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October 21, 2024
Crime
Lawfare

The Central Park Five Are Suing Trump. Here’s Why.

The five men convicted but later exonerated in the Central Park Five case are filing a defamation lawsuit against former President Donald J. Trump, stemming from remarks the Republican nominee made during the recent 2024 presidential debate. During the debate, Trump said of Yusef Salaam, Raymond Santana, Kevin Richardson, Antron Brown, and Korey Wise, “They admitted, they said, they pled guilty.”

Lodged in a federal court in Pennsylvania, the lawsuit claims Trump’s remarks are defamatory towards the five men. The plaintiffs allege that Trump’s statement was untrue as the five then-teenagers never entered guilty pleas—although they did offer confessions related to the rape and near-killing of Trisha Meili, who had been jogging through Central Park in New York City on April 19, 1989. They were convicted of a range of charges, although all but Richards were cleared of attempted murder. Wise was also cleared of rape but convicted of other charges, including assault and sexual abuse.

While Trump appeared to suggest Meili was “badly hurt” and “ultimately killed,” she is still alive—expressing her unhappiness with the five receiving an eight-figure settlement in 2019.

CONVICTIONS OVERTURNED.

In 2002, the five men saw their convictions overturned after a sixth individual confessed to the rape. Matias Reyes’s confession was later confirmed by DNA evidence. New York City later settled a civil suit with the five men for $41 million in 2014.

The issue resurfaced during the debate when Kamala Harris referenced Trump’s 1989 full-page newspaper ads advocating for the death penalty for the men. Steven Cheung, a Trump campaign spokesman, dismissed the lawsuit as “frivolous” and politically motivated—Yusef Salaam is now a member of the New York City Council for the Democrats.

ATTACK DETAILS STILL MURKY. 

Outside the attack on Meili, the then-teenagers had been part of a larger group of kids, estimated at 32 in total, who had set upon Central Park on the evening of April 19 and attacked numerous joggers. In an untaped confession, Salaam allegedly admitted to striking a female jogger with a lead pipe.

Despite Reyes’s confession to the crime, a subsequent report by the New York Police Department questioned whether the man was truthful in his insistence he acted alone. Doctors who treated Meili argue her injuries suggested multiple attackers.

Image by Maysles Documentary Center.

By Popular Demand.
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9 minutes ago
News

Trump Grants Asylum to Dozens of White South Africans.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: The U.S. has granted refugee status to 54 white Afrikaner South Africans, who are expected to arrive in Washington, D.C., soon.

👥 Who’s Involved: The U.S. and South African governments, President Donald J. Trump, and 54 Afrikaner refugees.

📍 Where & When: Expected arrival at Dulles International Airport, Washington, D.C., as soon as Monday.

💬 Key Quote: “The Department of State is prioritising consideration for U.S. refugee resettlement of Afrikaners in South Africa who are victims of unjust racial discrimination,” said a State Department spokesman.

⚠️ Impact: The move marks a significant shift in U.S. refugee policy, with expedited processing for Afrikaners, and raises questions about the treatment of South Africa’s centuries-old white minority.

IN FULL:

The United States has granted refugee status to 54 white Afrikaner South Africans,with their arrival in Washington, D.C. expected as early as Monday. This follows an executive order by President Donald J. Trump, who in February directed his administration to prioritize Afrikaners—descendants of mostly Dutch settlers whose presence in the country dates to 1652—citing government discrimination against them.

The U.S. refugee settlement program was suspended by Trump on his first day in office, leaving over 100,000 approved refugees from countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo and Afghanistan in limbo. However, the recent executive order has expedited the process for Afrikaners, who face having their farmland expropriated from them by the state, without compensation, under new laws. Similar legislation passed in neighboring Zimbabwe by the late President Robert Mugabe saw whites driven from their land, and in some cases, killed en masse.

White farmers in South Africa already face a disproportionate number of home invasions and murders, with the authorities turning a blind eye to large-scale rallies calling for their extermination.

