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December 20, 2024
William Upton
Politics

House Govt Funding Fight Unravels, What Happens Next?

Last night, a group of 38 House Republicans voted against a continuing resolution (CR) backed by President-elect Donald J. Trump, which cut the entirety of the extraneous add-ons from the first bill but did include several provisions for much-needed disaster relief for the victims of several recent hurricanes and healthcare extenders. Despite the compromise—a big win for conservative House members, with the bill shrinking from over 1,500 pages in its first iteration to just 116 pages in the second version—the CR again failed under a suspension vote, putting Congress back at square one on Friday morning. There are now just over 12 hours left until a partial government shutdown at 12:01 AM on Saturday morning.

Following the defeat of the second continuing resolution, Trump upped his ask of a two-year debt ceiling suspension to a four-year suspension. “Congress must get rid of, or extend out to, perhaps, 2029, the ridiculous Debt Ceiling,” he wrote on Truth Social early Friday morning. “Without this, we should never make a deal. Remember, the pressure is on whoever is President.”

Just hours later, though, the President-elect added in a second post: “If there is going to be a shutdown of government, let it begin now, under the Biden Administration, not after January 20th, under ‘TRUMP.’ This is a Biden problem to solve, but if Republicans can help solve it, they will!”


FREEDOM CAUCUS REVOLT.

At the center of the chaos is a group of House Freedom Caucus members who do not appear to have the appetite to vote for any continuing resolution—including one that delivers a win for the Republican Party. They appear to be led by Representatives Chip Roy (R-TX), Thomas Massie (R-KY), Andy Biggs (R-AZ), Bob Good (R-VA), Rich McCormick (R-GA), Ralph Norman (R-SC), and Matt Rosendale (R-MT).

Roy and Massie suggested they are unafraid of primary challenges for defying the Trump-backed CR. “It’s real for some people, but Chip Roy can survive it. I can survive it,” Rep. Massie told POLITICO after Trump slammed Roy on Truth Social. He added: “It’ll move the needle 20 points in a race. But if you were going to win 80-20 percent you can be okay.”

Unfortunately, as the fight drags out, it increasingly becomes a concern that House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) and his leadership team will get jammed with an unfavorable spending bill sent down by the Senate.

The other path House leadership could take would be cutting a deal with Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), which would result in a continuing resolution somewhere between the 1,500-page first version and the 116-page second version—a strategic loss for conservatives watching to reduce spending.

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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30 minutes ago
Crime
Immigration

Federal Judge Rules Trump Can Deport Boulder Terror Suspect’s Family.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: A federal judge ruled that the family of Mohamed Sabry Soliman, accused of a firebomb attack on pro-Israel demonstrators, can be deported.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Mohamed Sabry Soliman, his wife, five children, U.S. District Court Judge Orlando Garcia, and Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The attack took place on June 1, 2023, in Boulder, Colorado. The ruling was issued on Wednesday, July 2.

💬KEY QUOTE: “This horrific act of terror has now claimed the life of an innocent person who was beloved by her family and friends.” – Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty.

🎯IMPACT: The ruling clears the way for the family’s deportation while Soliman faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder and federal hate crime violations.

IN FULL

A federal judge ruled Wednesday that the family of Mohamed Sabry Soliman, an Egyptian illegal alien accused of a firebomb attack on peaceful pro-Israel demonstrators in Boulder, Colorado, can be deported. U.S. District Court Judge Orlando Garcia rejected the Soliman family’s lawsuit to halt their removal, stating that the Trump administration followed proper legal procedures for deportation.

The decision overturned a temporary stay issued last month by Biden-appointed Judge Gordon Gallagher. Soliman’s wife and five children had sought to block the expedited deportation process, but Garcia ruled he lacked jurisdiction to grant their request.

The case stems from a June 1 terror attack, where Soliman allegedly threw Molotov cocktails and used homemade flamethrowers against elderly participants in a “Run for Their Lives” event supporting Israeli hostages kidnapped by Hamas on October 7, 2023. The attack injured 29 people, eight of whom were hospitalized with burns. Karen Diamond, an 82-year-old victim, died from her injuries this week.

Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty called the attack a “horrific act of terror” that took the life of a beloved community member, vowing to seek justice for the victims. Following Diamond’s death, prosecutors upgraded two of Soliman’s charges from attempted murder to first-degree murder, which carries a mandatory life sentence without parole if convicted.

Federal prosecutors charged the 45-year-old Egyptian with a 12-count indictment, including nine hate crime violations and three counts related to using fire or explosives during a felony. The indictment claims Soliman targeted the demonstration due to its support for Israeli hostages, with witnesses reporting him shouting anti-Zionist phrases like “How many children you killed” and “They are killers.”

Soliman entered the U.S. legally on a tourist visa in 2022, which expired in February 2023. Despite his unlawful status, the Biden government granted him work authorization in March 2023. After the attack, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained his wife and five children. Their deportation is expected to proceed in the coming weeks, pending any appeals.

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1 hour ago
Politics
The Resistance

EPA Places 144 Deep Staters on Leave for Signing Anti-Trump Letter.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) placed 144 officials on leave after they signed a public letter criticizing the agency’s direction under the Trump administration.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, 144 EPA officials, and over 400 current and former government employees who signed the letter.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The action was taken on Thursday at the EPA, which employs over 15,000 staff nationwide.

💬KEY QUOTE: “We have a ZERO tolerance policy for agency bureaucrats unlawfully undermining, sabotaging, and undercutting the agenda of this administration,” said Lee Zeldin.

🎯IMPACT: The decision underscores the administration’s commitment to enforcing its policies and sends a message to fifth-column staff.

IN FULL

The 144 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) employees who signed a letter criticizing the Trump administration’s reorganization of the agency and shift in its policies have been placed on leave. Sent to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin earlier this week, the letter accused the agency of sidelining environmental protections and undermining public trust. Among the complaints leveled was the EPA’s abandonment of far-left progressive environmental justice initiatives.

Speaking on the matter, Zeldin emphasized that the majority of EPA employees remain committed to implementing the Trump White House’s agenda, describing the letter as the product of a small minority. “We have a ZERO tolerance policy for agency bureaucrats unlawfully undermining, sabotaging, and undercutting the agenda of this administration as voted for by the great people of this country last November,” Zeldin said in a statement.

“Unfortunately, a small number of employees signed onto a public letter, written as agency employees, using their official work title, that was riddled with misinformation regarding agency business,” Zeldin stated, adding: “Our ZERO tolerance policy is in full force and effect and will be unapologetically implemented unconditionally.”

The letter, signed by more than 400 current and former government officials, listed five primary concerns, including claims that the EPA is ignoring science, gutting environmental justice initiatives, and fostering a “culture of fear.” However, only 144 signatories were identified as active EPA employees, with the rest being former Biden government appointees, retirees, or individuals from other agencies who signed anonymously or under pseudonyms.

Since taking office, Zeldin has focused on rolling back regulations he argues are overburdensome and harm economic growth, while targeting wasteful green spending programs introduced during the Biden government. The National Pulse has previously reported that under Zeldin’s leadership, the agency uncovered a $14 billion scheme that saw taxpayer dollars funneled by the Biden-era EPA to an external account with Citibank, which disbursed the funds to three Democrat-aligned environmental nonprofits. Notably, one of the nonprofit groups, which received $2 billion in grants, is affiliated with Georgia election denier Stacy Abrams.

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By Popular Demand.
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2 hours ago
Crime
Immigration

Boxer Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. Has Been Arrested by ICE for Alleged Cartel Ties.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Mexican boxer Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. has been arrested and is facing “expedited removal” from the U.S. over allegations of cartel involvement in his home country.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Former middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., son of legendary three-weight world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Sr., U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the Sinaloa Cartel.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Chavez Jr. was arrested on Wednesday, July 2, as announced by DHS on Thursday, July 3, 2025.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Under President Trump, no one is above the law—including world-famous athletes,” said DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin.

🎯IMPACT: Chavez Jr. faces deportation proceedings from the United States.

IN FULL

Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., a well-known Mexican boxer and son of the legendary three-weight world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Sr., has been arrested by U.S. immigration authorities over alleged ties to Mexican organized crime. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on Thursday that Chavez Jr. is being processed for “expedited removal” from the United States.

“Under President Trump, no one is above the law—including world-famous athletes,” DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin said. According to DHS, Chavez Jr. has “an active arrest warrant in Mexico for his involvement in organized crime and trafficking firearms, ammunition, and explosives.”

