January 15th • 3h 34m
Shownotes
Every new episode of No Agenda is accompanied by a comprehensive list of shownotes curated by Adam while preparing for the show. Clips played by the hosts during the show can also be found here.
Big Pharma
Airlines to save on fuel as weight-loss pills grow popular, Wall Street says
Airlines to save on fuel as weight-loss pills grow popular, Wall Street says
## Excerpt
Jefferies argued that a 10% reduction in average passenger weight could translate into roughly 2% total aircraft weight savings.
CHM boots on the ground
I just wanted to share some boots on the ground commentary on health shares.
I’m glad you’re always spreading the word about health shares on the show. My wife and I have used CHM for years but never incurred any medical expenses until we had a baby this year.
During most of our prenatal visits the doctors lectured us on how we need insurance. Some visits they didn’t even provide any care it was mostly “Any questions?” Followed by the typical lecture on how irresponsible we are for not having insurance which sometimes made my wife cry because they really talked down to us.
Most appointments it took longer for the staff to figure out how to charge us than our actual doctors appointment.
This was all from July of 2024-May2025. Interestingly, after Hot Luigi shot the United Health CEO people’s attitudes towards us not having insurance shifted considerably as most people agree it’s a scam.
A couple days in the hospital and a NICU stay cost $113k. I called the hospital and told them we didn’t have insurance and after a few phone calls they informed me I was eligible for a 90% discount.
It’s important to let the hospitals know you’re true self pay and have absolutely no insurance whatsoever because the discount is usually deeper than the discount available for people who are just paying cash because they need to go out of network.
I then got a “itemized patient ledger” from the hospital billing department and sent it to CHM and received a reimbursement check for every cent I paid.
The staff at CHM knew more about the hospital billing process than the hospital billing department
did, was very friendly, and always offered to pay for us when we called in.
I live in NJ where we have a healthcare mandate however most people don’t know that any health share programs that existed pre-ACA are exempt from most state mandates (CHM, MediShare, and Liberty) as they were under the ACA mandate.
Big Tech AI and The Socials
Apple picks Google’s Gemini to run AI-powered Siri coming this year
Elon on CSAM images
I not aware of any naked underage images generated by Grok. Literally zero.
Obviously, Grok does not spontaneously generate images, it does so only according to user requests.
When asked to generate images, it will refuse to produce anything illegal, as the operating principle for Grok is to obey the laws of any given country or state.
There may be times when adversarial hacking of Grok prompts does something unexpected. If that happens, we fix the bug immediately.
BOTG Grok sexual child images
This is potentially devastating information for a lot of people. It’s regarding sexually explicit images of minors being created by Grok… on its own, despite prompts explicitly requesting the opposite. I have photos and screenshots and copies of prompts. Currently, Elon Musk says all of the explicitly sexual content is being generated because of user prompts. I have proof that Elon is absolutely wrong.
Jony Ive and Sam Altman’s First AI Gadget May Try to Kill AirPods
Likely culprit in massive Verizon outage revealed report New York Post
Likely culprit in massive Verizon outage revealed: report | New York Post
## Excerpt
The outage, which began Wednesday afternoon and dragged into the late night hours, triggered a flood of complaints from coast to coast.
Microsoft scrambles to quell fury around its new AI data centersI
Open AI to go info
War Department Launches AI Acceleration Strategy to Secure American Military AI Dominance U.S. Department of War Release U.S. Department of War
War Department Launches AI Acceleration Strategy to Secure American Military AI Dominance > U.S. Department of War > Release | U.S. Department of War
## Excerpt
The War Department launched a transformative Artificial Intelligence Acceleration Strategy that will extend the lead in military AI deployment and establish the United States as the world's undisputed
Boeing vs Airbus
Boeing outsold Airbus last year for first time since 2018, deliveries rise to 600
Canada
Alberta Succession BOTG
Just the quick backgrounder on Alberta separation from Canada.
We are just at the phase of collecting the required 177,000 petition signatures to trigger a referendum on this. The public support has been huge. Lineups across Alberta have exceeded expectations. The 177,000 signatures will be easy. The referendum will happen.
I suspect the referendum will probably be held some time in the fall of 2026. It's really hard to say if there will be majority (51%) vote on this to separate. It's going to be close. It's a very emotional issue for Albertans, but the obvious choice (in terms of economic prosperity) is to be independent and to not be ruled over by Ottawa any longer.
Drain the Swamp
Former congressional staffer arrested for stealing government cell phones
NED - The Architecture of Power Without Consent
Epstein
Clintons refuse to testify in House Epstein investigation
EU UK Ukraine and NATO
Kiev awards major mining project to Trump-linked investors — RT Russia & Former Soviet Union
Kiev awards major mining project to Trump-linked investors — RT Russia & Former Soviet Union
## Excerpt
Kiev has awarded a major lithium project to investors linked to US President Donald Trump as a pilot scheme under a minerals deal
Fed vs Stable
Andrew Jackson and the Elimination of the National Debt
Andrew Jackson and the Elimination of the National Debt
On January 8, 1835, [[Andrew Jackson]] became the only U.S. President to completely pay off the [[National Debt of the United States]]. He achieved this through a "Hatchet" strategy of aggressive land sales, high tariffs, and austerity vetoes. However, this action destabilized the money supply, leading to the [[Panic of 1837]]. Replicating this today is functionally impossible due to the structure of modern "Mandatory" spending and the role of [[United States Treasury security|US Treasuries]] as the primary collateral for the global financial system.
