Tuesday, September 30, 2025

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Trump Trial Day 13: Michael Cohen Brings Bragg’s Case To A Disastrous End.

The thirteenth day of former President Donald J. Trump‘s Manhattan-based hush money trial continued with the prosecution’s direct examination of their star witness, serial perjurer Michael Cohen. Much like Monday’s testimony, Cohen and prosecutor Susan Hoffinger spent much of the morning and early afternoon discussing invoices and verbal payment agreements that may or may not have only existed in Cohen‘s head. Todd Blanche handled Cohen’s cross-examination, with the two clashing from the start.

Also of note, court transcripts of a sidebar conversation between Trump‘s defense team, Judge Juan Merchan, and prosecutor Joshua Steinglass revealed that Michael Cohen is the last witness for the prosecution. Previously, District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office had indicated they’d be bringing one additional witness after Cohen. With the prosecution’s case coming to a close, they have yet to detail what, if any, underlying crime former President Trump has committed.

The court won’t be in session Wednesday or Friday. Michael Cohen’s cross-examination will continue on Thursday.

A MATTER OF LOYALTY. 

Starting the second day of direct examination by prosecutor Susan Hoffinger, Cohen claimed he had been Trump‘s personal counsel for “approximately 15 months.” When Hoffinger asked him why he lied for Trump, Cohen responded, “Out of loyalty and to protect him.” The disgraced attorney’s insistence on terms like “loyalty” and “respect” is likely why prosecutors focused so much with prior witnesses on Trump’s use of similar terms. Prosecutors had quotes using similar words from several books authored by Trump entered into the evidentiary record.

Much like Cohen‘s recollections of what Trump may or may not have said, his understanding of “loyalty” and “respect” isn’t derived from Trump but is his own. A secondary problem for the prosecution and Cohen’s discussion of “loyalty” is the fact that the disgraced attorney admitted to unethically recording a conversation with his client — over which he may have also perjured himself again.

COHEN ADMITS HE LIED TO CONGRESS.

As the morning wore on, Hoffinger — likely acknowledging her witness’s past inability to be truthful — asked Cohen to address his conviction for lying to Congress. The disgraced attorney explained the circumstances of his perjury charge and sentence. “They dealt with the Trump Tower Moscow real estate project, specifically the number of times that I claimed to have spoken to Mr. Trump about the project as well as the time period for those conversations,” Cohen testified.

Hoffinger next asked Cohen why he lied. “Because I was staying on Mr. Trump’s message that there was no Russia, Russia, Russia, and again in coordination with the joint defense team, that’s what was preferred,” he responded, appearing to mock a turn of phrase often used by Trump when the corporate media brings up the Russia Hoax.

THE TIMELINE STILL MAKES NO SENSE.

During yesterday’s testimony, The National Pulse highlighted an issue with Cohen and the District Attorney’s prosecutors’ timeline of alleged crimes. The alleged hush money repayments made to Cohen were all said to have occurred in 2017, well after the 2016 election, casting doubt on the prosecution’s assertion that the hush money payments were made to influence the election.

This morning, Cohen muddied the timeline even further, testifying that he continued to pressure individuals around both Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal to lie about their alleged affairs with Trump well into 2018. When asked why he continued to work on the Daniels and McDougal stories, Cohen replied: “In order to protect Mr. Trump.”

If the primary concern was the impact the Daniels and McDougal stories could have on the 2016 presidential election, Cohen offered no reason to the court and jury for continuing to work as a ‘fixer‘ on the stories nearly two years later.

NOTHING COHEN SAYS CAN BE BELIEVED. 

The disgraced and disbarred attorney spent much of the late morning describing a bevy of instances in which he claims he lied on behalf of former President Trump. District Attorney Alvin Bragg‘s prosecutors likely felt they had to go down this path as it would be exposed during Cohen’s cross-examination beginning in the afternoon.

However, Cohen‘s admissions of being untruthful to an almost pathological degree cast a shadow on the remainder of his direct examination. The one-time Trump associate claimed he spoke with the former President regarding the false statement he gave to the media about the hush money payment to Daniels. According to Cohen, he told Trump “that I had paid the money on his behalf without his knowledge because just because something isn’t true doesn’t mean it can’t hurt you and that I did it.”

Cohen then dubiously claimed Trump replied, “That’s good, good.”

STORMY DANIEL’S DENIAL.

