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June 13, 2025
Crime
Immigration

Kilmar Abrego Garcia Denies Smuggling Charges in Court.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national, pleaded not guilty to federal human smuggling charges after being returned to the U.S. following a protracted legal fight over his deportation to El Salvador.

👥 Who’s Involved: Kilmar Abrego Garcia, his wife Jennifer Vasquez Sura, Magistrate Judge Barbara Holmes, and federal prosecutors.

📍 Where & When: Nashville, Tennessee; June 13, 2025.

💬 Key Quote: U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi says Abrego Garcia “abused undocumented alien females… who were under his control while transporting them,” and “solicited nude photographs and videos of a minor [and] played a role in the murder of a rival gang member’s mother.”

⚠️ Impact: The case involves allegations of human smuggling, gang affiliation, and other serious crimes, raising questions about the motivations behind the prosecution and the handling of deportation cases.

IN FULL:

Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a 29-year-old Salvadoran national, entered a not guilty plea on human smuggling charges in a Nashville courtroom last week. His case follows a controversial deportation and subsequent return to the United States after a protracted legal battle.

Abrego Garcia, who appeared in court wearing a red jumpsuit, faces accusations of participating in a years-long conspiracy to transport illegal immigrants from Texas. A federal grand jury in Tennessee indicted him on two counts: conspiracy to transport aliens and unlawful transportation of illegal immigrants. Prosecutors have also alleged that he is a member of the MS-13 gang and has been involved in violent crimes, including murder, as well as trafficking women, children, firearms, and narcotics.

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi laid out the allegations last week, stating that Abrego Garcia had “abused undocumented alien females… who were under his control while transporting them,” and “solicited nude photographs and videos of a minor [and] played a role in the murder of a rival gang member’s mother.”

The Salvadoran father was initially deported in March after being detained during a traffic stop. He spent nearly three months in a Salvadoran prison. Federal judges and the Supreme Court later ordered his return to the U.S.

Jennifer Vasquez Sura, Abrego Garcia’s wife, addressed supporters outside the courthouse on June 13. “To all the families still fighting to be reunited… Kilmar wants you to have faith,” she said. She relayed her husband’s message of perseverance and gratitude to those advocating for his case. Notably, Vasquez Sura had previously filed for a protective order against her husband in 2021, alleging that Abrego Garcia had beaten her on several occasions.

Magistrate Judge Barbara Holmes will decide whether Abrego Garcia will remain in custody as he awaits trial.

By Popular Demand.
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10 hours ago
Lauren Gallagher
Crime
Immigration

Congress Investigating Role of Paid Agitators in Pro-Illegal Immigrant Riots.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: An investigation is underway into agitators allegedly being requested or even paid to participate in pro-illegal immigrant riots.

👥 Who’s Involved: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), Crowds on Demand.

📍Where & When: Los Angeles, California, and other U.S. cities impacted by pro-migrant riots, June 2025.

💬 Key Quote: “We’re not here to negotiate with criminals. Break the law, attack our agents—you will be arrested, prosecuted, and held accountable. No exceptions,” said CBP.

⚠️ Impact: Suspect organizations will be investigated for their involvement in the riots.

IN FULL:

The pro-illegal immigrant riots in California and other states have sparked an ongoing investigation after the involvement of paid agitators was alleged. Crowds on Demand, a California-based advocacy group that provides crowds for protests, has received “numerous high-budget requests” to get involved with the demonstrations in Los Angeles and other cities, but has supposedly declined participation.

The company refused to intervene in the riots in Los Angeles and stated they did “not want to get close to any form of illegal activity, including violence, vandalism, or blocking off roads without a permit.”

Law enforcement is currently trying to determine who is responsible for organizing the attacks. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has warned that anyone who does not uphold the law will be held accountable: “We’re not here to negotiate with criminals. Break the law, attack our agents—you will be arrested, prosecuted, and held accountable. No exceptions.”

Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO), chairman of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Terrorism, has revealed that the committee has been sending letters to organizations suspected of being involved in the riots. The letters demand records from November 5, 2024, onwards. Organizations that fail to comply will face further action.