Part 1: How Jackson Did It (The "Hatchet" Strategy)
Jackson viewed debt as a moral failing and a tool for corrupt bankers. He eliminated it using three primary levers:
The Land Boom (Selling the Asset)
The Method: The government aggressively sold public land in the West and South. This was directly fueled by the [[Indian Removal Act]] (1830), which seized territory from Native American tribes (Cherokee, Creek, Choctaw) to sell to settlers.
The Revenue: Federal income from land sales surged from $2.3 million (1830) to $24.9 million (1836).
The Cycle: Speculators borrowed paper money from [[Pet Banks]] to buy land; the government used those proceeds to retire the debt.
The Tariff Wall (Taxing the Trade)
Mechanism: Despite the [[Nullification Crisis]], Jackson maintained high import taxes via the [[Tariff of 1828]] and [[Tariff of 1832]].
Impact: In an era before [[Income tax in the United States|Income Tax]], tariffs provided the bulk of the surplus required to pay down creditors.
The Veto Pen (Starving the Spending)
Austerity: Jackson aggressively used the veto to block "Internal Improvements" he deemed local rather than national responsibilities.
Key Example: The veto of the [[Maysville Road]] bill (1830), denying federal funds for Kentucky infrastructure.
Part 3: Can It Be Done Again? (The Modern Trap)
While the budget can technically be balanced, paying off the current ~$38 Trillion [[National debt of the United States|National Debt]] is impossible for structural reasons:
The Trap of "Mandatory" Spending
1835: Most spending was discretionary (roads, ships).
2026: Over 70% of the federal budget is [[Mandatory spending]] (Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, Interest).
The Math: Even eliminating all discretionary departments (Defense, Education, EPA) would fail to balance the books against entitlement obligations.
The "Safe Asset" Paradox
The Role of Debt: Unlike in 1835, [[United States Treasury security|US Treasuries]] are now the primary "pristine collateral" of the global banking system.
The Plumbing: Banks and nations use Treasuries in [[Repurchase agreement|Repo Markets]] to secure overnight funding.
The Risk: Eliminating Treasuries would remove the collateral underpinning global credit, likely causing a liquidity freeze and economic collapse.
The New "Pet Banks" (Stablecoins)
Mechanism: The [[GENIUS Act]] encourages [[Stablecoins]] (e.g., [[Circle (company)|Circle]]) to hold massive reserves of Treasuries.
Result: Rather than *paying off* debt, the system is *locking* debt into the balance sheets of stablecoin issuers, creating a permanent buyer that encourages continued government borrowing.
Economy A major development in Trump’s Fed feud is set to happen next week in the Supreme Court
Ending the fed
The Myth of the Expiration Date: Why the Fed's Charter Won't "Sunset"
Unlike the Second Bank of the United States, which had a 20-year expiration date that allowed [[Andrew Jackson]] to wait it out, the [[Federal Reserve]] currently has a charter in perpetuity. The [[McFadden Act of 1927]] removed the original 20-year limit (which would have expired in 1934). Therefore, a modern "Bank War" cannot rely on a passive timeline; it requires active legislative repeal (e.g., H.R. 1846) or strategic obsolescence via the [[GENIUS Act]].
The Legal Reality: Perpetuity vs. Expiration
The Original Flaw (1913)
When the [[Federal Reserve Act]] was passed in 1913, it copied the structure of the earlier Central Banks, granting the Fed a 20-year charter.
The Danger Zone: This meant the charter was set to expire in 1934. Had this timeline remained, a hostile President during the Great Depression could have simply let the Fed dissolve, exactly as Jackson did in 1836.
The "Fix": The McFadden Act (1927)
Recognizing the political risk of a renewal battle, Congress passed the [[McFadden Act]] in 1927.
The Clause: It quietly amended the Federal Reserve Act to recharter the Federal Reserve Banks "into perpetuity" (forever), effectively removing the "expiration date" weapon from future presidents.
Implication: The Fed cannot "die of old age." It must be actively killed by an Act of Congress.
H.R. 1846 Massie's End the Fed
H.R. 1846: The Federal Reserve Board Abolition Act
H.R. 1846, introduced by Rep. [[Thomas Massie]] (R-KY) in the 119th Congress (March 2025), is a piece of legislation designed to dissolve the central banking system of the United States. The bill is concise (fewer than 4 pages) and proposes the total abolition of the [[Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System]] and all regional [[Federal Reserve Bank|Federal Reserve Banks]], the repeal of the [[Federal Reserve Act]] of 1913, and the liquidation of all Fed assets into the [[United States Department of the Treasury|U.S. Treasury]].
Synopsis of the Bill
Legislative Context
Bill Number: H.R. 1846 (119th Congress).
Sponsor: Rep. [[Thomas Massie]] (R-KY).
