Why Did These Companies Partner with Nazi Germany?

Jul 12, 2023 | Several well-established American companies aided Nazi Germany during the Holocaust, directly profiting from the atrocities perpetrated against the Jewish People. These include well-known businesses like IBM, which supplied data processing systems to the Nazi regime, and Ford, whose German subsidiary produced military vehicles for the Wehrmacht.

The majority of individuals involved in the decision to do business with Nazi Germany were motivated by greed rather than anti-Semitism.

The question remains whether or not these corporations should continue to be held responsible today for the role they played in the murder of Jews during World War II.

Corporate America’s Newest Activist Investor: Donald Trump

THE NEW YORK TIMES: The president is demanding government stakes in U.S. companies and cuts of their revenue. Experts see some similarities to state-managed capitalism in other parts of the world.

Corporate America has built up defenses against the likes of Carl Icahn, Nelson Peltz and other corporate raiders who have rattled the cages of chief executives, pushing for higher stock prices. Now companies have a new investor to worry about: the president of the United States.

President Trump has inserted the government into U.S. companies in extraordinary ways, including taking a stake in U.S. Steel and pushing for a cut of Nvidia’s and Advanced Micro Devices’ revenue from China. Last month, the Pentagon said it was taking a 15 percent stake in MP Materials, a large American miner of rare earths.

And on Friday, Intel agreed to allow the U.S. government to take a 10 percent stake in its business, worth $8.9 billion.

These developments could herald a shift from America’s vaunted free-market system to one that resembles, at least in some corners, a form of state-managed capitalism more frequently seen in Europe and, to a different degree, China and Russia, say lawyers, bankers and academics steeped in the history of hostile takeovers and international business.

And the actions are sending Wall Street’s bankers and lawyers scrambling to help companies come up with a playbook to defend against or least find ways to mollify Mr. Trump. » | Lauren Hirsch and Maureen Farrell | Saturday, August 23, 2025

Trump wants a “government stake” in American companies. For ‘government stake’, shouldn’t we be reading ‘Trump stake’? This must surely be one more scheme to make Trump and his family mega wealthy! And it goes without saying that America;s CEOs will be weak and feeble enough to go along with it.

This SCHEME sounds like something straight out of Hitler’s playbook to me! — © Mark Alexander

Block Elon Musk’s Bid to Supply UK Home Energy, Ed Davey Urges

THE GUARDIAN: Exclusive: Lib Dem leader says giving Tesla a foothold in Britain’s energy market could be national security risk

Elon Musk’s company, Tesla, should have its application to supply energy to UK homes blocked on national security grounds, Ed Davey has told ministers.
The Liberal Democrat leader argued that giving the electric car manufacturer a foothold in the British energy market would be “a gravely concerning move considering Elon Musk’s repeated interference in UK politics”.

Tesla has a clean energy arm and applied in July for a licence to supply power to British homes.

If the licence is granted by the regulator, Ofgem, the US company could be competing with big UK domestic energy suppliers such as British Gas and Octopus as soon as next year. » | Eleni Courea | Political Correspondent | Friday, August 22, 2025

Powell Says Rates May Need to Be Cut, but Fed to Proceed Carefully

REUTERS.COM: Fed chief cites jobs risk even with ongoing inflation concern / Powell says base case is for tariff inflation impact to be short-lived / He sees job market in 'curious balance' that could change fast

JACKSON HOLE, Wyoming, Aug 22 (Reuters) - Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell on Friday pointed to a possible interest rate cut at the U.S. central bank's meeting next month, but stopped short of committing to it, in remarks acknowledging both the growing risks to the job market and ongoing threat of higher inflation.

"While the labor market appears to be in balance, it is a curious kind of balance that results from a marked slowing in both the supply of and demand for workers. This unusual situation suggests that downside risks to employment are rising. And if those risks materialize, they can do so quickly," Powell told an audience of international economists and policymakers at the Fed's annual Jackson Hole conference in Wyoming. "It is also possible, however, that the upward pressure on prices from tariffs could spur a more lasting inflation dynamic, and that is a risk to be assessed and managed." » | Howard Schneider and Ann Saphir | Friday, August 22, 2025

Will the AI 'Bubble' Burst? | The Story

Aug 22, 2025 | Nvidia's the first company to be worth more than $4trilllion, developers are being offered salaries in the billions, and companies that don’t even have a product are securing investments beyond their wildest dreams. Yet there were reports this week that Meta could downsize its AI division. Our resident silicon valley watcher says there's an AI bubble, and looks back to the dot com boom and bust, for answers on what happens when it bursts.

Venezuela - Maduros Machtkampf | Doku HD Reupload | ARTE

Aug 20, 2025 | Präsident Maduro regiert Venezuela seit elf Jahren mit harter Hand. Trotz Unruhen und Wirtschaftssanktionen der USA hält er an der Macht fest. Maduro stürzte das Land in die schlimmste humanitäre Krise seiner Geschichte. Jahrelang galt er im Westen als Paria, doch nun ist er wieder salonfähig: denn seit dem Krieg in der Ukraine braucht die Welt dringend venezolanisches Öl.

Vom Busfahrer zum Präsidenten: Nicolás Maduro gibt so schnell nicht auf. Mit unerschütterlichem Glauben an seinen guten Stern und glühendem Sendungsbewusstsein sieht er es als seine Mission an, die sozialistische Revolution Venezuelas um jeden Preis fortzuführen. Einst war Venezuela das reichste Land Lateinamerikas. Seit Maduros Amtsantritt befindet es sich in der schwersten humanitären, sozialen, monetären und wirtschaftlichen Krise seiner Geschichte, zerrüttet von autoritärem Regierungsstil, ideologischer Verhärtung und jahrelangen wirtschaftlichen Fehlentscheidungen.

