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June 19, 2024
William Upton
Corruption

FBI Knew Since 2016 About Hunter Biden’s $120M Ukrainian Deal During Dad’s VP Tenure.

Newly released documents reveal that as early as 2016, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) was aware of Hunter Biden and his associates’ intentions to establish a new business venture in Liechtenstein. The venture, referred to as Burnham Energy Security LLC, was to be capitalized with a $120 million investment from Mykola Zlochevsky, the controversial owner of the Ukrainian energy firm Burisma Holdings.

The massive deal was part of a trove of 3.39 million documents seized during an FBI investigation of securities fraud involving Hunter Biden and his partners nearly a decade ago. Only recently did Devon Archer, Hunter Biden’s former business partner, turn these documents over to the House Oversight Committee amid an impeachment inquiry into Joe Biden‘s conduct.

ACCESS TO JOE? 

This large-scale investment plan was being organized during the period when Hunter Biden served on Burisma‘s board and Joe Biden was vice president overseeing U.S. policy in Ukraine. According to the documents, Zlochevsky intended to invest $120 million over three years to transform Burisma into a global energy leader. Hunter Biden was poised to serve on the board of Burnham Energy Security LLC, which would have received 25 percent of the new venture’s net revenues without any financial investment.

The documents were not found in Hunter Biden’s infamous laptop nor mentioned during the 2019 impeachment proceedings involving Ukraine. Vadym Pozharskyi of Burisma communicated the necessity of Hunter Biden’s involvement for “credibility” reasons in an email to Archer in August 2015. Pozharskyi wrote that for Ukrainian purposes, Hunter Biden’s participation would bolster credibility.

NO DEAL IN THE END.

However, the deal faced unexpected hurdles in September 2015 when Jason Galanis, a business associate, was arrested in a securities fraud case. On the same day, then-U.S. ambassador to Ukraine Geoffrey Pyatt pressured Ukrainian prosecutors to pursue corruption charges against Zlochevsky. Burisma quickly sought help from U.S. lobbying and public relations firm Blue Star Strategies to mitigate the fallout. No evidence, however, suggests that the Burnham Energy Security deal was revived after these events.

By Popular Demand.
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47 minutes ago
Economy

Target Reports Significant Sales Slump After Left-Wing DEI Boycott, Deflation.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Target’s sales dropped 2.8 percent in the first quarter, falling short of Wall Street expectations, amidst a left-wing boycott over its decision to end some diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies and slumping consumer demand.

👥 Who’s Involved: Target Corporation, CEO Brian Cornell, customers, the Federal Reserve, and the Trump administration.

📍 Where & When: United States; first quarter of 2025, earnings call on May 21, 2025.

💬 Key Quote: “I want to be clear, we’re not satisfied with these results, so we’re moving with urgency to navigate through this period of volatility,” said Target CEO Brian Cornell.

⚠️ Impact: Target shares fell over six percent on Wednesday morning, now down 40 percent over the past year; the company revised its sales forecast downward for the rest of 2025. Sales at the retail giant were significantly impacted by a boycott over its move to scale back company DEI policies, along with falling consumer demand that suggests the economy could be facing deflationary pressures.

IN FULL:

Target Corporation reported a 2.8 percent drop in first-quarter sales, falling to $23.85 billion, below Wall Street’s anticipated $24.23 billion, as announced during the company’s May 21 earnings call. The decline comes amid boycotts following Target‘s decision to scale back its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives earlier this year, a move made in response to criticism from the Trump administration.

Target CEO Brian Cornell addressed the disappointing results, stating, “I want to be clear, we’re not satisfied with these results, so we’re moving with urgency to navigate through this period of volatility. We’ve got to drive traffic back into our stores or visits to our site.”

The retailer also warned of further sales declines throughout the remainder of 2025, citing a challenging economic environment where customers are reducing spending. Target’s shares fell over six percent on Wednesday morning and have dropped 40 percent over the past year.

Notably, recent economic data, including the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Producer Price Index (PPI), have signalled a possible deflationary cycle, due in part to the Federal Reserve’s refusal to cut interest rates. This means retailers could begin experiencing significant demand collapse, placing further strain on profits.