Original Inspiration: Based on similar legislation historically introduced by Rep. [[Ron Paul]].
Status: Introduced March 5, 2025; currently referred to the [[House Financial Services Committee]].
Key Mechanisms
The bill does not propose a reform or a gradual transition; it triggers a hard stop to the central bank's existence.
Abolition: Formally dissolves the Board of Governors and the 12 Regional Banks.
Repeal: Strikes the 1913 [[Federal Reserve Act]] from the U.S. Code.
One-Year Wind-Down: Establishes a 1-year transition period starting from the date of enactment.
Liquidation: Instructs the Director of the [[Office of Management and Budget]] (OMB) to liquidate all Fed assets (e.g., gold certificates, mortgage-backed securities, Treasuries) and deposit the proceeds into the General Fund of the Treasury.
Senate Companion Bill (S. 869)
While H.R. 1846 moves through the House, a parallel effort is underway in the Senate.
Bill Number: S. 869
Sponsor: Sen. [[Mike Lee (politician)|Mike Lee]] (R-UT)
Status: Referred to the [[United States Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs|Senate Banking Committee]].
Political Analysis of Support
Ideological Alignment: The list is dominated by the [[House Freedom Caucus]], signaling that this is a "hard-right" populist initiative rather than a bipartisan banking reform effort.
Geographic Cluster: Support is strongest in the West and South (Arizona, Texas, Florida, Georgia), with notably little support from the Northeast or traditional banking centers.
International central bankers on the statement by Federal Reserve Chair Powell on 11 January 2026
Massie's bill and the Renovation Scandal
The "Renovation Scandal" as a Catalyst for H.R. 1846
The criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair [[Jerome Powell]] (opened January 2026) regarding alleged perjury over [[Federal Reserve]] headquarters renovation costs ($2.5B) fundamentally alters the political landscape for Rep. [[Thomas Massie]]'s "Federal Reserve Board Abolition Act" (H.R. 1846). By framing the Fed's leadership as not just "bad at economics" but "criminally corrupt," the scandal provides the specific, tangible narrative needed to move the bill from a fringe libertarian proposal to a mainstream GOP rallying cry.
The Situation: A "Criminal" Federal Reserve?
As of January 2026, the Department of Justice (under the [[Trump Administration]]) has opened a criminal probe into Jerome Powell.
The Allegation: That Powell knowingly misled Congress (perjury) regarding massive cost overruns in the renovation of the Federal Reserve's Washington, D.C. headquarters.
The Defense: Powell argues this is a "pretext" for political pressure to force lower [[Interest Rates]].
How "Proof of Corruption" Fuels Massie's Bill (H.R. 1846)
Rep. Thomas Massie's bill (often colloquially called "Massie's Bill" or typographically "Maddie's bill") was introduced in March 2025. Until now, it relied on complex economic arguments (inflation, business cycles). The DOJ investigation changes the battlefield in three ways:
From "Incompetence" to "Malfeasance"
Old Narrative: "The Fed is bad because they cause inflation." (Abstract, debatable).
New Narrative: "The Fed Chair is a criminal who lied to Congress to hide a $2.5 billion waste of taxpayer money." (Concrete, emotional).
Effect: This aligns perfectly with the populist "Drain the Swamp" rhetoric. It makes abolishing the Fed a matter of law and order rather than just monetary theory.
Breaking the "Institutional Shield"
Historically, many Republicans defended the Fed to preserve "market stability."
The Wedge: If Powell is indicted or seen as corrupt, GOP moderates lose their cover to defend the institution. Supporting Massie's bill becomes a way to punish "bureaucratic corruption" without necessarily needing to understand Austrian economics.
Political cover: It allows politicians to say, "I'm not destroying the dollar; I'm firing a corrupt board," while the bill's text effectively dismantles the whole system.
The "Cause for Removal" Loophole
The Supreme Court has generally protected independent agency heads from being fired by the President *except* for "inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office."
The Connection: If the DOJ "proves" corruption (malfeasance), Trump has the legal ground to fire Powell.
The Acceleration: This chaos would leave the Fed leaderless or with an "Acting Chair," creating a crisis of confidence. Massie's bill then presents itself as the "clean slate" solution—don't just replace the man, replace the broken system.
The Counter-Risk: Partisan Polarization
There is a risk that this backfires on the bill.
The Democrat Response: If Democrats view the investigation as a "trumped-up" political hit job to destroy Fed independence, they will circle the wagons *around* Powell.
Gridlock: This could turn H.R. 1846 into a strictly partisan vote (Republicans Yes / Democrats No). Since 60 votes are usually needed in the Senate, strict partisanship could kill the bill even if it passes the House.
Strategic Outlook
| Scenario | Impact on H.R. 1846 |
| :--- | :--- |
| Powell Resigns in Disgrace | High Impact. The Fed looks leaderless and broken; Massie's bill is offered as the "reset button." |
| Indictment & Trial | Medium Impact. Prolonged legal battles keep "Fed Corruption" in the news cycle daily, slowly growing support for abolition. |
| Powell Exonerated/Stands Firm | Low Impact. The investigation looks like a failed coup; the Fed gains sympathy as a "victim" of politics. |
The Bottom Line: The DOJ investigation is the gasoline that H.R. 1846 needed. It translates "End the Fed" from an economic lecture into a corruption scandal, which is far easier to sell to the American public.
