GET THE APP
Tuesday, April 22, 2025

WE ARE 100% INDEPENDENT AND READER-FUNDED. FOR A GUARANTEED AD-FREE EXPERIENCE AND TO SUPPORT REAL NEWS, PLEASE SIGN UP HERE, TODAY.

5 hours ago
Jack Montgomery
NatSec
World

Terror Attack in India Leaves at Least 20 Dead Amid Vance Visit.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Suspected militants fired on a group of tourists in Indian-controlled Kashmir, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries.

👥 Who’s Involved: At least 20 tourists killed, several more injured. Security officials believe multiple gunmen were involved.

📍 Where & When: The incident occurred on Tuesday in Pahalgam, a popular tourist location in South Kashmir.

💬 Key Quote: “Usha and I extend our condolences to the victims of the devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India.” — Vice President J.D. Vance.

⚠️ Impact: Tourist activity, which had been recovering, is likely to be affected. Security operations are underway to apprehend the militants involved.

IN FULL:

On Tuesday, a lethal attack was carried out by suspected militants targeting tourists in the Pahalgam region of Indian-controlled Kashmir. Between 20 and 24 people were killed, with several others sustaining injuries, according to various reports, although an official death toll had not been released as of the time of publication. Pahalgam, known for its scenic meadows and glaciers, attracts substantial tourist numbers yearly.

Two senior police officials, who wished to remain unnamed, confirmed to the Associated Press that at least 20 deceased have been located and that around three dozen individuals were injured, many critically. The assailants reportedly targeted a gathering of tourists at close proximity, sparking chaos. A joint military, paramilitary, and police search effort is underway to locate those responsible.

U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, whose in-laws are Indian, is currently in India, laying the groundwork for a trade deal between the United States and the Hindu-majority nation.

“Usha and I extend our condolences to the victims of the devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India,” he said of the attack in a statement on social media. “Over the past few days, we have been overcome with the beauty of this country and its people. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they mourn this horrific attack.”

“The United States stands strong with India against Terrorism,” said President Donald J. Trump in his own statement. “We pray for the souls of those lost, and for the recovery of the injured. Prime Minister Modi, and the incredible people of India, have our full support and deepest sympathies. Our hearts are with you all!”

Kashmir is divided between India and Pakistan, with Indian Kashmir regularly subjected to terror attacks by Islamist separatists. Nine Hindu pilgrims were killed and over 30 injured when a bus crashed into a gorge in a suspected militant attack in 2024, and at least 44 people were killed when a suicide bomber from a Pakistan-based Islamist group crashed into a bus carrying Indian paramilitary police in 2019, among many other incidents.

Image via Wikimedia Commons.

By Popular Demand.
The National Pulse Now has an on-site comments section for members. Sign up today and be part of the conversation in our community of almost 15,000.
Pulse Ad
Pulse Ad
More From The Pulse

WE ARE 100% INDEPENDENT AND READER-FUNDED. FOR A GUARANTEED AD-FREE EXPERIENCE AND TO SUPPORT REAL NEWS, PLEASE SIGN UP HERE, TODAY.

47 minutes ago
Health

RFK Jr. Pushes Forward With Bans on Synthetic Dyes in Food Supply.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is set to announce a plan to eliminate petroleum-based synthetic dyes from the U.S. food supply.

👥 Who’s Involved: Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary.

📍 Where & When: The announcement will be made on Tuesday, as stated in an HHS press release.

💬 Key Quote: “Kennedy said he wants eight commonly used food dyes phased out by the end of 2026.”

⚠️ Impact: The plan, if implemented, would remove several synthetic dyes from a wide range of food products, impacting manufacturers and possibly altering product formulations.

IN FULL:

Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is poised to unveil a new initiative to remove petroleum-based synthetic dyes from food products across the United States. The announcement is scheduled for Tuesday, accompanied by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary.

