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February 24, 2025
Economy
TECH

Apple Commits $500 Billion to U.S. Investment In Response to Pressure from Trump.

Apple announced on Monday its intention to invest $500 billion in the United States over the next five years, including plans to create 20,000 jobs and build artificial intelligence (AI) servers. The move is seen as a response to pressure from President Donald J. Trump and his plans to impose tariffs on foreign imports from countries with tariffs on American exports.

The company’s latest ventures include constructing a server factory in Houston by 2026 and establishing a manufacturing academy in Detroit. Existing data centers across several states—including Arizona, California, Iowa, Nevada, North Carolina, Oregon, and Washington—will also receive investment for expansion.

This recent pledge builds upon Apple’s earlier U.S. expansion. In 2021, it committed to investing $430 billion domestically over five years. In 2018, Apple announced a $350 billion investment in the American economy, promising the creation of 20,000 jobs. Additionally, Apple confirmed that an Arizona facility owned by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. has begun producing valuable semiconductor chips.

President Trump, who met with Apple CEO Tim Cook last week, suggested his tariff threats influenced the new plans. “APPLE HAS JUST ANNOUNCED A RECORD 500 BILLION DOLLAR INVESTMENT IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” the America First leader wrote, adding: “THE REASON, FAITH IN WHAT WE ARE DOING, WITHOUT WHICH, THEY WOULD’NT BE INVESTING TEN CENTS. THANK YOU TIM COOK AND APPLE!!!”

Despite the planned domestic U.S. expansion, Apple’s core products, like the iPhone, will remain manufactured abroad.

Apple stated that its new hires will primarily focus on research, development, engineering, and AI. “We are bullish on the future of American innovation, and we’re proud to build on our long-standing U.S. investments with this $500 billion commitment to our country’s future,” CEO Tim Cook said in a statement, adding: “And we’ll keep working with people and companies across this country to help write an extraordinary new chapter in the history of American innovation.”

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By Popular Demand.
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10 minutes ago
News
Sports

Teen Girls Are Suing This Dem State for Letting Males Into Their Sports.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Three teenage girls filed a lawsuit against the State of Oregon over policies allowing trans-identifying males to compete in female sports.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Plaintiffs Maddie Eischen and Sophia Carpenter, an unnamed third plaintiff, Riley Gaines, Simone Biles, the Oregon Department of Education, the Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA), and Governor Tina Kotek (D).

📍WHEN & WHERE: The lawsuit follows an April track meet in Oregon and was filed with support from the America First Policy Institute.

💬KEY QUOTE: “This case is a landmark federal challenge to a statewide policy that permits males to compete in K–12 girls’ sports based on nothing more than self-proclaimed gender identity.” – America First Policy Institute

🎯IMPACT: The lawsuit challenges Oregon’s policy under Title IX, aiming to protect the integrity of women’s sports.

IN FULL

Three teenage girls have filed a lawsuit against the State of Oregon, challenging laws that permit biological males claiming to be transgender to compete against women and girls in sports. The incident that led to the lawsuit occurred in April at an Oregon track meet, where plaintiffs Maddie Eischen and Sophia Carpenter refused to compete against a trans-identifying male athlete. A third plaintiff, a legal minor, is only identified as S.C. and is represented by her legal guardians, Randy and Tiffany Castaneda.

The America First Policy Institute (AFPI) is representing the three girls, with court filings arguing that Oregon’s policy allowing biologically male athletes to compete against women and girls violates Title IX. “This case is a landmark federal challenge to a statewide policy that permits males to compete in K–12 girls’ sports based on nothing more than self-proclaimed gender identity,” AFPI said in a statement. “That policy, enforced by the Oregon Department of Education and the Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA), violates the plain language of Title IX and undermines decades of progress for female students and athletes.”

Two of the plaintiffs, Maddie Eischen and Sophia Carpenter, stated that they were inspired to act after witnessing a public dispute between pro-transgender former Olympic gymnast Simone Biles and pro-women conservative activist Riley Gaines. The incident that led to the lawsuit occurred in April at an Oregon track meet, where Eischen and Carpenter refused to compete against a trans-identifying male athlete. Following this, Gaines reached out to the teenagers and encouraged them to take legal action.

