May 12 2025

RESTREAM: Steve Bannon at the FT Weekend Festival | Return of the Kraken: how far will Trump go? | Sat, 10 May 2025


Posted originally on Rumble By Bannon’s War Room on: May 11, 2025, at 1:22 pm EST

May 12 2025

Germany’s Conspiracy Theory Hotline


Posted originally on May 12, 2025 by Martin Armstrong 

Conspiracy Theory

Germany has become increasingly tyrannical in its fight to combat dissenters who do not believe in abandoning nationalism for Brussels. Not only does the German government want to banish political parties who dissent from its narrative, but it has implemented a hotline where citizens may report others who spread “disinformation” and “conspiracy theories.”

The Violence Prevention Network, the Amadeu Antonio Foundation, and the Center for Applied Deradicalization Research launched  “Advice Compass on Conspiracy Thinking” (Beratungskompass Verschwörungsdenken) in 2024 as part of the “LivingDemocracy!” project. “Conspiracy theories are accompanied by lies and disinformation. They are deliberately spread to divide our society and destroy trust in independent science, free media, and democratic institutions. Conspiracy theories can lead to extremist ideologies and drive perpetrators to commit crimes and acts of violence. Antisemitic conspiracy theories are particularly often spread,” Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said.

The government’s own website discusses how important it was to silence “disinformation” during the COVID-19 pandemic. The government is urging citizens to be on the lookout for anyone spreading conspiracies surrounding the war in Ukraine

Their website warns the public to look for “people in the immediate environment. Such as family, friends, or school” as they may reveal their independent thinking to the people closest to them. “Open dialogue on equal terms often seems impossible because the other person is not receptive to arguments,” the government states, warning citizens that they should report these free thinkers to authorities who are trained to combat extremism.

Secret Phone Calls.Hotline

“Those seeking advice will receive initial orientation and help in finding suitable counseling services nearby. After a confidential initial consultation, those affected will be referred to a specialized agency if necessary. In this way, we provide very concrete support to those affected and their families while simultaneously strengthening prevention efforts to protect our society from the growing dangers of conspiracy theories,” stated Federal Minister for Family Affairs Lisa Paus, who called conspiracy theories “poisonous to democracy.”

Germany calls their long-term counseling for conspiracy theorists holistic in nature, but it is a re-education and forced indoctrination program. The government does not want the people to have independent thoughts or beliefs that challenge their authority. Loyalty should lie with the government over family, friends, and classmates, all of whom could pose a threat to the government. Be suspicious of thy neighbor.

It is comical that the leftists honestly believe Germany is “finally on the right side of history” when history is in fact repeating. The economy is declining, and the nation is on the precipice of global warfare. The Germans live in fear of World War II repeating, yet, re-education programs are precisely what occurred in Nazi Germany. Schools were transformed into indoctrination centers, and textbooks were revised. Propaganda appeared in every form of media, and stern rhetoric was the primary tool that the Third Reich used to control the masses ahead of warfare. While the government’s current ideological requirements certainly differ from that of the Third Reich, the government is once again forcibly indoctrinating the people, silencing dissent, and forcing family and friends to turn on one another to protect the government above all else.

May 12 2025

Over Half of Brits Would Not Fight for their Country


Posted originally on May 12, 2025 by Martin Armstrong 

britons wants you.WW2MilitaryRecruitment

Starmer may be preparing his nation for battle, but he does not have the support of his nation. An Ipsos poll found that over half of Britons “would not fight for their country under any circumstances.”

The Victory in Europe Day celebrations coincided with the poll, causing no increase in patriotism. Only 35% of adults overall said that they would be willing to fight for their nation, with 17% undecided. Only 21% of women said they would take to battle, and 49% of men said they would like go to war.

Britan has already been invaded. The people did not fight when millions of foreigners invaded their country and permanently altered British society. England is no longer a Christian nation. They have abandoned their core traditions and beliefs for outsiders who vote for liberal policies. Taxes on citizens continue to rise as the government forces the people to pay for migrant social programs. Spending on the migrant crisis is expected to rise 30% in 2025 alone to an astounding £61 million.

Former Army officer Richard Gill, who served in Iraq and Afghanistan during a 15-year career, said, “The fact that so many would refuse to fight for Britain is a symptom of a deeper national malaise. We’ve stopped teaching pride in our country, its history, and its values… A nation unsure of itself cannot expect its people to defend it. That must change.”

