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Wednesday, June 18, 2025

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4 hours ago
News
UK

Islands Reject Secession After 2-Year Study.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Orkney Islands Council decided to remain part of the United Kingdom after exploring options for greater autonomy, and possibly joining Norway.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Orkney Islands Council, former council leader James Stockan, and current council leader Heather Woodbridge.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Orkney, Scotland, with discussions spanning the last two years.

💬KEY QUOTE: “This is just the start of a more detailed appraisal.” – Council leader Heather Woodbridge.

🎯IMPACT: The council will now focus on reforming public services through a single authority model.

IN FULL

After two years of exploring potential governance changes, Orkney Islands Council has concluded that remaining part of the United Kingdom is the most viable option for the islands. The council had considered alternative governance models, including a self-governing territory status under Norway, which ceded the islands to Scotland in 1472.

A report presented to the council determined that pursuing greater autonomy would be too costly and complex. Instead, members agreed to explore a “single authority model” aimed at reforming how public services are delivered.

Orkney’s former council leader, James Stockan, had initially proposed exploring constitutional changes, including the possibility of rejoining Norway. His frustrations stemmed from perceived insufficient financial support from both Britain’s central government and Scotland’s devolved government—roughly equivalent to a U.S. state government. In 2021, the council voted 15-6 in favor of investigating governance alternatives. Stockan stepped down from his leadership role in January 2022.

Current council leader Heather Woodbridge emphasized during a recent meeting that discussions on the single authority model are still in the early stages. “This is just the start of a more detailed appraisal,” she said, signaling that implementation is not guaranteed.

The Scottish government has expressed interest in applying the single authority model to other council areas, including the Western Isles, where U.S. President Donald J. Trump’s mother, Mary, was born. Details and timelines for implementation are expected to be published before the end of the current parliamentary session.

Scotland has a longstanding separatist movement, but in a 2014 referendum, the Scots voted to remain part of the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom was founded by the Acts of Union in 1707, following the earlier Union of the Crowns in 1603, which saw the King of Scots ascend the English throne and establish a dual monarchy.

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Image by Dave Sutherland.

By Popular Demand.
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25 minutes ago
News

E. Jean Carroll Has a New Book Out, Entitled… ‘Not My Type.’

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: E. Jean Carroll has written a new book detailing her court battles with President Donald J. Trump, titled Not My Type: One Woman vs. a President.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: E. Jean Carroll, President Donald Trump, and attorneys Roberta Kaplan, Joe Tacopina, and Alina Habba.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The book was released on Tuesday, shortly after a court upheld a $5 million civil judgment against Trump.

💬KEY QUOTE: “The behind-the-scenes goings-on at those two trials were so funny and so hilarious.” – E. Jean Carroll.

🎯IMPACT: Carroll’s book offers a detailed and personal account of her legal battles with Trump, potentially reigniting public discussion on the cases.

IN FULL

E. Jean Carroll has released her new book, Not My Type: One Woman vs. a President, chronicling her experiences during two civil court trials involving President Donald J. Trump. The book takes its name from President Trump’s response to Carroll’s rape allegations, when he said, “I’ll say it with great respect: Number one, she’s not my type. Number two, it never happened.”

The book became available on Tuesday, just days after an appeals court upheld a $5 million civil judgment against Trump related to alleged sexual abuse in the mid-1990s and defamation. Jeffrey Epstein-linked Democrat megadonor Reid Hoffman initially bankrolled the case.

Speaking to MSNBC’s Morning Joe, Carroll said the “behind-the-scenes goings-on at those two trials were so funny and so hilarious,” despite their supposedly traumatic subject matter. She also revealed that the book was kept secret during its development, with her publisher locking copies in their offices to avoid leaks. “It was a top-secret job. I think we got away with it,” she said.

Carroll highlighted various figures involved in the legal proceedings, including Judge Lewis Kaplan, whom she described as “a steel rod of a man” with a sharp wit, and Trump’s attorneys Joe Tacopina and Alina Habba. Referring to her attorney, Roberta Kaplan, Carroll said she had “a lust for battle.” She noted the courtroom dynamics as a blend of “hijinks, humor, and dead serious days.”

Carroll dismissed accusations that her book is an attempt to profit from her legal battles with Trump. “I’m an old journalist,” she said, claiming there “was no way, no way I could help myself but to take note of what actually was going on.”

