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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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4 hours ago
Corruption
News

Unredacted Warrants Show Hunter Biden’s Payments Tied to Ukraine, China.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Recently unredacted Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) search warrants disclose new details regarding the federal investigation into Hunter Biden’s business dealings with entities in Ukraine, China, and other foreign states.

👥 Who’s Involved: Hunter Biden, former President Joe Biden, Ukrainian gas company Burisma, Chinese energy company CEFC, Romanian businessman Gabriel Popoviciu, and Department of Justice (DOJ) officials.

📍 Where & When: The warrants were released in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware. Details span several years, including transactions from 2014 to 2018.

💬 Key Quote: “The parties agree the search warrant applications and affidavits at issue may be unsealed with limited redactions,” stated Shannon Hanson, acting U.S. attorney for Delaware.

⚠️ Impact: The revelation contributes to ongoing investigations and political debates around Hunter Biden’s international business activities and potential impacts on his father, Joe Biden.

IN FULL:

Recently unsealed IRS and FBI search warrants have unveiled fresh insights into Hunter Biden‘s international business dealings. These documents, agreed to be released with minor redactions by Hunter Biden’s legal representatives and the Justice Department, were made available following a court filing in Delaware.

The search warrants expose details of Hunter Biden’s financial relationships. They highlight payments received from Ukrainian energy firm Burisma Holdings, Chinese energy company CEFC, and Romanian businessman Gabriel Popoviciu. These operations took place during former President Joe Biden’s tenure as Vice President under Barack Obama.

IRS agents Gary Shapley and Joseph Ziegler were involved in the processes detailed in these warrants. Prominent figures named include Gongwen Dong of CEFC, Hunter’s associate Devon Archer, and other partners in overseas ventures.

The release clarifies the financial trail distributed through an account primarily managed by Devon Archer. They note consistent payments from Burisma to Hunter Biden. The money routes also trace funds sourced from entities linked to Popoviciu and CEFC, alleging influence trading.

Although Hunter Biden and his businesses reportedly received substantial payments from the discussed international contacts during these years, the focus of investigations often also returns to the alleged involvement or impact on U.S. foreign policy, as Joe Biden was Vice President at the time.

Hunter Biden’s laptop revealed alleged payments to “the big guy.” Many believe this to be Joe Biden. At the end of his tenure as President, Biden granted an extensive pardon to Hunter and many other members of his family.

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By Popular Demand.
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5 hours ago
News
Religion

Trump VA Directs Staff to Report Anti-Christian Bias.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced the creation of a task force dedicated to addressing “anti-Christian discrimination” within the agency, urging employees to report incidents through a designated tip line.

👥 Who’s Involved: The initiative involves VA Secretary Doug Collins, appointed by President Donald J. Trump, and VA employees. The broader effort reflects the administration’s stance against anti-Christian sentiment under former President Joe Biden.

📍 Where & When: The announcement was made via a memo on April 22, and it applies across the Department of Veterans Affairs’ system.

💬 Key Quote: Doug Collins encouraged employees to report “any instance of anti-Christian discrimination,” stating such reports should contain “sufficient identifiers such as names, dates, and locations.”

⚠️ Impact: The move is part of a larger effort by the current administration to address bias, paralleling similar task forces in other federal agencies such as the State Department.

IN FULL:

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has initiated a task force to combat “anti-Christian discrimination,” encouraging personnel to report suspected bias through a newly established tip line. Announced through a memo on Tuesday, VA Secretary Doug Collins, appointed by President Donald J. Trump, directed employees to report any instances of discrimination.

This scheme aligns with the administration’s overarching campaign to highlight the anti-Christian sentiment that flourished under former President Joe Biden. Earlier in February, President Trump signed an executive order noting that the previous administration exhibited a significant pattern of targeting individuals due to their Christian beliefs.

The VA’s announcement follows similar initiatives by other government bodies. The State Department, for instance, recently implemented a task force addressing “anti-Christian bias,” with employees being encouraged to report such conduct.

The oversight includes examining how cases of discrimination might manifest within the workforce, such as penalizing Christian practices or denying religious exemptions to vaccine mandates. Previously, the Biden government mandated COVID-19 vaccinations for federal employees and contractors, although the requirement was eventually rescinded following extensive legal challenges.

Attorney General Pam Bondi has been vocal about alleged anti-Christian bias within federal frameworks. Bondi recently convened with various Cabinet officials to deliberate on claims of religious discrimination.