In an effort to recover, Target is introducing 10,000 new items priced at $1 or more, with most under $20, aiming to appeal to budget-conscious shoppers. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to offer value as customers remain cautious amid economic uncertainty.

The company’s earlier decision to scale back DEI initiatives, prompted by political pressure, led to backlash from a segment of its customer base, resulting in boycotts that further impacted sales. Previously, conservatives have boycotted the retailer over transgender restroom policies and Pride clothing lines for children and babies.

Additionally, the retailer claims it is contending with the effects of tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, which it says have added to its challenges.

Image by Phillip Pessar.

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By Popular Demand.
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3 hours ago
News

Trump, Grenell Secure Release of US Air Force Veteran.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: A U.S. Air Force veteran detained in Venezuela since November has been released.

👥 Who’s Involved: Joseph St. Clair, his parents Scott and Patti St. Clair, former Trump envoy Richard Grenell, and Venezuelan officials.

📍 Where & When: St. Clair was handed over during a diplomatic handoff on Tuesday in a neutral location.

💬 Key Quote: “This news came suddenly, and we are still processing it, but we are overwhelmed with joy and gratitude,” said St. Clair’s parents.

⚠️ Impact: St. Clair’s release is part of ongoing diplomatic efforts that have freed multiple Americans detained abroad.

IN FULL:

A U.S. Air Force veteran detained in Venezuela for nearly a year has been freed, according to his family and U.S. officials. Joseph St. Clair, a decorated language specialist who served four tours in Afghanistan, was handed over to former Trump administration envoy Richard Grenell during a diplomatic exchange on Tuesday.

“Joe St. Clair is back in America,” Grenell confirmed in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “I met Venezuelan officials in a neutral country today to negotiate an America First strategy,” he continued, adding that this was “only possible because [Donald Trump] puts Americans first.”

St. Clair’s parents, Scott and Patti St. Clair, expressed their relief in a statement: “This news came suddenly, and we are still processing it, but we are overwhelmed with joy and gratitude.”

The veteran had traveled to South America seeking treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) when Venezuelan authorities detained him in November. No public charges were ever announced against him, according to his father’s prior comments to the press.

This release follows a series of quiet diplomatic negotiations involving Grenell, including the freeing of six other Americans detained by Venezuela’s government after its controversial presidential election in July. Grenell had previously met with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in Caracas earlier this year, urging the return of Venezuelan nationals in the U.S. who had committed crimes. Hundreds of deportations have since occurred.

Maduro later thanked Grenell and President Donald J. Trump for facilitating the return of a young Venezuelan girl separated from her mother, calling it a “profoundly humane” act.

St. Clair’s safe return adds to a growing list of Americans released from foreign detention through focused diplomatic efforts.

Image via @RichardGrenell.

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By Popular Demand.
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10 hours ago
Breaking

BREAKING: Israeli Embassy Staffers Assassinated Just Blocks From U.S. Capitol in ‘Free Palestine!’ Attack.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Two Israeli embassy staff members were shot and killed outside the Capital Jewish Museum on Wednesday night.

👥 Who’s Involved: Victims were Israeli embassy staff; police are questioning a person of interest.

📍 Where & When: Incident occurred at 9:15 p.m. on the 300 block of F Street NW, near the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C.

💬 Key Quote: A witness stated, “After the shooting a guy came inside [the museum] saying he saw it and needed water and a safe space, then whipped out a keffiyeh and yelled “free Palestine,” before being escorted out by police.”

⚠️ Impact: Authorities have urged the public to avoid the area; media staging is underway at the Metropolitan Police Headquarters, with Attorney General Pam Bondi and Mayor Muriel Bowser on the scene.

IN FULL:

Two Israeli embassy staff members are reported to have been fatally shot Wednesday evening outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., according to reports. The incident unfolded at approximately 9:15 p.m. on the 300 block of F Street NW, during a prominent diplomatic event. The details of this situation are still unfolding.

The museum was hosting the annual Young Diplomats Reception, organized by the American Jewish Committee’s DC Young Professional Board. Josh Kraushaar of Jewish Insider reported that the shooting occurred in close proximity to the event.

A witness inside the museum described a chaotic scene following the attack. “After the shooting a guy came inside [the museum] saying he saw it and needed water and a safe space, then whipped out a keffiyeh and yelled free Palestine a bunch before being escorted out by police,” the witness recounted.

