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April 22, 2025
NatSec

A Biden Holdover & Democrat Donor is Amassing Power in Trump’s Department of Defense, Causing Major Concerns.

PULSE POINTS:

❓ What Happened: Col. Ricky Buria, a former aide to Biden-era Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, has resigned from the Marine Corps and is reportedly transitioning into a senior civilian role under Trump-world Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, with consideration for the coveted chief of staff position. Buria, a recent Democrat donor, is the source of major concerns in Trump world.

👤 Who Was Involved: Ricky Buria, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, outgoing Chief of Staff Joe Kasper, former Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, Democratic congressional candidate Mike O’Brien, and former DoD official Anne Powers.

🧾 Key Quote: “Ricky was only the [Senior Military Assistant] because he was the only guy standing,” a defense official told Defense News.

⚠️ Fallout: Officials inside the Department of Defense and the White House have raised concerns about Buria’s close ties to the previous administration.

📌 Significance: The personnel move highlights unresolved tensions surrounding staffing and loyalty inside the Pentagon’s top ranks.

IN FULL:

Col. Ricky Buria, a former junior military assistant (JMA) to Lloyd Austin, is reportedly in line for a senior civilian advisory position under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, according to multiple defense officials. Buria began terminal leave from the Marine Corps last week and is even under consideration for the role of chief of staff following the departure of Joe Kasper, according to numerous sources familiar with the matter.

But Buria was first appointed to the Pentagon in April 2024 under the Biden government. After Hegseth’s confirmation, Buria remained in place–a “holdover”–while other senior staff were dismissed. He temporarily filled the position of acting senior military assistant (SMA).

“Ricky was only the SMA because he was the only guy standing,” an official told Defense News.

In recent months, Buria has accompanied Hegseth on official travel and participated in high-level meetings. On a recent trip to Panama, Buria was present for discussions with the Panamanian government regarding canal access. He also joined a bilateral meeting in Washington with El Salvador’s Minister of Defense, seated two chairs away from the secretary.

Buria, far left, with Hegseth in Panama.

Multiple officials say Buria has taken on expanded responsibilities beyond those typical of a junior military assistant, including personnel input and attendance at foreign policy briefings.

Additionally, campaign finance data uncovered by The National Pulse shows that Buria made a donation in 2023 via ActBlue to Democrat Mike O’Brien, a former Marine and candidate in Pennsylvania’s 10th Congressional District. O’Brien was endorsed by VoteVets–a left-wing group that claims President Trump “hates veterans,” and has attempted to destabilize his Department of Defense using the now-infamous “Signal group chat” story as a cudgel. The group even publicly called for Hegseth to be fired.

Buria has maintained relationships with former Biden-era Pentagon staffers. In a LinkedIn comment, former Department of Defense official Anne Powers publicly referred to Buria as her “partner in crime,” while he heaped praise on others and vice versa.

Buria’s messages to Biden-era staffers on LinkedIn.

The White House personnel office is reviewing Buria’s transition to civilian service. Approval is required for senior advisory appointments.

Buria was promoted to colonel in fall 2024. Under standard requirements, officers must serve two years at a given rank to retire at that grade. Without a waiver, he is expected to retire as a lieutenant colonel.

Four top officials have departed Hegseth’s team in recent days. The staffing turnover has left a gap in senior leadership, which Buria is currently helping fill, much to the chagrin of many across the Trump administration.

By Popular Demand.
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39 minutes ago
Culture
News

Trump, Melania Set to Star at Star-Studded Kennedy Center Gala.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: President Donald J. Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, and Second Lady Usha Vance will attend the opening night of Les Misérables at the Kennedy Center.

👥 Who’s Involved: President Trump, Melania Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, Usha Vance, Kennedy Center President Richard Grenell, and Kennedy Center officials.

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

💬 Key Quote: “The Kennedy Center is coming back,” President Trump said. “It was not properly taken care of and we are taking it back and we are going to turn it back into something great.”

⚠️ Impact: The opening night performance is nearly sold out, with ticket sales exceeding $3 million, and the Kennedy Center is undergoing revitalization efforts under new leadership.