“Let me be clear: bankrolling civil unrest is not protected speech. It is aiding and abetting criminal conduct. Accordingly, you must immediately cease and desist any further involvement in the organization, funding or promotion of these unlawful activities,” the letter states.

Sen. Hawley and Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-CA) have raised particular concerns about the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) and its role in organizing and funding pro-illegal immigrant disorder. Whether CHIRLA provided financial or logistical support to protestors, including those allegedly involved in violence or illegal activity, is under investigation.

Kiley has questioned CHIRLA’s funding, noting, “The ‘nonprofit’ behind the LA riots donated almost $500,000 to support Newsom’s campaign. It then received $34 million in state funding,” adding: “I’m sure this is all a coincidence.”

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By Popular Demand.
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24 hours ago
Christopher Tomlinson
Corruption
Crime

USAID Official Pleads Guilty After $550m Bribery Scheme Uncovered.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: A former United States Agency for International Development (USAID) official and others have pleaded guilty to a bribery scheme that spanned over a decade and involved over $550 million.

👥 Who’s Involved: USAID, Roderick Watson, Walter Barnes, Darryl Britt, Paul Young, Justice Department Criminal Division Chief Matthew Galeotti, U.S. Attorney Kelly Hayes.

📍 Where & When: According to a Department of Justice (DOJ) press release, the four men pled guilty to the scheme on June 12.

💬 Key Quote: “Watson was entrusted to serve the interests of the American people—not his own.” — U.S. Attorney Kelly Hayes.

⚠️ Impact: The four men face lengthy sentences, including up to 15 years in prison for the former USAID official.

IN FULL:

A former U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) official and three corporate executives have pleaded guilty in a decade-long bribery scheme involving more than $550 million in government contracts. Two contractors—Apprio, Inc. and PM Consulting Group LLC (d/b/a Vistant)—admitted criminal liability and agreed Thursday to deferred prosecution deals with the Justice Department.

Roderick Watson, a former USAID contracting officer based in Maryland, admitted to accepting bribes from corporate executives in exchange for steering contracts to Apprio and Vistant. He was bribed with cash, electronics, luxury suite basketball tickets, mortgage payments, and favors for relatives. The bribes were often funneled through Paul Young, president of a subcontractor working with both companies.

Walter Barnes, president of Vistant, and Darryl Britt, president of Apprio, also pleaded guilty. Barnes admitted to both bribery and securities fraud. In 2022, he and Watson misled a small business investment company into issuing a $14 million loan to Vistant, enabling Barnes to pay himself a $10 million dividend. In 2023, Britt fraudulently induced a private equity firm to invest $4 million in Apprio while concealing years of bribery.

“Watson was entrusted to serve the interests of the American people—not his own,” said U.S. Attorney Kelly Hayes. “His criminal actions for his own personal gain undermine the integrity of our public institutions.”

Justice Department Criminal Division Chief Matthew Galeotti added: “Their scheme violated the public trust by undermining the integrity of the federal government’s procurement process.”

Watson faces up to 15 years in prison at his October 6 sentencing. Barnes, Britt, and Young each face up to five years when sentenced later this year. Apprio will pay $500,000 and Vistant $100,000 under civil settlements.

The case comes after President Donald J. Trump gutted USAID, as the agency was spending vast sums of taxpayer cash on woke projects across the globe.

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By Popular Demand.
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June 13, 2025
Immigration
News

ICE Arrests Surge: Rapists, Murderers, Pedophiles Targeted Amid Riots.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in Los Angeles, California, resulted in over 300 arrests of illegal aliens, including people convicted of violent and sexual crimes.

👥 Who’s Involved: ICE enforcement teams, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials, and migrants with criminal records.

📍 Where & When: Los Angeles, California; arrests conducted between June 9-12, 2025.

💬 Key Quote: “Murderers, pedophiles, and drug traffickers—these are the types of criminal illegal aliens that rioters are fighting to protect,” said DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin.

⚠️ Impact: The arrests highlight the Trump administration’s determination to enforce federal immigration laws amidst protests and riots opposing ICE arrests.