The arrest was carried out by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Wednesday. Federal officials state that Chavez Jr., originally from Mexico’s Sinaloa region, is allegedly linked to the infamous Sinaloa Cartel. In February this year, the Sinaloa Cartel was designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) by President Donald J. Trump.

Notably, the boxer legally entered the United States in 2023 on a B2 tourist visa, which expired in February of last year. Subsequently, on April 2, 2024, Chavez Jr. filed for Lawful Permanent Resident status, citing his marriage to a U.S. citizen. “Chavez’s application was based on his marriage to a U.S. citizen, who is connected to the Sinaloa Cartel through a prior relationship with the now-deceased son of the infamous cartel leader Joaquin ‘El Chapo’ Guzman,” DHS revealed.

“On December 17, 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services made a referral to ICE that Chavez is an egregious public safety threat,” the department noted, adding: “However, an entry in a DHS law enforcement system under the Biden administration indicated Chavez was not an immigration enforcement priority.” According to the arrest announcement, Chavez Jr. re-entered the United States on January 4, 2025, and was paroled by the Biden government. The Trump administration determined on January 27, 2025, that the boxer had made “multiple fraudulent statements on his application to become a Lawful Permanent Resident,” making his continued U.S. residency unlawful.

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By Popular Demand.
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2 hours ago
News
UK

Farage: Rock Legend Rod Stewart’s Surprise Endorsement Shows ‘Millions’ Are Now Thinking Differently.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Rock legend Rod Stewart has endorsed Nigel Farage’s Reform Party, with the Trump ally expressing surprise and praising Stewart’s performance at the Glastonbury Festival.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Nigel Farage, Rod Stewart.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Farage made his comments on British radio on July 3.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Politically, I never would have expected him to say that, but I think he’s reflecting what many millions of the country are reflecting.” — Nigel Farage

🎯IMPACT: The endorsement shows a broadening acceptance and support for Reform UK among celebrities and mainstream figures as the party leads in many national polls.

IN FULL

Nigel Farage has praised rock legend Rod Stewart’s Glastonbury set as the highlight that “saved” the festival, following a storm of controversy over an anti-Semitic and anti-British performance aired live by the BBC. Stewart closed the weekend’s Legends slot on the Pyramid Stage, joined by fellow icons Lulu and Ronnie Wood.

Farage took aim at the BBC for broadcasting punk-rap artist Bob Vylan’s set, during which he led the crowd in chanting “Death, death to the IDF” and performed a song including the lyrics, “I heard you want your country back? Shut the f**k up… you can’t have that!”

Farage said Stewart’s classic set that brought a sense of unity and relief: “Thank goodness, at the end, for Lulu and Rod Stewart! That sort of saved the whole thing, didn’t it, really?” The Reform Party leader also expressed surprise that Stewart had endorsed him and his party, saying it was not something he expected.

“Politically, I never would have expected him to say that, but I think he’s reflecting what many millions of the country are reflecting,” he said. Stewart expressed his support during an interview, saying, “We’re fed up with the Tories. We’ve got to give Farage a chance. He’s coming across well.”

Farage also slammed the BBC’s handling of the Bob Vylan incident, questioning why the broadcaster, with 400 staff on-site, failed to cut the controversial stream. “They should have used the delay, which they could have done quite comfortably,” Farage said. “Why did no one exercise any discretion at all?”

The BBC has since admitted fault, saying: “The team were dealing with a live situation but with hindsight we should have pulled the stream during the performance. We regret this did not happen.”

Meanwhile, Bob Vylan has been dropped by the UTA talent agency in the wake of the performance. President Donald J. Trump’s administration has also revoked the duo’s visas, meaning they cannot perform in the United States.

Image by Owain.davies.

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3 hours ago
News
World

This European NATO Member Just Started Drafting Women.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Mandatory military conscription has been introduced for women as well as men in Denmark, with all over-18s required to enroll in a national service lottery.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The Danish Armed Forces, Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen, and Chief of Defense General Michael Wiggers Hyldgaard.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Effective immediately for young women turning 18, across Denmark.

💬KEY QUOTE: “[G]et used to the fact that every citizen capable of bearing arms, and not just men, is obligated to contribute to the defense of the fatherland. – Danish Armed Forces.

