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October 16, 2023
Jake Welch
News

Florida Hands ‘Special Status’ to Universal After Removing It From Disney.

A Florida County Commissioners Board has voted in favor of giving the Universal Orlando Resort, owned by NBC Universal (Comcast), a “special district” status just months after Governor Ron DeSantis stripped Disney of many of the same privileges.

The Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously to bestow the new status for the 719 acres containing the resort earlier this week, permitting all taxes and fees collected to fund the district. The district is set to use $174 million in bonds to finance new infrastructure, such as a railway station to connect the park and the Orlando airport.

All board seats will also be held by Universal employees – differing from the arrangement made for the Reedy Creek Improvement District, which oversees Disney World, as its board became dominated by DeSantis allies after the Governor dissolved the district’s special status.

“Today marks a step forward and we thank the mayor and county commissioners for approving our petition to establish a community development district that can help realize the vision for expanded SunRail connectivity from the airport to the convention center,” said the chief administrative officer of Universal, John Sprouts, in a statement.

Orange County’s decision is likely to impact the ongoing legal dispute between DeSantis and Disney, with the latter accusing the Florida Governor of “weaponization of government” after he supposedly removed its special status due to the company’s criticism of the state’s so-called “Don’t Say Gay” legislation.

By Popular Demand.
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23 minutes ago
News

The MAHA Effect!? Ultra Processed Food Consumption Starts to Decline.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: A new study from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that while Americans, especially children, are consuming a significant portion of their calories from ultra-processed foods, that number is in decline due in part to the Trump administration’s Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics compiled the data, and Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has expressed grave concern over the issue.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Data was released in August 2025.

💬KEY QUOTE: “[C]onsumption of mean calories from ultra-processed foods among adults decreased.” — CDC study

🎯IMPACT: The study highlights the role of ultra-processed foods in chronic diseases and obesity, sparking calls for dietary changes.

IN FULL

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released new data showing that while Americans, particularly children, continue to consume large amounts of ultra-processed foods (UPFs), that number is beginning to decline from recent highs. Over the last several years, the average percentage of total calories from UPFs was 55 percent for individuals aged one and older. Children aged 1 to 18 consumed an even higher percentage, with 61.9 percent of their calories coming from these foods. However, the study notes that while still elevated, “the consumption of mean calories from ultra-processed foods among adults decreased” over the last decade.

Ultra-processed foods are typically energy-dense, low in nutritional value, and contain added fats, sugars, and chemicals to extend shelf life and enhance flavor. Popular examples include snacks, sugary beverages, and sandwiches like hamburgers. These foods are designed to be inexpensive, convenient, and highly palatable, contributing to their widespread consumption.

The Trump White House has previously pointed to ultra-processed foods as a significant factor in rising rates of chronic diseases such as diabetes and obesity. Meanwhile, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has called for reducing the prevalence of these foods in the American diet.

The CDC’s data also reveals a fluctuating trend in UPF consumption over the past 20 years. After a decline in consumption following 2013, rates increased again before showing a slight downward trend since 2017-2018. The pandemic disrupted the usual two-year survey cycle, which had been ongoing since 1999-2000, according to CDC spokesman Brian Tsai.

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By Popular Demand.
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1 hour ago
News

Trump Declares Illegal Immigrants Will Not Be Counted in Census.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump announced plans to exclude illegal immigrants from the next U.S. census and instructed the Commerce Department to begin work on a new census based on the 2024 election results.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Donald Trump, the U.S. Census Bureau, and the Department of Commerce.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The announcement was made Thursday morning on Truth Social, with implications for the 2024 election and 2030 census.

💬KEY QUOTE: “People who are in our Country illegally WILL NOT BE COUNTED IN THE CENSUS.” – Donald Trump

🎯IMPACT: The move could face legal challenges and significantly alter population counts, potentially affecting congressional representation and electoral college votes.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump announced Thursday morning that illegal immigrants will not be included in the next census. He directed the Commerce Department to begin work on a “new and highly accurate census” based on data from the 2024 presidential election.

“I have instructed our Department of Commerce to immediately begin work on a new and highly accurate CENSUS based on modern day facts and figures and, importantly, using the results and information gained from the Presidential Election of 2024,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, adding: “People who are in our Country illegally WILL NOT BE COUNTED IN THE CENSUS.”

The U.S. Census Bureau, which is part of the Commerce Department, currently includes illegal immigrants—referred to as “unauthorized migrants”—in its population counts. These figures are used for congressional apportionment and electoral college votes. The bureau defines the “foreign-born” population to include naturalized citizens, lawful permanent residents, temporary migrants, and unauthorized migrants.