IN FULL:

Federal immigration authorities in Los Angeles, California, have arrested over 300 illegal aliens in a sweeping operation targeting individuals with serious criminal records. The arrests, carried out by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) between June 9 and June 12, included individuals convicted of crimes such as murder, child sexual abuse, and drug trafficking.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin confirmed the details in a statement, emphasizing the severity of the crimes committed by those detained. “Murderers, pedophiles, and drug traffickers—these are the types of criminal illegal aliens that rioters are fighting to protect,” McLaughlin stated, referencing ongoing protests by migrants and leftist groups opposing ICE operations in the area.

Among those arrested were Gerardo Antonio-Palacios, a previously deported Mexican national with convictions for homicide and burglary; Mab Khleb, a Cambodian national convicted of lewd acts with a child and drug-related offenses; Sang Louangprasert, a Laotian national with prior convictions for child sexual abuse and domestic violence; and Antonio Benitez-Ugarte, a Mexican national with a conviction for drug trafficking.

ICE teams also apprehended additional suspects with pending charges, including a Mexican national in Baldwin Park accused of rape, assault with a deadly weapon, and causing great bodily injury.

McLaughlin criticized California’s leadership, questioning Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass for what she described as prioritizing criminal illegal aliens over the safety of their citizens. “How much longer will Governor Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass continue to prioritize these criminal illegal aliens over their own citizens?” she asked.

The operation underscores the federal government’s commitment to enforcing immigration laws despite far-left opposition. “Secretary [Kristi] Noem has a message to the LA rioters: you will not stop us or slow us down. ICE will continue to enforce the law and arrest criminal illegal aliens,” McLaughlin declared.

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By Popular Demand.
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June 13, 2025
Crime
Immigration

Trump Can Maintain National Guard Presence in L.A., Appeals Court Rules.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals temporarily halted a federal judge’s order requiring President Donald J. Trump to return control of National Guard troops to California Governor Gavin Newsom (D).

👥 Who’s Involved: President Trump, Governor Newsom, U.S. District Court Judge Charles Breyer, and the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

📍 Where & When: San Francisco, California; ruling issued Thursday, with a hearing set for June 17.

💬 Key Quote: “The district court has no authority to usurp the President’s authority as Commander in Chief,” White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly stated.

⚠️ Impact: The decision delays the return of National Guard control to Newsom, leaving federalized troops in place amid ongoing pro-illegal immigrant riots.

IN FULL:

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Thursday temporarily blocked a federal judge’s order requiring President Donald J. Trump to relinquish control of California National Guard troops that are deployed to Los Angeles to protect federal property and personnel amid ongoing pro-illegal immigrant riots. The appellate court announced it would hold a hearing on the matter on June 17, just hours before the lower court’s order was set to take effect on Friday at noon.

U.S. District Court Judge Charles Breyer had earlier ruled that the deployment of the National Guard to Los Angeles violated the Tenth Amendment and exceeded the president’s statutory authority under Title 10 of the U.S. Code. His decision applied only to the National Guard, not the Marines, who were also stationed nearby but had not yet been deployed to the streets.

California Governor Gavin Newsom (D), who had sought an emergency halt to the Guard’s involvement in protecting ICE, praised Breyer’s initial ruling as a victory for state authority. “Today was really about a test of democracy, and today we passed the test,” Newsom said, shortly before the appellate court intervened.

The White House criticized the district court’s decision, calling it “unprecedented” and a threat to federal personnel. “The district court has no authority to usurp the President’s authority as Commander in Chief,” White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly stated. The administration pledged to appeal the decision and expressed confidence in ultimately prevailing.

The deployment of federalized National Guard troops was authorized by President Trump under Title 10, which allows such action in limited circumstances, including rebellion or threats to federal law enforcement. However, Judge Breyer claimed that the Los Angeles riots did not meet the legal definition of a rebellion.

Meanwhile, approximately 700 Marines have been undergoing civil disturbance training at a base in Orange County, with 140 expected to replace National Guard troops in Los Angeles within 24 hours.

California’s lawsuit against the federal government argues that the president improperly bypassed the state in issuing orders to the National Guard. The Justice Department (DOJ) maintains that Trump’s actions are not subject to judicial review, citing historical precedents where courts refrained from intervening in military deployments.