Die Ölproduktion brach von fast vier Millionen auf weniger als 500.000 Barrel pro Tag ein. Die Inflation erreichte einen Rekordwert von über 3.000 Prozent. Mittlerweile leben 90 Prozent der Bevölkerung unter der Armutsgrenze. Millionen Venezolaner haben das Land verlassen. Auf die sozialen Unruhen reagierte Maduro mit einem zunehmend diktatorischen Führungsstil. Er machte die Opposition mundtot, brachte die Presse zum Schweigen und ließ sich als Alleinherrscher feiern. Jahrelang wurde er von der internationalen Gemeinschaft ausgegrenzt und von internationalen Treffen ausgeschlossen. Doch der Krieg in der Ukraine hat das geopolitische Kräfteverhältnis tief erschüttert. Heute braucht die Welt dringend venezolanisches Öl. Vom Paria wird Nicolas Maduro wieder zum gefragten Gesprächspartner und unverzichtbaren Verbündeten.

Dokumentation von Paul Cabanis (F 2024, 52 Min)
Video verfügbar bis zum 15/02/2026

UK Inflation Rises by More Than Expected to 3.8% amid Higher Food Prices

THE GUARDIAN: Fuel and air fares also pushed up annual July rate, making interest rate cuts less likely this year

UK inflation rose again last month to a higher-than-expected 3.8% amid higher food prices and travel costs, adding to fears that the Bank of England will delay further interest rate cuts.

Figures showed the annual rate as measured by the consumer prices index climbed from June’s 3.6% reading, sitting above the central bank’s 2% target for the 10th consecutive month.

That overshot financial market forecasts of a 3.7% figure for July and makes another reduction in the cost of borrowing this year unlikely, with financial markets not fully pricing in the chance of a fresh quarter-point cut until next spring.

The data also suggests rail fares are likely to rise by 5.8% next year. Increases in regulated train ticket prices are usually calculated by adding one percentage point to July’s inflation reading as measured by the retail prices index, which was 4.8%. » | Phillip Inman | Wednesday, August 20, 2025

The Bank of England shouldn’t have lowered the interest rate in early part of this month. The people who work in the Bank are far too eager to lower interest rates. Cheap money is NOT a good policy. — © Mark Alexander

Faire casquer les riches | Capitalisme américain, le culte de la richesse (2/3) | ARTE

Mar 1, 2025 | Rediffusion disponible jusqu'au 01/02/2026

Les grandes étapes du capitalisme américain. Deuxième épisode : nommé secrétaire au Trésor en 1921, le roi de l’aluminium Andrew Mellon développe la théorie du "ruissellement". Mais le paradis des millionnaires se fracasse contre le krach de 1929, qui précipite le pays dans la Grande Dépression et le chômage de masse.

"Soak the rich" ("faire casquer les riches") : ulcéré par la cupidité et la fraude fiscale, le démocrate Roosevelt, qui sera réélu en 1936, prône un capitalisme maîtrisé. Avec son New Deal, l’État fédéral reprend la main sur l’économie et lance de grands chantiers publics. Au-delà du rêve américain, les "libéraux", adeptes de la régulation, et les "conservateurs", qui accusent l’interventionniste Roosevelt de tyrannie, s’affrontent sur le choix du capitalisme. Si le New Deal échoue à faire "casquer" les riches, la Seconde Guerre mondiale va offrir aux États-Unis la plus belle relance économique de tous les temps. Le chômage disparaît, les usines tournent jour et nuit, et le défi technologique de la bombe atomique va achever de sceller la collaboration entre l’industrie, la recherche et l’État. À la fin des années 1940, dans une Amérique qui produit la moitié de la richesse mondiale, même les millionnaires acceptent de payer des impôts élevés. Dès lors, l’État fédéral garantit la stabilité de l’économie et l’élite industrielle perd son pouvoir absolu, mais les conservateurs n’ont pas dit leur dernier mot.

Hors de contrôle
Comment, aux États-Unis, la République frugale des pères fondateurs s’est-elle transformée en gouvernement de riches pour les riches ? Au fil d’un récit haletant, nourri d’archives d’un capitalisme américain très cinématographique, cette série documentaire révèle la continuité d’une élite qui a toujours su justifier son opulence et éliminer la concurrence, en recyclant habilement la mythologie du pays pour rendre sa domination acceptable. Fondé sur la liberté d’entreprendre et la recherche du profit individuel, mais aussi sur la maîtrise du droit – la loi au service de l'intérêt privé –, le système rend inévitable la concentration exponentielle de la richesse, même si les partisans de la régulation par l’État n'ont cessé de s’opposer à cet ultralibéralisme féroce. De l’alibi philanthropique à la promesse renouvelée du "ruissellement", du mythe du self-made-man à la figure héroïsée du génie visionnaire de la Silicon Valley, ces trois épisodes déroulent un siècle et demi d’un capitalisme devenu hors de contrôle depuis près de quatre décennies, en dépit des conflits et des luttes. Si le mouvement Occupy Wall Street, notamment, a dénoncé l'avidité de ce "1 %" de la population face aux "99 %" qui la subissent, 722 milliardaires et 22 millions de millionnaires en Amérique continuent aujourd’hui d'accroître discrètement leur fortune en payant moins d’impôts que leurs secrétaires, en toute légalité.

