On January 24, 2025, President Donald Trump ordered an immediate freeze on virtually all US foreign aid and issued a “stop-work” order on current grants and contracts, effective immediately. It was the start of what promises to be one of the major policy changes on US foreign aid during his administration. This is a step in the right direction as it shows an understanding of the negative consequences of an interventionist government and places emphasis on personal responsibility.
Foreign aid in itself signifies a redistribution of wealth by the state. By pausing—or ending—foreign aid, the US is emphasizing limited state involvement in economic affairs: while promoting free markets, charitable activities, and development left to private individuals and organizations rather than the state.
Foreign aid only increases the dependence of other nations and hampers the growth of their own economy. In that respect, the US inadvertently places recipient nations in a position whereby they become dependent on foreign aid rather than becoming capable of developing self-sustaining economic systems themselves. Economic growth and development should rise from the grassroots level, where the local entrepreneurs and businesses drive the process, not from the government handouts, especially to foreign nations.
The freeze in foreign aid from President Trump is symbolic for more reasons than one. The memorandum called for a review of all the foreign assistance programs within 90 days and shaped them to align more with the US foreign policy agenda. This review process is most likely to result in the reallocation or termination of any such aid programs that are not in tune with the government’s priorities.
While critics say this freeze would have disastrous implications, such countries and their agencies should find alternative sources of funding from private individuals or other sources rather than using the US taxpayers’ money. We have seen, time after time, how much better private organizations and individuals serve humanitarian needs, both domestically and worldwide. First of all, they are much freer and more efficient, since their actions are able to focus on certain areas without being saddled by bureaucracies. Private organizations also bear responsibility more than governments because donors and beneficiaries have vested interests in those resources. […]
— Read More: mises.org
At Last, a Company With Integrity in the Gold IRA Industry
For several years, I’ve been vetting out precious metals companies in search of the best. I believe in gold and silver but it’s hard to find integrity in the Gold IRA industry. The vast majority operate with shady tactics and gigantic spreads that take advantage of Americans who simply want to protect their life’s savings.
I’ve found a handful that I like and I’ve worked with some of them. By no means would I “unrecommend” them because, again, I vetted them out and found them to be above the fold. Unfortunately, it isn’t hard to be better than the rest when the rest are so darn awful.
After years of searching, I finally found a company that truly operates with integrity. Augusta Precious Metals has three important attributes that set them far above the competition:
- Non-Commissioned Sales Team: I cannot stress how important and unique this is. With just about every other company in the Gold IRA industry, the sales teams make commission from every account they open. This means they steer their clients toward the gold and silver products with the highest commission. With Augusta Precious Metals, the team is solely focused on putting the best gold and silver for their clients into their IRA. They get paid to serve the best interests of the Gold IRA client, NOT their own commission pay.
- Incredibly Low Fees: Most Americans would be shocked if they knew the spread other Gold IRA companies charge. Augusta charges just 5% versus up to 45% elsewhere.
- No Pressure, No Gimmicks: There’s an understanding among most in the Gold IRA industry that fear and pressure is the way to go. Augusta Precious Metals takes a sober approach when working with clients because they hold integrity in the highest possible regard. This is why they don’t offer gimmicks like “free” or “bonus” silver. It’s also why they do not apply pressure tactics to get quick sales. Their educational and transparent approach to doing business is exceedingly rare in the Gold IRA industry.
