The U.S. faces a massive problem: a debt burden of $36 trillion and promises of around $200 trillion through Social Security and Medicare.
There are two options: either drastic cuts to Social Security, Medicare, and defense, or shifting the burden onto other countries.
One thing is clear, something has to give.
In December 2024, Fed Chair Jerome Powell himself stated that U.S. debt has become unsustainable. If you listen to the U.S. government and its advisors, the solution is obvious: other countries will have to pay.
Stephen Miran, chairman of the Council of Economic Advisors, has proposed a "debt swap," converting U.S. bonds into 100-year, non-marketable bonds with zero interest. Why would other countries accept this? Simple, they’ve enjoyed decades of free military protection from the U.S. A debt swap is now being framed as their overdue bill. Those who refuse will face an ultimatum: no more U.S. military protection and steep import tariffs.
Trump makes no secret of his intentions, he is openly signaling where this is heading. This idea is increasingly being referred to as the "Mar-a-Lago Accord", a nod to Trump’s luxury resort in Florida.
Just like the Bretton Woods system in 1944 was named after the upscale resort in New Hampshire where the agreement was signed. The message is clear: the strongest player sets the rules.
Reshaping the international system would weaken the dollar. But no one wants the Chinese yuan or any other currency to take over.
That leaves only one alternative: gold. If the global order is rewritten, gold could hit $5000 before you even realize it.