🎯IMPACT: The policy expands the recruitment base for Denmark, a NATO and European Union (EU) member, at a time when the West is increasingly close to open conflict with Russia.

IN FULL

Men and women in Denmark are now subject to equal conscription requirements, as the government expands its mandatory military service program in response to what it describes as a deteriorating security situation in Europe.

Young women turning 18 on or after this week will receive “invitations” to attend a military base on Denmark’s national ‘defense day’ for assessment. If deemed fit, they will be entered into a lottery, and those selected will be legally obligated to serve. Previously, conscription applied only to men.

The Danish Armed Forces described the inclusion of women as a “historic change” and warned Danes to “get used to the fact that every citizen capable of bearing arms, and not just men, is obligated to contribute to the defense of the fatherland.” Additionally, chronic health conditions such as diabetes and asthma no longer automatically disqualify individuals, with assessments now tailored to specific roles within the military.

The length of mandatory service will now be more than twice as long, increasing to 11 months. This will include five months of training followed by six months in active service. Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen emphasized the seriousness of the European security situation, stating, “A broader basis for recruiting that includes all genders is needed.”

Denmark joins other European nations in revisiting conscription policies. Sweden reinstated the draft in 2017 and included women, citing Russian aggression as a key factor. Norway became the first NATO member to conscript women in 2013, while Germany is reconsidering its decision to end conscription in 2011. The United Kingdom has also faced recruitment challenges, with former Defense Minister Ben Wallace expressing admiration for Sweden’s model.

European states are also now looking to spend more money on their militaries, with many responding to pressure from U.S. President Donald J. Trump to pull their weight more by pledging to increase spending to required NATO minimums or higher. Germany, in particular, has promised billions of dollars towards rearmament amid the ongoing tensions with Russia.

Image via NATO.

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4 hours ago
William Upton
Politics

BREAKING: ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ Passes the House, Heads to Trump’s Desk.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: House Republicans have adopted a final version of the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which passed the chamber largely on a party-line vote. The legislation enacting much of President Donald J. Trump’s domestic policy agenda will now head to the White House for the America First leader’s signature.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Trump, House Republicans, Vice President J.D. Vance, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY).

📍WHEN & WHERE: The procedural vote to advance the bill began Wednesday evening and concluded early Thursday morning in the U.S. House of Representatives, clearing the way for the legislation’s final passage.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Trump was directly engaged, as he always is, and that was very important.” – House Speaker Mike Johnson.

🎯IMPACT: The bill extends Trump’s 2017 tax cuts and fulfills other economic promises, including Trump’s no tax on tips, overtime, and social security campaign pledge. The passage of the “One Big Beautiful Bill” marks a significant political victory for the America First leader.

IN FULL

House Republicans voted to adopt the “One Big Beautiful Bill” on Thursday largely along party lines, following delays that began on Wednesday evening. The landmark legislation enacts much of President Donald J. Trump’s domestic policy agenda; extending his 2017 tax cuts, fulfilling his campaign pledge for no tax on tips, no tax on social security, no tax on overtime, and providing significant increases in funding for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The procedural vote began at approximately 9:30 PM on Wednesday and concluded at 3:20 AM on Thursday. Much like the bill’s passage in the Senate, Congressional leadership was forced to keep the floor vote open for an extended period as Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) and the Trump White House worked to flip five Republican holdouts.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) spoke before the final vote, abusing party leaders’ right to unlimited debate time to ramble for close to nine hours. Vice President J.D. Vance noted that a Republican Congressman texted him, stating, “I was undecided on the bill but then I watched Hakeem Jeffries’ performance and now I’m a firm yes.”

Meanwhile, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) lauded President Trump’s involvement in securing the votes for the bill’s final passage. “Trump was directly engaged, as he always is, and that was very important,” Johnson said. He added that members sought assurances from Trump regarding the bill and future plans, which helped solidify support.

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5 hours ago
Media
TECH

Trump DOJ Targets Media-Tech Alliance in Antitrust Lawsuit.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The Department of Justice (DOJ) has entered a legal battle involving allegations that major media outlets and tech corporations coordinated to suppress independent journalism through the Trusted News Initiative (TNI).

