U.S. Institute of Peace Nonprofit President Refuses to Relinquish Power Amid Trump/Musk Shutdown

Conan Doyle • March 31, 2025

USIP Denies  DOGE Efforts to Review Financials


The U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP), a federally funded nonprofit established to promote conflict resolution and peacebuilding, has been thrust into chaos as its newly appointed Acting President, Kenneth Jackson, resists yielding control following a dramatic takeover orchestrated by the Trump administration and Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).


 In the past five years, the USIP's budget has grown from $39 million in fiscal year (FY) 2017 to $55 million in FY 2024. How that budget is ... (source)


This upheaval culminated in a late-night email on March 29, 2025, laying off nearly all of USIP’s U.S.-based staff.


George Moose Rise and Refusal to Yield


Kenneth Jackson, a State Department official with a background at USAID, was thrust into the spotlight on March 14, 2025, when three remaining USIP board members, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and National Defense University President Peter Garvin, appointed him Acting President. This followed the abrupt firing of 11 of the 15 board members and the ousting of former Acting President George Moose, moves authorized by a February 19 executive order from President Donald Trump targeting USIP for "reduction to its statutory minimum." see  gov statement


Jackson’s tenure began with confrontation. On March 17, he arrived at USIP’s headquarters, only to be denied entry by Moose, who contested his dismissal and locked down the building. With D.C. police and FBI assistance, Jackson forcibly entered, escorted Moose out, and assumed control. However, Jackson’s refusal to relinquish power after the late-night layoffs on March 29—when nearly 100 U.S.-based staff were terminated via email—has fueled accusations of overreach. Critics argue he is clinging to a hollow throne, presiding over a gutted institution with no clear mandate, while supporters claim he is safeguarding Trump’s vision against "rogue bureaucrats."


The Trump/Musk Shutdown: DOGE’s Role and the Late-Night Email


The shutdown of USIP reflects a broader Trump administration agenda, amplified by Elon Musk’s DOGE, a controversial entity tasked with slashing government inefficiencies. Trump’s executive order targeted USIP alongside other foreign aid bodies like the U.S. African Development Foundation and Inter-American Foundation, framing them as expendable relics of a bloated bureaucracy.


On March 17, DOGE staff, backed by law enforcement, stormed USIP’s headquarters, a move decried by Moose as an "illegal takeover" of a private nonprofit.


Legal battles ensued, with ousted board members suing to block the seizure, arguing it violated USIP’s congressional charter. U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell, while "offended" by DOGE’s "abominable" tactics—including threats and armed intimidation—denied a temporary restraining order on March 19, citing insufficient evidence of irreparable harm and ambiguity over presidential authority.


 USIP: A Legacy Unraveled

USIP’s downfall highlights the inherent vulnerabilities of nonprofits operating at the nexus of public funding and private autonomy.


Corruption, in this context, manifests not as financial malfeasance but as the erosion of institutional integrity. Critics argue that Jackson’s appointment and DOGE’s takeover represent a politicization of a nonpartisan mission ( how ever this is complete projection of the left agenda)



Former board members, like ex-Ambassador John Sullivan, decry a "lawless assault," while Moose laments the loss of a symbol of American peacebuilding.


HISTORICAL FOUNDATIONS OF THE U.S. INSTITUTE OF PEACE


Founded in 1984 under President Ronald Reagan, USIP emerged from a congressional vision to counter Cold War tensions with a dedicated body for peace research and diplomacy. Championed by figures like former Congressman Dan Glickman, the institute was inspired by grassroots calls for a "peace academy," notably from Mennonite communities in Kansas advocating nonviolent conflict resolution. Unlike military academies, USIP was designed as a think tank, blending scholarship with practical diplomacy to prevent wars and broker peace globally.


Over four decades, USIP grew into a respected entity, employing around 600 staff worldwide and maintaining a headquarters in Washington, D.C., near the State Department. Its $80 million endowment, bolstered by private donors like Boeing, underscored its independence as a nonprofit, distinct from federal agencies. Board members, appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate, ensured bipartisan oversight, while its mission—to project American values through "soft power"—aligned with efforts like USAID and the Voice of America.


Yet, this independence has become a double-edged sword. While intended to shield USIP from partisan interference, its unique status—neither fully governmental nor entirely private—left it vulnerable to reinterpretations of executive authority, setting the stage for the current crisis.



INEVITABLE CORRUPTION


The President's refusal to cede power, amid the Trump/Musk-orchestrated shutdown, marks the unraveling of a 41-year legacy. USIP, once a bridge between American ideals and global peace, now lies in ruins, its staff dispersed by a late-night email and its mission subordinated to political expediency. Whether this reflects inevitable corruption—of purpose, process, or power—or a radical reimagining of institutional roles remains debated. As the dust settles, the U.S. Institute of Peace stands as a cautionary tale of ambition, vulnerability, and the fragility of ideals in an era of unrelenting disruption.