Série documentaire (France, 2020, 1h)



Le paradis des millionnaires | Capitalisme américain, le culte de la richesse (1/3) | ARTE

Qui veut gagner des milliards ? | Capitalisme américain, le culte de la richesse (3/3) | ARTE

'Horror Scenario': US Slaps Switzerland with Tariffs | DW News

Aug 15, 2025 | The United States has imposed a 39 percent tariff on Swiss exports — more than double the EU rate and nearly four times that of the UK. Switzerland’s tech sector warns the move could threaten jobs, with luxury watches, industrial machinery, cheese, and chocolate among the affected goods. The US accounts for almost 20 percent of Swiss exports.

Why Is Social Security So Popular? | Sen. Bernie Sanders

Aug 14, 2025 | Ninety years ago this week, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act into law, creating the most popular government program in our nation’s history.

For nearly nine decades, through good times and bad, Social Security has paid out every benefit owed to every eligible American on time and without delay.

Before Social Security was signed into law, half of seniors in America lived in poverty. Today, although still way too high, that figure is 10%. Social Security is not, as Elon Musk has suggested, “the greatest Ponzi scheme of all time.” Quite the opposite. It is the most successful government program in American history. A program that over 160,000 older and disabled Vermonters benefit from each year.

And yet despite its success, President Trump and others have been working overtime to dismantle Social Security and undermine the confidence that the American people have in it. Since he took office, the Trump administration has fired at least 7,000 workers at the Social Security Administration, shut down Social Security field offices and made it more difficult for seniors and the disabled to receive the benefits they have earned over the phone.


This is the man who should be president! This gentleman would make a truly great president of the USA. If only the American electorate could see it! The current occupier of the White House, the convicted felon and sex offender, will never be able to make America great again. Bernie Sanders could and would. Bernie Sanders is the best president America has never had! — © Mark Alexander

Corporations Bring Indentured Servitude Back | The Kyle Kulinski Show

Aug 14, 2025

WARNING! This video contains VERY STRONG language. But its message should be heard.

Trump & Co are turning America into a SH! — © Mark Alexander

Ireland Losing Pubs Rapidly, Industry Group Warns

Aug 14, 2025 | Ireland is losing one pub every 2.8 days, the Vintners’ Federation of Ireland (VFI) has warned.

The introduction of the breathalyser started the problem for pubs, then came the smoking ban. Both sounded the death knell for pubs. Then, add to that the extortionate prices for drinks in recent times and you have a disaster. Ireland without pubs will be like Saudi Arabia without mosques! — © Mark Alexander

Nobel Prize-winning Economist Reacts to Trump's Attacks on Him …

Aug 13, 2025 | After Nobel Prize-winning Economist Paul Krugman pointed out Donald Trump's policies were hurting the U.S. economy, Trump attacked him online calling Krugman a "Deranged BUM" in a social media post in which the president misspelled the word “history" and incorrectly claimed Krugman still works for The New York Times. MSNBC's Lawrence O'Donnell is joined by Paul Krugman.

The Swiss Lived in Splendid Isolation for Years. Trump’s Tariffs Have Shattered That Complacency

THE GUARDIAN: The shockwaves sent by the US president could finally push Switzerland closer to the EU

Growing up in Zurich often felt like being removed from the world. It shouldn’t be that way: after all, Switzerland is at the heart of Europe. Riding on the cosy Zurich trams, one hears all the world’s languages; and the airport offers more direct intercontinental flights than Berlin. And yet, coming of age in Switzerland is like sitting in an aquarium looking at the world through a thick bulletproof window.

That glass was shattered last week when Donald Trump announced 39% tariffs on Swiss exports. The US is the most important destination for Swiss products: 18.6% of all its exports go there. If Trump maintains the tariffs, sales to the US “will be effectively annihilated”, said Switzerland’s industry lobbying group. The rightwing Swiss business minister, Guy Parmelin, announced a furlough programme to shield the economy from “mass layoffs”. The tabloid newspaper Blick captured the mood with a stark black front page, pronouncing it a “black day” for Switzerland. » | Joseph de Weck | Wednesday, August 13, 2025

How Will Falling Birth Rates Affect the Global Economy? | BBC News

Aug 11, 2025 | The global population is still growing, with the UN predicting that it will peak at 10.3bn in the 2080s. But in many advanced economies, it's falling, with both rates below the 2.1 needed to keep a population stable. But why? And how will it affect the global economy?

Trump Goes Nuts as Switzerland’s Gold Move Puts $48 Billion US Deficit at Risk

Aug 9, 2025 | A 1.2% US transaction tax on Swiss-refined gold originating outside the G7. At first glance, it looked like just another footnote in the sprawling ledger of global trade regulations, a mere $82 million on $6.8 billion in imports.

"This Is Dictatorship, NOT Presidency!" - Jeffrey Sachs Tears Trump Tariffs

Aug 9, 2025 | In this hard-hitting segment, acclaimed economist Jeffrey Sachs calls out Trump’s tariff strategy as “delusional” and economically flawed. Sachs dismantles the myth that trade deficits mean the U.S. is being “ripped off,” and underscores that the real issue is spending, not cheating.

How Private Equity Hollowed Out the UK’s Economy – Angus Hanton | Spectator Cover

Jul 25, 2025 | Britain has become a ‘vassal state’ to foreign money – and especially to American private equity.