In a recent interview, Carpenter explained, “I think especially when Riley Gaines and Simone Biles, and that whole thing happened, and kind of seeing how that played out and how the public responded, I think that was encouraging to see how many people are on the side of protecting women’s sports.”

Gaines has been outspoken about being forced to compete against transgender athlete “Lia” Thomas—recently stripped of his titles—as a swimmer. Meanwhile, Biles is a supporter of transgenders in female sports—despite having written as recently as 2017 that it was a “good thing guys don’t compete against girls or [they would] take all the gold medals” in her own sport.

Oregon’s Department of Education, the OSAA, and Governor Tina Kotek (D) are listed as defendants in the lawsuit.

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By Popular Demand.
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50 minutes ago
Economy

Trump Tariffs Target Another Seven Nations.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump issued tariff letters to seven countries on Wednesday. This follows his announcement on Monday of the imposition of trade duties on a number of countries, including Japan and South Korea.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Countries targeted were the Philippines, Brunei, Moldova, Algeria, Libya, Iraq, and Sri Lanka.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Letters were sent on Wednesday, with tariffs set to begin August 1. Meanwhile, discussions with the European Union (EU) bloc and a number of individual nations remain ongoing.

💬KEY QUOTE: “You guys are going to fight, we’re not going to trade. And we seem to be quite successful in doing that.” – Donald Trump

🎯IMPACT: The tariffs aim to address trade imbalances and boost American manufacturing.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump has announced new tariffs targeting seven smaller U.S. trading partners, including the Philippines, Brunei, Moldova, Algeria, Libya, Iraq, and Sri Lanka. The tariffs, ranging from 20 percent to 30 percent, will take effect on August 1. Notably, the move follows the America First leader’s imposition of trade duties on Japan and South Korea this past Monday, along with a number of other nations.

The Trump administration has consistently contended that tariffs are a tool to address long-standing trade imbalances and bolster the U.S. economy. During a meeting with African leaders on Wednesday afternoon, Trump emphasized how his trade policies are also serving a key diplomatic purpose, highlighting his administration’s successful facilitation of peace deals between India and Pakistan, as well as Rwanda and Congo. According to Trump, trade “seems to be a foundation” for his success in settling foreign disputes, adding: “You guys are going to fight, we’re not going to trade. And we seem to be quite successful in doing that.”

The letters, posted on Truth Social, followed a 90-day negotiation period that saw the imposition of a 10 percent global tariff. Trump indicated there would be no extensions for the targeted countries. The tariffs are part of a broader strategy that includes recent import taxes of 25 percent on Japan and South Korea. The European Union (EU), a frequent focus of Trump’s trade grievances, has not yet received similar tariff letters.

Critics argue that the tariffs could worsen inflation and slow economic growth, though economic data has yet to show the traded duties producing any inflationary pressure. In fact, as The National Pulse noted in past reporting, tariffs have historically generated a degree of deflationary pressure.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration asserts that the measures will reduce trade deficits and encourage the return of manufacturing jobs to the United States.

America often finds itself at an unfair disadvantage competing against foreign countries where pay and conditions are poor, governments subsidise their producers, or American goods are themselves subject to punitive tariff and non-tariff barriers, if not a combination of all three.

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By Popular Demand.
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1 hour ago
Jack Montgomery
Immigration

Trump Tightens Travel Restrictions on Nigerians.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The Trump administration has restricted temporary visas for Nigerians, limiting most to single-entry visas valid for only three months.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Donald J. Trump, the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria, and Nigerian travelers.

📍WHEN & WHERE: United States and Nigeria, July 2025.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Effective immediately, most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to citizens of Nigeria will be single-entry visas with a three-month validity period.” – U.S. Embassy in Abuja.

🎯IMPACT: The move is part of broader Trump-era security measures affecting African nations, raising diplomatic tensions and threatening future trade opportunities with West Africa.

IN FULL

Temporary-stay visas for Nigerians visiting the United States have been slashed to three months and are now limited to single entry only. The change, announced by the U.S. Embassy in Abuja, follows a wave of travel restrictions under President Donald Trump’s administration.

The embassy’s statement on Tuesday framed the move as an “update to its reciprocal non-immigrant visa policy,” noting that it impacts several countries, including Nigeria. Previously, visa durations and terms varied widely depending on the applicant’s purpose of travel.

