Tag: Marco Rubio

Charter Of The Board Of Peace Ratified By US President Trump In Davos

Charter Of The Board Of Peace Ratified By US President Trump In Davos

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The effort to transform Gaza from a region ravaged by conflict and the abuse of Islamic terrorists into a reformed place of opportunity and hope took major steps forward as US President Donald J. Trump formally ratified the Charter of the Board of Peace in Davos, Switzerland, according to the official announcement by the White House.

The historic ratification establishes the Board of Peace as an official international organization dedicated to reshaping the Gaza Strip by rebuilding it, redeveloping it and creating new opportunities for Gaza residents who have been abused and pushed around by the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas for so long. There are, however, legitimate concerns and questions about the Board of Peace.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the White House announcement. Some parts in boldface…

Today, in an historic ceremony in Davos, Switzerland, President Donald J. Trump formally ratified the Charter of the Board of Peace — establishing it as an official international organization. President Trump, who is serving as the Board’s Chairman, was joined by Founding Members representing countries around the world who have committed to building a secure and prosperous future for Gaza that delivers lasting peace, stability, and opportunity for its people.

It’s another pivotal step forward in realizing President Trump’s vision of transforming Gaza from a region plagued by conflict and despair into one defined by opportunity, hope, and vitality. The Board of Peace stands ready to mobilize global resources, enforce accountability, and guide the implementation of the next critical phases of demilitarization, governance reform, and large-scale rebuilding.

President Trump: “This Board has the chance to be one of the most consequential bodies ever created, and It’s my enormous honor to serve as its Chairman… Today, the first steps toward a brighter day for the Middle East and a much safer future for the world are unfolding right before your very eyes. Together, we are in a position to have any credible chance… to end decades of suffering, stop generations of hatred and bloodshed, and forge a beautiful, everlasting, and glorious peace for that region.”

Secretary of State Marco Rubio: “We are here today because of President Trump’s vision. If we go back just a few months ago, people thought what was happening in Gaza was impossible to solve… No one thought that that would ever come to a resolution without more fighting and more bloodshed along the way… But President Trump had the vision and the courage to dream the impossible, to believe that it was doable, and to pursue it with all of his heart.”

To see the entire White House announcement and images, click https://www.whitehouse.gov/articles/2026/01/president-trump-ratifies-board-of-peace-in-historic-ceremony-opening-path-to-hope-and-dignity-for-gazans/

Concerns and Questions – As mentioned earlier, there are some legitimate concerns and questions regarding the Board of Peace. Hamas itself has yet to be disarmed, and two of Israel’s enemies – Turkey and Qatar – are part of the Board of Peace.

For insight, posted below is an excerpt from the related article by Looking For The Blessed Hope. Some parts in boldface.

As part of the peace deal, President Trump proposed a “Board of Peace,” made up of world leaders who will quasi-govern Gaza while the Strip is rebuilt. That phase was to begin after conditions of Phase 1 (hostage return and disarmament) were met. In Davos, President Trump has already assembled that board and appears to be pushing the plan forward, despite Gaza’s lack of adherence to Phase 1 requirements.

So, who is on this infamous “Board of Peace,” announced today and chaired by President Trump himself? Quite frankly, it is shocking. First, there are ZERO Israeli representatives on that board. None…zero…zilch…nada! From the country that was attacked by those monsters. But guess who DID make the cut:

Several Americans close to Trump, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio (who has been a staunch supporter of Israel…let’s hope he keeps his head about him), Jared Kushner (Trump’s Jewish son-in-law/business man) and Steve Witkoff (special envoy who appears to be in the hip pocket of Qatar).

Some international bankers and investment firm billionaires, apparently there to help in the rebuilding of Gaza. Perhaps that will be advantageous, or perhaps they are there to serve their own best interests…we’ll see. Remember, this is a business deal as much (or more) than a foreign policy.)

Supposedly flaming antisemite, Turkish President Erdogan, has accepted an invitation. (If not, his Foreign Minister assuredly has.) Erdogan has publicly stated his intent to destroy Israel, and just recently said (in a conversation with Iran’s president), “Peace, stability, and security of Iran are strategic and vital importance to Turkey.” Why put an avowed Israel-hater in cahoots with the Iranian regime on the board to govern a terrorist enclave who also vows to destroy Israel? Insane!