In another moment, Cohen may have let slip that many of his actions were of his own accord. He testified that he was the one to inform former President Trump that Stormy Daniels would be issuing a statement denying the affair allegation. When asked by Hoffinger why he was the one who told Trump, Cohen responded, “One to get credit for expressing that I was continuing to ensure that he was protected and stayed loyal. And the other so we could have this matter taken care of.”

Cohen told Hoffinger that Stormy Daniels’s denial statement was false. When asked how he knew, Cohen responded it was because he had written the statement. Again, while his claim may appear damaging on the surface, it reinforces the contention that he is untrustworthy and lacks credibility.

The direct examination of Cohen did not improve from here in terms of bolstering his credibility. When the prosecution submitted his 2018 letter to the Federal Election Commission (FEC) regarding the Stormy Daniels payment, Cohen was asked why he had lied about the Trump Organization and campaign not having knowledge of the payment. Again, Cohen — without directly implicating Trump — said the letter was meant to be misleading “in order to protect Mr Trump, stay on message, demonstrate my continued loyalty.”

JUDGE MERCHAN’S INSTRUCTIONS. 

At this point, Judge Juan Merchan stopped the direct examination to instruct the jury regarding Cohen’s FEC letter and statement. He told the jurors that Cohen’s statement was only admissible in the context of their assessment of the serial perjurer’s credibility as a witness. Merchan continued, instructing the jury that the fact that an FEC investigation into the Trump campaign occurred was not admissible and should have no bearing on their deliberations.

A little over an hour later, Judge Merchan issued a second set of jury instructions regarding Cohen having pleaded guilty to lying to Congress. Merchan said the guilty plea was not to have any bearing as evidence of Trump‘s guilt but could be used to assess Cohen’s credibility.

“Mr. Cohen’s plea is not evidence of the defendant’s guilt, and you may not consider it in determining whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty of the charged crimes,” Merchan said.

COHEN ‘STOPPED LYING IN 2018.’

The prosecution’s direct examination of Cohen wound down just before the court broke for lunch. Hoffinger walked Cohen through how he communicated with other business associates and confidants within the Trump orbit. In addition, the context and whether the recording Cohen had made of his conversation with Donald Trump regarding David Pecker and the McDougal payment was altered in any way was raised again.

“At any time, did you alter or modify the audio recording of your conversation with Mr. Trump as contained in PX246?” Hoffinger asked Cohen. He replied, “No, ma’am.”

The disgraced attorney told the jury that he hasn’t lied since 2018, suggesting that the several criminal cases against him and his subsequent three-year prison sentence caused him to have a moral revelation. “I regret doing things for him that I should not have — lying, bullying people in order to effectuate a goal. I don’t regret working with the Trump Organization,” Cohen said. Again, he stopped short of firmly stating he was ordered to do anything illegal. Instead, Cohen again focused on the need to “keep the loyalty.”

CROSS-EXAMINATION BEGINS.

Former President Trump‘s lead defense attorney, Todd Blanche, handled Michael Cohen‘s cross-examination and the long-expected fireworks kicking off immediately. “You went on TikTok and called me a crying little sh*t,” asked Blanche in an opening salvo. Cohen responded, “Sounds like something I would say.” As Cohen finished, prosecutors frantically objected to the question, which Judge Merchan sustained, striking the question and response from the record.

Blanche’s opening strategy appears to have been to paint Cohen as someone who runs their mouth and still demeans others, undermining his claims to have turned a new leaf.

Taking another shot at Cohen’s credibility and personal investment in the trial outcome, Blanche asked: “Is this trial important to you, Mr. Cohen?” The disgraced attorney answered: “Personally, yes.”

COHEN HAMMERED ON TIKTOK POSTS.

After lunch, Blanche spent a sustained period hammering Cohen on his social media posts throughout the trial. “You also talked on social media, during this trial, about President Trump, have you not?” Trump‘s attorney asked Cohen. The serial perjurer replied: “Sounds correct, yes.”

Addressing Michael Cohen’s TikTok video posts, Blanche asked him if he had referred to Trump as a “dictator douchebag.” Cohen again acknowledged that he likely had. “On that same TikTok on April 23, you referred to President Trump when he left the courtroom — you said that he goes right into that little cage, which is where he belongs in a f**king cage like an animal?” Blanche asked Cohen next.

