South of the Border: US Coup in Caracas
The ongoing situation in Venezuela has reached a critical point after claims made by former President Trump regarding the capture of Nicolás Maduro. This unfolding drama raises significant concerns over international law, state sovereignty, and the humanitarian impact on the Venezuelan people.
<blockquote>
<p><a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/live/c5yqygxe41pt" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Trump states that the US has ‘captured’ Venezuelan President Maduro and his wife following a ‘large-scale strike’</a> (BBC). Larry Wilkerson mentioned earlier that a small military force could be deployed to achieve this. The implications are severe: both China and Russia may respond with heightened military readiness. A contact who instructed diplomats from the Global South reported that, right after the strikes commenced:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>“An ex-student of mine is currently in Venezuela. Armed groups are actively seeking out Americans.” He further noted: “In Iran, the riots appear to be dwindling as counter-protesters take to the streets to confront the armed instigators. Over 30 individuals have been apprehended, alongside a factory filled with women preparing petrol bombs. It’s unfortunate for them.”</p>
<p>Additionally, he remarked, “I’m not entirely sure what the kidnapping of Maduro accomplishes, since there’s a Vice President ready to succeed him. Does Marchado expect a warm welcome? And under what authority will she be installed, considering she wasn’t even part of the presidential race? So much for democracy.”</p>
</blockquote>
<p>And what about the militia’s response regarding the oil wells?</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">🚨In a Truth Social post, Trump claims the U.S. has “captured” Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife and transported them out of the country. Source: <a href="https://t.co/IRtMiiEVfh" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://t.co/IRtMiiEVfh</a> <a href="https://t.co/PszfDyGqoy" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">pic.twitter.com/PszfDyGqoy</a></p>
<p>— jeremy scahill (@jeremyscahill) <a href="https://twitter.com/jeremyscahill/status/2007383691161678149?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">January 3, 2026</a></p>
</blockquote>
</blockquote>
<p>According to updates from various news outlets:</p>
<blockquote>
<p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2026/jan/03/caracas-explosions-venezuela-maduro-latest-news-updates-live" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Venezuelan President Maduro captured and flown out of the country following an ‘extensive’ US attack, Trump claims – live</a> (The Guardian). His assertions are echoed by Vladimir Padrino, Venezuela's Minister of Defense, who stated that the nation will resist foreign military presence and condemned the early morning strikes aimed at civilian locations.</p>
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<blockquote>
<p><a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2026/1/3/live-loud-noises-heard-in-venezuelas-capital-amid-us-tensions" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Live: Trump claims Venezuela’s Maduro ‘captured’ after attacks</a> (Al Jazeera). A statement just before 6 AM EST from Sultan Barakat, a public policy professor, indicated that the US’s actions signal a significant departure from respect for international law, offering an excuse for global adversaries to do the same.</p>
<p>“This is likely a definitive blow to any existing international agreements. The very concept of state sovereignty has been undermined,” Barakat emphasized.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Rumors are circulating on Twitter regarding the US taking control of the airport in Caracas; however, these have yet to be confirmed by reliable news sources. Additional reports from the <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/live/c5yqygxe41pt" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">BBC</a> suggest:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Secretary of State Marco Rubio expects no subsequent actions against Venezuela following Maduro's capture, as confirmed during a conversation with Republican Senator Mike Lee.</p>
<p>“He [Rubio] believes no further actions will be taken now that Maduro is in US custody,” stated Lee, adding that the strikes were intended “to protect and support those who executed the arrest warrant.”</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The next 72 hours are crucial for global dynamics. If the US successfully gains control over Venezuela and its vast oil resources, it would signal a transformative shift in international power.</p>
