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May 10, 2024
William Upton
Lawfare

Trump Trial Day 11: Another Good Day For Trump in Court.

The eleventh day of former President Donald J. Trump‘s Manhattan-based hush money trial was abbreviated, ending before 1PM. Defense attorneys for the former President finished their cross-examination of Madeleine Westerhout, a former White House aide. Despite being a witness called by the prosecution, Westerhout — like many of the prosecution’s witnesses — proved relatively damaging to its case under cross-examination by Trump’s defense team.

Following the conclusion of Westerhout’s testimony, jurors heard from a series of custodial witnesses used by the prosecution to enter new evidence into the court record. These witnesses, themselves, held little bearing on the course of the trial.

Democrat-aligned Judge Juan Merchan, meanwhile, denied a defense motion to issue a gag order on Michael Cohen. The disgraced attorney has made frequent public statements on TikTok against former President Trump. Additionally, Cohen has used social media to profit directly from the trial.

WESTERHOUT SINKS CHECK THEORY.

The prosecution has tried to make much out of former President Trump’s attention to detail. Several of the witnesses brought by the District Attorney’s office have primarily served to establish the approval process for payments, statements, and other documents within the Trump Organization, the 2016 Trump campaign, and the Trump White House. The goal is to portray the former President as someone who pays careful attention to detail and would have either had pre-knowledge or inquired about the nature of the payments to disgraced lawyer Michael Cohen.

However, during her cross-examination, Trump‘s former personal assistant in the White House threw cold water on the prosecution’s strategy. While she did testify that the former President was very detail-oriented, she explained that the busy nature of running the country resulted in Trump often signing checks while he was engaged in other tasks, including phone calls or speaking with aides. This recollection appears to cast reasonable doubt on the prosecution’s assertion that Trump was aware of the purpose of the payments to Cohen.

In a separate moment, Westerhout again reinforced the Trump defense team’s assertion that the former President was motivated to protect his family, not the 2016 election. “My understanding was it would be hurtful to his family,” Westerhout said, noting that the Stormy Daniels affair allegations made Trump “very upset.”

PROSECUTORS GRASPING AT STRAWS. 

The prosecution‘s next witness was Daniel Dixon, a lead compliance analyst with AT&T. He testified as a records custodian, specifically regarding cell phone data relating to calls made between Michael Cohen and others. On the stand, Dixon spent most of his testimony establishing the veracity of cell phone call records submitted into evidence by the prosecution. These records allegedly show calls between Cohen and Trump that prosecutors allege revolved around the hush money payments.

Dixon’s questioning by the prosecution was short, though not as short nor as damaging as his cross-examination by former President Trump‘s defense team. Attorney Emil Bove handled the cross, immediately diving into the technical specifications of cell phone SIM cards.

CALL RECORDS REVEAL LITTLE.

Bove asked Dixon if a SIM card “can be pulled out of one phone and put into another?” Dixon responded, “Yes.” He next shifted to the nature of call records, pressing Dixon: “These records don’t reflect the content of these calls?” The AT&T analyst replied, “Correct.”

“You can’t tell from the records themselves who actually spoke?” Bove asked, Dixon again answering, “Correct.”

Casting doubt on the nature of the calls, Bove next asked Dixon: “You’re familiar with the concept of a pocket dial?” The analyst acknowledged that he was familiar with a pocket dial.

The next witness for the prosecution was Jennie Tomalin, a senior analyst with Verizon. Again, the prosecution called the witness primarily to introduce phone call records into evidence. One of the records concerns a call made involving Allen Weisselberg. The prosecution likely intends to bring up these records in later testimony by other individuals.

EVIDENTIARY WIN FOR TRUMP.

Just before the court took a brief break, former President Trump‘s defense attorney Emil Bove objected to a pending evidentiary exhibit by the prosecution. The Manhattan District Attorney‘s office intended to submit into evidence a 1999 interview between Trump and Larry King in which the subject of campaign finance law was discussed.

“There was extensive revisions to campaign finance laws in intervening period both statutory and by the Supreme Court,” Bove argued before Judge Juan Merchan. The defense attorney noted that the former President’s view on campaign finance law dating back to 1999 had little bearing on his views in 2016 or 2017. Prosecutors countered that the specific segment involved Trump’s opinion on the corporate contribution ban, which has been established law since 1907.

