Tag Archives: Big Government

Mar 15 2026

Understandable Disappointment with Mexican President Sheinbaum – Trump: “The Cartels are Running Mexico”


Posted originally on CTH on March 14, 2026 | Sundance

While the original focus was on questions about the Iran war, at the tail end of an impromptu presser yesterday, President Trump was asked about Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and the status of U.S. national security.

President Trump said he was very disappointed that President Sheinbaum refused his offer of assistance in eliminating the cartels in Mexico.  Ultimately culminating in the statement, “the cartels are running Mexico.”

Considering everything President Trump is doing to secure the Western Hemisphere objective, it must be very frustrating to eliminate various narcotraffickers, human smugglers and transnational agents of chaos, and yet still have one of the closest geographic nations unwilling to address the biggest criminal elements near our borders.

The bilateral USMCA discussions between the U.S. and Mexico are ongoing, I think we can expect this element of friction and ultimately leverage to be present in the overall outcome.

Personally, I think if the government of Cuba flips, there will be exceptional pressure on Mexico to finally address the issue.

Mar 15 2026

U.S. Rep Jasmine Crockett Security Officer Shot and Killed by SWAT During Standoff


Posted originally on CTH on March 14, 2026 | Sundance

A man who went by the name Mike King was the lead security officer for Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett. However, Mike King was an alias, and his real name was Diamon-Mazairre Robinson; a convicted felon with a lengthy criminal background.

According to police, King was wanted for impersonating a law enforcement officer. He reportedly fled into a hospital parking garage and barricaded himself inside a vehicle. King was then forced out of the car with tear gas and pulled his gun on officers.

“Multiple law enforcement sources tell CBS News Texas the man, known publicly as Mike King, had been using aliases while running a business that placed officers in off‑duty jobs,” CBS reported. King reportedly drove a replica undercover police vehicle and used stolen license plates from cars at a military recruiting office.

(VIA CBS) – […] CBS News Texas has been researching Robinson’s criminal history, which includes seven arrests for theft in Dallas, Duncanville, Irving, Dallas County and by the Texas Department of Public Safety. 

All of the arrests were between 2009 and 2012, as many as six of them at the felony level. 

It appears his sentences for those convictions, which he pleaded guilty to all, led only to fines no more than $2,500 and sentences of probation from 1 to 5 years, and in one case, 10 years. 

Despite that criminal background, sources said Robinson was able to forge a new identity as Mike King, where he not only became a prominent figure as a security officer for Rep. Crockett while in office and during her recent U.S. Senate campaign, sources said the convicted felon was also able to run a business placing North Texas law enforcement officers in off duty jobs through his business called Off Duty Police Services.  (read more)

Mar 15 2026

Iranian Regime Clerics Flee to Safe Harbor of Canada?


Posted originally on CTH on March 14, 2026 | Sundance 

This is quite a remarkable development.  Someone in the Toronto airport captured video of Iranian Cleric Hojjatoleslam Morteza Tayebi arriving in Canada yesterday [Video Here].  As the story is told, apparently 700+ members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), who carry out regime terrorism, reside or have dual citizenship in Canada. [HERE]

“The individual observed in the Pearson Toronto Airport videos, carrying a suitcase while dressed in clerical attire, is Hojatoleslam Morteza Taieb.  According to some reports, he holds residency or citizenship in Canada and travels between Iran and this country.” {Source}

Canadian Member of Parliament Melissa Lantsman has been trying to draw attention to the issue for several years, claiming the IRGC is carrying out domestic terrorism in Canada while supporting the activity of the Iranian government.

Melissa Lantsman, “the government knows there are IRGC agents here in Canada. They know these terrorists perpetuate violence, terrify our citizens, and do the work of the mullahs in our own streets. But the government lets them stay in Canada.  Why?

Great question. Additionally, if Iranian Mullahs and Clerics are part of a fanatical war against the U.S. then wouldn’t their ability to seek safe harbor in Canada represent a threat to the United States?

That said, the IRGC members living in Canada in combination with dual citizenship for Mullahs and Clerics certainly explains the soft response from Prime Minister Mark Carney.

Mar 14 2026

President Trump Announces Strategic Obliteration of Iranian Military Assets on Kharg Island


Posted originally on CTH on March 14, 2026 | Sundance

Kharg Island is a small coral island in Iran in the northern Persian Gulf. It is 34 miles (55 km) northwest of the port of Bushehr and vital to Iran’s oil industry.

The oil processing facilities at Kharg Island are a foundational component of Iran’s economy. Roughly 90 percent of Iran’s crude is processed at Kharg Island, and any disruption to its oil processing could cripple Iran’s economy.

President Trump announced: “Moments ago, at my direction, the United States Central Command executed one of the most powerful bombing raids in the History of the Middle East and totally obliterated every MILITARY target in Iran’s crown jewel, Kharg Island. Our Weapons are the most powerful and sophisticated that the World has ever known but, for reasons of decency, I have chosen NOT to wipe out the Oil Infrastructure on the Island. However, should Iran, or anyone else, do anything to interfere with the Free and Safe Passage of Ships through the Strait of Hormuz, I will immediately reconsider this decision.”