“I recall saying that,” Cohen responded.

Blanche’s line of questioning served two purposes. One illustrates the extreme degree of hostility Cohen still holds for former President Trump, which could color his testimony as possibly false or biased. The other highlights Cohen’s hazy recollection of recent comments. During the prosecution’s direct examination, Cohen was able to recall — evidently in great detail — conversations between five and ten years old with former President Trump.

A HAZY MEMORY. 

“Do you remember in February 2021, you were going on TV talking about the investigation?” Blanche asked Cohen, referring to the District Attorney investigation prior to Bragg’s indictment of Trump. Cohen could not give a concrete response, instead replying: “I go on TV often, so I’m not sure what the topic was.”

Blanche continued to press Cohen, asking him if he had often talked to the press about the investigation. Cohen, again, refused to give a firm answer, stating instead: “It sounds correct.”

The response prompted another terse exchange between Blanche and Cohen, with Trump‘s defense attorney firing back: “I don’t want it to sound correct. Is it correct?” Michael Cohen finally relented, responding, “Yes, it would be correct.”

Zeroing in on conversations Cohen had with his attorney, Lanny Davis, regarding media appearances, Blanche drew Cohen’s memory problems out into the open for the jury: “You testified yesterday about very specific recollections that you have about telephone conversations you had with President Trump in 2016 — but you have no recollection that last month just over a year ago that you promised the district attorney that you would stop going on TV?”

“What I was saying to you, sir, I don’t recall even having these conversations with Lanny Davis about not going on television,” Cohen replied before adding: “I recall the conversations with President Trump at the time, yes.”

COHEN MAKES MONEY OFF TRUMP.

Moving on, Blanche focused on Cohen’s financial motivations for attacking and ostensibly lying about former President Trump. He asked Cohen about his social media activity, specifically his TikTok videos. Cohen testified he spends about an hour on TikTok every night. When Blanche asked if he makes money off his social media posts, Cohen admitted he does but contended, “It’s not significant.”

Continuing the social media theme, Blanche asked Cohen if he uses TikTok to make money. The serial perjurer replied, “Money is made from it, yes.”

“That’s not my question. One of the reasons you do it is to make money, yes or no?” Blanche fired back.

“Yes,” is all Cohen said in response.

OBSESSION.

Cohen’s ‘obsession’ with Trump was the final theme of Blanche’s cross-examination before the court adjourned for the day. Blanche read a series of glowing statements about Trump that Cohen has made over the years. “At the time, you weren’t lying, right?” Trump’s defense attorney asked Cohen. “At that time, I was knee-deep into the cult of Donald Trump, yes,” Cohen responded, adding: “I was not lying, it’s how I felt.”

Blanche asked Cohen if he was obsessed with Donald Trump. “I wouldn’t say obsessed. I admired him tremendously,” Cohen replied. He continued: “I can’t recall using that word. I wouldn’t say it would be wrong.”

Pivoting into a darker form of obsession, Blanche confronted Cohen over claims he now wants to see Trump in prison: “Have you regularly commented on your podcasts that you want President Trump to be convicted in this case?”

“Yes, probably,” Cohen responded.

When pressed further on why he responded with “probably,” Cohen said: “Because I don’t specifically know if I used those words, but yes, I would like to see that.”

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

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Trump Admin Plans Moon ‘Village’ by 2035.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: NASA has announced plans to establish a sustainable lunar base by 2035, creating a “village” on the Moon.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Secretary of Transportation and NASA Administrator Sean Duffy and other international space agency leaders.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Announcement made at the International Aeronautical Congress in Sydney, Australia, September 2025.

💬KEY QUOTE: “We’re going back to the Moon, and this time, when we plant our flag, we stay.” – Sean Duffy

🎯IMPACT: The lunar base will pave the way for future Mars exploration and enhance U.S. leadership in space exploration.

IN FULL

Secretary of Transportation and NASA Administrator Sean Duffy has announced plans to establish a permanent presence on the Moon by 2035. Speaking at the International Aeronautical Congress in Sydney, Australia, Duffy said, “We are going to have sustained human life on the Moon. Not just an outpost, but a village.”

This initiative will be driven by the Artemis program, which is set to return humans to the lunar surface for the first time since the Apollo era. Artemis II, scheduled for February 2026, will test both the Space Launch System rocket and the Orion spacecraft in a crewed mission around the Moon. The follow-up, Artemis III, targets a 2027 lunar landing. Unlike previous missions, astronauts will remain on the Moon for a full week, gathering critical data to support long-term habitation.