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By Popular Demand.
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6 hours ago
Christopher Tomlinson
War
World

Trump Says Zelensky is Sabotaging Ukraine-Russia Peace Process.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: President Donald J. Trump has blamed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for sabotaging ongoing peace talks with Russia.

👥 Who’s Involved: President Donald J. Trump, President Volodymyr Zelensky, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Russian President Vladimir Putin.

📍 Where & When: President Trump reacted to remarks made by Zelensky on April 23.

💬 Key Quote: “It’s inflammatory statements like Zelenskyy’s that makes it so difficult to settle this War. He has nothing to boast about!” Trump stated.

⚠️ Impact: Zelensky’s remarks make it even more uncertain that a deal will be reached to end the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, as he refuses to recognize Russian control over Crimea.

IN FULL:

President Donald J. Trump is blaming Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for sabotaging the ongoing peace talks to halt the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. On Truth Social, President Trump slammed Zelensky, who stated that he would not recognize Russian control of Crimea.

“It’s inflammatory statements like Zelenskyy’s that makes it so difficult to settle this War. He has nothing to boast about! The situation for Ukraine is dire — He can have Peace or, he can fight for another three years before losing the whole Country,” President Trump wrote.

The President further blames Zelensky for prolonging the killing in Ukraine, saying that the U.S. is close to securing a ceasefire deal that could freeze the conflict on the current lines of contact. Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly offered a ceasefire along the current lines of the conflict while a potential deal is being negotiated. Part of Trump’s deal would see the U.S. recognize Russia’s control over Crimea and reject future NATO membership for Ukraine.

Russia annexed Crimea in 2014, long before Zelensky’s election and the current phase of the full-scale conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The region is majority Russian, having only been transferred to Ukraine for administrative purposes by the former Soviet Union in 1954.

White House envoy Steve Witkoff, whom Zelensky insulted just last week, is expected to meet with President Putin in Russia later this week on April 25.

Zelensky, the British, and the French have resisted Trump’s calls for peace in the conflict. French President Emmanuel Macron has consistently floated the idea of sending French troops to Ukraine.

Denmark has already announced it will send troops, ostensibly as observers, which provoked a harsh response from the Russians, who said the NATO troops will be considered legitimate targets.

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By Popular Demand.
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6 hours ago
Media
News

Chris Cuomo Says His On-Screen Bromance With Don Lemon Was an Act Demanded By His Bosses.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Chris Cuomo revealed that his on-air friendship with Don Lemon was orchestrated, and the two are no longer on good terms.

👥 Who’s Involved: Chris Cuomo, Don Lemon, former CNN executive Jeff Zucker.

📍 Where & When: Statements made on Patrick Bet-David’s podcast in April 2025.

💬 Key Quote: “I am a loyalty guy… that’s the end of the analysis for me… You’re ride or die, or you’re not.” — Chris Cuomo.

⚠️ Impact: The disclosure adds to the turmoil at CNN following the departures of both Zucker and Lemon, and highlights Cuomo’s ongoing legal battle with the network.

IN FULL:

Chris Cuomo, now hosting on NewsNation, has disclosed that his previous camaraderie with Don Lemon at CNN was a ruse, arranged under the directive of former executive Jeff Zucker. This revelation was made during a conversation on Patrick Bet-David’s podcast, unveiling that the banter between the duo was an effort to bolster Lemon’s segment start.

Cuomo was terminated from CNN in 2021 over his involvement in defending his brother, former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, during a sexual harassment investigation. He later noted the dissolution of his personal and professional rapport with Lemon. Cuomo expressed disappointment that Lemon did not support him following his departure from CNN, leading to a strained relationship that Cuomo asserted was never genuine to begin with.

The nightly exchange between Cuomo and Lemon, which extended to a collaborative podcast and tour, was suggested by Zucker to control the initial segments of Lemon’s show. Zucker was noted by Cuomo to have strong ties with Lemon, aiding his prominence at the network. “Zucker’s best friend is Don Lemon’s best friend—who’s his agent—so, they had a real bond,” Cuomo said.

Speaking to potential future projects with Lemon, Cuomo dismissed the possibility. “Why would I do it?” Cuomo said. “You think he’s going to apologize to me? I am a loyalty guy… that’s the end of the analysis for me… You’re ride or die, or you’re not.”

