USA Willing to Give Occupied Regions to Russia? 

The Telegraph wrote on November 28: 

“The United States is poised to recognise Russia’s control over Crimea and other occupied Ukrainian territories to secure a deal to end the war… Donald Trump has sent his peace envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner to make the direct offer to Vladimir Putin in Moscow.

The plan to recognise territory, which breaks US diplomatic convention, is likely to go ahead despite concerns among Ukraine’s European allies.

One well-placed source said: ‘It’s increasingly clear the Americans don’t care about the European position. They say the Europeans can do whatever they want.’… 

“Washington’s apparent offer of recognition has caused concern amongst its European allies, who have repeatedly ruled out backing a peace deal that condones borders being redrawn by force… Until now, the US and Europe have refused to recognise Russia’s control over Crimea, the peninsula that Putin illegally annexed in 2014… 

“In recent days, leaked phone calls showed how Mr Trump’s lead negotiator, Mr Witkoff, was found to have coached Russian officials on how to court the White House… Open source intelligence experts have suggested a European agency could have disclosed this information to expose the blossoming relationship between the presidential aide and the Kremlin…” 

Risk of Major Split 

The Daily Mail added on November 28: 

“The move would mark the most dramatic shift in US policy toward the conflict since Russia seized Crimea in 2014, and risks a major split with European governments that have repeatedly rejected any peace plans involving territorial concessions… 

“European concern has intensified further after leaked recordings revealed Witkoff coaching Russian officials on appealing to the Trump administration. In those calls, he referred to Ukraine needing to give up Donetsk, prompting questions about whether US envoys had already signalled willingness to support Russian demands…”

Europeans would view such an “agreement” with Russia as an American betrayal. No good would come out of it, and the result would be increased anti-American sentiments. 

Preemptive Strikes on Russia? 

The Sun wrote on December 1: 

“RUSSIA has accused Europe of gearing up for ‘major war’ after a top Nato chief claimed the defence pact could launch ‘pre-emptive strikes’ on Vladimir Putin. Moscow hit back at the suggestion, blaming the West for ‘moving towards escalation’… 

“Speculating on Nato’s ability to hit Russia first, [Admiral Giuseppe Cavo] Dragone, [chair of Nato’s Military Committee] said: ‘We are studying everything […] On cyber, we are kind of reactive. Being more aggressive or being proactive instead of reactive is something that we are thinking about.’

“Dragone added that revenge cyber-attacks would be the simplest option, because many Nato member nations hold the capabilities to launch them. Retaliation for physical sabotage or drone incursions would be more complex – but not out of the question. The admiral said that a ‘pre-emptive strike’ could, under certain circumstances, be classified as a defensive action… 

“Nato has already been urged to abandon its reactive stance by several member states – particularly those in eastern Europe which bear the brunt of Russia‘s aggression.” 

Ultimately, this is exactly what will happen, according to biblical prophecy. 

Putin: “If Europe Wants War…” 

Newsmax wrote on December 2:

“Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday that Russia did not want a war with European powers but that if Europe did want a war, then Russia was ready right now to fight. Putin said that European powers were making demands on a possible peace settlement for Ukraine that Moscow considers absolutely unacceptable. Putin accused Ukraine’s European allies Tuesday of sabotaging U.S.-led efforts to end the war that have gained momentum in recent weeks… thus ‘blocking the entire peace process,’ only to blame Russia for it. ‘That’s their goal,’ Putin said. 

“… European leaders, who fear Russia’s future territorial ambitions and are trying to figure out how they can fund Ukraine’s fight beyond this year, are trying to make their voices heard after being largely sidelined by Washington…” 

Europe Plans “Nuclear Option”? 

Express wrote on December 1: 

“Trump has fuelled fears among European politicians that the White House is preparing to sacrifice the continent’s security in exchange for US economic gain. 

“European states are considering adopting the ‘nuclear option’ of sinking the US economy, if Donald Trump sells out Ukraine and endangers security on the continent… European leaders remain suspicious that Trump is rushing towards a geopolitical deal with Vladimir Putin while paying little heed to the security concerns of NATO allies. 

“The Wall Street Journal reports a European intelligence service has circulated internal assessments about ‘commercial and economic plans’ the Trump team has been exploring with Russia behind closed doors… Sources told the WSJ that European leaders are considering adopting extreme countermeasures in retaliation, designed to unleash economic chaos in the US. 

“The alleged plan involves dumping trillions in US government debt owned by European states. A rapid sell off would likely cause a crash in the value of the US dollar, create a liquidity crisis across the banking system and cause a huge spike in borrowing costs. It would also lock the American financial sector into a paralysis more severe than the 2008 crisis. 

“A leading European economist [described]… the plan as a potential financial whiplash that could hit the US harder than any external shock in modern history. The political consequences would likely be disastrous for Trump and the Republicans as the midterm elections approach next year. 

“The EU and the UK are among the largest holders of US Treasury securities (US debt), which gives them significant potential economic leverage.

As of December 2024, the United Kingdom holds an estimated $722.7 billion in US debt. The European Union member countries collectively hold an estimated $1.62 trillion. Combined, this is approximately $2.34 trillion, making the EU/UK bloc one of the single largest foreign holders of US debt.” 

This would cause an incurable permanent rift between the two power blocs. 

EU Tells Trump: You Can’t Pardon Putin For War Crimes 

Politico wrote on December 1: 

“Donald Trump’s drive to secure peace in Ukraine must not let Vladimir Putin off the hook for war crimes committed by Russian forces, a top EU official has warned, effectively setting a new red line for a deal… Michael McGrath, the European commissioner for justice and democracy, said negotiators must ensure the push for a ceasefire does not result in Russia escaping prosecution. 

“His comments reflect concerns widely held in European capitals that the original American blueprint for a deal included the promise of a ‘full amnesty for actions committed during the war,’ alongside plans to reintegrate Russia into the world economy. The Trump team’s push to rehabilitate the Kremlin chief comes despite international condemnation of Russia for alleged crimes including the abduction of 20,000 Ukrainian children and attacks targeting civilians…. 

“Ukrainian authorities say they have opened investigations into more than 178,000 alleged Russian crimes since the start of the war… The EU and others have worked to set up a new special tribunal for the crime of aggression with the aim of bringing Russian leaders to justice for the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which began in February 2022… In March 2023, judges at the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Putin…” 

The different positions between the USA and the EU become more and more obvious. 

Germany to Take Over NATO? 

Newsweek wrote on November 30: 

“Comments by President Donald Trump’s envoy to NATO suggesting that Germany take over the American role of the alliance’s European commander signal Washington’s disengagement from European security affairs…

“[U.S. ambassador to NATO, Matthew] Whitaker’s comments follow rumors the U.S. wants to step back from the role and suggest the Trump administration would like to see Germany replace the U.S. as Europe’s main security guarantor.”

Europe to Hit Back? 

Politico wrote on November 27: 

“Russia’s drones and agents are unleashing attacks across NATO countries and Europe is now doing what would have seemed outlandish just a few years ago: planning how to hit back… 

“After Russian war drones were shot down over Poland, NATO said it would boost the alliance’s drone and air defenses on its eastern flank — a call mirrored by the EU. Even that is enraging Moscow.

“Europeans ‘should be afraid and tremble like dumb animals in a herd being driven to the slaughter,’ said [deputy Kremlin Security Council head Dmitry] Medvedev in early October. ‘They should soil themselves with fear, sensing their near and agonizing end.’… 

“So far, countries like Germany and Romania are strengthening rules that would allow authorities to shoot down drones flying over airports and militarily sensitive objects.” 

Too early yet, but ultimately, Europe will be destroyed by Russia and its Far Eastern allies. 

“Germany Raised Its Citizens to Hate War. Now It Wants Us to Enlist in the Army – But We Say No” 

On November 28, the Guardian published the following opinion by Mithu Sanyal, author, academic and broadcaster based in Düsseldorf: 

“After we lost the second world war – or, as we prefer to say, after we were liberated by the allies – we swore ‘never again’: never again to war, and never again to Auschwitz. Admittedly, Germany rearmed in 1955, but just as ‘citizens in uniform’… For most of my life, the German army didn’t venture beyond our borders. Then came reunification in 1990, and during the first sitting of the all-German Bundestag, the then chancellor, Helmut Kohl, announced that we had to step up internationally: in 1994, the law was changed accordingly to allow the Bundeswehr to be deployed ‘out of area’ again. 

“Nonetheless, Germans remained squeamish about the idea that our soldiers might actually do what they have been trained for… That all changed in 1999. I always try to convey to people outside Germany the seismic shift that occurred that year, when our then foreign minister Joschka Fischer declared we had to let go of ‘never again to war’, in order to honour ‘never again to Auschwitz’ – because Serbia was planning what Fischer called a ‘new Auschwitz’ in Kosovo. Invoking the Holocaust was the only way to get the German public to accept our participation in international wars again. 

“So now we’re bringing back conscription – only we call it voluntary conscription… Even Germany’s Protestant church has been re-evaluating its stance on war and the atom bomb this month… with the following conclusion: in these troubled times, ‘Christian pacifism is ethically not justifiable.’  [What blasphemy!] 

“It is scary how fast this is moving – and some of the details are mind-boggling… A few months ago a prominent German feminist pointed out it was against equal rights that our sons had to go into the army… she went on to ask for conscription for our daughters as well… 

“If we enter the Ukrainian war with manpower…, Patrick Sensburg, president of the Bundeswehr Reservists Association, warned that 1,000 soldiers would die or be seriously maimed every day… One of his main concerns was how to replace 1,000 dead human beings each day. The solution: conscription… 

“Likewise, Chancellor Merz knows he is helping to reconstitute the national mood and set a new agenda when he says: ‘We are not at war. But we are no longer at peace.’ So does nearly every politician and… nearly every journalist in Germany. They are participating in what propaganda researchers call cognitive warfare… 

“I agree the war in Ukraine is a crime – so why aren’t we doing everything in our power to end it?…  a country that isn’t doing everything to prevent wars has lost the right to ask its citizens to participate in them. 

“Most Germans under 30 are against conscription– and it’s only Germans that are too old to go to war that are in favor…” 

Very important and CORRECT article. Yes, Germans are being induced by the political establishment and the mass media to love to go to war again… slowly but surely. 

Defense Talks Between Britain and EU Break Down

Vocal Media wrote on November 28: 

“For months, the United Kingdom and the European Union have tried to build a new foundation for defence cooperation. Both sides hoped that, even after Brexit, they could still work together on issues that affect the entire continent—security, technology, and military readiness. But this hope took a serious hit when Britain officially announced that talks to join the EU Defence Fund (EDF) had broken down… 

“Billions of euros are set aside for this fund, and companies from member states can apply for major contracts. If Britain had joined the EDF, its defence industries could have benefited from these opportunities… However, joining the EDF as a non-EU country is complicated. Unlike NATO, the EDF is tightly controlled by the EU, and it requires strict adherence to the bloc’s regulations, data-sharing rules, and research guidelines. This is where the talks began to fall apart… 

“The most important disagreement was about control and decision-making. The EU wanted Britain to follow its rules without giving the U.K. much influence over how the fund operates… 

‘Another conflict involved technology sharing. EU leaders were cautious about allowing a non-member state access to sensitive military research. They worried that sharing information widely—even with a trusted partner—could weaken security or give other countries an advantage.

“The third major issue was political trust, which still hasn’t fully recovered after Brexit…

“In the end, neither side was willing to compromise enough to reach an agreement. As a result, the talks officially collapsed… many analysts believe the U.K. has lost a valuable chance to shape Europe’s defence future… the breakdown marks a disappointing moment in post-Brexit security efforts…” 

“Britain Quits EU Rearmament Deal After £5.7 Billion Demand from France” 

Express wrote on November 29:

“The programme is set to provide up to €150 billion (£130 billion) in long-term loans to member states for defence spending and large-scale investments.

“SAFE [“Security Action for Europe”] is based on EU loans, and French President Emmanuel Macron insisted that the UK must make high contributions to participate in the scheme. A source claimed that the UK was not prepared to pay significantly into the programme and offered a figure lower than £1 billion…

“It is reported that 19 of the 27 EU countries have applied for SAFE loans so far… The money is expected to be issued early next year, with Poland set to receive the highest share with €43.7 billion. Meanwhile, Romania will receive €16.6 billion, with Hungary and France each given €16.2 billion.”

SAFE and EDF refer to multiple different programs and entities, but they are generally not the same program. The acronyms have distinct meanings in different contexts.  

The European Defence Fund (EDF) is an EU initiative to fund cooperative defense research and capability development, which builds on earlier initiatives. The Security Action for Europe (SAFE) is an EU financial instrument providing support to Member States for urgent defense investments. 

Costco Sues Trump Over Tariffs

CNBC wrote on December 1:

“Costco sued the Trump administration [on Friday] to get a full refund of new tariffs it paid so far this year, and to block those import duties from continuing to be collected from the retail warehouse club giant as a Supreme Court case plays out… Costco said that it risks losing the money it has already paid to satisfy the tariffs even if the Supreme Court eventually upholds earlier lower court rulings that found President Donald Trump did not have the legal power to impose those duties.

“The company noted a looming Dec. 15 deadline that could prevent the tariffs that it has already paid on an estimated basis from being refunded… Dozens of other companies have filed similar lawsuits to protect their right to potential refunds in case the Supreme Court rules against the [tariffs]… 

“The Trump administration has warned of the potential fallout of having to refund hundreds of millions of dollars in tariffs if the Supreme Court upholds the lower court rulings that Trump did not have authority… to unilaterally impose those duties.’

Trump Is Going Way Too Far

On November 28, the Ron Paul Institute published the following article by Eric Margolis:

“President Donald Trump threatens to hang military officers who have the audacity to tell their troops not to obey unlawful orders. Trump called them ‘traitors’ and suggested they be locked up. The president just crossed the Rubicon… after these threats, he has gone way too far. Americans should be alarmed.

“I enlisted in the US Army in 1969 to become an infantry officer and served in Vietnam… In basic and advanced infantry training at Fort Dix, New Jersey, we were educated in the military code of conduct… The most important single lesson that I vividly recall was the order to refuse any orders seen as illegal – that is, in violation of US law and the Geneva Conventions. This command did not come out of the blue. It was promulgated as a result of the Nuremberg Trials after World War II in which much of the senior German elite was found guilty of war crimes, and many sentenced to death.

“Most of the German officials and soldiers being tried for assorted war crimes claimed they were simply following orders from senior commanders… The Nuremberg Trials were in many ways legalized revenge on a defeated enemy. Particularly so when the victorious allies included the US Air force and RAF who had killed millions of civilians in Europe and Japan, and the Soviets who had killed millions more innocent civilians. 

“Nuremberg was a gigantic kangaroo court, and legalized revenge killings. But the one good thing that came out of it was the rejection of the ‘I was only following orders’ defense. All wars are a crime, but this new statute slightly reduced some of the horrors and murder involved. 

“President Trump now wants to sweep this protection away because he feels his regal authority powers have been challenged. This is a violation of our constitution and laws… It’s too bad Donald Trump managed to evade military service… or he would have a better understanding of this important issue and the legal and customary restraints imposed on his noble office.” 

But what about those under him, supporting him, who served in the military? They undoubtedly should know better. 

Trump’s Mental Decline? 

Mediaite published on November 28 the following opinion by Michael Luciano: 

“President Donald Trump’s spiral into a vicious – and malicious – mental decline continued apace on Thanksgiving, capping off an especially erratic month in which he somehow managed to be even less ‘presidential’ than before. 

“Trump, 79, has displayed increasingly antisocial behavior. This month, he called a reporter ‘piggy’ to her face. Last week, he claimed that six Democratic lawmakers who urged soldiers to ‘refuse illegal orders’ had committed sedition… [He] reposted a post stating, ‘HANG THEM.’ On Wednesday, the president ranted about ‘Somalians’ after an Afghan national… was arrested in connection with the shooting of two West Virginia National Guard members in Washington, D.C., one of whom has died. 

“… he erupted at another female reporter… Trump told the reporter, ‘You’re a stupid person.’

“… Trump took to Truth Social, where he railed against Somalis again and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (D), whom he called ‘seriously retarded’ and claimed that the country’s foreign-born population is composed mostly of people who ‘are on welfare, from failed nations, or from prisons, mental institutions, gangs, or drug cartels.’ The president also baselessly claimed that Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN), an immigrant who is one of a notable contingent of Somalis in Minnesota, ‘probably’ entered the U.S. illegally and married her brother: ‘… her place of origin is a decadent, backward, and crime ridden nation, which is essentially not even a country for lack of Government, Military, Police, schools, etc…’ 

“Trump’s… actions of late… are well beyond the pale. And this is to say nothing of his actual policies, which have had disastrous and deadly consequences for millions of people in the U.S. and abroad.” 

However, according to India Today, dated November 28, “There is… no proof that Omar, the first Somali-American in Congress, ever married a relative or committed immigration fraud. Trump… also did not elaborate on his bizarre claims… A report in the UK’s Daily Mail claimed that Omar confided to her friends that Elmi was actually her biological brother and the marriage was a scam for immigration purposes.” 

The Huffington Post wrote on November 28:

“Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) hit back pointedly at Donald Trump on Thursday, responding to the president’s latest online attack of him with a four-word challenge: ‘Release the MRI results.’…  Walz’s response referenced the recent presidential medical mystery of Trump’s MRI scan in October that neither he nor the White House have fully explained.” 

Trump’s MRI Not About His Brain 

Daily Mail wrote on December 1:

“The White House has provided details of Donald Trump’s MRI scan carried out last month amid mounting speculation about the president’s health… after it was revealed in July that he had been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency… Trump’s cognitive health has also been called into question… 

“However, Trump’s scans were focused on the president’s heart and abdomen [not his brain], the White House confirmed on Monday…. Trump’s scan revealed no abnormalities and confirmed that he is in ‘excellent health.’ MRI scans are a standard preventative procedure for men his age, the doctor said.”

 As we pointed out in last week’s Current Events, there is great concern, shared by some of Trump’s relatives, that he might be suffering from increasing dementia. 

Attack on Two National Guard Members 

MSN wrote on November 28:

“The man suspected of shooting two National Guard members near the White House this week — one of them fatally — is an Afghan national who came to the United States in September 2021 because of his work with the U.S. government, including the CIA…. [He] was among tens of thousands of Afghan nationals who came to the U.S. as part of Operation Allies Welcome, a Biden-era program, following the chaotic U.S. military withdrawal…  [He] was granted asylum this April [under the Trump administration]… 

“CIA Director John Ratcliffe said [the suspect] had been a member of a partner force in Kandahar, a province in southern Afghanistan that saw significant fighting during the war. [He] was part of one of the CIA’s ‘Zero Units’ that were involved in combat missions to seize or kill suspected terrorists… The Zero Units, also known as National Strike Units, were involved in dangerous and often deadly night raids and other missions to kill or capture members of the Taliban, al-Qaeda, the Islamic State and other terrorist groups. The CIA and U.S. military provided intelligence and logistical support to the squads. 

“The CIA has never publicly acknowledged its work with the Zero Units, which have been shadowed by allegations of human rights violations, including a 2019 Human Rights Watch report that found they had conducted summary executions and other abuses. [The suspect] and other Afghan paramilitary members would have undergone extensive vetting before joining the Zero Units and were supposed to be monitored closely once in service, people familiar with the matter said.

“U.S. officials have said the Zero Units were effective fighters and that they played a critical role in assisting with the chaotic American evacuation from Afghanistan in late August 2021, probably saving U.S. lives.” 

CIA’s Zero Units 

The New York Times added on November 28: 

“Zero Units, which were formally part of the Afghan intelligence service but operated outside the usual chain of command, were largely recruited, trained, equipped and overseen by the C.I.A., according to Human Rights Watch. These units specialized in night raids and clandestine missions; Taliban officials and human rights groups described them as ‘death squads.’