After the brief break, Judge Merchan ruled against the prosecution and denied the exhibit entrance into evidence.

MORE CUSTODIAL WITNESSES.

The prosecution next moved to recall Georgia Longstreet to the witness stand. Longstreet is a paralegal with the Manhattan District Attorney’s office. While her direct testimony last week and today hasn’t been impactful on the direction of the trial, she — like the phone company analysts — has been used by prosecutors to enter additional evidence into the court record and, subsequently, juror review.

Longstreet testified about the process by which the District Attorney’s office preserved social media posts by former President Trump. Again, her testimony served as a vehicle for the prosecution to continue entering Trump tweets into the court record.

TRUMP’S TWEETS.

Prosecutors focused on a handful of Trump‘s social media posts, primarily from 2017 and 2018. Longstreet was asked to read a 2018 post from Trump regarding disgraced lawyer Michael Cohen shortly after the FBI raided the latter. “If anyone is looking for a good lawyer, I would strongly suggest that you don’t retain the services of Michael Cohen!” the former President wrote on Twitter. Another tweet entered into evidence regarded Paul Manafort — with Trump stating that he felt “very badly for Paul Manafort and his wonderful family.”

Another post entered into evidence as a tweet addressing Cohen‘s monthly retainer and nondisclosure agreement. “Mr. Cohen, an attorney, received a monthly retainer, not from the campaign and having nothing to do with the campaign, from which he entered into, through reimbursement, a private contract between two parties, known as a nondisclosure agreement, or NDA,” Trump posted on Twitter on May 3, 2018.

TEXTS WITH A TABLOID.

Next, prosecutors began showing Longstreet a series of texts between Stormy Daniels‘s then-publicist, Gina Rodriguez, and former National Enquirer editor Dylan Howard. The messages mostly revolved around whether Daniels would talk to the tabloid when she’d talk to the tabloid and if she’d go on the record regarding the alleged affair with Trump.

A series of texts prosecutors reviewed with Longstreet appear to reveal negotiations between Rodriguez and Howard over just how much the National Enquirer would pay Daniels. “I can get 100?” Howard asked Rodriguez. The publicist responded, “Lol,” but followed up with, “Okay, what about 150?” Howard countered, texting back the number “110.” Rodrigues replied to the counter with “125k.” Howard’s next response read, “lol,” though he followed up with “120.” Daniels’s then-publicist replied, “Sold.”

Additional text messages revolved around Rodriguez threatening to sell the story to the Daily Mail as Cohen dragged his feet in paying Daniels.

COHEN’S TIKTOK. 

Trump’s defense attorney, Todd Blanche, likewise took advantage of the custodial witness as the prosecution opened the door to discussing and reviewing social media accounts. Blanche asked Longstreet if she’d continued her work reviewing social media posts by individuals involved with the trial. He specifically mentioned posts by disgraced attorney Michael Cohen‘s TikTok, where he raised money off of the trial and continued to disparage former President Trump. Longstreet said that she had not seen the posts.

Moving past the TikTok posts, Blanche pivoted to the context of the communications reviewed by Longstreet. “When Ms. Rodriguez talks about offers from the Daily Mail and the timing of those offers, you have no knowledge of whether she was telling the truth, do you?” Blanche asked Longstreet. She replied, “No.”

“You just read what was written in the exhibit, correct?” Blanche asked the paralegal, continuing: “And that was different … from when Mr. Pecker is asked the reasoning behind text messages, correct?” Longstreet acknowledged that Pecker‘s testimony did contradict what was read from the text messages.

MORE PHONE RECORDS. 

The last witness of the day was another paralegal from District Attorney Alvin Bragg‘s office. Prosecutors asked Jaden Jarmel-Schneider about the process of a report he prepared on calls between Michael Cohen and former Trump Organization CFO Allen Weisselberg. Again, Jarmel-Schneider was a custodial witness, which allowed the prosecution to introduce phone call records between Cohen and individuals like Dylan Howard, David Pecker, Gina Rodriguez, Keith Schiller, and Allen Weisselberg.