In this episode, economist and author Angus Hanton joins Spectator TV to explain how private equity is hollowing out the UK economy, why the profits are heading overseas, and what the government could do to stop it.

Angus is the co-founder of the Intergenerational Foundation and author of Vassal State: How America Runs Britain.

Living the Nightmare’: Swiss in Shock as 39% U.S. Tariff Takes Effect | APT

Aug 7, 2025 | Swiss citizens and business leaders are reeling after Washington imposed a staggering 39% tariff on Swiss exports—far above those negotiated by the EU or UK.

The surprise move has sent shockwaves through industries like luxury watches, chocolate, machinery, and gold refining. With tens of thousands of jobs at risk and GDP projected to drop up to 0.6%, Swiss officials are scrambling.

President Karin Keller Sutter failed to secure a reduced rate during last-ditch talks in D.C., and now Switzerland is convening emergency meetings while urging calm and pursuing continued negotiations with U.S. authorities.

This video captures the sense of economic alarm and national urgency gripping Switzerland as it enters a new era of trade turbulence.

Argentina: Chainsaw Economics, Dead Dogs & Milei Mayhem | Mehdi Hasan & Diana Mondino | Head to Head

Aug 7, 2025 | In 2024, Argentina’s far-right President Javier Milei launched an economic overhaul that slashed public spending, gutted state institutions and triggered massive protests. The government dubbed it “chainsaw economics”.

Critics say it’s deepening poverty and pushing the country into chaos, while Milei continues to make headlines for bizarre behaviour, including claims he takes political advice from his dead dog’s clones. So who is really running Argentina – and at what cost?

Mehdi Hasan goes head-to-head with Diana Mondino, who served as Milei’s foreign minister before being abruptly fired. She defends the president’s policies, brushes off Milei’s personal attacks, and distances herself from his more extreme views, including his support for organ sales and his insults towards the late Pope Francis.

Joining the discussion are:
Matias Vernengo – Economics professor at Bucknell University and former official at Argentina’s Central Bank
Maxwell Marlow – Director of public affairs at the Adam Smith Institute
Martina Rodriguez – Member of the Argentina Solidarity Campaign and the Feminist Assembly of Latin Americans


Spanish (Latin American) subtitles are available.

Huge Economic Problems Coming for Republicans and the U.S. | Explainer

Aug 8, 2025 | From Politics Chat, August 7, 2025

Gastro am Limit: Berlins Restaurants kämpfen ums Überleben

Aug 6, 2025 | Immer weniger Gäste, immer höhere Kosten – Berlins Gastro-Betriebe stehen unter massivem Druck. Richard Reichelt betreibt ein Restaurant in Charlottenburg und spürt die Krise jeden Tag. Viele andere Restaurants mussten bereits schließen. Was steckt hinter der aktuellen Gastro Krise?

Faisal Islam: Why Has the Bank of England Cut Rates?

BBC: So why has the Bank of England cut rates when inflation is well above its target of 2% and seems set to remain there?

This vexed question is why the proceedings of the Bank's nine member Monetary Policy Committee were so close and even involved an unprecedented second vote.

The bottom line is that in the medium term the Bank sees the jobs market as exerting less upward pressure on inflation, because of a fall in the number of job vacancies and an increase in the jobless rate.

But Bank governor Andrew Bailey and his team will have some explaining to do.

Inflation remains high, and the very visible food price inflation figures look set to go up over the remainder of the year.

So the ripples of inflation remain and there are risks around an expected further cut in interest rates in November.

It is notable that both deputy governor Clare Lombardelli and chief economist Huw Pill voted to hold rates, against the judgement of the governor. » | Faisal Islam | Economics editor | Thursday, August 7, 2025

Related article here.

Trump's Fake Tariffs Kick In as Economy Slows and the World Holds Its Breath for Recession

Aug 8, 2-25 | On the day that tariffs kick in, Donald Trump called reporters to the Oval Office on Thursday to present fake charts that he claimed show the U.S. economy is solid following a jobs report last week that raised red flags and led to the Republican firing the head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

ANTHONY DAVIS can be supported on Patreon here.

This is Way Worse Than You Think - America Is in Decline! - Jeffrey Sachs

Aug 6, 2025 | Jeffrey Sachs is a world-renowned economist, professor, and global development expert known for speaking truth to power. With decades of experience advising governments, the United Nations, and world leaders, Sachs is not afraid to challenge U.S. foreign policy, corporate interests, and global economic injustice.

He served as the Director of The Earth Institute at Columbia University, a UN advisor under Kofi Annan and Ban Ki-moon, and has played a major role in shaping international economic policy in Latin America, Africa, and Eastern Europe.

In recent years, Sachs has gained attention for his bold criticisms of U.S. military interventions, his warnings about global economic collapse, and his support for multipolar cooperation, including better relations with China, Russia, and the Global South.

Rise of Russia’s Oligarchs: How They Seized Power and Built Empires | PARTS 1 & 2 | SLICE WHO

Nov 14, 2024 | At the turn of the century, Russia's oligarchs had amassed unimaginable fortunes, building financial empires in the chaos following the Soviet Union’s collapse. These powerful men controlled Russia’s key industries, wielding influence that rivaled the state. They built their wealth by seizing state assets through savvy, often ruthless deals, becoming billionaires in just a few years.