IN FULL:

According to officials, President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will join Vice President J.D. Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance for the opening night of the musical Les Misérables at the Kennedy Center on June 11. The production, a staple of Broadway and West End history, is set to make a significant debut at the Washington, D.C. venue.

President Trump, who has often played songs from Les Misérables at his rallies, expressed enthusiasm for the production. “I love the songs, I love the play,” Trump remarked. “I think it’s great—we may extend it.”

Kennedy Center President Richard Grenell highlighted the excitement surrounding the event. “Les Misérables is proving to be a huge hit,” Grenell stated. “Opening night is going to be electric.”

Officials at the Kennedy Center have reported strong ticket sales, with the first two weeks of performances nearly sold out and generating over $3 million in revenue. A spokesman noted that sales have exceeded expectations, surpassing typical timelines.

The opening night will feature a red carpet event, with select media invited to attend. Attendees are also encouraged to walk the red carpet, adding to the evening’s grandeur.

Last month, a significant number of actors expressed an intent to boycott President Trump’s appearance at a performance of Les Misérables. Grenell reacted, suggesting that performers engaging in such boycotts would not be welcome. “[T]he Kennedy Center will no longer fund this intolerance,” he warned.

President Trump emphasized his commitment to restoring the Kennedy Center, which he described as previously neglected. “The Kennedy Center is coming back,” he said. “It was not properly taken care of and we are taking it back and we are going to turn it back into something great.”

Under Trump’s personal chairmanship, the Kennedy Center is working to bolster its financial sustainability. The venue, which includes affiliates such as the National Symphony Orchestra and the Washington National Opera, is aiming for larger endowments and long-term growth.

Grenell announced the season’s performances last month, completely free of left-wing ideological performances like drag shows.

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By Popular Demand.
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1 hour ago
Economy
World

Foreign Governments Have Until Tomorrow to Avoid Trump Tariffs.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: The Trump administration has requested that countries submit their best trade deal proposals by June 4 to avoid the reimposition of reciprocal tariffs on July 8.

👥 Who’s Involved: President Donald J. Trump, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, global trade partners, and National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett.

📍 Where & When: International trade negotiations, deadline set for June 4, 2025.

💬 Key Quote: U.S. Trade Representative spokesman: “Productive negotiations with many key trading partners continue at a rapid pace.”

⚠️ Impact: Foreign governments wishing to avoid the reimposition of President Trump’s paused “Liberation Day” tariffs must make their best offer in the next 24 hours. Any foreign trade partner that fails to submit a proposal will see additional trade duties imposed on them by the Trump administration.

IN FULL:

The Trump administration is giving global trade partners until Wednesday, June 4, to submit their best proposals for trade agreements to avoid the reimposition of reciprocal tariffs next month on July 8. A draft letter from the U.S. Trade Representative, Jamieson Greer, requests that foreign nations wishing to avoid the reimposition of trade duties outline their commitments on tariffs, non-tariff barriers, digital trade, and quotas for purchasing U.S. goods.

According to the letter, the proposals will be reviewed within days by U.S. trade officials who will develop a “possible landing zone” for a trade deal to expedite negotiations ahead of the looming July deadline. “Productive negotiations with many key trading partners continue at a rapid pace. It is in all parties’ interest to take stock of progress and assess any next steps,” a spokesman for the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative said after the letter became public.

Initially introduced in April on what was billed as “Liberation Day,” President Donald J. Trump paused the reciprocal tariffs after foreign nations scrambled to open bilateral trade negotiations and high volatility disrupted global financial markets. The letter suggests that the Trump White House is making its final push to encourage a handful of nations to come to the table, with only weeks left in the 90-day tariff pause.

Notably, the letter warns trade partners against relying on courts to overturn the tariffs, emphasizing that President Trump intends to continue the program through all available legal avenues. A lawfare campaign spearheaded by Democrats saw two federal courts rule that Trump’s emergency declaration, citing the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and used to justify the reciprocal tariffs and a 10 percent global tariff, was unconstitutional. However, a federal appeals court has stayed those decisions pending ongoing litigation.

