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June 2, 2025
Election Integrity

Foreign Student Charged With Illegal Voting Flees to China.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: A Chinese student at the University of Michigan fled to China after being charged with illegally voting in the 2024 U.S. election.

👥 Who’s Involved: Haoxiang Gao, a foreign national student, and U.S. federal prosecutors.

📍 Where & When: The incident occurred in Michigan in October 2024, with Gao fleeing the U.S. in January 2025 and the criminal complaint against him unsealed on May 30, 2025.

⚠️ Impact: Gao faces federal charges for fleeing prosecution, but his return is unlikely due to the lack of a U.S.-China extradition treaty.

IN FULL:

A Chinese student at the University of Michigan has fled to China after being charged with illegal voting in the 2024 election, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Haoxiang Gao, a foreign national attending the university, reportedly turned himself in last October after allegedly registering to vote and casting a ballot in Michigan’s general election. Gao was charged with two felonies: false swearing to register to vote and attempting to vote as an unqualified elector.

Court records reveal that during his arraignment, Gao was ordered to surrender his Chinese passport and remain within the state. The passport he turned over had a serial number ending in “1332.” Gao later failed to appear for scheduled court hearings on March 6 and April 24. Last Friday, federal prosecutors disclosed that Gao boarded a Delta flight from Detroit International Airport to Shanghai, China, on January 19, using a different Chinese passport with a serial number ending in “7137.”

The FBI has since charged Gao federally with flight to avoid prosecution. However, the U.S. does not have an extradition treaty with China, complicating efforts to bring him back to face justice.

The case highlights ongoing concerns regarding election integrity and the challenges of prosecuting foreign nationals who violate U.S. election laws. The National Pulse has reported extensively on incidents of noncitizens illegally casting ballots in U.S. elections, with data suggesting the number of noncitizen voters is statistically significant.

By Popular Demand.
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39 minutes ago
Culture
Politics

Hegseth Directs Navy to Rename Ship Previously Honoring Harvey Milk.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered the U.S. Navy to rename the oiler ship USNS Harvey Milk, originally named after gay rights activist Harvey Milk, who had a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old runaway boy while he was in his thirties.

👥 Who’s Involved: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, and the late Harvey Milk.

📍 Where & When: The renaming order was issued at the start of Pride Month in June of 2025, affecting a ship named in 2016 during a San Francisco ceremony.

⚠️ Impact: The decision has sparked criticism from Democratic leaders, but draws attention to Milk’s controversial relationship with underage boy Jack Galen McKinley. 

IN FULL:

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has directed the U.S. Navy to rename the USNS Harvey Milk, a ship named in honor of the late gay rights activist and politician. The order, issued at the start of Pride Month, was revealed through a memorandum issued by the Department of Defense (DoD).

The USNS Harvey Milk was named in 2016 during a ceremony in San Francisco. Milk, a Navy veteran, became the first openly gay elected official in California in 1977, serving on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors before being assassinated in 1978. However, Milk also had a sexual relationship with an underage runaway, Jack Galen McKinley, while he was in his thirties, which has led many conservatives to challenge the status he has been awarded as a civil rights hero.

This renaming initiative is reportedly part of Hegseth’s broader efforts to “reestablish the warrior culture” within the military. Since assuming his role, Hegseth has worked to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, aiming to restore what he refers to as the “warrior ethos.”

In addition to the USNS Harvey Milk, other ships on a Navy renaming recommendation list include the USNS Thurgood Marshall, USNS Ruth Bader Ginsburg, USNS Harriet Tubman, USNS Dolores Huerta, USNS Lucy Stone, USNS Cesar Chavez, and USNS Medgar Evers.

The decision has drawn sharp criticism from Democratic leaders. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) condemned the move, stating, “The reported decision by the Trump Administration to change the names of the USNS Harvey Milk and other ships in the John Lewis-class is a shameful, vindictive erasure of those who fought to break down barriers for all to chase the American Dream.”

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) also expressed outrage, calling the renaming “disgusting, blatant discrimination—and during Pride Month to boot.” He added that Milk “served the U.S. Navy and his country honorably, and he was assassinated while serving the public and fighting for LGBTQ+ rights.”

Schumer did not reference Milk’s unlawful relations with McKinley.

Jack Montgomery contributed to this report.