“Human Rights Watch said it had documented several instances in which the units were responsible for ‘extrajudicial executions and enforced disappearances, indiscriminate airstrikes, attacks on medical facilities, and other violations of international humanitarian law.’

“A childhood friend, who asked to be identified only as Muhammad because he feared Taliban reprisals, said that [the suspect] had suffered from mental health issues and was disturbed by the casualties his unit had caused.”

Trump said about the suspect that he had turned “nuts.” And Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem said that authorities believe the suspect might have been radicalized after he arrived in the United States.

npr wrote on November 27:

“Those people came on two-year grants of parole, then later had to apply for other ways to stay in the country permanently, like asylum, and go through rigorous screening. 

“Roughly 200,000 Afghan immigrants and refugees came to the U.S. after the fall of Kabul to the Taliban in August 2021. Some of them have since received green cards or even U.S. citizenship, but many have more tenuous legal status, such as humanitarian parole.” 

The Blame Game Continues 

New York Post wrote on November 27: 

“An enraged Attorney General Pam Bondi blasted ‘progressive left idiots’ for fueling hatred towards National Guard troops — as she vowed to probe whether they encouraged the Thanksgiving eve shooting ambush. 

“Bondi tore into the scores of liberal lawmakers and media commentators who have criticized President Trump’s decision to deploy federal troops to Washington, DC, suggesting the ‘disgusting’ and ‘despicable’ rhetoric is to blame for any ensuing violence.” 

In the case of the suspect, such “rhetoric” was hardly the motive, from everything we know so far. Bondi seems to try to gloss over her unpopularity, by “seizing the moment.” 

Trump’s Announcement of Further Immigration Restrictions 

ABC News wrote on November 28: 

“President Donald Trump said he will ‘permanently pause migration’ from some countries following the shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., earlier this week… Trump did not specify which countries the pause would affect, saying it would apply to ‘Third World Countries.’… 

‘He said the U.S. would ‘terminate all of the millions of Biden illegal admissions… and remove anyone who is not a net asset to the United States, or is incapable of loving our Country, end all Federal benefits and subsidies to noncitizens of our Country, denaturalize migrants who undermine domestic tranquility, and deport any Foreign National who is a public charge, security risk, or non-compatible with Western Civilization.’” 

If this is meant to be taken seriously, these would be extremely dangerous and troublesome announcements by an irate and out-of-touch President. If attempted to be carried out, a flood of lawsuits would be the consequence, and the world would turn even more hostile toward America. Pretty soon, Trump would have been successful in making America void and empty… no more foreign-born non-citizens; no more birthright citizenship; denaturalization of everyone who dares to disagree with Trump’s view of compatibility with Western Civilization; and so on. 

Immigration Applications on Hold 

The New York Post wrote on December 3: 

“The Trump administration formally halted immigration applications from 19 countries deemed to be a high risk for producing terrorists and other national security threats — hours after a source told The Post that list could grow to 30 nations or more…   

 “US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)… also announced a hold on ‘all pending asylum applications, regardless of the alien’s country of nationality.’”

Killings of Alleged “Drug Smugglers” to Be Investigated 

The Washington Post wrote on November 29: 

“The head of the Republican-led Senate Armed Services Committee has pledged ‘vigorous oversight’ after a Washington Post report that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth gave spoken order to kill crew members during the first U.S. strike against suspected drug smugglers in the Caribbean earlier this year. 

“A live drone feed showed two survivors from the original crew of 11 clinging to the wreckage of their boat following the initial missile attack on Sept. 2, The Post reported on Friday afternoon. The Special Operations commander overseeing the operation then ordered a second strike to comply with Hegseth’s directive, according to two people with direct knowledge of the operation, killing both survivors. Those people, along with five others in the original report, spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the matter’s sensitivity. 

“Late Friday, Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi), the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Sen. Jack Reed (D-Rhode Island), the committee’s ranking Democrat, issued a statement saying that the committee ‘is aware of recent news reports — and the Department of Defense’s initial response — regarding alleged follow-on strikes on suspected narcotics vessels.’ The committee, they said, ‘has directed inquiries to the Department, and we will be conducting vigorous oversight to determine the facts related to these circumstances.’ 

“Following the publication of The Post’s report, Hegseth wrote on X that ‘these highly effective strikes are designed to be “lethal, kinetic strikes,’” adding: ‘Every trafficker we kill is affiliated with a Designated Terrorist Organization.’ ‘Our current operations in the Caribbean are lawful under both U.S. and international law, with all actions in compliance with the law of armed conflict — and approved by the best military and civilian lawyers, up and down the chain of command,’ he said… 

“In some closed-door briefings to lawmakers, the Pentagon has declined to bring lawyers who could help explain the legal rationale behind the strikes. There has been extensive frustration among some members of Congress — including some Republicans — at the lack of detail provided to Capitol Hill, ranging from the intelligence to support the strikes to the identities of the people killed. 

“Last month, Wicker and Reed made public two letters they previously sent to the Pentagon, requesting the orders, recordings and legal rationale related to the strikes. The Defense Department, they wrote in the rare public warning, had surpassed the time required by law to provide some of the materials. That information would have included Hegseth’s order to kill everyone in the first strike and the video of the attack… some current and former U.S. officials and law-of-war experts have said that the Pentagon’s lethal campaign — which has killed more than 80 people to date — is unlawful and may expose those most directly involved to future prosecution… 

“The Joint Special Operations Command had said in briefing materials provided to the White House that the purpose of the ‘double-tap’ strike was to sink the boat to avoid any navigation hazard to other vessels, according to one person who saw the report. Lawmakers received a similar explanation in two closed-door briefings, according to two congressional aides. ‘The idea that wreckage from one small boat in a vast ocean is a hazard to marine traffic is patently absurd, and killing survivors is blatantly illegal,’ Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Massachusetts) wrote… ‘Mark my words: It may take some time, but Americans will be prosecuted for this, either as a war crime or outright murder.’” 

Some even question whether these attacks on boats take place, calling it “fake news.” How ignorant can one be! 

Second Strike in “Self-Defense”?

The Independent wrote on December 1:

“The White House has confirmed that the admiral overseeing U.S. military operations against alleged drug-carrying boats had issued the order for a second strike that killed two survivors, an attack that has intensified legal scrutiny into the Trump administration’s lethal campaign… 

“Asked to clarify whether [Defense Secretary Pete] Hegseth had ordered the second strike on the boat, [White House press secretary Karoline] Leavitt told reporters that [Admiral Frank] Bradley — not Hegseth — gave the order and stressed that the veteran naval officer was ‘well within his authority and the law’ when he did. ‘He directed the engagement to ensure the boat was destroyed and the threat from narco terrorists was eliminated,’ she said… The strike on September 2, the first among more than a dozen attacks that have killed more than 80 people in recent months, ‘was conducted in self-defense to protect Americans’ and ‘vital United States interests,’ she said… When two survivors emerged from the wreckage, Bradley issued an order to comply with Hegseth’s alleged instructions to ‘kill everybody’… 

“According to the Pentagon’s own Law of War Manual, people who are ‘wounded, sick, or shipwrecked’ on the high seas are supposed to be ‘respected and protected in all circumstances’ by U.S. forces, even during hostilities. The Defense Department’s manual specifically states that ‘making them the object of attack is strictly prohibited.’” 

Acting in self-defense? This is the most ridiculous “justification” anyone could come up with. 

“Hegseth Throws Admiral Under the Bus” 

Mediaite wrote on December 1: 

“Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth made clear that he believes Admiral Frank ‘Mitch’ Bradley is the man responsible for a U.S. attack on the survivors of a boat bombing in the Caribbean. 

“On Sept. 2, the U.S. bombed an alleged drug boat off the coast of Trinidad. According to The Washington Post, Hegseth ordered everyone aboard killed, according to sources familiar with the situation. After the first strike, which was conducted by the Navy, two survivors remained, clinging to the wreckage. Heeding Hegseth’s directive, the Post said Bradly deemed the survivors valid targets and ordered that Hegseth’s directive be carried out. The Navy conducted a second strike and killed the survivors… 

“On Monday night, Hegseth tweeted ‘support’ of Bradley while also making sure to say that the admiral was responsible for ‘combat decisions’… Fox News Chief Political Analyst Brit Hume… wrote: ‘How to point the finger at someone while pretending to support him.’… Hume said on Fox News that the story could be ‘a big problem’ for the Trump administration. 

“Over on CNN, Ryan Goodman, former general counsel for the Department of Defense, stated that if Hegseth ordered everyone on the boat killed, the secretary is ultimately responsible for the second strike, regardless of Bradley’s involvement…” 

He certainly would be. 

It was also pointed out that during his time in office, President Barack Obama significantly expanded the use of drone strikes for targeted killings against suspected terrorists, particularly in Pakistan, Yemen, and the Horn of Africa. 

How can something like this be possibly justified? 

Prosecuting Hegseth? 

Mediaite wrote on December 2: 

“Newsmax’s senior judicial analyst, Judge Andrew Napolitano, argued on Tuesday that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth should be prosecuted for a war crime over his order to kill everyone aboard an alleged drug smuggling boat in early September… 

“‘Well, I wish the White House would reveal to us the laws on which the president is relying. He says he has an opinion from the Justice Department, but neither the Justice Department nor the White House will offer it for public scrutiny… The killing is out of hand. And this last one, in which Pete Hegseth first denied that he gave the order, and then the White House said he did give the order, and then the White House said it was in self-defense. Self-defense! You got two people in the ocean clinging to a burning boat to stay alive, and they’re gonna be killed for self-defense? That doesn’t make any sense. 

“‘… the law of armed conflict says survivors have to be rescued. They can’t be killed. That’s very clear. It’s in the Uniform Code of Military Justice, and it’s in federal law…  narco terrorist is not a legal term. It’s a political term and using that political term does not justify [killing them]… only if they’re engaged in violence can the military kill them…’ 

“When asked whether they act violently ‘if they’re coming here with drugs that could kill Americans,’ Napolitano replied, ‘Well, they’re fifteen hundred miles from the United States on a speed boat with a fifty-mile distance. It’s inconceivable it could reach the United States.’” 

ABC News added on December 3: 

“The family of a Colombian fisherman who died in a U.S. military boat strike in September has filed a formal complaint with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights alleging the U.S. government illegally killed him… While the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights can investigate the complaint and issue findings, any ruling it makes would not be legally binding on the U.S…. 

“The filing comes after [far-left] Colombian President Gustavo Petro accused the U.S. government of committing murder… ‘Fisherman Alejandro Carranza had no ties to the drug trade and his daily activity was fishing… The Colombian boat was adrift and displaying the distress signal due to having an outboard motor…’” 

No Evidence 

Breitbart wrote on December 2: 

“During an interview aired on Tuesday’s broadcast of Bloomberg’s ‘Balance of Power,’ Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) stated that there isn’t any evidence of fentanyl coming from Venezuela… ‘All these people [are] going off saying, oh, fentanyl’s killing people, I know people who died of fentanyl. I have a great deal of sympathy. I know a family that lost two sons to fentanyl. I have sympathy for that. There’s no evidence there’s any fentanyl on this boat. There’s no evidence that any fentanyl comes from Venezuela, zero.’ 

“He continued, ‘There is fentanyl coming up [from] Mexico, but since we’re blowing these boats up, maybe we’re taking our eye off the border in Mexico. So, the whole thing is a pretense and a prelude to war in Venezuela, and I hope it doesn’t happen.’” 

He also said this in regard to pardoning former President of Honduras Juan Orlando Hernández: 

“‘if they label you a narcoterrorist, they can kill you without trial, but if they say you’re not a narcoterrorist, you can be given a pardon, even though you have been convicted, even though he’s gloated over all the people he’s loaded with drugs, including some who have probably and inevitably have died in our country… you get into the lunacy of, well, Orlando Hernández is not a narcoterrorist, but these guys, who we don’t know their name, and we’ve presented no proof, they’re narcoterrorists.’” 

Pardoning Drug Smuggler, While Attacking “Drug Smugglers” 

The Ron Paul Institute wrote on December 1: 

“Trump’s South America policy is getting more ridiculous by the day. Yesterday he announced a pardon for the former president of Honduras, Juan Orlando Hernández, who is serving a 45-year sentence for partnering with drug traffickers who had allegedly shipped 400 tons of cocaine to the United States… 

“While pardoning a convicted drug smuggler on one day Trump uses the next one to threatening Venezuela for alleged drug smuggling for which there is no evidence… All Trump assertions about Venezuela, its alleged ‘terrorist gangs’ and drug smuggling are completely bogus. This is not at all about drugs but about stealing the huge oil reserve Venezuela has: ‘[Oil] is at the heart of the matter,’ Colombian President Gustavo Petro told CNN in an interview published Wednesday… ‘He’s not thinking about the democratization of Venezuela, let alone the narco-trafficking,’ added the South American president, who last month was sanctioned by the Trump administration… 

“Meanwhile the U.S. military continues to strike random fisherman [sic] near Venezuela… with drones and missiles… Some current and former U.S. officials and law-of-war experts have said that the Pentagon’s lethal campaign — which has killed more than 80 people to date — is unlawful and may expose those most directly involved to future prosecution. Hegseth had overruled the most senior military lawyer of the U.S. Southern Command who had called the strikes illegal… 

“Eleven people in a boat is by the way a sure sign that these were not drug smuggler [sic]… The boat in question, a go-fast vessel with four motors, is common in the region and would typically be manned by a small crew — perhaps one mechanic, a driver or two, and another person focused on security… More people on board means less room for drugs to sell…’” 

US Attack on Venezuela Imminent? 

The Telegraph wrote on November 29: 

“Donald Trump has told all airlines to consider the skies above and surrounding Venezuela closed, as the threat of US air strikes intensifies. The US president declared Venezuelan airspace ‘closed in its entirety’ in an early-morning post on social media, two days after suggesting he would launch military strikes on the country [“very soon”] to stop drug traffickers. 

“The US does not have the authority to close another country’s airspace, but the threat is likely to panic airlines, cause travel uncertainty in Venezuela, and worry Nicolas Maduro, its leader, whom the Trump administration has labelled a ‘narco-terrorist’…. 

“Despite the president’s declaration, US authorities have not banned American aircraft from entering Venezuelan airspace and flights were still going ahead as of Saturday morning… Since September, the Trump administration has been massing the most significant US military force in the southern Caribbean region for generations, while conducting deadly strikes on suspected drug-smuggling vessels in international waters…”

China To Invade Taiwan? 

The Daily Mail published on November 29 an article by Ian Williams, author of “The Rise And Fall Of The Chinese Economy”: 

“If China attacked its neighbour, [Taiwan] the threat to the global economy and to the bruised Western alliance would make Russia’s long war in Ukraine look like a picnic. And although it is half a world away, the UK could be drawn more directly to a conflict in Taiwan than to the muddy fields of the Donbas. 

“Taiwan is a vital cog in the global high-tech economy. It produces more than 90 per cent of the world’s most advanced semi-conductors. One Taiwanese company, Hon Hai Precision Industry Co, also known as Foxconn, is the world’s biggest electronics manufacturer, including of most Apple products. Bloomberg Economics has estimated that a war over the island would cost the global economy around $10trillion (£7.56trillion) – about 10 per cent of the world’s GDP.

“For years, America has been supporting Taiwan’s defences and bolstering regional alliances to deter Chinese aggression. Now, not only has Donald Trump ushered in a new era of unpredictability, but his counterpart Xi Jinping is growing increasingly impatient, stepping up his military intimidation of the democratic, self-ruled island, which China claims as its own.

“Xi sees taking Taiwan as a key part of his mission to restore national greatness, an eerily similar mission to that of his ‘good friend’ Vladimir Putin, which drives the Russian dictator’s aggression on Ukraine. Xi is closely watching the West’s faltering resolve in Ukraine. If Putin is rewarded with territory for his aggression, that will factor into Beijing’s calculations.

“This is why a phone call between Xi and Trump this week attracted so much attention and raised questions about America’s commitment both to the defence of Taiwan and to its regional alliances. The Americans say the call came from Xi, while Beijing claims Trump initiated it. The US President says ‘many topics’ were discussed, while China insists the focus was Taiwan… According to Chinese reports, Xi reminded Trump that the US and China had jointly fought ‘fascism and militarism’ during the Second World War. The message was clear: if Trump wants better relations with Beijing, he should… allow China to have its way with Taiwan.

“No doubt Xi will also have watched Trump’s attempts to wash his hands of Ukraine by foisting on Kyiv a peace plan that largely gives Moscow what it wants. Xi must be calculating that this transactional American President could similarly be persuaded to abandon Taiwan as part of a mutually beneficial trade deal…

“Xi will have noted the way Putin has been able to play Trump like a fiddle, and there should be no surprise that the Chinese leader wants to join that orchestra.” 

Levites Sing Psalms on the Temple Mount 

Israel 365 News wrote on November 28: 

“The silence that has hung over the Temple Mount for nearly two thousand years was broken Thursday morning when three Levites ascended Judaism’s holiest site and sang the daily psalm. The moment marks an unprecedented restoration of an ancient Temple service that ceased with the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE… 

“The Bible assigns the Levites a specific role in Temple worship. In the book of Chronicles, King David organizes the Levitical singers: ‘David and the commanders of the army set apart for the service the sons of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun, who prophesied with lyres, harps, and cymbals’ (1 Chronicles 25:1). This wasn’t merely ceremonial music. The Sages teach that Levitical song was an essential component of the Temple service itself, so integral that sacrifices offered without it were considered incomplete…

“The Levites performed various functions in the Temple including guarding and serving all the musical needs.  

“Jewish communities are scrupulous about perpetuating the status of the Levites, which is passed from father to son. Only Jewish men whose fathers were Levites are considered eligible. Comprising about 4% of the total Jewish population, they are recognized for conspicuous honors in religious services and their status as Levites is inscribed on their gravestones…” 

Acknowledgement and Disclaimer: 

These Current Events are compiled and commented on by Norbert Link. We gratefully acknowledge the many contributions of news articles from our readership. The publication of articles in this section is not to be viewed as an endorsement or approval as to contents or accuracy of the selected articles, but they are published for the purpose of pointing at worldwide developments in the light of biblical end-time prophecy and godly instruction. Our own comments are provided in italics.

Trump’s New “Peace Plan” for Ukraine 

ABC News wrote on November 21: 

“The [US] military delegation arrived Wednesday into a capital in turmoil [Kyiv], as a corruption scandal estimated by investigators to involve some $100 million forced the dismissal of two cabinet ministers… As the scandal swirled, the White House has presented Ukraine with a new 28-point peace plan drawn up in coordination with Moscow that contains conditions that are widely seen in Ukraine as effectively demanding the country’s capitulation… 

“The plan includes a number of maximalist demands that the Kremlin has long demanded and that have been previously dismissed as non-starters for Kyiv, including that Ukraine cut its armed forces by more than half and cede swaths of territory not yet occupied by Russia… Ukraine would also be forbidden from possessing long-range weapons, while Moscow would retain virtually all the territory it has occupied — and receive some form of recognition of its 2014 seizure of Crimea under the latest proposed U.S. plan… 

“Zelenskyy — whom Trump previously framed as illegitimate and in March said was without ‘the cards’ needed for peace negotiations with Russia — already appeared to be on shaky ground in recent days as the corruption scandal widened, with opposition parties and even figures within his own Servant of the People party calling for a major governmental shakeup. 

“Now he will also have to juggle that scandal along with the new U.S. peace drive. In Ukraine, some observers have suggested the Trump administration has chosen the moment deliberately, hoping a vulnerable Zelenskyy can be forced into accepting unfavorable terms…. 

“Zelenskyy has not been personally implicated in what is perhaps the country’s most serious corruption scandal of the war. The president has vowed ‘a swift and just response’ to any wrongdoing.” 

Newsmax wrote on November 19: 

“While Ukraine would view the deal as a major surrender to Russia, the White House believes Ukraine would likely lose the territory anyway [parts of eastern Ukraine they don’t occupy]… The deal would call for Russia to control the Donbas region, even though Ukraine controls 14.5% of the territory there.” 