Prime Minister Keir Starmer implemented the largest rise in defense spending since the Cold War, with government spending on defense to rise to 2.5% of GDP from April 2027. He would like to raise that amount to 3% in the next parliament, marking a £13.4 billion increase per year.

Britain voted to leave the European Union, and now its politicians are requesting the people to defend a nation that was never even permitted in the bloc due to corruption. Support for the war in Ukraine has significantly declined since 2022. A separate Ipsos poll found that only 53% of Brits supported the government sending weapons to Ukraine, which is a stark contrast to the 63% who were in favor when the war began. Two in five said they support sending peacekeeping troops to Ukraine, or 40%, and Russia has made it clear that any troops on the ground in Ukraine will be considered targets.

Starmer is no Churchill—the people will not blindly follow his regime into a senseless war.

May 12 2025

Chinese Exports to US Decline 21% Amid Tariff War


Posted originally on May 12, 2025 by Martin Armstrong 

China US Trade

China is seeking new buyers amid the ongoing trade war with the United States. Chinese exports increased by 8.1% in April on an annualized basis, with imports declining 0.2%. Yet, imports to the United States fell 21% on the yearly, with imports declining 14%. There is no shortage of buyers for Chinese goods.

Exports from China to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations spiked 20.8% in April on an annualized basis after rising 11.6% the month prior. Malaysia and Vietnam have become the top buyers among the region. China exported around $27 billion in goods to Japan, $24 billion to South Korea, $13 billion to Taiwan, and $11 billion to Australia.

The European Union outpaced the US in Chinese exports last month after purchasing $90 billion worth of goods, an 8.3% increase, with Germany standing as the bloc’s top purchaser. The Chinese drastically reduced its purchases from the EU, with a 16.5% decrease for the month. In addition to geopolitical problems, the Comprehensive Agreement on Investment (CAI) remains unresolved since it was drafted in 2020 after tit-for-tat EU and Chinese sanctions. The deal would have permitted European companies to access the Chinese market, but the stalemate is likely to remain.

This does not mean that trade will simply be redirected in the face of America’s 145% tariffs. “The surge in overall exports could be partly due to transshipment through third countries and contracts that were signed before the tariffs were announced, Zhiwei Zhang, president and chief economist at Pinpoint Asset Management, said in a note. According to the US National Bureau of Statistics, China’s official purchasing managers’ index reading hit 49.0 in April, marking the first contraction in 2025. Production and new orders declined to 49.8 and 49.2, respectively, as manufacturing demand waned.

Our computer indicates that the Chinese economy will slow down this year as confidence is tested after years of rapid growth. The workforce is shrinking, and youth unemployment remains high. The nation is facing regional debt crises and real estate crises. Geopolitical tensions will be sharp as protectionism rises globally. China is continuing to militarize amid tensions in the South China Sea, and Xi’s new support for Russia in the Russia-Ukraine war will make it more difficult for China to attract foreign investment.

May 12 2025

President Trump Announces Executive Order to Lower Prescription Drug Prices through MFN Policy


Posted originally on CTH on May 11, 2025 | Sundance

CTH suspected we were going to see this…. and it might just work. President Trump has announced via Truth Social that he will sign an executive order to structurally create a “most favored nation” (MFN) policy toward USA drug manufacturing prices.

Americans must receive a matching price to the lowest cost sold.

President Trump – “For many years the World has wondered why Prescription Drugs and Pharmaceuticals in the United States of America were SO MUCH HIGHER IN PRICE THAN THEY WERE IN ANY OTHER NATION, SOMETIMES BEING FIVE TO TEN TIMES MORE EXPENSIVE THAN THE SAME DRUG, MANUFACTURED IN THE EXACT SAME LABORATORY OR PLANT, BY THE SAME COMPANY??? It was always difficult to explain and very embarrassing because, in fact, there was no correct or rightful answer.

The Pharmaceutical/Drug Companies would say, for years, that it was Research and Development Costs, and that all of these costs were, and would be, for no reason whatsoever, borne by the “suckers” of America, ALONE. Campaign Contributions can do wonders, but not with me, and not with the Republican Party. We are going to do the right thing, something that the Democrats have fought for many years.

Therefore, I am pleased to announce that Tomorrow morning, in the White House, at 9:00 A.M., I will be signing one of the most consequential Executive Orders in our Country’s history. Prescription Drug and Pharmaceutical prices will be REDUCED, almost immediately, by 30% to 80%. They will rise throughout the World in order to equalize and, for the first time in many years, bring FAIRNESS TO AMERICA!