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By Popular Demand.
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1 hour ago
UK

Brexit Britain Dodges Trump’s 50% Steel, Aluminum Tariff Bullet.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: The United Kingdom has been excluded from a U.S. executive order that doubles steel and aluminum tariffs from 25 percent to 50 percent.

👥 Who’s Involved: U.S. President Donald Trump, the British government, and U.S. firms importing steel and aluminum.

📍 Where & When: President Trump’s executive order was signed in the U.S. on Tuesday evening, impacting international trade.

💬 Key Quote: A British government spokesman stated it remains “committed to protecting British business and jobs across key sectors, including steel as part of our plan for change.”

⚠️ Impact: British exporters avoid the immediate tariff hike, showcasing a benefit of Britain leaving the European Union (EU) and regaining control over its international trade policy. However, it faces potential increases if the terms of the U.S.-UK Economic Prosperity Deal are not met by July 9.

IN FULL:

The United Kingdom has avoided a tariff increase under a new executive order signed by U.S. President Donald J. Trump that doubles steel and aluminum import taxes for many countries. While the order raises tariffs on these materials from 25 percent to 50 percent for most nations, Britain, which regained control over international trade policy on exiting the European Union (EU), will maintain a lower rate—at least for now.

The exemption hinges on compliance with the U.S.-UK Economic Prosperity Deal (EPD), agreed between the Trump administration and the British government on May 8. According to the order, if the United Kingdom fails to meet the terms of the EPD by July 9, the tariff rate could rise to 50 percent.

The executive order, signed on Tuesday evening, aims to increase costs for U.S. firms importing steel and aluminum from abroad, bolstering the American steel industry.

The exemption for Britain provides relief for British exporters, who would otherwise face significant financial strain under the heightened tariffs.

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By Popular Demand.
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2 hours ago
Culture
News

Trump White House Will Not Issue ‘Pride’ Proclamation.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced there are no plans for a “Pride Month” proclamation under President Donald J. Trump.

👥 Who’s Involved: President Donald J. Trump, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, and the Department of Education.

📍 Where & When: White House press briefing, June 3, 2025.

💬 Key Quote: “There are no plans for a proclamation for the month of June,” said Leavitt, adding Trump is “proud to be a President for all Americans regardless of race, religion, or creed.”

⚠️ Impact: The Trump administration is shifting focus away from LGBT-centric policies to initiatives such as recognizing Title IX’s anniversary and addressing gender ideology in federal policy.

IN FULL:

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed Tuesday that President Donald J. Trump’s administration has no plans to issue a “Pride Month” proclamation this June, marking a significant departure from his predecessor’s approach to LGBT-related celebrations.

“There are no plans for a proclamation for the month of June,” Leavitt stated during a press briefing, emphasizing that President Trump is “proud to be a president for all Americans regardless of race, religion, or creed.”

The announcement coincides with the Department of Education’s decision to designate June as “Title IX Month,” commemorating the 53rd anniversary of the landmark legislation prohibiting sex-based education discrimination.

This approach contrasts sharply with the policies of former President Joe Biden, who issued annual “Pride Month” proclamations and hosted high-profile LGBT events at the White House. Notably, a 2023 Pride event under Biden drew criticism after transgender activist Rose Montoya, a man claiming to be a woman, appeared topless in a video on the White House lawn. Biden also signed an executive order in 2022 to expand access to gender-transition procedures for adults and minors.

Since taking office, Trump has focused on rolling back “radical” gender ideology. In an executive order titled “Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government,” the White House stated that erasing sex in language and policy undermines trust in government and societal stability.

The Trump administration has prioritized protecting children from irreversible gender procedures and ensuring fairness in women’s sports by barring biological males from competing. This marks a sharp pivot from the policies of the previous administration, reinforcing Trump’s commitment to “biological truth.”

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By Popular Demand.
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3 hours ago
Sports

Gold Medalist Boxer Imane Khelif Has Male Chromosomes.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Leaked medical tests suggest Algerian Olympic boxing champion Imane Khelif has a male karyotype, raising further questions about eligibility to compete against women under new gender testing rules for the 2028 Olympics.

👥 Who’s Involved: Imane Khelif, the International Boxing Association (IBA), the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and the World Boxing Association (WBA).

📍 Where & When: Paris Olympics 2024; potential impact on the 2028 Olympic Games.

💬 Key Quote: “Chromosome analysis reveals a Male karyotype. No numerical or chromosomal anomalies detected at 450-550 banding resolution,” according to a report attributed to Dr. Lal PathLabs.