Among them was Boris Berezovsky, once a kingmaker in Russian politics and a symbol of the new elite. Berezovsky helped launch Putin to power, only to later become his fiercest enemy. As Russia’s government began reclaiming these oligarchs’ assets and dismantling their empires, Berezovsky led a high-stakes battle from exile.

This documentary dives into the fortunes built, the backroom deals, and the conflicts that arose between Russia’s billionaire class and a state determined to regain control, revealing the untold drama of wealth, betrayal, and power at the heart of modern Russia.

Bank of England Cuts Interest Rates as It Warns Food Costs Could Push Inflation to 4%

THE GUARDIAN: Bank’s policymakers cut base rate by quarter point to 4% amid concern about strength of UK economy

The Bank of England has warned that soaring food prices could drive inflation to 4% as it voted for a fifth cut in interest rates in a year, amid mounting concerns over the strength of the UK economy.

In one of its closest decisions since its independence more than 25 years ago, the Bank’s monetary policy committee (MPC) voted by 5-4 to cut its key base rate by a quarter point to 4%.

Taking borrowing costs to the lowest level since March 2023, a cut was widely expected in financial markets. However, the decision was a close call, with the rate-setting panel for the first time in history holding two votes before reaching its verdict.

Andrew Bailey, the Bank’s governor, said: “We’ve cut interest rates today, but it was a finely balanced decision. Interest rates are still on a downward path, but any future rate cuts will need to be made gradually and carefully.” » | Richard Partington | Senior economics correspondent | Thursday, August 7, 2025

China Is a Nation of Savers. Many Are Drowning in Debt.

THE NEW YORK TIMES: As Beijing pushes consumer lending to stimulate the economy, millions of Chinese borrowers, especially the young, are falling into debt spirals.

China is a nation of savers. The Chinese government wants its people to spend more and save less. It also wants them to take on more debt, all for the sake of saving the economy from a four-year slump.

The national financial regulator urged banks in March to expand consumer lending and offer more flexible repayment terms. Last month, policymakers promised to provide “innovative” financial services to boost consumption.

Yet many Chinese consumers are wary. An alarming number of them are already defaulting on their debt.

From 2021 to 2024, China’s total household savings grew 50 percent, as people scared off by a big decline in housing values stuffed their money in banks. During the same period, the number of loans that households could not afford to pay back nearly doubled.

For Beijing, expanding access to credit may seem like a quick way to stimulate the economy. But this push for consumers to borrow risks deepening a growing personal debt crisis. Many borrowers, particularly young people, are caught in cycles of debt, driven by poor financial literacy, high youth unemployment and stagnant wages. » | Li Yuan | Wednesday, August 6, 2025

Read in Simplified Chinese | 阅读简体中文版

Read in Traditional Chinese 閱讀繁體中文版

Trump Said He Would Double Tariffs on India as Punishment for Buying Russian Oil.

THE NEW YORK TIMES: President Trump announced on Wednesday that he would double tariffs on India, to 50 percent, beginning this month as punishment for the country’s continued purchase of Russian oil.

Mr. Trump coupled the new, punishing tariff level with a threat to impose similar penalties on other countries that buy Russian energy as he sought to use trade policies to pressure the Kremlin into resolving the war in Ukraine.

Under a new executive order, India would face a 25 percent tariff starting on Aug. 27 if it continues to buy oil from Russia. That would be in addition to a 25 percent duty that Mr. Trump announced last week, citing unfair trade barriers, which he plans to implement beginning Thursday. » | Tony Romm | Reporting from Washington | Wednesday, August 6, 2025

US-Zölle. Was bedeuten die 39 Prozent für die Schweizer Wirtschaft

Hier ist eine Erklärung.

The EU Is a Colossus. So Why Is It Cowering before Trump Like a Mouse?

THE GUARDIAN: With its woeful trade deal, Europe prostrated itself before the president. We need a leader who will tell him where to shove it

Who remembers the spate of “introduction videos” that emerged during the first Trump administration – a series of tongue-in-cheek clips about European countries to introduce them to Donald Trump? The viral video trend was sparked by the Dutch comedian Arjen Lubach, who ended his segment on the Netherlands with: “We totally understand it’s going to be America first, but can we just say the Netherlands second?” It seems that Europe’s leaders remember the videos all too well; that they internalised the caustic message a little bit too much.

Afraid of rocking the boat during its trade negotiations with Trump, the EU decided to pre-emptively sink itself. Instead of strategic autonomy, it will spend hundreds of billions of dollars on American weapons; in place of future climate goals, it will pour hundreds of billions into US natural gas; instead of a mutual tariff reduction, it will take a huge unilateral hit to EU exporters; instead of self-respect, humiliating prostration.

The new trade “deal” announced by Trump and Ursula von der Leyen last month left a five-year-old’s worth of whys to ponder. Why does the EU, a colossus, think it is a mouse? Why is it content to merely nibble at the edges of power? Will it ever respect itself as much as China, which met Trump tariff for tariff until he backed off? Why don’t its politicians understand that voters want leaders who will defend them, and that, as for Canada’s Mark Carney and Brazil’s Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, there are actually electoral rewards to be reaped by doing so without reserve? Why, even after Brexit, do they ignore the lesson that these same voters prioritise identity and emotion over cold economic rationality? » | Alexander Hurst | Wednesday, August 6, 2025

Milei Tames Inflation, but Argentines Still Struggle to Afford Basics

Aug 5, 2025 | Argentina’s government has slashed inflation from a record monthly high of 25 percent in 2023, to around two percent last month. But its economic policies have made housing, health and education more expensive.