Zelenskyy Reacts 

BBC wrote on November 21:

 “Addressing the nation on Friday, Zelensky said Ukraine ‘might face a very difficult choice: either losing dignity, or risk losing a key partner’, [USA] adding that ‘today is one of the most difficult moments in our history’… 

“Ukraine is critically dependent on deliveries of US-made advanced weaponry, including air defence systems to repel deadly Russian air assaults, as well as intelligence provided by Washington…. 

“In his 10-minute address in front of the presidential office in Kyiv, Zelensky warned that Ukraine would face ‘a lot of pressure… to weaken us, to divide us’, adding that ‘the enemy is not sleeping’… 

“Trump warned that Ukraine would lose more territory to Russia ‘in a short amount of time’.” 

Witkoff to See a Psychiatrist? 

Welt Online wrote on November 21: 

“European diplomats and government officials are reacting angrily to new details of the US peace plan intended to end the war in Ukraine… One EU government representative resorted to crude language to express his dismay. A leading EU politician said: ‘Witkoff needs to see a psychiatrist.’… 

“The Europeans assured Zelenskyy that they remain committed to a ‘just’ peace, according to a statement released after the talks. ‘They agreed that any agreement affecting European states, the European Union, or NATO requires the approval of European partners or a consensus among the allies,’ the statement said.” 

Farage Objects 

Express wrote on November 22: 

“Reform UK leader Mr Farage has now taken to X to make his feelings clear on the Ukraine peace plan from Mr Trump…  He wrote: ‘Ukraine being asked to halve the size of its Army is unacceptable…’ 

“Mr Farage’s remarks come as a rare public rebuke of the US President. They represent a significant strengthening of his support for Ukraine, against attempts by the Labour Party to cast him as sympathetic to Russia’s leader Vladimir Putin.” 

Trump Causes Earthquake 

t-online wrote on November 22: 

“US President Donald Trump has effectively derailed the G20 summit [in South Africa] – despite the US’s non-participation… Trump’s Ukraine plan has sent shockwaves through the G20. Europeans met in Johannesburg on Saturday morning to coordinate a common approach to the US plan. They consider the development alarming. Europe was not involved in the negotiations with Russia, and Trump acted behind their backs. 

“European diplomats agree: Neither Ukraine nor the Europeans can actually approve Trump’s plan. They see it as a declaration of surrender that fulfills all of Russia’s war aims. Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin could use it to launch another attack in a few years to seize the rest of a then-disarmed Ukraine. In a statement issued early Saturday afternoon, several European states, along with Canada and Japan, rejected the plan in its current form… 

“Despite the clear rejection of Trump’s plan by all of Ukraine’s supporters, there is still considerable agitation in South Africa. This is because the central goal of both Ukraine and the Europeans is apparently to avoid completely alienating Trump. They are suppressing their anger at the US president, hoping that he will ultimately remain involved in the war in Ukraine in some way. Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin, however, will likely reject any alternative plan proposed by the Europeans. Why should Moscow accept something that, in all likelihood, is worse for Putin than the US offer? 

“To prevent the worst, the Europeans are, as usual, doing what a British television reporter in Johannesburg described on Saturday as ‘Trump-pleasing.’ This involves examining Trump’s plans very seriously, even though it is clear that the consequences for the West, excluding the US, would be catastrophic…” 

“That’s why Chancellor Friedrich Merz was surprisingly clear in a press statement during the G20 summit… If Trump doesn’t adjust his plan, he’ll be on his own from Thursday onward – or on Putin’s side. Whether the Europeans are prepared for the consequences of a break with the Americans, Merz left open on Saturday. 

“One thing is certain: the strategy of keeping the US president at the table at all costs is reaching its limits. Merz and the Europeans are increasingly frustrated. Trump wants peace at any price – he doesn’t care how sustainable and beneficial this peace is for Europe… 

“But the headaches of many Western states extend far beyond the Ukraine issue. Early on at the G20 summit in Johannesburg, it was clear: Trump is one of the greatest dangers of our time – also because political assurances from Washington can hardly be relied upon anymore…”
The inevitable separation between Europe and the USA is clearly on the horizon. 

“A Disaster for Europe”

Bild Online published the following commentary by Roman Elchinger on November 21: 

“The US peace plan for Ukraine reads as if it were conceived by Putin himself. If it is truly meant seriously, it would amount to a declaration of surrender for Kyiv and be a disaster for Europe… Such a ‘peace’ would be practically an invitation to the next war for Putin. There are plenty of parallels in history – from the ‘Munich Agreement,’ which was intended to appease Hitler, to Putin’s virtually inconsequential invasion of Crimea. 

“But the truth is also this: We can’t complain about the EU being ignored. Those who are so militarily weak that their security depends on Trump’s USA simply don’t have a seat at the table when the new world order is being discussed. The lesson after almost four years of war in Ukraine is therefore not new, but unfortunately all the more urgent: Europe must become a military power – preferably with its own Army.” 

A European NATO Because of America’s Unreliability? 

Compact wrote on November 23: 

“A prominent Christian Democrat [CSU politician Manfred Weber, chairman of the influential EPP group in the European Parliament] is calling for the EU to be transformed into a military alliance because the US… can no longer be relied upon… 

“Weber said: ‘[We] must… expand the EU into a European NATO. We can no longer rely on the US without reservation.'”

Tagesschau wrote on November 23: 

“The Europeans are now trying, with difficulty, to get back into the game… They have to offer something, for example, regarding security guarantees for Ukraine. It’s about reliability – and that’s difficult to achieve in dealings with Trump.”

Trump Backpedals on Peace Plan 

The Wall Street Journal wrote on November 22: 

“President Trump said Saturday he could be open to changes in the administration’s 28-point plan for ending the war in Ukraine after Kyiv, European governments and even some Republican lawmakers denounced it as far too heavily weighted in Moscow’s favor… He didn’t specify what changes were possible in the plan.” 

He also apparently went back on his earlier insistence that the plan must be accepted by Thanksgiving. But he also repeated his earlier accusation that the war started because of Biden’s and Zelensky’s weak leadership.

Trump Accuses Zelensky and Europe 

CNN wrote on November 23: 

“President Donald Trump slammed Ukraine’s leaders today (Sunday) for what he described as a lack of gratitude… ‘UKRAINE ‘LEADERSHIP’ HAS EXPRESSED ZERO GRATITUDE FOR OUR EFFORTS, AND EUROPE CONTINUES TO BUY OIL FROM RUSSIA,’ Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social. 

“The comment harkens back to Vice President JD Vance’s remarks in the Oval Office earlier this year, when he berated Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a tense meeting and asked, ‘Have you said thank you once?’” 

These accusations are clearly false. 

Europe’s “Alternative” 

The Telegraph wrote on November 23: 

“A rival European plan to end the war in Ukraine… differs sharply from the contentious 28-point proposal put forward by the Trump administration… Among the key differences in the European plan is a requirement for ‘no restriction’ to be placed on the size of the Ukrainian armed forces. 

“Unlike the Trump plan, the European plan does not ban Ukraine from joining Nato, with the final decision subject to ‘consensus within the alliance’. This has long been a point of contention and is likely to anger Russia, which blames Nato for the outbreak of war and fears the alliance’s expansion on its borders. 

“The European plan also states that Kyiv would ‘not be forced to be neutral’ and would be free to invite ‘friendly forces’ to operate on its soil should it so wish… 

“The European proposals call for an immediate, unconditional ceasefire, effectively freezing the current front lines. The ceasefire would be monitored by the US and Europe. Ukraine would receive ‘robust, legally-binding security guarantees, including from the US, to prevent future aggression’ by Russia, Europe’s plan adds… 

“Under the European plan, Ukraine would be ‘fully reconstructed and compensated financially, including through Russian sovereign assets that will remain frozen until Russia compensates damage to Ukraine’.” 

Russia will never agree to this European plan. Nor to a revised Trump plan, as discussed below. 

New Plan to Be Rejected by Moscow 

The New York Post wrote on November 25: 

“Russia is set to reject the new 19-point cease-fire deal drafted by the US and Ukraine but may use disinformation tactics to keep President Trump engaged in continued talks… The White House has said it is working to secure a deal after Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff developed a previous controversial 28-point version of the plan that heavily favored Moscow.  That plan included input from Kyiv, the Trump administration has insisted. [That allegation is ridiculous.] 

“The proposal, roundly criticized by both sides of the US political aisle and international community because it was so one-sided, was then narrowed down to a 19-point plan acceptable to Ukraine after talks between top Washington and Kyiv officials happened Sunday… Russia won’t agree to the 19-point version, as they already weren’t completely satisfied with the broader previous plan… The new 19-point deal vastly differs from the original, eliminating the cap on Ukraine’s active forces and leaving the door open for the country to join NATO.” 

The Daily Mail added on November 25 that Trump is in a “desperate scramble to salvage [the] Ukraine peace deal,” continuing: 

“Trump has dispatched his trusted special envoy to Moscow for crunch talks with Vladimir Putin amid fears his Ukraine peace plan is unraveling… 

“The [new] deal no longer includes amnesty guarantees for atrocities committed during the war. Kyiv has agreed to cap its army at 800,000 men. That initial plan had permanently ruled out NATO membership for Ukraine, limited its army to 600,000, proposed handing the rest of Donbas to Russia – albeit as a demilitarized zone – and mandated that Kyiv hold elections within 100 days. All those clauses are reported to have since been amended or shelved for now.” 

Is the Ukraine War Useful for Germany? 

Nius wrote on November 24: 

“‘What good is the most elaborate debt brake when the Russians are at the door?’ [CDU/CSU parliamentary group leader Jens] Spahn asked in an interview with the FAZ… , adding: ‘To put it bluntly, we Europeans only have two options: We can learn to defend ourselves or we can all learn Russian.’… 

“The Ukraine war has become incredibly useful for the CDU/CSU. It serves as a catch-all justification for everything – from debt to energy to pensions. It has already been used by the second federal government in a row to sacrifice principles. ‘Unfortunately, we now have to break everything because we promised you that you wouldn’t be stabbed anymore,’ is the simplified message. A policy that no longer protects, but only negotiates – at the expense of those who elect it.” 

Bild Online wrote: “Merz’ Christmas Tree is already burning.” 

Spying on American Citizens 

The Associated Press wrote on November 20: 

“The U.S. Border Patrol is monitoring millions of American drivers nationwide in a secretive program to identify and detain people whose travel patterns it deems suspicious… 

“The predictive intelligence program has resulted in people being stopped, searched and in some cases arrested. A network of cameras scans and records vehicle license plate information, and an algorithm flags vehicles deemed suspicious based on where they came from, where they were going and which route they took. Federal agents in turn may then flag local law enforcement. 

“Suddenly, drivers find themselves pulled over — often for reasons cited such as speeding, failure to signal, the wrong window tint or even a dangling air freshener blocking the view. They are then aggressively questioned and searched, with no inkling that the roads they drove put them on law enforcement’s radar… 

“Today, predictive surveillance is embedded into America’s roadways. Mass surveillance techniques are also used in a range of other countries, from authoritarian governments such as China to, increasingly, democracies in the U.K. and Europe in the name of national security and public safety.” 

Big Brother keeps watching and acting… 

“Trump’s Lawyers Without Integrity” 

The Ron Paul Institute published on November 20 an article by Jacob George Hornberger, an American attorney, author, and politician who was a Libertarian candidate for president in 2000 and 2020: 

“Many years ago, when I was practicing law in Texas, I learned that there were, generally speaking, two types of lawyers when it came to being asked for a legal opinion by a client who wished to pursue a certain course of action. 

“The first type of lawyer would carefully research the issue and give his honest, independent-minded opinion as to the legality of the proposed action, even if it wasn’t what the client wanted to hear. That type of lawyer had integrity and would not compromise his legal judgment, even if it angered — and risked the loss of — his client. 

“The second type of lawyer would instead come up with whatever legal reasoning was necessary to please the client, stretching case law and legal analysis in such a way as to justify what the client wanted to do. This type of lawyer had no integrity. His task, as he saw it, was to provide legal cover for his client in case things went the wrong way. 

“When it comes to President Trump’s and the Pentagon’s extra-judicial drug-war killings in the Caribbean, there is little or no doubt that the Office of Legal Counsel in the U.S. Department of Justice falls into the second category. Asked to provide a legal opinion as to the legality of such killings, the office has come up with a memorandum containing inane legal justifications, in an obvious effort to provide legal cover for the people involved in the extrajudicial killings. In fact, the still-secret memo expressly assures U.S. military personnel that they will not face future criminal prosecution for their involvement in the killings. 

“The memo states that the high number of deaths from drug use among American drug consumers constitutes an ‘armed attack’ against the United States… Are Latin American drug dealers entering the United States, kidnapping regular American citizens, physically holding them down, and then injecting drugs into their noses, mouths, or other parts of their bodies?… All of the evidence is that American consumers of drugs are voluntarily buying and ingesting mind-altering substances knowing full well that this isn’t a risk-free endeavor. 

“Another part of the memo claims that the boats that are suspected of carrying drugs are generating revenue for groups that are supposedly in armed conflict with the United States… I don’t see any Latin American cartels landing on American shores and killing American citizens. Indeed, I haven’t seen those boats firing at American Naval vessels or at American B-52s. All I’ve seen is massacres of defenseless private individuals in the face of overwhelming U.S. military power. 

“One of the other justifications on which Trump and the Pentagon are relying is their claim that these boat people are ‘terrorists.’ Apparently that governmental accusation means that they are subject to being exterminated without arrest, indictment, prosecution, conviction, and sentence — that is, without any due process of law for what amounts to an accusation of a criminal-law violation, whether it is drug-war-related or terrorist-related…

“Make no mistake about it: These drug-war killings are the equivalent of legalized murder. They are morally illegitimate, legally illegitimate, and constitutionally illegitimate, no matter the inane legal opinion issued by the Justice Department’s Office of Legal Counsel in an obvious effort to provide cover for the people involved in these killings.” 

Illegal Actions by the Government 

The Ron Paul Institute published on November 20 the following article by Judge Andrew P. Napolitano: 

“America today would terrify the Founding Fathers. Armed troops roam the streets of major cities, masked government agents arrest people without probable cause and disrupt the public speech that the president hates and fears, and the president kills foreigners on the high seas whom he says might commit crimes should their small speedboats miraculously make it 1,500 miles to the United States… 

“The killings at sea will soon reach a federal court as the families of innocent murdered fishermen, and some survivors of botched killings, have signaled to the media their intention to bring actions against the government… Secondly, in September, Trump directed federal agents to disrupt speech that is anti-Christian, anti-capitalism or un-American, and to use their own judgment as to which speech to disrupt… 

“Thirdly, last spring the Department of Homeland Security began arresting Americans and foreigners on suspicion of unlawful presence in the United States. They do this without arrest warrants based on probable cause of crime, and they wear masks so as to startle victims and retard identification in subsequent court proceedings. 

“… there’s a new phenomenon in law called ‘The Kavanaugh Stop.’ This is derived from a bizarre concurring Supreme Court opinion recently written by Justice Brett Kavanaugh in which he argued that race, ethnicity and presence at a car wash are permissible characteristics upon which the government may stop and demand to see papers. And if the feds stop you, he opined, it’s no big deal. Just show them your papers; prove your citizenship. In Justice Kavanaugh’s strange new world, East Germany has been reborn here. That’s just what the Founders feared most.” 

Despicable ICE Conduct 

NBC San Diego wrote on November 21: 

“Two people say U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrested their spouses Thursday morning during their green card interviews at San Diego’s U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services office, detailing the incidents they say shocked and stunned them. 

“One was a German man and the other a woman from the U.K., taken into custody while holding her nearly 6-month-old son. 

“The couples don’t know each other but said both people arrested came through legal pathways and have no criminal records. They said their spouses did overstay their visas but were advised by their attorneys that it is traditionally forgiven while in the green card process. [This is absolutely correct; this has always been the case.] These kinds of arrests began Nov. 12, multiple immigration attorneys say, many adding they had never seen anything like this before.   

“Both couples said they had just completed their interviews, the final step in the months-long green card process, when ICE agents walked into the room. ‘Three men with masks and bulletproof vests and guns came in and told us they were going to arrest Tom,’ said Audrey Hestmark. She said her husband Tom Bilger came into the U.S. from Germany on a visa and that they applied for his green card after they got married last year… 

“‘We see the ICE agents come around, and they say that they’re arresting Katie,’ said Stephen Paul. He said his wife originally planned to return to the U.K. last fall to wait there for her entry, but they decided to apply for her green card from here in the U.S. when she learned she was pregnant. He said they knew it would be a high-risk pregnancy and wanted to stay in the U.S. for medical care and family support, and that his attorney advised them this was permissible under immigration law because they were married… [This was absolutely correct legal advice.] 

“‘We were completely shocked, and I feel like we were tricked,’ Hestmark said. ‘We went through every possible legal and appropriate channel. We followed the advice of our lawyer. We were told that our case was straight forward’ [which it was]. ‘She said that she was scared. She was anxious, missed her baby. She just wants to come home,’ Paul said. ‘She said the agents themselves were in the detention down in the basement of the federal building, saying, “What are we doing here? These aren’t the sort of people we’re supposed to be arresting.”’ 

“‘… We were told that it would only be happening to criminals,’ [Hestmark] continued. ‘We’re just normal people, and it’s happening to us.’” 

These despicable episodes—by no means isolated incidents—describe the hallmark of a totalitarian country. And there are no signs that it will get better… only worse. 

Terrifying Footage of ICE Misconduct 

The Mirror wrote on November 18: 

“During a recent edition of World News Tonight, host David Muir, 52, aired unsettling footage of ICE raids in Charlotte, North Carolina… Muir turned the report over to his correspondent Faith Abubey, who was on the ground in Charlotte. She described the scene as one of ‘growing fear and outrage,’ noting that ICE has already detained at least 130 people in the city. Among the footage was a dramatic moment including a woman screaming at a border patrol agent, ‘I’m a U.S. citizen!’ 

“… The broadcast struck a nerve with viewers. On Instagram, one person posted, ‘Oh God help us all.’ Another wrote, ‘Stop this madness.’… A Charlotte local said, ‘It’s heartbreaking to see what’s happening in my city. They aren’t going after criminals; they are stopping workers in a Chick-fil-A parking lot blowing leaves and coming into yards…approaching people simply putting up Christmas lights!!!!’

“A… passionate viewer wrote, ‘…The videos being posted are HORRIFIC. Please don’t tell me ICE is removing violent criminals when they are raiding schools, churches, and the neighborhood grocery store.’… Community organizations report that immigrant-owned businesses shut down over the weekend, residents stayed home, and detentions reportedly happened even near churches and schools.” 

“This crackdown is not isolated to Charlotte. Cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and others have also seen similar operations under Trump’s enforcement agenda…” 

And Now Attack on DACA 

The New York Post wrote on November 26: 

“The mother of White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt’s nephew has been detained by federal immigration officials in Massachusetts [facing deportation to Brazil]… Bruna Caroline Ferreira… shares an 11-year-old son with Leavitt’s older brother, Michael… Ferreira… came to the United States with her family as a child… 

“Ferreira’s lawyer, Todd Pomerleau, contested her arrest, saying she ‘maintained her legal status’ under the Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. ‘She’s in the process of actually getting her green card and she was abruptly arrested and taken from her young child right before Thanksgiving,’ Pomerleau said… ‘Bruna has no criminal record whatsoever,’ he said… ‘There’s no charges out there. She’s not a criminal illegal alien.’.. 

“A relative of Ferreira [Ferreira’s sister] set up a GoFundMe for her saying she was brought to the US as a child in 1998 and followed all protocols. ‘Since then, she has done everything in her power to build a stable, honest life here. She has maintained her legal status through DACA, followed every requirement, and has always strived to do the right thing,’ the fundraiser said.” 