To sustain operations during the Moon’s 14-day night, when solar power is unavailable, NASA plans to deploy a compact nuclear reactor. The Fission Surface Power System, as it is called, must weigh under 15 tonnes and produce 100 kilowatts of electricity, enough to support life-support systems, equipment, and communication infrastructure. NASA is currently seeking industry partners to help develop the reactor.

Construction of the base itself may rely heavily on lunar resources. NASA is exploring ways to mix lunar soil with binding agents to create a form of cement, which could be used with 3D printing technologies to build structures on-site. These methods are not only intended for the Moon but may also play a role in future Mars missions requiring long-term human presence.

“We’re going back to the Moon, and this time, when we plant our flag, we stay,” Duffy said. He framed the effort as part of a new “space race,” with the United States aiming to stay ahead of rivals such as China in space exploration and technology.

Meanwhile, on Mars, the Perseverance rover recently collected a rock sample that may show signs of ancient microbial life, although scientists caution that the evidence is not definitive. NASA is also monitoring a house-sized asteroid set to pass near Earth, and, in deep space, Voyager 1 has begun transmitting garbled data as it travels beyond the edge of the solar system.

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Trump Marks Feast of Saint Michael the Archangel.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: Millions of Christians worldwide are observing the Feast of Saint Michael the Archangel, or Michaelmas.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Christians across the United States and worldwide; President Donald J. Trump.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The Feast of Saint Michael, observed annually, is being celebrated in churches and homes around the world.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil.” – Pope Leo XIII (1886 Prayer to Saint Michael)

🎯IMPACT: Christians continue to seek strength, protection, and courage through Saint Michael’s intercession, as they have for over 2,000 years.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump has offered a “salute” to the “millions of Christian believers in the United States and around the world observing the Feast of Saint Michael the Archangel,” or Michaelmas, in a presidential message.

“According to sacred Scripture, when the Devil rebelled against God in Heaven, Saint Michael and his legion of angels cast Satan down to Earth—triumphantly reasserting God’s sovereignty over all creation,” the President wrote, noting how, for two millennia, “Christians have looked to Saint Michael the Archangel for protection, strength, and courage in times of conflict, distress, and doubt.”

He also cited the “legendary Prayer to Saint Michael” formulated by Pope Leo XIII in 1886, quoting it in full:

“Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits, who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.”

Notably, following President Trump’s near-assassination in Butler, Pennsylvania, last year, the Catholics for Catholics group paid for billboards featuring the America First leader raising his fist after he was shot, alongside the words “St. Michael The Archangel, Defend Us In Battle.” However, the Lamar Advertising Company refused to run them.

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Anti-Borders Activists Indicted for Doxxing ICE Agent.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: Three activists opposed to President Donald J. Trump’s immigration policies were indicted for allegedly doxxing a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Federal prosecutors, three women accused of doxxing, ICE, and Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The incident occurred in August in Los Angeles, California, with the indictment announced this month.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Our brave federal agents put their lives on the line every day to keep our nation safe. The conduct of these defendants are deeply offensive to law enforcement officers and their families,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli.

🎯IMPACT: The defendants face charges of conspiracy and publicly disclosing the personal information of a federal agent, with potential prison time if convicted.

IN FULL

Three women in Los Angeles, California, have been indicted for allegedly doxxing a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent by following him home, livestreaming him, and posting his personal information online. Federal prosecutors say the women tracked the agent from a federal building in downtown Los Angeles to his residence in Baldwin Park, where they shouted, “ICE lives on your street and you should know,” before sharing his address publicly, putting him and his family at risk from cartels and other malign actors involved in illegal immigration and trafficking.

The indictment charges the women with conspiracy and with disclosing the personal information of a federal officer. One of the accused, a 25-year-old from Panorama City, California, has been released on a $5,000 bond. Another, a 38-year-old from Aurora, Colorado, remains in custody without bond and is also facing unrelated assault charges. Authorities are still searching for the third suspect, a 37-year-old from Riverside, California.

Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli condemned their actions, saying, “Our brave federal agents put their lives on the line every day to keep our nation safe. The conduct of these defendants are deeply offensive to law enforcement officers and their families. If you threaten, dox, or harm in any manner one of our agents or employees, you will face prosecution and prison time.”