The visa clampdown comes shortly after Trump ordered sweeping travel bans and restrictions affecting nationals from more than a dozen countries, citing concerns about national security and insufficient vetting systems. Citizens of Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Libya, Somalia, and Sudan were banned outright. Chad responded by suspending U.S. visa issuances in return.

“In my first term, my powerful travel restrictions were one of our most successful policies, and they were a key part of preventing major foreign terror attacks on American soil,” Trump said at the time, adding, “We will not let what happened in Europe happen to America.”

The Trump administration’s broader immigration crackdown has intensified scrutiny on African nations and sparked concern among diplomats and trade partners. The latest decision to curtail Nigerian travel is seen as part of a larger pattern of policy designed to overhaul and harden American entry requirements.

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By Popular Demand.
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2 hours ago
TECH

Did X’s CEO Resign Because She Couldn’t Keep Musk in Check?

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Linda Yaccarino announced her resignation as CEO of X (formerly Twitter), following controversies involving the platform’s AI assistant, Grok. Some—including former Trump White House Chief Strategist and WarRoom host Stephen K. Bannon—speculate that Yaccarino’s exit was precipitated by her inability to keep the social media platform’s owner, Elon Musk, in check.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Linda Yaccarino, Elon Musk, Stephen K. Bannon, and, indirectly, President Donald J. Trump.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Yaccarino announced her resignation on Wednesday, after serving two years as CEO of X.

💬KEY QUOTE: “After two incredible years, I’ve decided to step down as CEO of X.” – Linda Yaccarino

🎯IMPACT: Yaccarino’s departure fuels speculation about internal issues at X and coincides with tensions between Elon Musk and President Donald Trump.

IN FULL

Elon Musk reacted briefly on Wednesday to Linda Yaccarino‘s resignation as CEO of his X platform (formerly Twitter), after two years in the role, brusquely responding to her announcement: “Thank you for your contributions.” The terse reply from Musk is fueling speculation that Yaccarino’s departure was driven by deeper issues than those with X’s AI assistant, Grok, which recently drew backlash for praising Adolf Hitler, among other inappropriate behaviors.

Yaccarino took to X to share her decision, writing, “After two incredible years, I’ve decided to step down as CEO of X. When [Elon Musk] and I first spoke of his vision for X, I knew it would be the opportunity of a lifetime to carry out the extraordinary mission of this company. I’m immensely grateful to him for entrusting me with the responsibility of protecting free speech, turning the company around, and transforming X into the Everything App.” Musk acquired the social media platform—then known as Twitter—in 2022 for $44 billion.

The exchange between Musk and Yaccarino is driving speculation that the latter’s exit was more driven by her inability to assert control over the billionaire technology mogul, especially regarding his ongoing political spat with President Donald J. Trump. For instance, former White House Chief Strategist Stephen K. Bannon, referring to Musk as “Elmo,” contended that Yaccarino’s resignation was entirely because of Musk’s antics.

“We understand why you are stepping down and why you’re running. That Elmo’s out of control. Sorry, baby, that came with the job. You took the job, you took the pay, you took the warrants, you took the stock options, you took all the hundreds of millions of dollars you’re going to make,” Bannon argued.

“No, if you can’t keep Elmo in the nursery and keep him under control, you’re gonna pay a price. You are gonna pay the price. It doesn’t matter that you’re resigning today, baby. The whole scam over there, the whole complete scam of Elmo is going to be taken apart brick by brick, OK?”

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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By Popular Demand.
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3 hours ago
Crime
Immigration

Trump CBP: Green Card Migrants With Criminal Records Will Be Deported.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Federal authorities have warned that green card holders with criminal records face detention and deportation for violating immigration laws.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and immigrants and their advocates.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The warning was issued recently on X (formerly Twitter), with enforcement actions occurring across the United States.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Possessing a green card is a privilege, not a right,” Customs and Border Protection confirmed on X.

🎯IMPACT: Green card holders with criminal histories or those accused of supporting extremist activities face heightened scrutiny, detention, and potential deportation.

IN FULL

Federal immigration officials are warning migrants with lawful permanent resident status that they still face deportation if they have criminal records. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) says green card holders found to be violating criminal law or immigration law face revocation of their legal residency and deportation.