This action seeks to phase out eight synthetic dyes frequently utilized in popular items such as sodas, candies, and cereals. Notably, the FDA approved 36 such dyes, including Red No. 3, Blue No. 1, and Green No. 3. These ingredients are widespread in the food industry due to their vibrant colors.

The proposal aligns with ongoing scrutiny of food dyes. Some studies previously associated Red Dye No. 3 with various health concerns. The dye was finally banned ahead of RFK Jr.’s confirmation hearings.

States like Iowa, Louisiana, Massachusetts, and West Virginia have already taken steps to eliminate such dyes from school cafeterias, showcasing a trend towards limiting artificial coloring in foods that children frequently consume.

According to reports, Kennedy’s strategy intends to phase out eight of these synthetic dyes by the end of 2026. Such a move could prompt significant changes in food manufacturing processes, requiring companies to reformulate products with natural colorings.

Image by Gage Skidmore.

show less

PULSE POINTS:

show more
By Popular Demand.
The National Pulse Now has an on-site comments section for members. Sign up today and be part of the conversation in our community of almost 15,000.

WE ARE 100% INDEPENDENT AND READER-FUNDED. FOR A GUARANTEED AD-FREE EXPERIENCE AND TO SUPPORT REAL NEWS, PLEASE SIGN UP HERE, TODAY.

2 hours ago
News
TECH

Trump DOJ Urges Court to Order Google to Sell Chrome in Antitrust Push.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: The Justice Department has called on a federal judge to require Google to surrender control over its Chrome web browser due to antitrust concerns.

👥 Who’s Involved: Key figures include Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, Assistant Attorney General for Antitrust Gail Slater, Justice Department official David Dahlquist, and U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta.

📍 Where & When: The remarks were made in court on Monday; the proceedings occurred in the United States.

💬 Key Quote: “As a monopolist, Google uses its market power against the American people.” — Deputy Attorney General Blanche.

⚠️ Impact: Potentially significant changes in control of Google’s Chrome web browser and broader implications for competition within the global search market.

IN FULL:

In a significant development in antitrust proceedings against Google, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) urged a district judge on Monday to compel Google to divest ownership of the Chrome web browser. The call comes as part of ongoing efforts to address Google’s dominant role in the global search market. Some allege the dominance is maintained through illegal agreements that hinder competition and negatively affect consumers and advertisers.

In court, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche cited Google’s monopolistic practices, emphasizing the company’s extensive influence over online data and alleged political bias through its search engine operations. Deputy Attorney General Blanche told U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta, “As a monopolist, Google uses its market power against the American people.”

He argued that Google’s control stems largely from its nearly $20 billion annual payment to Apple, securing Google’s search engine as the default on Apple’s Safari browser. This payment was highlighted during a trial last year focusing on liability.

U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta has previously recognized Google’s monopolistic behaviors. Mehta is now tasked with assessing the remedy phase of this case. Assistant Attorney General for Antitrust Gail Slater highlighted the bipartisan nature of the case. Slater noted the involvement of 49 states alongside federal authorities in challenging Google’s competitive practices.

DOJ official David Dahlquist referred to the current situation as a pivotal moment for restoring market competition. The Trump DOJ’s stance reflects a continued commitment to ensuring monopolistic behaviors do not compromise competition in the digital market.

Image by Anthony Quintano.

show less

PULSE POINTS:

show more
By Popular Demand.
The National Pulse Now has an on-site comments section for members. Sign up today and be part of the conversation in our community of almost 15,000.
Pulse Ad
Pulse Ad

WE ARE 100% INDEPENDENT AND READER-FUNDED. FOR A GUARANTEED AD-FREE EXPERIENCE AND TO SUPPORT REAL NEWS, PLEASE SIGN UP HERE, TODAY.

3 hours ago
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.

show less

PULSE POINTS:

show more
By Popular Demand.
The National Pulse Now has an on-site comments section for members. Sign up today and be part of the conversation in our community of almost 15,000.