The Daily Beast added: 

“A DHS spokesperson told the Daily Beast that Ferreira was ‘a criminal illegal alien from Brazil’ … ‘She has a previous arrest for battery. She entered the U.S. on a B2 tourist visa that required her to depart the U.S. by June 6, 1999,’ the spokesperson said. ‘Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, all individuals unlawfully present in the United States are subject to deportation.’… 

“WBUR could not find details of battery charges against Bruna Ferreira in Massachusetts’ online court records.” 

There may be more going on behind the scenes. Karoline Leavitt’s brother Michael and his finance Ferreira split, and Michael subsequently married someone else. Karoline Leavitt and Ferreira seem to have no contact. The allegation that Ferrera was charged with battery remains unproven. The attack on DACA is more than troublesome. 

Trump Attacks Democrats Over “Illegal” Orders 

The New York Post wrote on November 20: 

“President Trump lashed out Thursday at six Democratic lawmakers who released a video on social media this week urging service members to defy ‘illegal orders’ by the administration. ‘It’s called SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL,’ Trump thundered on Truth Social Thursday morning. ‘Each one of these traitors to our Country should be ARRESTED AND PUT ON TRIAL. Their words cannot be allowed to stand – We won’t have a Country anymore!!! An example MUST BE SET.’… 

“The 60-second video, titled ‘Don’t Give Up The Ship,’ featured Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan, Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona, Reps. Chris Deluzio and Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania, Rep. Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire, and Rep. Jason Crow of Colorado… 

“‘Right now, the threats to our Constitution aren’t just coming from abroad, but from right here at home. Our laws are clear,’ they said. ‘You can refuse illegal orders … you must refuse illegal orders. No one has to carry out orders that violate the law or our Constitution.’ 

“‘This is really bad, and Dangerous to our Country,’ Trump added in a second Truth Social blast Thursday. ‘Their words cannot be allowed to stand. SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR FROM TRAITORS!!! LOCK THEM UP???’ ‘SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!’ a third post read. 

“All six Democrats come from military or national security backgrounds. Crow is an Army veteran who won a Bronze Star for his actions during the Iraq War. Deluzio and Kelly served in the Navy and Houlahan served in the Air Force, while Goodlander spent 11 years as an intelligence officer in the Navy Reserve. Slotkin is a former CIA analyst who also worked in the State Department and Pentagon during the Obama administration. 

“‘No threat, intimidation, or call for violence will deter us,’ the sextet fired back at Trump in a joint statement. ‘What’s most telling is that the President considers it punishable by death for us to restate the law,’ they went on… ‘We will continue to lead and will not be intimidated.’” 

Trump’s Ongoing False Accusations 

The Independent wrote on November 23: 

“Donald Trump issued another pair of calls for Democrats who spoke out against illegal orders to the military to be jailed late Saturday evening as he battles a sinking public image and unprecedented resistance within his own party on the Hill… 

“The president was clearly irked by the refusal of congressional Republicans to join him, and used one Truth Social post to insist that America’s legal scholars were on his side – without naming any… legal scholars generally agree that the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution’s Bill of Rights generally protects a wide range of speech and expression against the government… Nothing in the video message released by Democrats would fall outside of those protections, except in the opinions of Trump’s closest loyalists. 

“In fact, a number of constitutional law experts have already spoken about how the video does not call for any use of force to resist the president or his actions; merely telling officers to refuse orders they believe are illegal falls far short of that standard… More telling, however, is the fact that even Trump’s allies in Congress aren’t backing him up…” 

FBI Tries to Intimidate Lawmakers 

The Wall Street Journal wrote on November 25: 

“A group of Democratic lawmakers said the Federal Bureau of Investigation had requested interviews with them after they appeared in a video that… called on troops to disobey unlawful orders… ‘President Trump is using the FBI as a tool to intimidate and harass Members of Congress,’ the lawmakers said in a joint statement. ‘We will not be bullied.’.. 

“Roger Williams University School of Law professor Peter Margulies said he thought the FBI probe was a frivolous investigation meant to suppress speech. Margulies, who teaches national-security law, said the Democrats were exercising their constitutional power to conduct oversight of the military. ‘Trump is really trying to put the force of the presidency and the Justice Department behind attempts to intimidate Congress,’ he said.  

“The Pentagon on Monday said it is probing allegations of misconduct [facing a military tribunal to be court-martialed] against Sen. Mark Kelly (D., Ariz.), [a retired Navy pilot and astronaut] for his comments in the video.” 

The Independent wrote on November 25: 

“Jacob Thomas, an Air Force veteran… said he was ‘appalled’ by the Pentagon’s announcement of the Kelly investigation. ‘This sham probe, spurred by baseless allegations from the Trump administration, is nothing more than an attempt to silence dissent and intimidate those who remind our troops of their duty to uphold the Constitution over unlawful orders,’ he said in a statement. ‘Senator Kelly’s call to refuse illegal directives is not misconduct, it’s patriotism. We must stand against this abuse of power and protect the integrity of our military institutions.’ 

“Veterans for American Ideals said ‘calling for an investigation into a well-known principle of service is dangerous, and says more about this administration than it does about Senator Kelly. Investigations and threats thereof into those continuing to stand by their principles of service are clearly an attempt to intimidate and silence veterans,’ the group said in a statement to The Independent, ‘the very people who have served honorably and want to ensure our military servicemembers continue to have the opportunity to reflect the honor and integrity that is instilled in us.’”

This is incredible! Please view our new StandingWatch program, titled, “Fishermen—Must Illegal Orders Be Obeyed?” Please note the Editorial in this edition. 

US Troops Invade Mexico 

Daily Mail wrote on November 20: 

“American troops have pulled up on a Mexican beach in a dramatic escalation of tensions after Donald Trump threatened to bomb the country. US ‘contractors’ arrived by boat on Monday at Playa Bagdad, driving signs into the sand near where the Rio Grande empties into the Gulf of Mexico. Alarmed witnesses quickly alerted officials and heavily armed Mexican security personnel rushed to the scene on trucks mounted with machine guns in a terrifying standoff.… The Pentagon, in a deeply embarrassing statement, admitted that its troops were mistaken when they landed on the beach.  

“The Mexican personnel watched as the Americans drove six signs into the ground, which said: ‘Warning: restricted area.’ Written in English and Spanish, they claimed that the beach was the property of the US Department of Defense and had been declared restricted by ‘the commander’. They also said unauthorized access or photography was not allowed in that area and that ‘if you are found here, you may be detained and searched.’ Mexico’s foreign affairs ministry said its navy removed the signs from the sand, which it believed were on Mexican territory.” 

With this kind of stupid “mistaken” conduct, wars start. 

“The Honeymoon Is Over” 

The New York Post wrote on November 23: 

“New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani doubled down Sunday on his claim that President Trump is a ‘fascist’ and ‘despot’… ‘That’s something that I’ve said in the past. I say it today,’ Mamdani told NBC’s ‘Meet the Press’ when asked whether he still views Trump as a fascist.

“The socialist pol said he’s eager to work with Trump because they agreed that the Big Apple needs to be more affordable at their surprisingly chummy meeting Friday.” 

Is Trump still saying, then, that Mamdani is a Marxist? That “chummy” relationship won’t last anyhow. 

Trump’s growing frustration is clearly manifested by his verbal and written aggressive outbursts on so many fronts, including angrily calling a female CNN journalist a “piggy.” But maybe it’s more than just frustration. Note the next article. 

Dementia in Trump’s Family? 

The Daily Beast wrote on November 17: 

“In a searing interview on The Daily Beast Podcast, the daughter of Donald Trump’s late older brother, Fred Trump Jr., laid out the clearest case she’s ever made that the president is exhibiting the same signs she once saw in his father, Fred Trump Sr., who had Alzheimer’s ‘for a very, very long time.’ … What she sees in her 79-year-old uncle, she said, is unmistakable. 

“‘There are times I look at him and I see my grandfather,’ Mary said. ‘I see that same look of confusion. I see that he does not always seem to be oriented to time and place. His short-term memory seems to be deteriorating.’ Trump’s lifelong impulse-control problems, she added, are also ‘deteriorating as well.’… Mary described watching Fred Sr.’s decline beginning in the early 1990s—small lapses that escalated into larger ones. By the time the family began spending Easter at Mar-a-Lago to keep him out of public view, she said, he was no longer recognizing people, including her.. 

“Donald Trump’s nephew Fred C. Trump III said last year that he fears a similar path for the president. ‘Like anyone else, I’ve seen his decline. But I see it in parallel with the way my grandfather’s decline was,’ Fred, 61, told People. ‘If anyone wants to believe that dementia did not run in the Trump family, it’s just not true.’” 

Dementia can be responsible for violent and aggressive behavior. 

Absolving Poland of the Holocaust? 

JTA wrote on November 21: 

“The new U.S. ambassador to Poland, Thomas Rose, delivered a speech [in Warsaw] in which he absolves Poland, and by extension, the Polish people, of any responsibility whatsoever for the Holocaust. This is a distortion that cannot be allowed to go unchallenged or unrefuted. 

“… My parents were Polish Jews who were incarcerated in the ghettos of their respective hometowns, Będzin and Sosnowiec, and then deported to Auschwitz, also in Poland, where virtually their entire families were murdered… To be sure, as Rose correctly pointed out, ‘thousands of Poles died saving Jews.’ He neglected to mention, however, that thousands of other Poles callously betrayed their Jewish compatriots and neighbors to the Germans or murdered them outright… 

“It is true that the machinery for the implementation of the Nazi ‘Final Solution of the Jewish Question’ was established by Germans – not Poles – in German-occupied Poland at places such as Auschwitz-Birkenau, Treblinka, and Majdanek. It is also true that more than 7,000 non-Jewish Poles… risked or gave their lives to rescue or help Jews. 

“What Rose seems to overlook, however, is that these heroic and altruistic individuals made up an extremely small minority of the overall Polish population, probably around a quarter of 1%. In addition, the bravery and sacrifice of many other Christian Poles who hid or otherwise tried to save Jews were never formally recognized… Even if we assume that the real figure [of righteous Poles] is 200,000, out of 21 million Poles, that’s only 1%. What about the other 99%?… 

“At the same time, let’s not lose sight — as Rose evidently did — of the many thousands of Poles who voluntarily and often quite viciously assisted the Germans in carrying out the annihilation of Polish Jewry by enthusiastically denouncing hidden Jews or handing them over to the Gestapo. Others blackmailed such hidden Jews, thereby making a horrific situation exponentially worse. Others still profiteered callously from the removal of Jews to ghettos and their deportation to death and concentration camps… there were in fact Poles who killed tens of thousands of Jews, perhaps as many as hundreds of thousands, during the years of the Holocaust… as many as 200,000 Jews were killed in Poland during the war by Poles, not Germans… 

“Rose also seems to ignore — or may be unaware of — the thousands of members of the  Polish police, known as the ‘Blue Police’ because of the color of their uniforms, who assisted the Germans in rounding up Jews, often rousted Jews out of their hiding places, and stole Jewish property as perks of their job…  A further highlight in the litany of things Rose chose not to mention in his speech was the horrific 1941 slaughter of hundreds of Jews by Poles in the eastern Polish town of Jedwabne. And then there was the post-war 1946 pogrom in the city of Kielce in which a Polish mob killed 46 Jews who had managed to survive the Holocaust.” 

Why is it that politicians seem to be eager to distort history? 

Trump Interferes in European Migration Policy

Bild Online wrote on November 23: 

“The US government… considers Europe’s refugee policy naive and dangerous and is concerned about the global consequences. This was already known. What’s new is that Washington is now actively trying to persuade countries like Germany, Great Britain, and Sweden to adopt stricter rules and laws. US ambassadors will be tasked with this in the future. 

“The State Department… has issued a directive to US embassies and consulates. They are to monitor the migration policies of other countries and, if necessary, intervene in them, according to the statement… In the message, the department announces concrete measures: ‘US officials will urge governments to act boldly and protect citizens from the dangers of mass migration.’… Another directive goes to the embassies: US officials are to immediately review regulations in Western countries that would favor migrants at the expense of their own citizens.” 

Europe won’t be happy about this American interference. 

Push for Euthanasia 

LifeSiteNews wrote on November 17:

“Canadian doctors are warning that Health Canada’s push for euthanasia is forcing doctors to suggest assisted suicide to patients… physicians are forced to discuss euthanasia or so-called ‘medical assistance in dying’ (MAID) with vulnerable patients according to Health Canada protocol… The document mandates that doctors and nurses must tell a patient about the assisted suicide options available to them while discussing medical care. 

“… many disabled Canadians are being pressured to end their lives with euthanasia during routine medical appointments… Canadians are choosing euthanasia because of poverty and loneliness, not as a result of allegedly terminal illness. 

“In one case, an Ontario doctor revealed that a middle-aged worker, whose ankle and back injuries had left him unable to work, felt that the government’s insufficient support was ‘leaving (him) with no choice but to pursue’ euthanasia. Other cases included an obese woman who described herself as a ‘useless body taking up space,’ which one doctor argued met the requirements for assisted suicide because obesity is ‘a medical condition which is indeed grievous and irremediable.’ 

“… Currently, wait times to receive actual health care in Canada have increased to an average of 27.7 weeks, leading some Canadians to despair and opt for euthanasia instead of waiting for assistance. At the same time, sick and elderly Canadians who have refused to end their lives have reported being called ‘selfish’ by their providers. The most recent reports show that euthanasia is the sixth highest cause of death in Canada…” 

What a disgusting world we are living in.

Acknowledgement and Disclaimer: 

These Current Events are compiled and commented on by Norbert Link. We gratefully acknowledge the many contributions of news articles from our readership. The publication of articles in this section is not to be viewed as an endorsement or approval as to contents or accuracy of the selected articles, but they are published for the purpose of pointing at worldwide developments in the light of biblical end-time prophecy and godly instruction. Our own comments are provided in italics.

Trump Presidency in Trouble 

Newsweek wrote on November 14:

“Ten months into his second term, President Donald Trump is being challenged by the very base he prides himself on creating, and he finds himself besieged by an army of issues that could threaten his MAGA support and spell trouble for lawmakers who remain by his side. 

“Reeling over the farmer furor that has met his plan to import Argentine beef, and now from Democratic victories in last week’s off-cycle elections, Trump is facing friendly fire over perceived pivots on immigration, the state of the economy and the latest episode of the long-running Epstein saga that has dogged his second administration’s every step. 

“Many of these tensions came to a head in an interview with Laura Ingraham that aired on Monday, during which the Fox News host challenged the president on offering 600,000 visas to Chinese students and his unexpected praise for the H-1B visa program, characterizing these as decidedly anti-MAGA stances. 

“Trump’s defense—that China is no worse an adversary than France, and that foreign-born workers are needed to account for the U.S.’s lack of talent—seems to have sparked as much backlash as the positions themselves… polls [are] finding that his approval on key issues, such as inflation, continues to erode even among Republicans… 

“Alongside criticizing his apparent defectors—telling reporters that Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene has ‘lost her way’…  Trump’s strategy has been to… deny outright that there is any issue to contend with. The president has repeatedly claimed that grocery prices ‘are way down,’  contradicting the kitchen-table realities of most Americans, while declaring both affordability and uproar over Epstein are hoaxes created by his rivals… 

“MAGA remains Trump’s creation, and its most faithful will likely remain by his side through this perilous chapter of his presidency, but members of the broader Republican Party may soon discover the costs of devotion as they barrel toward a midterm reckoning.” 

Trump should face reality, rather than trying to ignore or even deny it.

Trump Drops Tariffs on Beef, Coffee and Tropical Fruit 

The Associated Press wrote on November 14: 

“President Donald Trump signed an executive order Friday to get rid of tariffs on a broad swath of commodities, including beef, coffee and tropical fruits [bananas, as well as tomatoes]. It’s part of a response to pressure from consumers who complain prices are too high. 

“The move comes after voters in off-year elections earlier this month cited economic concerns as their top issue, resulting in big wins for Democrats in races in Virginia and New Jersey.” 

The Guardian added on November 14: 

“Consumers have remained frustrated over high grocery prices, which economists say have been fueled in part by import tariffs and could rise further next year as companies start passing on the full brunt of the import duties… a clear majority of Americans say their monthly costs have risen by between $100 and $749. 

“The top Democrats on the House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee, Richard Neal, said the Trump administration was ‘putting out a fire that they started and claiming it as progress… The Trump administration is finally admitting publicly what we’ve all known from the start: Trump’s trade war is hiking costs on people,’ Neal said in a statement. ‘Since implementing these tariffs, inflation has increased…’” 

ABC News added on November 14: 

“The framework deals with Argentina, Guatemala, El Salvador and Ecuador will remove levies for some goods from those countries, which currently face a uniform tariff rate between 10% and 15%… 

“As of September, coffee prices have spiked 18.9%, bananas have jumped 6.9% and beef prices have soared 14.7% in the past year…  None of the countries targeted for tariff relief under the new framework deals are among the largest exporters of coffee to the U.S. Brazil is the top source of coffee for U.S. buyers, followed by Colombia and Vietnam; but tariffs on those countries remain unchanged…” 

Trump’s Economic Proposals Won’t Work 

The New York Post wrote on November 15: 

“Last week, some of the nation’s top CEOs talked and laughed with President Trump while enjoying dinner at the White House… But privately, many left that night wondering if the president really knows the score… The president’s proposed solutions, they believe, are destined to fall flat. 

“… the US economy is a far cry from the Reagan years of massive growth and low inflation, nor is there much evidence it’s heading in that direction. The president also appears unaware that the country’s biggest economic problem is that of affordability. This is not just when it comes to homes, but persistently high inflation that is stoking voter anxiety according to every poll available… 

“No one at the table… spoke up at dinner with an opposing view… [but they] believe based on all the data available, 6% GD [predicted by Trump] is a pipe dream. Tariffs will depress growth because less of our products will be sold overseas by countries that retaliate. Plus, inflation appears to be growing, not subsiding, again thanks to tariff costs. 

“The affordability crisis is real and whatever Trump is doing isn’t working thus far… I am told that Trump’s advisers know things aren’t so great, but to warn Trump that what he’s doing isn’t working is the fastest way to lose your job… I can see how it’s difficult for anyone close to Trump to lend credence to the notion of a ‘crisis’ of affordability because it appears to support the left’s agenda… Trump… recently told my Fox colleague Laura Ingraham that the public’s economic anxiety is ‘fake.’ That won’t make it go away. It also robs us of a chance for a serious debate on how to fix this economy. 

“That debate, unfortunately, didn’t happen the other night with Trump, though several of the CEOs later told me the 50-year mortgage [proposed by Trump] will raise home prices, not lower them, because people can borrow more and spread mortgage payments out further. It’s also a slight of hand, of course, since borrowers will be paying the bank more interest over a longer period of time and accumulating less equity.”

The Ongoing Epstein Files Debacle

ABC News wrote on November 14: 

“President Donald Trump, in a social media post on Friday, said he will ‘be asking A.G. Pam Bondi, and the Department of Justice, together with our great patriots at the FBI, to investigate Jeffrey Epstein’s involvement and relationship with Bill Clinton, Larry Summers, Reid Hoffman, J.P. Morgan, Chase, and many other people and institutions, to determine what was going on with them, and him.’ 

“Bondi announced later Friday she has tapped Jay Clayton, the current U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, to lead the Trump-ordered investigation of Epstein’s involvement with high-profile Democrats and JP Morgan Chase…  ‘As with all matters, the Department will pursue this with urgency and integrity to deliver answers to the American people.’ 

“Back in July, the DOJ and FBI released a memo on Epstein concluding there was ‘no incriminating “client list'” and ‘no credible evidence found that Epstein blackmailed prominent individuals as part of his actions.’ The DOJ and FBI said at the time no further charges were expected in connection with their probes into Epstein… 

“Trump’s call for a Justice Department investigation comes after House Democrats released [more than 20,000 pages of records it received] from Epstein’s estate [some of which] mentioned Trump by name… Bipartisan pressure continued for the administration to release the rest of the Epstein files.  