In a legal context, Cuomo is litigating against CNN for over $100 million, alleging defamation by his colleagues post-firing. The lawsuit accuses CNN of contractual violations by enabling public criticisms that maligned his reputation.

Following these upheavals, both Zucker and Lemon have exited CNN. Zucker stepped down due to an undisclosed relationship with a network executive, while Lemon faced dismissal over alleged inappropriate behavior.

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By Popular Demand.
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7 hours ago
Jack Montgomery
Data
Immigration

90% of Kamala Voters Would Bring Alleged MS-13 Trafficker Abrego Back Into America.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: A new Economist/YouGov poll reveals stark divisions among Americans on whether Kilmar Abrego Garcia, recently deported to El Salvador, should be allowed back into the U.S., with 90 percent of Kamala Harris voters supporting his return—despite uncertainty about his MS-13 ties.

👥 Who’s Involved: Kilmar Abrego Garcia, alleged MS-13 member; U.S. citizens surveyed by The Economist/YouGov; 2024 voters for Harris and Donald J. Trump.

📍 Where & When: The poll was conducted April 19–22, 2025, surveying 1,625 U.S. adults, following Abrego’s deportation.

⚠️ Impact: The poll underscores deep partisan divides on immigration policy, but widespread uncertainty about Abrego’s alleged MS-13 ties—meaning public opinion could shift if they are clearly proven.

IN FULL:

A recent Economist/YouGov poll conducted April 19–22, 2025, has exposed a sharp partisan divide over the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an alleged MS-13 member recently sent back to El Salvador by the Trump administration. The survey of 1,625 U.S. adult citizens asked whether Abrego should be allowed to return to the U.S., revealing that 90 percent of Kamala Harris voters in 2024 support his return. However, a separate question on whether or not respondents believe he is a member of the notorious MS-13 gang, as the Trump administration says, reveals that a plurality of 43 percent are unsure. If they can be convinced, public sentiment may shift in favor of his deportation.

While 50 percent of Americans overall support Abrego’s return—after pollsters primed them with a description of him as having been removed “despite a court order prohibiting his deportation”—an overwhelming 90 percent of Harris voters want him back. In contrast, 59 percent of Trump voters reject his return.

Along party lines, 87 percent of Democrats favor Abrego’s return, while 54 percent of Republicans oppose it. Ideology mirrors this split, with 87 percent of liberals backing his return, compared to 61 percent of conservatives who are against it.

A second question in the poll reveals widespread uncertainty about Abrego’s alleged MS-13 membership, with 43 percent of respondents overall admitting they’re “not sure” if he’s part of the gang. This doubt is consistent across demographics: 39 percent of white people, 61 percent of black people, and 45 percent of Hispanics are unsure. Politically, 33 percent of Harris voters and 34 percent of Trump voters also express uncertainty.

Overall, only 27 percent affirmatively believe Abrego is an MS-13 member at present, while 30 percent think he is not.

Recent reports indicate Abrego was arrested in 2022 on suspicion of human trafficking, with eight passengers who all have his home address crammed into his SUV. The vehicle belonged to his “boss,” Jose Ramon Hernandez Reyes, a fellow Salvadoran illegal convicted of trafficking offenses in 2020.

Coupled with recent revelations that his wife filed for a protective order against him for alleged domestic violence, this undermines the media image of him as a blameless Maryland father with a clean criminal record. Further revelations about his alleged MS-13 and criminal ties may turn public opinion against him.

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By Popular Demand.
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8 hours ago
Crime
Immigration

Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s Arrest on Suspicion of Human Trafficking Exposed.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran deported from the U.S. to El Salvador in March, has been linked to a convicted human trafficker in court documents.

👥 Who’s Involved: Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen, Kilmar Abrego Garcia, Border Czar Tom Homan, MS-13, and Abrego Garcia’s family.

📍 Where & When: El Salvador, Abrego Garcia deported in March 2025.

💬 Key Quote: Abrego Garcia is “an MS-13 gang member, public safety threat, [and] terrorist.” — Border Czar Tom Homan.

⚠️ Impact: As his alleged ties to foreign criminals become more readily apparent, Abrego Garcia may become more difficult for Democrats to champion.

IN FULL:

Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran detained in El Salvador’s CECOT super-prison after being deported under the Alien Enemies Act, has been linked to a convicted human trafficker, embarrassing Maryland’s Senator Chris Van Hollen and other Democrats lobbying for his return to the U.S.

