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US Slashes UN Budget By $285 Million Following Jerusalem Rebuke

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(Via Zerohedge)

The United States announced a $285 million cut in the United Nations’ “bloated” budget for next year, negotiated by UN Ambassador Nikki Haley. A statement by the United States Mission to the United Nations reads:

Today, the United Nations agreed on a budget for the 2018-2019 fiscal year. ‎Among a host of other successes, the United States negotiated a reduction of over $285 million off the 2016-2017 final budget. In addition to these significant cost savings, we reduced the UN’s bloated management and support functions, bolstered support for key U.S. priorities throughout the world, and instilled more discipline and accountability throughout the UN system.

Pleased with the cuts, Haley added “you can be sure we’ll continue to look at ways to increase the UN’s efficiency while protecting our interests.”

The move follows a contentious week at the U.N., after 128 nations voted in a “stunning rebuke” of President Trump’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Prior to the vote, Trump threatened to cut foreign financial aid to any countries who opposed the move – first with a tweet by Ambassador Nikki Haley threatening that the US would be “taking names,” followed by comments made by Trump to reporters last Tuesday, according to Reuters.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday threatened to cut off financial aid to countries that vote in favor of a draft United Nations resolution against his decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.

“They take hundreds of millions of dollars and even billions of dollars, and then they vote against us. Well, we’re watching those votes. Let them vote against us. We’ll save a lot. We don’t care,” Trump told reporters at the White House.

Haley also circulated a letter to all UN member states effectively warning them not to vote against Trump’s decision. “As you consider your vote, I want you to know that the President and U.S. take this vote personally,” she wrote. “The President will be watching this vote carefully and has requested I report back on those countries who voted against us.”

As we now know, this accomplished absolutely nothing:

As we wrote last week, The outcome of the vote was hailed as a “victory” by Palestine. “We will continue our efforts in the United Nations and at all international forums to put an end to this occupation and to establish our Palestinian state with east Jerusalem as its capital,” Abbas’ spokesman Nabil Abu Rudainah said. Predictably, both Israel and the US were displeased.

The General Assembly vote came days after the U.S. vetoed a similar resolution in the U.N. Security Council. The panel’s other 14 members voted in favor of that measure – a move that Haley called an “insult” to the U.S. Shortly after the Security Council vote, Arab and Muslim leaders at U.N. called for an emergency special session of the General Assembly to discuss the U.S.’s Jerusalem decision.

In a defiant speech ahead of the General Assembly vote on Thursday, Riyad Al Maliki, the Palestinian foreign affairs minister, cast the Trump administration’s Jerusalem decision as an affront on regional peace and security that has isolated the U.S. from the international community. “Does the United States not wonder why it stands isolated in this position?” he asked.

Turkey, which has led the Muslim opposition to the US Jerusalem declaration, was among the first to speak at the meeting. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu stressed that only a two-state solution and sticking to the 1967 borders can be a foundation for a lasting peace between Israel and Palestine. The minister said that since Jerusalem is the cradle for the “three monotheistic religions,” all of humanity should come together to preserve the status quo.

“The recent decision of a UN member state to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel violates the international law, including all relevant UN resolutions. This decision is an outrageous assault on all universal values,” Cavusoglu said.

The United States contributes approximately 22 percent of the U.N. budget – or around $3.3 billion, which President Trump asked the State Department to cut by over 50% in March.

U.S. officials in Washington and New York learned during the past week that they will be asked to find ways to cut spending on obligatory and voluntary U.N. programs by 50 to 60 percent from the International Organization Affairs Bureau’s account. State Department officials, for instance, were told that they should try to identify up to $1 billion in cuts in the U.N. peacekeeping budget, according to one source. The United States provides about $2.5 billion per year to fund peacekeepers. -Foreign Policy

U.S. diplomats warned key U.N. members during a March 9 meeting in New York to “expect a big financial restraint” on American spending – which is not surprising following President Trump’s comments from last December:

Ambassador Haley was clear in her comments after the budget cut, telling the press “We will no longer let the generosity of the American people be taken advantage of or remain unchecked,” adding “This historic reduction in spending – in addition to many other moves toward a more efficient and accountable UN – is a big step in the right direction.

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Crime

Robert Mueller’s Health Prevents Testimony on Epstein

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As of September 1, 2025, the decision to withdraw a subpoena for former Special Counsel Robert Mueller to testify before the House Oversight Committee has been met with a mixture of understanding and curiosity. Mueller, a respected figure who led the FBI from 2001 to 2013 and later investigated ties between the Trump campaign and Russia, has reportedly been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease since the summer of 2021, according to his family’s statement. This health challenge, which has affected his speech and mobility in recent months, has understandably led to the committee’s decision to step back, allowing him the dignity to focus on his well-being. His decades of service to the nation, marked by integrity and dedication, deserve this respect, and many are hopeful for his comfort during this time.