CBP emphasized the seriousness of this issue in a recent statement on X, formerly Twitter, writing: “Under our nation’s laws, our government has the authority to revoke your green card if our laws are broken and abused.”

The agency also warned that lawful permanent residents arriving at U.S. ports of entry who have criminal convictions may be detained and could undergo removal proceedings. This notice aligns with broader enforcement policies under the Trump administration, prioritizing tougher immigration measures, including much stronger border control, removing illegals, and heightened scrutiny of those with legal status.

Amelia Wilson, assistant professor at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law and director of the Immigration Justice Clinic, complains that green cards should not be taken away without due process. “The Department of Homeland Security cannot unilaterally ‘revoke’ a permanent resident’s status,“ Wilson insists. “There is a process the agency must follow, including serving the individual with a ‘Notice of Intent to Rescind,’ at which time that individual is entitled to a hearing before an immigration judge.“

In a separate post on X, Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated the administration’s stance on national security concerns tied to immigration enforcement, stating: “We will be revoking the visas and/or green cards of Hamas supporters in America so they can be deported.”

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) echoed this approach, warning that permanent residents and visa holders could lose their immigration privileges if they are found to have committed crimes, supported terrorism, or engaged in activities threatening public safety.

These moves come as the Trump administration is also pushing to denaturalize immigrants who have acquired U.S. citizenship, if they are found to have lied during the naturalization process or committed crimes, among other transgressions.

The Trump administration has also launched online campaigns encouraging illegal immigrants to self-deport and promoting arrests of individuals with criminal histories as part of a broader crackdown.

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By Popular Demand.
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4 hours ago
War
World

Trump Is Getting Tired of Putin’s ‘Bulls**t.’

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin during a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, former President Barack Obama.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Tuesday, during a Cabinet meeting held in Washington, D.C.

💬KEY QUOTE: “We get a lot of bulls**t thrown at us by Putin, if you want to know the truth. He’s very nice all the time, but it turns out to be meaningless.” – Donald Trump

🎯IMPACT: Trump highlighted the differences in U.S. military aid to Ukraine under his administration compared to Obama’s, implying he will begin applying significantly more pressure to Russia if the Kremlin remains unserious about making peace.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump took a strong line on Russian leader Vladimir Putin during his Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, calling out what he described as the Russian leader’s “bullshit” on the Ukraine war. “That was a war that should never have happened. And a lot of people are dying and it should end. And I don’t know, we get… we get a lot of bullshit thrown at us by Putin, if you want to know the truth. He’s very nice all the time, but it turns out to be meaningless,” he said.

Often portrayed as a Russia sympathizer or even a Russian puppet—without evidence—by his detractors, Trump stressed that his first administration was far more helpful to Ukraine than Barack Obama’s. “I gave them the Javelins. Remember? They said, ‘Trump gave them javelins and Obama gave them sheets.’ Right. They called Obama at that time, Barack Hussein Obama, if you haven’t heard, he did a terrible job,” Trump said.

In 2014, amid Russia’s annexation of Crimea, the Obama administration opted to provide Ukraine with non-lethal assistance, including medical supplies and blankets. Trump, by contrast, approved the sale of Javelin anti-tank missiles to Ukraine in 2017.

By referencing his first administration’s military support for Ukraine, Trump likely intended to imply that Russia could expect the U.S. to begin ramping up assistance to Ukraine again if the Kremlin remains unserious about making peace.

Trump also blamed former President Joe Biden’s 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan for emboldening Putin to invade Ukraine in 2022. “I think that had you not had the situation in Afghanistan, I don’t think Putin would have gotten in. I think when he looked at how stupid and incompetent that operation was, he said, ‘wow, this might be a chance,’” Trump argued.

Trump stressed that while European countries have contributed to supporting Ukraine, the United States has carried the heaviest burden. He ended by endorsing the resumption of certain defensive weapons shipments to Ukraine. “Putin is not treating human beings right. He’s killing too many people,” he emphasized.

On Wednesday, Putin spokesman Dmitry Peskov struck a cautious tone on Trump’s statements, saying the Kremlin was “pretty calm about this.”

“Trump’s way of talking is generally quite harsh… [W]e plan to continue our dialogue with Washington to mend our broken bilateral relations [and] we hope that Trump and his team will continue their efforts to get the peace process back to the realm of diplomacy,” Peskov said.

