Tuesday, May 6, 2025
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Musk’s Neuralink Suffers Failure In First Patient.

Neuralink, a biotechnology start-up co-founded by Elon Musk, reported a mechanical failure with its first human brain-computer interface implant. Initially implanted in the brain of 29-year-old quadriplegic Noland Arbaugh in January 2024, the novel device met with complications just weeks later. Despite earlier positive announcements about Arbaugh’s recovery and promising neuron detection rates, Neuralink identified that some of the implant’s threads had dislodged, negatively impacting data transfer rates.

“In the weeks following the surgery, a number of threads retracted from the brain, resulting in a net decrease in the number of effective electrodes,” the company revealed in a blog post. Neuralink did not specify how many threads de-attached.

The failure suggests potential flaws in the design of Neuralink’s brain-computer implant, which features a coin-sized puck containing a battery, processing chip, and other necessary electronics. The implant also contains 64 thin, flexible threads, which are surgically inserted into brain tissue to pick up signals from neurons. Yet post-implant, a number of these threads retracted from the brain, leading to a decline in signal quality and effectiveness.

Neuralink has yet to explain why the threads dislodged, although the movement of the brain within the skull could be a contributing factor. Critics argue that lessons could be learned from existing technology, such as the Utah array, which, although not wireless, presents fewer mechanical issues.

By Popular Demand.
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BREAKING: Traitor Thom Tillis is Blocking Ed Martin, Handing DC District Attorney Pick to Radical Leftist Judge Boasberg.

PULSE POINTS:

What Happened: Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) told CNN he will not support Ed Martin’s nomination as the next U.S. Attorney for D.C., potentially derailing the America First law officer’s confirmation.

👥 Who’s Involved: Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC), Ed Martin, President Donald J. Trump, Judge James Boasberg.

📍 Where & When: Reported by CNN’s Chief Congressional Correspondent, Manu Raju, on May 6, 2025.

💬 Key Quote: Should the Senate reject Martin’s nomination, then “…the district court for such district may appoint a United States attorney to serve until the vacancy is filled. The order of appointment by the court shall be filed with the clerk of the court.” — 28 U.S. Code § 546

⚠️ Impact: Tillis’s opposition could block Martin’s nomination, paving the way for radical leftist Judge James Boasberg to take over the selection process and undermine President Donald J. Trump’s push for conservative law enforcement in the nation’s capital.

IN FULL: 

Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) says he will not support U.S. Attorney Ed Martin for the next U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia. Cites. Tillis’s opposition could derail Martin’s confirmation as the top attorney for D.C.—potentially paving the way for radical leftist District Court Judge James Boasberg to appoint his own choice for U.S. Attorney.

At the heart of the problem is a group of Republican-in-name-only (RINO) senators, including Tillis, who have joined with Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) in opposing Martin’s nomination. The Republican support has allowed Schiff, who is accused by the Department of Justice (DOJ) Inspector General of having actively leaked classified materials to the media to push the Russia hoax narrative against President Donald J. Trump, to sustain a hold on Martin’s permanent appointment. Most troubling, however, is that if the Martin nomination fails, an obscure provision in the U.S. Code would allow the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, led by Chief Judge James Boasberg, to step in and appoint its own choice for U.S. Attorney.

Under the vacancies clause found in 28 U.S. Code § 546, if a temporary appointment expires after 120 days, the current situation faced by Martin, “…the district court for such district may appoint a United States attorney to serve until the vacancy is filled. The order of appointment by the court shall be filed with the clerk of the court.” This means the left-leaning District Court, led by Trump opponent Boasberg, could step in and appoint Martin’s successor.

Notably, in recent months, Boasberg has worked to vastly expand the judiciary’s power over the executive branch, essentially dictating immigration and foreign policy to the Trump White House.

Jack Montgomery contributed to this report.

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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By Popular Demand.
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Trump Offers Stipend to Illegals Who Self-Deport.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is offering free flights and a $1,000 stipend to illegal aliens who voluntarily leave the U.S. — a self-deportation program the agency says costs far less than traditional deportation.

