Headlines: Money Trails, Corruption, and Swamp Draining

Stand Up For The Truth Podcast

Mary dives into some headlines today that highlight the priorities and challenges of our new administration like nothing else. Trump and Musk have pulled the plug on the gooey, swampy USAID organization that provides funding to multiple countries for such diverse and in some cases, covert activities, such as terrorism, liberal causes, the overthrow of governments, and the corrupt Big Media. Taxpayer money has always been earmarked for overseas government aid, some of which, such as aid to Israel, actually is in our best security interests. But the average American, even before pulling the voting lever in November, truly had no idea that this was even taking place. We also look at the proposal for the US to take over Gaza, leveling the current decimated landscape, and giving Gazans a new start. With all that going on, we see that someone has put their foot on the gas pedal to make American's lives better - yet the march to globalism goes on outside our borders, fulfilling Bible prophecy. Email Mary with your feedback! Buckle up. Here are today's topics: Trump's Gaza Riviera Proposal Trump proposed transforming the war-torn Gaza Strip into a "Riviera" for economic development. His plan includes U.S. control over Gaza, clearing unexploded bombs, leveling the area, and building jobs and housing. International reactions: Turkey: Called the idea "unacceptable." France: Warned of regional destabilization. China, Russia, Spain, UK: Support a two-state solution. Challenges highlighted by Lt. Col. Robert Maginnis: Forcibly removing Gazans could be labeled ethnic cleansing. Egypt and Jordan unlikely to accept 2 million refugees. Increased Palestinian grievance could fuel unrest in the U.S. Hamas is not yet destroyed, making rebuilding impossible. Speculation that Trump’s proposal is more about drawing attention to the issue. Zelenskyy Wants Nukes or NATO Ukrainian President Zelenskyy suggests Ukraine should regain nuclear arms if NATO membership is off the table. Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg dismissed this possibility as "slim to none." Reminder: Ukraine gave up nuclear weapons in 1994 in exchange for sovereignty guarantees, which Russia later violated. The war in Ukraine has entered its third year, with prolonged U.S. financial aid. USAID Controversy – Trump and Musk Targeting Foreign Aid Drastic changes to USAID (U.S. Agency for International Development): Dozens of officials placed on leave. Thousands of contractors laid off. Freeze on billions in foreign aid. Historical background: Established in 1961 by JFK during the Cold War. Critics argue USAID promotes a liberal agenda and funds globalist causes. Major spending highlights: $40 billion spent in foreign aid in 2023. Controversial allocations: $68 million to the World Economic Forum. $10 million for green transportation in Georgia. $20 million for a Sesame Street show in Iraq. $2 million for LGBT activism in Guatemala. Trump's crackdown: Musk’s DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) aims to cut USAID spending. "Resign via email" policy implemented for federal workers refusing to return to the office. USAID absorbed into the State Department, marking a major shift. USAID’s Role in Election Interference & Censorship Revelations of USAID funding political manipulation: Funded revolutions in Ukraine, Georgia, Lebanon, Kyrgyzstan. Over $9 million funneled to terrorist groups in Syria. Supported censorship through the Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening. Helped pass laws to censor speech worldwide. USAID’s role in the COVID-19 pandemic: Funded gain-of-function research in Wuhan. Media Corruption & USAID Funding Major media outlets receiving U.S. government money: Politico: $34.3 million from USAID. Associated Press: $19.5 million.