In June, Trump adopted a harsh tone against Iran and especially Israel when a ceasefire between them appeared to be slipping away, ultimately pressuring them both into ending their operations.

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4 hours ago
Education

Trump Admin to Subpoena Harvard for Data on Foreign Agitators.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The Trump administration announced plans to issue subpoenas to Harvard University for information about alleged misconduct involving foreign students.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Department of Education, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and Harvard University.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The announcement was made on Wednesday, July 9, with actions targeting Harvard University.

💬KEY QUOTE: “We tried to do things the easy way with Harvard. Now, through their refusal to cooperate, we have to do things the hard way,” said DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin.

🎯IMPACT: The move could lead to Harvard losing its accreditation, affecting student eligibility for federal financial aid.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump’s Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on Wednesday that it intends to issue subpoenas for information Harvard University may have on any misconduct, anti-Semitism, or illegal activities connected to foreign students. The move marks the latest escalation in an ongoing dispute between the Trump White House and Harvard that has already seen the Ivy League institution potentially lose billions in federal funding.

In addition to the subpoenas announced by DHS, the Departments of Education and Health and Human Services (HHS) revealed they have notified Harvard’s accreditor that the university violated federal law by failing to address reported harassment of Jewish students. Consequently, Harvard could lose its accreditation, potentially making its students ineligible for federal financial assistance.

Notably, the administrative subpoenas from DHS are in response to Harvard refusing to provide requested information regarding its Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification. “We tried to do things the easy way with Harvard. Now, through their refusal to cooperate, we have to do things the hard way,” said DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin in a statement.

The National Pulse reported in late May that President Trump had drawn a firm line on Harvard’s refusal to hand over the names of its foreign students to his administration. “Harvard wants to fight. They want to show how smart they are, and they’re getting their ass kicked,” Trump said at the time.

Already, the Trump administration has frozen $3 billion in federal funding, moved to strip Harvard of its SEVP certification, and blocked new foreign visa appointments.

Image by Adam Fagen.

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By Popular Demand.
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5 hours ago
Politics
Sports

Trump Admin Sues California for Keeping Males in Female Sports.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The Trump administration has filed a lawsuit against the California Department of Education (CDE) and California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) over the state’s policy of allowing biological male athletes to compete against women and girls.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The Trump administration, California Governor Gavin Newsom (D), U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and transgender athletes such as A.B. Hernandez.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The lawsuit, filed on July 9, 205, follows California’s rejection of a federal resolution agreement on Monday.

💬KEY QUOTE: The lawsuit states that, in addition to requiring women and girls to compete against males, California policy “also require[s] girls to share intimate spaces, such as locker rooms, with boys, causing a hostile educational environment that denies girls educational opportunities.”

🎯IMPACT: The lawsuit escalates the conflict over biological male athletes’ participation in women’s sports and raises questions about federal funding and Title IX compliance in California.

IN FULL

The Trump administration has filed a lawsuit against California’s Department of Education (CDE) and California Interscholastic Federation (CIF), citing the state’s continued allowance of biological male athletes to compete in women’s sports in violation of Title IX. The move comes after California rejected a federal resolution agreement on the issue on Monday.

President Donald J. Trump had previously signed an executive order in February 2025, banning transgender athletes from competing in women’s divisions and calling for biology-based definitions of “male” and “female.” Despite this, California has permitted such participation, prompting federal action.

The lawsuit follows high-profile incidents involving transgenders in female sports, including A.B. Hernandez, a biological male, winning gold in the high jump and triple jump at the California Interscholastic Federation state finals in May. Hernandez also dominated a triple jump competition in March, sparking protests from parents.

Notably, the lawsuit cites safety issues as well as sporting fairness, noting that California policy “also require[s] girls to share intimate spaces, such as locker rooms, with boys, causing a hostile educational environment that denies girls educational opportunities.”

After California rejected a federal resolution agreement on Monday, U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon announced the matter had been referred to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for legal action. She warned in a post on X (formerly Twitter) that “California will be hearing from Attorney General Pam Bondi.”

In late June, the U.S. Department of Education found that the State of California had violated Title IX with its policies allowing biological males to compete in women’s sports. Despite the federal finding, California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) has signalled his state will continue to resist the Trump administration’s directive. Notably, Newsom himself admitted earlier this year that allowing biological males to compete against women was “unfair.”

