Wednesday, April 2, 2025

March Sees Record Low in Illegal Border Crossings.

PULSE POINTS:

What Happened: Illegal crossings at the southern U.S. border declined significantly in March.

👥 Who’s Involved: President Donald J. Trump and U.S. Border Patrol.

📍 Where & When: Southern U.S. border in March.

💬 Key Quote: “Migrant crossings have slowed to a near halt” as reported by the Los Angeles Times.

⚠️ Impact: A sharp reduction in illegal crossings, reaching a 97 percent decrease compared to March 2022.

IN FULL:

In March, the number of unauthorized crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border fell sharply, marking a significant decrease from previous years. Under the administration of President Donald J. Trump, the U.S. Border Patrol registered encounters with 7,181 migrants attempting to cross into the United States unlawfully. This marks a substantial drop compared to March of the preceding years under former President Joe Biden, where figures were recorded at 137,473 in 2024, 163,672 in 2023, and 211,181 in 2022.

The term “Trump Effect” has been attributed to this drastic reduction, with proponents crediting specific policies aimed at bolstering border security. The Los Angeles Times reported a notable decline in apprehensions along the California-Mexico border. Where once daily arrests numbered over 1,200 during peak migration periods in April, current figures suggest only 30 to 40 such instances per day.

Since taking office this past January, President Trump has deployed members of the U.S. military to the southern border and secured an agreement with Mexico that has seen thousands of Mexican National Guard soldiers dispatched to the Mexican side of the border. The increased military presence from both countries and the surge in federal law enforcement, including agents from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) criminal division, have helped to deter unlawful crossings significantly.

Additionally, Trump’s mass deportation initiative—led by White House border czar Tom Homan—has discouraged many would-be illegal immigrants from attempting to make the dangerous multi-country trek to the United States through Central America. The prospect of immediate deportation from the U.S. back to their country of origin is seen by many as not worth the physical or financial risk of attempting unlawful entry.

show less

PULSE POINTS:

show more

Germany Stations Troops Near Russian Border in Historic Military Move.

PULSE POINTS:

What Happened: German troops will be stationed permanently along NATO’s eastern flank in Lithuania.

👥 Who’s Involved: Germany’s Bundeswehr, Brigadier General Christoph Huber, NATO.

📍 Where & When: Lithuania, along NATO’s eastern flank; fully operational by 2027.

💬 Key Quote: “We have to ensure the protection, freedom, and security of our Lithuanian allies here on NATO’s eastern flank,” said Brigadier General Christoph Huber.

⚠️ Impact: This marks the first permanent foreign deployment of German soldiers since World War II, strengthening NATO’s presence in Eastern Europe.

IN FULL:

The Bundeswehr has announced that German military personnel will soon be stationed in Lithuania to bolster NATO’s eastern defenses, marking a significant shift in Germany’s post-World War II military deployment strategy. The unit, slated to be fully operational by 2027, represents Germany’s first permanent foreign troop deployment since the war, when Lithuania was part of the Soviet Union.

Brigadier General Christoph Huber, who commands the German brigade in Lithuania, emphasized the mission’s critical objectives. “We have to ensure the protection, freedom, and security of our Lithuanian allies here on NATO’s eastern flank,” said Huber.

The deployment is part of a broader NATO strategy to ensure a robust military presence in Eastern Europe. It aims to deter potential threats by demonstrating the alliance’s commitment to the security of its member states near Russia.

Modern Germany has engaged in some foreign military missions, including their involvement in Afghanistan, but these operations have not been permanent deployments. Stationing troops permanently in Lithuania reflects an evolving security landscape and an increased emphasis on fortifying NATO positions along its eastern borders.

It is also a diplomatic victory for President Donald J. Trump, who has long pushed Germany, as Europe’s economic powerhouse, to pull its weight in defense matters, having hitherto failed to meet its NATO spending targets while enriching Russia through a series of energy deals.

However, the deployment will likely be seen as provocative by Russia, which views its invasion by Germany during the Second World War—or Great Patriotic War—as a defining event. The Kremlin will almost certainly cite the return of German soldiers to Russia’s borders as proof that its hostile posture towards NATO and its entanglement with Ukraine are justified. 