Qatari Minister of Strategic Affairs Ali al-Thawadi is also among the board members. Qatar is the financial backbone of Iran’s proxies. They literally funded Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis in the 2-year war with Israel. What are we thinking?

For my previous blog posts regarding President Trump, Gaza and the Middle East, click here, here and here.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the Board of Peace will be able to fulfill its commitments while Trump remains as US President? Do you think Qatar and Turkey have something very sinister planned to ruin Israel while using the Board of Peace as a diplomatic shield? Do you think Trump and the Board of Peace will be able to pressure Hamas to disarm?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

US State Department Imposes Terrorist Designations Against Muslim Brotherhood Chapters Of Three Countries

US State Department Imposes Terrorist Designations Against Muslim Brotherhood Chapters Of Three Countries

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Remember a few months ago when US President Donald Trump made it clear that the Muslim Brotherhood will be officially declared a terrorist organization? America made its move by imposing terrorist designations against the Egyptian, Jordanian and Lebanese chapters of the Muslim Brotherhood, as announced very recently by the US State Department.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the complete US State Department’s announcement. Some parts in boldface…

Today, as a first step in support of President Trump’s commitment to eliminate the capabilities and operations of Muslim Brotherhood chapters that pose a threat to the United States as described in Executive Order 14362, the United States is imposing terrorist designations against the Lebanese, Jordanian, and Egyptian chapters of the Muslim Brotherhood.

The Department of State is designating the Lebanese Muslim Brotherhood as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT), and the group’s leader Muhammad Fawzi Taqqosh as an SDGT. Concurrently, the Department of the Treasury is designating the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood and Jordanian Muslim Brotherhood as SDGTs for providing material support to Hamas.

These designations reflect the opening actions of an ongoing, sustained effort to thwart Muslim Brotherhood chapters’ violence and destabilization wherever it occurs. The United States will use all available tools to deprive these Muslim Brotherhood chapters of the resources to engage in or support terrorism.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think this newest move by the United States will help the government of Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon corner the Muslim Brotherhood chapters and bring them down somehow? Do you think the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas will be severely affected now that the Egyptian and Jordanian chapters of the Muslim Brotherhood have been tagged by the US? Do you think America will eventually crack down on the Muslim Brotherhood’s deep connections with the pro-terrorist government of Qatar?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

America Withdraws From Wasteful, Ineffective, Or Harmful International Organizations

America Withdraws From Wasteful, Ineffective, Or Harmful International Organizations

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America’s impact on the world was felt yet again as it has officially withdrew itself from more than sixty-five international organizations declared as wasteful, ineffective, and harmful, the US State department announced.

For the newcomers reading this, the administration of President Trump conducted an in-depth review of many international organizations and eventually it led to the execution of Executive Order 14199. In short, America will halt funding the mentioned international organizations as many of them were found redundant, dishonest, irresponsible and even abusive over the handling of American taxpayer funds. America has its own interests and it is simply exerting its muscle on the global stage. Trump’s America is clearly rejecting the globalists and other sinister forces from around the world.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from US State Department’s official announcement. Some parts in boldface…

Today, in furtherance of Executive Order 14199, President Trump announced the withdrawal of the United States from 66 international organizations identified as part of the Trump Administration’s review of wasteful, ineffective, and harmful international organizations. Review of additional international organizations pursuant to Executive Order 14199 remains ongoing.

The Trump Administration has found these institutions to be redundant in their scope, mismanaged, unnecessary, wasteful, poorly run, captured by the interests of actors advancing their own agendas contrary to our own, or a threat to our nation’s sovereignty, freedoms, and general prosperity. President Trump is clear: It is no longer acceptable to be sending these institutions the blood, sweat, and treasure of the American people, with little to nothing to show for it. The days of billions of dollars in taxpayer money flowing to foreign interests at the expense of our people are over.

As such, the United States will be withdrawing from the 66 organizations that can be found here.