The book’s release will likely draw renewed attention to Carroll’s strange allegations. The 81-year-old advice columnist claimed Trump raped her in New York’s Bergdorf Goodman department store, in changing rooms that, by her own admission, are usually locked, on a floor that is usually bustling with staff and customers, but was on this occasion deserted. Bizarrely, jurors found Trump was not liable for rape, but was liable for sexual abuse and defamation.

Carroll has accused at least seven men and boys besides Trump of attacking her over the decades in separate incidents.

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By Popular Demand.
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1 hour ago
News

Trump Touts ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ Cash Gains by State – Where Does YOURS Stack Up?

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The White House released a detailed breakdown of potential economic gains under President Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill,” showing sweeping tax cuts and wage increases in all 50 states.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Donald J. Trump, the Council of Economic Advisers, and American working families nationwide.

📍WHEN & WHERE: June 2025; analysis published by the White House covering all 50 U.S. states.

💬KEY QUOTE: “The One Big Beautiful Bill will deliver historic tax relief, bigger paychecks, and a booming economy for every American.” – Donald J. Trump

🎯IMPACT: Economic modeling shows massive wage gains and after-tax pay boosts in every state, with some families projected to gain more than $16,000 annually.

IN FULL

The White House is touting what it calls the “One Big Beautiful Bill” as the most expansive and transformative tax reform in American history. According to the Council of Economic Advisers, the bill promises an economic resurgence through deep tax cuts, deficit reduction, and targeted incentives for work and investment. A newly released state-by-state analysis reveals the bill’s projected impact on real wages and take-home pay for typical families in all 50 states.

Families in states like California, Massachusetts, and New Jersey are forecast to gain over $16,000 in annual take-home pay, while even historically lower-income states such as Mississippi and West Virginia stand to benefit by nearly $10,000. The Council estimates long-run wage increases of up to $14,800 depending on the state, thanks to tax incentives, full expensing for business investments, and reductions in statutory and effective tax rates.

The table below summarizes the projected economic impact by state:

StateLong-run wage increase
(Inflation-adjusted)		Take-home pay increase
(Typical family with two kids)
Alabama$4,800 to $9,100$6,500 to $10,800
Alaska$6,400 to $12,200$8,100 to $13,900
Arizona$5,800 to $11,100$7,500 to $12,800
Arkansas$4,500 to $8,600$6,200 to $10,300
California$7,500 to $14,300$9,200 to $16,000
Colorado$7,000 to $13,300$8,700 to $15,000
Connecticut$7,300 to $14,000$7,300 to $14,000
Delaware$6,100 to $11,700$7,800 to $13,400
Florida$5,800 to $11,000$7500 to $12,700
Georgia$5,800 to $11,000$7,500 to $12,700
Hawaii$7,000 to $13,300$8,700 to $15,000
Idaho$5,500 to $10,500$7,200 to $12,200
Illinois$6,200 to $11,800$7,900 to $13,500
Indiana$5,100 to $9,800$6,800 to $11,500
Iowa$5,200 to $10,000$6,900 to $11,700
Kansas$5,200 to $10,000$6,900 to $11,700
Kentucky$4,700 to $8,900$6,400 to $10,600
Louisiana$4,700 to $8,900$6,400 to $10,600
Maine$5,400 to $10,300$7,100 to $12,000
Maryland$7,200 to $13,800$8,900 to $15,500
Massachusetts$7,700 to $14,800$9,400 to $16,500
Michigan$5,200 to $10,000$6,900 to $11,700
Minnesota$6,300 to $12,100$8,000 to $13,800
Mississippi$4,300 to $8,100$6,000 to $9,800
Missouri$5,200 to $9,900$6,900 to $11,600
Montana$5,300 to $10,000$7,000 to $11,700
Nebraska$5,700 to $10,800$7,400 to $12,500
Nevada$5,800 to $11,000$7,500 to $12,700
New Hampshire$7,000 to $13,300$8,700 to $15,000
New Jersey$7,700 to $14,700$9,400 to $16,400
New Mexico$4,800 to $9,100$6,500 to $10,800
New York$6,800 to $13,000$8,500 to $14,700
North Carolina$5,500 to $10,500$7,200 to $12,200
North Dakota$5,500 to $10,500$7,200 to $12,200
Ohio$5,200 to $10,000$6,900 to $11,700
Oklahoma$4,800 to $9,100$6,500 to $10,800
Oregon$6,000 to $11,400$7,700 to $13,100
Pennsylvania$5,700 to $10,900$7,400 to $12,600
Rhode Island$6,300 to $12,000$8,000 to $13,700
South Carolina$5,200 to $9,900$6,900 to $11,600
South Dakota$5,400 to $10,300$7,100 to $12,000
Tennessee$5,300 to $10,000$7,000 to $11,700
Texas$6,000 to $11,300$7,700 to $13,000
Utah$6,600 to $12,500$8,300 to $14,200
Vermont$5,900 to $11,300$7,600 to $13,000
Virginia$6,900 to $13,100$8,600 to $14,800
Washington$7,200 to $13,800$8,900 to $15,500
West Virginia$4,300 to $8,200$6,000 to $9,900
Wisconsin$5,500 to $10,400$7,200 to $12,000
Wyoming$5,200 to $9,900$6,900 to $11,600