  • While exact figures for all staff are not fully disclosed, former President George Moose’s compensation was estimated at $350,000 annually, based on nonprofit sector comparisons and partial disclosures from USIP’s Form 990 filings.


  • Senior staff, including program directors, reportedly earned between $180,000 and $250,000 each, per industry leaks cited in media like The New York Times.

  • Board Member Compensation: Board members, including high-profile figures like Kerry Kennedy (RFK’s sister), received stipends estimated at $50,000 to $75,000 annually for part-time roles, according to X posts from @JohnLeFevre

What is going on with New York Real Estate: Buy or sell ?

By Jack Sterling • December 18, 2025
Order 66 from Mamdani The Billionaires are leaving New York in Perpetration of Zohran's Housing plan to combat Affordability Crisis On December 9, 2025, New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani convened a closed-door meeting with approximately two dozen real estate executives, including developers, investors, and lenders, to address the city's housing crisis. Zohran Mamdani's Recent Meeting with Real Estate Executives: The gathering, held in Lower Manhattan , focused on strategies to increase affordable housing supply while discussing potential policy measures like rent freezes and delays in new housing approvals. Participants included members from the Partnership for New York City and real estate industry groups, marking an early engagement between the incoming administration and business leaders. Mamdani emphasized collaborative approaches to cut red tape and boost production, though specifics on timelines remained vague. The NY Affordability Crisis Driving Mamdani's Housing Agenda New York City's housing market faces persistent affordability challenges maximum rents at 80 percent AMI. Manhattan rents hit record highs in November 2025, exacerbating the crisis where production is geographically uneven and affordable units comprise only a fraction of new builds. The city completed 27,620 affordable units in 2024 through capital programs, including new construction and preservation, according to the New York Housing Conference's 2025 Tracker Report. Mamdani's plan aims to tackle these disparities by prioritizing equitable distribution across neighborhoods. Billionaires' Responsed Threating Exodus from NYC Amid Mamdani Policy Uncertainty Wealthy New Yorkers have voiced concerns over potential tax increases under Mamdani's administration, with some threatening relocation to lower-tax states. However, data from 2020-2021 indicates the city gained about 10,000 millionaires during similar periods of uncertainty, countering claims of a mass departure. Affluent residents highlight the arduous process of avoiding state and city taxes, including audits and residency requirements, as a deterrent to leaving. While some high-earners relocate to suburbs or other regions to mitigate costs, overall trends show resilience in New York's wealthy population. A Cato Institute commentary from November 2025 notes that even if billionaires stay, their employees might seek more affordable locales. Buy or Sell NYC Real Estate in 2026? Inventory and Mortgage Rate Factors The U.S. housing market in 2026 is expected to see slowly cooling prices with rising inventory, according to Ramsey Solutions' forecast. In New York, home sales dipped 0.7 percent year-over-year, but NYC bucked the trend with increased activity. Experts recommend buying in December 2025 for better deals, as per a Yahoo Finance analysis from December 8. The week of October 12-18, 2025, was highlighted as prime buying time by NAR, with surrounding weeks offering advantages. Manhattan's record rents in November underscore selling opportunities in luxury segments. Mamdani's Housing Plan: Rent Freezes and Production Delays Discussed During the December 9 meeting, Mamdani outlined potential rent freezes and delays in approving new housing, aiming to address affordability gaps where new units exceed AMI thresholds for most New Yorkers. Overall, the market shows resilience, but affordability remains a key concern.

Robert Kiyosaki Says The Crash Is Here 2026 And His Hedge Is Survive It Is Silver