The details: The program requires illegal aliens to register for self-deportation through the CBP Home App, and they only receive their stipend once it is verified that they have returned to their home country.

  • President Trump told the press: “We’re gonna get them a beautiful flight back to where they came from.”

Cost savings: DHS says it currently costs the American taxpayer over $17,000 to arrest, detain, and deport a single illegal alien. Under this new, self-deportation program, it costs around $4,500—a 70 percent savings.

  • White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller added on X: “The savings are as much as $1 million per illegal alien family given the long-term costs of free welfare and public support.”

What the left is saying: Pro-illegal groups are denouncing the plan and urging illegals to reject the offer. One activist, Aaron Reichlin, said: “This option might be WORSE… it would abandon clear options for staying.”

Zoom out: The plan is reminiscent of Trump’s effort to reduce the federal workforce by offering buyouts to government workers who voluntarily resigned, ultimately leading to 77,000 resignations. Pay a little up-front for long-term savings.

The last word goes to President Trump, who warned that those who do not take this offer “are going to be taken out of our country… And they will never get a path to come back in.”

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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is offering free flights and a $1,000 stipend to illegal aliens who voluntarily leave the U.S. — a self-deportation program the agency says costs far less than traditional deportation. show more
By Popular Demand.
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Contenders Emerge for Next Pope. Here’s Who’s in the Running…

PULSE POINTS:

What Happened: Pope Francis passed away on April 21, 2025, initiating the process to elect a new pope. This week, the College of Cardinals will meet for a conclave to elect the next successor of Saint Peter.

👥 Who’s Involved: 133 cardinal electors under the age of 80 will participate in the conclave to choose the next pope.

📍 Where & When: The conclave begins on May 7, 2025, at the Vatican.

💬 Key Quote: “Every papal conclave comes down, in some sense, to a referendum on the papacy that has just ended,” said John Allen, editor of Crux.

⚠️ Impact: The election could either continue Pope Francis’s legacy or shift towards a more traditional, conservative direction.

IN FULL:

The Catholic Church is set to elect a new pope following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025. The conclave, consisting of 133 cardinal electors under the age of 80, will commence on May 7 at the Vatican to choose the next leader of the global Catholic community and successor to Saint Peter.

John Allen, a seasoned Vatican observer and editor of the Catholic news site Crux, remarked on the significance of this election, noting that each papal conclave reflects on the preceding papacy. “Every papal conclave comes down, in some sense, to a referendum on the papacy that has just ended,” Allen said in a recent media interview.

Among the potential successors to the late Pope Francis is Hungarian Cardinal Peter Erdo, the Archbishop of Budapest, known for his conservative views and balanced approach to immigration. The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo of Kinshasa, recognized for advocating social justice and orthodoxy, is also a contender. Cardinal Mario Grech from Malta, influential in synod operations, and Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, are also in the running, with Parolin noted for his diplomatic acumen.

Other notable candidates include Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the first Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem to be raised to the cardinalate and who has been active in interfaith dialogue, criticism of Israeli actions in Gaza, and social justice; and Cardinal Luis Tagle of the Philippines, often referred to as the “Asian Francis” for his alignment with Pope Francis’ values. Cardinal Matteo Zuppi from Italy and Sweden’s Cardinal Anders Arborelius of Stockholm—a convert to Catholicism from Lutheranism—are also considered potential successors, each bringing unique perspectives to the role.

In addition to Cardinal Ambongo, another African prelate, Cardinal Robert Sarah of Guinea, is believed to be a dark horse contender should the conclave swing in a more traditionalist direction.

Image by George Martell/The Pilot Media Group.

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By Popular Demand.
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Romania

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Prime Minister Set to Resign Following Conservative Victory.

PULSE POINTS:

What Happened: The Prime Minister of Romania, Marcel Ciolacu, announced his resignation following the first-round victory of conservative nationalist George Simion in the presidential election.

👥 Who’s Involved: Marcel Ciolacu, George Simion, Nicusor Dan, Calin Georgescu.