Kevin Hassett, director of President Trump’s National Economic Council (NEC), has said that 24 bilateral trade deals are nearing finalization. It is speculated that a number of smaller, less economically developed nations with weak export and import markets will likely not face the reimposition of tariffs regardless of whether they reach an agreement with the United States. However, indications are that the Trump White House will reimpose trade duties against major trading partners like the European Union (EU) and developed nations who do not comply.

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By Popular Demand.
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2 hours ago
Crime
Immigration

Illegal Alien Molested Child Placed in His Care by Biden.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: A 37-year-old illegal immigrant was arrested for allegedly sexually abusing a minor placed in his care under the former Biden government’s unaccompanied minor sponsorship program.

👥 Who’s Involved: Wilson Manfredo Lopez-Carillo, the victim (a 16-year-old girl), Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

📍 Where & When: Palm Beach County, Florida; incidents occurred in February 2024, with the arrest on May 22, 2025.

⚠️ Impact: The case highlights serious vulnerabilities in the former Biden government’s program for placing unaccompanied minors with sponsors, raising concerns about child safety and vetting processes. Notably, the arrest comes after President Donald J. Trump ordered the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to investigate the Office of Refugee Resettlement’s handling of unaccompanied minor placement.

IN FULL:

An illegal immigrant in Florida has been arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a teenage girl placed in his care under the Biden government’s program for unaccompanied minors, overseen by the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) under the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Wilson Manfredo Lopez-Carillo, 37, was taken into custody by the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office on May 22, charged with three counts of sexual assault on a minor.

The victim, a 16-year-old girl, arrived in the U.S. in August 2023 and was placed in a household that included Lopez-Carillo, according to redacted police documents. Authorities say the assaults occurred in February 2024 when other adults in the home were absent. The victim initially refrained from reporting the incidents due to threats and fear of retaliation.

Police documented that Lopez-Carillo allegedly grabbed the girl, took her to his bedroom, and assaulted her multiple times. On one occasion, he reportedly offered her $100 to stay silent, which she refused. The victim eventually sought refuge with a church friend, who later became her legal guardian.

On a phone call between the victim and Lopez-Carillo, police were able to record him “attempting to justify his actions” and “to downplay their significance.” The police documentation states: “When confronted about the possibility of a pregnancy, due to unprotected sex, he mentioned giving [the victim] a pill.” Lopez-Carillo is currently held without bail.

The case has reignited scrutiny of the Biden government’s handling of unaccompanied minors. Critics argue the ORR program, which placed minors with loosely vetted sponsors, leaves children vulnerable to exploitation. Over 120,000 unaccompanied minors have entered the U.S. annually under this policy, often placed in homes of unrelated adults with limited oversight.

Federal whistleblowers and reports have described the program as a taxpayer-funded human trafficking scheme, with one-third of minors reportedly untraceable within 30 days of placement. In February, President Donald J. Trump ordered HHS to launch an investigation into ORR and, if possible, begin locating unaccompanied minors who were lost under Biden.

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By Popular Demand.
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3 hours ago
Jack Montgomery
Immigration
NatSec

Chinese UMich Scholar Caught Smuggling Bioweapon Into U.S.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: A Chinese academic at the University of Michigan has been charged with smuggling a dangerous biological pathogen into the United States, one that federal prosecutors describe as a potential agroterrorism weapon targeting food crops.

👤Who’s Involved: Chinese national Yunqing Jian, her boyfriend Zunyong Liu, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Detroit.

🧾Key Quote: “These two aliens have been charged with smuggling a fungus that has been described as a ‘potential agroterrorism weapon’ into the heartland of America,” said interim U.S. Attorney Jerome Gorgon.

⚠️Fallout: The pathogen, Fusarium graminearum, can devastate wheat, barley, maize, and rice, and produces toxins harmful to livestock and humans; Liu supposedly intended to research it at Jian’s university lab.