Abrego Garcia’s case has garnered significant media attention. On one side, Democrats and their media allies portray him as a wrongfully deported Maryland family man; on the other, the Trump administration has characterized him as a dangerous illegal immigrant linked to the MS-13 gang. Court documents and reports seen by The Daily Mail have now bolstered the latter narrative, connecting Abrego Garcia to a convicted human trafficker, Jose Ramon Hernandez Reyes.

During a 2022 traffic stop in Tennessee, a police officer raised suspicions of human trafficking, finding Abrego Garcia had eight people with no luggage crowded into his vehicle, who all gave Abrego Garcia’s home address as their own. The incident involved prolonged questioning, with Abrego Garcia attempting to throw the officer “off track” and “pretend[ing] to speak less English than he was capable of.”

Abrego Garcia turned out to be driving the SUV, which belonged to his “boss,” Jose Ramon Hernandez Reyes, on an expired license. Hernandez Reyes, a fellow Salvadoran illegal, had been convicted of human trafficking in 2020.

Abrego Garcia and his passengers were all arrested, but the Joe Biden-era Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) reportedly instructed the Tennessee Highway Patrol to let him go.

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By Popular Demand.
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8 hours ago
News

Dick Durbin is Retiring.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Dick Durbin, a Democratic senator from Illinois, announced he will not pursue reelection.

👥 Who’s Involved: Durbin, an 80-year-old veteran legislator serving as the Senate’s Democratic whip, and members of his party.

📍 Where & When: Durbin conveyed his decision on Wednesday, as reported by WBEZ and The New York Times.

💬 Key Quote: “It’s time,” Durbin told WBEZ, referring to his observations about aging colleagues.

⚠️ Impact: Durbin’s departure marks the end of a lengthy political career, potentially influencing Senate leadership dynamics and opening a seat in Illinois.

IN FULL:

Illinois Senator Dick Durbin, a longstanding Democratic figure and the party’s second-ranking member in the Senate, has announced he will not contest the upcoming election. Having served over four decades as a federal legislator, beginning in the U.S. House of Representatives and continuing in the Senate, Durbin cited age as a significant factor in his decision to retire.

The senator, 80, has been a prominent voice within the Democratic party, holding the position of Senate whip under Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. On Wednesday, Durbin shared insights into his choice during an interview with WBEZ, stating, “It’s time.” He emphasized his reflections on the aging process within political circles, noting, “You observe your colleagues and watch what happens. For some of them, there’s this miraculous aging process where they never seem to get too old.”

Durbin’s exit will likely spark discussions on who might vie for his influential role within the party’s Senate leadership and influence the political landscape in Illinois.

As one of the senior figures in the U.S. Senate, Durbin’s decision underscores broader conversations about leadership transitions in a body where long tenures are not uncommon. His departure from active politics opens up potential opportunities for new leaders to emerge and brings attention to the upcoming electoral contest for his Senate seat.

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By Popular Demand.
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9 hours ago
News

Michelle Obama Admits Putting Her Feelings Before the Country in Missing Trump’s Inauguration.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Former First Lady Michelle Obama discussed her choice to skip President Donald J. Trump’s inauguration and the ensuing rumors.

👥 Who’s Involved: Michelle Obama, Barack Obama, Donald Trump, and several past U.S. presidents, including Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.

📍 Where & When: The discussion was held during an episode of the podcast IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson, released recently.

💬 Key Quote: “My decision to skip the inauguration, what people don’t realize, or my decision to make choices at the beginning of this year that suited me were met with such ridicule and criticism,” Michelle Obama complained.

⚠️ Impact: Mrs. Obama’s absence led to public speculation about her personal life and sparked rumors of marital issues with Barack Obama.

IN FULL:

Former First Lady Michelle Obama has spoken publicly about her voluntary absence from President Donald J. Trump’s inauguration in January, explaining her reasons during a recent episode of the low-rated IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson. The decision sparked rumors about her personal life with former President Barack Obama, who once wrote that he “make[s] love to men daily… in the imagination.”

During a discussion with actress Taraji P. Henson, Mrs. Obama elaborated on her reasoning, emphasizing it as a personal choice. “My decision to skip the inauguration, what people don’t realize, or my decision to make choices at the beginning of this year that suited me, were met with such ridicule and criticism,” she stated. “People couldn’t believe that I was saying ‘no’ for any other reason, that they had to assume that my marriage was falling apart, you know.”