📍 Where & When: Romania, resignation announced on Monday after Sunday’s election results.

💬 Key Quote: “Despite the obstacles, despite the manipulation, despite a press paid to demean us day after day, Romanians have stood up,” Simion stated.

⚠️ Impact: Romanian government bonds fell, and the political landscape could shift, affecting relationships with the EU and NATO.

IN FULL:

Following the first-round victory of George Simion, leader of the populist Alliance for the Union of Romanians, in Romania’s presidential election, Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu has resigned. The announcement came in response to the electoral upset. The government will now be led by an interim premier as coalition parties deliberate on Ciolacu’s successor.

Simion, who identifies with a political philosophy akin to President Donald J. Trump’s, secured over 40 percent of the votes, outperforming expectations and increasing his chances of winning the presidency. “Despite the obstacles, despite the manipulation, despite a press paid to demean us day after day, Romanians have stood up,” Simion said following the win.

Simion will face Bucharest’s centrist mayor, Nicusor Dan, in a runoff scheduled for May 18. Simion’s first-round success has dramatically shifted betting market odds in his favor, with his probability of winning the second round now at 69 percent.

This election marks Romania’s second attempt to elect a president after last year’s election was annulled due to alleged Russian interference through TikTok. The unexpected victory of Calin Georgescu, a pro-Trump nationalist and NATO skeptic barred from the current race, previously plunged Romania into a political crisis, leading to widespread protests.

Despite his criticisms of the European Union (EU) and NATO, Simion has reassured that Romania will not exit either organization, emphasizing the importance of both for national security. “Eighty percent of the Romanians want NATO and want the European Union. This is not something we can negotiate,” Simion stated.

As Romania navigates this political transformation, the focus remains on whether Simion can maintain his momentum and secure victory in the upcoming runoff. The outcome could further align Romania with other conservative-populist European countries, such as Hungary and Slovakia.

Image by Jorge Franganillo.

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By Popular Demand.
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Trump Tariffs Boost U.S. Manufacturers.

PULSE POINTS:

What Happened: U.S. tariffs have led to increased demand for American-made goods as companies bring production back to the U.S. This boost has been felt especially among smaller manufacturers.

👥 Who’s Involved: President Donald J. Trump, U.S. manufacturers like Jergens Inc., Grand River Rubber & Plastics, SafeSource Direct, AccuRounds, Whirlpool, and Excel Dryer.

📍 Where & When: Various U.S. locations, including Ohio, Illinois, Massachusetts, and Michigan, over recent weeks.

💬 Key Quote: “We are swamped. We are running 24 hours a day, seven days a week in both Chicago and Cleveland,” said Jack Schron, president of Jergens Inc.

⚠️ Impact: Smaller U.S. manufacturers are experiencing increased demand and potential growth, as tariffs level the playing field against foreign competitors.

IN FULL:

President Donald J. Trump‘s administration continues to push for a resurgence in American manufacturing, with recent tariffs boosting demand for American-made goods. This shift particularly benefits smaller domestic manufacturers as more companies decide to onshore production.

“We are swamped. We are running 24 hours a day, seven days a week in both Chicago and Cleveland,” says Jack Schron, president of Jergens Inc. The company is known for producing heavy-duty power and industrial tools, including industrial screwdrivers, clamps, and hoists. Schron added that his facilities are “going like gangbusters” to meet demand.

In Ohio, Donny Chaplin, president of Grand River Rubber & Plastics, has observed a notable increase in inquiries and orders. Some former clients, who had previously switched to Chinese suppliers, are returning to Grand River for rubber gaskets. New business from oil filter manufacturers seeking to move away from China could potentially bring in $5 million annually, driving the need for expansion and additional hires.

The tariffs have become a vital lifeline for companies that emerged during the pandemic to produce personal protective equipment. Alan Rust, chief growth officer for SafeSource Direct, noted a significant rise in inquiries as new tariffs on Chinese rubber gloves have doubled prices, prompting businesses to seek alternative sources.