Jarmel-Schneider’s testimony culminated in prosecutors using the custodial witness to introduce a chart summarizing the 34 business records they allege were falsified. Trump’s defense team objected to this exhibit, but Judge Merchan overruled their objection.

Under cross-examination by Emil Bove, Jarmel-Schneider acknowledged that some of the call records and text messages between various individuals were, in fact, deleted. However, the paralegal did take issue with Bove’s assertion that the missing data was “significant.” On re-direct by the prosecution, Jarmel-Schneider claimed the missing data was still in evidence elsewhere.

MICHAEL COHEN TESTIFIES ON MONDAY.

The court adjourned early, wrapping up just before 1PM. Prosecutors and Trump‘s defense attorneys remained in the courtroom briefly to discuss some procedural matters ahead of Monday’s trial session, where it has been announced disgraced attorney Michael Cohen will testify.

Additionally, Democrat-aligned Judge Juan Merchan quashed a subpoena filed by Trump’s defense attorneys that would have compelled testimony from Mark Pomerantz, an attorney formerly with the Manhattan District Attorney’s office. Pomerantz, infamously, is one of the architects of the dubious legal theory being used by Alvin Bragg to prosecute Trump. Judge Merchan, in quashing the subpoena, called the request an “improper fishing expedition.”

National Pulse previously reported that Pomerantz refused to answer questions before a Congressional committee about his involvement in investigating former President Trump and whether he broke any laws in the course of that inquiry.

You can read The National Pulse’s Day Ten trial coverage here, and if you find our work worthwhile, consider joining up as a supporter.

By Popular Demand.
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5 minutes ago
Jack Montgomery
War

EXC: Trump ‘Increasingly Frustrated’ at Lack of Russia-Ukraine Peace Deal.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt warned that the U.S. will not dedicate much more time to brokering peace between Russia and Ukraine.

👥 Who’s Involved: Karoline Leavitt, President Donald J. Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the Russian government, and The National Pulse’s political editor Will Upton.

📍Where & When: White House press briefing, Washington, D.C., on April 29, 2025.

💬 Key Quote: Leavitt stated, “There’s not much more time or effort the United States has to give to this effort, and so we need both sides to come to the table to negotiate.”

⚠️ Impact: The U.S. may shift more of its focus to domestic priorities like economic renewal and mass deportations, potentially withdrawing from Russia-Ukraine peace talks if the two sides remain intransigent.

IN FULL:

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has warned that the U.S. government will not spend much more energy on mediating peace terms between Russia and Ukraine, reiterating an administration message previously relayed through Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Responding to a question from Will Upton, political editor at The National Pulse, on where the administration may stand if no progress has been made by summer, Leavitt said, “I don’t want to get ahead of the President, obviously, but, again, I will reiterate he’s increasingly growing frustrated.”

Leavitt highlighted concerns over “the amount of time” the administration is spending on Ukraine, implicitly at the cost of other priorities such as federal government reforms, economic renewal, and mass deportations. “Our Secretary of State [Marco Rubio] recently said, you know, there’s not much more time or effort the United States has to give to this effort, and so we need both sides to come to the table to negotiate,” she stressed.

President Trump has personally criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for making “inflammatory statements” not conducive to a compromise peace. However, he also had stern words for the Russian government, saying he was “very disappointed” by its orchestration of heavy missile strikes at a time when it was supposed to be embarking on a path of de-escalation.

With suspicions growing that neither side wants to make a peace deal, the administration may be preparing to wash its hands of the matter to focus more fully on its domestic agenda.

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By Popular Demand.
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1 hour ago
Corruption
News

FBI Deploys Polygraph Tests to Trace Internal Leakers.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has initiated the use of polygraph tests to discover the source of leaks from within the agency.

👥 Who’s Involved: The FBI, President Donald J. Trump’s administration, the Department of Justice (DOJ), Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard.

📍 Where & When: United States; announcement made on Monday.

💬 Key Quote: “We can confirm the FBI has begun administering polygraph tests to identify the source of information leaks within the bureau,” stated the FBI’s public affairs office.