WE ARE 100% INDEPENDENT AND READER-FUNDED. FOR A GUARANTEED AD-FREE EXPERIENCE AND TO SUPPORT REAL NEWS, PLEASE SIGN UP HERE, TODAY.

3 hours ago
Jack Montgomery
UK

Chef Marco Pierre White Praises ‘Really Impressive’ Farage, Endorses Reform’s Arron Banks.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Celebrity chef Marco Pierre White praised Nigel Farage and endorsed the Reform Party’s candidate for West of England Mayor, Arron Banks, ahead of May’s municipal elections.

👥 Who’s Involved: Marco Pierre White, celebrity chef; Nigel Farage, Reform Party leader; Sir Keir Starmer, British Prime Minister; Arron Banks, Reform’s West of England mayoral candidate.

📍 Where & When: White spoke to ITV West Country at Old Down Manor near Bristol, England, owned by Arron Banks.

💬 Key Quote: “I thought [Farage] was a very impressive individual, really impressive.” — Marco Pierre White.

⚠️ Impact: White’s high-profile endorsement could boost Reform’s momentum as polls show growing support, while his criticism of Labour’s ethics and policies may further erode public trust in Starmer’s government.

IN FULL:

Celebrity chef and restaurateur Marco Pierre White has thrown his weight behind Nigel Farage and his Reform Party, delivering a blistering critique of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and the Labour Party. Speaking at Old Down Manor near Bristol—owned by Reform’s West of England mayoral candidate Arron Banks, a businessman and the driving force behind the Leave.EU campaign during the Brexit referendum—White praised Farage as a “really impressive, clever, [and] thoughtful.”

White, who met Farage recently, said he thought the Brexiteer “was a very impressive individual, really impressive.”

“He has done his apprenticeship, hasn’t he? He has served his time in the field,” he remarked, referring to Farage’s decades of campaigning in the European Parliament, media, and now the House of Commons since 1999. “I can see why the polls are showing what they’re showing,” he added, referring to surveys showing Reform tying and often beating Labour and the formerly governing Conservatives by increasingly convincing margins.

Describing himself as a “true socialist” but disillusioned with establishment parties, White had sharp words for Starmer, caught in a “freebie” scandal shortly after he gained the British premiership. “As Prime Minister of the UK, the last thing you should be doing is accepting freebies, or any of your party,” White said.

The chef was referring a scandal involving Lord Alli, a Labour donor elevated to the House of Lords under former Prime Minister Tony Blair, gifting £20,000 in work clothes and over £2,000 in eyeglasses to Starmer, with thousands more being lavished on clothes for Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and the Labour leader’s wife, Victoria.

White also sounded the alarm on Labour’s economic policies. “My world is the restaurant world, the hotel world, hospitality,” he said. “It’s tough. Restaurants are going bust every week; hotels are struggling. If you look at the pubs, they’re closing down.”

White blamed rising costs—minimum wage increases, higher National Insurance, utilities, and food prices—for “crippling” the sector.

WATCH:

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by ITV Politics (@itvpolitics)

Image by Owain.davies.

show less

PULSE POINTS:

show more
By Popular Demand.
The National Pulse Now has an on-site comments section for members. Sign up today and be part of the conversation in our community of almost 15,000.
Pulse Ad
Pulse Ad

WE ARE 100% INDEPENDENT AND READER-FUNDED. FOR A GUARANTEED AD-FREE EXPERIENCE AND TO SUPPORT REAL NEWS, PLEASE SIGN UP HERE, TODAY.

4 hours ago
Jack Montgomery
News

Bannon Blasts DOJ Inaction: ‘The Deep State Is Winning Right Now.’

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: WarRoom host Stephen K. Bannon criticized the Trump Department of Justice, claiming the “Deep State is winning.”

👥 Who’s Involved: Stephen K. Bannon, Jack Posobiec, Attorney General Pam Bondi, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.