Riots over federal immigration raids have intensified in Los Angeles and spread to other cities, including Seattle and New York.

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By Popular Demand.
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June 13, 2025
Lauren Gallagher
Politics

House Votes to Slash $9.4B in ‘Woke’ Spending, Defund PBS, NPR, and Foreign Aid.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: The House of Representatives has passed a rescissions package, clawing back $9.4 billion in appropriations funding for foreign aid, services for illegal immigrants, and NPR and PBS.

👥 Who’s Involved: U.S. Congress, House Republicans, House Democrats, President Donald J. Trump, and the U.S. Senate.

📍 Where & When: The House passed legislation late Thursday, June 12, 2025.

💬 Key Quote: House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) praised the rescission package, calling it “a critical step towards a more responsible and transparent government that puts the interests of American taxpayers first.”

⚠️ Impact: The rescission package is being billed as a major step in a broader effort by the Trump administration to cut government waste and significantly reduce the U.S. budget deficit.

IN FULL:

A Trump White House-backed rescissions package has passed in the House of Representatives, with the legislation aiming to cancel unspent government funds for NPR, PBS, and foreign aid. Notably, the rescission process allows for Congress to cancel unspent government funds. The Thursday evening vote concluded 214 to 212, with four House Republicans joining Democrat lawmakers in opposition to the bill.

President Donald J. Trump pushed House Republicans to back the cuts, stating on Truth Social, “Every single Republican in Congress should vote ‘YES’.” If adopted by the Senate, the package would claw back $9.4 billion in appropriated funds by Congress, permanently reducing spending. This bill’s primary provisions reduce foreign aid for climate projects, funding for services offered to illegal immigrants, and funding for NPR and PBS.

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) praised the rescission package, calling it “a critical step towards a more responsible and transparent government that puts the interests of American taxpayers first.” The Speaker noted that the bill was a “manifestation of the DOGE effort,” referring to the Department of Government Efficiency formerly fronted by Elon Musk, and said it would “ensure greater accountability in government going forward.”

“There is no reason for any media organization to be singled out to receive federal funds,” said Johnson. “Especially those who appear to have so little regard for the truth.”

The package cuts $8.3 billion for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), among other international assistance programs. Additional cuts include slashing $1.1 billion from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which funds PBS and NPR. Defending the cuts, the Trump White House contends the public broadcasters have abused taxpayer dollars to “spread radical, woke propaganda disguised as news.”

Next, the rescissions package will head to the Senate, where it is expected to be adopted by the Republican majority in the chamber. Congress has 45 days to pass the cuts, with the clock having started on June 3, when the rescission request was sent from the White House.

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By Popular Demand.
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June 13, 2025
Lawfare

Appeals Court Denies Trump’s Bid to Overturn E. Jean Carroll Verdict.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected President Donald J. Trump’s bid to overturn a $5 million jury verdict that found him liable for sexual assault and defamation against writer and alleged fabulist E. Jean Carroll.

👥 Who’s Involved: Donald Trump, E. Jean Carroll, 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, Roberta Kaplan, Judges Steven Menashi and Michael Park.

📍 Where & When: 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, Manhattan, New York, June 13, 2025.

💬 Key Quote: The dissenting judges stated the panel “sanctioned striking departures” from legal precedent “to justify the irregular judgment in this case.”

⚠️ Impact: Trump’s last legal option is to petition the Supreme Court; there is no automatic right to appeal.

IN FULL:

President Donald J. Trump‘s bid for a rehearing of E. Jean Carroll‘s defamation case against him was rejected by the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Friday. The 2023 lawsuit saw a $5 million jury verdict that held him liable for sexually assaulting and defaming the writer and alleged fabulist. Carroll accused Trump of raping her nearly 30 years ago, a claim he has consistently denied. She has also accused at least seven other men and boys of assaulting her in unrelated cases.

Two judges on the 2nd Circuit, Steven Menashi and Michael Park—both appointed by Trump during his first term—dissented from the court’s decision not to grant an en banc rehearing. In their written dissent, the judges criticized the panel’s ruling, stating it “sanctioned striking departures” from established legal precedent “to justify the irregular judgment in this case.”