⚠️ Impact: The polygraph tests and increased security measures by the Department of Justice signal a stringent approach towards identifying and prosecuting leakers undermining the administration.

IN FULL:

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has started employing polygraph tests to track down the sources of unauthorized information leaks within the agency. This development was announced on April 28 and made public through a statement from the FBI’s public affairs office.

“We can confirm the FBI has begun administering polygraph tests to identify the source of information leaks within the bureau,” the FBI’s public affairs office said. This initiative marks an escalation in the measures taken by the Trump administration against unauthorized information leaks to the media that have surfaced since his return to office in January.

Last week, the Department of Justice (DOJ) facilitated a process allowing prosecutors investigating media leaks to more easily obtain records and witness testimonies from journalists. This step reflects the administration’s intent to tighten control over the federal government and ensure the confidentiality of sensitive data being leaked by government employees to undermine the administration.

In related efforts, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth expressed his intentions to seek prosecutions against former senior advisers amidst a Pentagon inquiry into media leaks. He noted that evidence compiled during the investigation will eventually be forwarded to the DOJ. Hegseth’s communication suggested the possible use of polygraph tests in these proceedings.

Additionally, Tulsi Gabbard, the Director of National Intelligence (DNI), has committed to a rigorous pursuit of leakers. In March, she emphasized a strong stance against unauthorized disclosures. Gabbard also forwarded two cases of intelligence community leaks to the DOJ, with a third referral in progress. In communication with the press, Gabbard referred to the perpetrators as “criminals.”

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By Popular Demand.
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2 hours ago
Jack Montgomery
War
World

Leavitt: Ukraine ‘Needs to Sign’ Rare Earth Minerals Deal.

PULSE POINTS:

What Happened: White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed President Trump’s confidence in securing a rare earth minerals deal with Ukraine, stressing its importance for both nations despite past tensions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Who’s Involved: Karoline Leavitt, President Donald J. Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and The National Pulse’s political editor Will Upton.

Where & When: White House press briefing, Washington, D.C., on April 29, 2025.

Key Quote: Leavitt stated, “Ukraine needs to sign it, they should sign it,” emphasizing the deal’s benefits for both the U.S. and Ukraine’s post-war recovery.

Impact: The anticipated deal could strengthen U.S. access to critical minerals while aiding Ukraine’s rebuilding efforts, though past diplomatic friction with Zelensky highlights challenges in finalizing the agreement.

IN FULL:

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed on Tuesday that President Donald J. Trump is “confident” that a deal on rare earth minerals with Ukraine will be signed, adding that the Ukrainian government “needs” to sign the agreement and that it will benefit the Ukrainian people.

Responding to a question from Will Upton, The National Pulse’s political editor, on the progress of a deal between the Trump administration and the Ukrainian government on U.S. access to rare earth minerals in the Eastern European country, Leavitt said, “The President is confident that it will be signed.”

“Ukraine needs to sign it, they should sign it,” she continued, explaining the agreement is “not just good for the United States, to recoup the billions of tax dollars we’ve spent and onshore some of those critical minerals, but certainly it’s good for the Ukrainian people when this war is over to rebuild their country.”

“It’s an economic partnership between the United States and Ukraine; that’s what the President envisions, and he wants Ukraine to sign that deal, and he’s confident that they will,” she added.

Previously, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky caused friction with the Trump administration by telling Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio he was receptive to a rare earth minerals deal in private, only to brief the media that it was an unacceptable shakedown in public.

After being called out for his behavior, Zelensky visited the White House prepared to sign documents related to a rare earth mineral deal, but this was postponed after he started an argument with Vice President Vance in the Oval Office over the need for a diplomatic resolution to the Ukraine war, leading to a tense exchange with President Trump.

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By Popular Demand.
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3 hours ago
Jack Montgomery
NatSec
World

White House Tells The National Pulse: ‘Greenland Needs the United States of America.’

PULSE POINTS:

What Happened: White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized Greenland’s strategic importance to the U.S., warning against growing Chinese Communist Party (CCP) influence after Greenlandic Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt expressed interest in deeper ties with Beijing.