📌Significance: The case highlights growing national security concerns over Chinese Communist Party (CCP)-linked academic infiltration, as this marks the second case in a week involving Chinese nationals with ties to the University of Michigan facing federal charges.

IN FULL:

Federal prosecutors have charged a Chinese postdoctoral scholar at the University of Michigan with attempting to smuggle a biological pathogen into the United States that is classified as a potential agricultural terrorism weapon. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) alleges that 33-year-old Yunqing Jian and her boyfriend, 34-year-old Zunyong Liu, conspired to bring multiple strains of Fusarium graminearum—a fungus known to destroy food crops—into the country for unauthorized research.

According to a criminal complaint unsealed Tuesday in federal court in Detroit, Liu arrived at Detroit Metropolitan Airport in July 2024 on a B2 tourist visa. During inspection, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers found hidden plant samples in his bag. Liu initially lied about the materials, claiming someone else had placed them in his belongings. He later admitted the samples were strains of the crop-destroying fungus and that he had smuggled them into the U.S., supposedly to conduct research in Jian’s lab at the University of Michigan.

The complaint describes the pathogen as responsible for billions of dollars in global agricultural damage annually. The toxin it produces is also known to cause vomiting, liver damage, and reproductive defects in livestock and humans.

Jian, a Chinese citizen with a doctorate in plant pathogens from Zhejiang University, allegedly received financial support from a government-funded Chinese foundation and maintains ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). She is now charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States, smuggling, making false statements, and visa fraud.

Interim U.S. Attorney Jerome Gorgon called the allegations “of the gravest national security concerns,” citing the deliberate concealment of the biological material. Liu reportedly admitted to intentionally hiding the samples in tissues to evade detection and indicated plans to clone them if initial experiments failed.

The case follows another incident last week in which a former University of Michigan student from China was charged with illegally voting in the 2024 U.S. election and fleeing the country to avoid prosecution. The Trump administration is currently moving to revoke the visas of Chinese students in the U.S., focusing on those with CCP links.

Jian is expected to appear in federal court Tuesday afternoon. Liu has since returned to China. Authorities continue to investigate the scope of the scheme.

Image by Tony Webster.

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By Popular Demand.
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3 hours ago
Jack Montgomery
Economy

Trump Tariff Triumph as Vietnam Signs Deals Worth $2bn to American Farmers.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Vietnam has agreed to purchase over $2 billion in U.S. agricultural products in an effort to ease trade tensions and avoid a 46 percent tariff threatened by President Donald J. Trump.

👤Who’s Involved: President Trump, Vietnam’s Minister of Agriculture Do Duc Duy, U.S. farmers—especially in Iowa—and companies including Westinghouse Electric, SpaceX, and Lockheed Martin.

🧾Key Quote: The Vietnamese agriculture ministry confirmed five memoranda of understanding for $800 million in purchases from Iowa alone over the next three years.

⚠️Fallout: Vietnam, which holds one of the largest trade surpluses with the U.S., is seeking to avoid stiff retaliatory tariffs by shifting its import strategy and deepening commercial ties with American producers.

📌Significance: The move marks a significant win for Trump’s America First trade agenda, delivering tangible benefits to U.S. farmers while pressuring foreign governments to rebalance trade deficits.

IN FULL:

Vietnam announced Tuesday that it will sign deals worth more than $2 billion with the United States to purchase American agricultural products, as the Southeast Asian nation works to head off a looming 46 percent reciprocal tariff proposed by President Donald J. Trump.

The agreement, unveiled during a U.S. visit by Vietnam’s Minister of Agriculture and Environment Do Duc Duy, includes five memoranda of understanding to purchase products such as soybean meal, corn, wheat, dried soybeans, and dried distillers’ grains (DDGS). The deals will significantly boost agricultural imports from the United States over the next three years.

In particular, the agreements cover $800 million in purchases from the state of Iowa—up from a previous average of just $44 million per year, according to Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture.

Vietnam currently has the third-largest trade surplus with the United States, behind only China and Mexico. The surplus has placed it squarely in the crosshairs of President Trump’s tariff policy, which aims to realign America’s trade relationships and support domestic industry and agriculture.