Legal challenges could arise from Trump’s directive, as Section 2 of the 14th Amendment states that representatives should be apportioned based on the “whole number of persons in each State.” However, Trump’s focus on census accuracy comes as Republicans and Democrats battle over redistricting in states like Texas ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

The 2020 census acknowledged errors that led to undercounts in Republican-led states like Florida and Texas, while Democrat-led states such as New York and Massachusetts were overcounted. If Trump’s plan is implemented, states with large illegal immigrant populations—such as California, Texas, and Florida—could see significant changes in their 2030 census numbers.

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By Popular Demand.
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2 hours ago
Economy
World

Hey Jerome Powell! Even the Bank of England Just Cut Rates…

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The Bank of England cut interest rates by 0.25 percentage points to four percent after a rare second round of voting by the Monetary Policy Committee. The move will likely reverberate across the Atlantic, where U.S. President Donald J. Trump continues pushing Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell to cut rates.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The Monetary Policy Committee, including Governor Andrew Bailey and external member Alan Taylor, who changed his vote during the second round.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The decision was announced in the UK on August 7, 2025.

💬KEY QUOTE: “We’ve cut interest rates today, but it was a finely balanced decision,” said BoE’s governor Andrew Bailey.

🎯IMPACT: The pound rose 0.5 percent against the dollar, and two-year gilt yields climbed six basis points to 3.88 percent after the announcement.

IN FULL

In a decision that required an unprecedented second round of voting, the Bank of England reduced its interest rate by 0.25 percentage points to four percent. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) initially failed to achieve a majority consensus, resulting in a second vote where Alan Taylor shifted his stance to support the reduction.

The final vote was close, with five members backing the cut and four preferring no change. The decision marks the first time in the panel’s 28-year history that two rounds of voting were necessary to reach a conclusion on rates.

Governor Andrew Bailey stated, “We’ve cut interest rates today, but it was a finely balanced decision.” He emphasized that future rate reductions would be made “gradually and carefully,” with the timing dependent on easing disinflationary pressures.

The announcement caused immediate market reactions, as the pound rose 0.5 percent against the dollar to $1.3428, and two-year gilt yields increased by six basis points to 3.88 percent. Traders have adjusted their expectations for future rate cuts accordingly. The decision comes amid a challenging economic environment of high inflation and weak growth. The Bank of England has warned that food prices will push inflation further above target in the near term, with a predicted peak of four percent in September.

Notably, the decision to slash rates comes as U.S. President Donald J. Trump continues his own campaign to push Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell to cut interest rates as well. Powell is currently facing increased scrutiny over the ballooning Federal Reserve renovation costs, and a revolt among some Fed members who are backing Trump’s call for a rate cut.

While the Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) declined to reduce borrowing rates in July, they are anticipated to back a rate cut at its upcoming September meeting.

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By Popular Demand.
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2 hours ago
Immigration

Superman Joins ICE: ‘This Country Was Built on Patriots Stepping Up.’

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Actor Dean Cain announced plans to become an ICE agent following his release of a recruitment video.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Dean Cain, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Announcement made on Wednesday, with ICE recruitment video released Tuesday.

💬KEY QUOTE: “This country was built on patriots stepping up, whether it was popular or not, and doing the right thing.” – Dean Cain

🎯IMPACT: ICE recruitment drive expanded with age cap lifted.

IN FULL

Dean Cain, best known for his role as Superman in the 1990s television series Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, has announced plans to join U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as an agent. During a media appearance on Wednesday, he revealed the news, stating he would be “sworn in as an ICE agent, ASAP.”

Cain explained that after releasing a recruitment video on social media, ICE officials contacted him directly. “I put out a recruitment video yesterday—I’m actually a sworn deputy sheriff and a reserve police officer—I wasn’t part of ICE, but once I put that out there and you put a little blurb on your show, it went crazy,” he told Fox News’s Jesse Waters.

In the recruitment video, Cain highlighted benefits for potential applicants, including a $40,000 signing bonus, student loan repayment assistance, and enhanced retirement packages. “If you want to help save America, ICE is arresting the worst of the worst and removing them from America’s streets. I like that. I voted for that,” Cain stated in his message.