Who’s Involved: Karoline Leavitt, Vivian Motzfeldt, The National Pulse’s political editor Will Upton, President Donald J. Trump, and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

Where & When: White House press briefing, Washington, D.C., on April 29, 2025.

Key Quote: Leavitt stated, “Greenland needs the United States of America; we subsidize their national security and their defense,” highlighting the strategic risks of Chinese or Russian influence in the region.

Impact: Leavitt’s remarks signal a firm U.S. stance against CCP expansion in Greenland, reinforcing Trump’s focus on securing strategic territories to protect national and global security interests.

IN FULL:

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated Greenland’s importance to U.S. strategic interests at a press briefing on Tuesday, warning the U.S. cannot allow the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to gain influence over the Danish territory after the Greenlandic foreign minister suggested her government was looking to increase its collaboration with Beijing.

Quizzed by Will Upton, The National Pulse’s political editor, on the Greenlandic Foreign Minister, Vivian Motzfeldt, saying that “China is very important to us, and we are eager to strengthen our cooperation,” Leavitt said it was “certainly an interesting strategy to cozy up to Communist China.”

“Greenland needs the United States of America; we subsidize their national security and their defense,” Leavitt continued, noting that President Donald J. Trump has “rightfuly pointed out the great strategic importance that Greenland serves for not just our national security and economic interests, but for our country and for the world as a whole.”

She added: “We can’t allow Chinese or Russian influence to continue to infiltrate places like Greenland—or the Panama Canal, I may add.”

Raheem Kassam, Editor-in-Chief at The National Pulse, recently accompanied Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on a visit to Panama, where initiatives to deter Chinese encroachments at the canal were announced.

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By Popular Demand.
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4 hours ago
Economy
News

UPS Cuts 20,000 Jobs as Amazon Reduces Shipments.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: UPS announced plans to reduce its workforce by 20,000 jobs this year as part of a cost-reduction strategy related to decreased deliveries from Amazon.

👥 Who’s Involved: UPS, an international shipping company with about 490,000 employees, and its largest customer, Amazon.

📍 Where & When: The job cuts were disclosed on Tuesday, with an announcement regarding facility closures planned by June 2025.

💬 Key Quote: The company stated that the cuts are in “connection with our anticipation of lower volumes from our largest customer.”

⚠️ Impact: UPS’s plan involves job cuts and the closure of 73 buildings, affecting operations across its global network. The company’s shares saw a slight decrease in value during pre-market trading.

IN FULL:

UPS plans to cut 20,000 positions this year as part of a strategy to address lower delivery volumes from its major client, Amazon. The logistics giant, which employs approximately 490,000 people across more than 200 countries, announced the downsizing as a measure to consolidate its operations and reduce expenses. The decision was verified through a regulatory filing on Tuesday.

In addition to the workforce reduction, UPS will shutter 73 facilities by mid-2025. This structural change aligns with a previous agreement with Amazon to decrease delivery volumes by over half in late 2026. These developments underscore the significant impact of Amazon’s evolving logistics capabilities on UPS, reflecting broader trends affecting large shipping companies worldwide.

Despite the substantial operational adjustments, market responses showed minimal impact, with UPS shares dropping 0.6 percent before markets opened. However, such organizational changes could have deeper ramifications for the company’s financial health and employee base as they unfold.

The decision highlights ongoing challenges in the logistics sector, where companies must continuously adjust to shifting demands and partnerships. UPS taking measures to streamline its operations could signal further shifts by Amazon and other partners in sourcing and supply chain strategies. The coming months will reveal how such strategies affect UPS and its workforce on a broader scale.

Image by JasonVogel.

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By Popular Demand.
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4 hours ago
Jack Montgomery
Economy

Tariffs Win as Walmart Announces Major Investment in American Products and Small Businesses.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Walmart has announced new programs, including “Grow with US” and the 2025 Open Call, to expand support for American-made products and American small businesses, as President Donald J. Trump pursues a policy of supporting American producers through tariffs on foreign goods.

👥 Who’s Involved: Walmart U.S., led by President and CEO John Furner and CFO John David Rainey, alongside U.S. small businesses and entrepreneurs.