⚠️ Impact: Khelif’s eligibility as a female athlete is in question, with new gender testing rules potentially barring participation in future competitions.

IN FULL:

Leaked medical records reportedly reveal that Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, who claimed Olympic gold in women’s boxing at the 2024 Paris Games, has a male karyotype, suggesting potential ineligibility under new gender testing rules for the 2028 Olympics. Khelif’s dominating performance in the Paris Olympics reignited controversy surrounding the athlete’s eligibility, after the International Boxing Association (IBA) previously disqualified Khelif from competing as a female in 2022 and 2023 due to gender test concerns. Despite the IBA’s ban, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) allowed Khelif to compete in Paris as a woman.

Now, the allegedly female boxer’s gender issue has resurfaced following the World Boxing Association’s (WBA) announcement of updated gender testing requirements for Olympic fighters. Reports suggest that Khelif’s medical tests, conducted by Dr. Lal PathLabs in New Delhi, indicated a male karyotype and testosterone levels consistent with typical male ranges. The records also reportedly show the presence of internal testes and an absence of female reproductive organs.

Algerian sports officials have dismissed the findings, insisting Khelif qualifies as a woman due to “medical reasons.” Khelif, who has identified as female since birth, was reportedly placed on testosterone suppression therapy in 2023.

Medical experts note that conditions such as Swyer syndrome, Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome, or 5-alpha reductase deficiency could explain Khelif’s situation. The latter condition, found only in males, can result in ambiguous genitalia at birth and the development of male characteristics during puberty.

Notably, the leaked 2023 test results appear to confirm a separate reported test conducted by endocrinologists Soumaya Fedala and Jacques Young, which surfaced online in late 2024 following the Paris Olympics. The 2024 test leak also found that Khelif had no uterus and instead possessed internal testes, while diagnosing the boxer with 5-alpha reductase deficiency.

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By Popular Demand.
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13 hours ago
William Upton
Politics

MTG Under Fire for Admitting She Voted for the Big, Beautiful Bill Without Reading It.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) admitted she did not read President Donald J. Trump’s budget reconciliation bill before voting for it and would have opposed it had she known about an AI-related provision. The Georgia Republican also appears not to understand the purpose of the ban on state-level AI regulation, a provision likely intended to prevent Democrat state lawmakers in California from setting regulatory standards for the whole country.

👥 Who’s Involved: Marjorie Taylor Greene, President Trump, national Democratic lawmakers, including Eric Swalwell, Ted Lieu, Mark Pocan, Governor Gavin Newsom (D-CA), and the California state legislature.

📍 Where & When: U.S. House of Representatives; Greene’s admission was posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, June 3, 2025.

💬 Key Quote: “Full transparency, I did not know about this section on pages 278-279 of the OBBB that strips states of the right to make laws or regulate AI for 10 years,” Greene wrote on X.

⚠️ Impact: Critics contend that the AI provision would block states from regulating AI systems for a decade, potentially nullifying existing state laws. However, Greene also seems unaware that the provision is actually an assertion of federal authority over AI regulation, meant to effectively prevent far-left state-level Democrats in California from dictating AI regulatory policy for the whole country.

IN FULL:

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) has acknowledged that she did not thoroughly read President Donald J. Trump‘s tax and spending bill, dubbed the “One Big Beautiful Bill” (OBBB), before voting in favor of it. Greene admitted she was unaware of a provision in the bill that would prevent states from regulating artificial intelligence (AI) systems for 10 years.

Posting on X, Greene wrote, “Full transparency, I did not know about this section on pages 278-279 of the OBBB that strips states of the right to make laws or regulate AI for 10 years. I am adamantly OPPOSED to this and it is a violation of state rights and I would have voted NO if I had known this was in there.”

The AI provision, added just two days before the markup, would prohibit state and local governments from enacting laws or regulations targeting AI models, facial recognition systems, and other automated decision tools. While critics make over-the-top claims that the provision removes safeguards or is an infringement on state rights, the section appears more aimed at preventing California from setting AI regulatory standards for the entire country.

Most technology companies working on AI development are either located in California or have a nexus to the state, meaning far-left Democrats in Sacramento can enact regulation directly on most of the industry. Additionally, as has happened with other industries, when California passes sweeping regulatory standards, companies in that sector will often change their policies nationwide to comply with California law rather than creating policies and adjusting consumer or user experiences for Californians alone. Governor Gavin Newsom (D-CA) has already signed several new laws regulating AI.