“Democratic Rep. Robert Garcia, the ranking member of the House Oversight Committee, said in a statement on Friday that the panel’s Epstein investigation has ‘panicked’ Trump. Garcia, responding to Trump’s social media post, said Trump is ‘trying to deflect from serious new questions we have about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.’ 

“‘The President has not explained why he won’t release the files to the American people. Or why sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell was moved to a cushy low-security prison after her interview with Trump’s former personal lawyer,’ Rep. Garcia added.” 

It should be obvious that Trump is trying to deflect from his alleged involvement (even though no evidence has been produced that he was in any way involved, but the same goes for Clinton). Also, questions have been raised as to why an investigation of Clinton could be remotely justified when Trump called the entire Epstein debacle a “hoax” by the Democrats (even though it is clearly not a hoax). Also, suspicions about Epstein’s alleged suicide are still rampant.   

Trump stated that “Some Weak Republicans have fallen into their [the Democrats’] clutches because they are soft and foolish.” But after Trump had unsuccessfully made repeated attempts to kill the effort, he bowed to pressure and made a total flip-flop, urging his fellow [“weak, soft and foolish”] Republicans to vote for the release of all Epstein documents and stated he would sign such a bill endorsed by the House and the Senate. 

Greene Breaks With Trump 

NBC News wrote on November 14: 

“President Donald Trump issued a scathing social media post Friday against Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., saying that he was ‘withdrawing his support and Endorsement’ of someone who had previously been one of his closest allies… 

“Greene speculated that Trump was upset over the re-emergence of the Jeffrey Epstein case… ‘It’s astonishing really how hard he’s fighting to stop the Epstein files from coming out that he actually goes to this level,’ Greene wrote on X. ‘But really most Americans wish he would fight this hard to help the forgotten men and women of America who are fed up with foreign wars and foreign causes, are going broke trying to feed their families, and are losing hope of ever achieving the American dream.’” 

Greene has a point. Trump very inappropriately said she went “far left” and called her “wacky, a ranting lunatic, a disgrace and a traitor.”

One has to indeed ask the question: WHY was Trump so determined to prevent the release of all the Epstein files? What was he afraid of? What was he trying to hide? And what about the sudden turn-around? Is something going on behind the scene? It has been speculated that in any event, not all documents will be released due to the “investigation” against Clinton and other Democrats. It is also expected that there will be a battle over redactions. Bild Online wrote on November 15 that the contents of the already released documents is becoming more and more unpleasant for Trump. The tabloid also wrote that nobody can ask Epstein about his emails as he is dead, and his accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell, is perceived to be a pathological liar. 

House and Senate Passed Epstein Bill 

The Hill wrote on November 18: 

“The Senate agreed by unanimous consent Tuesday to approve a House-passed bill to require the Justice Department to release all unclassified records and documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, sending the bill to President Trump’s desk for a signature… The momentum to pass the bill through the Senate quickly, became overwhelming after the House passed it by a margin of 427 to 1.” 

Subsequently, Trump signed the bill on Wednesday. The DOJ is supposed to release the files within 30 days. Will they? Note the next article. 

Quick Release in Doubt 

The Washington Post wrote on November 19: 

“The legislation that Congress agreed to pass Tuesday gives the Justice Department a few exceptions under which it can refuse to release material. Among them: if release ‘would jeopardize an active federal investigation or ongoing prosecution.’… [This] could become a reason for the Justice Department to block release of many files… 

“The Justice Department has also said many of the files cannot be released because they contain sensitive victim information and pornographic material. The legislation contains another exception allowing the Justice Department to withhold material that ‘would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy’ or ‘depicts or contains child sexual abuse.’… 

“There would not be much recourse for Congress if the Justice Department refused to hand over the files since the bill does not have any enforcement teeth.”

Greene Accuses Trump of Betraying America over al-Sharaa Welcome 

The Daily Mail wrote on November 16: 

“Marjorie Taylor Moore launched a fierce tirade against President Donald Trump and accused him of betraying the American people on Sunday morning… Greene took the opportunity to scorn the president for welcoming Syrian president Ahmed al-Sharaa to the White House this week. Trump laughed and joked with Al-Sharaa in the Oval Office – despite the fact the Muslim leader has long been sanctioned as a specially-designated global terrorist. 

“The Saudi-born leader joined al-Qaeda in Iraq just before the US invasion in 2003. He was captured by American forces and imprisoned for five years until 2011 – and there has been a $10 million bounty on his head since.” 

Trump’s cozy relationship with Ahmed al-Sharaa is indeed deeply troublesome. Also note the next article.

MBS in Washington 

ABC News wrote on November 18: 

“President Donald Trump on Tuesday angrily defended Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during his first trip to the U.S in seven years, saying that what the Saudi royal has done is ‘incredible in terms of human rights’ and dismissed questions about journalist Jamal Khashoggi’s murder…, a Washington Post columnist and Saudi critic, by Saudi agents in Istanbul, causing global outrage…

“Trump interjected when the prince was asked about Khashoggi’s murder… ‘You’re mentioning somebody that was extremely controversial,’ Trump said referring to Khashoggi. ‘A lot of people didn’t like that gentleman that you’re talking about, whether you like him or didn’t like him, things happen, but he knew nothing about it, and we can leave it at that,’ he said about MBS…

“In 2021, a report from [Trump’s] U.S. intelligence community found, ‘We assess that Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman approved an operation in Istanbul, Turkey to capture or kill Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi…’

“The president touted the business deals and economic cooperation, including a $1 trillion investment in the United States… Trump confirmed… that he [had agreed] to sell F-35s to Saudi Arabia as part of a weapons deal, which experts say would mark the first time those fighters have been sold to an Arab military. The… sale of advanced F-35 fighter jets to the Saudi kingdom is likely to cause consternation in Israel.”

The Guardian added on November 18:

“The agreement will be similar to the one the US has with Israel, which is significant as until now Israel has been the only country in the Middle East to have the jets. The move has the potential to alter the military balance in the region… MBS made clear that normalisation with Israel (i.e. Saudi Arabia joining the Abraham Accords, which Trump really wants) could not happen without first securing a clear path towards a two-state solution.”

Trump also secured an agreement for Saudi Arabia to buy nearly 300 American military tanks, and Trump said that the USA will designate Saudi Arabia as a “major non-NATO ally” –whatever that means.

Some of Trump’s comments and actions are very hard to accept. In the light of biblical prophecy, they are plainly counterproductive and pose great dangers for Israel AND the USA. Trump’s admiration and praise for dictators will become a thorn in his flesh. 

Fears of Denaturalization 

ABC News wrote on November 14: 

“There’s now fear that the push to drastically increase deportations and shift who can claim America as home… is having a ripple effect… 

“Some are worried that if they leave the country, they will have difficulties when trying to return, fearful because of accounts of naturalized citizens being questioned or detained by U.S. border agents… Immigration enforcement roundups, often conducted by masked, unidentifiable federal agents… have at times included American citizens in their dragnets…. Adding to the worries, the Justice Department issued a memo this summer saying it would ramp up efforts to denaturalize immigrants who’ve committed crimes or are deemed to present a national security risk… The atmosphere makes some worried to speak about it publicly, for fear of drawing negative attention to themselves. .. 

“What citizenship has meant, and who was included, has expanded and contracted over the course of American history, said Stephen Kantrowitz, professor of history at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He said while the word ‘citizen’ is in the original Constitution, it is not defined. ‘When the Constitution is written, nobody knows what citizenship means,’ he said. 

“The first naturalization law passed in 1790 by the new country’s Congress said citizenship was for any ‘free white person’ of good character. Those of African descent or nativity were added as a specific category to federal immigration law after the ravages of the Civil War in the 19th century, which was also when the 14th Amendment was added to the Constitution to establish birthright citizenship. 

“In the last years of the 19th century and into the 20th century, laws were put on the books limiting immigration and, by extension, naturalization. The Immigration Act of 1924 effectively barred people from Asia because they were ineligible for naturalization, being neither white nor Black. That didn’t change until 1952, when an immigration law removed racial restrictions on who could be naturalized. The 1965 Immigration and Naturalization Act replaced the previous immigration system with one that portioned out visas equally among nations. 

“American history also includes times when those who had citizenship had it taken away, like after the 1923 Supreme Court ruling in U.S. vs. Bhagat Singh Thind. That ruling said that Indians couldn’t be naturalized because they did not qualify as white and led to several dozen denaturalizations. At other times, it was ignored, as in World War II, when Japanese Americans were forced into internment camps. ‘Political power will sometimes simply decide that a group of people, or a person or a family isn’t entitled to citizenship,’ Kantrowitz said.” 

Your blood must boil when you read these examples of absolutely incredible injustice. For sure, America’s governments have a lot to answer for. 

Democrats at the Crossroads 

The Huffington Post wrote on November 14: 

“The longest government shutdown ever may finally be over, but the Democratic Party is just beginning to reckon with angry voters who are sick and tired of seeing them lose to President Donald Trump. Their frustrations were particularly evident in New Hampshire, a state represented by two moderate Democrats in the Senate who helped cut a deal with Republicans that funded the government in return for essentially nothing. New Hampshirites… said they felt demoralized by their surrender and called for new blood to carry the torch into the future… 

“The anger is clearly reminiscent of the disillusion Republicans faced during the Tea Party era a decade ago, though it’s too soon to tell what it will mean for the party’s electoral chances… However, in the short term, the ongoing discontent could lead to another government shutdown early next year... The deal funding the government until Jan. 30 was backed by eight Senate Democrats and included a vote next month on extending enhanced subsidies for people enrolled in the Affordable Care Act. However, that vote is expected to fail due to Republican opposition to anything having to do with Obamacare. Trump and GOP lawmakers are instead pitching an alternative plan that would replace the subsidies with flexible spending accounts… 

“Denying government funding again would be a risky strategy for Democrats… As much as most Democrats would like to forget this whole episode as fast as possible and unite their party against Trump, they must first reassure skeptical voters that they are equipped to lead his opposition…” 

Blowing Up Shipping Boats 

The Ron Paul Institute wrote on November 14: 

“Starting in September the Trump administration announced [20] strikes on boats in the Caribbean which have killed at least [80] seafarers…  By framing the military campaign as a war, the administration is able to argue that murder statutes do not apply… 

“At the recent meeting of the G7 foreign ministers the French publicly declared that any such boat strikes are illegal… Britain is allegedly withholding some intelligence from the U.S. because of concern about the boat strikes… Colombian President Gustavo Petro has likewise stopped intelligence sharing on the issue…

“Anyone in the U.S. intelligence services and military should be aware that taking part in such strikes is a criminal endeavor which may get them prosecuted in international courts…  Adm. Alvin Holsey, the head of Southern Command… abruptly announced he was resigning at year’s end, which will be about a year into what is typically a three-year assignment. More soldiers should follow the man’s example.” 

Tucker Carlson on Pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer 

Newsmax wrote on November 14: 

“Tucker Carlson has ignited a wave of outrage across the conservative and Christian worlds after claiming that Dietrich Bonhoeffer — the anti-Nazi theologian executed by Adolf Hitler’s regime in 1945 — had ‘decided … we have to kill the guy [Hitler],’ suggesting the German pastor ultimately advocated murder… 

“Bonhoeffer, a Lutheran pastor and founding member of the Christian resistance movement known as the Confessing Church, was imprisoned for helping Jewish Germans escape to Switzerland. He was later linked to the resistance circle involved in the failed July 20, 1944, plot to assassinate Hitler. His hanging in April 1945 at the Flossenbürg concentration camp in Bavaria by the Third Reich made him one of Christianity’s most revered martyrs of the 20th century… 

“Author Eric Metaxas, whose best-selling biography ‘Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy’ helped introduce the theologian to millions of American Christians, blasted Carlson’s comments as historically and theologically illiterate. ‘Tucker’s statements about Bonhoeffer are WRONG,’ Metaxas wrote on X… ‘Bonhoeffer did not advocate MURDER, which would have been sinful, but he did understand that within a just war people are KILLED. ‘Will Tucker now condemn David for killing Goliath?’ 

“Metaxas elaborated that Bonhoeffer’s involvement with anti-Hitler resistance was deeply rooted in Christian ethics… ‘In my BONHOEFFER book I detail the ethical struggle he had in participating in the plot to kill Hitler,’ he wrote in another post… ‘ But let’s be clear. Not all killing is MURDER.’… 

“Conservative leader Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated on Sept. 10 during a speaking engagement at Utah Valley University, had long praised Bonhoeffer as a moral model for Christians resisting tyranny, contrasted sharply with Carlson’s portrayal….” 

Not all killing is murder? With that false assessment, killing in war has been justified, wrongly claiming it is Christian to kill someone who fights for the “forces of evil.” This world is terribly deceived. Read our free booklet, “Should YOU Fight in War?” 

Trump Defends Tucker Carlson 

JTA wrote on November 17:

“President Donald Trump defended Tucker Carlson’s recent interview with avowed antisemite Nick Fuentes, weighing in on a debate over antisemitism that has roiled the Republican party. ‘I’ve found him to be good. He’s said good things about me over the years…  You can’t tell him who to interview. If he wants to interview Nick Fuentes, I don’t know much about him, but if he wants to do it, get the word out.’

“The president’s comments were his first on a growing divide within the Republican party over Carlson giving a platform on his top-rated podcast to Fuentes and over the growth of the antisemitic Fuentes-led ‘groyper’ movement on the right. Yet neither Trump nor Vice President J.D. Vance have joined the chorus of condemnation for Fuentes’ brand of white supremacy. Vance, who employs Carlson’s son Buckley on his staff, in recent days defended Buckley from a right-wing Jewish activist’s accusations of antisemitism without directly addressing the Fuentes controversy…

“Carlson campaigned with Trump for his 2024 reelection and has significant influence within his administration, while Trump dined with Fuentes and the antisemitic rapper Ye in Mar-a-Lago in 2022…” 

Propaganda Against Trump in Germany 

Nius wrote on November 14:

“German public broadcasters… demonize Donald J. Trump more than perhaps any other Western politician… ARD, ZDF, and their subsidiaries have been shaping the image of an authoritarian monster since 2016, abandoning basic journalistic principles: context, neutrality, factual accuracy…

“In a speech Trump gave in Davos in 2018, Tagesschau deliberately manipulated the audio to make the boos sound louder… Later, ARD even admitted that it had manipulated the audio. 

“In March 2024, ZDF made a blatant false claim while reporting on a Trump campaign speech in Ohio. In that speech, Trump discussed economic policy, tariffs, and Chinese cars. Addressing the Chinese, who were building huge car factories in Mexico to sell their vehicles in the United States, he said: ‘If I get elected, we’re going to put a 100 percent tariff on every car that crosses the border – you will not be able to sell those cars. If I don’t get elected, it’s going to be a bloodbath for the whole country – that will be the least of it. But they will not sell those cars…’ 

“It is absolutely clear: this is plainly about economic policy. Trump is saying, in essence, that without him, an economic disaster awaits – ‘bloodbath’ being a common metaphor in this context. But millions of viewers of Germany’s second-most important news program were presented with something that never happened. The ZDF anchor said: ‘He wraps his call for political violence in comments about the car industry.’ Yet no such call for violence ever occurred. Even the left-leaning outlet Correctiv stated in a fact-check that Trump had neither threatened nor called for political violence. 

“Nevertheless, the public broadcasters refuse to let go of their fake news. Months later – long after the ‘bloodbath’ matter had been clarified – ZDF still tries to convince its audience that ‘bloodbath’ referred to political carnage. In a report, ZDF again omits the context. The word ‘car industry’ does not appear at all… 

“Linguistic manipulation is added to the mix: while the removal of illegal immigrants – a long-standing practice in the U.S., predating Trump – used to be translated correctly as ‘Abschiebungen,’ public broadcasters now increasingly use the term ‘Deportationen’… Yet in Germany the word “Deportation” evokes something entirely different: the forcible expulsion or banishment of criminals, political opponents, or entire groups – above all the mass deportations of Jews to Nazi forced-labor and extermination camps… The purpose of these deliberate mistranslations is clear: to evoke associations with the Third Reich… 

“One can debate Trump’s role on January 6, 2021. He spoke of election fraud and initially refused to acknowledge the certified result. He had called for protests for weeks and spoke on January 6 near the White House, while Congress counted the Electoral College votes. Midway through his speech, Trump said explicitly: ‘I know that everyone here will soon be marching over to the Capitol building to peacefully and patriotically make your voices heard.’ 

“That the BBC documentary series Panorama omitted this passage and used manipulative editing – which has now sparked a major media scandal… went unmentioned in German media. Instead, ARD, ZDF, and Deutschlandfunk all claimed Trump had staged a kind of coup, and that his heated speech triggered the events… Nearly five years after the ‘storming of the Capitol,’ this version still prevails… One can criticize Trump’s conduct that day, but he explicitly did not call for violence and – albeit far too late – tweeted ‘Stay peaceful!’ once the violence had begun…” 

The mass media cannot be trusted. 

Antifa Declared a Terrorist Organization 

Euro News wrote on November 14: 

“US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Thursday that Washington would designate German-based Antifa Ost… as ‘Specially Designated Global Terrorists’. ‘Groups affiliated with this movement ascribe to revolutionary anarchist or Marxist ideologies, including anti-Americanism, “anti-capitalism,” and anti-Christianity, using these to incite and justify violent assaults domestically and overseas,’ Rubio said. 

“‘The United States will continue using all available tools to protect our national security and public safety and will deny funding and resources to terrorists, including targeting other Antifa groups across the globe,’ he added… 

“The State Department said the German-based Antifa Ost ‘committed numerous attacks against people it perceives as “fascists” or part of the “right-wing scene” in Germany between 2018 and 2023.’ The organisation is also accused of having ‘conducted a series of attacks in Budapest in mid-February 2023.’ Hungary had already placed the group on its national terror list at the end of September…” 

This designation is absolutely correct. Note the next article. 

Antifa Terror Actions and Threats 

Bild Online had written on November 4 about the latest terror attack by Antifa in Germany: 

“Around twelve hours after the car of AfD leading politician Bernd Baumann (67) was burned down in Hamburg, Antifa claimed responsibility for the attack. A statement claiming responsibility was uploaded to the far-left website Indymedia on Monday afternoon at 3:27 p.m.… 

“The statement concludes with a vile death threat: ‘All you damn MAGAfreaks, you will follow Kirk to hell!’ MAGA stands for the slogan ‘Make America Great Again’ used by the US president during his election campaign, and the statement implies that all Trump supporters face the same fate as the murdered Charlie Kirk (†31).” 

George Washington’s Haunting Vision 

The Daily Mail wrote on November 15: 

“In the winter of 1777, legend goes that George Washington received a vision that has haunted America for over two centuries. An angelic figure appeared to him at Valley Forge, prophesying three great trials the young nation would face. The first two have been fulfilled – the Revolution that birthed the country, and the Civil War that nearly tore it apart. 

“But the third prophecy spoke of something yet to come: ‘hordes of armed men’ carried over the sea to invade America… Washington’s third vision includes ‘a threat of war in a future time that would be so great with powers from the east crossing the sea.’” 

America will indeed be invaded by great powers in the Eastern Hemisphere—the last European revival of the Roman Empire. 

False Jewish Teachings Regarding the “Red Heifer” 

Israel 365 News wrote on November 13: 

“The burning of the red heifer on July 1 marked a significant moment in Jewish tradition… It should be emphasized that the red heifer is used to purify the nation of Israel from impurity resulting from proximity to or contact with a dead body. This state of purity is necessary for Jews to ascend to the Temple [The Bible does not say this; in fact, there is no biblical requirement for a red heifer today]… Jews are currently the only verifiable descendants of Israel [This is absolutely false. Jews are just one tribe—the tribe of Judah—of the 12 tribes or sons of Jacob.] 