Image by w?odi.

show less

PULSE POINTS:

show more

Trump Says Plans Are Set for Reciprocal Tariff Roll Out on Wednesday, ‘Liberation Day.’

PULSE POINTS:

What Happened: President Donald J. Trump will unveil his administration’s reciprocal tariff policy on Wednesday.

👥 Who’s Involved: President Trump, numerous countries, and leaders around the world.

📍 Where & When: “Liberation Day,” Wednesday, April 2.

💬 Key Quote: “The president has a brilliant team of advisers who have been studying these issues for decades, and we are focused on restoring the golden age of America and making America a manufacturing superpower.” — White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.

⚠️ Impact: The Trump White House argues the tariffs will push foreign countries to reduce their own trade barriers against the United States eventually, but until they do, Americans will benefit from the increased revenue from import duties. Other world leaders say they fear the move will kick off a large-scale trade war.

IN FULL:

President Donald J. Trump says the United States’ plans to impose reciprocal tariffs on Wednesday are ready and will be rolled out as part of what the America First leader has dubbed “Liberation Day.” The President will unveil the tariffs—which the White House says will take effect immediately—during a 4:00 PM news conference in the Rose Garden.

“That word reciprocal is very important,” Trump said during a press event in the Oval Office on Monday. He continued: “What they do to us, we do to them.” Meanwhile, during Tuesday’s press briefing, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told the media that President Trump has settled on the structure of the reciprocal tariff plans and was meeting with his trade advisor on “perfecting it.” Leavitt added that Trump is “always up to take a phone call” from foreign leaders who are willing to drop their barriers to U.S. imports, but at this juncture, the President is “very much focused on fixing the wrongs of the past.”

“The president has a brilliant team of advisers who have been studying these issues for decades, and we are focused on restoring the golden age of America and making America a manufacturing superpower,” Leavitt stated.

While globalists and anti-Trump politicians have tried to paint the reciprocal tariffs as an unprecedented and broad assault on global trade, the reality is that most countries will not notice significant changes. However, President Trump’s Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, has warned that around 15 percent of countries—who impose high tariff barriers against the U.S. but enjoy most of the U.S. trade volume—will see significant economic disruptions. Bessent called this collection of nations the “Dirty 15.”

There are estimated to be between 10 and 20 countries that account for the United States’s entire trillion-dollar trade deficit. U.S. government data from the Department of Congress suggests these nations and blocs likely include China, Mexico, Vietnam, Ireland, Germany, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, Canada, India, Thailand, Italy, Switzerland, Malaysia, Indonesia, France, Austria, and Sweden.

While the tariff rate is not yet known—there is speculation that, on average, countries will likely see a 20 percent tariff on their exports to the U.S.

show less

PULSE POINTS:

show more

US, China Compete for Greenland’s Strategic Resources.

PULSE POINTS:

What Happened: President Donald J. Trump’s administration is interested in acquiring Greenland, motivated by concerns over national security and the region’s mineral resources.

👥 Who’s Involved: The key figures include U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, President Donald J. Trump, the People’s Republic of China, Russia, and the Greenlandic and Danish authorities.

📍 Where & When: The discussions around acquiring Greenland are ongoing, with recent comments made by Vice President J.D. Vance at the Pituffik Space Base in Greenland on March 28, 2025.

💬 Key Quote: Vice President J.D. Vance stated, “We need to ensure that America is leading in the Arctic because we know that if America doesn’t, other nations will fill the gap where we fall behind.”

⚠️ Impact: The push for control over Greenland aims to enhance access to critical minerals, secure strategic Arctic shipping routes, and add to the U.S. Naval presence in the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans.

IN FULL:

President Donald J. Trump is intensifying efforts to assume control over the island of Greenland as part of an effort to secure the United States’s access to critical rare earth minerals and reinforce its strategic military position in the Arctic. During a visit to Greenland’s Pituffik Space Base last week, Vice President J.D. Vance reiterated the significance of American leadership in the Arctic, cautioning against the growing interests of China and Russia in Arctic shipping lanes and mineral reserves.