President Trump’s last opportunity to contest the Carroll verdict now lies with the Supreme Court, though there is no automatic right for the appeal to be heard at that level.

“E. Jean Carroll is very pleased with today’s decision,” said Carroll’s attorney, Roberta Kaplan, following the ruling. She added: “Although President Trump continues to try every possible maneuver to challenge the findings of two separate juries, those efforts have failed. He remains liable for sexual assault and defamation.”

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By Popular Demand.
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June 13, 2025
Jack Montgomery
War

BREAKING: Iran Launches Missile Strikes Against Israel, Tel Aviv Hit.

Iran has launched a wave of missile strikes against Israel, following previous Israeli air strikes targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities and the leadership of its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Video footage of the Iranian strikes shows Israel’s Iron Dome anti-missile defenses intercepting numerous projectiles, with journalists on the ground reporting seeing incoming drones as well as the missiles reported by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

One video appears to show an Iranian missile or missile debris striking downtown Tel Aviv, with huge plumes of smoke rising over the city’s skyscrapers. The number of casualties, if any, is unclear as of the time of publication.

This story is developing…

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Iran has launched a wave of missile strikes against Israel, following previous Israeli air strikes targeting Iran's nuclear facilities and the leadership of its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). show more
By Popular Demand.
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June 13, 2025
Crime
Immigration

Migrants Escape Custody Amid Detention Center Riot.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: At least four migrants are missing following a disturbance at the Delaney Hall Detention Facility in Newark, New Jersey.

👥 Who’s Involved: Around 50 detainees reportedly participated in the unrest; Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the GEO Group are linked to the facility’s operation.

📍 Where & When: The incident occurred on June 12 at Delaney Hall, Newark, New Jersey, during a disturbance over meal quality and delivery.

💬 Key Quote: “It’s about the food, and some of the detainees were getting aggressive and it turned violent,” said Mustafa Cetin, an attorney representing a migrant at the facility.

⚠️ Impact: Democrats are capitalizing on the riot and detainee escape.

IN FULL:

At least four illegal immigrant detainees are unaccounted for after a riot broke out at the Delaney Hall Detention Facility in New Jersey. The unrest reportedly began as detainees expressed frustration over food quality and delivery, leading to a group tearing down a wall in a dormitory area. Subsequently, a number of far-left, pro-illegal immigrant demonstrators gathered outside the facility, blocking law enforcement officers and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from exiting to search for the detainees.

It is believed that detainees used makeshift ropes made from bedsheets to descend from a third-floor window. Mustafa Cetin, an attorney for one of the illegal immigrants, stated, “It’s about the food, and some of the detainees were getting aggressive, and it turned violent.” He added that the breached wall was “not very strong,” enabling the detainees to push it down.

Approximately 50 detainees are believed to have been involved in the riot.


Delaney Hall, the largest migrant detention center on the East Coast with a capacity of 1,000 beds, reopened in May under a 15-year, $1 billion contract between ICE and GEO Group. The facility has been a focal point of far-left activism, with protestors and local officials raising supposed concerns over the treatment of illegal immigrants and the privatization of detention services.

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka stated, “We are concerned about reports of what has transpired at Delaney Hall this evening, ranging from withholding food and poor treatment, to uprising and escaped detainees.” He called for increased oversight and transparency from GEO Group and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

In May, Mayor Baraka and three Democrat members of Congress attempted to visit the facility, citing oversight rights under federal law. The visit resulted in Baraka’s brief arrest for trespassing, though the charges were later dropped. However, earlier this week, a federal grand jury indicted Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-NJ) on three federal charges for allegedly interfering with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents during the same visit.

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By Popular Demand.
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June 13, 2025
Jack Montgomery
Politics

Paxton Backs Former Deputy Aaron Reitz for Texas AG.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton endorsed his former deputy, Aaron Reitz, to replace him in the AG role, praising his MAGA credentials. Reitz has resigned from Trump’s Justice Department to run.

👥 Who’s Involved: Ken Paxton, Aaron Reitz, President Donald J. Trump, Senator Ted Cruz, and Senator John Cornyn.

📍 Where & When: Endorsement announced on June 13, 2025, with Reitz’s campaign launch following.