Under the former Biden government, the lack of federal intervention allowed California to set emissions standards for the automotive industry and regulations on electric vehicles. The provision that Greene didn’t read in Trump’s budget reconciliation bill would prevent the very situation that the Trump White House had to correct by intervening against California on emissions standards.

Notably, Democratic lawmakers, who unanimously opposed the bill, responded sharply to Greene’s admission. Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) posted, “You have one job. To. Read. The. F***ing. Bill.” Similarly, Rep. Ted Lieu (D-CA) noted that he had read the provision and cited it as a reason for his opposition, advising, “PRO TIP: It’s helpful to read stuff before voting on it.”

As it is currently written, the AI provision is unlikely to survive the Byrd Rule in the U.S. Senate, though some lawmakers say they are working to alter the section to be Byrd Rule compliant.

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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By Popular Demand.
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14 hours ago
Immigration

Air Force Cadet Candidate Slain by Illegal Immigrant Receives Military Honors.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: An 18-year-old Air Force cadet candidate, Ava Moore, was killed by a jet ski allegedly being driven recklessly by an illegal immigrant.

👥 Who’s Involved: Ava Moore, Daikerlyn Alejandraa Gonzalez-Gonzalez, Maikel Coello Perozo, and U.S. Air Force Academy officials.

📍 Where & When: Lake Grapevine, Texas, over Memorial Day weekend; funeral held Saturday.

💬 Key Quote: “We lost an exemplary teammate this weekend—Cadet Candidate Ava Moore, whose passion for leadership and service left an impact on everyone she met,” said Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind, U.S. Air Force Academy Superintendent.

⚠️ Impact: Moore’s death has sparked outrage, with law enforcement highlighting the immigration status of the suspects. Both suspects face criminal charges and deportation proceedings.

IN FULL:

An 18-year-old Air Force cadet candidate, Ava Moore, was honored with full military funeral rites on Saturday after her tragic killing in a jet ski collision allegedly caused by an illegal immigrant. Moore, who had recently graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School and was set to join the Academy’s Class of 2029, died while kayaking on Lake Grapevine in Texas over Memorial Day weekend.

The U.S. Air Force Academy confirmed Moore was laid to rest with military honors, including the playing of Taps, flag folding, and flag presentation to her family. According to the Academy’s Superintendent, Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind, Moore’s leadership and dedication left a lasting impression on her peers. “Ava’s constant happiness and attitude helped her squadron get through the challenges of the Prep School, and her drive to excel was on display as she sought out leadership positions to improve herself and her team,” he said.

Authorities arrested two Venezuelan nationals in connection with the incident. Daikerlyn Alejandraa Gonzalez-Gonzalez, 22, who is accused of operating the jet ski that struck Moore, faces a second-degree manslaughter charge. Maikel Coello Perozo, 21, allegedly assisted Gonzalez-Gonzalez in fleeing the scene and faces charges for hindering apprehension and a vehicle collision. Both suspects reportedly had packed suitcases when apprehended by law enforcement.

Gonzalez-Gonzalez is being held in Tarrant County Jail on a $500,000 bond, while Perozo’s bail is set at $3,250. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has placed detainers on both migrants.

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By Popular Demand.
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15 hours ago
2A
News

Donald Trump Jr. Launching ‘Amazon of Guns’ to Strengthen the Second Amendment.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Donald Trump Jr. is launching an online firearm store called GrabAGun, aiming to make firearms more accessible and fill gaps left by corporate policy changes.

👥 Who’s Involved: Donald Trump Jr., investor Omeed Malik, GrabAGun CEO Marc Nemat, and attorney Colion Noir.

📍 Where & When: Announced on June 3, 2025, with plans to go public soon.

💬 Key Quote: “This is giving [the public] an opportunity with ‘grab a gun,’ to shop the way they shop virtually everything else.” — Donald Trump Jr.

⚠️ Impact: The platform seeks to restore access to firearms and accessories, offering a streamlined online shopping experience while adhering to federal regulations.

IN FULL:

Donald Trump Jr. has announced the upcoming launch of an online firearm retailer, GrabAGun, which he and his partners have described as the “Amazon of guns.” The platform aims to provide a streamlined shopping experience for firearms and accessories while adhering to federal safety regulations.