Sources indicate that U.S. officials are coordinating the logistics of the Afrikaners’ arrival, with a charter flight to Dulles International Airport being considered. High-level officials from the Departments of State and Homeland Security are expected to greet the refugees upon arrival, a relatively unusual gesture.

While the exact arrival date remains unconfirmed, the State Department has emphasized its focus on Afrikaners facing “unjust racial discrimination.” This expedited processing contrasts with the typical 18 to 24 months it usually takes for refugee resettlement in the U.S.

Image by Johnnyhurst.

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By Popular Demand.
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49 minutes ago
News
Religion

Pope Leo XIV Warns Against ‘Lack of Faith,’ ‘Crisis of the Family’ in Inaugural Vatican Mass.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Pope Leo XIV delivered his first Holy Mass as pontiff, emphasizing the need for the Church to act as a “beacon” in areas with a “lack of faith.”

👥 Who’s Involved: Pope Leo XIV, previously Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, the Roman Catholic Church’s 267th pope and first American leader.

📍 Where & When: The first mass took place at the Vatican on May 9, following his election the previous day.

💬 Key Quote: “A lack of faith is often tragically accompanied by the loss of meaning in life, the neglect of mercy, appalling violations of human dignity, the crisis of the family and so many other wounds that afflict our society,” Pope Leo XIV said.

⚠️ Impact: The Pope’s call for unity and outreach is expected to influence the Church’s approach to addressing modern societal challenges and global conflicts.

IN FULL:

Pope Leo XIV, the newly elected head of the Roman Catholic Church, delivered his inaugural Holy Mass at the Vatican on Friday, urging the Church to act as a “beacon” in regions suffering from a “lack of faith.” Previously, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, the 267th Pope and the first American to hold the position, was elected just a day prior in a historic conclave.

In his homily, Pope Leo XIV highlighted the Church‘s challenges, noting that many are turning away from faith and towards “technology, money, success, power, or pleasure.” He emphasized the need for missionary outreach in areas where Christian faith is seen as “absurd,” dominated by power and wealth.

The Pope remarked, “A lack of faith is often tragically accompanied by the loss of meaning in life, the neglect of mercy, appalling violations of human dignity, the crisis of the family and so many other wounds that afflict our society.” The Pope addressed the cardinals in the Sistine Chapel, calling for unity and collaboration.

The mass itself was primarily said in Latin, the traditional language of the Roman Catholic Church, while the homily was said initially in English and Italian.

World leaders, including U.S. President Donald J. Trump, have congratulated Pope Leo XIV on his election, with Trump calling it a “great honor” to have the first American pope.

Observers are keenly watching his upcoming public appearances, including Sunday’s Regina Coeli prayer and a Monday press conference, for indications of his leadership direction.

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By Popular Demand.
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1 hour ago
William Upton
Economy

$13 Billion Boeing Purchase Confirmed After Trump’s UK Trade Deal Announcement.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: British Airways has announced a major deal to purchase 32 Boeing airplanes following the finalization of a landmark bilateral trade deal between the United States and the United Kingdom.

👥 Who’s Involved: British Airways and its parent company, IAG; Boeing; IAG CEO Luis Gallego, President Donald J. Trump, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

📍 Where & When: British Airways announced the Boeing purchase on Friday, the landmark trade deal was announced in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, May 8, 2025.

💬 Key Quote: “Looking ahead to the next decade, these new aircraft will enable us to strengthen our core markets and further improve our customer experience, while continuing to drive long-term value for our shareholders,” said IAG CEO Luis Gallego.

⚠️ Impact: The airline purchase is one of the first major transactions following the finalization of the U.S.-UK bilateral trade agreement.

IN FULL:

The United Kingdom’s British Airways has inked a $13 billion deal to purchase 32 Boeing airplanes, according to its parent company, IAG. The deal was announced on Friday after U.S. President Donald J. Trump and British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer finalized a major bilateral trade agreement on Thursday.

Describing the Boeing deal as a “milestone,” IAG CEO Luis Gallego said: “Looking ahead to the next decade, these new aircraft will enable us to strengthen our core markets and further improve our customer experience, while continuing to drive long-term value for our shareholders.”