As this list begins to demonstrate, what started as a pragmatic framework of international organizations for peace and cooperation has morphed into a sprawling architecture of global governance, often dominated by progressive ideology and detached from national interests. From DEI mandates to “gender equity” campaigns to climate orthodoxy, many international organizations now serve a globalist project rooted in the discredited fantasy of the “End of History.” These organizations actively seek to constrain American sovereignty. Their work is advanced by the same elite networks—the multilateral “NGO-plex”— that we have begun dismantling through the closure of USAID.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think America’s withdrawal from the 66 international organizations will have a huge impact worldwide? Do you think the foreign abusers of American taxpayers’ money will eventually be exposed and held accountable for financial crime? Are you convinced that there are Islamo-Leftist elements working secretly among international organizations that received money from the United States?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

US State Department Directs Embassies To Enforce Sweeping New Visa Screening Rules

US State Department Directs Embassies To Enforce Sweeping New Visa Screening Rules

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A new crackdown on visas has officially been launched as the State Department of the United States recently directed American embassies around the world to implement new rules for visa screening under the revived “public charge” rule, according to a Fox News report. This developments follows the February 2025 presidential action titled Ending Taxpayer Subsidization of Open Borders.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the report of Fox News. Some parts in boldface…

A State Department cable obtained by Fox News Digital directs U.S. embassies worldwide to enforce sweeping new visa screening rules under the so-called “public charge” provision of immigration law — a move that revives and expands a Trump-era standard officials say was relaxed under President Joe Biden.

The guidance instructs consular officers to deny visas to applicants deemed likely to rely on public benefits, weighing a wide range of factors including health, age, English proficiency, finances and even potential need for long-term medical care.

“Self-sufficiency has been a longstanding principle of U.S. immigration policy,” the cable that went out to U.S. posts across the globe on Wednesday states, “and the public charge ground of inadmissibility has been a part of our immigration law for more than 100 years.“

Any past use of government cash assistance or institutionalization could also be grounds for denial. “You must examine all aspects of the case,” the guidance reads, “including the petition, visa application, medical report, affidavit of support, and any information uncovered in the course of screening and vetting.”

Older visa applicants nearing retirement age are to face particular scrutiny, both for their job prospects and whether they can support themselves once they stop working. “Long-term institutionalization (e.g., at a nursing facility) can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars per year and should be considered,” the memo notes.

The new guidance follows an executive order signed by President Donald Trump titled “Ending Taxpayer Subsidization of Open Borders.” The cable says the order seeks to ensure “that no taxpayer-funded benefits go to unqualified aliens.“

“The public charge determination is ‘in the opinion of the consular officer,’” the cable reminds, placing the burden of proof entirely on the applicant. Officers are instructed to conduct a “comprehensive and thorough vetting” of each case and to assess “the totality of the applicant’s circumstances” before issuing any visa. “There is no ‘bright-line’ test,” the cable adds. “You must consider all aspects of the case and determine whether the applicant’s circumstances… suggest that he is more likely than not to become a public charge at any time.“

A State Department official told Fox News Digital, “For years, the American taxpayer was held hostage by the Biden administration’s disastrous open borders agenda… The Trump administration has brought an end to the era of mass immigration.“

The State Department is responsible for deciding who receives visas abroad, while the Department of Homeland Security determines who is ultimately admitted to the United States and who may adjust status once inside the country. Although both agencies apply the same immigration law, the State Department’s guidance governs consular officers overseas, giving them broad discretion to deny visas on public charge grounds.

Wow! This is a tremendous change implemented under US President Donald Trump who in turn fulfilled his promise of reforming immigration that includes securing borders, arresting and deporting illegal immigrants/aliens, and now changing rules on visa screening. This is a reform that is very welcome and far too long have there been foreigners – who kept secret their personal hatred towards America – who secured visas to enter the US and cause trouble. As ICE continues to search for illegal immigrants/aliens, the State Department and the many US embassies will do their part to prevent visas from being issued to the wrong people.