By Alfanso C. • December 18, 2025
The Prediction: A 2026 Crash Kiyosaki Says Has Already Begun Robert Kiyosaki, author of the 1997 bestseller Rich Dad Poor Dad with over 40 million copies sold worldwide, issued a stark warning in late November 2025: The "biggest crash in history" is underway, starting in the U.S. and rippling to Europe and Asia. Drawing from his 2003 book Rich Dad's Prophecy, which foresaw a market downturn tied to debt cycles, Kiyosaki points to AI-driven job losses. Kiyosaki's track record on forecasts varies: A 2022 review of his calls since then showed about 10 percent accuracy, per Finbold analysis, but his emphasis on tangible assets has resonated amid 2025's $1.2 trillion crypto market dip. He urges shifting from stocks and fiat, citing Gresham's Law—bad money drives out good—as rationale for hard assets. Kiyosaki's Preferred Crash Survivor Silver & claims Recession Odds Economists peg U.S. recession probability at 40 percent by end-2025 into 2026, per J.P. Morgan's November 2025 outlook, down from 65 percent in 2022 but up from 26 percent at 2024's close. Barclays called it "50-50" in September 2025, citing trade tensions and slowing job growth, nonfarm payrolls added just 12,000 in October, per BLS. JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon echoed in October: A downturn "could hit in 2026," amid 3.25-3.5 percent Fed funds rate forecasts by Q2 2026. Polymarket odds show 31 percent chance of recession through August 2026, based on NBER announcements or two negative GDP quarters. RSM US predicts 2.2 percent GDP growth in 2026 but flags stagflation risks, with inflation "uncomfortably hot" at 3 percent. Morgan Stanley sees global GDP at 3.2 percent in 2026, but U.S. slowdowns could ripple, per their December outlook. Why Silver Shines as a Hedge according to Kiyosaki Silver's 60 percent industrial use, solar cells (80-100 mg each), EVs, and electronics, fuels demand amid 2025's 215 million ounce deficit, per Silver Institute. As a precious metal, it correlates inversely with stocks (gold-silver ratio at 80:1 in November 2025, historical crash average 60:1), per deVere Group analysis. In downturns, silver falls less than the S&P 500, gaining 71.9 percent YTD 2025 despite volatility. Kiyosaki's $200 call exceeds consensus $50-100 range but aligns with structural deficits: Supply grows 2,500-3,500 metric tons yearly, per CoinCodex, while demand surges from AI and renewables. Physical shortages spiked lease rates in 2025, echoing 2020's 50 percent rally. In Kiyosaki's worldview , silver's industrial-monetary duality.
Paul Krugman Explains 'Future Financial Crisis' is fueled by trump

Paul Krugman Explains 'Future Financial Crisis' is being fueled by trump

By Jack Sterling • December 18, 2025
Paul Krugman’S Economic Perspective Paul Krugman is a renowned economist whose insights have shaped understanding in both academic and public spheres. His work, known for its clarity and incisive analysis, often bridges complex economic theories with real-world applications, making his contributions essential in discussions of fiscal policy and global economics. Krugman, a Nobel laureate , has dedicated much of his career to examining the intricacies of economic structures and their impact on societies. Krugman's perspective is grounded in the belief that informed economic policy can prevent crises and promote equitable growth. His analysis of current policies often underscores the dangers posed by deregulation, protectionism, and unsustainable debt expansion. Paul Krugman, a Nobel laureate in economics, has been vocal about his concerns regarding the economic policies implemented during Donald Trump's presidency Particularly in terms of their potential to sow the seeds of a future financial crisis. Krugman argues that Trump's approach was characterized by a significant reduction in regulatory oversight, particularly in the financial sector, coupled with substantial tax cuts for corporations and the wealthiest individuals. These measures, he suggests, may have provided short-term economic boosts but at the cost of long-term stability. Krugman points to the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act as a pivotal policy that exacerbated income inequality and ballooned the federal deficit. By favoring the wealthy, these tax cuts did little to stimulate sustainable economic growth, instead enriching those at the top and leaving the middle and lower classes with marginal benefits. Furthermore, Trump's deregulation efforts, particularly in the banking industry, echo the pre-2008 era's deregulatory environment that contributed to the financial collapse. Krugman's analysis warns of a scenario resembling past financial downturns. The Connection Between Tax Cuts And National Debt Paul Krugman, a renowned economist, has often explained how significant tax cuts can substantially increase the national debt, potentially setting the stage for a future financial crisis. The tax cuts implemented during Donald Trump's presidency are a prime example of this dynamic. These cuts primarily benefited corporations and the wealthy, leading to a shortfall in government revenue while failing to generate the promised economic growth. The idea behind such tax reductions is often rooted in supply-side economics, suggesting that lowering taxes will spur investment, create jobs, and ultimately increase government revenues through heightened economic activity. However, the anticipated growth frequently falls short of these predictions. Krugman’S Predictions For A Future Financial Crisis These cuts, according to Krugman, have led to an increase in the federal deficit without substantially boosting long-term economic growth. This rising debt could constrain future government spending, especially in times of economic downturn when stimulus is most needed. He also points to the escalating trade tensions initiated by Trump's trade wars, which have disrupted global supply chains and could undermine international economic cooperation. Such tensions might lead to retaliatory measures and uncertainties that could further destabilize global markets. Krugman's analysis underscores the interconnected nature of these policies and the potential for them to trigger a crisis that could have far-reaching implications for both domestic and global economies.

meta platforms may ditch nvidia for googles parent company tpus custom compute chips for ai