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Plaintiffs include Children’s Health Defense (CHD), independent publishers, and reporters. Defendants include TNI participants such as the BBC, Reuters, The Associated Press (AP), The Washington Post, and tech firms like Google, Meta, and Microsoft.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The lawsuit was filed in 2023, with the DOJ filing its notice of intent last week in federal court.

💬KEY QUOTE: The DOJ highlighted the CHD lawsuit’s focus on “anticompetitive collusion among competitors over product features” as of particular interest.

🎯IMPACT: The DOJ’s involvement could signal a shift in addressing anticompetitive practices and bolster the plaintiffs’ case against TNI.

IN FULL

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is entering a legal battle challenging an alliance between establishment media outlets and technology corporations accused of stifling independent journalism. According to the lead plaintiff, the Children’s Health Defense (CHD), the Trusted News Initiative (TNI)—a BBC-led international consortium that includes the likes of Reuters, The Associated Press (AP), and The Washington Post—unlawfully coordinated with technology companies to throttle independent media competitors by labeling their reporting as “misinformation” or “disinformation.”

In federal filings, the plaintiffs argue that the collusion between TNI and the technology industry constitutes a violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act, contending the scheme is an anti-competitive practice. While the lawsuit was initially filed in 2023, it languished in federal court until last week, when the DOJ indicated it would soon submit a statement of interest in the case. Notably, a statement of interest is a filing where the DOJ informs a court of its stance on a particular legal issue or argument. Specifically, the DOJ highlighted the CHD lawsuit’s focus on “anticompetitive collusion among competitors over product features” as of particular interest.

Mary Holland, the CEO of CHD, welcomed the Trump administration’s involvement in the case, which could help advance the lawsuit. Plaintiffs argue that the collusion between TNI and social media companies resulted in shadow bans and targeted content removals under the guise of fighting “disinformation.” The plaintiffs state these measures were aimed at restricting their media reach and ability to conduct business.

Founded by the BBC’s former Chief of Staff, Jessica Cecil, TNI publicly presents itself as an international coalition of media outlets, technology corporations, and social media companies working to counter “disinformation.” However, CHD and its co-plaintiffs contend that the organization’s true purpose is to protect the corporate media’s market monopoly, using anti-competitive practices to stifle independent news companies.

In court filings, they cite comments by figures close to TNI’s operations, like former BBC news controller Jamie Angus, who stated that independent media competitors had unleashed “a tidal wave of unchecked [reporting] that’s being piped out mainly through digital platforms.”

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6 hours ago
News

Iran Halts Cooperation with UN Nuclear Watchdog.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Iran suspended its cooperation with the United Nations’ International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) following the ratification of a new law.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, the IAEA, and Israeli officials.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The legislation was signed on July 2, following airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities last month.

💬KEY QUOTE: “An international treaty, of course, takes precedence. You cannot invoke an internal law not to abide with an international treaty,” insisted IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi.

🎯IMPACT: Iran has put conditions on resuming cooperation while signaling hesitation to reengage in talks with the U.S. on its nuclear program.

IN FULL

Iran has suspended its cooperation with the United Nations‘ International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) nuclear watchdog, with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s approving legislation ending the Islamic Republic’s collaboration with the agency. The ratification occurred on July 2, following Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities last month.

Iran claims its nuclear activities are for peaceful purposes, but the IAEA said it had been enriching uranium to near-weapons grade in violation of its obligations prior to Israel’s strikes. These claimed the lives of 14 Iranian nuclear scientists, according to the Israelis.

The Iranians claim they will continue to work within the framework of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, but this requires cooperation with the IAEA.

“That implies that they have to work with the agency,” IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said. “An international treaty, of course, takes precedence. You cannot invoke an internal law not to abide with an international treaty,” he continued. “But Iran is not saying that at the moment, and I think this is constructive.”

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has said Iran will not reengage without assurances “that America will not revert back to targeting us in a military attack during the negotiations,” although he added that the “doors of diplomacy will never slam shut.”

After 12 days of conflict, Iran and Israel agreed to an uneasy ceasefire orchestrated by the Trump administration, which has held so far.

Image via IAEA.