“Of course, ashes of the red heifer that are not made on the Mount of Olives while facing the site of the Holy Temple are completely invalid [where does the Bible say this?]… Anyone who invents something other than the Seven Noahide Commandments [allegedly, God gave Noah seven commandments… the Bible does not say this] causes those who listen to him to sin, and this includes anyone who invents that the ashes from a red heifer exercise purify Gentiles, or heals Gentiles, or anything else – such a person is among the fraudsters and swindlers, and one must distance oneself from him and distance him.” 

This ridiculous statement would include all nominal and real Christians. 

Abbas—A Prince of Peace? 

Israel 365 News wrote on November 14: 

“French President Emmanuel Macron stood beside Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas in Paris. The French leader declared the head of the PA to be a ‘prince of peace,’ echoing Pope Francis’s 2015 description of Abbas as an ‘angel of peace.’ … Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded immediately, calling Macron’s praise ‘the opposite of reality.’ 

“[Macron issued] a warning to Israel that any annexation of Judea and Samaria would trigger a European response.”

Hungary Warns Brussels Driving Europe Towards Nuclear War 

The Times of India wrote on November 15: 

“Hungary’s Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has delivered one of his most blistering speeches yet, accusing Brussels of dragging Europe toward a catastrophic nuclear confrontation… Szijjarto claimed the EU is deliberately pushing the Russia–Ukraine conflict into deeper escalation, warning that the current military standoff ‘can only result in a nuclear war that destroys our entire planet.’ He slammed European institutions for ‘shamelessly pouring money and weapons into Ukraine,’ arguing that the bloc has emptied its own armouries while forcing European citizens to foot the bill for a war they never chose. 

“Szijjarto went further, accusing Brussels and Kyiv of meddling in Hungary’s domestic politics by backing the opposition Tisza Party ahead of the upcoming national elections. According to the minister, the EU wants a ‘puppet leadership’ in Budapest—one that will march in lockstep with its foreign policy. He insisted that only Viktor Orban’s government can keep Hungary out of the conflict and protect the country from migration pressures and political coercion.” 

Ukrainians to Be Deported 

Daily Mail wrote on November 14: 

“The Trump administration is gearing up to send Ukrainians back to their war-torn homeland, with 80 people being targeted for removal… Lawyers… told the Post:… ‘Ukraine is a war zone, currently under martial law, and it is likely that any deportees will be forcibly drafted into the army and sent to the front where they face a high likelihood of death…’” 

Merz: Ukrainians Should Stay in Ukraine and Fight 

Politico wrote on November 13: 

“German Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to curb the flow of young Ukrainian men to Germany and ensure they stay to defend their country… His comments come amid growing concerns in Germany — particularly within Merz’s conservative ranks — that public support for the Ukrainian cause could wane if young male Ukrainians are seen to be avoiding military service by coming to Germany.” 

Newsworm wrote on November 13: 

“Merz also reaffirmed the government’s plans to remove access to citizens’ benefits (Bürgergeld) for Ukrainian refugees in Germany… According to a report by Bild newspaper, the reform would result in tens of thousands of Ukrainians losing their entitlement to citizens’ benefits.” 

Cannon Fodder in the Clutches of the Bundeswehr 

Report 24 wrote on November 14: 

“Agreement on Conscription: Those Who Aren’t Lured In Will Be Forced… 

“The governing coalition has agreed on a conscription model. They emphasize ‘voluntariness’ by enticing recruits with payments of €2,600 gross per month and the prospect of additional subsidies. However, if the cannon fodder isn’t willing, force will be used: If the need isn’t met by volunteers, a ‘random selection process’ will be activated. 

“With financial incentives and tiered recruitment processes, young people are being lured into the Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces). Those who don’t take the bait are forced in step by step. The democratic fig leaf serves only to stifle criticism… 

“The coalition of the CDU/CSU and SPD has buried its internal squabble and proudly presents a model that systematically drives young people into the clutches of the Bundeswehr… 

“Behind the reform lurks the massive expansion of the armed forces to 260,000 active soldiers… supplemented by 200,000 reservists… These figures expose the hypocrisy: Instead of peace policy…, Berlin submits to foreign plans that degrade young people to cannon fodder, while politicians sit safely enthroned in their offices… 

“While Pistorius prevented the so-called ‘double lottery system’ of the Union, which would have determined conscription and then enlistment by lottery, the essence remains a watered-down form of coercion that turns voluntary service into a lie and lures young people into a trap.” 

This article raises important, albeit often unpopular points. 

How German Companies Are Preparing for War 

Focus wrote on November 14: 

“The German economy is arming itself for war… It’s becoming clear: Companies are working on action plans for the moment normal operations break down. The term ‘war’ doesn’t appear officially everywhere, but the logic is evident… 

“The turning point [“Zeitenwende”] is here, and it doesn’t just affect the arms industry, but ordinary factories… An entire economic landscape is rearming, following the directives of those in charge.” 

Everyone is expecting war! 

Civil Service Is Making a Comeback 

Bild Online wrote on November 14th: 

“With the new military service… its almost forgotten sibling is also being revived – civil service!… If… those selected by lottery for military service refuse it, they are legally required to perform alternative service. And that is civil service!… 

“The CDU/CSU alliance sees ‘conscription on demand’ as merely a stepping stone: They want the mandatory Year of Germany – compulsory service for everyone!… The CDU/CSU has prominent supporters for this… Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier (SPD)… called for ‘compulsory service for everyone’ on Wednesday at the Bundeswehr oath ceremony marking 70 years of the armed forces – either in the military or in the civilian sector!” 

Difficult times are ahead for Germany. 

Shocking Survey Results 

Focus wrote on November 16: 

“According to a survey, a majority of Germans [58%] support the planned mandatory military medical examination of young men born in 2008 or later… 57 percent of those surveyed do not expect enough volunteers to come forward in the future to meet the Bundeswehr’s personnel targets… 

“Personal willingness to perform military service also remains low. Only 31 percent of Germans say they would volunteer, while 55 percent rule it out…” 

What is this nonsense? The majority wouldn’t volunteer for the Bundeswehr, but they support universal military medical examination—the precursor to compulsory military service? 

Merz Sticks to Unpopular Firewall 

Die Welt wrote on November 15: 

“Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) addressed current political issues at the Young Union’s national convention… 

“Merz reaffirmed that there would be no cooperation between his party and the AfD. ‘Not because there’s a firewall between us – forget that word! We are worlds apart from this party,’ Merz said… ‘We have nothing in common with them.’ The Chancellor received loud applause and cheers for his remarks.” 

However, Merz’s speech, accompanied by applause, does not reflect the opinion of the German population. Bild Online published a commentary on November 14 with the headline: “The ‘Firewall’ Tactic Is Alienating Many Voters.” The commentary continues as follows: 

“In a survey… 56% of CDU/CSU supporters are in favor of cooperating with the AfD in parliament. 46% consider this appropriate ‘on a case-by-case basis,’ and ten percent are in favor of it as a matter of principle. Among the general population, 25% are generally in favor of cooperation between the CDU/CSU and the AfD, and 30% are in favor ‘on a case-by-case basis.’ This implies that the ‘firewall’ tactic is alienating many voters! 

“This opinion poll contradicts the established practice of the CDU and CSU, which categorically excludes any agreement with the AfD. Why are the CDU/CSU politicians acting differently than the majority of their supporters want? Because they are thinking purely tactically and neglecting the substance of the issue. They are isolating the AfD to weaken it. In doing so, they accept that decisions that would actually be in their interest will not be made if AfD members of parliament vote for them. 

“But voters aren’t interested in tactics. They want to see results. They demand that campaign promises be kept, regardless of who votes for them and who doesn’t… The CDU/CSU could only keep most of its campaign promises (migration, basic income, climate policy, debt) if the AfD voted with it. Instead, the CDU/CSU governs with the SPD and is therefore breaking its campaign promises.” 

AfD Welcome in USA 

Politico wrote on November 14: 

“Dozens of politicians from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party will travel to Washington in December at the invitation of a group of House Republicans… The invitation to AfD politicians comes at a time when German far-right figures are increasingly looking for support from MAGA Republicans in the U.S. for what they frame as a struggle against political persecution and censorship at home… 

“AfD leaders see the invitation to Washington as an opportunity to win more legitimacy domestically for their claims of persecution… The trip to Washington by AfD members in December is to be followed by a larger-scale conference early next year… 

“U.S. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna [said:] ‘The German government’s recent actions against its own citizens resemble the authoritarianism of the Soviet Union prior to its fall more than Russia does today.’” 

New Rules for Tourists Traveling to Europe 

TTW wrote on November 15: 

“Europe is introducing new policies that will affect tourists and travelers in 2026… 

“… the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will require visa-exempt travelers to apply for an online travel authorization before entering the Schengen Area. Previously, citizens from countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia did not need a visa to travel within the Schengen Zone… This system [is] set to be fully operational by the end of 2026… Without the ETIAS authorization, travelers may be denied boarding, making it crucial to complete the application process well in advance… 

“In another significant change, the Entry/Exit System (EES) will be fully rolled out by April 2026. The new system will require travelers to provide biometric data, such as fingerprints and facial recognition scans, when crossing Schengen borders… 

“One of the lesser-known changes to the Schengen visa policy is the visa suspension mechanism, which can revoke visa-free travel for certain countries under specific circumstances. If a country’s nationals experience a significant surge in irregular migration or pose security risks, the European Union can suspend their visa-free privileges. This means that tourists from countries like the US, Canada, or Japan may suddenly face visa requirements if their country of origin faces migration or security issues… 

“For non-EU nationals, the rule allowing only 90 days of stay within any 180-day period in the Schengen Area will be strictly enforced starting in 2026. This means that travelers who overstay their allowed period could face penalties, fines, or even bans from entering the Schengen Area in the future… 

“… travelers to Europe in 2026 will need to be more diligent than ever about ensuring their travel documentation is complete and up to date. Passports must meet the necessary validity requirements, typically at least three months beyond the planned departure date. Additionally, travelers will need to prepare for the possibility of digital visa applications, biometric data submission, and even additional health checks depending on the state of global health concerns…” 

No More Cash at Christmas Market 

Bild Online wrote on November 16: 

“On November 20, the stalls at the ‘Polarzauber’ Christmas market at Zurich’s main train station (Switzerland) will open – with one change: ‘The entire Polarzauber is cashless – all stalls accept card payments as well as mobile payments such as Twint, Apple Pay, or Google Pay,’ according to the Christmas market’s website. Payment can be made with ‘all common credit and debit cards.’ If vendors accept cash anyway, they will have to pay a fine of 500 Swiss francs (around 540 euros)… In case of repeated offenses, stallholders will even be excluded from the market. 

‘The Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) owns the train station where the Christmas market is held and supports the cash ban. The city of Zurich, which rents out public spaces for Christmas markets, also has no objections…” 

Madness! The totalitarian, regulated and controlled insanity continues. 

Acknowledgement and Disclaimer: 

These Current Events are compiled and commented on by Norbert Link. We gratefully acknowledge the many contributions of news articles from our readership. The publication of articles in this section is not to be viewed as an endorsement or approval as to contents or accuracy of the selected articles, but they are published for the purpose of pointing at worldwide developments in the light of biblical end-time prophecy and godly instruction. Our own comments are provided in italics.

How Long Will the German Coalition Last? 

Report 24 wrote on November 7: 

“Not even 200 days in power, but already all trust lost: The high poll numbers for the AfD vividly demonstrate how convinced the population is of the black-red coalition in Germany. Even within the government, there is now increasing unrest. Jens Spahn is said to have already declared, with regard to the SPD [CDU’s coalition party], that they will not ‘die with them.’ The mainstream media is now speculating about a possible collapse of the coalition… 

“Will the whole thing blow up around Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s (CDU) door before Christmas? A nasty joke is circulating in the CDU/CSU parliamentary group: What’s the difference between God and Friedrich Merz? God doesn’t think of himself as Friedrich Merz, but Merz thinks of himself as God! The chancellor, who constantly violates the eighth commandment (‘Thou shalt not lie’), will certainly need God’s help if he wants to save his chaotic coalition from the end of the year. 

“It’s rumored that some members of the parliamentary group are considering a minority government. But how would it be able to function? That would only be possible with the support of the AfD. But Merz has ruled them out ‘as long as I’m Chancellor’… Hot rumor…: Spahn, for whom there’s ‘always an alternative,’ could be elected Chancellor with the votes of the AfD! A rumor—nothing more for now.” 

Note: “Thou shalt not lie” is not the eighth commandment, as the article falsely claims, but the ninth. 

Germany Is the Titanic 

Nius wrote on November 7: 

“Friedrich Merz… has a… task: to avert the catastrophe with those who are willing to avert the catastrophe, that is, with the votes of the AfD, for example, in a minority government. There are no other voices. Using the existing votes to even have a chance of reversing the policies of the last ten years and averting the worst is actually no longer the free choice of Merz and his party, but their patriotic duty… With his firewall madness, Merz is playing with the livelihoods of millions of people. 

“Here is what the head of TUI, the world’s largest travel company, says about our economic situation: ‘I have the impression we are on the Titanic,’ Ebel said in an interview with the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ). ‘The band is playing, everyone is celebrating, but the ship is already fallen over, and nobody’s doing anything.’ 

“Germany is the Titanic, and no, we’re not heading straight for the iceberg; we’ve already collided, and the orchestra is already playing. These aren’t my words, but the words of one of the country’s most astute CEOs… Friedrich Merz is standing before a burning house and must decide whether he’s willing to accept [AfD’s] Alice Weidel’s help to save the people in the attic. Without her, he can’t… 

“All members of parliament have a patriotic duty to put the country above crazy ideas like the ‘firewall,’ but sometimes they need to be reminded of that… right now, the CDU doesn’t want to do the right thing, their duty, with the votes of the AfD, but instead wants to march even more energetically into disaster…” 

“Each of us knows and loves people who may still be caught in the propagandistic clutches of the Tagesschau (German news program) and educational television. They know nothing of what is looming, they haven’t heard the words of the TUI CEO because it is deliberately concealed from them in the mainstream media… People who have been watching Tagesschau and Heute (German news programs) for decades… are going headlong and cheerfully into their economic downfall…” 

Defense Minister Boris Pistorius—Germany’s Most Beloved Politician

The Washington Post wrote on November 8: 

“Boris Pistorius (SPD), the German defense minister, is… the man now responsible for revamping and expanding the armed forces in a country that has been allergic to militarization for 80 years since instigating two world wars… 

“A nation and a continent that have defined themselves since World War II as a peace project now face an urgent imperative to arm and defend themselves against a growing Russian threat. It is a challenge they are struggling to meet. Russia’s aggression and President Donald Trump’s demands that Europe take responsibility for its own security have led to a remarkable shift in public perception of the continent’s needs… 

“A fierce debate over reinstating compulsory military service highlights Pistorius’s challenge… When Pistorius introduced a proposal that relied on voluntary recruitment, it was blocked by Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU), which leads the governing coalition. Last month, the coalition presented a revised plan that included provisions for a draft lottery — only for Pistorius to object… 

“Pistorius is the most popular German politician since Angela Merkel… [No] defense minister [was] this beloved since Helmut Schmidt more than 50 years ago… 

“The new military law is set to come into effect on Jan. 1, but its final shape remains unclear, with the intra-coalition conflict still unresolved. Polls show that around 6 in 10 Germans support conscription if voluntary recruitment proves insufficient. But most people between 18 and 29 — those likeliest to be drafted — are against it… 

“As one of the few German politicians with positive favorability, Pistorius has been floated as a future candidate for chancellor, potentially in the scheduled 2029 election — or sooner, if the governing coalition collapses. The German government has tended to swing between the center-left and the center-right, suggesting the SPD’s turn could come next. But these aren’t normal times: The AfD is surging, the mainstream parties are doing all they can to keep the far right out of power…” 

Their attempts to do so will not be successful. 

Modern Military Service Is Coming…

Euro News wrote on November 13:

“Germany will require all men to register for potential military service from 1 January 2026, with compulsory service to be reintroduced if volunteer numbers fall short of targets set to meet NATO commitments. ‘Modern military service is coming,’ said Jens Spahn, Chairman of the ruling CDU/CSU parliamentary group, in a press statement… From 1 January, around 700,000 young people born in 2008 or later will be contacted to complete their registrations and [mandatory] medical screenings, said Spahn, adding that women will also receive a letter, but unlike men, they are not obliged to respond.

“If the required number of conscripts is not reached through voluntary service, compulsory service will be introduced through a separate law… [Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said:] ‘These are reasons for exemption such as there have already been two brothers in basic military service, police officers, someone who has enlisted and signed up for civil defence, conscientious objectors.’…

“At the same time…, the coalition partners have agreed that all men will be subject to compulsory military service in the future… According to current plans, the Ministry of Defence believes it will be possible to draft entire cohorts from July 2027. Men born in 2008 are to be included first, as per the SPD minister’s words.

“In addition, a mandatory online questionnaire is planned for men. From 2026, they will have to provide information on health, fitness, education and their willingness to perform military service, provided the Bundestag passes the law as planned. Women and people with non-binary gender identities will be able to complete the questionnaire voluntarily.”

 The draft law is expected to be introduced to parliament for a vote by the end of the year. Bild Online reported that if compulsory military service were to be introduced through a separate law, those who need to serve (for 6 months) would be determined by lottery. 

Germany’s “Justice”? The Case of Prince Reuss 

Nius wrote on November 5: 

“Prince Reuss has been in pretrial detention for almost three years now – without a verdict, without hope of release. An old man, seemingly forgotten, stuck in an endless legal waiting room. Is something terribly wrong here?… 

“The ‘Reichsbürger’ group Reuss became known through a high-profile anti-terror raid at the end of 2022. The public prosecutor’s office claims that a total of around two dozen suspects allegedly planned a violent overthrow of the federal government. Heinrich XIII, Prince Reuss, is said to have been the ringleader. Yet even former Interior Minister Otto Schily warned early on: ‘My subjective impression is that this rather bizarre group of cranks does not pose a real threat to the state and society.'” 

“The highly publicized raid on December 7, 2022, already indicated that something wasn’t right in the Reichsbürger trial… 

“Today, Heinrich XIII, Prince Reuss, has been in pretrial detention for 1,065 days. Almost three years – without a verdict. And to this day, there is no ‘smoking gun’ – no conclusive proof. This is a years-long circumstantial evidence trial against elderly people accused of terrorism, who are allegedly so dangerous that they are being held in pretrial detention – under the harshest possible conditions, the kind reserved for murderous terrorists: minimal opportunities for visitors, intrusive body searches, and stripping before masked and armed officers. And this has been going on for over a thousand days now – without any proof of guilt… 

“Meanwhile, numerous convicted criminals—some of them dangerous—walk free in Germany. ‘Thousands of convicted criminals are at large in Berlin because arrest warrants are not being executed. Among them are 59 murderers and 66 people convicted of manslaughter,’ wrote the Tagesspiegel in 2024. 

“One might consider Prince Reuss an oddball or an eccentric. According to his lawyer, he wouldn’t even vehemently object to that. But when an old man, who has never been proven to have committed a violent crime, literally faces his own end in a ‘terrorism trial,’ one has to ask what is greater here: the rule of law or the justified fear of losing it.” 

The answer is clear. Germany is falling into the abyss of dictatorship. 

Kristallnacht Survivors Testify 

Israel Today wrote on November 9: 

“On the 87th anniversary of Kristallnacht, three Holocaust survivors who lived through the infamous 1938 Nazi pogrom in Germany as children warned that the world today is once again dangerously unsafe for Jews, urging governments to take decisive action to combat antisemitism and strengthen Holocaust education. 

“Walter Bingham, 101, George Shefi, 94, and Paul Alexander, 90, who all experienced Kristallnacht, issued a stark joint statement with the International March of the Living, saying that the current wave of global antisemitism mirrors the climate of hate that preceded the Holocaust…. Alexander, whose father was arrested that night and sent to Buchenwald, added: ‘The world today is no safer for Jews than it was 87 years ago. The images of the past two years remind us of the darkest days of the 1930s in Nazi Germany.’.. 