“During my First Term, and currently, I rebuilt our Military into the Most Lethal, Powerful, and Effective Force, by far, anywhere in the World. Iran has NO ability to defend anything that we want to attack — There is nothing they can do about it! Iran will NEVER have a nuclear weapon, nor will it have the ability to threaten the United States of America, the Middle East or, for that matter, the World! Iran’s Military, and all others involved with this Terrorist Regime, would be wise to lay down their arms, and save what’s left of their country, which isn’t much! Thank you for your attention to this matter.”

~ U.S. President Donald Trump

Mar 14 2026

Cuba Just Did What?


Posted originally on CTH on March 13, 2026 | Sundance

Earlier today CBS reported that Cuba had released 51 political prisoners as an outcome of pressure from the Trump administration upon the Cuban communist regime headed by Miguel Díaz Canel.  You can read the CBS report HERE.

Hours later, Communist Leader Miguel Díaz Canel, appears on state television in Cuba to announce that the Cuban government has entered direct negotiations with the government of the United States. [SOURCE]

.

Early stages. So, for now we just watch what unfolds. However, if President Trump and Secretary Rubio manage to take down the dictatorial regimes of Venezuela, Iran and Cuba all in 2026… Jumpin’ ju-ju bones, that would be remarkable.

Mar 14 2026

USAO Jeanine Pirro Responds to Activist Judge James Boasberg Blocking Grand Jury Testimony to Review Federal Reserve


Posted originally on CTH on arch 13, 2026 | Sundance 

Well known activist Judge James Boasberg [SEE HERE], the same judge who granted illegal searches and seizures of congressional phone data, the same judge who has a long history of corrupt rulings to defend the interests of the DC power structures, ruled today [pdf Ruling Here] that USAO Jeanine Pirro is blocked from grand jury testimony surrounding fraud perpetrated by the Federal Reserve Board.

Boasberg ruled today that taxpayer funds used by the Federal Reserve to indulge themselves are exempt from investigative review.  The ruling elite must never be challenged, and Judge Boasberg proudly stands in place to preserve and protect the interests of Washington DC.  USAO Jeanine Pirro is very angry.  WATCH:

.

Mar 14 2026

Ahead of Paris Meeting with Chinese Trade Officials, USTR Jamieson Greer Discusses Goals and Objectives


Posted originally on CTH on March 13, 2026 | Sundance 

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent are traveling to Paris this weekend to meet with the Chinese trade officials.  This meeting is in advance of President Trump’s visit to China for direct face-to-face discussions with Chairman Xi Jinping.

Given the recent events in Venezuela and Iran a lot of groundwork must be taking place for the Trump-Xi meeting.  Multiple Chinese interests have been impacted directly.  USTR Jamieson Greer discusses those preparatory issues as well as the recent announcement for Section 301 investigations and tariffs.  WATCH:

.

Mar 14 2026

Secretary Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine Hold a Pentagon Press Briefing


Posted originally on CTH on March 13, 2026 | Sundance

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Air Force Gen. Dan Caine, hold a press briefing at the Pentagon to update on Operation Epic Fury.

Secretary Hegseth notes the Iranian war machine is destroyed. All of the operations, companies and technical systems needed to manufacture weapons and war material have been destroyed. The Mullahs in Iran are no longer in control of the governing system. The IRGC is being degraded daily.

Hegseth’s cadence and dramatic focus can be a little weird at times.  Thus, the video is prompted to the statements and explanations by General Dan Caine. General Caine begins with a discussion of the KC-135 refueling aircraft. WATCH:

.

Mar 14 2026

Secretary Bessent Announces “Narrowly Tailored, Short Term Sanction Relief” for Russia


Posted originally on CTH on March 13, 2026 | Sundance |

‘Trump, you magnificent bastard, I read your book!’

President Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent are facing mounting criticism for creating a window for Russia to sell oil and gas to the global market via “narrowly tailored, short-term” sanction relief.  However, few people are putting the issue into context, and the background here is exceptionally interesting.

According to the terms announced by Secretary Bessent, the license to sell applies solely to Russian crude or petroleum products loaded onto vessels as of March 12 and is valid through midnight Washington time on April 11. [Treasury Notice Here – OFAC Technical Details Here]

[source]

The sanction relief license to sell will be done in globally recognized petrodollars and applies only to preexisting oil and petroleum products that are already in transit at sea.  However, here’s where it gets very interesting and the ramifications are significant.

Immediately following the Alaska summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and President Trump, Russia restarted Arctic-2 LNG terminals and began increasing oil production for storage on ‘floating platforms.’  President Trump met with Putin on August 15, 2025, and the curious increase in Russian production began on August 18, 2025.

In the past six months Russia has been pumping sanctioned oil and gas and storing it on ships and mobile sea platforms, seemingly (at the time) with no customers.  Suddenly, against the background of the Iran conflict, all of that previously stored ‘on the water‘ production, now worth double, is authorized for global sale (in petrodollars).