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7 hours ago
Politics

Musk’s DOGE Record in Question as Federal Workforce Is Down Barely 1%.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Federal workforce data reveals a reduction of over 23,000 positions under the Trump administration as part of efforts to streamline government operations.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Donald J. Trump, former Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) frontman Elon Musk, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), and career federal workers.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Data reflects changes between September 30, 2024, and March 31, 2025, across federal agencies in the United States.

💬KEY QUOTE: “The American people deserve a government that is lean, efficient, and focused on core priorities.” – Acting OPM Director Charles Ezell

🎯IMPACT: The reduction, equivalent to around one percent of the federal workforce, marks a step toward President Trump’s goal of a smaller, more accountable government, but suggests Musk’s high-profile efforts at DOGE were lacklustre.

IN FULL

Federal workforce data from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) shows a reduction of more than 23,000 positions between September 30, 2024, and March 31, 2025. The total number of federal employees decreased from 2,313,216 to 2,289,472 during this period. This change reflects the Trump administration’s early efforts to streamline government operations and reduce bureaucracy.

“That’s just through the end of March. So I suspect those numbers will be higher by the end of September this year, which is when a lot of the early retirement packages–and buyouts–go into effect,” said Alex Nowrasteh, vice president for economic and social policy studies at the Cato Institute. However, he added, “This is not enough shrinkage in the federal workforce.” Acting OPM Director Charles Ezell described the reduction as “the first measurable step toward President Trump’s vision of a disciplined, accountable federal workforce.”

The reduction follows an executive order signed by President Donald J. Trump in February, directing the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to coordinate with federal agencies to implement staffing cuts. OPM data indicates that while agencies averaged 23,000 new hires monthly from April 2024 to January 2025, that number dropped by nearly 70 percent to just 7,385 per month after the hiring freeze took effect.

Former DOGE frontman Elon Musk claimed he could reduce the federal workforce substantially, enjoying a high public profile for his efforts before leaving the administration and turning against President Trump. However, economists like Peter Morici have noted that, “Basically, Elon Musk poured a few teacups of ice water into the ocean to combat its rising temperature.”

OPM also reported that “hundreds of thousands more workers” are expected to leave in October 2025 under the Deferred Resignation Program. Notably, tens of thousands of employees remain on the payroll due to Democratic Party lawfare that has secured several federal court orders hampering the Trump administration’s efforts.

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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7 hours ago
News

Bezos-Funded, Musk-Launched Climate Change Satellite Is Lost in Space.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: An $88 million satellite designed to detect methane emissions has been lost in space.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), Jeff Bezos, Google, and Elon Musk’s SpaceX were key entities behind the MethaneSat project.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The satellite was launched last year aboard a SpaceX rocket, with communication reportedly lost ten days ago.

💬KEY QUOTE: “To solve the climate challenge requires bold action and risk-taking and this satellite was at the leading edge of science, technology and advocacy,” said the Environmental Defense Fund in a statement.

🎯IMPACT: The loss of MethaneSat limits global efforts to monitor methane emissions, supposedly a key factor in supposedly human-induced global warming.

IN FULL

MethaneSat, an $88 million satellite designed to detect and monitor methane emissions, has been declared “likely not recoverable” after losing communication. The satellite, launched last year aboard one of Elon Musk‘s SpaceX rockets, was intended to operate for five years and provide data to track methane, which climate change alarmists have pushed as a key source of emissions.

The Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), which oversaw the project, stated that communication was lost ten days ago and suggested that the satellite may have lost power. “Some of the software could be re-used,” the EDF noted, but it is uncertain whether a replacement satellite will be launched.

MethaneSat was backed by major contributors, including Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezos and Google, who together funded the $88 million initiative. The satellite’s advanced instruments were capable of detecting smaller sources of methane emissions, including those from agriculture and “super-emitters” in the oil and gas industries. Google had planned to use its artificial intelligence (AI) tools to process the satellite’s data and generate a global methane map.

The loss of MethaneSat comes as other key methane-monitoring tools, such as the European Space Agency’s Sentinel-5P satellite, approach the end of their operational lifespans. Such tools have been used to push anti-farmer policy agendas in the European Union (EU) and elsewhere, with policymakers attempting to constrain Western agriculture in the name of mitigating climate change. However, critics of the policies say the real goal is to repurpose farmland to build accommodation for migrants and others.

Image by Daniel Oberhaus.

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