📍 Where & When: WarRoom podcast, Monday.

💬 Key Quote: “We’re not doing anything over at Justice Department. I don’t see investigations, I don’t see indictments,” said Bannon.

⚠️ Impact: Bannon’s comments reflect dissatisfaction among some Trump supporters and a call for more action from the DOJ.

IN FULL:

WarRoom host Stephen K. Bannon has voiced his dissatisfaction with the Department of Justice (DOJ), warning that the Deep State currently holds the upper hand in government. During a conversation with Jack Posobiec on Monday, Bannon emphasized the lack of visible progress in the DOJ’s investigations and indictments: “We’re not doing anything over at Justice Department. I don’t see investigations, I don’t see indictments,” he said, expressing concern that the Pam Bondi-led department is about to be diverted into investigating leaks around America First Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

“If the guys around Hegseth, if there’s indictments or investigations going on, and there’s no indictments, and there’s no release of the Epstein Files, and there’s no investigations of Brennan and the 51, and you’re not spending your time on that, but somehow gets diverted over this, it is going to be a firestorm from the MAGA base,” Bannon said, referring to anti-Trump former Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) director John Brennan and the 51 intelligence officials who penned a letter downplaying the Hunter Biden laptop as Russian disinformation ahead of the 2020 election.

“There has been no movement from the Justice Department,” Bannon stated. “[N]ow they’re talking about… some investigation of the guys around Hegseth… you haven’t done your primary job, which is to take down the Deep State.”

“People, we are burning daylight!” he stressed. “These people are playing smashmouth, they’re playing hardball, and the Deep State is winning right now!”

WATCH:

Image by Gage Skidmore.

show less

PULSE POINTS:

show more
By Popular Demand.
The National Pulse Now has an on-site comments section for members. Sign up today and be part of the conversation in our community of almost 15,000.

WE ARE 100% INDEPENDENT AND READER-FUNDED. FOR A GUARANTEED AD-FREE EXPERIENCE AND TO SUPPORT REAL NEWS, PLEASE SIGN UP HERE, TODAY.

5 hours ago
News

Illegal US-Canada Border Crossings Plummet 95% Following Trump Security Clampdown.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: A significant decrease in illegal crossings at the U.S.-Canada border has been reported.

👥 Who’s Involved: United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP), CBP Chief Patrol Agent Robert Garcia, Tricia McLaughlin of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and Trump administration officials.

📍 Where & When: The Swanton Sector of the northern U.S. border, which includes parts of New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire, in March 2025.

💬 Key Quote: “There is now a clear message: You cannot come into the U.S. without consequence.” — Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at the Department of Homeland Security, Tricia McLaughlin.

⚠️ Impact: Enforcement measures have led to a significant drop in unlawful entries and a noticeable decline in border-related crimes.

IN FULL:

According to recent U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) findings, the northern U.S.-Canada border has seen a massive decline in illegal entries. The Swanton Sector, stretching over parts of New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire, documented just 54 illegal alien apprehensions in March 2025. This figure represents a drastic 95 percent decrease compared to March 2024, which saw 1,109 crossings.

Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Tricia McLaughlin, noted that under the Biden-Harris regime, the Swanton Sector reported over 1,400 illegal crossings in April 2024 alone. McLaughlin criticized Biden-era policies, arguing they enabled criminal activities, including smuggling.

Border agents have noted a similar positive trend at the southern border, with March 2025 data reflecting a 94 percent decline in illegal crossings compared to the same month in 2024.

The improvement is not attributed to enhanced border patrols alone, but also to a change in communication strategies and resources. “There is now a clear message: You cannot come into the US without consequence,” McLaughlin said, referencing stricter penalties for criminal activities tied to illegal immigration.

Challenges remain, particularly concerning sanctuary city policies, where cooperation with federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations varies by jurisdiction. In some states, these policies inhibit operations, creating areas perceived as safe havens for illegal aliens, some of whom are involved in serious crimes.