Powell's marble palace scandal
The "Marble Palace" Scandal: DOJ Grand Jury Investigation into Jerome Powell
As of January 2026, the [[United States Department of Justice|DOJ]] has opened a criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair [[Jerome Powell]]. The probe, led by U.S. Attorney [[Jeanine Pirro]], centers on allegations of [[Perjury]] regarding cost overruns for the Federal Reserve's headquarters renovation (the "Eccles Building"). While the [[Trump Administration]] frames this as an accountability measure for a $2.5 billion "ostentatious" project, Powell and his defenders argue it is a political pretext to strip the [[Federal Reserve]] of its independence and force lower [[Interest Rates]].
The Core Allegation: Perjury & Mismanagement
The investigation is not about monetary policy directly, but about Congressional Testimony given in mid-2025.
The "Renovation" Facts
Project: A massive overhaul of the [[Eccles Building]] (Fed HQ) and adjacent offices in Washington, D.C.
Original Budget: ~$1.9 Billion (2019 estimate).
Current Cost: ~$2.5 Billion (2025 estimate).
The Conflict: Critics allege the funds were spent on lavish, non-essential upgrades (e.g., "VIP elevators," rooftop gardens, Italian marble) during a period of high inflation.
Date of Testimony: June 2025.
Venue: [[United States Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs|Senate Banking Committee]].
The Accusation: When grilled by Senators (including [[Mike Rounds]] and [[Tim Scott]]) about the ballooning costs, Powell allegedly misled Congress by downplaying the luxury nature of the upgrades and misrepresenting the reasons for the $700M overrun.
The Referral: Rep. [[Anna Paulina Luna]] (R-FL) formally referred Powell to the DOJ in July 2025, accusing him of "knowingly misleading Congress."
Key Players & Motives
| Actor | Role | Stated Motive | Alleged Ulterior Motive |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| [[Jerome Powell]] | Fed Chair | Defending the Fed's independence. | Protecting his legacy; hiding mismanagement. |
| [[Donald Trump]] | President | Stopping bureaucratic waste ($2.5B). | Forcing interest rate cuts; removing an enemy. |
| [[Jeanine Pirro]] | U.S. Attorney (DC) | Enforcing the law (Perjury). | Executing a political "hit job" for the White House. |
| [[Russ Vought]] | OMB Director | Fiscal responsibility/Oversight. | Creating the "cause" needed to fire Powell. |
| [[Thomas Massie]] | Congressman | Ending the Fed via [[H.R. 1846 Massie's End the Fed]]. | Using the scandal to gain votes for abolition. |
Strategic Implications
This investigation provides the "For Cause" legal footing required for the President to fire a Federal Reserve Chair.
If Indicted: Powell would likely be forced to resign or be fired for "malfeasance in office."
The Trap: Even if the charges are weak, the *existence* of a Grand Jury investigation paralyzes the Fed's political capital, making it difficult for them to oppose legislative threats like the [[GENIUS Act]] or H.R. 1846.
S&P 500 retreats from record Tuesday as JPMorgan slides, traders evaluate multiple Trump edicts
The case for firing power and the entire Fed
Can the Supreme Court "Fire" the Fed into Dissolution?
While recent Supreme Court rulings (like *Seila Law*) have expanded the President's power to fire agency heads, they do not grant the power to unilaterally dissolve the [[Federal Reserve]]. Firing [[Jerome Powell]] "for cause" (due to the renovation scandal) would remove the man, but the institution is created by Congress and can only be dissolved by Congress. The firing would be a political catalyst for dissolution, not a legal mechanism for it.
The Legal Reality: Decapitation vs. Dissolution
The user asks if firing Powell could "directly" lead to dissolving the Fed. The short answer is No. In administrative law, there is a hard line between the *officer* and the *office*.
The "Seila Law" Precedent (The Weapon)
The user refers to the "case for the president to be able to fire a fed member." This is likely a reference to [[Seila Law LLC v. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau]] (2020).
The Ruling: The Court ruled that for agencies headed by a single director (like the CFPB), the President must be able to fire them at will.
The Fed Exception: The Federal Reserve is a multi-member board. Historically, the Court (in *[[Humphrey's Executor v. United States|Humphrey's Executor]]*) has allowed Congress to protect these boards from at-will firing.
The 2025 Shift: In this timeline, the Court may have signaled (May 2025) that while the President can fire *some* board members, the Fed remains "uniquely structured." This forces the President to use the "For Cause" route (corruption/malfeasance) rather than just "At Will" (policy disagreement).
Why Firing Powell Doesn't Kill the Fed
If the President successfully fires Powell using the DOJ investigation as "cause":
The Seat: Powell is removed.
The Structure: The [[Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System|Board of Governors]] remains. The [[Federal Reserve Act]] remains law.
The Succession: The Vice Chair (or an Acting Chair appointed by Trump) takes over immediately. The bureaucracy continues to function, issue currency, and set rates.