Law enforcement officials have confirmed that a person of interest is currently being questioned in connection with the shooting. The Metropolitan Police Department has advised residents and visitors to avoid the area while the investigation is ongoing. A media staging area has been established at the Metropolitan Police Headquarters on 4th Street NW.

Further details about the victims or the motives behind the attack have not yet been disclosed. The situation remains under investigation, and updates are expected as authorities continue to gather information.

This is a developing story.

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By Popular Demand.
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15 hours ago
News

WATCH: Reporter Leaves Chicago Mayor Speechless After ‘Racism’ Question.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson faced accusations of racism from a reporter during a press conference, following a Department of Justice (DOJ) investigation into the city’s hiring practices.

👥 Who’s Involved: Mayor Brandon Johnson, independent reporter William J. Kelly, and the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division.

📍 Where & When: Chicago, Illinois; DOJ investigation announced Monday; press conference held Tuesday morning.

💬 Key Quote: “Real Chicagoans want to know: why are you a racist?” – William J. Kelly.

⚠️ Impact: The DOJ investigation could significantly affect the city’s hiring policies and political discourse around racial issues in Chicago.

IN FULL:

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson faced pointed accusations of racism during a press conference on Tuesday, as the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) launched an investigation into the city’s hiring practices for potential violations of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.

The DOJ’s Civil Rights Division announced Monday that it would examine whether Chicago’s employment practices reflect a “pattern or practice of racial discrimination.” The investigation appears to have been prompted by Johnson’s recent remarks emphasizing his preference for hiring black people.

“There are some detractors that will push back on me and say, ‘The only thing the mayor talks about is the hiring of black people.’ No. What I’m saying is, when you hire our people, we always look out for everybody else. We are the most generous people on the planet. I don’t know too many cultures that have play cousins,” Johnson had said.

Independent journalist and former political candidate William J. Kelly confronted Johnson at the press event, accusing the mayor of engaging in divisive racial rhetoric. “Real Chicagoans woke up this morning relieved that the Department of Justice is finally investigating your race hustle,” Kelly said. He described Johnson’s remarks as “embarrassing and dangerous” for the city.

When pressed by Kelly with the blunt question, “Why are you a racist?” Johnson rejected the premise entirely. “Well, you know, first of all, I reject the idea and the premise that, somehow, that that’s an actual, legitimate question,” Johnson responded.

Kelly followed up, asking what the mayor would say to those who perceive him as racist. Johnson reiterated his dismissal of the question, stating, “Again, I reject the premise that, somehow, that your question has any legitimacy. Thank you for your time.”

The DOJ investigation could lead to significant changes in city policies, depending on its findings.

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By Popular Demand.
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16 hours ago
News

Prosecutors Hit Tommy Robinson with New Charges a Day After Judge Rules for Early Prison Release.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Tommy Robinson has been charged with harassing two men, a day after a judge ruled he could be released from prison early.

👥 Who’s Involved: Tommy Robinson, Kent Police, and Jamal Hijazi.

📍 Where & When: Incidents occurred in England in July 2024 and August 2024; Robinson is currently held at HMP Woodhill, Milton Keynes.

⚠️ Impact: Robinson faces new legal challenges ahead of his release from prison next week.

IN FULL:

Tommy Robinson has been charged with two new counts of harassment causing fear of violence, just one day after a judge ruled he could be released from prison early. The charges are linked to incidents in August 2024.

Robinson, currently incarcerated in His Majesty’s Prison (HMP) Woodhill in Milton Keynes, England, is also accused of refusing to provide the PIN code for his mobile phone during a July 2024 stop by Kent Police in Folkestone.

The development comes as Robinson is set to be released next week after his sentence was reduced. He was initially jailed in October after he repeated allegations he had made against a Syrian migrant, Jamal Hijazi, previously ruled to be defamatory in a civil case. Robinson alleged Hijazi attacked girls at a school in Huddersfield, and produced a documentary defending these allegations after Hijazi successfully sued him, and a court issued an injunction barring Robinson from repeating the claims.