I will be instituting a MOST FAVORED NATION’S POLICY whereby the United States will pay the same price as the Nation that pays the lowest price anywhere in the World. Our Country will finally be treated fairly, and our citizens Healthcare Costs will be reduced by numbers never even thought of before. Additionally, on top of everything else, the United States will save TRILLIONS OF DOLLARS. Thank you for your attention to this matter. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!” [source]

There is also some background for this {SEE HERE}.

President Trump is on the cusp of announcing a big change in tariffs against foreign pharmaceutical companies in an effort to get the manufacturing of medicines brought back to the USA.  Details are soon to surface.

In a proactive move, the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA), went to the European Commission (EC) in April to hold talks with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, calling for radical change and holding the threat of an exodus to the U.S. over the EC president’s head.

PRESS RELEASE – Today, CEOs of the research-based pharmaceutical industry issued a stark warning to President von der Leyen that unless Europe delivers rapid, radical policy change then pharmaceutical research, development and manufacturing is increasingly likely to be directed towards the US.

A survey of EFPIA member companies conducted last week – to which 18 international large and medium-sized innovative companies responded – identified as much as 85% of capital expenditure investments (approximately €50.6 billion) and as much as 50% of R&D expenditure (approximately €52.6 billion) potentially at risk. This is out of a current combined total of €164.8 billion in investments planned for the period 2025-2029 in the EU-27 territory. Over the next three months, companies that responded estimate that a total of €16.5 billion i.e. 10% of the total investment plans is at risk.

The US now leads Europe on every investor metric from availability of capital, intellectual property, speed of approval to rewards for innovation. In addition to the uncertainty created by the threat of tariffs, there is little incentive to invest in the EU and significant drivers to relocate to the US. (read more)

May 12 2025

Beijing Trade Statement: U.S and China Agree to “Establish a Consultation Mechanism and Conduct Further Consultations”


Posted originally on CTH on May 11, 2025 | Sundance

As expected by anyone with common sense, the statement by Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng is considerably different from the U.S. media interpretation of the White House statement.

According to He Lifeng: […] “The atmosphere of the meeting was candid, in-depth and constructive. The meeting reached substantial progress and achieved important consensus. The two sides agreed on establishing a consultation mechanism for trade and economic issues, identified the lead persons on each side, and will carry on further consultations relating to trade and economic issues of their respective concerns. The two sides will finalize relevant details as soon as possible and will issue a joint statement reached on May 12.”

[…] “China’s position towards this trade war has been clear and consistent; that is, China doesn’t want to fight a trade war, because trade wars produce no winners.  But if the U.S. insists on forcing this war upon us, China will not be afraid of it and will fight to the end.” 

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This ‘clarification‘ of sorts by Big Panda should not come as a surprise, despite the White House press release and the wording of the title.

Neither Secretary Bessent nor USTR Greer would make an announcement of a “trade deal” in advance of President Trump’s personal announcement. PERIOD!

May 12 2025

Sunday Talks – NEC Director Kevin Hassett Outlines Background of U.S-China Negotiations in Geneva


Posted originally on CTH on May 11, 2025 | Sundance

White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett always does a good job of framing the current status without impeding the negotiating strategy of the White House trade delegation.

In this morning’s interview, happy Hassett outlines the motivation for China to quickly get to an agreement on principle about their U.S. trade position, and the structure of the personnel who are present on Beijing’s behalf to organize the discussion.  As noted earlier, Bessent and Greer were very careful in their language to promote positive advancement of agreement to the framework but avoid calling the outcome of the discussions a completed deal.

Hassett encapsulates the current trade status with China and other nations.  WATCH:

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No doubt President Trump is leaning back a little following the White House statement.  The Chinese announcements are not as forcefully positive as the White House ‘headline’ press release.  There’s a disconnect afoot that needs to be reconciled quickly or it makes the White House look weak while cunning panda smiles.

It would be surprising to see an actual “trade agreement” with China, before the commitments from ASEAN countries to stop transnational shipping exploitation are in place.

May 12 2025

Secretary Bessent and USTR Greer Brief Assembled Press Pool Following “Productive” Negotiations with Chinese Trade Team


Posted originally on CTH on May 11, 2025 | Sundance

The White House has released a statement headlining: “U.S. Announces China Trade Deal in Geneva.” However, the use of the wording “trade deal” is being disputed by China who prefer to say, a “consensus was reached.”