This is also a much-needed change from the radical immigration handling of the failed US President Joe Biden. The Democrats and the woke zealots are obviously very angry about this newest development because they really do not care about their fellow American citizens. Considering everything that happened over the past few decades, the Democrats are the one American political party who keep on backstabbing Americans in favor of illegal immigrants/aliens and hateful foreigners who want to trespass into the USA.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you support the State Department’s global visa crackdown? 

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Tren de Aragua Gang Eliminated By America At Sea

Tren de Aragua Gang Eliminated By America At Sea

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United States President Donald Trump really means business when it comes to protecting his nation and citizens as America eliminated a vessel from Venezuela operated by the Tren de Aragua gang carrying illegal drugs, according to a Newsmax news report. Already the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago praised the strike.

For the newcomers reading this, Tren de Aragua is a transnational criminal organization from Venezuela and its members has spread throughout Latin America and even in the United States. Tren de Aragua is officially a terrorist organization.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of Newsmax. Some parts in boldface.

President Donald Trump said Tuesday that the U.S. has carried out a strike in the southern Caribbean against a drug-carrying vessel that departed from Venezuela and was operated by the Tren de Aragua gang.

The president said 11 were killed in the operation.

“The strike occurred while the terrorists were at sea in International waters transporting illegal narcotics, heading to the United States,” Trump said in a social media posting. “No U.S. Forces were harmed in this strike. Please let this serve as notice to anybody even thinking about bringing drugs into the United States of America.”

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said earlier on X that the vessel was being operated by a “designated narco-terrorist organization.” He described the operation as a lethal strike.

Rubio addressed the strike on Tuesday shortly before he was scheduled to depart for Mexico and Ecuador for talks on drug cartels, security, tariffs and more.

The U.S. recently announced plans to boost its maritime force in the waters off Venezuela to combat threats from Latin American drug cartels.

The U.S. has not signaled any planned land incursion by the thousands of personnel being deployed. Still, President Nicolás Maduro’s government has responded by deploying troops along Venezuela’s coast and border with neighboring Colombia, as well as by urging Venezuelans to enlist in a civilian militia.

For clarity, posted below is the entire social media post by President Trump regarding the strike. Pay close attention to the details:

Earlier this morning, on my Orders, U.S. Military Forces conducted a kinetic strike against positively identified Tren de Aragua Narcoterrorists in the SOUTHCOM area of responsibility. TDA is a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization, operating under the control of Nicolas Maduro, responsible for mass murder, drug trafficking, sex trafficking, and acts of violence and terror across the United States and Western Hemisphere. The strike occurred while the terrorists were at sea in International waters transporting illegal narcotics, heading to the United States. The strike resulted in 11 terrorists killed in action. No U.S. Forces were harmed in this strike. Please let this serve as notice to anybody even thinking about bringing drugs into the United States of America. BEWARE! Thank you for your attention to this matter!!!!!!!!!!!

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you like what the Trump administration is doing with regards to combatting terrorists and the wave of illegal drugs coming from Latin America? What will it take to apprehend all the remaining Tren de Aragua members in the United States? Do you think bringing down the Maduro regime in Venezuela can be achieved during Trump’s 2nd term?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

America sets 19% tariff on Philippine goods after crucial Trump-Marcos meeting

America sets 19% tariff on Philippine goods after crucial Trump-Marcos meeting

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Months after initial communications were made (click here and here), Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. finally met with US President Donald Trump in the White House and this ultimately resulted in a 19% tariff on Philippine goods by America, according to two related news articles (click here and here) by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

For the newcomers reading this, America initially announced a 17% tariff on products from the Philippines last April and it was recently revised to 20% which surprised many here in the Philippines. Now that the American tariff for Philippine goods has been settled at 19%, President Marcos called the reduction significant. It should be noted that America generated more than $100 billion in new revenue from tariffs under Trump this year.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the first PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…

Philippine exports to the United States (US) will now be subject to a 19 percent tariff, down from the 20 percent Washington initially planned to impose, US President Donald Trump announced following what he called a “beautiful visit” by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at the White House.

Part of the new deal includes granting zero tariffs for American products bound for the Philippines.