<p>Such actions would have nothing to do with restoring democracy or… <a href="https://t.co/B1EPd54Uy3" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">pic.twitter.com/B1EPd54Uy3</a></p>
<p>— Ibrahim Majed (@ibrahimtmajed) <a href="https://twitter.com/ibrahimtmajed/status/2007365165281325206?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">January 3, 2026</a></p>
</blockquote>
<p><a href="https://edition.cnn.com/world/live-news/venezuela-explosions-caracas-intl-hnk-01-03-26" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Multiple explosions rock the Venezuelan capital Caracas</a> (CNN). Observing military activities, numerous US Army helicopters have been spotted above the city, suggesting full-scale military operations.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BREAKING?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">#BREAKING</a> Russia’s Federation Council deputy speaker stated that the reported US military actions in Venezuela are “unfounded” and violate international law.</p>
<p>— Anadolu English (@anadoluagency) <a href="https://twitter.com/anadoluagency/status/2007376752545235300?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">January 3, 2026</a></p>
</blockquote>
<p>Notably, a tweet prior to the strike indicated the presence of Chinese officials in Caracas for discussions with Maduro. This timing raises questions regarding the broader geopolitical implications of the assault.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="es" dir="ltr">JUST IN: 🇨🇳🇻🇪 Chinese officials arrive in Venezuela for talks with President Nicolás Maduro. <a href="https://t.co/abviFRZV3f" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">pic.twitter.com/abviFRZV3f</a></p>
<p>— BRICS News (@BRICSinfo) <a href="https://twitter.com/BRICSinfo/status/2007293252089815070?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">January 3, 2026</a></p>
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<h2>Culture, Science, Medicine</h2>
<blockquote>
<p><a href="https://unherd.com/2026/01/how-i-outgrew-nietzsche/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">How I Outgrew Nietzsche</a> (Unherd)</p>
<p><a href="https://onepercentrule.substack.com/p/the-shared-walk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Shared Walk; A Reflection on Jim Holt’s Excursions to the Edge of Thought</a> (The One Percent Rule)</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">A new study shows how the brain clears out waste during sleep.</p>
<p>This research finds that sleep duration does not predict brain cleaning efficacy, opening the door to potential impacts on common sleep medications. 🧵 <a href="https://t.co/PcXOX2TPqB" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">pic.twitter.com/PcXOX2TPqB</a></p>
<p>— Dr. Dominic Ng (@DrDominicNg) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrDominicNg/status/2007076683124486616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">January 2, 2026</a></p>
</blockquote>
<p><a href="https://archive.is/y7POc#selection-465.0-465.68" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">‘Chinese Peptides’ Are the Latest Biohacking Trend in the Tech World</a> (New York Times)</p>
</blockquote>
<h2>#COVID-19/Pandemics</h2>
<blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">As we enter peak flu season, a new variant known as "subclade K" is spreading quickly across the nation, leading to increased illness and hospitalizations. Public health officials warn that this wave may persist for several weeks. <a href="https://twitter.com/WmBrangham?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WmBrangham</a> interviewed experts from Johns Hopkins… <a href="https://t.co/e7T0TRPlRJ" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">pic.twitter.com/e7T0TRPlRJ</a></p>
<p>— PBS News (@NewsHour) <a href="https://twitter.com/NewsHour/status/2007237939680428053?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">January 2, 2026</a></p>
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</blockquote>
<h2>Climate/Environment</h2>
<blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Warning alert!</p>
<p>The three-year running average for the global surface temperature anomaly has now reached 1.52°C above pre-industrial levels (1850-1900). This may represent the hottest three-year average in more than 120,000 years. <a href="https://t.co/HI7UfLamGa" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">pic.twitter.com/HI7UfLamGa</a></p>
<p>— Prof. Eliot Jacobson (@EliotJacobson) <a href="https://twitter.com/EliotJacobson/status/2006043701269712911?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">December 30, 2025</a></p>
</blockquote>