This case comes amid a series of violent anti-ICE riots in California. In June, a man named Elpidio Reyna was arrested at the U.S.–Mexico border after allegedly throwing concrete blocks at federal agents during a protest in Paramount. Authorities say Reyna fled to Mexico after the attack, which injured one officer and damaged government vehicles. He later surrendered at the San Ysidro port of entry and is now in custody. There have also been two sniper attacks targeting ICE personnel in Texas, one of which resulted in a responding police officer being shot in the neck.

Despite the tensions, ICE reports a dramatic rise in recruitment since July. According to agency data, more than 141,000 people have applied to join ICE in recent months, and over 18,000 tentative job offers have been extended. The agency attributes the increase to expanded benefits, including signing bonuses, student loan forgiveness, and enhanced retirement packages. Many former ICE officers who left under previous administrations have also reapplied.

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Trump Set to Join Military in Historic All-Hands Gathering.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump is set to attend an unprecedented meeting in Quantico, Virginia, where top military leaders from around the world will gather to discuss the military’s current state and future plans.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Trump, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, and senior military leadership, including top generals and admirals.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Scheduled for Tuesday in Quantico, Virginia.

💬KEY QUOTE: “It’s really just a very nice meeting talking about how well we’re doing militarily, talking about being in great shape, talking about a lot of good, positive things. It’s just a good message.” – Donald Trump

🎯IMPACT: This meeting highlights ongoing discussions about reshaping the military, the implementation of policies like the “Less Generals More GIs Policy,” and possible military action in Venezuela against drug cartels.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump will attend a major meeting of top military leaders from around the world on Tuesday in Quantico, Virginia. Despite rampant speculation as to the gathering’s purpose, particularly amid reports of military action against drug cartels in Venezuela, Trump has characterized it as a positive meeting focused on discussing the military’s progress and future under Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.

“It’s really just a very nice meeting talking about how well we’re doing militarily, talking about being in great shape, talking about a lot of good, positive things. It’s just a good message,” President Trump said, despite rumors that the meeting might involve mass firings of top officers. He added that its agenda includes “great things” happening within the military since Hegseth took over.

The meeting will also address the military’s restructuring efforts, including Hegseth’s “Less Generals More GIs Policy,” which aims to reduce the number of generals and admirals by 20 percent, with a second phase targeting an additional 10 percent reduction. Hegseth has been vocal about his intent to streamline leadership and prioritize enlisted personnel.

The logistics for hosting such a high-profile event are complex, involving extensive security measures for senior military leadership and the added presence of President Trump, requiring coordination with the United States Secret Service (USSS).

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YouTube Settles Trump’s Account Suspension Lawsuit for $24.5 Million.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: YouTube has agreed to pay $24.5 million to settle a lawsuit filed by President Donald J. Trump over the suspension of his account.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The lawsuit involved President Trump, YouTube, and its parent company, Alphabet (Google).

📍WHEN & WHERE: The settlement was announced on September 29, 2025, following a lawsuit stemming from events in 2021.

🎯IMPACT: The settlement marks YouTube as the latest Big Tech company to settle with Trump over anti-censorship lawsuits.

IN FULL

YouTube has reached a $24.5 million settlement with President Donald J. Trump over a lawsuit concerning the suspension of his account after the January 6 protests in 2021. This settlement concludes the series of anti-censorship lawsuits Trump filed against major social media platforms.

Previously, Meta Platforms agreed to a $25 million settlement, with much of the funds allocated to Trump’s presidential library. Meanwhile, X (formerly Twitter)—another platform involved—settled for $10 million, directing a significant portion to Trump himself.

According to sources familiar with the situation, Alphabet (Google), YouTube’s parent company, was determined to keep its settlement amount lower than Meta’s. Of the $24.5 million settlement, $22 million is designated for the Trust for the National Mall to support the construction of a ballroom at the White House.

An additional $2.5 million is allocated to the other plaintiffs involved in the lawsuit, which includes the American Conservative Union and writer Naomi Wolf. Details regarding attorney fees were not specified in the settlement documents.

Both ABC and CBS have also settled lawsuits brought by Trump. ABC agreed to a $15 million settlement stemming from comments made by Clinton-operative-turned-journalist George Stephanopoulos, who repeatedly claimed during a March 10, 2024, broadcast that Trump was “found liable for rape” in a lawsuit brought by E. Jean Carroll. However, a Manhattan jury found Trump was not liable for rape.