Philippine President Marcos with US President Trump at the White House. (photo source – the White House)

“It was a beautiful visit, and we concluded our Trade Deal, whereby The Philippines is going OPEN MARKET with the United States, and ZERO Tariffs. The Philippines will pay a 19% Tariff,” Trump posted on his Truth Social account early Wednesday (Manila time).

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt tweet of President Trump’s TRUTH Social post about the meeting with President Marcos and new trade deal.

He also described Marcos as a “very good and tough negotiator.”

Latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that the US comprised the highest export value amounting to USD1.115 billion, or 15.3 percent of the country’s total exports in May this year.

Posted below is an excerpt from the other PNA news article related to Marcos’ description of the 1% reduction of tariff by America as well as his clarification about Philippines’ zero tariff approach on certain American products coming to the country. Some parts in boldface…

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. defended the Philippines’ new trade arrangement with the United States (US), saying the reduced 19 percent tariff on Philippine exports—down from the proposed 20 percent—is a “significant achievement,” amid questions over its fairness.

“One percent might seem like a very small concession. However, when you put it in real terms, it is a significant achievement,” Marcos said in a press briefing following his meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House on Wednesday (Manila time).

The President acknowledged that the new deal also opens key Philippine markets to American products—particularly vehicles, agricultural goods, and pharmaceuticals—but said the arrangement will benefit Filipinos through lower prices and stronger bilateral trade.

“We will open that market and no longer charge tariffs on that… para makamura naman ‘yung mga – maging mas mura ‘yung gamot natin (so we can lower the cost of medicines),” he said.

Marcos said while the 19 percent tariff on Philippine goods is still substantial, it reflects a step forward in trade engagement with Washington D.C. and lays the groundwork for future negotiations.

For transparency, posted below is the official video from the White House YouTube channel.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you realize that there is a lot more about US and Philippines relations that go beyond the newly agreed trade agreement? Do you think America’s 19% tariff on exports from the Philippines will add challenged to the Philippine economy? What do you think about the Trump-Marcos meeting? Did you pay attention to the planned Subic Bay ammunition manufacturing plant that was mentioned? If you are based in the Philippines, do you look forward to importing American-made vehicles, agricultural products and pharmaceutical products once they enter the country without any tariffs imposed on them? Do you think the newest exchange between Trump and Marcos will make Communist China concerned or worried?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

USAID formally shut down and incorporated into State Department

USAID formally shut down and incorporated into State Department

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They finally did it! The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) –the independent agency of the American government responsible for administering civilian and foreign aid – was formally shut down by the Trump administration and has been incorporated into the State Department, according to a news report by Breitbart.

It should be remembered that USAID was heavily abused for a long time and a lot of taxpayers’ money was abused for questionable and wrongful purposes around the world such as funding LGBTQ projects, pushing abortion overseas, overseas tourism promotions, terrorist funding, creating a Sesame Street in Iraq, creating a mural in Parañaque City, and more.

As expected, there are high-profile figures who still want USAID to continue even though the abuses have been exposed. This new development with USAID is undeniably a major change decades in the making and United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued statements defending the move.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Breitbart news report. Some parts in boldface.

The US foreign aid agency formally closed down Tuesday, with President Donald Trump’s administration trumpeting the end of the “charity-based model” despite predictions that millions of lives will be lost.

Founded in 1961 as John F. Kennedy sought to leverage aid to win over the developing world in the Cold War, the US Agency for International Development (USAID) has now been incorporated into the State Department — after Secretary of State Marco Rubio slashed 85 percent of its programming.

In a farewell to remaining staff on Monday, former presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama — as well as U2 frontman Bono — saluted their work and said it was still needed.

Bush pointed to PEPFAR, the massive US effort to fight HIV/AIDS that he considers one of the top achievements of his 2001-2009 Republican presidency.

“This program shows a fundamental question facing our country — is it in our nation’s interest that 25 million people who would have died now live? I think it is,” Bush said in a video message seen by AFP.

Obama, who like Bush has been sparing in openly criticizing Trump, said that ending USAID was “inexplicable” and “will go down as a colossal mistake.”