The agricultural purchases are part of a broader effort by Vietnam to smooth over its trade imbalance. The country is preparing for a third round of trade negotiations with U.S. officials in the coming days, following what it called “positive progress” during earlier discussions in Washington.

In addition to the agricultural deals, Vietnamese officials met with representatives from American firms, including Lockheed Martin, SpaceX, and Google, and signed an agreement with Westinghouse Electric to cooperate on nuclear power development.

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By Popular Demand.
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4 hours ago
Health
News

Kash Asks Public for Tips on Doctors Performing Trans Mutilation Surgeries on Kids.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is asking the public to report facilities or individuals performing surgeries on minors under the guise of “gender-affirming care.”

👥 Who’s Involved: The FBI, FBI Director Kash Patel, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and President Donald J. Trump.

📍 Where & When: Announcement made via social media on Monday; the issue has been addressed in executive orders and memos earlier this year.

💬 Key Quote: “Help the FBI protect children. As the Attorney General has made clear, we will protect our children and hold accountable those who mutilate them under the guise of gender-affirming care.” — FBI statement.

⚠️ Impact: Federal law enforcement is signaling a focus on investigating and holding accountable those involved in controversial medical practices on minors.

IN FULL:

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has called for public assistance in identifying individuals or facilities allegedly conducting surgical procedures on children under the guise of “gender-affirming care.” In an announcement shared Monday on social media platforms, the agency emphasized its commitment to protecting minors.

“Help the FBI protect children. As the Attorney General has made clear, we will protect our children and hold accountable those who mutilate them under the guise of gender-affirming care,” the FBI’s post read.

The announcement follows broader federal initiatives, including an executive order signed earlier this year by President Donald J. Trump titled “Protecting Children from Chemical and Surgical Mutilation.” The order declared it is federal government policy not to support or fund procedures aimed at transitioning minors and pledged to enforce laws limiting such practices.

In April, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that it had already taken steps to implement the executive order, including setting up an extensive review of existing literature regarding best health practices for children with gender dysphoria.

Attorney General Pam Bondi has echoed these sentiments, stating in an April memo, “The Department of Justice will not sit idly by while doctors, motivated by ideology, profits, or both, exploit and mutilate our children. Under my watch, the Department will act decisively to protect our children and hold accountable those who mutilate them under the guise of care.”

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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By Popular Demand.
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5 hours ago
News

This State Is Pushing to Abolish Property Taxes.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Residents in Ohio, frustrated with rising property taxes, are advancing a proposed constitutional amendment to abolish them in the state.

👥 Who’s Involved: Citizens for Property Tax Reform, led by homeowner Beth Blackmarr and Keith Davey of Save Our Seniors, is spearheading the campaign.

📍 Where & When: Ohio, with the Ohio Ballot Board approving the measure for signature collection in late 2023.

💬 Key Quote: “I suspect it’s because they built a wobbly tower of property tax law over these decades and they’re afraid to pull one of the blocks out.” — Beth Blackmarr, leader of Citizens for Property Tax Reform.

⚠️ Impact: If successful, Ohio homeowners could save thousands, but local governments warn of potential funding shortfalls for public services.

IN FULL:

Ohio residents are taking matters into their own hands in response to soaring property taxes, advancing a proposal to eliminate property taxes through a constitutional amendment. Citizens for Property Tax Reform, a grassroots group led by Lakewood homeowner Beth Blackmarr, is spearheading the initiative, which has gained traction amid growing frustration over rising bills.

The Ohio Ballot Board recently approved the measure, allowing the group to begin collecting signatures. To qualify for the November ballot, organizers must gather at least 413,000 valid signatures from registered voters across half of Ohio’s 88 counties by July 1, 2024.

Blackmarr, whose home’s assessed value surged by 51.9 percent last year, described the financial strain caused by the state’s property tax system. She criticized Ohio lawmakers for failing to address the issue, stating, “I suspect it’s because they built a wobbly tower of property tax law over these decades and they’re afraid to pull one of the blocks out.”