Cain’s announcement drew some criticism on social media, with users pointing to perceived contradictions between his new role and Superman’s fictional background as an alien immigrant. Responding to one critic, Cain said, “Not a chance,” when asked if Superman would disapprove of his decision.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem later confirmed that ICE’s recruitment age cap of 37 had been lifted, allowing Cain, 59, to join. Cain defended his decision, citing America’s immigration challenges and President Trump’s electoral mandate. “This country was built on patriots stepping up, whether it was popular or not, and doing the right thing,” he said. ICE’s recruitment drive is part of a broader expansion, with Congress approving funding for 10,000 additional agents by 2029.

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By Popular Demand.
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3 hours ago
NatSec
TECH

Trump Demands Intel CEO Linked to China Resign, ‘There Is No Other Solution.’

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump called for the resignation of Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan, citing conflicts of interest due to Tan’s ties to Chinese firms.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Donald Trump, Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan, U.S. Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR), and Intel’s board of directors.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Trump’s statement was made on Thursday via Truth Social, following a letter from Senator Cotton to Intel’s board.

💬KEY QUOTE: “The CEO of INTEL is highly CONFLICTED and must resign, immediately. There is no other solution to this problem. Thank you for your attention to this problem!” – Donald Trump

🎯IMPACT: Intel shares fell by approximately 4 percent in U.S. premarket trading, and the company faces scrutiny over Tan’s investments in Chinese firms.

IN FULL

On Thursday, U.S. President Donald J. Trump demanded the resignation of Intel’s CEO Lip-Bu Tan, citing “highly conflicted” ties to Chinese firms. The demand follows a report that revealed Tan’s investments in hundreds of Chinese companies, some linked to the Chinese military.

Trump’s statement came after U.S. Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) sent a letter to Intel’s board chair raising concerns over Tan’s connections to China and a criminal case involving his previous company, Cadence Design. “The CEO of INTEL is highly CONFLICTED and must resign, immediately. There is no other solution to this problem. Thank you for your attention to this problem!” President Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social, leading Intel shares to drop by approximately 4 percent in premarket trading.

Intel, a major player in U.S. chip manufacturing, received nearly $20 billion in federal grants under the 2022 CHIPS and Science Act to bolster domestic semiconductor production. The company stated that both Intel and Tan “are deeply committed to the national security of the U.S. and the integrity of our role in the U.S. defense ecosystem.” Intel also noted it would address the concerns raised by Senator Cotton.

Tan assumed the role of CEO in March, succeeding Pat Gelsinger. Under his leadership, Intel has aimed to cut costs by reducing its workforce by 22 percent and halting construction on several planned manufacturing sites. Despite these efforts, Intel has struggled to regain its position in the semiconductor industry, losing ground to Taiwan’s TSMC and falling behind in the artificial intelligence chip market dominated by Nvidia.

It was revealed earlier this year that Tan, through various venture funds, has invested at least $200 million in advanced manufacturing and chip firms in China. While sources close to the Intel CEO claim Tan has divested from these positions, Chinese databases appear to show many of the investments remain current. The extent of any divestitures remains unclear.

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By Popular Demand.
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4 hours ago
Economy
World

India’s Modi Remains Defiant In Face of Trump’s 50% Tariff.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 50 percent tariff on Indian goods, prompting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to defend the nation’s farmers and industries.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, U.S. President Donald Trump, India’s foreign ministry, and industry leaders.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The announcement was made on Wednesday, with Modi responding on Thursday during an event in New Delhi.

💬KEY QUOTE: “India will never compromise on the well-being of its farmers, dairy [sector], and fishermen. And I know personally I will have to pay a heavy price for it.” — Narendra Modi

🎯IMPACT: The tariffs have strained U.S.-India relations, triggered domestic pressure on Modi, and raised concerns among Indian industries and investors.

IN FULL

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed to protect the interests of the nation’s farmers, fishermen, and dairy sector amid a significant tariff hike announced by U.S. President Donald J. Trump. Speaking at an event in New Delhi on Thursday, Modi declared, “India will never compromise on the well-being of its farmers, dairy [sector], and fishermen. And I know personally I will have to pay a heavy price for it.”

Trump’s decision to impose a 50 percent tariff on Indian goods, effective August 28, is reportedly aimed at penalizing India for its continued purchase of Russian oil. The tariff increase follows the collapse of trade talks between the two nations after five rounds of negotiations failed to resolve disagreements over India’s farm and dairy sectors and its oil imports from Russia.

India’s foreign ministry has criticized the tariff hike as “extremely unfortunate” and pledged to take “all necessary steps to protect its national interests.” Dammu Ravi, secretary of economic relations in India’s foreign ministry, described the move as lacking logic, stating, “This is a temporary aberration, a temporary problem that the country will face, but in course of time, we are confident that the world will find solutions.”