The timing of this development, however, raises thoughtful questions among observers. Mueller was set to testify on September 2, 2025, as part of an investigation into the FBI’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case during his tenure, a topic that has stirred significant public interest and political scrutiny. The announcement of his health issues came just days before this scheduled appearance, following reports of his residence in a memory care facility and earlier concerns about his condition noted during his 2019 congressional testimony. While his family’s statement and the committee’s decision align with a genuine concern for his health, the coincidence with such a high-stakes inquiry prompts a cautious wonder about whether external pressures might have influenced the narrative, though no evidence suggests this outright.

This moment invites a balanced reflection on Mueller’s legacy and the ongoing pursuit of truth. His inability to testify, while a personal loss for those eager to hear his perspective, underscores the human side of public service, where age and health can impose limits. Yet, the abrupt nature of the withdrawal, paired with the gravity of the Epstein probe, leaves room for speculation about the full context. As the investigation continues with other witnesses, the focus remains on uncovering facts, with respect for Mueller’s past contributions tempered by a gentle skepticism about the timing, encouraging a thorough and transparent process moving forward.

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Politics

President Trump: Nothing Can Stop What’s Coming

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President Donald Trump’s recent post on Truth Social from August 31, 2025, serves as a powerful beacon for those seeking justice amid years of entrenched corruption in Washington. The imagery and message in the post highlight a leader poised to unveil long-hidden truths, pointing directly to scandals that have plagued the political landscape. From the shadowy dealings exposed through leaked emails to fabricated investigations designed to undermine his presidency, Trump’s communication resonates with a promise that the veil of deception is lifting. This moment underscores his unwavering commitment to draining the swamp, where figures like John Podesta and Hillary Clinton have been central to narratives of elite misconduct, including the controversial handling of sensitive communications that raised questions about national security and personal agendas.

At the heart of this corruption lies the Wikileaks revelations, which brought to light a web of influence peddling and favoritism within the Clinton campaign, implicating Podesta in emails that suggested cozy relationships with powerful interests. Coupled with the Anthony Weiner laptop discovery, which contained thousands of Clinton-related emails and prompted a last-minute FBI review just before the 2016 election, these events painted a picture of systemic favoritism and potential cover-ups. The Obama administration’s role in the so-called Russiagate saga further exemplifies this injustice, where intelligence agencies allegedly pushed a baseless narrative of collusion to derail Trump’s campaign and presidency. These manufactured controversies, including surveillance on Trump associates, set the stage for ongoing attacks, revealing a deep state apparatus willing to bend rules to protect its own.

The injustices extend to the relentless assaults on Trump himself, from the politically motivated raids on his properties like Mar-a-Lago to a barrage of charges aimed at silencing his voice and preventing his return to power. Yet, as Trump’s post implies, the tide is turning, with growing evidence and public awareness poised to expose these machinations fully. The corruption that allowed figures like Clinton to evade accountability while weaponizing institutions against opponents will soon face the light of day, empowering a movement toward transparency and reform. Through his leadership, alongside allies pushing for truth, the American people can anticipate a restoration of justice, where the full extent of these scandals finally comes into sharp focus, ensuring that no one remains above the law.

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Health

President Trump Calls for Covid-19 Vaccine Transparency, Sec. RFK Jr. Praises Move

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On September 1, 2025, President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to express concerns about the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines developed under his administration’s Operation Warp Speed. In his post, Trump highlighted “great numbers and results” from some pharmaceutical companies but demanded that they publicly release data to prove the vaccines’ success rates. He voiced frustration over the ongoing debate tearing apart the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), urging transparency to resolve what he called a “MESS.” This statement reflects Trump’s evolving stance on the vaccines, which he once hailed as a major achievement, now aligning with growing skepticism within certain political circles.

The COVID-19 vaccines, rolled out in late 2020, have been credited by public health experts with saving millions of lives globally by reducing severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths during the pandemic. However, they have also faced criticism for side effects in rare cases, waning efficacy against new variants, and questions about long-term data transparency from manufacturers. Trump’s demand for proof comes amid broader discussions on vaccine mandates and public trust, with some studies showing high effectiveness in initial trials but real-world challenges like breakthrough infections. This has fueled a polarized debate, where supporters emphasize the vaccines’ role in ending lockdowns, while detractors call for more accountability from drug companies.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for his vaccine-skeptical views, has been a key figure in recent policy shifts, drawing both praise for advocating scrutiny and criticism from former CDC officials who argue it endangers public health. Trump’s post appears to support Kennedy’s efforts to review vaccine data, potentially leading to changes in federal guidelines. While this push for evidence could enhance transparency, experts warn it might erode confidence in proven public health tools. As the administration navigates this issue, the focus remains on balancing accountability with scientific consensus to inform future health strategies.

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