The major purchase was referenced by President Trump and his Commerce Secretary, Howard Lutnick, on Thursday during the press availability after announcing the landmark bilateral trade deal with the United Kingdom. Both Trump and Lutnick emphasized that part of the agreement would end tariffs on Rolls-Royce, a British automotive and engine company that manufactures airline engines—including those used on a number of Boeing plane models.

Boeing and its chief competitor, Airbus, are the two largest airline manufacturers in the world, and together dominate the global market. China learned this fact the hard way when Chinese Communist Party (CCP) officials, in response to President Trump’s imposition of a 145 percent tariff on Chinese exports, halted acceptance of Boeing planes and parts deliveries. However, that move was quickly reversed as it became apparent that China’s domestic airline industry would not be able to function without the new airlines and parts.

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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By Popular Demand.
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2 hours ago
NatSec
News

White House Blocks Biden Holdover at Pentagon After National Pulse Exposé.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Joe Biden holdover Ricky Buria has been blocked from becoming Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s permanent chief of staff by the White House, after The National Pulse exposed his past attacks on President Donald J. Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance.

👥 Who’s Involved: Ricky Buria, Pete Hegseth, Vice President J.D. Vance, President Trump, and Jennifer Hegseth.

💬 Key Quote: “There is an ideological component to this,” said a Buria critic.

⚠️ Impact: Buria’s rise has caused internal strife and raised concerns about security protocols and political alignment within the Pentagon.

IN FULL:

Pentagon aide Ricky Buria, known to some as “Rasputin Ricky,” has been blocked by the White House from becoming Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s chief of staff. The news comes after an exclusive exposé published by The National Pulse, which shed light on previously unknown background information about Buria.

On April 22, The National Pulse described how Buria, a former aide to Biden-era Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, was amassing power at the Pentagon. A donation in 2023 to Democratic candidate Mike O’Brien via the notorious ActBlue platform was noted, particularly as O’Brien also received an endorsement from VoteVets—a partisan group that alleges President Trump “hates veterans” and called for Hegseth to be fired over “Signalgate.”

Buria has disparaged President Trump and Vice President Vance on many occasions, describing the latter’s foreign policy stance as “wackamamie crazy” and “isolationist.” He also blasted President Trump’s moves to use the military to assist with immigration enforcement as “dumb.”

Buria’s recent rise had been marked by internal clashes, including his role in dismissing three top aides, including the anti-war Dan Caldwell.

“Hegseth [was] elevating a Democrat who does not share the Vice President or the President’s worldview and who weaponized his position to push out internal rivals, including people who had very strong histories of being supporters of the MAGA agenda,” one source told the New York Post.

Security concerns have also been raised, with reports of Buria flouting protocols by bringing personal devices into secure areas. His close relationship with Hegseth has drawn comparisons to the Russian mystic Rasputin, with Buria reportedly wielding significant influence over departmental decisions.

“This is without question the worst in a string of bad judgment calls recently by Secretary Hegseth,” said one source of Buria’s elevation.

Following The National Pulse’s report, the White House personnel office is understood to have assessed Buria’s credentials, ultimately refusing him the chief of staff position. It is currently unclear whether Buria will remain in the department at all.

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By Popular Demand.
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3 hours ago
Economy

Trump Pressures China for Open Trade, Considers Sharp Tariff Cut.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: President Donald J. Trump urged China to open its markets to the U.S. and suggested reducing tariffs on Chinese goods.

👥 Who’s Involved: President Donald Trump, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, Chinese officials.

📍 Where & When: Comments made in Washington, D.C. on Friday; meetings between the U.S. and China set in Switzerland over the weekend.

💬 Key Quote: “CHINA SHOULD OPEN UP ITS MARKET TO USA — WOULD BE SO GOOD FOR THEM!!! CLOSED MARKETS DON’T WORK ANYMORE!!!” – President Trump on Truth Social.