By Jack Sterling • December 9, 2025
Meta's Ai GPU Needs Meta Platforms, formerly known as Facebook, has been constantly pushing the boundaries of technology to enhance user experiences across its suite of applications, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Oculus. A critical aspect of this innovation is the deployment of artificial intelligence, which drives everything from content moderation to personalized user experiences. AI's role within Meta has grown exponentially, as it powers complex algorithms that handle massive amounts of data to make real-time decisions. With billions of users interacting daily, the demand for efficient, high-performance AI infrastructure is paramount. To meet these needs, Meta has traditionally relied on NVIDIA's GPUs, known for their robust performance in handling AI workloads. However, the rapid advancements in AI have necessitated even more specialized hardware solutions. These solutions must offer swift processing capabilities, scalability, and energy efficiency to support Meta's expansive AI operations across its platforms.  As AI models become more sophisticated, requiring extensive computation for deep learning and natural language processing, the need for cutting-edge infrastructure grows. This is where custom compute chips come into play. In this quest for superior AI infrastructure, Meta has been exploring alternative options that promise to deliver enhanced performance tailored to their unique AI requirements. A potential shift towards custom chips from Google's parent company, offering Tensor Processing Units (TPUs), represents a strategic consideration for future-proofing their AI capabilities. Current Meta Partnership With Nvidia Meta Platforms has maintained a crucial partnership with Nvidia, a leading figure in the field of graphics processing and AI computing. This collaboration primarily centers around Nvidia's powerful GPUs, which have become the backbone for running sophisticated AI models and supporting Meta’s expansive infrastructure needs. These GPUs have been instrumental in training large-scale machine learning algorithms, enhancing Meta's capabilities in areas such as content recommendation, computer vision, and natural language processing. The reliance on Nvidia has enabled Meta to rapidly advance its AI initiatives, thereby improving user experiences across its platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. Nvidia's cutting-edge technology has provided Meta with the necessary computational power to manage and process massive amounts of data efficiently. This synergy has allowed Meta to innovate continuously and remain competitive in the fast-evolving tech landscape. The GPUs offer flexibility and scalability, crucial for a company that deals with billions of user interactions daily. Advantages Of Google's Custom Tpus Google's custom TPUs (Tensor Processing Units) offer several advantages that make them an attractive option for companies like Meta, especially when considering a shift from using NVIDIA's chips. One of the primary benefits of Google's TPUs is their optimization for artificial intelligence workloads, particularly in deep learning. These chips are designed specifically to handle the heavy computational tasks required for training AI models, resulting in faster processing times and increased efficiency compared to general-purpose GPUs. Another advantage is the scalability that TPUs provide. Google's infrastructure allows organizations to scale their AI workloads seamlessly, making it easier to manage the growing demands of AI development and deployment. This scalability is essential for tech giants like Meta, which continuously expand their AI-driven services. Potential Benefits For Meta switching from NVIDIA to Google Switching from NVIDIA GPUs to custom compute chips from Google’s parent company, Alphabet, could provide several benefits for Meta, particularly in the realm of AI development and deployment. One of the primary advantages is cost efficiency. Utilizing custom tensor processing units (TPUs) could significantly reduce the expenses associated with large-scale AI operations. These chips are specifically optimized for AI tasks, offering better performance-per-dollar compared to generalized GPUs. This means Meta could achieve more with less financial outlay, potentially freeing up resources for other innovative projects. Beyond cost, the integration of Alphabet's TPUs could enhance processing speed and efficiency. These chips are designed to handle the specific computations needed for AI models more effectively, which could lead to faster training times and improved performance of AI-driven features. This capability is crucial as Meta continues to invest heavily in virtual reality, augmented reality, and other AI-powered technologies. Additionally, partnering with Alphabet might facilitate better integration and collaboration opportunities. Given the expertise and infrastructure that Google has developed around its TPUs, Meta could leverage this to speed up the development and deployment of new AI applications. This strategic shift could ultimately strengthen Meta's competitive edge in the tech industry, enabling it to innovate more rapidly and effectively. Challenges And Considerations Switching from NVIDIA to Google’s custom Tensor Processing Units (TPUs) presents several challenges and considerations for Meta Platforms. One significant challenge is the compatibility and integration of TPUs with Meta's existing infrastructure. Transitioning to a new hardware architecture requires extensive modifications to software, potentially disrupting ongoing projects and necessitating considerable developer resources. Additionally, TPUs might require different frameworks or APIs, demanding retraining of staff and adaptation of current AI models to maximize efficiency. Though Google’s TPUs might offer cost advantages, the initial investment in new hardware, training, and possible downtime during transition can be substantial. Meta must conduct thorough cost-benefit analyses to ensure the financial viability of such a switch. Another consideration is vendor dependency. Relying on Google for critical hardware components might limit Meta’s flexibility and bargaining power, particularly if their relationship with Google changes over time.
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