Indeed, if you listen to the wording from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Trade Rep Jamieson Greer, there is no talk of an actual deal in their language. Methinks whoever wrote the White House headline, that is (not accidentally) currently manipulating the markets, will be soon given the exit. Here’s the remarks from Bessent and Greer:

The White House statement is below:

Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent: “I’m happy to report that we made substantial progress between the United States and China in the very important trade talks. First, I want to thank our Swiss host. The Swiss government has been very kind in providing us this wonderful venue, and I think that led to a great deal of productivity we’ve seen. We will be giving details tomorrow, but I can tell you that the talks were productive. We had the vice premier, two vice ministers, who were integrally involved, Ambassador Jamieson, and myself. And I spoke to President Trump, as did Ambassador Jamieson, last night, and he is fully informed of what is going on. So, there will be a complete briefing tomorrow morning.”

U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer: “This was, as the Secretary pointed out, a very constructive two days. It’s important to understand how quickly we were able to come to agreement, which reflects that perhaps the differences were not so large as maybe thought. That being said, there was a lot of groundwork that went into these two days. Just remember why we’re here in the first place — the United States has a massive $1.2 trillion trade deficit, so the President declared a national emergency and imposed tariffs, and we’re confident that the deal we struck with our Chinese partners will help us to work toward resolving that national emergency.”

May 12 2025

Putin Requests Direct Negotiations with Zelensky in Turkey – Zelensky, Standing Behind Skirt of Starmer, Macron, Merz and Tusk Demands Immediate Ceasefire or Else


Posted originally on CTH on May 11, 2025 | Sundance

In several ways it was likely strategically smart for President Trump to distance himself from the Intelligence Operation in Ukraine known as World War Reddit.  The odd and opaque narratives from NATO, EU and CIA elements bear all the hallmark tells of an intelligence operation running amok.

With President Trump slowly exiting the nonsense, the group colloquially known as the “Coalition of the Willing” organizes their latest public relations stunt with a visit to Kyiv. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and the goofy Polish Prime Minister who doesn’t do much, Donald Tusk, took the pantomime train into Ukraine for a spring walk with Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The U.K, German and French political leaders are all using their Ukraine involvement to deflect from the political chaos that exists back home. Starmer, Zelenskyy, Macron, Merz and Tusk brought their best videographers and photographers to provide the optics and visuals.

The quintet’s performance included a phone call to President Trump in order to collectively wag their finger at Russian President Vladimir Putin, while saying they all agreed to a 30-day ceasefire starting tomorrow (Mon).   You can tell this is all theatrically produced as part of World War Reddit because earnest diplomatic negotiations do not take place through media.

If they want a Monday ceasefire, the ‘dramatic acting’ crew needs to have Putin on the call – not Trump. Duh!

In response to the latest chapter in the public relations campaign, Russian President Putin has requested to meet Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Turkey next week on Thursday.   Zelenskyy, speaking on behalf of the international intelligence apparatus that is conducting the proxy war, says he will not meet to discuss the terms for a ceasefire with Putin unless a ceasefire already exists.  Again, the confliction is simply more surface evidence of the IC involvement.

[Source]

Sky News […] Speaking at the Kremlin in the early hours of Sunday, Mr Putin did not directly address the 30-day ceasefire proposal but instead offered to restart peace talks Russia and Ukraine held in 2022.

“We propose the Kyiv authorities resume the negotiations they interrupted at the end of 2022… to resume direct negotiations… without any preconditions… to begin without delay next Thursday 15 May in Istanbul,” he said.

Russia’s own unilateral three-day ceasefire, declared for the 80th anniversary of victory over Nazi Germany, expired on Saturday, and Ukraine said Russian forces have repeatedly violated it.

During the summit in Kyiv, European leaders secured the backing of Donald Trump after briefing him on the progress made on the so-called “coalition of the willing” plans in a 20-minute phone call.

“All of us here, together with the US, are calling Putin out,” said Sir Keir.

“So we are clear, all five leaders here – all the leaders of the meeting we just had with the coalition of the willing – an unconditional ceasefire, rejecting Putin’s conditions, and clear that if he turns his back on peace, we will respond.

“Working with President Trump, with all our partners, we will ramp up sanctions and increase our military aid for Ukraine’s defence to pressure Russia back to the table.” (read more)

May 11 2025
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Happy Mother’s Day