Speaking to the media on June 3, Trump Jr. explained the motivation behind the venture, highlighting a growing demand for firearms among groups not traditionally associated with gun ownership. “There’s women coming into the marketplace for self-defense,” he said. “There’s a younger generation that’s shifting to the conservative side that understands the need to exercise their Second Amendment.”

GrabAGun will allow customers to purchase firearms online, though federal law requires the weapons to be picked up from authorized and licensed dealers, where standard background checks will be conducted. However, accessories such as scopes and ammunition can be shipped directly to consumers’ homes.

Trump Jr., an avid marksman and hunter, emphasized the venture’s role in filling a void created by changing corporate policies. “Walmart used to be the largest retailer of firearms in America. Corporate policies change, you can no longer have that access,” he noted. “This is covering that void.”

The company has already announced a merger with a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) led by investor Omeed Malik, who has previously backed conservative ventures including Tucker Carlson‘s media startup and the “anti-woke” online marketplace Public Square. Malik described the GrabAGun platform as a way for Americans to “buy guns and ammunition online just like you can on Amazon because we have a Second Amendment right.”

The website offers a wide range of products, including rifles, shotguns, small arms, ammunition, and outdoor equipment such as tents and camping gear. Trump Jr. will join the company’s board when it goes public, alongside gun influencer and attorney Colion Noir.

Additionally, Trump Jr. and Malik announced plans for a new social club in Washington, D.C., named the Executive Branch, which will cater to the city’s elite with a $500,000 membership fee.

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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By Popular Demand.
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15 hours ago
News

Elon Musk Turns on Trump Over the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill.’

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Elon Musk publicly criticized President Donald J. Trump’s flagship tax and spending bill, calling it a “disgusting abomination.”

👤Who’s Involved: Elon Musk, President Donald Trump, Speaker Mike Johnson, Senator Rand Paul, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, and Senator Chuck Schumer.

🧾Key Quote: “Shame on those who voted for it,” Musk wrote on X.

⚠️Fallout: The rebuke could signal an impending rift between Musk, who recently departed the administration, seemingly on good terms, and President Trump.

📌Significance: Musk’s break with the Trump administration is his most direct since leaving government service at the end of May.

IN FULL:

Elon Musk lashed out at President Trump’s landmark tax and spending legislation on Tuesday, calling the bill a “disgusting abomination” and accusing lawmakers of saddling Americans with unsustainable debt.

Musk’s remarks came just days after his departure from the Trump administration, where he had served as the frontman for the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative aimed at cutting government waste, with mixed results.

In posts on his X platform, Musk said the bill would raise the deficit to $2.5 trillion and was filled with “outrageous” pork-barrel provisions. “Shame on those who voted for it,” he wrote.

The bill, passed by the House in May, would extend Trump’s first-term tax cuts, cut taxes on tips, overtime, and social security, boost border security and defense spending, and raise the debt ceiling to $4 trillion. The Congressional Budget Office has estimated it would increase the deficit by at least $600 billion in the coming fiscal year.

President Trump’s Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt, responded to Musk’s criticism by saying the America First leader “already knows where Elon Musk stood on this bill.”

Members of the administration, such as Stephen Miller, have explained to Musk that substantial cuts cannot be achieved in the “one big beautiful bill” because it is a reconciliation bill. Under the law, the reconciliation process can only impact discretionary spending. Most federal agency budgets, which Musk’s DOGE cuts impact, are considered nondiscretionary spending, and must be dealt with separately.

House Speaker Mike Johnson said he spoke with Musk about the bill for 20 minutes earlier this week and noted that its phasing out of certain tax credits may affect Musk’s Tesla company. “I just deeply regret he’s made this mistake,” Johnson said.

Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky has said he won’t support the measure if it includes raising the debt ceiling. “The GOP will own the debt once they vote for this,” Paul said.

So far, Trump has held fire against Musk, who is also avoiding attacking Trump directly, instead stressing that the bill is “Congressional.” However, Trump has fired back against Rand Paul on social media, arguing he has “very little understanding of the bill” and that “the people of Kentucky can’t stand him.”

Despite the friction, Senate Majority Leader John Thune signaled the GOP would “proceed full speed ahead.” The administration has set a July 4 deadline to pass the legislation.

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By Popular Demand.
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16 hours 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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17 hours 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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