Massachusetts-based AccuRounds is experiencing a similar uptick, with employees working overtime to fulfill rising orders for steel components. CEO Michael Tamasi revealed a 20 percent increase in first-quarter sales compared to the previous year.

Whirlpool, a Michigan-based appliance manufacturer, is optimistic about the recent tariffs on imported appliances. CEO Marc Bitzer believes these measures will help close the price gap created by Asian competitors who benefit from cheaper components and steel.

Excel Dryer in Massachusetts is also reaping the benefits of the tariffs. Chief Operating Officer William Gagnon credits the import taxes with improving production location decisions and enhancing competitiveness against cheaper foreign copies.

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By Popular Demand.
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Nationalist Leads in Romanian Presidential Polls.

PULSE POINTS:

What Happened: George Simion, a nationalist and supporter of President Donald J. Trump, won the first round of Romania’s presidential election redo by a significant margin.

👥 Who’s Involved: George Simion, leader of the Alliance for the Unity of Romanians (AUR), and a globalist opponent in the upcoming runoff.

📍 Where & When: Romania, with a runoff election scheduled for May 18.

💬 Key Quote: “For 35 years, the Romanian people lived the lie that we are a democratic country,” Simion said. “And now the people are awakening.”

⚠️ Impact: A Simion presidency could shift Romania’s geopolitical stance within the European Union (EU) and NATO, challenging the status quo.

IN FULL:

George Simion, a nationalist figure and supporter of President Donald J. Trump, has emerged victorious in the first round of Romania’s presidential election redo. The courts canceled the first attempted election, in which NATO skeptic Calin Georgescu won the first round, on the dubious pretext that Russia had influenced voters through TikTok videos. Georgescu was eventually barred from running again in the do-over.

Simion, 38, leads the Alliance for the Unity of Romanians (AUR), a party known for its right-wing stance. His win comes amid a wave of anti-establishment sentiment sweeping the nation.

Simion’s victory sets the stage for a May 18 runoff against a globalist candidate, a contest that could significantly influence Romania’s future alignment within the European Union (EU) and NATO. The political scene in Romania was shaken last year when the top court annulled the previous election, citing alleged Russian interference, claims that Moscow has denied.

Born in Focsani in 1986, Simion pursued higher education in business and administration, as well as studying communist-era crimes. His activism includes protesting against a Canadian company’s gold mining project and advocating for the reunification with Moldova. In 2019, Simion founded the AUR party, which has grown to become Romania’s second-largest legislative force. The party opposes same-sex marriage and maintains strong ties with the Romanian Orthodox Church.

Simion aligns his party with Trump’s Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement, emphasizing an anti-establishment agenda. During the COVID-19 pandemic, AUR organized protests against vaccination and lockdowns, tapping into public distrust of authorities.

He criticized last year’s canceled election as a “coup d’etat” and vowed to restore democracy and the rule of law. “For 35 years, the Romanian people lived the lie that we are a democratic country,” Simion said.

A potential Simion challenges the political status quo in Europe. Simion insists on a strong NATO presence in Eastern Europe while opposing further military aid to Ukraine. He also advocates for more autonomy for EU member states, aligning with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s views.

Image: AUR Alianța pentru Unirea Românilor.

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By Popular Demand.
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State Govt Bans Populist Politicians From Overseas Trips.

PULSE POINTS:

What Happened: Members of the populist Alternative for Germany (AfD) party have been banned from taking part in overseas business trips by a state government after being declared a right-wing extremist organization.

👥 Who’s Involved: State of Hesse, Alternative for Germany (AfD) members.

📍 Where & When: Hesse’s Europe Minister, Manfred Pentz, announced the exclusion on May 4.

💬 Key Quote:  “My business trips abroad are aimed at promoting this location. I can’t achieve that if I travel with representatives of a secure right-wing extremist party.” — Minister Manfred Pentz.

⚠️ Impact: The move is part of the broader fallout from Germany’s domestic spy agency declaring the AfD an extremist group, despite the fact that it recently placed second in the country’s federal elections.