⚠️ Impact: Potential reduction in tariffs and improved trade relations between the U.S. and China.

IN FULL:

President Donald J. Trump has called for China to open its markets to the United States, suggesting a potential reduction in tariffs on Chinese imports. This announcement comes ahead of planned trade discussions between American and Chinese officials in Switzerland this weekend.

On Friday, Trump took to his Truth Social platform, emphasizing the benefits for China if it opens its markets to American goods. He stated, “CHINA SHOULD OPEN UP ITS MARKET TO USA — WOULD BE SO GOOD FOR THEM!!! CLOSED MARKETS DON’T WORK ANYMORE!!!” In a subsequent post, he mentioned, “80% Tariff on China seems right! Up to Scott B,” referring to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

Currently, tariffs on most Chinese goods stand at 145 percent, a figure established last month following China’s retaliatory measures against U.S. tariffs. Meanwhile, China has imposed a 125 percent levy on most American products. Speaking in the Oval Office on Thursday, Trump indicated that these tariffs would not increase further and could only decrease. “It’s at 145, so we know it’s coming down,” he remarked, expressing optimism about future relations with China.

Treasury Secretary Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer are scheduled to meet with Chinese counterparts in Geneva over the weekend to negotiate a trade deal. Greer commented on the upcoming talks, saying, “At President Trump’s direction, I am negotiating with countries to rebalance our trade relations to achieve reciprocity, open new markets, and protect America’s economic and national security.” He anticipates productive discussions with his international counterparts.

Bessent has described the current economic dynamics with China as “unsustainable” and emphasized the U.S. desire for “fair trade” without a complete decoupling from China.

In related trade developments, Trump announced a significant trade agreement with the United Kingdom on Thursday. This deal aims to enhance U.S. market access in Britain for billions of dollars worth of American exports. However, a 10 percent baseline tariff on many British goods remains, with specific exceptions for Rolls-Royce engines and airplane parts, among other products.

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By Popular Demand.
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4 hours ago
News

Trump Ousts Obama-Appointed Librarian of Congress.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: President Donald J. Trump terminated Carla Hayden as the Librarian of Congress.

👥 Who’s Involved: President Trump, Carla Hayden, Trent Morse, Robert Newlen, congressional Democrats, and the American Accountability Foundation.

📍 Where & When: Washington, D.C.; termination announced on Thursday.

💬 Key Quote: “On behalf of President Donald J. Trump, I am writing to inform you that your position as the Librarian of Congress is terminated effective immediately.” – Trent Morse

⚠️ Impact: Democrats criticized the dismissal, claiming it undermines public service and could affect libraries nationwide.

IN FULL:

President Donald J. Trump has removed Carla Hayden from her position as the Librarian of Congress. The Obama appointee received an email informing her, “On behalf of President Donald J. Trump… your position as the Librarian of Congress is terminated effective immediately. Thank you for your service.” Robert Newlen, the Principal Deputy Librarian, informed library staff of the change, indicating he would temporarily assume the duties of the Librarian of Congress.

The American Accountability Foundation (AAF) had been calling for Hayden’s termination, writing in the hours before its announcement that she was “woke, anti-Trump, and promotes trans-ing kids.”

The first black person and the first woman to hold the position, her 10-year term had been set to expire next year. Her early removal has prompted strong reactions from Democrats. Rep. Joe Morelle of New York, a leading Democrat on the House Administration Committee, criticized the decision and plans to propose legislation ensuring Congress appoints future Librarians of Congress.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries also condemned the move, with Schumer also pushing for Congress to usurp the executive’s control over the appointment process.

Image by Library of Congress Life.

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By Popular Demand.
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5 hours ago
News

Ric Grenell Issues Warning After Les Mis Actors Threaten Boycott of Kennedy Center Event with Trump.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Actors from a Kennedy Center production of Les Misérables threatened to boycott a performance attended by President Donald J. Trump.

👥 Who’s Involved: The cast of Les Misérables, Kennedy Center President Ric Grenell, President Trump, and celebrities like Lin-Manuel Miranda.