Analogy: Firing a CEO does not dissolve the corporation; it just changes management.
The "Bank Shot": How Firing Leads to Dissolution
While firing Powell doesn't *legally* dissolve the Fed, it effectively destroys its political defense shield, making legislative dissolution (H.R. 1846) possible.
Step 1: The "For Cause" Precedent
If the Supreme Court upholds Powell's firing specifically for "malfeasance" (the $2.5B renovation lie), it destroys the mystique of competence. The Fed is no longer seen as a "temple of experts" but as a "rogue agency."
Step 2: The "Acting Chair" Crisis
If Powell fights the firing in court, you have two people claiming to be Chair.
Markets hate uncertainty. This chaos destroys faith in the Fed's ability to stabilize the economy ("If they can't manage their own HQ, how can they manage the Dollar?").
Step 3: The Congressional "Kill Switch"
This is where Dissolution happens.
With the Fed's reputation in tatters and the Chair removed for corruption, Rep. [[Thomas Massie]]'s bill (H.R. 1846) moves from "fringe" to "necessary."
Congress argues: *"The executive branch has proven this agency is corrupt. We cannot just replace the Chair; the structure itself invites corruption. We must repeal the 1913 Act."*
Summary of Powers
| Power | Who Holds It? | Action | Result |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Removal | The President | Fire Jerome Powell "For Cause" | New Chair, same System. |
| Dissolution | Congress | Pass H.R. 1846 (Repeal 1913 Act) | End of the Federal Reserve. |
| Nullification | The Market | Adopt Stablecoins (GENIUS Act) | Fed exists but is irrelevant. |
Bottom Line: The President can decapitate the Fed (remove Powell), but only Congress or the Market can dissolve it. The firing is merely the opening shot that makes the legislative repeal politically viable.
The frame holds for two minutes and seven seconds. Jerome Powell
The Jackson Central Bank Plan with Genius Act
Andrew Jackson's Bank War vs. The Modern GENIUS Act
This note draws a historical parallel between [[Andrew Jackson]]'s dismantling of the [[Second Bank of the United States]] (1832–1836) and the potential impact of the [[GENIUS Act]] (2025) and [[Stablecoins]] on the [[Federal Reserve]]. Both strategies utilize the decentralization of deposit holding—via "Pet Banks" historically and private stablecoin issuers today—to undermine centralized monetary authority and shift towards asset-backed ("hard") money.
Historical Context: Jackson's Bank War (1832–1836)
[[Andrew Jackson]] aimed to dismantle the [[Second Bank of the United States]], viewing it as an unconstitutional monopoly. His strategy involved three phases:
The Veto (Legal Block)
Action: In 1832, Jackson vetoed the renewal of the Bank's corporate charter.
Rationale: Labeled the Bank a "hydra-headed monster" favoring elite interests over the common man.
Removal of Deposits (Financial Starvation)
Action: Jackson ordered the [[United States Department of the Treasury|Treasury Secretary]] to cease depositing federal revenue into the Central Bank.
Diversion: Funds were redirected to state-chartered private banks, disparagingly termed "[[Pet Banks]]".
Impact: Deprived the Central Bank of capital leverage, reducing it to a standard commercial bank.
The Specie Circular (Hard Money Pivot)
Action: An executive order requiring government land purchases be made in [[Gold]] or [[Silver]] ("specie").
Goal: To decouple the economy from the central bank's credit system and enforce reliance on tangible assets.
Greenland
Denmark and Greenland ministers to meet Vance, Rubio at White House on Wednesday
Denmark brought Prince Phillip to the British Corwn
Iran
At least 12,000 killed in Iran crackdown during internet blackout Iran International
At least 12,000 killed in Iran crackdown during internet blackout | Iran International
## Excerpt
At least 12,000 people have been killed in Iran in the largest killing in the country's contemporary history, much of it carried out on January 8 and 9 during an ongoing internet shutdown, according to senior government and security sources speaking to Iran International.
Help is on its way,' Trump tells Iranians as he urges them to keep protesting
Home Iran International
Home | Iran International
## Excerpt
Latest Iran News. Premier source of in-depth news, analysis, insights, and opinions on Iran by native and non-native journalists and experts. Latest News on Iran. Covers Politics, Economy, Foreign Policy, Nuclear and Military issues.
Interior minister lauds Ambassador Kvien’s efforts in developing Armenia-US relations
Interior minister lauds Ambassador Kvien’s efforts in developing Armenia-US relations
## Excerpt
Arpine Sargsyan received Kristina Kvien, who is completing her diplomatic mission in Armenia...
The Crown Prince of Iran BOTG
Checked back in with my Persian buddy (see my last email below)…mentioned I’d seen the Shah’s son out being fairly vocal and what did he and his parents think of him…response:
“We know the young Shah well. In fact, I did some formation flying with him just three months ago in a (removing manufacture’s name). He was flying with a former USAF Thunderbird pilot (the guy who dropped the first bomb of the Iraq war from an F117) and I with the designer of the (removing manufacture’s name).
He has no interest in becoming a monarch, and only wants to help usher in a transition to a functional democracy.
He’s a super nice guy. Just wants his homeland to become fucking normal again.”