Robinson has been repeatedly targeted by police and prosecutors in recent years, sometimes on highly dubious pretexts. A case against him, brought on the basis that he refused an unlawful police order to leave a protest because his mere presence could cause distress, collapsed shortly before his most recent imprisonment.

Image by Shayan Barjesteh van Waalwijk van Doorn.

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By Popular Demand.
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Migrant Crime

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16 hours ago
William Upton
Immigration
Lawfare

Biden Judge Halts Trump Plan to Deport Criminal Illegals to South Sudan.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: A federal judge ruled on Wednesday that the Trump administration violated his order to provide “meaningful” due process to a group of illegal immigrants facing deportation. In the decision, U.S. District Court Judge Brian Murphy also suggested that Trump immigration officials could have committed criminal contempt by moving forward with the deportation flight.

👥 Who’s Involved: Illegal immigrants from Burma, Vietnam, Mexico, Cuba, and Laos; U.S. District Court Judge Brian Murphy; and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

📍 Where & When: The illegal immigrants were allegedly flown from Texas earlier this week; Judge Murphy issued his ruling on Wednesday, May 21, after ordering DHS to maintain custody of the deportees late on Tuesday.

💬 Key Quote: “A local judge in Massachusetts is trying to force the United States to bring back these uniquely barbaric monsters who present a clear and present threat to the safety of the American people and American victims,” DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin said before the ruling on Wednesday.

⚠️ Impact: The ruling marks the latest interference by the U.S. federal courts in President Donald J. Trump’s efforts to deport dangerous illegal immigrants from the United States, some with removal orders dating back decades.

IN FULL:

A federal judge has intervened after reports surfaced that at least a dozen criminal illegal aliens, including migrants from Burma, Vietnam, and Mexico, were deported to South Sudan earlier this week. U.S. District Court Judge Brian Murphy on Wednesday blocked the deportations and ordered the return of the illegal immigrants to the United States. In a previous ruling in April, the Joe Biden appointee ordered the Trump administration to ensure illegal immigrants slated for deportations to third countries received “meaningful” due process, but declined to provide detailed instructions as to what that would entail.

Late Tuesday, Judge Murphy issued an order instructing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to maintain custody of the deportees, who were alleged to be on a plane sitting on a South Sudanese runway. The directive, according to the federal district court judge, was to give him time to determine whether the removals were unlawful—a determination he made just several hours later.

While Judge Murphy acknowledged his April ruling did not provide details regarding what he expected in terms of due process for the deportees, he insisted the 12-hour notice given by U.S. immigration officials was “obviously insufficient.” Likewise, attorneys representing the illegal immigrants argued that immigration authorities violated the April ruling, contending that they were not given an adequate opportunity to contest deportation to third countries where their clients had no ties and could face safety concerns.

On Wednesday, before the court hearing, DHS officials confirmed that a flight carrying at least eight individuals departed from Texas. However, DHS declined to confirm whether South Sudan was the final destination. A list released by the department identified the passengers as having criminal records and included illegal immigrants from Cuba, Laos, and Mexico.

“A local judge in Massachusetts is trying to force the United States to bring back these uniquely barbaric monsters who present a clear and present threat to the safety of the American people and American victims,” DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin said before the ruling.

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By Popular Demand.
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17 hours ago
Christopher Tomlinson
Health

Bureaucrats Hid Myocarditis COVID Jab Links, Official Report Confirms.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: A report from the office of Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI) states that Biden-Harris health officials knew of COVID-19 vaccine myocarditis risks months before updating the public.

👥 Who’s Involved: Biden-Harris era U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Senator Johnson.

📍 Where & When: The report was released on May 21.

💬 Key Quote: “Even though CDC and FDA officials were well aware of the risk of myocarditis following COVID-19 vaccination, the Biden administration opted to withhold issuing a formal warning to the public for months about the safety concerns, jeopardizing the health of young Americans,” the report states.

⚠️ Impact: The report reveals a potential cover-up by health officials and failure to inform the public of the risks from COVID-19 mRNA vaccines.

IN FULL:

Top health officials of the former Biden-Harris regime actively covered up the potential myocarditis risks from the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines in 2021, purposely delaying warning the public of the possible effects on their heart health. Federal agencies knew of a slew of reports of myocarditis from those who took the Pfizer vaccine as early as February of 2021, but refused to change vaccine labels until June of that year.