“In the aftermath of the pogrom, all three were sent to Britain on the Kindertransport. Shefi never saw his mother again; she was murdered in Auschwitz. Bingham’s father perished in the Warsaw Ghetto. Alexander, one of the few Kindertransport children to reunite with both parents, later made his way to Israel, where all three survivors now live. 

“In their statement, the survivors wrote: ‘We saw with our own eyes how hatred turned to flames, how indifference became complicity, and how the world stayed silent as Jews were attacked. Today, 87 years later, we look around us and say with deep pain: the world has learned nothing. Once again, Jews are murdered for being Jews. Once again, synagogues are attacked. Once again, universities remain silent in the face of incitement. In today’s atmosphere, Kristallnacht could happen again.’” 

Please note our recent StandingWatch program, titled, “Antisemitism on the Left and the Right.”  

The Jewels of the Habsburg Family 

Deutsche Welle wrote on November 7: 

“After they were exiled from Austria in 1919 in the wake of World War I when Austria became a republic, the family of the last Austrian emperor had most of their belongings expropriated. Only a small amount of personal property — including pieces of jewelry listed as private — was allowed to be relocated to Switzerland. The official crown jewels remained in Vienna and are on display there to this day. 

“Following her husband Emperor Karl I’s death in 1922, Empress Zita had ordered her descendants to keep the jewelry’s existence secret for 100 years for security reasons. She and her children later faced persecution by the Nazi regime due to their outspoken opposition to Hitler’s dictatorship. The family escaped to Canada via France and Portugal shortly before their Belgian home was bombed by the Nazi German Luftwaffe at the outbreak of the war. They crossed the Atlantic with the jewelry collection in a brown suitcase, bringing them to safety in Quebec in 1940. 

“The surviving pieces include the famous Florentine diamond, which those outside the family had long thought lost, probably stolen. The walnut-sized yellow diamond was once among the largest cut diamonds in the world… It had been among the treasures of the Grand Duke of Tuscany in Florence, and is also known as the Tuscan Diamond. It passed into the hands of the Habsburgs through marriage when the last of Florence’s Medici family died. 

“The collection also includes items once belonging to Empress Maria Theresa, Queen Marie-Antoinette, and Emperor Franz I. The jewelry’s authenticity has been verified by independent experts. 

“In a statement, head of the family Karl von Habsburg  [64, grandson of fleeing Emperor Karl I], said the time had come for the public to see the jewels. ‘As descendants of Emperor Karl I and Empress Zita, we are proud to share these culturally and historically significant pieces with the public,’ he said, adding gratitude to Canada. ‘We would like to extend our gratitude to the people of Canada, who provided a safe haven for our family in 1940, protecting them from extremely challenging circumstances.’ 

“The Habsburgs, with some interruptions, provided numerous Holy Roman kings and emperors from 1273 onward. After the dissolution of the empire in 1806, they became the Austrian imperial house, which lasted until the end of the First World War.” 

Karl V. of Habsburg was head of the seventh revival of the Roman Empire. His empire was so vast that the sun would never set in it. 

The Daily Mail added on November 7: 

“At its height of power, the House of Habsburg was one of the leading and most influential rulers in Europe. [Karl I.] sent the diamond, as well as other centuries-old jewels, to Switzerland for protection as he went into exile. After the monarch died in the Portuguese island of Madeira, his wife Zita of Bourbon-Parma and her children moved to Spain and later Belgium. 

“As Nazi rule spread across Europe, Zita and her eldest son, crown prince Otto von Habsburg, vehemently opposed Adolf Hitler’s rise. But when the Nazis annexed Austria in 1938, Otto was declared an enemy of the state. Zita was forced to flee again to the US two years later… She carried the jewels, family members said, in a small cardboard suitcase. With American assistance, the family reached Canada and settled in Quebec… Zita returned to Europe in 1953 and died in 1989 at the age of 96. As she lived her life, the prestigious diamond remained in Canada – unbeknownst to the world… 

“However, the diamond could soon be on the move again. Austria has committed to an ‘immediate review’ as to whether the diamond belongs to the country… ‘If it turns out that the Florentine Diamond is the property of the Republic of Austria, I will initiate the process of returning the jewel,’ Austrian vice chancellor Andreas Babler said.” 

Otto von Habsburg met Herbert W. Armstrong and spoke at the Ambassador Auditorium in 1983. 

Sisi’s Jewels 

Bild Online added on November 7: 

“Her jewels were as legendary as her beauty. Now, jewelry belonging to the Austrian Empress Elisabeth (1837–1898), known as ‘Sisi’ [‘Sissi’ in the famous film adaptations starring Romy Schneider and Karl Heinz Boehm as her husband and cousin, Emperor Franz Joseph I, who died in 1916], has surfaced in an unassuming bank safe in Canada… 

“During the revolutionary unrest of 1918, Emperor Karl I tasked his Lord Chamberlain, Count Leopold Berchtold, with securing the family jewels from the revolutionaries. Berchtold gathered the most valuable pieces, including a diamond crown belonging to Empress Sisi, as well as a cuff of brilliant-cut diamonds with a large emerald and the legendary ‘Florentine’ diamond…” 

“When Karl I died in exile on the Atlantic island of Madeira on April 1, 1922, his widow Zita, the last Empress of Austria (1892–1989), decreed that the jewel cache must remain secret at least until the 100th anniversary of her husband Karl I’s death… 

“The Habsburg Law of 1919 allows… an almost complete confiscation of the imperial family’s assets by the state of Austria.” 

“Sisi’s” and Franz Joseph’s son, Crown Prince Rudolf, committed suicide in 1889, so the succession passed to the line of Franz Joseph’s brother, Karl Ludwig. Karl von Habsburg (64), son of Otto von Habsburg, is the current head of the House of Habsburg-Lorraine and the grandson of the last Emperor of Austria-Hungary, Karl I. Karl von Habsburg served as a Member of the European Parliament for the Austrian People’s Party from 1996 to 1999. 

Democrats Cave–Ending Shutdown? 

CNN wrote on November 10: 

“Enough Democrats caved. A Sunday night Senate deal may be on the verge of resolving the longest government shutdown on record — after a group of moderate Democrats dropped their key demand — a guaranteed extension of Obamacare subsidies. 

“The agreement opened the way for a Senate vote in which eight Democratic defectors voted to break the filibuster and to clear the first hurdle to reopening the government after nearly six weeks. Their move will offer relief to millions of Americans whose lives have been severely disrupted by the shutdown. 

“But the compromise was opposed by some key party leaders and is already igniting a firestorm of protests from progressives who accuse their more moderate colleagues of disastrously backing down, handing President Donald Trump a victory and turning their backs on millions of Americans who can’t afford spiking health care premiums… 

“It might be crass to parse the human misery caused by the shutdown for a partisan win after a political duel that deprived millions of Americans of food benefits, left federal workers with $0 paychecks, and created chaos and safety fears in commercial aviation… 

“The deal sets a date for a vote in the Senate on ACA subsidies in December, but falls well short of cementing their extension. It funds the government through January 30 and guarantees pay for federal workers furloughed during the shutdown and those who worked without pay. It also reverses Trump’s firing of federal employees throughout the impasse and funds food stamps through 2026… 

“… On the face of it, this looks like a massive failure. Democrats won no undertaking that Obamacare subsidies will be extended — despite insisting that such a move was their bottom line. The best they will get is a Senate vote. There is no guarantee that a bill extending subsidies will pass, considering the Senate’s GOP majority. And the prospects of the Republican House endorsing it seem even more remote… 

“Many leading Democrats argued their party’s big wins in elections in New Jersey, Virginia and New York City last week were attributable to the effective way their candidates lacerated Trump over the cost of living. Now, at the first chance they got to put that lesson into practice — fighting for the affordability of health care — they gave up, even though polls showed most voters blame Trump for the shutdown and agree with the Democratic position. 

“The blowback could be severe, exposing deep divisions in the party… Still, assessments of the break in the deadlock that came on Day 40 of the shutdown must also factor in whether the Democrats’ demand was achievable in the first place and whether the deepening pain of the shutdown, which is fast becoming a national crisis, was about to make their position unsustainable… [as it] was obvious that securing an extension to Obamacare subsidies might be unattainable… 

“Throughout the shutdown, Trump… seemed indifferent to the daily struggles of millions of Americans. It was easy for Democrats to portray him as cruel as his administration fought court orders to restore funding to food assistance for 42 million Americans… Trump seemed quite willing to allow the pain and anxiety of the shutdown to deepen for millions of Americans… With the president refusing to negotiate, it was incumbent on Democrats to consider whether the cost of carrying on was justified… 

“The health care system is broken, people may lose insurance, and Republicans may end up with the blame if they don’t fix it, since they are the party in power…  Republicans are still not off the hook on the enhanced Obamacare subsidies. GOP leaders now face the question of whether they are willing to let them expire, in a scenario that could put health care out of reach for millions of people. This seems an unsustainable political position in the run-up to midterm elections, and the issue is set to only gain in traction as the end of the year looms. 

“And bitter divisions in the GOP — most graphically exemplified during the shutdown by Marjorie Tayloer-Greene, with her scathing criticism of her party’s dearth of ideas on health care — are likely to burst open when the House… will again test the authority of Speaker Mike Johnson. 

“The shutdown drama also revealed rare signs that Trump’s authority over his own party isn’t absolute on Capitol Hill. Republican senators ignored his demands to abolish the filibuster that requires most bills to get 60 votes in the chamber. Such a move would have given Trump almost unlimited power to use GOP majorities to transform the nation over the next year. But GOP senators feared what any Democratic majority might do in the absence of the filibuster…” 

Breitbart added on November 11: 

“The Senate passed a continuing resolution (CR) to reopen the government Monday night, 40 days after Democrats triggered what is now the longest government shutdown in history. The vote ends a disastrous shutdown for Democrats, but the civil war for the soul and direction of the party is just beginning… Senators reached a time agreement Monday evening to bypass Senate procedures that would have prolonged the passage of the bill by as long as several days… The bill now makes its way to the House…” 

Trump Ends Shutdown

The New York Post wrote on November 12:

“President Trump signed a funding bill Wednesday to end the longest government shutdown in US history, hours after the House of Representatives passed legislation ending the 43-day standoff… Trump re-upped his demand for Senate Republicans to ‘terminate’ the filibuster — so that ‘this would never happen again’ — and called for the ‘massive amount’ of federal funding for Obamacare to be ‘paid directly to the people of our country, so that they can buy their own healthcare.’…

“The legislation will return federal workers [and air traffic controllers] to their jobs with backpay, reopen executive branch agencies that provide critical veterans services and other benefits like food stamps and fully fund the government until at least Jan. 30. After that, some spending for SNAP benefits, veterans programs, legislative branch activities and military construction, among other items, will continue until Sept. 30 — at which point the 2026 fiscal year ends….”

Daily Mail wrote on November 13:

“Trump was surrounded by top Republicans and national business leaders as he railed against Democrats, blaming them for the record-breaking closure once more, despite polling showing that many voters think Republicans bear the blame for the shutdown… Trump also called again for ending the filibuster, a proposal that has been unpopular with members of both parties….”

Full SNAP Benefits? 

The New York Post wrote on November 7: 

“The Supreme Court on Friday allowed President Trump’s administration to temporarily withhold roughly $4 billion needed to fully fund food aid for 42 million low-income Americans [but allowing for partial payments], escalating a showdown over hunger relief during the historic government shutdown. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson [nominated by Joe Biden] issued an administrative stay pausing a lower-court order that required full November payment under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. The stay will remain in effect until two days after the [liberal] Boston-based 1st US Circuit Court of Appeals rules on the administration’s formal request to limit payments. [This would give the administration time to return to the Supreme Court if the appeals court rules against Trump.] 

“US District Judge John McConnell in Rhode Island had ordered the government on Thursday to use all available funds — including a separate $23.35 billion child-nutrition account supported by tariffs — to cover the full $8.5 to $9 billion cost of November SNAP benefits. McConnell, an appointee of former President Barack Obama, accused the administration of withholding aid for ‘political reasons’ [and had stated the halting full payments would cause irreparable harm]. 

“The administration said it had already allocated $4.65 billion in emergency funds to cover part of the month’s costs, but not the full amount. The 1st Circuit denied an initial request to stay McConnell’s order but has yet to rule on the broader appeal. 

“The USDA complicated matters Friday when it notified states that funds would be available to pay full SNAP benefits — even as the administration filed papers seeking to block the very order that made that money accessible. Officials in New York, New Jersey and Massachusetts moved quickly to issue full payments, saying they could not risk another delay. Wisconsin, Oregon, Hawaii, and Pennsylvania also confirmed they had released full benefits by Friday evening, while other states — including Colorado, North Carolina, and Illinois — said they would follow over the weekend. Delaware began using state funds to provide emergency payments… 

“The political and legal whiplash has left millions of SNAP recipients… unsure when — or whether — they will receive food aid. SNAP benefits, which lapsed at the start of November for the first time in the program’s 60-year history, provide up to $298 per month for one-person households and $546 for two-person households, depending on income…” 

Newsmax clarified on November 7: 

“The Trump administration had initially halted November SNAP disbursements entirely after congressional appropriations lapsed, triggering panic among state agencies and food banks. Two separate federal rulings last week ordered partial payments using a $5 billion contingency fund — short of the roughly $9 billion needed to cover all benefits [for 42 million Americans]… The government shutdown is now the longest in American history.” 

The Associated Press wrote on November 9: 

“President Donald Trump’s administration is demanding states ‘undo’ full SNAP benefits paid out under judges’ orders last week, now that the U.S. Supreme Court has stayed those rulings… The demand from the U.S. Department of Agriculture came as more than two dozen states warned of ‘catastrophic operational disruptions’ if the Trump administration does not reimburse them for those SNAP benefits they authorized before the Supreme Court’s stay.” 

This comes AFTER the Trump administration had authorized full payment. 

Both parties blame each other for the shutdown. But the American people hold both parties responsible. With all these legal maneuverings, and difficult-to-understand Supreme Court rulings under the circumstances, the most important question is whether needy Americans will get immediate assistance or not. Subsequently, the Court of Appeals ruled again that full payment must be made, and the Supreme Court ruled again against it. This is incredible, but it is of great concern considering what other decisions the Supreme Court is willing to make, favoring Trump. 

Even with the end of the shutdown on paper, it is totally unclear when full SNAP payments will be made. 

Flights Delayed and Cancelled

Breitbart wrote on November 7: 

“More than 1,000 flights were canceled and thousands more delayed Friday as part of a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reduction of air travel capacity brought on by the ongoing government shutdown. 

“Earlier this week, FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford initiated the reduction to deal with staff shortages and overworked flight controllers brought on by a month of  unpaid workdays, and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned the air travel system will degenerate into ‘mass chaos’ if the shutdown doesn’t end by November 11. 

“As a result, Bedford announced the agency would reduce flights by 10 percent at 40 ‘high-volume markets’ throughout the country to ensure safety… As of noon Eastern time on Friday, there had been roughly 1200 flights canceled and nearly 16,000 delays…” 

The Guardian reported on November 7: 

“If the federal government shutdown doesn’t end ‘relatively soon’, the Department of Transportation may decide to increase the number of cancelled flights at designated airports to 15 or 20%, transportation secretary Sean Duffy told Fox News today, citing the likelihood of air traffic controllers not reporting to work.” 

While Congress plays political games, many Americans suffer. Politics is just such a dirty business. Even with the end of the shutdown on paper, it is clear that the air traffic disaster will continue for a while.   

Everything More Expensive! 

The conservative New York Post ran the following headline on November 6: 

“Trump touts affordability while inflation rages across America on everything from food to furniture to cars.” 

The article continued: 

“With a social media post that said ‘STOP LYIN’ about there being an affordability crisis, President Trump claims he’s whipped inflation. But consumers are still feeling the squeeze. Target’s prices are up 5.5% nationwide this year and Walmart’s are up 5.3%, according to an analysis by DataWeave, which looked at roughly 16,000 items across each retailer’s website. Amazon’s price hikes have averaged more than 12%, according to a report. 

“After seven months under Trump’s tariffs, Americans are paying more for nearly everything — from a cup of joe and plush living room sofas to children’s toys… Bananas are up 8.6%, mostly because of tariffs, as almost none are produced domestically… Beef is up across the board — more than 19% for steak and 14% for ground beef… 

“Voters listed the economy as a major issue in this week’s elections…  Chris Sohan, 61, who lives in Queens and shops once a week for himself, his wife and son, doesn’t see any relief. ‘Everything is expensive,’ he said. ‘Maybe sometimes $50, sometimes $100,’ he said he is now paying extra… Sohan voted for Trump twice, but has been disappointed… 

“For months, businesses have been eating the bulk of Trump’s tariffs, which have hit key trade partners like China and Vietnam and goods like furniture, aluminum, vehicles and auto parts. Now, companies have started to pass along those costs — and Goldman Sachs economists have warned that consumers will end up bearing the brunt of the bills by the end of this year. 

“Across Amazon, Target and Walmart, apparel prices rose 11.5% on average between January and the end of September… The big chains’ prices for home goods, pet goods and consumables, health and beauty items, and hardlines — like electronics, furniture and appliances — rose 10.8%, 6.1%, 7% and 8.3%, respectively… 

“As an example of how tariffs are hitting prices: In October, Trump unveiled steep new tariffs on pharmaceutical drugs, kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, heavy trucks — and a 30% rate on furniture. Later that month, IKEA hiked the price of a three-piece oak bedroom set to $1,049, up from $949 in August, according to the Wall Street Journal. It also raised the price of its Uppland sofa to $899, up from $849. 

“Federal data show prices for living room, kitchen and dining room furniture — which is mostly imported from other nations — jumped 9.5% in September compared to the previous year. Furniture and bedding rose 4.7% over the same period, while furnishings and supplies increased 2.8%.

Most low-cost furniture sold in the US — like a cheap chair — comes from overseas, particularly China. 

“In August, Sony blamed Trump’s tariffs as it hiked the price of its PlayStation 5 by $50 to $550. It claimed the tariffs are costing the company $685 million annually. At Walmart, a T.rex toy jumped up to $55 in May from $39.92 the previous month… The retailer’s Baby Born doll rose to $49.97 in May, up from $34.94 in March, while an Etch-a-Sketch increased to $24.99, up from $14.97, during the same period… 

“In October, a Mango jacket retailed for $649.899 for US customers — compared to just 299.99 euros, or about $347, in Spain…  River Island sold a coat for $247 in the US in October, but offered the same coat to UK customers for 110 pounds, or about $145. A Zara skirt retailed for $69.90 in the US, but just 35.95 euros, or $42, in Spain. 

“Even the price of coffee is up a whopping 41% in September from the same time last year, according to the CPI…” 

Lamb has become so expensive that some restaurants don’t offer it anymore, while others have raised the prices by double or triple digits. 

Is Trump Repeating Biden’s Mistakes? 

Newsmax wrote the following on November 7: 

“A New York Post editorial cautioned that President Donald Trump risks repeating former President Joe Biden’s mistakes by brushing off Americans’ frustrations over high living costs. Trump’s recent remarks mirror Biden’s past dismissals of economic worries, the editorial board wrote, even as households continue to feel pressure from inflation and rising prices. 

“The board recalled Biden’s 2024 comments to CNN, when he called reports of economic anxiety ‘fake news’ and instead touted strong gross domestic product growth and record stock market gains. It noted that Trump has used similar talking points in recent interviews, highlighting job creation and new market highs as proof of success… The board argued that such claims ignore everyday realities faced by many Americans. It agreed that Biden’s ‘profligate spending’ drove much of the inflation that continues to strain consumers, but said Trump’s own record has yet to bring meaningful relief. 