Either Russian President Putin is the luckiest guy in the world, or Russia knew something.

In 2025 what Russia did following the Alaska summit did not make sense; now it does and the ramifications are stunning.

President Trump was looking for a way to organize a strategic partnership with Russia on the issue of energy production but was hampered by the preexisting sanction regime and strong opposition from domestic and international politics.

The ‘coincidental’ timing’ of Trump meeting with Putin and then subsequently Russia producing massive amounts of oil and gas for storage on the water suddenly starts to take on an entirely new light.  Did Putin know something was coming, something that would eventually make the Russian over production and ‘on the sea’ storage worth billions.

The implications here are quite remarkable; however, they simultaneously explain most of the behaviors since the Iran confrontation began.

Media reports highlight that Vladimir Putin was asked about a previous joint agreement for military support between Iran and Russia and why Russia did not respond when Iran was attacked.  Foreknowledge would explain that reaction.

Additionally, the Russian Federation president never responded to the Trump operation to take down Venezuelan dictator Maduro and seize control over Venezuela’s oil production.

If there was some discussion inferring that a ‘limited sanction relief’ protocol might be possible, that would explain why Russia began storing oil and gas at sea.

This fact pattern would also indicate that President Trump’s decision toward Iran was made at least six months ago, with a set of geopolitical events planned between the Alaska summit and the eventual confrontation with Iran.

TIMELINE: Trump and Putin meet. Three days later Russia begins pumping oil/gas and storing it at sea. President Trump then triggers the Venezuela western hemisphere security operation; Russia stays silent.  President Trump then triggers the confrontation with Iran; Russia rejects involvement. And then two weeks after the Iran confrontation begins, Trump removes sanctions on Russian oil/gas “in transit” at sea.

Suddenly all of the Russian produced and stored product ‘on the water’ has greater value and new customers.

Just a coincidence?  No way.

The United States needs the oil/gas market stability that Russia can provide.

Venezuela was/is to Trump as Ukraine was/is to Putin.

We’ll keep watching.

Enjoy the rest of your day.

.

.

Mar 13 2026

USTR Greer Announces Launch of Sec 301 Trade Investigations into 16 Economies Including the EU


Posted originally on CTH on March 12, 2026 | Sundance 

When the Supreme Court made their ridiculous decision to nullify the import tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) use, the high court noted several alternate approaches would not be legally problematic.  One of those approaches would be the use of Section 301 trade tariffs.

Yesterday USTR Jamieson Greer quietly announced that a Section 301 review would be taking place for the following countries: China, the European Union, Singapore, Switzerland, Norway, Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, Bangladesh, Mexico, Japan, and India.”

♦ Section 301 tariffs are a trade enforcement mechanism established under the Trade Act of 1974. They allow the U.S. government to impose tariffs on imports from countries that are found to be engaging in unfair trade practices. The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) conducts investigations to determine if a country is violating trade agreements, and if so, it can impose tariffs as a corrective measure {SOURCE}

USTR PRESS RELEASE – WASHINGTON — Today, United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer announced the initiation of investigations regarding the acts, policies, and practices of various economies under Section 301(b) of the Trade Act of 1974 relating to structural excess capacity and production in manufacturing sectors.

The investigations will determine whether those acts, policies, and practices are unreasonable or discriminatory and burden or restrict U.S. commerce. The economies subject to these investigations are: China, the European Union, Singapore, Switzerland, Norway, Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, Bangladesh, Mexico, Japan, and India.

“The United States will no longer sacrifice its industrial base to other countries that may be exporting their problems with excess capacity and production to us. Today’s investigations underscore President Trump’s commitment to reshore critical supply chains and create good-paying jobs for American workers across our manufacturing sectors,” said Ambassador Greer.

“The Trump Administration’s reindustrialization efforts continue to face significant challenges due to foreign economies’ structural excess capacity and production in manufacturing sectors. Across numerous sectors, many U.S. trading partners are producing more goods than they can consume domestically. This overproduction displaces existing U.S. domestic production or prevents investment and expansion in U.S. manufacturing production that otherwise would have been brought online. In many sectors, the United States has lost substantial domestic production capacity or has fallen worryingly behind foreign competitors.” (read more)

Additionally, Section 232 [Steel and Aluminum examples] of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 (19 U.S.C. §1862, as amended) authorizes the President to impose trade restrictions—such as a tariff or quota—if the Secretary of Commerce determines, following an investigation, that imports of a good “threaten to impair” U.S. national security. {SOURCE}

Section 232 is currently covering all the steel and aluminum import tariffs.

Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 allows the U.S. president to impose tariffs of up to 15% to address “large and serious” balance-of-payments deficits. This authority can be exercised without prior congressional approval for a limited duration of 150 days. After this period, any tariffs must be extended by Congress. {SOURCE}

Section 122 has already been deployed to retain the “baseline reciprocity tariffs.”

USTR Greer is now walking through the process of deploying Section 301 and will eventually become the legal underpinning to replace Section 122 and retain all tariff status without congressional extension needed.   Most of this is technical and legal compliance as several of the aforementioned nations have already finalized free trade agreements.