Just supplying this for context as I’m sure there’s going to be lots to talk about over the next few days and weeks.
Trump's envoy secretly met Iran's exiled crown prince
Volant Media - Home
Volant Media - Home
## Excerpt
The world's leading news networks on Iran and Afghanistan
M5M
Golden Globes ratings breakdown
83rd Golden Globe Awards: 18-24 Demographic Analysis
[!SUMMARY]
Preliminary data for the 83rd Annual Golden Globe Awards (Jan 11, 2026) indicates a steady aggregate audience of ~10.1M, but the 18–24 demographic remains a small fraction of linear viewership. While specific breakouts are unreleased, estimates place the 18–24 audience between 300k–500k, with engagement shifting heavily to social media clips (40M interactions).
Viewership Overview
While the broadcast maintained the ~10 million viewer benchmark established in 2024–2025, the composition of that audience reveals a widening generational divide in consumption habits.
Key Metrics
Total Viewers (VideoAmp/CBS): 10.1 Million
Total Viewers (Nielsen): 9.3 Million
Adults 18–49 Rating: 1.8 (Flat year-over-year)
Adults 25–54 Rating: 2.3 (Up 3%)
18–24 Demographic Estimates
Detailed breakouts for the 18–24 bracket are not typically released in preliminary "overnight" reports, which focus on the Adults 18–49 ad-sales demographic. However, the available data supports the following projections:
Estimated Absolute Viewership: 300,000 – 500,000 viewers
*Derivation:* The total 18–49 audience is approximately 2.3M – 2.4M. Historically, the 18–24 subset is the smallest component of this group for linear award shows.
Trend: Flat to Slightly Down
Growth occurred primarily in the 25–54 bracket.
The flat 18–49 rating despite 25–54 growth implies the younger end of the spectrum (18–24) likely softened or stayed stagnant.
Shift to Digital Engagement
The "missing" younger audience is largely attributed to platform migration rather than disinterest in the content itself.
Social Interactions: 40 Million (reported by CBS)
*Insight:* This 124% increase suggests the Gen Z audience consumed the event via clips on TikTok, Instagram, and X (Twitter) rather than the live broadcast.
*
Minneapolis
Homeland Security Terminates Somalia’s Temporary Protected Status Designation
ICE Powers
Statutory Powers of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Agents
[!SUMMARY]
Key Insight: The powers of ICE agents differ significantly based on their division (HSI vs. ERO) and the location of enforcement (Border vs. Interior). A critical legal distinction exists between Administrative Warrants, which do *not* grant authority to enter private homes, and Judicial Warrants, which do.
Agent Classifications & Scope
Authority is derived primarily from the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), specifically 8 U.S. Code § 1357.
Role: Federal criminal investigators (1811 series).
Authority: Broad law enforcement powers similar to the FBI. Can enforce diverse federal statutes, carry firearms, and execute criminal search warrants.
Role: Deportation officers focused on civil immigration enforcement.
Authority: Powers are specifically tied to immigration status, detention, and removal operations.
Interrogation & Arrest Powers
Interrogation
Statute: 8 U.S.C. § 1357(a)(1).
Power: Authority to interrogate any person "believed to be an alien" regarding their right to remain in the U.S.
Constraint: In the interior (non-border), agents require Reasonable Suspicion regarding citizenship status to detain and question.
Warrantless Arrests
Illegal Entry: Allowed if the officer witnesses the violation.
Flight Risk: Allowed if there is "reason to believe" (equivalent to Probable Cause) the person is in the U.S. in violation of law *and* is likely to escape before a warrant can be secured.
Warrants: The Critical Distinction
| Warrant Type | Issuer | Public Arrest? | Private Home Entry? |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Administrative Warrant (Form I-200/I-205) | Immigration Official | Yes | NO (Without consent) |
| Judicial Warrant | Federal Judge | Yes | YES |
Search & Seizure Authority
A. The Border & Ports of Entry
Border Search Exception: Agents have broad authority to search persons, cargo, and devices without a warrant or suspicion.
B. The "Border Zone" (100 Air Miles)
Roving Patrols: Can stop vehicles within 100 miles of the border based on reasonable suspicion of immigration violations.
Boarding Carriers: Authority to board/search vessels, trains, and aircraft within a reasonable distance from the border.
C. The Interior
General Rule: Fourth Amendment protections apply. Agents generally need a Judicial Warrant or Consent to search private property.
Workplace: Agents may enter public areas (lobbies) but require a warrant or consent to enter employee-only spaces.
Detainers (Form I-247)
Definition: A request to local/state law enforcement to hold an individual for up to 48 hours beyond their release date.
Legal Standing: The Supreme Court and lower courts have generally ruled that compliance with detainers is voluntary for local agencies (see *Galarza v. Szalczyk*).
North Sea Nexus
The Trump Agenda
Trump Is Confronting the Hidden Empire Behind the Atlantic Alliance
The British Empire did not die, it evolved from colonial rule into financial control.
Its core is the City of London, a sovereign financial enclave that:
• operates outside normal British law
• dominates global banking, insurance, commodities, and derivatives
• coordinates offshore tax havens and shadow finance
• exerts power through debt, credit, and currency control
This is the Rothschild model: empire without colonies, rule by finance instead of force.