Al Jazeera’s Teresa Bo reports from Buenos Aires, Argentina on who's struggling and who's benefitting.

Brazil: Bolsonaro under House Arrest, Escalating Tensions with Trump

Aug 5, 2025 | Former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro has been placed under house arrest by the Supreme Court.

He’s on trial for allegedly masterminding a coup to remain in office after he was defeated at the ballot box in 2022. The far-right leader denies he tried to overthrow the country’s current president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

Donald Trump’s administration has condemned the arrest calling it politically motivated and a silencing of the opposition.

Trump Supporter Goes Wild When Questioned about Trump's Tariffs! Incredible!

Jul 29, 2025 | In this video, Sebastian Gorka loses his cool when confronted about the global impact of Donald Trump's tariffs. …

This is arrogance personified. Gorka also sounds childish. What an AH! – © Mark Alexander

Trump’s Demand to Trading Partners: Pledge Money or Get Higher Tariffs

THE NEW YORK TIMES: President Trump is using an “Art of the Deal” approach to get other nations to hand over cash to lower their tariffs.

President Trump’s tariff threats have turned into a play for cold, hard cash as he tries to leverage U.S. economic power to cajole other nations to make multibillion-dollar investments in order to maintain access to America’s market.

The president’s second-term trade agenda has clear echoes of his “Art of the Deal” approach, essentially demanding that trading partners show him the money in the form of investment pledges or else face astronomically high tariffs.

The financial promises give Mr. Trump the opportunity to flex his negotiating prowess in relatable terms and show off the splashy sums he is pulling into America, adding to the reality show intrigue of his trade agenda. As the Trump administration races to reach trade deals with dozens of countries ahead of a Thursday deadline, he has embraced a strategy that goes beyond opening international markets and reducing the U.S. trade deficit.

The tactic was on display last week as Mr. Trump and his team rolled out a blitz of new trade agreements before a self-imposed Aug. 1 deadline. » | Alan Rappeport | Reporting from Washington | Monday, August 4, 2025

This is SHAMELESS behaviour by the president of the USA! This is tantamount to high society BEGGING! Isn't this a form of bribery? Isn't this corruption? Trump is sailing close to the wind! Clearly, the man is unworthy of the office of the Presidency. This behaviour STAINS the REPUTATION of America. One can only guess in whose pockets this begged money will end up! This is truly DISGUSTING! – © Mark Alexander

Tesla Grants Musk $29 Billion in Stock to Keep ‘Elon’s Energies Focused’

THE NEW YORK TIMES: The “interim” package announced on Monday was intended to help retain Elon Musk, whose previous pay plan was invalidated by a judge.

Tesla granted shares to Elon Musk worth nearly $30 billion, the company said on Monday, describing it as a “good faith” award to help retain the car maker’s chief executive after his previous multibillion-dollar pay package was struck down by a judge.

The company approved a grant of 96 million shares for Mr. Musk, which he could tap after two years of service in a “senior leadership role” at Tesla. The mercurial billionaire, whose business empire includes rockets, artificial intelligence, brain implants and more, hinted last month that he wanted more shares in Tesla, on top of his 13 percent stake, to prevent his ouster by “activist” shareholders. It was a “major concern,” he said on an earnings call with analysts.

With the new shares, Mr. Musk would own nearly 16 percent of Tesla, a stake that would be worth over $150 billion at the company’s stock price on Monday.

The package amounts to an extraordinary pay raise for Mr. Musk as Tesla sales and profit are falling, and the company is losing market share, in part because of his behavior. His involvement in right-wing politics has alienated many liberal car buyers who are more likely than conservatives to buy electric vehicles. Mr. Musk is already the world’s richest person, worth about $350 billion, according to Bloomberg. » | Jack Ewing | Monday, August 4, 2025

Nordkorea: Wandel durch Fortschritt | ARTE Reportage Reupload

Aug 3, 2025 | Nach dem Koreakrieg von 1950 bis 1953 wurde Pjöngjang mit Hilfe der Sowjetunion wieder aufgebaut, im Geiste des Kommunismus und als Vorzeigestadt der Kim-Dynastie: Gründer Kim Il-sung, sein Sohn Kim Jong-il und Kim Jong-un, der Enkel und Erbe seit 2011. Der Enkel scheint, von außen betrachtet, das Land modernisieren und öffnen zu wollen, für einen Frieden mit dem verfeindeten Süden.

Pjöngjang ist das Schaufenster Nordkoreas, die blühende Stadt der Diktatur – sie zeigen sie gerne vor, fürchten aber, dass der Vergleich zwischen der Hauptstadt und dem Rest des Landes ungünstig ausfallen könnte: Schließlich gehört Nordkorea nach wie vor zu den ärmsten Ländern der Welt; die Krisenzeiten mit Hungersnöten sind noch nicht so lange her. Während des Koreakriegs von 1950 bis 1953 wurde Pjöngjang durch die Bomber der amerikanischen Streitkräfte in Trümmer gelegt; und nach dem Krieg mit Hilfe der Sowjetunion wieder aufgebaut, im Geiste des Kommunismus und als Vorzeigestadt der Kim-Dynastie: Gründer Kim Il-sung, sein Sohn Kim Jong-il und Kim Jong-un, der Enkel und Erbe seit 2011. Der Enkel scheint, von außen betrachtet, das Land modernisieren und öffnen zu wollen, für einen Frieden mit dem verfeindeten Süden. Im Nordkorea von heute hat der Wissenschaftler die klassischen Helden, Bauer, Arbeiter und Intellektueller, beiseite gedrängt. In einigen Modellfabriken kommunizieren die Leiter direkt mit den Wissenschaftlern, um den Produktionsprozess stets und ständig zu verbessern – denn Fortschritt ist das Opium fürs Volk von heute in Nordkorea: Damit die Dynastie der Kims noch lange an der Macht bleiben kann…