“We know that Russia and China and other nations are taking an extraordinary interest in Arctic passageways and Arctic naval routes and indeed in the minerals of the Arctic territories,” Vance said during a March 28 diplomatic visit to the island. He added: “We need to ensure that America is leading in the Arctic because we know that if America doesn’t, other nations will fill the gap where we fall behind.”

Greenland’s mineral wealth includes several rare earth elements considered essential for batteries and technology. The Trump administration sees these elements as crucial for diminishing reliance on Chinese imports. A 2023 report highlights that Greenland holds 25 of the 34 minerals classified as “critical raw materials” by the European Commission.

Ownership and control issues are complex, though, with local and Danish authorities resisting any potential U.S. control. Greenland, notably, is currently an autonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark, with the island heavily reliant on aid from its European sovereign.

However, a number of Greenland’s mining operations have recently seen American-based companies take controlling interests in order to prevent Chinese investment in and influence over the island. Despite the influx of American financial backing, Greenland’s lack of infrastructure, harsh Arctic climate, and environmental concerns continue to pose hurdles to capitalizing on its mineral wealth.

Image by NordForsk/Terje Heiestad.

show less

PULSE POINTS:

show more

Hooters Declares Bankruptcy.

PULSE POINTS:

What Happened: Hooters, a restaurant chain known for its chicken wings and servers in distinct outfits, filed for bankruptcy in Texas.

👥 Who’s Involved: The company founders, current owners, and a private equity firm are involved in the bankruptcy proceedings.

📍 Where & When: The filing was announced on Monday in Texas.

💬 Key Quote: “Our renowned Hooters restaurants are here to stay,” stated the company in its announcement.

⚠️ Impact: The filing aims to maintain operations and transfer company-owned locations to franchise status.

IN FULL:

Hooters, a restaurant chain recognized for its chicken wings and buxom serving staff, has filed for bankruptcy in a Texas court, as announced by the company on Monday. The bankruptcy agreement puts forth a plan where the company’s founders, who oversee about a third of the independent franchise locations in the U.S., are set to purchase U.S.-based company-owned restaurants from the existing private equity owner.

The restructuring plan intends to facilitate the popular chain’s ongoing operations and keep many locations open. “Our renowned Hooters restaurants are here to stay,” the company said in a statement following the bankruptcy announcement. “It’s always hang time at Hooters.”

Hooters founder Neil Kiefer stresses that the restaurant chain will undergo a significant rebrand, however. Derisively dubbed a “breastaurant,” the chain will be reimagined as a more family-friendly venue. Kiefer notes that its Clearwater, Florida flagship—where the chain was founded—has long embraced a more family-focused theme than most of its franchises across the country. “You go to some parts of the country and people say, ‘Oh, I could never go to Hooters, my wife would kill me,’” Kiefer said in a recent media interview. “That’s depressing to us. We want to change that.”

Hooters operates over 400 locations across 42 states and 29 countries. Franchised locations, including those internationally situated, are not impacted by the bankruptcy. The company plans for all remaining sites to transition into franchises following the proceedings. Rumors of the bankruptcy filing have been circulating for several months, amid recent closures of several Hooters establishments last year.

show less

PULSE POINTS:

show more

Powerful GOP Establishment Lobbyist Tied to Florida Republicans Lobbies Against DOGE Cuts to PBS.

PULSE POINTS:

What Happened: The Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) has hired powerful Republican lobbyist Brian Ballard to lobby against any proposed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) cuts to the public broadcaster’s funding.

👥 Who’s Involved: Lobbyist Brian Ballard, PBS, and DOGE.

📍 Where & When: Washington, D.C.

💬 Key Quote: “The Presidential Personnel Office, which is responsible for recruiting and vetting political appointees, will count its deputy director as Trent Morse… a former senior associate at Ballard Partners, the GOP-aligned lobbying firm where he worked on behalf of dozens of clients between 2021 and 2022, lobbying disclosures show.” — The Washington Examiner on January 23, 2025.