The Federal Reserve, Bretton Woods institutions, global central banking norms, and so-called “free trade” regimes all reflect this model:
• debt-based money
• perpetual interest extraction
• financialisation over production
• unelected technocratic control
President Trump is dismantling decades of imperial control that have undermined American sovereignty, industry, and independence. Let’s look at how:
The Greenland Gambit (Direct UK–Atlantic Fracture)
• Greenland sits inside the UK–NATO–Atlantic security architecture
• Denmark functions as an extension of British-aligned European policy
• U.S. interest in Greenland bypasses both Brussels and London
When Trump frames Greenland as a U.S. strategic asset, he is:
– challenging NATO’s assumed territorial coherence
– weakening British maritime and Arctic influence
– asserting direct American hemispheric control
That is imperial disentanglement.
NATO Tension
Under Trump, NATO is no longer sacred, it is treated as what it is: a negotiable contract.
Trump has reminded us of this by making repeated threats to defund or exit, by making public accusations that allies exploit U.S. taxpayers and by showing his willingness to let NATO fracture rather than submit
Remember historically, NATO has preserved British post-imperial relevance and it has embedded UK strategic priorities into U.S. defence planning
Trump has reframed NATO as a constraint on U.S. sovereignty, not a guarantor of it.
Housing, Banking, and the City of London
Trump’s move on housing and mortgage bonds is critical.
Instead of subsidies or money printing, he has pushed for U.S.-controlled mortgage giants to use their large cash reserves to buy mortgage-backed securities.
The effect is simple:
• higher demand for mortgage bonds
• downward pressure on mortgage rates
• lower monthly payments for Americans
No new debt, no central-bank stimulus and no global banks skimming the spread.
By bypassing global finance and using domestic credit levers, Trump is attacking the Anglo-financial model, not markets themselves. That is a direct threat to London-centric finance.
Military Language and Symbolism Matters
The renaming of the Department of Defence as the Department of War matters because after 1947, the U.S. military was turned into a manager of global order, instead a defender of U.S. sovereignty. Re-emphasising war, borders, enemies, and national interest signals a focus on U.S. autonomy over alliance maintenance.
Trump vs Powell
Trump’s confrontation with Jerome Powell is another front in the same war; a direct challenge to the Rothschilds system where money is created privately and elected governments answer to bondholders and banks.
Before NATO, before the so-called “special relationship,” the U.S. military openly identified Britain as a strategic rival, particularly as an imperial power exerting control through finance and maritime dominance. That understanding wasn’t wrong, it was simply made inconvenient.
But watch Trump’s actions:
• tariffs over global free trade
• manufacturing over financial speculation
• bilateral deals over multilateral governance
• hostility toward NATO bureaucracy
• attacks on housing and credit manipulation
This is Trump sticking a very deliberate middle finger to the British Empire / Rothschild banking cabal that has kept the world enslaved through debt, for far too long
Venezuela
DOD intel BOTG Venezuela op
ITM Adam and John,
Ask to be anonymous as well; 29 years DoD Intelligence Experience.
On episode 1834, you and John discussed the "300 rounds per minute" comment from the Venezuelan security force member who witnessed the US attack.
Delta Force operators could easily achieve 650+ rounds per minute from the M240B (LWS-Light Weight System) machine gun, for which they have a lightweight variant they use for this specific kind of operation. Further, the older but well tested M249 machine, known as the "SAW" (Squad Automatic Weapon) has a cycling rate of fire of 450-500 rounds per minute: also, still in use by Delta Force operators.
We've all heard of flashbangs before, but there are flashbangs known as "concussive grenades" that explode with the concussive force (but without the flash) could have easily inflicted the Venezuelan security forces with the types of injuries that would cause bleeding from the nose, mouth, ears and even the eyes. Concussive grenades would be used, especially in close quarters combat, mostly because the flash of a flashbang would blind the Delta operators temporarily if they were using night vision, (which we all know they were). I'm not discounting a directed energy weapon, but this could have been what was witnessed by the Venezuelans.
Lastly, the amount of firepower put down by a Delta Force team against a larger force will always be with overwhelming firepower, constantly shifting and covering positions as Delta moves onto their objective. It's unlikely that Delta operators would hold the trigger for an entire minute, but as the teams work together, a constant volley of fire is produced as operators essentially pause firing to allow the weapon to cool in-between long 10-15 second bursts.
Note: The non-special forces of the US Army (i.e. regular infantry) does not teach 10-15 second bursts of fire, it's normally 3-5 second bursts from the machine guns I mentioned above. Delta operators know the fuller extent of their own weapon capabilities and often have shorter duration missions and are better equipped. The shorter cyclic burst rate taught to non-Special Forces is to extend the weapons barrel for weeks or months-long missions in a long-term battlefield environment.
In episode 1832, John read a note during the donation segment that was signed with a "v/r" at the end. That is short for "very respectfully." LOL!!
Thank you for your attention to this matter!! 4 More Years!
Best wishes and Love is Lit!!!