Meanwhile, CBS agreed to pay $16 million to settle a lawsuit over a doctored 60 Minutes interview with 2024 Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris.

Image by Ed6767.

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Trump Expands Chinese Export Blacklist, Restricting Chip Sales.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: The U.S. Commerce Department expanded its restricted export list, automatically including subsidiaries owned 50 percent or more by listed companies.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The Trump administration, the Commerce Department, Chinese companies like Huawei, Hikvision, and DJI, and the Chinese Commerce Ministry.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The rule was issued Monday and published in the U.S. Federal Register.

💬KEY QUOTE: “This move by the U.S. is extremely egregious in nature. It seriously infringes upon the legitimate rights and interests of the affected enterprises, severely disrupts international economic and trade order and gravely undermines the security and stability of global industrial and supply chains.” – Chinese Commerce Ministry.

🎯IMPACT: Experts suggest the rule will primarily impact Chinese entities, including Huawei, Hikvision, and DJI, as well as their subsidiaries.

IN FULL

On Monday, President Donald J. Trump issued new rules targeting companies in China and other countries that use subsidiaries to bypass U.S. restrictions on purchasing chipmaking equipment and other technology exports. The Commerce Department’s rule automatically includes subsidiaries owned 50 percent or more by entities already on the restricted export list, known as the Entity List.

The change significantly increases the number of companies requiring licenses to access U.S. goods and services, though some restricted transactions will be allowed for a 60-day period under the rule. Responding to the move, China’s Commerce Ministry issued a statement, contending, “This move by the U.S. is extremely egregious in nature. It seriously infringes upon the legitimate rights and interests of the affected enterprises, severely disrupts international economic and trade order and gravely undermines the security and stability of global industrial and supply chains.”

Notably, the new export restrictions come as the U.S. and China are engaged in ongoing trade negotiations. The Trump administration recently moved to loosen some restrictions on chip exports to China. However, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has rejected this move, instead instructing Chinese tech companies to source chips domestically.

Experts suggest the rule will primarily impact Chinese entities, including Huawei, Hikvision, and DJI, as well as their subsidiaries. Many Huawei subsidiaries are already on the list, but not all. Additional analysis found that the rule could affect thousands of subsidiaries in nearly 100 global locations. While Russia and China account for the majority, subsidiaries in major trade hubs like the European Union (EU), the United Kingdom, the U.S. itself, and elsewhere may also fall under the expanded restrictions.

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‘Charlie Kirk Effect’ Spurs Rise in Youth Church Attendance.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: Many Christian leaders have reported a significant increase in youth church attendance, with some schools seeing as much as a 15 percent rise, following the assassination of Turning Point USA (TPUSA) founder Charlie Kirk.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Charlie Kirk, Christian leaders, and young people across the United States.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Following Kirk’s assassination on September 10, across college campuses and churches in the U.S.

💬KEY QUOTE: “I have not talked to anyone who has not seen an increase in Mass attendance. Some schools are reporting increases of 15 percent.” – Matt Zerrusen, co-founder of the Catholic Newman ministry.

🎯IMPACT: A spiritual revival may be taking place, with young people returning to church and seeking answers to life’s fundamental questions following Kirk’s murder.

IN FULL

Churches across the United States are reporting a notable increase in attendance following the assassination of Turning Point USA (TPUSA) founder Charlie Kirk on September 10. Known for his outspoken Christian beliefs, Kirk frequently spoke about a spiritual revival among young people. Just weeks before his murder, the 31-year-old father of two remarked, “There is revival in the Christian church. Churches are growing. Young people are flocking to faith in God.”

Religious leaders, particularly on college campuses, are now reporting a surge in interest. Matt Zerrusen, co-founder of Newman Ministry, a Catholic nonprofit active on around 250 campuses nationwide, told the Catholic News Agency that every Christian leader he’s spoken with has observed increased Mass attendance. “I have not talked to anyone who has not seen an increase in Mass attendance,” Zerrusen said. “Some schools are reporting increases of 15 percent.”