<p><a href="https://edition.cnn.com/interactive/2025/12/climate/melting-glaciers-climate-change-volcanic-activity-vis/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Glaciers are melting and may reawaken the world's most dangerous volcanoes</a> (CNN)</p>
<p><a href="https://grist.org/health/wildfire-smoke-is-a-national-crisis-and-its-worse-than-you-think/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Wildfire smoke is a national crisis, and it's more severe than anticipated</a> (Grist)</p>
<p><a href="https://news.sky.com/story/why-theres-no-escape-from-delhis-biggest-killer-13489079" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Understanding why there’s no escape from Delhi’s primary health hazard</a> (Sky)</p>
<p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/dec/31/climate-crisis-guardian-readers" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Reflections on how the climate crisis has impacted Americans this year</a> (Guardian)</p>
<p><a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/climate-change/news/forcing-lifestyle-changes-could-weaken-support-for-climate-action-study-finds-b2892666.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Forced lifestyle changes may diminish support for climate initiatives, according to a recent study</a> (Independent). Change is inevitable, driven by scarcity and crisis.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.motherjones.com/environment/2025/12/abandoned-oil-wells-texas-tiktok-hawk-dunlap-sarah-stogner-well-watchers/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Well Watchers</a> (Mother Jones)</p>
</blockquote>
<h2>China?</h2>
<blockquote>
<p><a href="https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3338472/china-must-take-action-avoid-japan-style-deflation-spiral-scholars-warn" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">China must take action to prevent a Japan-style deflation spiral, experts caution</a> (South China Morning Post)</p>
<p><a href="https://archive.is/Dtv6R" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Taiwan’s £7.5tn hidden weapon is deteriorating</a> (Telegraph)</p>
<p><a href="https://www.pekingnology.com/p/beijing-appears-to-warn-it-could" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Beijing warns it could intercept Evergreen shipping vessels transporting HIMARS to Taiwan</a> (Pekingology)</p>
<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tblWObrXDsM" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">China Arms a Container Ship | Picket/Surveillance | First Strike | Cost Effective | Expendable</a> (YouTube)</p>
</blockquote>
<h2>Japan</h2>
<blockquote>
<p><a href="https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2025-12-31/pacifist-japan-has-slowly-transformed-from-exclusively-self-defense-to-military-buildup" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Japan shifts from a strictly self-defense posture to a more militarized approach</a> (Los Angeles Times)</p>
</blockquote>
<h2>European Disunion</h2>
<blockquote>
<p><a href="https://archive.ph/lA51J#selection-1553.0-1553.59" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Christine Lagarde's reported salary is 50% higher than what the ECB had disclosed</a> (Financial Times)</p>
<p><a href="https://www.msn.com/en-gb/money/other/german-job-concerns-at-highest-level-since-financial-crisis/ar-AA1TphXW" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Germans express increased anxiety about job security, as revealed in a new survey</a> (DPA International)</p>
<p><a href="https://www.connexionfrance.com/news/french-farmer-protests-union-calls-for-mass-restart-of-action/761347" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">French farmers are calling for a resurgence of protests</a> (Connexion)</p>
<p><a href="https://journal-neo.su/2026/01/01/the-agricultural-revolt-on-europes-southern-periphery-greeces-warning-to-the-eus-federalist-project/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Agricultural Revolt in Greece: A Warning to the EU's Federalist Agenda</a> (New Eastern Outlook)</p>
<p><a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15426449/Germany-begins-sending-forms-18-year-olds-asking-fit-war-conscription-laws-come-effect-conflict-Russia-looms.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Germany initiates conscription measures for 18-year-olds as war threats loom</a> (Daily Mail)</p>
<p><a href="https://www.forcesnews.com/nato/finland-aims-boost-reservist-numbers-million-raising-upper-age-limit" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Finland sets a goal to increase reservist numbers to one million by raising age limits</a> (Force News)</p>