“Gutting USAID is a travesty and it is a tragedy because it’s some of the most important work happening anywhere in the world,” the Democrat said.

A study published in the medical journal The Lancet predicted that more than 14 million people would die, a third of them small children, by 2030 due to the foreign aid cuts.

‘Little to show’ –  Rubio painted a drastically different picture of USAID, which was an early target of a sweeping government cost-cutting drive led for Trump by billionaire Elon Musk.

Rubio said that USAID’s “charity-based model” fueled “addiction” by developing nations’ leaders and that trade was more effective.

“Beyond creating a globe-spanning NGO industrial complex at taxpayer expense, USAID has little to show since the end of the Cold War,” Rubio wrote in an essay.

He also complained that many recipients of US aid do not vote with the United States at the United Nations and that rival China often enjoys higher favorability among the public.

A senior State Department official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that The Lancet study relied on “incorrect assumptions” and said the United States will continue aid but in a “more efficient” way.

He said that PEPFAR will remain, with a priority on stopping HIV transmission from mothers to children.

But he acknowledged the United States was no longer funding PrEP medication, which significantly reduces the rate of HIV transmission and has been encouraged by high-risk communities.

“No one is saying that gay men in Africa shouldn’t be on PrEP. That’s wonderful. It doesn’t mean that the United States has to pay for every single thing,” the official said.

He said the Trump administration was looking at “new and innovative solutions” and pointed to food deliveries in war-battered Gaza staffed by US military contractors and surrounded by Israeli troops.

Witnesses, the United Nations and local Gaza officials have reported that Israeli troops have repeatedly opened fire and killed Palestinians waiting for aid — although the US-backed initiative, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, denies any deadly incidents.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Are you satisfied with the formal end of USAID and its incorporation into the State Department? Do you think a lot of people’s lives around the world will suffer from the shutdown of assistance from USAID?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

DTI executive says Philippines is unlikely to be hit by Trump’s planned tariff hikes

DTI executive says Philippines is unlikely to be hit by Trump’s planned tariff hikes

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Based on available details and key factors, an executive of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) stated that the Philippines is unlikely to be hit by the planned tariff hikes of the returning United States President Donald Trump whose administration will formally start on January 20, 2025, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo said Monday that the Philippines is unlikely to be targeted by the planned tariff hikes under the incoming administration of United States President-elect Donald Trump, citing the balanced and healthy trade relationship between the two countries.

Rodolfo noted that the Philippines’ trade deficit with the US stood at USD4 billion in 2023, far smaller than the deficits the US faces with other Asian countries, including China (USD300 billion), Vietnam (USD109 billion), Japan (USD75 billion), South Korea (USD55 billion), India (USD47 billion), and Thailand (USD43 billion).

“We believe that countries with which the US has a huge trade deficit—particularly those which worsened during the past four years—will be likely targets of additional US tariffs,” he said.

He added that this puts the Philippines in a strong position as the US looks to address trade imbalances.

“With the Trump administration’s focus on reducing trade deficit, the Philippines can leverage the balanced and healthy Philippines-US trade, indicating a mutually beneficial trade relationship,” the DTI official added.

Strengthening ties – Rodolfo said DTI Secretary Cristina Roque and Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Secretary Frederick Go are working closely with the US government to ensure “even closer economic relations” with the long-time ally in preparation for Trump’s assumption into office.

He also pointed out that Trump’s pick for Department of State Secretary, Senator Marco Rubio, has been a strong proponent of closer economic and strategic ties between the US and the Philippines.

Rubio filed Senate Bill 4703, or the Philippines-US Strategic Partnership Act, which aims to enhance economic relations between the two countries.

The bill, filed on July 11, 2024, proposes to negotiate a critical minerals agreement with the Philippines; to prioritize support from the US International Development Finance Corporation for projects involving critical minerals and fossil fuels in the Philippines; and to identify additional US agencies that could invest in the Philippines, including the Department of Defense’s Office of Strategic Capital.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the Philippines won’t be hit by Trump’s planned tariff hikes? Are you hoping that under a Trump presidency, the Philippines and America will be able to have a free trade agreement?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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