According to Zerrusen, many college students are searching for answers in the wake of Kirk’s killing. He said young people are asking deeper questions, such as, “What do I do? What is evil? How does God allow this?” He described the shift as part of a broader spiritual revival, spurred in part by the tragedy. At Texas A&M University, 400 students have enrolled in the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults class at the St. Mary’s Catholic Center, a striking figure that highlights the trend.

Social media platforms have also reflected this movement. Numerous viral posts have featured people publicly recommitting to their Christian faith or returning to church after long absences. The response appears to echo a larger pattern being seen in other parts of the world. Recent data from Britain shows an uptick in young people attending Catholic churches, suggesting the trend extends beyond the U.S.

This revival, however, comes at a time when public expressions of Christian faith are increasingly under attack. Leftist media talking heads like Don Lemon have recently claimed that being openly Christian in public amounts to “religious nationalism.” Meanwhile, in Europe, police recently raided a charity that supports persecuted Middle Eastern Christians.

Globally, watchdog groups continue to report rising hostility and violence directed at Christians.

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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By Popular Demand.
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Trump Made Netanyahu Apologize to Qatar for Doha Bombing in Call from White House.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly apologized to Qatar for bombing Doha during the Israel-Hamas conflict before he and President Donald J. Trump announced a proposed peace plan for Gaza.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, and President Trump.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The apology reportedly occurred Monday at the White House during discussions on the Israel-Hamas war.

💬KEY QUOTE: “President Trump believes this unfortunate incident could serve as an opportunity for peace.” – White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt

🎯IMPACT: The incident strained Israel-Qatar relations and angered the Trump administration, as the U.S. operates a large military base in Qatar and considers it a regional partner.

IN FULL

Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, called the Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani of Qatar on Monday from the White House to apologize for bombing Doha earlier in September.

President Donald J. Trump, hosting Netanyahu at the White House, expressed frustration over the bombing at the time. Following the September 9 bombing of Qatar‘s capital, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt read a statement from Trump: “This morning, the Trump administration was notified by the United States military that Israel was attacking Hamas, which, very unfortunately, was located in a section of Doha, the capital of Qatar. Unilaterally bombing inside Qatar, a sovereign nation and close ally of the United States that is working very hard and bravely taking risks with us to broker peace, does not advance Israel or America’s goals.”

Leavitt added that while eliminating Hamas is a worthy goal, the location of the attack in Qatar complicated matters. Trump directed Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to notify Qatar of the impending strike and assured Qatari leaders that such an attack would not happen again. Trump described Qatar as a strong ally and emphasized the importance of their partnership in the peace process.

A week after the attack, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)—with U.S. backing—unanimously condemned the Israeli strike. While President Trump, speaking with Netanyahu in the aftermath of the attack, urged the Israeli leader to focus on advancing peace efforts, some reports indicated the America First leader privately expressed anger over the incident. “He’s f**kng me,” Trump reportedly said to senior advisors, expressing he believed Netanyahu was undermining ceasefire negotiations.

The Israeli leader’s call to Qatar from the White House may have helped pave the way for the 20-point peace plan for Gaza which he and Trump subsequently announced. This features the removal of Hamas from Gaza’s governance, the creation of an apolitical Palestinian committee to oversee reconstruction, and the creation of a “Board of Peace” chaired by President Trump and including former British Prime Minister Tony Blair to supervise. It would also see the U.S. and Arab partners organize an International Stabilization Force (ISF) to deploy to Gaza and ensure its long-term security, with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) withdrawing as it establishes control.

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By Popular Demand.
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Netanyahu Agrees to Trump’s Gaza Peace Plan, Featuring Tony Blair and International Forces.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump unveiled a 20-point plan to end the war in the Gaza Strip, proposing a transitional governance system and conditions for peace.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Donald J. Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, and Hamas.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Announced at the White House on September 29, 2025.

💬KEY QUOTE: “If accepted by Hamas, this proposal calls for the release of all remaining hostages, immediately, but in no case more than 72 hours.” – Donald Trump

🎯IMPACT: The plan aims to end the war, exclude Hamas from Gaza’s future government, deploy and International Stabilization Force, and establish a “Board of Peace” including President Trump and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair to supervise the Strip’s reconstruction.

IN FULL

The White House released President Donald J. Trump‘s 20-point plan to end the conflict in the Gaza Strip on Monday, just before Trump spoke alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The plan outlines steps for peace between Israel and Hamas, including the jihadist group’s exclusion from the Strip’s future governance.