📍 Where & When: Announced on April 29, 2025, with Open Call events starting May 1 in Orlando, Florida, and the main event on October 7-8 in Bentonville, Arkansas.

💬 Key Quote: John Furner stated, “We’ve seen firsthand how investing in small businesses results in better assortment, better meeting the needs of our customer base, and supporting jobs and growth in communities.”

⚠️ Impact: Walmart’s initiatives showcase the success of Trump’s tariffs in encouraging domestic production, fostering job growth and economic resilience.

IN FULL:

Walmart is supporting American-made products with the launch of new programs aimed at supporting American small businesses, underscoring the success of President Donald J. Trump’s tariff policies. On April 29, 2025, the retail giant shared its plans to expand initiatives like the “Grow with US” program and the 2025 Open Call, designed to help American entrepreneurs thrive. This strategic shift highlights how Trump’s tariffs are driving companies to prioritize domestic production, protecting both businesses and consumers from global trade disruptions.

The “Grow with US” program offers a four-step framework to provide U.S. small businesses with training, mentorship, and resources to grow alongside Walmart. John Furner, Walmart U.S. president and CEO, emphasized the benefits, stating, “We’ve seen firsthand how investing in small businesses results in better assortment, better meeting the needs of our customer base, and supporting jobs and growth in communities.” Furner also noted that over 60 percent of Walmart’s U.S. suppliers last year were small businesses, with the company anticipating thousands more will utilize its free resources in the coming years.

CFO John David Rainey recently revealed that more than two-thirds of products in Walmart U.S. stores are already domestically sourced, adding, “The third that we import comes from all over the world, but China and Mexico are the most significant.” Trump’s tariffs, including a 10 percent duty on imports and much higher rates on Chinese goods, are likely to incentivize a further shift in favor of American products, bolstering economic independence.

The 2025 Open Call, with applications opening June 24, will allow U.S.-based small and medium-sized businesses to pitch shelf-ready products directly to Walmart and Sam’s Club merchants. The main event, set for October 7-8 in Bentonville, Arkansas, follows several Road to Open Call events during Small Business Month in May, starting with Orlando on May 1, followed by Kansas City on May 9, Baltimore on May 13, and Austin on May 21, with additional events in Columbus on June 18 and Atlanta on June 24. Furner highlighted that participants at these pop-up events could “potentially score a fast pass to our main event in Bentonville,” offering a direct path to getting products on Walmart’s shelves.

Tech companies including Nvidia and IBM have already announced major investments in the U.S. since President Trump implemented his tariff policy, suggesting that, despite market grumblings, his overall strategy is working.

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5 hours ago
Economy
World

Amazon Caves on Tariff Pricing Policy After Trump Accuses E-Commerce Giant of ‘Hostile’ Tactics.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Amazon reportedly planned to add the estimated cost of tariffs to its product prices. The Chinese online retailer Temu has made a similar move, though the foreign e-commerce company admits in fine print that the additional ‘tariff’ costs do not directly correlate to the U.S. import duties on Chinese goods. However, Amazon now claims that the tariff estimates were being considered only by Amazon Haul and were “never a consideration for the main Amazon site and nothing has been implemented on any Amazon properties.”

👥 Who’s Involved: President Donald J. Trump, Jeff Bezos, Amazon, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.

📍 Where & When: Washington, D.C., April 29, 2025.

💬 Key Quote: “This is a hostile and political act by Amazon,” said Karoline Leavitt after the plan to add tariff estimates to pricing was initially reported. Amazon responded later Tuesday morning, claiming: “The team that runs our ultra low cost Amazon Haul store has considered listing import charges on certain products. This was never a consideration for the main Amazon site and nothing has been implemented on any Amazon properties.”

⚠️ Impact: The decision could have affected Amazon’s political relations, though the abrupt announcement by the e-commerce giant that they would not pursue the pricing change may cool tensions with the White House.

IN FULL:

Tensions between the White House and Amazon briefly intensified after President Donald J. Trump criticized the retailer’s reported plans to display estimated tariff costs on its product listings. The scheme prompted a sharp reaction from the Trump administration, leading to accusations of political motivations and foreign interference.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the issue in a statement on Tuesday, April 29. According to Leavitt, President Trump viewed Amazon’s move as “hostile and political,” labeling it an attack on American interests. The conflict arose after anonymous sources leaked to the corporate media Amazon’s intention to highlight the tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on imports from countries like China.