📍 Where & When: The Kennedy Center, Washington D.C., June 11.

💬 Key Quote: “The Kennedy Center will no longer fund this intolerance,” stated Ric Grenell.

⚠️ Impact: The Kennedy Center faces controversy over political affiliations and the potential impact on future performances and funding.

IN FULL:

A brewing controversy at the Kennedy Center has emerged as a significant number of actors from the touring company of Les Misérables have expressed their intent to boycott a performance scheduled for June 11, which President Donald J. Trump plans to attend. In response to a report by CNN, Kennedy Center President Ric Grenell issued a firm statement rejecting what he described as “intolerance.”

Grenell emphasized that the Kennedy Center would not support any form of intolerance, stating, “We haven’t heard this rumor, but the Kennedy Center will no longer fund this intolerance.” He further asserted that performers unwilling to entertain patrons regardless of political beliefs would not be welcome, suggesting that such behavior should be publicly acknowledged to inform future hiring decisions.

The Kennedy Center, under the Trump administration, has experienced efforts to revamp its operations, including the firing of the board of directors shortly after Trump took office. Some liberal figures, such as Lin-Manuel Miranda, have distanced themselves from the venue, with Miranda canceling a performance of Hamilton and criticizing what he referred to as the “Trump Kennedy Center.”

Grenell has dismissed such actions as mere “publicity stunts” that he believes will ultimately backfire. He maintained that the arts should be accessible to everyone, not just those who align with specific political views.

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By Popular Demand.
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5 hours ago
Christopher Tomlinson
News
UK

Prosecutors Claim Man ‘Harassed’ Islam by Burning Quran.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Prosecutors have charged a man for burning a Quran in England, which critics say could introduce blasphemy laws back to the country.

👥 Who’s Involved: Prosecutors, Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick, Hamit Coskun.

📍 Where & When: Charges were laid after Coskun burned the Quran as part of a protest earlier this year.

💬 Key Quote: “It is not for the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) or courts to create a blasphemy law in this country by the back door.” — Conservative Member of Parliament (MP) Robert Jenrick.

⚠️ Impact: If the prosecution continues and Coskun is found guilty, it could introduce a new de facto blasphemy law into the British legal system.

IN FULL:

British prosecutors have criminally charged a man under the Public Order Act after setting fire to a copy of the Islamic Quran, claiming that he was “harassing” the religion by doing so. Critics have warned that the case could set a precedent for a quasi-blasphemy law in the United Kingdom if the man is convicted.

Hamit Coskun has been charged with harassing the religion, which the prosecutor claims is an “institution” in Britain. It is the first time anyone has been charged with such an offense, as prior to the case, religions like Islam were not considered “persons.”

Shadow Justice Secretary and former Conservative Party leadership contender Robert Jenrick sharply criticised the move to prosecute Coskun. “Burning the Quran, like any religious text, is something that some people find very offensive and few people would condone, but that’s not the point. There are many things in our society that people find offensive, but that doesn’t make them criminal,” Jenrick said. 

He added that Britain scrapped blasphemy laws nearly two decades prior, saying it was “right to do so.” He insisted: “It is not for the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) or courts to create a blasphemy law in this country by the back door.”

The case came just months after another man in Manchester was admonished by a judge for tearing out a page of a Quran and burning it. According to the judge, the book was “sacred” and such actions were not permissible in a “tolerant” society.

Some Muslim lawmakers in Britain, including members of the ruling Labour Party, have called for blasphemy laws to return to the country. Tahir Ali MP urged the government to ban the desecration of religious texts, something Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer refused to rule out at the time.

Image by Frankie Fouganthin.

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By Popular Demand.
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18 hours ago
Economy
News

Farmers Rally in Support of Trump’s Tariff Strategy.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: American farmers are showing strong support for President Trump’s trade policies, expecting tariffs to bolster the agricultural sector.

👥 Who’s Involved: President Donald J. Trump, American farmers, Purdue University, and CME Group.

📍 Where & When: United States, April (latest data from Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer).