<p><a href="https://www-aftonbladet-se.translate.goog/nyheter/a/y5vXLg/ny-undersokning-nej-till-barn-fran-mer-an-var-femte-kvinna?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=de&_x_tr_pto=wapp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Aftonbladet's survey reveals that 22% of women do not wish to have children</a> (Aftonbladet)</p>
</blockquote>
<h2>Old Blighty</h2>
<blockquote>
<p><a href="https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/uk-shabana-mahmood-vows-defend-decision-strip-shamima-begum-citizenship" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">UK government vows to defend its decision to revoke Shamima Begum's citizenship</a> (Middle East Eye)</p>
<p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2026/jan/02/jewish-groups-warned-ban-on-maccabi-tel-aviv-fans-attending-match-could-be-seen-as-antisemitic" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Concerns raised over potential perceptions of antisemitism due to a ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans</a> (Guardian)</p>
</blockquote>
<h2>Israel v. The Resistance</h2>
<blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Israel is operating a dual import system for Gaza, allowing certain commercial traders access to "dual-use" items that humanitarian organizations are not allowed to import, as reported by the Guardian.</p>
<p>Items banned for aid organizations on security grounds include… <a href="https://t.co/22B2VmPpYI" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://t.co/22B2VmPpYI</a></p>
<p>— Drop Site (@DropSiteNews) <a href="https://twitter.com/DropSiteNews/status/2006994988685459763?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">January 2, 2026</a></p>
</blockquote>
<p><a href="https://libertarianinstitute.org/articles/abraham-accords-less-historic-than-advertised/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Abraham Accords: Less Historic Than Advertised</a> (Libertarian Institute)</p>
<p><a href="https://archive.is/Z09B0#selection-541.9-541.101" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">AIPAC is distancing itself from endorsements and electoral funding</a> (Intercept)</p>
<p><a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/gallery/2026/1/1/photos-thousands-march-in-turkiye-in-support-of-gaza-on-new-years-day" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Photos: Thousands rally in Türkiye in solidarity with Gaza</a> (Al Jazeera)</p>
</blockquote>
<p><center>* * *</center></p>
<p><a href="https://www.itv.com/news/2026-01-02/at-least-seven-killed-as-protests-spread-in-iran" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Recent protests in Iran have resulted in at least seven fatalities</a> (ITV). Notably, some security forces were among the casualties.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-iran-protests-us-will-come-to-their-rescue/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Trump has stated that if Iran “kills peaceful protesters,” the US will intervene</a> (CBS). Doug C remarked, “I can only imagine a few will be shot from rooftops now?”</p>
<p><a href="https://archive.is/Bvjrv#selection-503.0-503.63" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Trump warns the U.S. is 'locked and loaded' if Iran harms protesters</a> (New York Times)</p>
<p><a href="https://daniellarison.substack.com/p/trumps-threat-to-rescue-iranian-protesters" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Trump's threats to 'rescue' Iranian protestors are reckless</a> (Daniel Larison)</p>
<p><a href="https://larrycjohnson.substack.com/p/us-and-israel-prepping-for-a-new" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The US and Israel are preparing for further strikes on Iran amidst claims of governmental chaos</a> (Larry Johnson). While I appreciate Johnson's insights, I disagree with this framing. The US seems to believe it has created a narrative of opportunity where none exists, driven partially by Israel’s urgent need for action amid declining US support.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><a href="https://www.newarab.com/news/saudi-arabia-sets-executions-record-2025-putting-356-people-death" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Saudi Arabia set a record in 2025, executing 356 individuals</a> (New Arab)</p>
<h2>Saudis v. UAE</h2>
<blockquote>
<p><a href="https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/saudi-arabia-backs-yemeni-president-s-call-for-riyadh-talks-urges-southern-factions-to-attend/3788150" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Saudi Arabia has expressed support for the Yemeni President's call for dialogues in Riyadh, urging southern factions to participate</a> (Anadolu Agency)</p>
</blockquote>
<h2>New Not-So-Cold War</h2>
<blockquote>
<p><a href="https://simplicius76.substack.com/p/sitrep-1226-odessa-pressure-peaks" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">SITREP 1/2/26: Tensions peak in Odessa, with Zelensky announcing a comprehensive staff reshuffle</a> (Simplicius)</p>