Notably, the reduction along the Canadian border also comes after President Trump pressured the Canadian authorities into doing more on border security earlier this year to delay tariffs on Canadian goods.

Image by Lorie Shaull.

show less

PULSE POINTS:

show more
By Popular Demand.
The National Pulse Now has an on-site comments section for members. Sign up today and be part of the conversation in our community of almost 15,000.
Pulse Ad
Pulse Ad

WE ARE 100% INDEPENDENT AND READER-FUNDED. FOR A GUARANTEED AD-FREE EXPERIENCE AND TO SUPPORT REAL NEWS, PLEASE SIGN UP HERE, TODAY.

6 hours ago
Crime
News

Walz Admin Staffer Avoids Jail Time for Tesla Vandalism.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: A Minnesota fiscal policy analyst admitted vandalizing six Teslas, causing around $21,000 in damages. He will not face criminal charges, as the local county attorney has decided to pursue pre-charge diversion instead.

👥 Who’s Involved: Dylan Bryan Adams, a fiscal policy analyst for Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s Department of Human Services, is involved. The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office and the Minneapolis Police Department are also key players.

📍 Where & When: The vandalism took place in the Minneapolis area. The county attorney’s decision was made public in April 2025.

💬 Key Quote: “Our main priorities are to secure restitution for the victims and hold Mr. Adams accountable.” — Daniel Borgertpoepping, Hennepin County Attorney’s Office spokesman.

⚠️ Impact: The decision not to bring criminal charges has sparked frustration among Minneapolis police and potential discontent among victims.

IN FULL:

A fiscal policy analyst for Governor Tim Walz’s administration in Minnesota, who was connected to vandalizing six Teslas in the Minneapolis area, causing an estimated $21,000 in damages, will not face criminal charges. Instead, the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office will pursue a pre-charge diversion plan. Dylan Bryan Adams, identified as a fiscal policy analyst, was observed on video engaging in the alleged crimes.

County Attorney Mary Moriarty determined Adams will not face charges. As part of the diversion program, Adams must adhere to conditions that could include community service and restitution payments.

“Our main priorities are to secure restitution for the victims and hold Mr. Adams accountable,” Hennepin County Attorney’s Office spokesman Daniel Borgertpoepping claimed.

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said that frustration over the charge decision should be directed at the county attorney. He said investigators invested considerable work into the case, with hopes of charges being filed.

The Minnesota Department of Human Services is reviewing the matter. The agency said that employees of Governor Walz’s administration are required to uphold ethical standards. So far, the specific repercussions Adams could face in his professional capacity, if any, remain unspecified.

The arrest of Adams comes amid a nationwide campaign to vandalize Tesla vehicles and properties across the United States, due to Tesla owner Elon Musk’s role in the Trump administration. Some extremists even published the addresses and personal information of all American Tesla owners in a bid to intimidate them into getting rid of their vehicles.

President Donald J. Trump has promised to crack down on those destroying Tesla vehicles and property. The President has even floated the idea of sending offenders to El Salvador.

Image by Gage Skidmore.

show less

PULSE POINTS:

show more
By Popular Demand.
The National Pulse Now has an on-site comments section for members. Sign up today and be part of the conversation in our community of almost 15,000.

WE ARE 100% INDEPENDENT AND READER-FUNDED. FOR A GUARANTEED AD-FREE EXPERIENCE AND TO SUPPORT REAL NEWS, PLEASE SIGN UP HERE, TODAY.

7 hours ago
Jack Montgomery
News

WATCH: Byron Donalds Handles Tough Town Hall Surprisingly Well.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) fielded a pointed question about the oversight of Elon Musk’s role in the Trump administration during a town hall, delivering a detailed and composed response.

👥 Who’s Involved: Byron Donalds, U.S. Representative; Elon Musk, special employee under President Donald J. Trump.

📍 Where & When: The remarks were made at a town hall in Estero, Florida, on Monday.