Image by Steve Fernie.

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6 hours ago
William Upton
Breaking

BREAKING: Biden Doc Walks Out of Cognitive Decline Hearing Without Testifying.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Former President Joe Biden’s physician, Kevin O’Connor, briefly appeared before the House Oversight Committee on Wednesday, announcing he intended to plead the Fifth to its inquiry, as well as claiming doctor-patient confidentiality prevented him from answering any questions about the elderly Democrat’s health in detail.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Kevin O’Connor, Joe Biden, President Donald J. Trump, House Oversight Committee, and Chairman James Comer.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The testimony was scheduled for Wednesday, July 9, 2025, following a subpoena issued in June.

💬KEY QUOTE: “No comments to press,” Dr. O’Connor’s lawyers said as they hastily escorted the client from the Oversight Committee hearing room.

🎯IMPACT: House Oversight Chairman James Comer (R-KY) has warned that former Biden White House officials who refuse to comply with his committee’s subpoenas will face contempt of Congress.

IN FULL

Dr. Kevin O’Connor, former President Joe Biden’s physician, briefly appeared before the House Oversight Committee regarding Biden’s physical and cognitive health during his presidency. The Biden White House doctor cited doctor-patient confidentiality and is believed to have pleaded the Fifth in telling the committee in person that he would not be giving testimony.

The National Pulse reported earlier on Wednesday that a last-minute attempt by O’Connor’s attorneys to delay his testimony was rejected by Chairman Comer, who insisted Biden’s doctor comply with his subpoena. Notably, President Donald J. Trump waived executive privilege for O’Connor, citing the “unique and extraordinary nature” of the investigation—meaning the doctor’s official role in the former Biden White House could not be used to shield him from Congressional scrutiny.

Hastily leaving the hearing room on Capitol Hill, Dr. O’Connor was silent when pushed for further details by reporters gathered outside the Oversight Committee. “No comments to press,” O’Connor’s attorneys said as they rushed past.

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6 hours ago
Jack Montgomery
War

Ukraine Arrests Chinese Nationals for Trying to Steal Missile Tech.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Ukraine has arrested a Chinese father and son accused of trying to smuggle classified missile technology out of the country.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Ukraine’s SBU security service, two Chinese nationals, and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

📍WHEN & WHERE: Kiev, Ukraine, July 2025.

💬KEY QUOTE: “The SBU detained two citizens of the People’s Republic of China in Kyiv who were attempting to illegally export secret documentation on the Ukrainian RK-360MC Neptune missile system to China.” – SBU statement

🎯IMPACT: The case deepens tensions between Ukraine and China, already strained over accusations that Beijing supports Russia’s war effort and allows the Russian military to recruit Chinese nationals.

IN FULL

Ukraine’s SBU security service announced Wednesday that it had apprehended a Chinese father and his son for allegedly attempting to smuggle classified missile documentation out of Ukraine. The pair was captured in Kiev while reportedly trying to send information about the Ukrainian RK-360MC Neptune missile system back to China.

According to the SBU, the son was a 24-year-old former technical university student in Kiev. His father, who resides in China, had traveled to Ukraine to oversee the espionage operation personally. The two now face up to 15 years in prison if convicted of espionage-related charges.

Ukraine used the RK-360MC Neptune missile system to destroy the Russian Black Sea Fleet’s flagship, the Moskva, early in the war. The more than three-year conflict has increasingly pulled in geopolitical actors, including China, which Kiev and its Western allies accuse of enabling Russia’s military through trade and technology transfers.

Ukraine has previously claimed that dozens of Chinese nationals have joined Russia’s military ranks. In April, Ukrainian forces reportedly detained two such recruits and said they had intelligence on many more. China rejected the claims as “groundless and irresponsible.”

China and Russia declared a “no limits” partnership just prior to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Since then, they have increased cooperation across political, military, and economic sectors, further escalating concerns among Western nations about Beijing’s role in global conflicts.

Russia has also strengthened its relations with North Korea, with around 10,000 troops from the East Asian country helping to beat back a Ukrainian counter-invasion of Russia’s Kursk region, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claiming up to 30,000 more North Koreans are on their way to assist Russian summer offensives.

Image via the Ukrainian Presidency.

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