Day: January 14, 2026

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President Trump is touting a strong economy while promising new measures to tackle affordability. Meanwhile, all eyes are on the Supreme Court, which could rule as early as tomorrow on a landmark case that may redefine the president’s tariff authority and determine if companies are entitled to billions in refunds. O’Leary Ventures Chairman Kevin O’Leary joins the Rundown to discuss the potential fallout of the ruling, the growing concerns over the cost of living, but why he is optimistic about the direction of the economy. For decades, Cuba’s economy has relied on heavily subsidized Venezuelan oil shipments—a lifeline that sustained the island’s energy needs and regional alliances. Today, that lifeline is fraying amid shifting geopolitics and dwindling supplies. Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-Fla.) joins us to discuss the current state of the Cuban regime, the economic fallout of the energy crisis, and Havana’s growing ties with Mexico and other leftist governments. Later, he reflects on fleeing Cuba as a child, the lasting impact of that journey, and his deep gratitude for the opportunities he found in the United States. Plus, commentary by Jason Rantz, Host of the Jason Rantz Show and author of “What’s Killing America.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

“Despite the unprecedented bloodshed, there is little immediate evidence that the Islamic Republic’s core power structure is fracturing… Khamenei remains in control of leadership, backed by the IRGC.. the intelligence services and the judiciary. ” https://t.co/LcUqE5H3Hn

— Shashank Joshi (@shashj) January 14, 2026

Ilham Aliyev has openly deceived the people of Azerbaijan. The so-called ‘Zangezur corridor’ is a fabrication. Transit will be controlled by Armenia. Aliyev is once again lying to the public in order to remain in powerRobert Ananyan (@robananyan)IMPORTANT: This Armenian–American document puts an end to the manipulations claiming that Armenia is granting a corridor to foreign countries. Armenia and the United States have agreed on how border control and security will operate in the Armenia–Azerbaijan border checkpoint. Claims about a “corridor” are thus closed off.

BORDER SECURITY AND CUSTOMS

Fundamental Principles

Armenia’s sovereignty and jurisdiction over border and customs operations are absolute and non-negotiable. All border and customs activities are expected to operate according to internationally recognized standards for border management while upholding the principles of the August 8th declaration using a front office-back office operating model.

Integrated Border Management

Armenia intends to further develop and implement modern Integrated Border Management (IBM) practices, which may be supported by U.S. technical assistance, including:

Risk-based inspection and clearance procedures

Advanced screening technologies

Digital customs and border systems

Coordinated inter-agency processes

Professional capacity building for Armenian officers

Pilot Projects

Armenia intends to conduct pilot projects to optimize:

Customs preclearance procedures

Digitized documentation and processing

One-stop border post concepts

Technology-enabled risk assessment

Coordinated border management with neighboring countries

“Front Office – Back Office” Operating Model

To enhance efficiency while maintaining Armenia’s sovereignty and jurisdiction, TRIPP is expected to employ a “front office – back office” model, using digital tools to facilitate unimpeded connectivity.

Front Office (Third-Party Operators)

It is intended that private operators contracted by the TRIPP Development Company will provide customer-facing services:

Initial document collection for verification

Information and guidance to users

Fee collection and payment processing on trade and transit. Taxes, customs duties, and other mandatory fees of the Republic of Armenia shall be remitted directly to the state budget of the Republic of Armenia in accordance with the applicable legislation and fiscal procedures

Facilitation and coordination

Administrative support

Back Office (Armenian State Authorities)

Armenian customs and border officials exercise all sovereign authority – in line with Armenian domestic law and international agreements.

Final customs decisions and clearances

Security screening and enforcement

Immigration control

Law enforcement actions

Permits and authorizations

Inspection and examination

Clear Lines of Authority

Front office operators facilitate; they do not decide
Armenian officials maintain a physical presence in all

Armenian border and customs facilities

No outsourcing of sovereign functions

Customs Procedures

Armenia will further develop and implement:

Risk-based selectivity – advanced cargo screening with focused physical inspections,

Transit regime – efficient procedures for goods in transit with appropriate sealing and tracking

Pre-arrival processing – electronic submission and processing of documentation

Single window systems – integrated platforms for trade documentation

Harmonized procedures – alignment with international customs standards

Security Operations

Armenia retains full authority in Armenian sovereign territory

Infrastructure security plans must be approved by

Armenian security authorities

Armenian authorities have primacy in all emergency situations

Private operational security personnel may be employed subject to Armenian licensing

Data Systems and Sovereignty

Modern IT systems will be deployed for border and customs management

All government data systems remain under Armenian sovereign control

Data sharing with foreign authorities requires appropriate legal frameworks

Cybersecurity standards will meet international best practices

Personal data processing complies with Armenian law
Training and Capacity Building

The United States intends to facilitate, subject to the availability of appropriated funds, comprehensive training and capacity building for Armenian border and customs personnel, including:

Modern customs techniques and procedure

Technology systems operation

Risk assessment and intelligence analysis

Professional integrity and ethics

International exchange programs—  https://x.com/robananyan/status/2011323895849103638

— Emin Bred (@emin_bred) Jan 14, 2026