Video verfügbar bis zum 23/05/2027

Investor Confidence in EU Drops after Trump’s Brussels Trade Deal

THE GUARDIAN: Agreement is said to ‘dampen the mood’, with the US viewed as the winner at the expense of the eurozone

Investor confidence in the EU has fallen sharply after Donald Trump’s trade agreement with Brussels, amid mounting concern about the economic hit from the US president’s tariff war.

The latest snapshot from the Sentix index showed that investor sentiment fell significantly at the start of the month after the deal last week between Trump and the European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen.

The data provider said its weekly survey of thousands of investors in more than 20 countries showed that the pact was a “deal that dampens the mood”, with Trump and the US viewed as “winners” at the expense of the eurozone.

“The result is devastating for the eurozone,” said Manfred Hübner, the managing director of the Sentix economic index. “The current situation and expectations are both declining. The wrinkles of concern in the economy are deepening again.” » | Richard Partington | Senior economics correspondent | Monday, August 4, 2025

Fareed's Take: Trump's Tariffs Have Caused a Seismic Shift in World Affairs

Aug 3, 2025 | "How is it a victory for the US that low-income Americans will now pay a good bit more for food and clothes at places like Costco and Walmart?" CNN's Fareed Zakaria asks, going on to note "the broadest effect of these tariffs will be to change the basic structure of the world economy."

This Isn’t a Presidency, It’s a One-Man Circus’: Sachs Tears Into Trump’s Trade War

Aug 3, 2025 | Renowned economist Jeffrey Sachs tore into Donald Trump’s latest tariff threats, branding them “Mickey Mouse economics” and accusing the former president of unleashing chaos on global markets. In a scathing takedown, Sachs said Trump’s trade logic was so flawed that “he wouldn’t pass a basic econ class,” slamming the former president’s obsession with trade deficits as “childish and dangerous.” Sachs blamed Trump’s economic policies for triggering a $10 trillion loss in global wealth, warning that the U.S. is now flirting with authoritarianism under “one-man rule by emergency decree.” Dismissing Trump’s talk of foreign nations “cheating” the U.S., Sachs countered: “It’s not a trade issue—it’s a spending problem.” The blistering critique comes amid rising fears that Trump’s return to power could reignite economic instability worldwide.

Ashish Prashar on Trump's Nonsense Trade Deals and Leveraging Humanitarian Aid for Gaza with Tariffs

Aug 4, 2025 | Political strategist and human rights activist Ashish Prashar joins Anthony Davis to discuss the fallout from Trump’s random tariff reboot as allies are punished by nonsense trade deals. Plus Trumps threatens geopolitical fallout with Canada, UK and France as they join 147 nations recognizing a Palestinian state in the face of mass starvation - only on The Weekend Show.

ANTHONY DAVIS can be supported on Patreon here.

Trump Hits Brazil with Tariffs over Bolsonaro Trial | DW News

Aug 2, 2025 | Brazil’s finance minister says the Trump administration’s tariffs are “more favourable” than he expected, but that there is still “a lot of injustice” in the measures. Trump's order adds a 40 percent levy on Brazilian goods, bringing the total up to 50 percent. The tariffs affect coffee and meat, two major Brazilian exports, but exempts hundreds of other products. Today in Sao Paulo, demonstrators gathered outside the US Consulate. They claim that Trump is using tariffs to force Brazil into dropping the trial of his ally, former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro.

"The Collapse Has Already Begun... - America Can’t Recover from This!" - Jeffrey Sachs

Aug 2, 2025 | Jeffrey Sachs is a world-renowned economist, professor, and global development expert known for speaking truth to power. With decades of experience advising governments, the United Nations, and world leaders, Sachs is not afraid to challenge U.S. foreign policy, corporate interests, and global economic injustice.

He served as the Director of The Earth Institute at Columbia University, a UN advisor under Kofi Annan and Ban Ki-moon, and has played a major role in shaping international economic policy in Latin America, Africa, and Eastern Europe.

In recent years, Sachs has gained attention for his bold criticisms of U.S. military interventions, his warnings about global economic collapse, and his support for multipolar cooperation, including better relations with China, Russia, and the Global South.

Republicans Slam Trump’s Firing of Bureau of Labor Statistics Chief

THE GUARDIAN: President claimed that recently released figures showing jobs slowdown were ‘rigged’ to make him look bad

Senior Republican lawmakers are condemning the decision of their party leader, Donald Trump, to fire the leading US labor market statistician after a report that showed the national economy added just 73,000 jobs – far fewer than expected – in July.