Trump emphasized the importance of releasing all hostages, stating, “If accepted by Hamas, this proposal calls for the release of all remaining hostages, immediately, but in no case more than 72 hours.” He added, “I hope that we’re going to have a deal for peace, and if Hamas rejects the deal, which is always possible, they’re the only one left.”

The 20-point proposal includes a transitional governance system for Gaza, managed by a technocratic, apolitical Palestinian committee. This body would oversee public services and redevelopment efforts until the Palestinian Authority is prepared to assume control. This would be overseen by a “Board of Peace” chaired by President Trump and including former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, the controversial former Middle East Peace Envoy and Iraq War architect.

Additionally, the plan calls for the demilitarization of Gaza, with Hamas members given amnesty if they commit to peaceful coexistence and decommission their weapons. Trump’s plan further outlines economic redevelopment for Gaza, including the establishment of a special economic zone and international investment to rebuild infrastructure and create jobs. Aid would be sent immediately upon acceptance of the agreement, ensuring necessary supplies and resources reach the region.

The plan also proposes that the U.S. “will work with Arab and international partners to develop a temporary International Stabilization Force (ISF)” to train Palestinian police and secure Gaza’s borders in coordination with Israel and Egypt. Israel would progressively withdraw its forces as stability is achieved.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has already agreed to the peace plan, saying it achieves the Jewish State’s war aims. President Trump reaffirmed U.S. support for Israel if the deal is rejected by Hamas.

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By Popular Demand.
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Border Patrol, ICE Arrest Rioters, Seize Guns Amid Chicago Immigration Crackdown.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: Border Patrol agents and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers are conducting an immigration crackdown operation in downtown Chicago, and taking on violent and in some cases armed far-left rioters.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Border Patrol agents, ICE officers, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker (D), Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson (D), illegal immigrants, and far-left agitators.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The operation, named “Midway Blitz,” began on September 8 and included activity in downtown Chicago, including the River North neighborhood on Sunday morning.

💬KEY QUOTE: “I would say the majority are actually glad we’re here. They are congratulating us, saying, ‘It’s about time you’re here.’ Especially those inner-city residents here in Chicago are very glad we’re here.” – Gregory Bovino, Border Patrol Commander-at-Large

🎯IMPACT: The enforcement action has attracted significant demonstrations by violent, far-left protesters and rioters—especially around the ICE detention facility in Broadview, a western suburb of Chicago.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump’s “Midway Blitz” immigration enforcement action is pressing on in Chicago, with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol agents making numerous arrests since the operation began on September 8. The enforcement action has drawn significant counter-protests by violent, far-left demonstrators—especially around the ICE detention facility in Broadview, a western suburb of Chicago.

“[Eleven] violent rioters were arrested last night in Chicago outside the ICE detention facility: These are two guns that were taken off rioters in Chicago right against the fence at our ICE detention facility,” the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) wrote in post on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday. “An investigation is underway into what appears to be some sort of explosive device found last night near the ICE Chicago detention facility.”

Last Friday in Broadview, far-left activists —wearing gas masks and bandanas to obscure their faces—swarmed a DHS vehicle and attempted to block ICE agents from exiting the detention facility. In the latter case, a federal law enforcement agent fired tear gas to disperse them.

Despite the violent demonstrations, Illinois Democrats are, by and large, defending the anti-ICE political violence. Governor J.B. Pritzker (D-IL) has led the Democrat attacks, writing in a post on X,  “The Trump Administration’s DHS officers appear to be carrying large weapons around downtown Chicago in camouflage and masks. This is not making anybody safer—it’s a show of intimidation, instilling fear in our communities and hurting our businesses. We cannot normalize militarizing American cities and suburbs. Make sure you know your rights and stay alert.”

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson (D) has also stoked anti-ICE sentiment, stating that residents “are being intimidated and threatened by masked federal agents flaunting automatic weapons for no apparent reason.”

However, Border Patrol Commander-at-Large Gregory Bovino has pushed back against Johnson’s claims, stating, “I would say the majority are actually glad we’re here. They are congratulating us, saying, ‘It’s about time you’re here.’ Especially those inner-city residents here in Chicago are very glad we’re here, because oftentimes they’re up against that vast illegal migration that took place over the past four years. They’re the ones dealing with the violence perpetrated by illegal aliens.”

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By Popular Demand.
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