The tariffs have sparked domestic calls for a strong response, with both Modi’s supporters and opposition leaders urging him to act decisively. Congress party president Mallikarjun Kharge emphasized, “India’s national interest is supreme. Any nation that arbitrarily penalizes India for its time-tested policy of strategic autonomy… does not understand the steel frame India is made of.”

Indian industry leaders have expressed alarm over the economic impact of the tariffs. Sudhir Sekhri, chairman of the Apparel Export Promotion Council, warned, “There is no way the industry can absorb such a steep hike.”

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By Popular Demand.
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15 hours ago
News
Politics

Sen. Marsha Blackburn Enters Race for Tennessee Governor.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Republican Senator Marsha Blackburn announced her candidacy for Tennessee governor.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Rep. John Rose (R-TN), and outgoing Gov. Bill Lee (R-TN).

📍WHEN & WHERE: Announcement made on Wednesday, in Tennessee, as Blackburn prepares for the 2026 gubernatorial race.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Here in the Volunteer State, we always lead the way. And that’s why I am announcing my candidacy for governor.” – Marsha Blackburn

🎯IMPACT: If elected, Blackburn would become the first woman to serve as Tennessee governor.

IN FULL

U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) officially announced her candidacy for governor of Tennessee on August 6, setting her sights on succeeding term-limited Governor Bill Lee. In a video released to launch her campaign, Blackburn declared her vision to position Tennessee as “America’s conservative leader for this generation and the next.”

Blackburn opened her announcement with a confident message: “Trump is back, America is blessed and Tennessee—better than ever.” Touting her conservative credentials, she aligned herself closely with President Donald J. Trump, adding, “He’s going to need strong conservative governors who can bring that revolution home.”

A veteran of Tennessee politics, Blackburn has served in the U.S. Senate since 2019 and previously held a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives for more than a decade. Her 2018 Senate campaign drew national headlines after pop star Taylor Swift publicly criticized her voting record. Despite the backlash, Blackburn won the race and became the first woman to represent Tennessee in the U.S. Senate. She secured a second term in 2024.

Blackburn’s entry into the 2026 gubernatorial race sets up a Republican primary contest with Representative John Rose, who declared his candidacy earlier this year.

If successful, Blackburn would become Tennessee’s first female governor. This move also places Blackburn among a growing list of U.S. senators seeking gubernatorial office, following recent announcements by Senators Michael Bennet (D) of Colorado and Tommy Tuberville (R) of Alabama.

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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By Popular Demand.
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16 hours ago
Lauren Gallagher
Economy
War

India’s Tariff Rate Will Double For Purchasing Russian Oil.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Tariffs on Indian exports to the United States will increase to 50 percent by the end of August if the country continues to purchase Russian oil.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Donald J. Trump, the Indian Foreign Ministry, and Russia.

📍WHEN & WHERE: United States and India, August 6, 2025.

💬KEY QUOTE: “They don’t care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian war Machine.” — President Donald J. Trump

🎯IMPACT: Trump is using economic pressure to push Russia to end its war in Ukraine by targeting its oil customers, like India. Other countries that import Russian oil may now face similar tariffs as well.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump announced on Wednesday that tariffs on India will be doubled to 50 percent in August, in retaliation for the country’s purchase of Russian oil. According to the White House, similar trade penalties will be imposed on other nations that continue to buy Russian energy as part of President Trump’s efforts to use trade policy to pressure the Kremlin to resolve the war in Ukraine.

The new Executive Order will ensure that India faces a 25 percent tariff starting on August 27 if the country continues to purchase oil from Russia. This is in addition to the 25 percent duty that Trump announced last week, which takes effect on Thursday.

President Trump criticized the Indian government on a social media post this week for purchasing ‘massive amounts’ of Russian oil and selling it on the open market. He stated, “They don’t care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian war Machine.” The order also directs administration officials to “determine whether any other country is directly or indirectly importing Russian Federation oil.”

India’s Foreign Ministry responded to Trump’s announcement late on Wednesday, stating its motives for importing Russian oil are due to the energy needed for its large population of 1.4 billion people. Indian officials signaled they did not intend to halt purchases of Russian oil. “It is therefore extremely unfortunate that the U.S. should choose to impose additional tariffs on India for actions that several other countries are also taking in their own national interest,” the ministry’s statement said.

The National Pulse reported in late July that President Trump slammed India and Russia, declaring, “They can take their dead economies down together, for all I care.” He singled out India specifically for not having reached a bilateral trade agreement with the United States.