The disappointing figures – coupled with a downward revision of the two previous months amounting to 258,000 fewer jobs and data showing that economic output and consumer spending slowed in the first half of the year – point to an overall economic deterioration in the US. » | Edward Helmore | Saturday, August 2, 2025

The US jobs market is slowing down because of Trump’s own mismanagement. It’s as simple as that! Trump has created great uncertainty in the economy. Uncertainty is poison for a flourishing economy. So the buck stops with Trump himself. – © Mark Alexander

Trump Attacks Brazil to Weaken BRICS. Lula Pushes Back: We Don't Want US 'Emperor' or 'World Police'

Aug 2, 2025 | The White House imposed 50% tariffs on Brazil and declared it a threat to US "national security". Donald Trump is blatantly meddling in internal Brazilian affairs, trying to undermine left-wing President Lula da Silva and help far-right former leader Jair Bolsonaro. The USA's attacks also aim to divide BRICS and discourage more countries from joining. Political economist Ben Norton explains how the US empire is attacking the Global South's multipolar project.

Peak Summer Season Is Here, but Where Are the Tourists?

Jul 27, 2025 | The U.S. Tourism Crisis: What’s Really Happening? It’s the peak of summer, but U.S. tourist hotspots are unusually quiet. Las Vegas, Niagara Falls, San Francisco, and other major destinations are seeing far fewer visitors than expected. Hotels are slashing rates, small businesses are struggling, and border crossings from Canada are way down.

In 2025, what should be a booming season has turned into a confusing and costly downturn. Many travelers — especially Canadians — are staying away, and even business owners say they don’t fully understand why. Rising prices, hidden fees, visa issues, political tensions, and safety concerns are all adding up to a tourism crisis that could cost billions.

Workers in hospitality, retail, and entertainment are already feeling the impact, with fewer tips, fewer shifts, and growing uncertainty.

This video dives into the data, the stories, and the bigger questions: Is this a temporary slump or a sign of long-term change in how the world sees the United States?

Wall Street Update: Dow Tumbles over 500 Points amid New Tariffs, Weak Jobs Report

Aug 1, 2025 | As the global trade market is hit with President Trump's new tariffs, the latest jobs report shows job growth has slowed sharply. Trump is blaming Fed Chair Jerome Powell for the weak report. NBC News' Shannon Pettypiece and Garrett Haake have the latest reporting. Axios Chief Economic Correspondent Neil Irwin joins Ana Cabrera to share his analysis.

Britannia Unchained by Brexit SOLD OFF to USA

Jul 31, 2025 | £40bn LOST. Animal Welfare Downgraded. U.S. Corporations in Charge.

While the UK public is being distracted by talk of Brexit resets and animal welfare ‘carve-outs,’ the truth is far more alarming.

Keir Starmer has signed away Britain’s sovereignty to Trump’s America without a vote in Parliament. Using Henry VIII powers, his government is now rewriting UK laws by stealth, allowing U.S. agribusiness standards into our food system, including deregulated chicken handling (SI 2025/776) and backsliding on vital protections.

Meanwhile, a Judicial Review has just been granted to challenge this dangerous deregulation — proving we’re not imagining it, and we are not alone.

Stock Markets Open Lower after US Announces New Tariffs on More Than 90 Countries | BBC News

Aug 1, 2025 | Stock markets around the world have opened lower after US President Donald Trump announced new tariffs on more than 90 countries.

Stephen Miran, an economic advisor to the president, said he sees "zero evidence" prices on goods will rise for Americans, but warnings are swirling that tariffs will hit consumers directly.

Trump announced higher tariffs for many Canadian goods but most products are exempted due to a free trade agreement - while Mexico has escaped higher levies for another 90 days.

What Now for Germany's Economic Model? | Berlin Briefing Podcast

Aug 1, 2025

Switzerland Is Stunned by 39% U.S. Tariff, Among the Highest in the World

THE NEW YORK TIMES: Swiss officials plan to negotiate furiously for a lower rate in the coming days, before the punishing levy takes effect.

Switzerland got a rude awakening on Friday, a national holiday, after President Trump imposed a 39 percent tariff on goods imported from the Alpine country, one of the highest rates of any country. Karin Keller-Sutter, the Swiss president, said that she had spoken with Mr. Trump on Thursday but that “no agreement could be reached.”

The Swiss were already indignant about Mr. Trump’s initial threat, in April, to levy a 31 percent tariff on their goods. When the White House announced revised rates late on Thursday, the Swiss were shocked to see that already steep rate raised further. Many other tariffs were maintained or lowered somewhat by Mr. Trump’s revisions.

Now, Swiss products imported in the United States, including pharmaceuticals, precision instruments and even coffee capsules, will be subject to the 39 percent tariff if the two sides don’t hash out a trade deal by Aug. 7. » | Liz Alderman | Reporting from Paris | Friday, August 1, 2025

Tracking Trump’s New Tariffs on Every Country

THE NEW YORK TIMES: President Trump unveiled an updated slate of sweeping tariffs on Thursday, targeting imports from dozens of U.S. trading partners, in a major escalation of a potentially damaging global trade war without parallel in modern history.

For the most part, Mr. Trump's duties will take effect on Aug. 7, capping off months of haggling, tinkering and delay. The president enacted the new rates through a series of executive orders, some of which reflect preliminary trade deals struck recently with countries that offered favorable concessions to the United States.

Together, the actions amount to an audacious gamble by the White House, which believes its policies can reset the world trading order, raise new federal revenue and pressure private businesses to make more of their products domestically.

But Mr. Trump’s campaign is only beginning — and whether he will succeed remains an open question with great consequence for the U.S. economy. The president's trade brinkmanship has rattled financial markets around the world, and his tariffs threaten to raise prices on American consumers and businesses, who foot the bill for those duties when they import foreign goods. » | Lazaro Gamio, Tony Romm and Agnes Chang | Thursday, July 31, 2025