<p><a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2k0101enyo" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Zelensky appoints a new spy chief amid corruption allegations</a> (BBC)</p>
<p><a href="https://eventsinukraine.substack.com/p/will-zelensky-survive-2026" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Will Zelensky withstand the challenges of 2026?</a> (Events in Ukraine)</p>
<p><a href="https://oliverboydbarrett.substack.com/p/is-trump-just-too-damn-nice-or-is" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Is Trump too accommodating, or is that merely perception?</a> (Olivier Boyd-Barrett)</p>
<p>In my opinion, there’s an important perspective overlooked: the recent surge in media coverage about the US and Ukraine "separating" seems to be a disinformation tactic.</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Or3mY7dLGVw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Putin assassination attempt foiled; Trump threatens Iran as protests continue</a> (Jamarl Thomas, YouTube). In correspondence from Helmer:</p>
<p>During my podcast, I aimed to transition from military realities to political dynamics, and then to strategic implications:</p>
<ul>
<li>If the CIA/Ratcliffe's claims hold true, and if Trump is convinced, then a resolution with Russia under their terms appears highly unlikely.</li>
<li>If the GRU/Kostyukov's information is accurate, and the attack was aimed at the President or nuclear command facilities, this could provoke a nuclear response from Russia. Short of that, what alternative can Putin pursue if the US maintains strong backing for Zelensky?</li>
<li>Moscow may conclude that the recent drone attack plans imply an escalated US military threat, believing they can override Russian deterrent capabilities.</li>
<li>Finally, the messaging to ensure effective deterrence becomes crucial, along with timing considerations.</li>
</ul>
<p>I find it puzzling that an agreement with the US on Russian terms seems feasible, as Helmer suggests, especially with looming possibilities of imminent collapse.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><a href="https://archive.is/R0ay8#selection-1177.0-1177.64" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ukrainian attacks on Russian energy infrastructure break monthly records</a> (Bloomberg)</p>
<p><a href="https://responsiblestatecraft.org/ukrainians-want-end-war/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Listening to the sentiments of ordinary Ukrainians regarding the conflict</a> (Responsible Statecraft)</p>
<p><a href="https://en.topwar.ru/275819-litva-gotovitsja-vzorvat-mosty-na-granice-s-rossiej-i-belorussiej.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lithuania is preparing to destroy bridges along its borders with Russia and Belarus</a> (TopWar)</p>
</blockquote>
<h2>Big Brother is Watching You Watch</h2>
<blockquote>
<p><a href="https://reason.com/2025/12/31/dhs-says-real-id-which-dhs-certifies-is-too-unreliable-to-confirm-u-s-citizenship/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">DHS acknowledges that the REAL ID system is too unreliable for confirming US citizenship</a> (Reason)</p>
<p><a href="https://www.express.co.uk/news/politics/2152754/boris-said-would-eat-id" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Keir Starmer is launching into 2026 with plans that could infringe upon our freedoms</a> (Express). As this moves forward, one could wonder: what if you often forget to take your phone with you? The potential impact on our daily lives looms large.</p>
</blockquote>
<h2>Imperial Collapse Watch</h2>
<blockquote>
<p><a href="https://www.nationthailand.com/news/world/40060630" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Conflicts to monitor in 2026 highlighted as global flashpoints</a> (Nation Thailand)</p>
<p><a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/david-miliband-conflict-aid-cuts-uk-trump-democracy-warning-b2878845.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Democracy appears to be declining amidst escalating global conflicts and cuts in aid, as warned by David Miliband</a> (Independent)</p>
<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ib5Q4Mwt3sc" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Ottoman Empire's "Debt Trap": Britain's Historical Role in the Middle East</a> (YouTube)</p>
</blockquote>
<h2>Trump 2.0</h2>
<blockquote>
<p><a href="https://postliberaldispatch.substack.com/p/america-talks-tough-acts-lost" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">America appears assertive but is losing its sense of direction</a> (Paulo Aguiar)</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">An Israeli cybersecurity mogul is demanding the removal of First Amendment protections from Americans, while President Trump threatens war and plans to deploy troops to Iran. This is exactly what we opposed in 2024.</p>