IN FULL:

A state government in Germany has banned members of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) from taking part in foreign business trips. The move comes after Germany’s domestic spy agency declared the AfD a right-wing extremist organisation last week.

The German state of Hesse announced it would not include AfD members in foreign business trips due to the labelling of the party as extremists. The state’s Europe Minister, Manfred Pentz, announced the exclusion of the AfD members on May 4. Pentz stated, “After the classification of the AfD, I decided not to invite representatives of this party to my foreign business trips for the time being.”

The minister argued that having the AfD on trips dealing with countries like Israel would harm Germany’s reputation, despite the AfD having many pro-Israel members. “My business trips abroad are aimed at promoting [Hesse]. I can’t achieve that if I travel with representatives of a secure right-wing extremist party,” he insisted.

Germany’s actions to declare the AfD an extremist group mean that the domestic spy agency would be able to surveil party members. The move could also lead to the AfD being banned in the future.

Members of the Trump administration have outright condemned the moves against the AfD. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated, “Germany just gave its spy agency new powers to surveil the opposition. That’s not democracy—it’s tyranny in disguise.”

Image by Olaf Kosinsky.

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By Popular Demand.
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Popemobile Repurposed as Gaza Health Unit.

PULSE POINTS:

What Happened: A “popemobile” used by the late Pope Francis is being converted into a mobile health unit for Gaza.

👥 Who’s Involved: Pope Francis, Caritas charity, Israeli government, and Palestinian children.

📍 Where & When: Gaza Strip, ongoing since Pope Francis’s directive before his death.

💬 Key Quote: Peter Brune of Caritas states, “It’s not just a vehicle, it’s a message that the world has not forgotten about the children in Gaza.”

⚠️ Impact: Aid to Gaza is restricted as a result of the war, and the health system is reportedly near collapse.

IN FULL:

Efforts are underway to transform a “popemobile,” once used by Pope Francis, into a mobile health clinic destined for the Gaza Strip. The initiative, directed by Pope Francis before his passing, aims to address the medical needs of displaced Palestinian children in the conflict-ridden region.

Pope Francis, who passed away at 88 on Easter Monday, had a history of advocating for the Palestinians, often clashing with Israeli authorities. During his papacy, he called for international scrutiny of Israeli military actions in Gaza, labeling the humanitarian conditions “shameful.”

Pope Francis reportedly maintained nightly phone conversations with the only Roman Catholic Church in Gaza, sometimes calling multiple times daily.

The popemobile, used by Pope Francis during a 2014 visit to the Holy Land, is being reconfigured to serve as a clinic on wheels. This project is being supported by Caritas, a Catholic charity, with Peter Brune, the secretary general of its Swedish branch, emphasizing the symbolic and practical importance of the vehicle. “It’s not just a vehicle, it’s a message that the world has not forgotten about the children in Gaza,” Brune stated.

The conversion of the popemobile comes at a time when humanitarian aid to Gaza is restricted. Israel’s blockade, intended to intercept shipments and other materials used by Palestinian militants, has slowed deliveries of some essential supplies, exacerbating the already critical situation.

One of Pope Francis’s possible successors, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, has been critical of Israel during his time as Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem. Pizzaballa is one of several candidates who could become the head of the Roman Catholic Church during the Papal Conclave, which starts this week.

Image by Mustafa Bader.

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By Popular Demand.
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BREAKING: Trump Bars Federal Funding of Dangerous Gain-of-Function Research in Countries with Poor Oversight.

PULSE POINTS:

What Happened: President Donald J. Trump has signed an Executive Order barring current and future federal funding for gain-of-function research in countries like China or Iran. Additionally, funding is barred from going to any foreign nation that is considered to have insufficient research oversight.

👥 Who’s Involved: President Donald J. Trump, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Wuhan Institute of Virology, the EcoHealth Alliance and Dr. Peter Daszak, China, Iran, other foreign nations, and public health professionals.

📍 Where & When: The Executive Order was signed on Monday, May 5, at the White House in Washington, D.C.