⚠️ Impact: Ballard’s extensive ties to the White House and Republican lawmakers on Capitol Hill could make DOGE efforts to reduce taxpayer funding of PBS a difficult task.

IN FULL:

Brian Ballard, an influential Republican lobbyist with ties to numerous establishment Republican Party figures and numerous top politicians in Florida, has registered as a lobbyist for the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). According to lobbying disclosure reports, Ballard’s lobbying work will pertain to PBS’s funding and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). This likely means that the Republican lobbyist has been tapped by the public broadcaster to head off any potential cuts in taxpayer funding recommended by DOGE to President Donald J. Trump.

Since President Trump’s landslide 2024 election victory, a cohort of Republican Party insiders have seen a boon in lobbying contracts from individuals and companies that had previously alienated themselves from the America First leader. The National Pulse previously reported that Facebook founder and Big Tech billionaire Mark Zuckerberg hired establishment Republican money man Brian Baker to help smooth relations with GOP lawmakers and center-right think tankers in Washington, D.C. Baker is no stranger to the Facebook co-founder and billionaire, having helped Zuckerberg’s so-called “election infrastructure” efforts during the 2022 midterm elections.

In the case of Ballard, much like Baker, the GOP lobbyist has extensive ties to many key figures in the political establishment. Ballard has served as a co-chair for the inaugurations of three Florida governors: Ron DeSantis, Rick Scott, and former Republican Charlie Crist. Additionally, Ballard was active as the Florida Finance Committee chairman for John McCain‘s 2008 presidential campaign, Mitt Romney‘s 2012 presidential campaign, and the Trump 2016 presidential campaign. The GOP lobbyist also served as the Finance Vice Chairman of the Republican National Committee (RNC).

Notably, during the 2016 Republican presidential primary, Ballard first backed Jeb Bush and then Marco Rubio before finally lending his support to Trump once the nomination fight was all but settled. Ballard has worked as a lobbyist and fundraiser since the end of his tenure as chief of staff to former Florida Governor Bob Martinez, who left office in 1991.

Both PBS and National Public Radio (NPR) have come under intense scrutiny from lawmakers on Capitol Hill and DOGE staffers. For years, Republicans have pushed to defund the two entities and their parent organization, the taxpayer-funded Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB).

Image by Matthew Hurst.

show less

PULSE POINTS:

show more

Florida Special Elections Test GOP Strength in House Races.

PULSE POINTS:

What Happened: Special elections are being held in two Florida congressional districts that were previously considered safe for Republicans, with increased attention after President Donald J. Trump removed Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) from consideration for U.N. ambassador over concerns the House Republican majority could be in jeopardy.

👥 Who’s Involved: Democratic candidate Josh Weil, Republican state Sen. Randy Fine, Republican Jimmy Patronis, Democrat Gay Valimont, former Rep. Mike Waltz (R-FL), former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL), President Trump, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.

📍 Where & When: Special elections in Florida’s 6th and 1st Congressional Districts, with voting on Tuesday, April 1.

💬 Key Quote: President Trump stated, “We don’t want to take any chances… It’s basic politics.”

⚠️ Impact: These contests are drawing significant attention due to unexpected competitiveness and are seen as a litmus test for GOP strength, potentially affecting legislative support for Trump’s agenda.

IN FULL:

Two critical special elections in Florida are underway as voters head to the polls on Tuesday. The two high-profile races for the House of Representatives could significantly impact the Republican majority in Congress and whether the party continues to control the lower legislative chamber in the coming months.

Last week, President Donald J. Trump moved to withdraw Rep. Elise Stefanik’s (R-NY) nomination for U.N Ambassador as a Republican loss in either of the Florida races today could reduce the GOP majority to just a three-seat margin. Republicans currently hold a five-seat edge over the Democrats. However, there are four vacant House seats, with two of the vacancies being in deep blue Democrat districts.

The move to withdraw Stefanik’s appointment signals Trump’s intent to prevent further weakening of the House majority. Trump commented, “We don’t want to take any chances… It’s basic politics.”