💬 Key Quote: “Reitz was my ‘offensive coordinator’ directing actions on border security, immigration… I’m excited Aaron is in this race!” Paxton said.

⚠️ Impact: Reitz’s candidacy strengthens Trump’s America First agenda in Texas, advancing mass deportations and other MAGA priorities.

IN FULL:

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has endorsed his former deputy, Aaron Reitz, to take over the position in 2026. Reitz has stepped down from the position of United States Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Legal Policy at the Trump Justice Department to run for Texas Attorney General, which Paxton is leaving to bid for a U.S. Senate seat.

“Aaron & I have fought many battles together,” Paxton said of Reitz, who worked as his Deputy Attorney General for Legal Strategy from 2020 to 2023. “Reitz was my ‘offensive coordinator’ directing actions on border security, immigration, Big Tech, energy, pro-life, Bill of Rights, & election integrity,” Paxton explained.

“I agree with President Trump: Reitz is a ‘true MAGA attorney’ & ‘warrior for our Constitution’ [and] I’m excited Aaron is in this race!”

Reitz, who has also worked as chief of staff to Texas Senator Ted Cruz, is an Afghanistan veteran and remains a serving member of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, where he holds the rank of Major. If elected as Texas Attorney General, he has pledged to “accelerate the mass deportation of illegal aliens, defend the Second Amendment, protect the unborn, secure our elections, and take on leftist DAs who refuse to prosecute criminals.”

Meanwhile, Paxton’s Senate run depends on a successful primary challenge against incumbent Republican-in-name-only John Cornyn, who opposed Trump’s decision to run in 2024 and refused to challenge the lawfare prosecutions leveled against him by the Biden Justice Department and state Democrats. Cornyn also previously opposed Trump’s border wall and has been counter-signaling his second-term tariff policies.

WATCH:

Image via Aaron Reitz.

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By Popular Demand.
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June 13, 2025
Election Integrity
Lawfare

Obama Judge Halts Trump’s Election Integrity Order.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: A federal judge in Atlanta, Georgia, blocked President Donald J. Trump’s Executive Order on election reforms, deeming it unconstitutional.

👥 Who’s Involved: President Trump, Democrat state attorneys general, and U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper.

📍 Where & When: The ruling was issued on Friday, June 13, 2025, following Trump’s March 25 executive order.

💬 Key Quote: The Democrat attorneys general had argued the order “usurps the States’ constitutional power and seeks to amend election law by fiat.”

⚠️ Impact: The ruling halts Trump’s proposed changes, including requiring proof of citizenship to vote in federal elections and limiting mail-in ballot acceptance.

IN FULL:

A federal judge on Friday blocked an Executive Order issued by President Donald J. Trump aimed at reforming election procedures, siding with a coalition of Democratic state attorneys general who argued the directive exceeded presidential authority. The Executive Order, signed on March 25, sought to implement significant changes to federal election processes. These included requiring documentary proof of citizenship for voter registration in federal elections, limiting acceptance of mail-in ballots to those received by Election Day, and tying federal election grants to state compliance with the new ballot deadline.

“The Constitution does not grant the President any specific powers over elections,” U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper wrote in the ruling. Responding to the Trump administration’s argument that proof of citizenship requirements were a “commonsense” requirement, Casper—appointed to the bench by former President Barack Obama—contended, “there is no dispute (nor could there be) that U.S. citizenship is required to vote in federal elections and the federal voter registration forms require attestation of citizenship.”

Judge Casper’s decision halts the implementation of the order, leaving the proposed election changes in limbo. Notably, Casper determined that it is likely the Democratic attorneys general will ultimately succeed in their challenge to Trump’s Executive Order, prompting her to issue the preliminary injunction.

The National Pulse reported in April that, in a separate ruling, U.S. District Court Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly blocked the citizenship provision in Trump’s Executive Order, while leaving two other components of the presidential directive intact. These include a provision for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of State to provide the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) with data to aid it in identifying noncitizens currently on voting rolls. The other measure instructs the Department of Justice (DOJ) to initiate legal action against state governments that ignore a Trump administration requirement that mail-in ballots be received before or on election day to be counted.

Image by Chris Phan.

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By Popular Demand.
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