<p>Trump supporters have expressed the potential for a tax revolt due to disbelief in the current policies… <a href="https://t.co/AD2n3t7mFV" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://t.co/AD2n3t7mFV</a> <a href="https://t.co/n5uI9jfdKg" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">pic.twitter.com/n5uI9jfdKg</a></p>
<p>— Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene🇺🇸 (@RepMTG) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepMTG/status/2007129865078927659?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">January 2, 2026</a></p>
</blockquote>
<p><a href="https://responsiblestatecraft.org/counterterrorism-laws-trump-narcoterrorists/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Four ways the Trump administration echoes policies of the Bush-Cheney era in 2025</a> (Responsible Statecraft)</p>
</blockquote>
<center>* * *</center>
<p><a href="https://archive.is/Wgeml" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Examining Trump's complex web of negotiations, policies, and wealth accumulation</a> (New York Times)</p>
<p><a href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/02/trump-2025-investments-trump-coin-djt" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">While Trump's wealth increased in 2025, his investors faced challenges</a> (Axios)</p>
<center>* * *</center>
<p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/01/trump-kennedy-center-canceled-programs" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Concerns arise as Trump's associates are accused of exploiting the Kennedy Center</a> (Guardian)</p>
<p><a href="https://www.jalopnik.com/2063860/fcc-bans-sale-foreign-drones/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">FCC prohibits the sale of all foreign-manufactured drones in the US</a> (Jalopnik)</p>
<h2>Immigration</h2>
<blockquote>
<p><a href="https://www.smry.ai/proxy?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheintercept.com%2F2026%2F01%2F02%2Fice-license-plates-database" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ICE operates unmarked vehicles, tracked by a public database of their license plates</a> (Intercept)</p>
</blockquote>
<h2>GOP Clown Car</h2>
<blockquote>
<p><a href="https://thehill.com/homenews/house/5668214-gop-lawmakers-fleeing-congress/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">GOP lawmakers, dissatisfied with congressional dysfunction, are departing</a> (The Hill)</p>
</blockquote>
<h2>Mamdani</h2>
<blockquote>
<p><a href="https://egberto.substack.com/p/zohran-mamdanis-message-goes-national" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Zohran Mamdani's nationwide message emphasizes tax justice and the end of austerity politics</a> (Egberto)</p>
<p><a href="https://www.kenklippenstein.com/p/media-reduces-mamdani-to-hot-chocolate" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mamdani elevates the discussion surrounding NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch</a> (Ken Klippenstein)</p>
<p><a href="https://archive.is/gpa9G#selection-497.0-497.68" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mamdani rescinds executive orders signed to support Israel</a> (New York Times)</p>
</blockquote>
<h2>Gunz</h2>
<blockquote>
<p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/02/california-ban-open-carry-unconstitutional" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">California's prohibition on openly carrying firearms deemed unconstitutional by the courts</a> (Guardian)</p>
</blockquote>
<h2>Economy</h2>
<blockquote>
<p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2026-01-01/world-economy-in-2026-three-scenarios-and-a-dystopia.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Exploratory scenarios for the global economy in 2026: Three possibilities, including a dystopian one</a> (El País)</p>
<p><a href="https://kdwalmsley.substack.com/p/aluminum-prices-soar-on-trump-tariffs" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Aluminum prices surge due to Trump tariffs and shifts in global supply chains</a> (Kevin Walmsley)</p>
<p><a href="https://www.nationthailand.com/business/property/40060655" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Major property markets such as Miami, Tokyo, and Zurich highlighted as high-risk areas</a> (Nation Thailand)</p>
</blockquote>
<h2>Mr. Market is Giddy</h2>
<blockquote>
<p><a href="https://archive.ph/G8ekN#selection-1231.0-1231.57" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Gold and silver maintain steadiness as the new year unfolds amidst impending market changes</a> (Bloomberg)</p>