💬 Key Quote: “These measures will drastically reduce the potential for lab-related incidents involving gain-of-function research, like that conducted on bat coronaviruses in China by the EcoHealth Alliance and Wuhan Institute of Virology,” the Trump White House said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

⚠️ Impact: The Executive Order will likely help drastically reduce the funding for dangerous research projects at biolabs around the world. Notably, the corporate media and the intelligence community have finally begun to admit that poor security and safety standards surrounding the gain-of-function research at the Wuhan Institute of Virology were likely the cause of the COVID-19 pandemic.

IN FULL:

President Donald J. Trump has signed an Executive Order halting any current and future federal money that would go to fund gain-of-function research in countries like China or Iran. Additionally, funding is barred from going to any foreign nation that is considered to have insufficient research oversight.

According to the Trump White House, the presidential order also directs American research agencies to identify other forms of “biological research that could pose a threat to American public health, public safety, or national security.” Consequently, the order says that federal funding will be halted for these projects as well.

In another provision, the Executive Order prohibits U.S. government funding “from contributing to foreign research likely to cause another pandemic.” The White House, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), notes: “These measures will drastically reduce the potential for lab-related incidents involving gain-of-function research, like that conducted on bat coronaviruses in China by the EcoHealth Alliance and Wuhan Institute of Virology.”

Lastly, the measure, signed by President Trump on Monday, May 5, increases domestic security and safety measures in order to prevent “lab accidents and other biosecurity incidents, such as those that likely caused COVID-19 and the 1977 Russian flu.”

In May last year, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) initiated formal debarment proceedings against Dr. Peter Daszak, President of EcoHealth Alliance, Inc., following recommendations from the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic. Daszak has long been accused of being a central player in pushing the dangerous gain-of-function research that likely resulted in the COVID-19 pandemic. Notably, Daszak first came into the public conversation following months of investigative work by The National Pulse.

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By Popular Demand.
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Now Protein is ‘Far Right.’

PULSE POINTS:

What Happened: Vanity Fair published an article linking protein consumption to right-wing MAGA extremism.

👥 Who’s Involved: Vanity Fair, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Harvard Medical School associate professor and Cambridge Health Alliance internist Pieter Cohen..

📍 Where & When: United States, May 2025.

💬 Key Quote: “I don’t have a good sense on what’s driving that right now, other than if it’s just the usual manosphere—or manomania, here in the United States.” — Pieter Cohen.

⚠️ Impact: The article has sparked debate on social media about the politicization of dietary choices and essential nutrients.

IN FULL:

A recent Vanity Fair article absurdly suggests that the American obsession with protein is linked to right-wing MAGA ‘extremism.’ The piece, titled “Why Are Americans So Obsessed With Protein?” points to figures like Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and “podcast bros” as key influencers in this trend, while seemingly dismissing the fundamental health benefits of protein.

The article alleges there is a longstanding “protein mania” in America, claiming it has reached its peak this year. This assertion is supported by the observation that discussions on protein intake and supplementation are ubiquitous. However, the article’s suggestion that this trend is politically motivated is raising eyebrows and allegations that the piece is either politically motivated or steeped in unfounded conspiracy theories.

Harvard Medical School associate professor and internist at Cambridge Health Alliance Pieter Cohen is quoted in the article. He expresses uncertainty about the current drivers of this protein interest. He speculates that it might be linked to what he describes as the “usual manosphere—or monomania” in the U.S. The piece further observes that more men than women appear interested in protein, hinting at a potential gender aspect to the trend.

The article and its narrative are being met with criticism online. Some question why protein, an essential micronutrient vital for muscle, bone, and skin health, is being politicized. Critics argue that the article dismisses the basic nutritional needs of the human body, suggesting instead a political agenda.

In a humorous twist, the decidedly not-right-wing and openly globalist The Atlantic discussed the very topic of protein consumption and how much is too much or too little last year, concluding that the human body, at a biological level, likely knows what source of protein it needs and how much.

Image: Kurman Communications.

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By Popular Demand.
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