The information comes from a new report from the office of Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI), released on May 21. “Even though CDC and FDA officials were well aware of the risk of myocarditis following COVID-19 vaccination, the Biden administration opted to withhold issuing a formal warning to the public for months about the safety concerns, jeopardizing the health of young Americans,” the report states.

Israeli health officials had also contacted the CDC and FDA in April, warning of a growing number of myocarditis cases among young people in their country. However, the FDA replied by stating there was “incomplete data” and refused to admit the vaccine and myocarditis reports were linked.

The Biden-Harris regime approved the COVID-19 vaccines for adolescents in May of 2021, insisting that myocarditis cases were “rare.” Around April, there were 158 reported cases, but the figure jumped to over 750 by the start of June.

Myocarditis appears to have become even more common in those who received multiple shots of the COVID-19 vaccine. According to one study from 2023, one in 35 people who received COVID-19 boosters developed myocardial injuries.

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By Popular Demand.
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18 hours ago
Culture
Economy

L.A. Mayor Follows in Trump’s Tariff Footsteps – Make Hollywood American Again!

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass issued an executive order to simplify filming processes in the city.

👥 Who’s Involved: Mayor Karen Bass, President Donald J. Trump, entertainment professionals, and the Department of Commerce.

📍 Where & When: Los Angeles, California; announcement made Tuesday, May 20, two weeks after President Trump’s tariff declaration.

💬 Key Quote: “Keeping entertainment production in L.A. means keeping good-paying jobs in L.A., and that’s what we are fighting for,” said Bass.

⚠️ Impact: The directive seeks to retain entertainment jobs in Los Angeles amidst competition from other U.S. locations and foreign countries.

IN FULL:

Democratic Mayor Karen Bass issued an executive order on Tuesday designed to streamline the filmmaking process in Los Angeles, declaring her intent to keep entertainment production within the city. The announcement comes over two weeks after President Donald J. Trump revealed plans for a 100 percent tariff on foreign-produced movies, citing concerns over national security and economic harm.

Bass’s announcement appears to largely align with Trump’s push to reshore film productions, running counter to efforts by national Democratic Party leaders to undermine the President’s trade agenda. The National Pulse previously reported that Trump’s film tariff announcement also received backing from the Teamsters.

Bass’s directive aims to cut bureaucratic hurdles for filmmakers, making it easier to shoot at popular Los Angeles locations such as the Griffith Observatory, the L.A. Central Library, and the Port of Los Angeles. Additionally, the order reduces the requirement for city employees to be present during filming to just one, a move intended to lower costs for production teams.

“We are going to fight now,” Bass stated, continuing: “While we push for the tax credits to be passed in Sacramento, we need to do what we can today to impact building in Los Angeles.” She added: “Keeping entertainment production in L.A. means keeping good-paying jobs in L.A., and that’s what we are fighting for.”

The executive order comes amid increasing competition from other U.S. cities and foreign countries offering more affordable and accessible production options.

President Trump recently criticized Hollywood’s reliance on foreign incentives, describing it as a “national security threat” and a source of economic devastation. In a Truth Social post earlier this month, Trump explained his decision to authorize a 100 percent tariff on foreign-made films, stating, “Hollywood, and many other areas within the U.S.A., are being devastated… WE WANT MOVIES MADE IN AMERICA, AGAIN!”

Trump also highlighted the role of foreign film incentives in what he called “messaging and propaganda,” instructing the Department of Commerce and the U.S. Trade Representative to initiate the tariff process.

Image via U.S. Institute of Peace.

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By Popular Demand.
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18 hours ago
Crime

Fresh Trump Crackdown on Brutal Mexican Cartel.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: The Trump administration sanctioned two top members of Cartel del Noreste, a violent Mexican drug cartel and U.S.-designated foreign terrorist organization.

👥 Who’s Involved: Miguel Angel de Anda Ledzema and Ricardo Gonzalez Sauceda, leaders of Cartel del Noreste; U.S. Treasury Department; Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC); Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); Mexico’s Financial Intelligence Unit.

📍 Where & When: Sanctions announced Wednesday; Cartel del Noreste operates near the Laredo, Texas border region.