In the 6th District, which spans Florida’s Eastern Coast, Democrat Josh Weil is facing off against Republican state Sen. Randy Fine. The district was previously held by Mike Waltz, who vacated his seat for a role as Trump’s national security advisor. Notably, Weil, a teacher, has gathered over $9 million in campaign funds by mid-March, significantly overshadowing Fine’s less than $1 million, as per Federal Election Commission data. Retaining this seat is considered absolutely crucial to the GOP majority’s continued control of the House.

Meanwhile, the 1st District in the Panhandle pits Republican Jimmy Patronis, Florida’s chief financial officer, against Democrat Gay Valimont, an ardent gun control advocate. This race replaces former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL), who resigned following House Ethics Committee allegations hindering his nomination for attorney general. Valimont’s campaign raised nearly $6.5 million compared to Patronis’ $2.1 million by mid-March.

These elections, alongside a Wisconsin Supreme Court race, are the first since Trump resumed office, offering insights into the GOP’s standing. Additionally, Wisconsin Democrats hope that control of the state’s Supreme Court can clear the way for mid-decade redistricting, with Republicans likely to lose a Congressional seat in the state under a new district map.

Despite enthusiasm among Democratic Party activists, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) has stopped short of guaranteeing any pickups for his party this evening. “What I can say, almost guarantee, is that the Democratic candidate in both of these Florida special elections will significantly over-perform, which will represent another sign that the Republicans are on the run and that Democrats are going to take back control of the House of Representatives next year,” Jeffries said on Tuesday.

Image by Rob Williams.

show less

PULSE POINTS:

show more

Air Traffic Controller Arrested Following Disturbance at DC Area Control Tower.

PULSE POINTS:

What Happened: An air traffic controller was charged with assault and battery after an incident.

👥 Who’s Involved: Damon Marsalis Gaines, 39, from Upper Marlboro, Maryland, was charged.

📍 Where & When: The event occurred at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Thursday night.

💬 Key Quote: “The employee is on administrative leave while we investigate the matter,” stated the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

⚠️ Impact: The arrest comes as the airport already faces scrutiny following a deadly January collision between a passenger jet and a military helicopter and a recent near-collision involving military jets and a Delta flight.

IN FULL:

An air traffic controller at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) has been charged with assault and battery following an incident that took place last Thursday night. The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority confirmed Damon Marsalis Gaines, 39, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, faces charges related to an altercation.

“The employee is on administrative leave while we investigate the matter,” the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said in a statement. However, authorities have not detailed the specifics of the incident or any potential motives behind it.

The situation arises while Reagan National Airport is already under elevated scrutiny. Earlier this year, a mid-air collision occurred involving a military helicopter and a passenger airplane that resulted in the deaths of 67 individuals, including passengers, flight crew, and military pilots. As of last month, 55 of the 67 bodies of those deceased had been recovered from the Potomac River.

More recently, another close call occurred at the airport when military aircraft, on their way to Arlington National Cemetery, activated a collision alarm in a Delta Air Lines plane during takeoff. These incidents highlight ongoing safety and operational challenges at the airport. The proximity of military operations in the region adds complexity to the airspace management surrounding the nation’s capital.

Notably, in January 2024, the Biden government pushed a DEI policy that required the FAA to ensure a greater portion of new hires included individuals with severe intellectual and psychiatric disabilities.

Image by Mariordo Mario Roberto Duran Ortiz.

show less

PULSE POINTS:

show more

Congressman Seeks Expedited Removal of Judge Blocking Trump Deportations.

PULSE POINTS:

What Happened: A resolution has been introduced by a Republican congressman that aims to dismiss a judge who halted deportations to El Salvador under President Donald J. Trump.

👥 Who’s Involved: Representative Andy Biggs (R-AZ), Judge James Boasberg, President Donald J. Trump, and U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts.

📍 Where & When: Resolution introduced in Washington, D.C., March 31, 2025.