<p><a href="https://archive.ph/qS2OA#selection-1549.0-1549.57" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Central banks are entering the gold market to curb smuggling activities</a> (Financial Times)</p>
</blockquote>
<h2>AI</h2>
<blockquote>
<p><a href="https://archive.is/xLwIR#selection-359.0-359.40" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The implications of AI on future policing practices</a> (Axios)</p>
</blockquote>
<h2>The Bezzle</h2>
<blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">⚡️The private equity sector is currently stagnant due to disagreements on reality.</p>
<p>When agreement on prices disappears, capitalism halts its function of allocating capital and starts preserving appearances.</p>
<p>1. Analyzing the current landscape</p>
<p>Private equity firms acquired assets under the assumptions of:</p>
<ul>
<li>Zero interest rates</li>
<li>Indefinite financial support</li>
</ul>
<p>— SightBringer (@_The_Prophet__) <a href="https://twitter.com/_The_Prophet__/status/2006492389066813512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">December 31, 2025</a></p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="zxx" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/f8qQJ5NUYz" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://t.co/f8qQJ5NUYz</a> <a href="https://t.co/Dti0ZYXpRp" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">pic.twitter.com/Dti0ZYXpRp</a></p>
<p>— Warren B. Mosler (@wbmosler) <a href="https://twitter.com/wbmosler/status/2007189292075078057?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">January 2, 2026</a></p>
</blockquote>
</blockquote>
<h2>Class Warfare</h2>
<blockquote>
<p><a href="https://www.newsweek.com/list-companies-layoffs-employees-january-11293493" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A list of companies commencing layoffs this January</a> (Newsweek)</p>
<p><a href="https://uk.investing.com/news/economy-news/us-households-more-pessimistic-on-finances-despite-steady-inflation--ny-fed-4406889" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">US households express increasing pessimism regarding their financial situations despite steady inflation rates</a> (Investing)</p>
<p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/dec/31/healthcare-americans-poll-data-insurance" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Record levels of Americans express pessimism about the US healthcare system</a> (Guardian)</p>
<p><a href="https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/parenting-food-diet-kids-sushi-8ff64063" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Parents face financial strain due to their children's sushi-loving tendencies</a> (Wall Street Journal)</p>
</blockquote>
<p>What is happening with these so-called adults? Did they never learn to say "no"?</p>
<p>For today's antidote, John U shares: “Sierra Newts underwater”:</p>
<p>
<img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" src="https://www.nakedcapitalism.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/00-sierra-newts.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="338" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-303430" />
</p>
<p>Additionally, a bonus image:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Baby hedgehogs resting securely on their mother’s belly while floating on water</p>
<p><a href="https://t.co/ntDCTpSVsc" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">pic.twitter.com/ntDCTpSVsc</a></p>
<p>— Science girl (@sciencegirl) <a href="https://twitter.com/sciencegirl/status/2003425308016542136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">December 23, 2025</a></p>
</blockquote>
<p>A second bonus:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Simply observing how giraffes walk is amusing <a href="https://t.co/jV64iTw2lR" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">pic.twitter.com/jV64iTw2lR</a></p>
<p>— Nature is Amazing ☘️ (@AMAZlNGNATURE) <a href="https://twitter.com/AMAZlNGNATURE/status/2007283445735542838?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">January 3, 2026</a></p>
</blockquote>
<p>And one final bonus:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Cat enjoying playful moments in the snow! 😊 <a href="https://t.co/N07IT6FfGq" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">pic.twitter.com/N07IT6FfGq</a></p>
<p>— Buitengebieden (@buitengebieden) <a href="https://twitter.com/buitengebieden/status/2007372560573563176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">January 3, 2026</a></p>
</blockquote>
<p>You can check yesterday’s Links and Antidote du Jour <a href="https://www.nakedcapitalism.com/2026/01/links-1-2-2026.html">here</a>.</p>
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