“While inflation has slowed to 2%-3%, prices remain high and are unlikely to return to earlier levels, the board wrote. The board… warned against his broad use of tariffs… [pointing out] that Trump’s across-the-board approach ‘increased the cost of almost everything.’… By denying these realities, the board wrote, Trump risks alienating voters much as Biden did…” 

The Wall Street Journal added on November 8: 

“Americans are deeply frustrated with their government’s inability to solve problems…” 

Denying that just about everything got more expensive is fake news. Trump is playing a dangerous game—also in light of his unconscionable immigration policy. We believe that God has placed him in power to fulfill important biblically-prophesied responsibilities, such as helping to build the Third Temple, but God can and will easily remove him from office if he proves unworthy, as He did in the case of King Saul. 

Please note our StandingWatch program, “Trump in the Light of Biblical Prophecy,”  our sermonette “Will Trump Build the Third Temple?—Comments on News and Prophecy, October 26,2025,” and our recent Editorial, “When Our Critics Become Silent…” in Update #1180 (dated October 31, 2025).

$2,000 Payment for Each American??? 

The New York Post wrote on November 9: 

“President Donald Trump promised a $2,000 payment for every American as a tariff ‘dividend,’ in a post Sunday morning. The post comes after the Supreme Court questioned the legality of his use of emergency powers to impose sweeping new tariffs on nearly every country on Earth. ‘A dividend of at least $2000 a person (not including high income people!) will be paid to everyone,’ read Trump’s post on Truth Social. Trump added that the tariffs have brought in ‘trillions of dollars’… ‘People that are against Tariffs are FOOLS!,’ he wrote. He also claimed there was ‘No Inflation’ from the duties. 

“The US collected about $151 billion from import duties between April and October, according to the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said he expected the US to collect $500 billion or more in tariff revenue per year.” 

As the previous articles show, Trump’s claim that there was no inflation from the tariffs is clearly false. 

His promise that Americans will receive “dividends” from the tariffs has been made repeatedly in the past by the Trump administration, but so far, they have not been fulfilled at all. We will see what will happen. Is it just pure politics? The Daily Mail interpreted Trump’s comments on November 9  in this way: “Trump has vowed to give a $2,000 check to every American, thanks to the tariff revenue his administration has collected.” 

Fox 11 Los Angeles News wrote: 

“A factual overview of stimulus and relief payments in the U.S. indicates that no new federal stimulus checks have been authorized by Congress or confirmed by the IRS for November 2025. While President Donald Trump has proposed a $2,000 tariff dividend using tariff revenue, this remains a proposal that has not been approved.” 

Of course, Trump made a promise, not just a “proposal.” 

However, Bessent’s recent comments that the $2,000 dividend “could come in lots of forms and lots of ways,” such as “paying for the tax decreases” on tips and overtime, are not very reassuring. Similar promises were made in regard to Social Security payments, claiming that they would no longer be taxed. This has proven to be completely false for most recipients. 

But IF America received that much money in tariff revenue, as claimed, it is, as the famous song puts it, a “dirty rotten shame” that SNAP recipients can’t be paid in full. 

New U.S. Restrictions for Visas 

TNR wrote on November 7: 

“The Trump administration has ordered visa officers to deny immigrants who are obese or have certain health issues… 

“A Thursday directive from the State Department, sent to embassies and consulates around the world, indicates that people applying for visas to the United States may be rejected if they have certain medical conditions, on the grounds that they could take up domestic health care resources. 

“‘You must consider an applicant’s health,’ the cable read. ‘Certain medical conditions—including, but not limited to, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, cancers, diabetes, metabolic diseases, neurological diseases, and mental health conditions—can require hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of care.’ 

“The announcement then goes on to mention obesity, stating that it can be connected to asthma, sleep apnea, and high blood pressure…. Denying fat people from the U.S. because they might end up having health issues is incredibly broad, cruel, and unusual.” 

UK No Longer Willing to Share Some Intelligence with USA 

MSNBC wrote on November 12: 

“Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made the latest in a series of announcements: Deadly U.S. military strikes killed six people on Sunday as part of the latest operation against civilian boats in international waters. According to the Pentagon’s official tally, this was the 19th such strike since early September, with a collective death toll of 76 people… while Donald Trump and his team have insisted that the boat crews are made up of ‘narco-terrorists,’ an Associated Press analysis found that these claims weren’t altogether true. 

“It’s against this backdrop that the controversy took on a new dimension this week related to international intelligence sharing. CNN reported that the United Kingdom is no longer sharing intelligence with U.S. officials about suspected drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean ‘because it does not want to be complicit in US military strikes and believes the attacks are illegal.’… 

“If the reporting is accurate, it’s a dramatic development in its own right: It suggests one of the United States’ closest and most important allies doesn’t want to bear responsibility for deadly, extrajudicial military operations in international waters.” 

Many legal experts have concluded that the strikes are in fact illegal. 

Trump Meets Orban 

Deutsche Welle wrote on November 7: 

“President Donald Trump welcomed Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to the White House on Friday for their first bilateral meeting since Trump returned to power in January…” 

The Hill wrote on November 5: 

“Much of the visit centered around Orbán’s request that Trump provide Hungary with an exemption to continue importing Russian oil not subject to U.S. sanctions… Trump also appeared to defend Orbán from his European critics and those imposing costs on Budapest’s democratic rollbacks. ‘He’s a great leader and he’s respected all over. Not necessarily liked by some of the leaders, but those leaders are proven to be wrong,’ the president said. If you look at Europe, they’ve made tremendous mistakes on immigration. It’s really hurting them very badly. He has not made a mistake on immigration…’ 

Deutsche Welle wrote on November 7: 

“Orban said Friday his country received an exemption from US sanctions on imports of Russian oil… ‘We asked the president to lift the sanctions,” Orban said, adding that Hungary is ‘in a significantly different situation than other European countries.’ According to a White House official…, Hungary was granted a one-year exemption…. 

“Hungary relied on Russia for 74% of its gas and 86% of its oil in 2024.” 

Hungary and Slovakia are the two European countries still importing Russian oil while the rest of the European Union has stopped purchases. 

USA Will Boycott G20 Meeting in South Africa 

Newsmax wrote on November 7: 

“President Donald Trump said Friday that no U.S. government officials would be attending the Group of 20 summit this year in South Africa, citing the country’s treatment of white farmers… ‘It is a total disgrace that the G20 will be held in South Africa,’ Trump wrote on Truth Social. He cited ‘abuses’ of Afrikaners, including violence and death as well as confiscation of their land and farms. 

“The Trump administration has long accused the South African government of allowing minority white Afrikaner farmers to be persecuted and attacked. As it restricted the number of refugees admitted annually to the U.S. to 7,500, the administration indicated that most will be white South Africans who it claimed faced discrimination and violence at home. 

“But the government of South Africa has said it is surprised by the accusations of discrimination, because white people in the country generally have a much higher standard of living than its Black residents, more than three decades after the end of the apartheid system of white minority rule. The country’s president, Cyril Ramaphosa, has said he’s told Trump that information about the alleged discrimination and persecution of Afrikaners is ‘completely false.’ 

“Nonetheless, the administration has kept up its criticisms of the South African government. Earlier this week during an economic speech in Miami, Trump said South Africa should be thrown out of the Group of 20…” 

South Africa is a descendant of the ancient House of Israel, and to be more precise, of Joseph’s son Ephraim. The USA is also a descendant of the ancient House of Israel, and to be more precise, of Joseph’s son Manasseh. The Bible prophesies that in the end time, Ephraim and Manasseh will be at odds with each other (Isaiah 9:21) 

BBC’s Woke Culture 

Daily Mail wrote on November 6: 

“Martine Croxall broke the BBC’s rules when she pulled a face because her script said ‘pregnant people’, the broadcaster has said. The newsreader won a legion of new fans and the backing of JK Rowling [author of the Harry Potter books] when she rejected the gender-neutral language live on air. But now the Executive Complaints Unit has ruled that her facial expression suggested a ‘controversial view about trans people’.  

“The ECU upheld complaints from 20 viewers saying Ms Croxall had fallen ‘short of the BBC’s expectations of its presenters and journalists in relation to impartiality’.   

“Ms Croxall was introducing new research on the number of heat-related deaths expected amid Britain’s current heatwave. But as the autocue prompted her to warn ‘pregnant people’ to take care in the heat, she first read the term out before overriding it, with a smirk and eyebrow raise.  

She said: ‘Malcolm Mistry, who was involved in the research, said the aged, pregnant people – women! – and those with pre-existing health conditions need to take precautions.’… 

“… the ECU said: ‘… the ECU considered the facial expression which accompanied the change of “people” to “women” laid it open to the interpretation that it indicated a particular viewpoint in the controversies currently surrounding trans identity, and the congratulatory messages Ms Croxall later received on social media, together with the critical views expressed in the complaints to the BBC and elsewhere, tended to confirm that the impression of her having expressed a personal view was widely shared across the spectrum of opinion on the issue.’” 

This is so hilarious as in the USA, for example, every newscaster seems to put his or her personal spin on the “news” which is being reported. 

BBC’s Ties to Hamas 

Israel 365 News wrote on November 6: 

“A leaked report has exposed shocking evidence of the BBC’s anti-Israel bias—revealing that Hamas propaganda was broadcast to millions while executives covered it up. From platforming extremists to spreading proven falsehoods about Gaza, the BBC’s credibility is collapsing.” 

The Sun added on November 7: 

“A devastating leak revealed that BBC management has been sitting on evidence of BBC News’ horrific pro-Hamas bias in reporting on the Middle East.” 

BBC’s Fakery 

The Sun wrote on November 7: 

“The episode of Panorama broadcast as Americans prepared to go to the polls last November deliberately spliced together different sections of Mr Trump’s speech on January 6, 2021, when rioters mobbed the US Capitol. The fakery led viewers to see Mr Trump urge his supporters to go to the Capitol and ‘fight like hell’ instead of his actual call to protest peacefully. 

“That goes beyond an editorial take — it crosses into outright fakery and deception. And what’s worse is that the bosses knew about it. Before the row blew up this week with the leak of Prescott’s memo, the contents of it were shared internally in his role advising the BBC’s Editorial Guidelines and Standards Committee.” 

The Sun wrote on November 7: 

“THE White House last night accused the BBC of ‘outright lies’ over its ‘deceptive editing’ of a Donald Trump speech… now the crisis risks a full-on diplomatic incident… White House deputy press secretary Abigail Jackson blasted: ‘Trust in the media is at an all-time low because of deceptive editing, misleading reporting, and outright lies. This is yet another example, of many, highlighting why countless Americans turn to alternative media sources to get their news.’… 

“… in a leaked memo from Michael Prescott, who was a former advisor to the BBC’s Editorial Guidelines and Standards Committee… [he also] accused the Corporation of ‘effective censorship’ of its reporting on transgender issues, and said BBC Arabic was downplaying the suffering of Israelis in the war with Hamas.” 

BBC, once considered to be a reliable news source, has long lost that reputation. 

The Sun wrote on November 9: 

“SCANDAL-hit BBC Director Tim Davie has resigned after the broadcaster was accused of doctoring a speech by President Donald Trump. The CEO of BBC News Deborah Turness has also resigned following massive criticism against the broadcaster for deceiving viewers by how it spliced together footage of the US president.” 

Turkey Issues Arrest Warrants for Israel’s Leadership 

Turkiyetoday wrote on November 7: 

“Türkiye’s Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office issued arrest warrants Friday for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and 36 other suspects on charges of genocide related to Israel’s military operations in Gaza. The warrants target multiple high-ranking Israeli officials, including Defense Minister Israel Katz, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, Border and Security Minister Eyal Zamir, and Israeli Naval Forces Commander David Saar Salama… 

“The investigation centers on what Turkish authorities describe as systematic violence against civilians in Gaza. The prosecutor’s office cited specific incidents dating back to October 2023, including attacks on the Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital on Oct. 17, 2023, and damage to the Ebli Baptist Hospital on Oct. 21, 2023, which resulted in numerous civilian casualties. Turkish prosecutors also referenced the killing of aid workers from the World Central Kitchen on April 1, 2024, when several employees were struck during humanitarian operations. 

“Türkiye has been a vocal critic of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, which began after Hamas’s attack on southern Israel in October 2023. The Turkish government has suspended diplomatic and trade relations with Israel over the conflict.” 

Turkey is being run by an autocrat, a dictator and a tyrant who supports the terror organization Hamas and who is accused of systemically persecuting, imprisoning, torturing and even assassinating his opponents. 

Deutsche Welle added on November 9: 

“Defense brings Turkey and Germany closer… Turkey is increasingly important for security in Europe. Germany is counting on cooperation with Turkey’s government to bolster defense…. ‘We would be delighted if our two defense industries could cooperate with each other,’ Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said during a visit to Ankara weeks earlier. ‘You could almost ask: Who else would we work with on this?’” 

And so, according to the Bible, Turkey will ultimately help Europe, under German leadership, to occupy the state of Israel. 

The Vatican’s “Two-State Solution” 

Israel 365 News wrote on November 7: 

“Pope Leo XIV welcomed Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to the Vatican on Thursday, continuing a decade-long pattern of papal support for dividing the Land of Israel. The meeting… centered on two key demands: humanitarian aid for Gaza and the establishment of a Palestinian state through a so-called two-state solution. 

“The ‘Two-State Solution’ is an agenda that would create an unprecedented militarized Palestinian enclave within Israel’s borders ethnically cleansed of Jews with its exclusively Muslim capital in Jerusalem… 

“The timing of this meeting is particularly significant. Abbas, now in his 19th year of what was supposed to be a four-year term, has repeatedly canceled elections and maintained power through increasingly authoritarian means. Yet the Vatican treated him as a legitimate head of state, dignifying his visit with a full hour in the pope’s private library at the Apostolic Palace… 

“The Vatican’s statement emphasized the ‘urgent need’ for a two-state solution, language that has become standard in these meetings. This marks the tenth anniversary of the Holy See’s formal recognition of ‘the State of Palestine’ through a comprehensive agreement signed in June 2015. That document represented the first time the Vatican used such terminology in a binding legal agreement, effectively treating Judea and Samaria—the Biblical heartland of the Jewish people—as occupied Palestinian territory. 

“Pope Leo has followed the path established by his predecessor, Francis, who met with Abbas seven times at the Vatican and once in Bethlehem. [In 2015] Francis presented Abbas with a medallion depicting ‘the angel of peace destroying the bad spirit of war,’ words that rang hollow given Abbas’s continued incitement against Israel and payments to families of terrorists. 

“The pattern extends beyond symbolism… The Vatican even displayed a nativity scene showing the baby Jesus lying on a keffiyeh, the symbol adopted by Palestinian nationalist movements. The scene was removed only after international backlash exposed its inflammatory nature. 

“… Pope Leo told Israeli President Isaac Herzog in September that a two-state solution represented ‘the only way out of the war.’ This ignores the fundamental reality: Israel’s enemies do not seek a state alongside Israel but a state instead of Israel… The Vatican’s decade of recognizing a Palestinian state has produced no peace, no reconciliation, and no acknowledgment of Jewish rights. It has only emboldened those who seek Israel’s destruction while providing diplomatic cover for a dictator who refuses to hold elections or make genuine peace. This is not the path to peace. It is the path to continued conflict, dressed in the language of compassion while ignoring justice.” 

The two-state “solution” is totally unrealistic and illusory. Neither the Jews nor the Palestinians want it. 

Pope Leo: ICE Separates Families 

Irish Star wrote on November 9: 

“U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, who describes himself as a ‘baby Catholic,’ seems to be experiencing a rift with the Catholic Church due to the Trump administration’s treatment of migrants…  Pope Leo XIV publicly called on President Donald Trump and Vance to ‘allow pastoral workers to assist’ detained migrants… ‘Many times they have been separated from their families, and no one knows what happens,’ he said… 

“Assistant Homeland Security Secretary Tricia McLaughlin publicly rejected the pope’s statements, posting a response on X Wednesday morning… ICE ‘does not separate families,’ McLaughlin said… 

“McLaughlin’s claim that ICE ‘does not separate families’ comes under scrutiny. The Trump administration has separated thousands of families, beginning in Trump’s first term during his 2018 ‘zero tolerance’ crackdown. In Trump’s second term, since January 2025, ICE officers have referred more than 400 children to federal shelters as arrests ramped up—often telling parents to either self-deport with their kids or be separated, according to The Washington Post. 

“The New York Times in August documented at least nine ‘interior separation’ cases in which ICE detained parents who refused deportation flights and sent their children to federal custody or foster care.”

China Is Using Robots to Practice Attacking Taiwan 

Report 24 wrote on November 8: 

“China is already testing the robots that will fight the next war. The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) sent four-legged ‘wolf robots’ storming the beaches of the Taiwan Strait – flanked by swarms of drones that pulverize enemy positions in seconds. The artificial soldier is no longer science fiction, but part of Beijing’s new military doctrine.

“What Chinese state television recently showed was nothing less than a glimpse into the future of warfare. A unit of the People’s Liberation Army conducted an amphibious landing exercise in which autonomous ground robots carried out the attack. These 70-kilogram machines… carry weapons, ammunition, or medical supplies and break down obstacles while being supported by swarms of so-called FPV drones… the entire attack chain – from target detection to destruction – took less than ten seconds. In one maneuver, a single soldier controlled nine robots and six drones simultaneously – a taste of the war of the future. 

“These ‘wolves of steel’ are intended to replace the human front, that first wave of attack that traditionally exacts the highest toll in lives. The difference: The robot knows no fear, no morality, no compassion. What Beijing is testing here is more than just a tactical tool—it’s an attempt to completely automate and robotize warfare… Now, combat robots and drones are meant to replace ‘human material.’ The enemy’s soldiers will then become cannon fodder. 

“But the test also revealed the limitations of this new type of weapon. The footage showed that while the robots moved nimbly across the sand, they were vulnerable and poorly camouflaged. Some were left lying in wait by fire, others were taken out by light weapons… Their range, armor, and communication security are considered inadequate. So, for now, the wolf is more of a show than a threat—but that was also the case with the first drones.” 

Such automated and autonomous robots, and similar ones, will certainly exist in large numbers in the future. The Bible contains a clear reference to horse-like robots in the Book of Revelation. Trump recently stated that President Xi Jinping assured him that China would not attack Taiwan as long as Trump was president. 

Side Effects of COVID-19 Vaccinations 

Report 24 wrote on November 4: 

“The side effects of COVID-19 vaccinations continue to receive little attention from those who were responsible for or supported the measures that infringed upon fundamental rights during the so-called pandemic. Freedom Party MEP Gerald Hauser is bringing the issue to the forefront: ‘I have repeatedly pointed out the massive side effects of the vaccinations in my books, lectures, and speeches in parliament. For years, this was rejected, covered up, and denied. But that’s no longer acceptable,’ he stated in a recent press release. Hauser considers the link between immune damage, cancer, and mRNA vaccinations to be sufficiently proven. 

“He refers to a remarkable research paper from South Korea: ‘A recent study confirms the already known data and casts a frightening light on COVID-19 vaccinations,’ warns Hauser. ‘More and more doctors in Europe are reporting a significant increase in cancer cases, with younger people increasingly affected and the cancers becoming ever more aggressive… Within just one year, a statistically significant increase in cancer cases was observed among those vaccinated – especially thyroid cancer (+35 percent), stomach cancer (+33.5 percent), colon cancer (+28 percent), lung cancer (+53 percent), breast cancer (+20 percent), and prostate cancer (+69 percent)…”

 Acknowledgement and Disclaimer: 

These Current Events are compiled and commented on by Norbert Link. We gratefully acknowledge the many contributions of news articles from our readership. The publication of articles in this section is not to be viewed as an endorsement or approval as to contents or accuracy of the selected articles, but they are published for the purpose of pointing at worldwide developments in the light of biblical end-time prophecy and godly instruction. Our own comments are provided in italics.