💬 Key Quote: “This month, one out of four respondents said it was a good time to make large investments.” — Perdue University study.

⚠️ Impact: Increased farmer optimism and investment intentions, with expectations of improved financial performance.

IN FULL:

Farmers across America are expressing robust support for President Donald J. Trump‘s trade policies, according to the latest data from the Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer. The survey reveals that 70 percent of farmers believe the tariffs imposed under Trump’s administration will ultimately strengthen the agricultural sector. This optimistic outlook is reflected in the significant rise in farmer sentiment observed in April, with both current and future expectations showing marked improvement.

The Farm Capital Investment Index, a key measure of farmers‘ willingness to invest, has reached its highest level since May 2021. This surge in investment sentiment is underscored by the finding that one in four respondents considers it a favorable time to make substantial investments. This figure is nearly twice the percentage recorded in surveys conducted from May to October of the previous year.

Moreover, the Farm Financial Performance Index has remained above 100 for four consecutive months. This indicates that producers anticipate financial performance this year to be on par with, or slightly exceed, the levels seen last year.

The data underscores a growing confidence among American farmers in the Trump administration’s economic strategies. By focusing on restoring fairness in global trade and opening new markets for U.S. producers, the administration has garnered significant support within the agricultural community.

The optimism of farmers matches the similar sentiment expressed by those in the manufacturing industry, who have also praised President Trump’s tariff policies.

President Trump has said his new trade deal with the United Kingdom, announced Thursday, will significantly open the British market to American produce.

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By Popular Demand.
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19 hours ago
William Upton
War
World

Trump Calls for 30-Day Ceasefire Between Russia and Ukraine, Threatens Sanctions on Both if Not Upheld.

PULSE POINTS:

What Happened: President Donald J. Trump is once again pushing for a 30-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, threatening sanctions if either country violates the suspension of hostilities. He hopes a ceasefire can pave the way for a peace deal between the warring nations.

👥 Who’s Involved: President Donald J. Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

📍 Where & When: President Trump called for a ceasefire in a post on Truth Social on Thursday, May 8, 2025.

💬 Key Quote: “If the ceasefire is not respected, the U.S. and its partners will impose further sanctions,” President Trump warned.

⚠️ Impact: With the Russian economy beginning to show signs of strain under current U.S. sanctions, and Putin even expressing a desire to re-establish access to Western markets, the 30-day ceasefire demand may be too much for him to pass up. The Russian leader has already signalled he is open to a shorter-term cessation of hostilities. However, this may be the final efforts of the Trump White House to broker an end to the conflict before washing their hands of the issue.

IN FULL:

President Donald J. Trump is calling for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, threating that the United States and its partners will impose crippling sanctions on whichever of the two nations either refuse the agreement or violate it. The America First leader outlined the ceasefire proposal in a post on Truth Social late Thursday, May 8, 2025.

“The U.S. calls for, ideally, a 30-day unconditional ceasefire. Hopefully, an acceptable ceasefire will be observed, and both Countries will be held accountable for respecting the sanctity of these direct negotiations,” Trump wrote, continuing: “If the ceasefire is not respected, the U.S. and its partners will impose further sanctions.”

He added: “Thousands of young soldiers are dying on a weekly basis, and everybody should want it to STOP. I do, and the United States of America does, also. As President, I will stay committed to securing Peace between Russia and Ukraine, together with the Europeans, and a Lasting Peace it will be!”

Trump emphasized that the ceasefire demand is intended to “ultimately build toward a Peace Agreement” and that it must be done “quickly.” Additionally, President Trump offered to be “available on a moment’s notice” to help broker a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine.

Earlier in the week, Trump expressed his disgust and anger with the intransigence shown by both the Russian and Ukrainian governments toward a peace deal. Meanwhile, Vice President J.D. Vance, speaking at the Munich Leaders Meeting in Washington, D.C., said that Russia is “asking for too much” in return for ending its war against neighboring Ukraine, highlighting the Trump White House’s continued frustration with reaching an elusive peace settlement.

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By Popular Demand.
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