist-identifies-himself-after-trumps-jail-threat/ar-AA20i9Sa?

https://www.msn.com/en-in/news/world/amit-segal-reporter-close-to-netanyahu-in-spotlight-as-trump-slams-leaker-in-f-15-pilot-rescue-from-iran/ar-AA20hZqe?

https://x.com/Woke_Patrol/status/2042052141213184481/photo/1

 

Fourth in line for Netanyahu Israeli cabinet position in 2022 ….. watch how quickly this story dies from MSM coverage ……….

This can’t be good — Iranian media: Pakistan handed the United States a version different from the one it received from Iran, and provided Iran with a different version from what it received from Washington.

No further details – yet……could be FOG OF WAR

https://x.com/A_M_R_M1/status/2042014675341099125

https://x.com/A_M_R_M1/status/2042032285466198026

https://x.com/A_M_R_M1/status/2042037687205466457

FAIR FIGHT

https://x.com/i/status/2042034354730496056

IT’S ALMOST LIKE I CAN READ HIS MIND

Support for Alberta separatism at a 5-year high: poll – National Post

A new poll finds that support for Alberta separatism is at its highest level in at least five years, with a fall independence referendum looking increasingly likely.

The poll, taken by Pollara Strategic Insights, shows that 27 per cent of decided voters in Alberta would vote for the province to separate from Canada. This is a seven point increase from December 2025 and a record-high over the five years Pollara has spent tracking support for independence among Albertans.

https://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/canada/support-for-alberta-separatism-at-a-5-year-high-poll/ar-AA20rsqZ?