The push for property tax reform comes as Ohioans face a 23 percent increase in median property taxes from 2019 to 2023, surpassing the national average of 21.6 percent. Despite its reputation for affordable housing, Ohio currently ranks eighth in the nation for effective property tax rates.

While the proposal has garnered support from homeowners, critics warn of potential consequences. Local governments rely heavily on property taxes, which generated $18.5 billion in 2023, to fund public services.

Ohio lawmakers are considering nearly 20 additional bills aimed at reducing property taxes. However, the Citizens for Property Tax Reform campaign represents a direct effort by voters to address the issue themselves. If the measure reaches the ballot, Ohioans will decide whether to abolish property taxes or maintain the current system.

Image by Jimmy Emerson.

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By Popular Demand.
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6 hours ago
Media
News

‘Grooming Children’ — PBS Faces Defunding for Sesame Street Pride Propaganda.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: PBS and its signature children’s show, Sesame Street, face accusations of “grooming” children after posting LGBTQ Pride Month content on social media.

👥 Who’s Involved: PBS, Sesame Street, Congressional Republicans, including Rep. Mary Miller (R-IL), Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT), Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ), and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA).

📍 Where & When: The controversy unfolded online on platforms X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram during LGBTQ Pride Month.

💬 Key Quote: Rep. Mary Miller (R-IL) said the post was “evil and should infuriate every parent in America.”

⚠️ Impact: Renewed calls from Republicans to defund PBS and NPR, with a House vote on this issue expected soon.

IN FULL:

PBS and its iconic children’s program Sesame Street are under fire following a social media post celebrating LGBT Pride Month. The post, shared on X and Instagram, featured an image of multi-colored puppets forming the shape of a Pride flag, accompanied by the message: “On our street, everyone is welcome. Together, let’s build a world where every person and family feels loved and respected for who they are. Happy Pride Month.”

The post drew swift criticism, particularly from members of the Republican Study Committee (RSC). The group, whose membership remains undisclosed, responded with a meme of Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) captioned, “I am once again asking PBS to stop grooming children.”

Rep. Mary Miller (R-IL) also condemned the post, labeling it “evil” and urging parents to take notice. On X, she demanded, “DEFUND!!”

Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) echoed her sentiments, referencing a separate Sesame Street clip from 2020 featuring Queer Eye host Jonathan Van Ness, and stating, “Federal funds aren’t for grooming.”

Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ) joined the criticism, accusing PBS of “grooming children on American taxpayers’ dime” and calling for accountability from the broadcaster’s executives.

The controversy comes as Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency, prepares for a House vote on defunding PBS and NPR. Greene has publicly declared her intent to vote “YES” on the measure.

This debate follows President Donald J. Trump’s executive order to halt taxpayer funding for PBS and NPR, citing the need for public broadcasting to remain “fair, accurate, unbiased, and nonpartisan.” NPR has since filed a lawsuit seeking to block the presidential directive.

According to the Associated Press, PBS and NPR collectively receive approximately $500 million annually through the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

USO Photo by Fred Greaves.

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By Popular Demand.
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7 hours ago
News

Here’s What We Know About the Investigation into Biden’s Autopen Use.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: The Department of Justice (DOJ) is investigating former President Joe Biden’s pardons and use of autopen signatures.

👥 Who’s Involved: Former President Biden, U.S. Pardon Attorney Ed Martin, the Oversight Project (Heritage Foundation), and President Donald J. Trump.

📍 Where & When: Investigation revealed Monday email; events tied to Biden’s presidency and final day in office.

💬 Key Quote: “The investigation involves whether Biden was competent and whether others were taking advantage of him through use of AutoPen or other means,” wrote Ed Martin.

⚠️ Impact: Focus includes pardons granted to Biden’s family members, high-profile Democrats and neoconservatives, and 37 federal inmates. Questions arise over the validity of the pardons and the potential misuse of the autopen.