Exxon Baton Rouge, Louisiana refinery preparing to run Venezuelan oil, sources say Reuters
Exxon Baton Rouge, Louisiana refinery preparing to run Venezuelan oil, sources say | Reuters
## Excerpt
Exxon Mobil is preparing to run Venezuelan crude oil at its Baton Rouge, Louisiana refinery, people familiar with plant operations said.
Fire rates of guns BOTG
Im sure you have got multiple emails about this, but At Least i added some videos demonstrating the firerates, But in the end i dont think this is a big deal im just sending this email because it was something i have knowledge about and wanted to share if not just for entertainment value. The M4 Carbine has 700-950 RPM cyclic rate shown in this video. https://youtube.com/shorts/1nUGn05v7BE?si=DYJHKKNcjXReK9Jt
Another example is the Grease gun from WWII is considered having a low cyclic rate at 400 shown in this video. https://youtube.com/shorts/v5FvhlzV8qk?si=opEHcIbE553eXOeD So when The Venesuala soldier stated 300 RPM thats extremely slow. The only thing i have found that has a 300 rpm is an AA12 Shotgun shown in this video https://youtu.be/u3LCOonSLXo?si=jwe8_F5Yw8Q4b-_p&t=695
Trump to meet Venezuelan opposition leader Machado at the White House
Clip Sources
VIDEO - 4 astronauts return to Earth, splash down in Pacific near San Diego - YouTube
4 astronauts return to Earth, splash down in Pacific near San Diego - YouTube
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SpaceX guided the capsule to a middle-of-the-night splashdown in the Pacific near San Diego.
VIDEO - A First-Hand Account of Agriculture in Venezuela - YouTube
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Germany, Sweden, France and Norway confirmed sending military personnel to Greenland | DW News - YouTube
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Iran protests: The biggest challenge to the Islamic Republic since its founding • FRANCE 24 - YouTube
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In addition to women’s rights protests in 2022, experts believe that the protests currently happening in Iran represent the biggest challenge to the Islamic ...
VIDEO - John Roberts Iran Threatening Trump Will 'Piss Him Off'
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“If anybody is taunting President Trump, it is the Supreme Leader who took to X and posted this, saying for days now, calling President Trump a tyrant who will be overthrown."
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VIDEO - Minnesota Interpreter fraud Nik Shirley again!
(9) Instagram
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148K likes, 5,251 comments - nickshirley on January 13, 2026: "🚨 Another fraud scheme happening in Minnesota, when Somalis go to the doctor and don’t speak English they have to hire a translator who is hired by the county for $100 an hour for a minimum of 8 hours.
The fraud is deep in Minnesota, the mayor of Minneapolis said LIVE on national tv that “the fraud is very real”. Do you expect any arrest to be made?
Part 2 is coming out tomorrow at 10AM EST!".
VIDEO - More human trafficking victims identified in Louisiana, officials say focus is on protection
More human trafficking victims identified in Louisiana, officials say focus is on protection
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BATON ROUGE - Human trafficking cases involving children in Louisiana have more than doubled over the past two years, according to state officials, a rise they say reflects improved training, awareness, and victim identification rather than an increase in criminal activity.
VIDEO - Musk's xAI limits Grok's capacity to generate sexualised images • FRANCE 24 English - YouTube
Musk's xAI limits Grok's capacity to generate sexualised images • FRANCE 24 English - YouTube
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VIDEO - NASA evacuates ISS crew in first ever such evacuation DW News - YouTube
NASA evacuates ISS crew in first ever such evacuation | DW News - YouTube
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19K likes, 2,138 comments - 2worldscollidepodcast on January 12, 2026: "“And Just Like That, Free Speech Is Done In Aus”.
Want to support me? Links in bio to my Patreon program and merch.".
VIDEO - President Trump signed a new law that brings back whole and 2_ milk in schools across the U.S. - YouTube
President Trump signed a new law that brings back whole and 2% milk in schools across the U.S. - YouTube
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VIDEO - Robert Jensen overleden op 52-jarige leeftijd ‘Het is zo verdrietig’ Show De Stentor.nl
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VIDEO - Scientists open 'Ice Memory Sanctuary' vault at Earth's coldest place in Antarctica DW News - YouTube
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VIDEO - Scott Adams’ Deathbed Conversion to Christianity Dilbert Creator, Pascal’s Wager & Saving Faith - YouTube
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VIDEO - The Director’s Annual Lecture 2026 - YouTube
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VIDEO - The War Against the Bank - YouTube
The War Against the Bank - YouTube
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Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.
VIDEO - Trump weighs response to Iran crackdown, Tehran says communication open with US Reuters
Trump weighs response to Iran crackdown, Tehran says communication open with US | Reuters
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Iran said on Monday it is keeping communications open with the U.S. as President Donald Trump weighed responses to a deadly crackdown on nationwide protests, which pose one of the stiffest challenges to clerical rule since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
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VIDEO - Video 'Dilbert' cartoonist Scott Adams dies at age 68 - ABC News
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Widespread Verizon outage prompts emergency alerts in DC, NYC
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The nation's largest wireless provider said that its engineers "are working to identify and solve the issue quickly."