Leavitt did not hold back in her criticism of the online retail giant, questioning Amazon’s timing. “Why didn’t Amazon take similar actions during the Biden administration when inflation rates soared to record levels?” she queried, suggesting that Amazon’s motives might have partisan underpinnings.

Further, Leavitt raised concerns over Amazon’s international affiliations, hinting that the company’s collaborations could potentially serve as channels for foreign narratives. She referenced reports by Reuters indicating Amazon’s partnerships with entities linked to Chinese propaganda efforts. Notably, the Chinese online retailer Temu has made a similar move, though the foreign e-commerce company admits in fine print that the additional ‘tariff’ costs do not directly correlate to the U.S. import duties on Chinese goods.

Following the firm White House response, Amazon clarified its pricing policy, stating: “The team that runs our ultra low cost Amazon Haul store has considered listing import charges on certain products. This was never a consideration for the main Amazon site and nothing has been implemented on any Amazon properties.”

Despite the White House’s strong response and past friction between Trump and Amazon’s founder, Jeff Bezos, the technology billionaire has recently been more communicative and open to accommodating the White House, possibly explaining the apparent backtrack.

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By Popular Demand.
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6 hours ago
Jack Montgomery
Immigration
Politics

Foreign-Born Dem Rep Files Impeachment Articles Against Trump for Deporting Foreign Criminals.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Foreign-born Rep. Shri Thanedar (D-MI) filed seven articles of impeachment against President Donald J. Trump on April 28, 2025, citing the deportation of alleged MS-13 gang member Kilmar Abrego Garcia as a key grievance.

👥 Who’s Involved: Rep. Shri Thanedar, President Donald J. Trump, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), and Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a deported Salvadoran illegal alien.

📍 Where & When: U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, D.C., with the filing announced on April 28, 2025.

💬 Key Quote: Rep. Thanedar alleges President Trump has “ignored the Constitution.”

⚠️ Impact: Thanedar’s impeachment push is unlikely to advance in a GOP-controlled House, but highlights Democratic opposition to Trump’s immigration and trade policies and preference for migrants and foreign exporters.

IN FULL:

Foreign-born Congressman Shri Thanedar (D-MI) has filed articles of impeachment against President Donald J. Trump, prompted by his deportation of alleged MS-13 gang member, accused domestic abuser, and suspected human trafficker Kilmar Abrego Garcia without “due process.”

Speaking in a thick Indian accent, Rep. Thanedar said Trump’s deportation of Salvadoran illegal alien Abrego Garcia under the Alien Enemies Act and not returning him “ignored the Constitution,” and forms part of a “dangerous, deliberate pattern.”

The 70-year-old has filed seven articles of impeachment in total, with the first being for supposed obstruction of justice and abuse of executive power, with respect to “unlawful deportations” and having “defied” court orders related to them.

Another article alleges “abuse of trade powers” by imposing “damaging tariffs” on foreign countries—including Thanedar’s native India.

Thanedar’s impeachment articles are highly unlikely to make any progress in the GOP-controlled House, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) is downplaying their significance, saying, “I haven’t evaluated the articles. I haven’t even had an opportunity to talk with him about it.”

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By Popular Demand.
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6 hours ago
News
World

Liberals Retain Power in Canada, ‘Conservative’ Leader Pierre Poilievre Ousted.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Canadian Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre was defeated in his Carleton, Ontario riding (electoral district) by Liberal candidate Bruce Fanjoy. Poilievre received 38,581 votes, while Fanjoy secured 42,374 votes. The Liberal Party, led by Prime Minister Mark Carney, maintained national leadership, although in a minority position.

👥 Who’s Involved: Key figures include Pierre Poilievre, Bruce Fanjoy, Prime Minister Mark Carney, and New Democratic Party (NDP) Leader Jagmeet Singh.

📍 Where & When: The elections took place on Monday across Canada, including Poilievre’s riding in the Ottawa-area Carleton, Ontario.