💬 Key Quote: “We will continue to cut off the cartels’ ability to obtain the drugs, money, and guns that enable their violent activities,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said.

⚠️ Impact: The sanctions aim to disrupt Cartel del Noreste’s operations, including drug trafficking, arms procurement, and violence on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border.

IN FULL:

The Trump administration has imposed sanctions on two senior leaders of the Cartel del Noreste, a violent Mexican drug cartel and designated foreign terrorist organization, according to an announcement from the U.S. Treasury Department on Wednesday.

The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) targeted Miguel Angel de Anda Ledzema and Ricardo Gonzalez Sauceda for their roles in facilitating the cartel’s operations. Officials say the group exerts significant control over the border area near Laredo, Texas.

Ledzema, a high-ranking cartel member, was identified as overseeing the acquisition and trafficking of firearms into Mexico. According to the Treasury Department, he coordinated payments to U.S.-based straw purchasers who misrepresented themselves to obtain weapons, later smuggling them into Nuevo Laredo. One such weapon was reportedly recovered after a March 2024 cartel attack on the Mexican military.

Sauceda, previously second-in-command of the cartel, was arrested in February by Mexican authorities. He allegedly led an armed enforcement unit and was linked to violent assaults on Mexican military and police forces. At the time of his arrest, he was found with firearms, methamphetamine, and fentanyl pills.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized the administration’s commitment to confronting the cartel threat, stating, “We will continue to cut off the cartels’ ability to obtain the drugs, money, and guns that enable their violent activities.” Bessent also highlighted the cartel’s role in campaigns of violence, intimidation, and terrorism that endanger communities on both sides of the border.

The sanctions were coordinated with Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and Mexico’s Financial Intelligence Unit.

Paul Perez, President of the National Border Patrol Council, praised the administration’s actions, saying they fulfill President Donald J. Trump’s promise to prevent cartels from operating with impunity. “These actions deal a significant blow and send the message to all cartels that President Trump will follow through,” Perez stated.

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By Popular Demand.
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19 hours ago
NatSec

EXPLAINER: How Trump’s ‘Golden Dome’ Defense Shield Will Work.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has drafted a plan for the “Golden Dome” missile defense system, which includes space-based sensors, to counter advanced threats from nations like China and Russia.

👥 Who’s Involved: President Donald J. Trump, the DoD, Space Force General Michael Guetlein, General Chance Saltzman, and former Canadian Defence Minister Bill Blair.

📍 Where & When: The system is planned for development in the United States, with key manufacturers from Georgia, Alaska, Florida, and Indiana. Trump expects it to be operational before his administration ends.

💬 Key Quote: Trump described the Golden Dome as “capable even of intercepting missiles launched from space, or launched from the other side of the world.”

⚠️ Impact: The system aims to counter hypersonic weapons and space-based threats, with initial funding of $25 billion, though long-term costs could exceed $500 billion.

IN FULL:

The U.S. Department of Defense has unveiled plans for a large-scale missile defense system, dubbed the “Golden Dome,” which aims to counter advanced aerial and space-based threats from adversaries like China and Russia. President Donald Trump announced the initiative, stating he expects the system to be operational before the end of his administration.

The Golden Dome would incorporate space-based sensors and is designed to intercept missiles launched from space or across the globe. Trump noted that the system would be significantly larger and more advanced than Israel’s Iron Dome, which has been operational since 2011. The U.S. system would target a broad array of threats, including hypersonic weapons and fractional orbital bombardment systems (FOBS).

According to Trump, Canada has expressed interest in joining the project. Former Canadian Defence Minister Bill Blair confirmed this during a visit to Washington earlier this year, describing participation as being in Canada’s “national interest.”

The project will be developed entirely in the United States, with manufacturers in Georgia, Alaska, Florida, and Indiana playing key roles. The system will be managed under a centralized command, with oversight from Space Force General Michael Guetlein. General Chance Saltzman, also of the U.S. Space Force, highlighted the unprecedented nature of the mission, citing “new and emerging requirements” for space-based military operations.

Initial funding of $25 billion has been allocated, but the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates long-term costs could exceed $500 billion over the next 20 years. Other government agencies project the total fiscal impact to range from $175 billion to $542 billion.

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By Popular Demand.
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