IN FULL:

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has launched an inquiry into former President Joe Biden’s use of autopen signatures and the validity of pardons issued during his presidency, according to an email reviewed by Reuters. U.S. Pardon Attorney Ed Martin’s correspondence highlights concerns about Biden’s competence and whether others may have exploited his position through autopen or other mechanisms.

The investigation reportedly centers on preemptive pardons Biden granted to several family members and clemency decisions for 37 federal inmates, changing their sentences from death penalties to life imprisonment. Among those pardoned on Biden’s final day in office were his brother Jim, sister-in-law Sara, sister Valerie and her husband John Owens, brother Francis, Dr. Anthony Fauci, retired General Mark Milley, and members of the House January 6 committee, such as Liz Cheney.

The Oversight Project, a division of the conservative Heritage Foundation, has previously raised concerns about Biden’s frequent use of an autopen for his official signature. The group stated in March, “We gathered every document we could find with Biden’s signature over the course of his presidency. All used the same autopen signature except for the announcement that the former President was dropping out of the race last year.” They questioned who controlled the autopen.

President Donald J. Trump has also claimed Biden used an autopen for pardons, alleging Biden was unaware of the actions. Martin has remarked, “I do think that the Biden pardons need some scrutiny. And they need scrutiny because we want pardons to matter and to be accepted and to be something that’s used correctly.”

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By Popular Demand.
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7 hours ago
William Upton
News

DC Democrats Spent Over $200 Million on Streetcars. Now They’re Replacing Them With Buses.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: The Washington, D.C. city government is giving up on the H Street streetcar and will replace the 2.2-mile-long above-ground light rail system with an electric bus powered by the existing overhead cables.

👥 Who’s Involved: The Washington D.C. city government, the Democrat-controlled city council, Mayor Muriel Bowser (D), and City Administrator Kevin Donahue.

📍 Where & When: City officials in the nation’s capital announced the decision last week.

💬 Key Quote: City Administrator Kevin Donahue has indicated the overhead cable-powered electric bus line will allow officials “to more nimbly and quickly expand the streetcar line out beyond where we currently are.”

⚠️ Impact: The over $200 million streetcar boondoggle has been an embarrassment for the D.C. city government for over a decade. Only 2.2 miles of the streetcar system were ever opened for use; it lacks a dedicated lane or a mechanism to collect fares, and travels at only 12 to 15 miles per hour.

IN FULL:

Washington, D.C.’s sole, 2.2-mile-long streetcar line will soon be no more, with the city government deciding to replace the over $200 million boondoggle just 15 years after track for the project was first laid on H Street NE and a decade after actual operations commenced. Initially billed as an environmentally friendly, more accessible, and aesthetically pleasing alternative to city buses, the streetcar line will be replaced by a bus once again. Still, in an apparent attempt to save face, Mayor Muriel Bowser insists the electric bus is actually a “next generation streetcar.”

The electric bus that will replace the H Street streetcar will utilize the existing overhead power cables, meaning it will still suffer from some of the existing drawbacks that the failed street-level rail system did. Notably, the existing rail line lacks a barrier separating it from the street, which has resulted in the streetcar being unable to proceed forward when a car is double-parked and blocking its track. While the electric bus will not be confined to a track in the same manner as the streetcar, the overhead cables will still limit its maneuverability.

In over one decade of operation, the D.C. streetcar has never once generated a single dollar of revenue. It operates on a $10 million taxpayer subsidy per year. After years of delays and cost overruns, an eventual rushed rollout of the streetcar caused city officials to neglect installing a fare collection system on the streetcar. Eventually, the city government gave up on any plans to charge streetcar riders as the single 2.2-mile line struggled to match the capacity of buses running along the same route.

Despite the city’s budget constraints playing a significant role in the decision to shutter the sole operating streetcar line, the Democrat-dominated D.C. government still intends to push forward with a costly “green” public transit system. City Administrator Kevin Donahue has indicated that the overhead cable-powered electric bus line will allow officials “to more nimbly and quickly expand the streetcar line out beyond where we currently are.”

Image by Mariordo (Mario Roberto Duran Ortiz).

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