💬 Key Quote: “We cannot stand by while activist judges, who incorrectly believe they have more authority than the duly-elected President of the United States, impose their own political agenda on the American people.” — Rep. Andy Biggs.

⚠️ Impact: Could trigger a constitutional crisis if the resolution bypasses the traditional impeachment process, with legal challenges expected.

IN FULL:

Congressman Andy Biggs (R-AZ) is moving to remove U.S. District Court Judge James Boasberg, who is impeding the deportation of Venezuelan gang members and other violent, illegal immigrant criminals to El Salvador’s CECOT prison facility. The resolution, introduced late Monday night, proposes a simplified procedure to remove a federal judge that would bypass the requirement of two-thirds of the Senate to vote in favor of removal after a standard impeachment process. Instead, Biggs’s resolution cites the Constitution’s “good behavior” clause for judges as grounds for removal.

The controversy began when Judge Boasberg issued an order on March 15, 2025, restricting the Department of Justice (DOJ) from deporting certain Venezuelan nationals until the case particulars were reviewed comprehensively. However, Boasberg’s order came as several deportation flights were already in the air and over international waters, and they were unable to be recalled. This led the judge to accuse the Trump administration of non-compliance and question the DOJ’s cooperation.

According to Congressman Biggs’s resolution, Judge Boasberg has violated his judicial oath by interfering with presidential authority for political motives. The resolution implies that Congress can dismiss a judge based on not maintaining “good behavior,” referencing constitutional provisions. Notably, Biggs has introduced a joint resolution, which will require a Senate cosponsor to move through both chambers of Congress.

“We cannot stand by while activist judges, who incorrectly believe they have more authority than the duly-elected President of the United States, impose their own political agenda on the American people,” Rep. Biggs said in a statement after introducing the resolution. However, the Arizona Republican’s joint resolution removing Boasberg will likely face formidable legal hurdles, particularly in terms of whether it can effectively bypass the traditional impeachment process. If it gains approval from both legislative chambers, court challenges are anticipated.

President Donald J. Trump had previously suggested impeachment for Boasberg, a notion rebuked by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts. Roberts argued that impeachment is inappropriate for “disagreements” over judicial decisions, advising reliance on the standard appellate procedure.

WATCH:

show less

PULSE POINTS:

show more

Rep. Luna Leaves Freedom Caucus Amid Efforts to Block Her Proposal to Let New Moms Proxy Vote.

PULSE POINTS:

What Happened: Representative Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) stated she departed from the House Freedom Caucus due to internal opposition to her proxy voting initiative for new parents.

👥 Who’s Involved: Anna Paulina Luna, House Freedom Caucus members, House Speaker Mike Johnson, Rep. Brittany Pettersen (D-CO).

📍 Where & When: Washington, D.C., Luna announced her departure and the petition developments on Monday.

💬 Key Quote: “A small group among us threatened the Speaker, vowing to halt floor proceedings indefinitely … unless he altered the rules to block my discharge petition,” Luna wrote.

⚠️ Impact: The petition could lead to a full House vote on proxy voting for new parents, and the House Rules Committee is evaluating whether it will proceed.

IN FULL:

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) has left the House Freedom Caucus. According to Luna, members of the caucus were attempting to obstruct her pro-family proposal to allow proxy voting for new parents on maternity or paternity leave. Luna joined forces with Colorado Democrat Rep. Brittany Pettersen to advocate for a petition supporting temporary proxy voting. The proposal has received substantial backing from other lawmakers, potentially prompting a full House vote.

In a letter disclosed on Monday, Luna expressed frustration at GOP colleagues. “A small group among us threatened the Speaker, vowing to halt floor proceedings indefinitely … unless he altered the rules to block my discharge petition,” she wrote.

At the heart of the disagreement is House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), who opposes proxy voting, citing constitutional concerns. Despite this, Luna and Pettersen’s petition calls for accommodating new parents by allowing them to transfer their voting privileges to a fellow House member during their first 12 weeks after their child is born. Luna, who had a child two years ago, has vowed, “I will not compromise on something as important as ensuring new moms can vote while recovering.”

READ:

show less

PULSE POINTS:

show more