Key Quote: “Every recommendation that DOGE makes is approved by cabinet-level secretaries who have been confirmed by the United States Senate. That’s the process.” — Byron Donalds.

Impact: Donalds’s clear explanation of congressional oversight and Musk’s role may bolster confidence among constituents concerned about the Department of Government Efficiency’s direction and accountability.

IN FULL:

Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) showcased a command of policy and cool-headedness during a recent town hall in Estero, Florida, when an audience member pressed him on the oversight of Elon Musk’s activities within the Trump administration. The question, which zeroed in on Musk’s role as a special employee fronting the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), could have been a political landmine, but Donalds turned it into an opportunity to clarify the process and underscore the need for fiscal responsibility.

“Great question,” Donalds began, explaining that Musk operates as a special employee under President Donald J. Trump, a practice not unique to this administration. “Every president has basically had these special employees,” he said, citing failed former Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry’s role as climate czar under former President Joe Biden as a precedent.

Donalds emphasized that congressional oversight primarily occurs through the appropriations process: “What they are doing is under the direction of the President of the United States,” he said of DOGE. “We actually have to let the DOGE committee, the DOGE Department, actually finish its work.”

He detailed how DOGE is examining contracts and inefficiencies across federal agencies, with any proposed budget cuts subject to review by the appropriations committee and a subsequent vote on the House floor. “That is the process,” he explained.

The congressman also addressed concerns about Musk’s authority, clarifying that DOGE’s recommendations are not unilateral. “Every recommendation that DOGE makes is approved by cabinet-level secretaries who have been confirmed by the United States Senate,” Donalds said. He pointed out that Congress has granted discretion to these secretaries under law—although this is a practice he personally opposes, believing that “Congress should not give discretion to the federal agencies, no matter who’s President.”

Donalds bolstered his case with stark figures from the Government Accountability Office (GAO), which reports that the federal government wastes over $250 billion annually—amounting to $3 trillion over the past two decades. “I believe that it is in the interest of the people of Southwest Florida and the United States to examine all inefficiencies in the federal government,” he said.

He stressed that President Barack Obama discussed tackling federal inefficiencies in 2009, and that DOGE is doing the “exact same thing.”

Donalds’s ability to navigate a complex and potentially embarrassing question with clarity and confidence will likely boost his credibility in Republican circles.

WATCH:

Image by Gage Skidmore.

show less

PULSE POINTS:

show more
By Popular Demand.
The National Pulse Now has an on-site comments section for members. Sign up today and be part of the conversation in our community of almost 15,000.
Pulse Ad
Pulse Ad

WE ARE 100% INDEPENDENT AND READER-FUNDED. FOR A GUARANTEED AD-FREE EXPERIENCE AND TO SUPPORT REAL NEWS, PLEASE SIGN UP HERE, TODAY.

8 hours ago
Jack Montgomery
News

Al Gore Compares Trump Administration to Nazi Germany.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Al Gore compared the Trump administration to Nazi Germany and called Trump a “threat” to the Constitution.

👥 Who’s Involved: Al Gore, former U.S. Vice President; Donald J. Trump, 45th and 47th U.S. President.

📍 Where & When: The comments were made during an event in San Francisco at the start of “Climate Week.”

💬 Key Quote: “Our constitution, written by our founders, is intended to protect us against a threat identical to Donald Trump.” — Al Gore.

⚠️ Impact: Gore’s histrionic remarks may drive a further wedge between the Democrats and independent voters who do not believe President Trump’s energy policies warrant comparisons to the Nazis.

IN FULL:

Former Vice President Al Gore, speaking at a “Climate Week” event on Monday, drew parallels between the Trump administration and the National Socialist regime of Adolf Hitler in Germany. Gore, the failed 2000 Democratic presidential candidate, made the remarks at a San Francisco science museum to an audience of only around 150.

Gore alleged that, like the Nazis, the Trump administration is “trying to create their own preferred version of reality.”