💬 Key Quote: Poilievre tried to spin the party’s failure, saying, “We got the highest share of the vote our party has received since 1988.”

⚠️ Impact: The loss raises questions about Poilievre’s future as Conservative leader. The Liberals continue in government with minority rule, holding 168 seats. The Conservatives were a reasonably close second, gaining seats nationwide.

IN FULL:

Canadian Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre has been unseated in his Ottawa-area riding (electoral district) of Carleton by Liberal candidate Bruce Fanjoy. The election results saw Poilievre garnering 38,581 votes while Fanjoy secured 42,374. This victory for Fanjoy is significant against the backdrop of the national elections, where Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberal Party retained control of the government, albeit with a minority, returning to Parliament with 168 seats.

Poilievre’s defeat in Carleton marks a notable change, as he has held this seat since 2004. His loss is a striking personal rebuke, given the Conservative Party’s national performance, which saw them gain over 20 seats despite their failure to oust the Liberals. In Canada, as in the United Kingdom, Prime Ministers and opposition leaders typically operate from within Parliament, leaving Poilievre’s leadership in doubt.

The Conservatives were making headway in the polls earlier in the year, at one point enjoying a 20-point lead. These figures shifted following the resignation of unpopular former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the subsequent installation of Carney as leader of the Liberals. Some perceived Poilievre as adopting a stance that was too soft with respect to the ongoing trade dispute between Canada and the U.S., while others believe he became too focused on criticizing U.S. President Donald J. Trump rather than the Liberal government. At the same time, many grassroots conservatives were wary of his apparent weakness on immigration, reducing motivation to vote for his party.

While addressing party members, Poilievre attempted to put a brave face on the national results, saying, “We got the highest share of the vote our party has received since 1988.”

New Democratic Party Leader Jagmeet Singh also lost his seat in Vancouver and has opted to resign as party head. The leftist party was battered badly in the elections and is currently projected to lose around two-thirds of its seats.

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By Popular Demand.
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7 hours ago
Health
News

Federal Departments Are Implementing Trump EO Against Child Surgical and Chemical Mutilation.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: President Donald J. Trump issued an executive order banning the federal funding and facilitation of puberty blockers, hormone treatments, and surgeries for minors.

👥 Who’s Involved: President Trump, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Department of Justice (DOJ), and the World Professional Association for Transgender Health.

📍 Where & When: United States, Executive Order signed on January 28, 2025.

💬 Key Quote: A Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) alert emphasizes that providers must “follow the highest standards of care… especially as it comes to America’s children.”

⚠️ Impact: Federal grants supporting related treatments have been rescinded, saving taxpayers $477 million, and further actions are underway to ensure adherence to the order.

IN FULL:

President Donald J. Trump’s executive order banning the federal government from funding transgender surgeries or therapies for children has now been implemented on several fronts. A White House report released April 28 details what measures have already been implemented since the order was signed in January.

This directive, Executive Order 14187, calls for agencies to reverse policies based on the World Professional Association for Transgender Health’s (WPATH) standards, which are criticized for lacking a scientific foundation. A notable element of these earlier policies was the absence of age restrictions for surgeries, influenced by health lobbyists.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is set to conduct an extensive review of existing literature regarding best health practices for children with gender dysphoria, assembling an expert team to ensure scientific accuracy.

The National Institute of Health (NIH) is tasked with promoting accountability across taxpayer-supported research to uphold data quality and transparency. This includes rectifying the nondisclosure of study outcomes that have been withheld due to political reasons.

With the order’s implementation, HHS has already terminated federal grants supporting medical treatments involving child gender modifications. This has reportedly saved taxpayers approximately $477 million, including substantial funding previously allocated to entities such as the Center for Innovative Public Health and Boston Children’s Hospital.

As part of enhancing medical safety, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a cautionary memo warning providers about the risks of these interventions. “It is of the utmost importance that all providers follow the highest standards of care and adhere closely to the foundational principles of medicine, especially as it comes to America’s children,” the memo states.

Image by Quinn Dombrowski.

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PULSE POINTS:

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By Popular Demand.
The National Pulse Now has an on-site comments section for members. Sign up today and be part of the conversation in our community of almost 15,000.
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