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By Popular Demand.
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17 hours ago
Economy
News

Jeff Bezos’s Dream Just Got One Step Closer to Becoming Reality.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The U.S. government proposed changes to rules governing drone operations, aiming to make it easier for companies to conduct flights beyond the “visual line of sight.”

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Amazon, and other drone industry stakeholders.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Announced Tuesday, with public comments open for 60 days. The rule impacts drone operations across the U.S.

💬KEY QUOTE: “We are making the future of our aviation a reality and unleashing American drone dominance.” – Sean P. Duffy

🎯IMPACT: The proposal could streamline drone operations, expand their applications, and ensure the U.S. leads in drone technology innovation.

IN FULL

The U.S. government introduced new proposed regulations on August 5 aimed at expanding drone operations, a shift that could aid companies like Amazon in scaling up their delivery services. The proposal would eliminate the need for companies to obtain individual waivers to fly drones beyond the operator’s visual line of sight.

Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy revealed the plan, noting that the Trump administration is focused on “unleashing American drone dominance.” He emphasized that the new rules would help the U.S. surpass global competitors in drone innovation, including China.

Under the proposed changes, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) would allow drones to operate below 400 feet and beyond the operator’s direct view, without requiring prior approval. However, operators would still need to comply with several safety requirements: drones must have certified collision-avoidance systems, cannot exceed a weight of 1,320 pounds, and must be operated by certified individuals. Additionally, flights over large public gatherings would remain prohibited in order to mitigate security threats.

Amazon’s public policy team welcomed the proposed rules. In a post on X, they stated: “We applaud the [White House], [USDOT], [FAA] and Congress for their continued leadership in advancing a framework that supports safe, scalable drone operations like [Amazon]’s Prime Air drone delivery.”

To date, the FAA has approved 657 waivers for beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations, including for Amazon’s Prime Air service in College Station, Texas. Yariv Bash, CEO of drone delivery company Flytrex, praised the proposal, calling it a “foundational milestone” for expanding drone-based logistics nationwide.

Bezos’s Amazon previously contributed $1 million to Trump’s inauguration fund, a move seen by many as an effort by the technology billionaire to repair his relationship with the America First leader.

Image by Steve Jurvetson.

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By Popular Demand.
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17 hours ago
Media
News

Murdoch Must Provide Trump With Health Updates in Deal Delaying Defamation Deposition.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Rupert Murdoch agreed to provide regular updates on his health to President Donald Trump as part of a legal agreement delaying his deposition in Trump’s $10 billion defamation lawsuit.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: U.S. President Donald Trump, Rupert Murdoch, Judge Darrin Gayles, and Dow Jones & Co.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The agreement was approved on Tuesday in Miami federal court.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Murdoch is 94 years old, has suffered from multiple health issues throughout his life, is believed to have suffered recent significant health scares, and is presumed to live in New York, New York.” – President Trump’s lawyers wrote in their filing.

🎯IMPACT: Murdoch must provide health updates to Trump’s legal team, and his deposition will only proceed if the court denies a dismissal motion in the defamation case.

IN FULL

Media mogul Rupert Murdoch has agreed to provide regular updates on his health as part of a legal deal with President Donald J. Trump. The agreement delays Murdoch’s deposition in Trump’s $10 billion defamation lawsuit over a Wall Street Journal article regarding deceased child sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.

The stipulation, approved on Tuesday by Judge Darrin Gayles in Miami federal court, was reached after Trump’s lawyers sought to depose Murdoch within 15 days. They argued that Murdoch’s advanced age and health issues might prevent him from testifying in person if the case proceeded to trial.

“Murdoch is 94 years old, has suffered from multiple health issues throughout his life, is believed to have suffered recent significant health scares, and is presumed to live in New York, New York,” Trump’s lawyers stated.

Under the agreement, Murdoch must provide a sworn declaration about his current health within three days and continue to give updates to Trump’s legal team. If Murdoch fails to comply, he will be required to sit for an expedited deposition. However, Judge Gayles is also currently considering a motion filed by Murdoch and his co-defendants to dismiss the lawsuit, which, if successful, would render the agreement and possible deposition moot.

Trump’s defamation suit, filed in July, targets Murdoch, News Corp, and Dow Jones & Co., among others, for a Wall Street Journal article claiming Trump sent Jeffrey Epstein a “bawdy” birthday card in 2003. Trump has denied the claim, calling the article “false, malicious, defamatory, FAKE NEWS.” The lawsuit also names News Corp CEO Robert Thomson and the reporters who authored the article.

Image by Dan Farber.

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By Popular Demand.
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