Speculation of possible marital discord was widespread after Mrs. Obama no-showed at the inauguration, particularly after former President Obama also appeared at former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral alone.

“I’m here really trying to own my life and intentionally practice making the choice that was right for me,” Mrs. Obama insisted, adding that it “took everything in my power to not do the thing that was right, or that was perceived as right, but do the thing that was right for me. That was a hard thing for me to do.”

On April 3, former President Obama admitted he was “in a deep deficit with my wife” during his time in office. Speaking at Hamilton College, he revealed he has “been trying to dig myself out of that hole” since then by doing “fun things.”

In 2022, Mrs. Obama admitted “there were 10 years where I couldn’t stand my husband”—roughly a third of their marriage.

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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By Popular Demand.
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10 hours ago
Economy
TECH

Intel Set to Slash Over 20% of Workforce.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Intel reportedly plans to reduce its workforce by more than 20 percent.

👥 Who’s Involved: Intel, CEO Lip-Bu Tan, and rival company Nvidia.

📍 Where & When: Announcement expected this week, unspecified global regions affected.

⚠️ Impact: The tech company faces challenges in artificial intelligence (AI) computing and supply chain disruptions.

IN FULL:

Intel Corp. is preparing to announce a significant workforce reduction, potentially cutting over 20 percent of its employees to address declining sales and bolster its focus on engineering, according to reports. This decision comes as the U.S. semiconductor giant works to regain its competitive edge, having lagged behind companies like Nvidia in artificial intelligence (AI) computing.

Sources indicate that the new CEO, Lip-Bu Tan, who recently assumed leadership, aims to streamline operations and enhance the company’s engineering focus. However, Intel has not verified reports of the planned layoffs. The specifics regarding which regions might be affected also remain unclear.

While the corporate media appears to be readying itself to blame President Donald J. Trump’s tariff policy for Intel’s struggles, an exemption for computer parts and related products is already in place, and Nvidia is responding to the new situation over the longer term by reshoring production to the U.S.

Notably, Intel already reduced its workforce by approximately 15,000 under former President Joe Biden last year, ending with 108,900 employees, compared to 124,800 in the previous period.

Once recognized as the premier computer chipmaker worldwide, Intel has been overtaken by firms more adept at capitalizing on AI advancements and the corresponding demand for specialized chips. The company’s approach to AI, now widely seen as a transformative technology, has been considered sluggish.

Image by Nick Knupffer.

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By Popular Demand.
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10 hours ago
Economy
News

Bessent Blasts IMF’s Woke Mission Creep.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent criticized the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for diverting resources to social issues over economic stability, warning against mission drift.

👥 Who’s Involved: Scott Bessent, IMF, World Bank, Chinese Communist Party.

📍 Where & When: Washington, D.C., Institute of International Finance forum, Wednesday.

💬 Key Quote: “The IMF has been whistling past the graveyard,” Bessent said, referring to the organization’s focus on social issues at the expense of its core economic responsibilities.

⚠️ Impact: The IMF and World Bank face pressures to realign their missions. Economic forecasts have been affected by U.S. tariff policies, with U.S. growth expectations reduced.

IN FULL:

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent admonished the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Wednesday for prioritizing woke politics at the expense of economic stability. Speaking at the Institute of International Finance in Washington, he highlighted the IMF’s “mission creep,” warning that the agency “devotes disproportionate time and resources to work on climate change, gender, and social issues… crowding out its work on critical macroeconomic issues.”

“The IMF has been whistling past the graveyard,” the Trump official remarked.

Additionally, Bessent directed criticisms toward the World Bank, a United Nations (UN) specialized agency, advising it to control its spending and warning that its officials “should no longer expect blank checks for vapid, buzzword-centric marketing accompanied by half-hearted commitments to reform” for U.S. support.

The backdrop to Bessent’s comments is the IMF’s recent downgrade in U.S. economic growth projections, influenced by hostility to President Donald J. Trump’s tariff policy. The IMF reduced its forecast for U.S. growth in 2025 to 1.8 percent, down from an earlier estimate of 2.7 percent. Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas, the IMF’s chief economist, explicitly attributed the forecast change to the tariffs.

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By Popular Demand.
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