“I understand very well why it is wrong to compare Adolf Hitler’s Third Reich to any other movement,” Gore continued, despite having just done precisely that. “It was uniquely evil, full stop. I get it. But there are important lessons from the history of that emergent evil.” He added: “Our constitution, written by our founders, is intended to protect us against a threat identical to Donald Trump.”

The 77-year-old complained of the Trump administration, “They say the climate crisis is a hoax invented by the Chinese to destroy American manufacturing, they say coal is clean, they say wind turbines cause cancer, they say sea level rise just creates more beachfront property,” alleging that America is “under attack.”

With high energy prices contributing significantly to the decline of American manufacturing and the cost of living crisis for American households, and China’s construction of new coal plants at a ten-year high, President Trump has made energy independence a priority for his second administration.

Earlier this month, he signed four executive orders to save coal miners’ jobs and revitalize their industry, saying, “[W]e’re taking historic action to help American workers, miners, families, and consumers. We’re ending Joe Biden’s war on beautiful, clean coal once and for all. We’re going to put the miners back to work.”

Image by World Economic Forum / Chris Heeney.

show less

PULSE POINTS:

show more
By Popular Demand.
The National Pulse Now has an on-site comments section for members. Sign up today and be part of the conversation in our community of almost 15,000.

WE ARE 100% INDEPENDENT AND READER-FUNDED. FOR A GUARANTEED AD-FREE EXPERIENCE AND TO SUPPORT REAL NEWS, PLEASE SIGN UP HERE, TODAY.

9 hours ago
News
Politics

Elon Musk Didn’t Contribute to Trump’s Inauguration.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk did not contribute financially to Donald Trump’s inauguration events, despite being a vocal supporter during his campaign.

👥 Who’s Involved: Elon Musk, President Donald J. Trump, Trump’s inaugural committee, and companies such as Meta, Amazon, and Nvidia.

📍 Where & When: Washington, D.C., during Trump’s inauguration on January 20, 2025; FEC filing released on Sunday, April 20, 2025.

💬 Key Quote: “Donations to an inaugural committee are not subject to any contribution amount limitations. In addition, an inaugural committee may accept donations from corporations and labor organizations,” state FEC rules.

⚠️ Impact: Trump’s inauguration raised $239 million from donors, exceeding previous records, highlighting potential Silicon Valley support for Trump’s presidency.

IN FULL:

Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, notably abstained from making financial contributions toward the inauguration of President Donald J. Trump, as shown in recent documentation by the Federal Election Commission (FEC). This reveals a departure from Musk‘s previous backing of Trump’s campaign, during which he reportedly expended over $250 million in support of the America First leader. According to the FEC filing, which was released by the Trump-Vance Inaugural Committee, donations exceeded $239 million, setting a new record for inaugural fundraising in January.

Several major technology companies, including Meta (the parent company of Facebook and Instagram), Nvidia, and Amazon, contributed substantially, each offering at least $1 million toward the inaugural events. However, the reason for Musk’s absence from the list of inaugural donors is not yet known.

While Musk did attend the inauguration ceremony on January 20, 2025, and delivered an address at a major rally later that evening, his financial absence is noteworthy given his prior involvement in the presidential campaign. Notably, a number of major Silicon Valley firms contributed to the second Trump inauguration despite the tech industry’s hostility—and in some cases outright opposition—to Trump’s agenda in the past.

The inaugural committee is not obligated to disclose expenditure specifics or remaining funds until it submits its tax return in 2026. Also of note, the FEC rules state: “Donations to an inaugural committee are not subject to any contribution amount limitations. In addition, an inaugural committee may accept donations from corporations and labor organizations.”

Image by Wcamp9. 

show less

PULSE POINTS:

show more
By Popular Demand.
The National Pulse Now has an on-site comments section for members. Sign up today and be part of the conversation in our community of almost 15,000.
Pulse Ad
Pulse Ad