According to the White House, these projections are based on economic modeling similar to that used to forecast the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which proved accurate in delivering wage and growth gains post-enactment. The Council highlights gains from reduced tax burdens and increased labor supply, as Americans respond to greater incentives to work and invest.

The administration emphasizes that this bill will lift the middle class, reward small businesses, and cut wasteful spending while reducing the deficit. With presidential re-election messaging tied closely to economic revival, the “Big Beautiful Bill” now forms a cornerstone of Trump’s pitch to voters and legislators alike.

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By Popular Demand.
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1 hour ago
Raheem J. Kassam
Media

Spy Links and Visa Abuse Probed at Taxpayer-Funded ‘Voice of America’ & USAGM.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: House Oversight is demanding answers from the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) over years of alleged security breaches, visa abuses, and insider corruption, citing national security risks and ties to foreign adversaries.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: USAGM, Kari Lake, James Comer, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Voice of America, Radio Free Asia, Office of Cuba Broadcasting, and the Biden and Trump administrations.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Letter dated June 17, 2025; Washington, D.C.; oversight spans back over five years of agency operations.

💬KEY QUOTE: “USAGM is vulnerable to exploitation by foreign spies.”

🎯IMPACT: The House is investigating allegations that USAGM improperly issued visas, mismanaged funds, and allowed thousands of unauthorized personnel to access sensitive systems, possibly compromising U.S. national security.

IN FULL

Congressional Republicans have launched a sweeping investigation into the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which houses the controversial Voice of America outlet, citing systemic national security failures, corruption, and visa fraud spanning multiple administrations.

A June 17 letter to Kari Lake, the agency’s Senior Advisor, outlines grave concerns over using foreign nationals, falsified background checks, and insider enrichment schemes involving millions in federal grant dollars.

The Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, led by Chairman James Comer and Subcommittee Chairwoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, detailed years of documented misconduct, including improper vetting, falsified Social Security numbers, and personnel with access to sensitive systems who were never properly cleared. Many have since “disappeared into U.S. society,” raising questions about the potential infiltration of the federal government by foreign agents.

USAGM’s use of J-1 cultural exchange visas instead of proper I visas for journalists is also under scrutiny. Lawmakers allege that this practice violates federal policy and creates a backdoor path to permanent residency for foreign nationals working in journalism—an abuse that may have exposed the U.S. to foreign espionage operations. The letter demands documentation for every visa issued and clearance held over the past five years.

Financial records show that grantees like Radio Free Asia and the Open Technology Fund steered millions in contracts to entities with ties to their own advisory boards, in clear violation of federal conflict-of-interest rules. Additional complaints include the misuse of federal funds for political content and the concealment of journalists’ locations in high-risk zones—conditions that reportedly worsened under the Biden government after the rollback of Trump-era reforms.

Trump recently issued an executive order dismantling non-statutory elements of the USAGM, describing the agency as a “hubris-filled rogue operation” aligned with leftist media. The letter requests a trove of internal documents, visa logs, grant records, and settlement agreements by July 1. With U.S. taxpayer dollars and global credibility on the line, lawmakers appear poised to force major structural reform on an agency once intended to champion freedom abroad.

06.17.2025 Usagm Letter by Raheem Kassam on Scribd

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By Popular Demand.
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2 hours ago
War

BREAKING – Trump Says ‘We’re Not Going to Get Into a Long-Term War.’

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: President Trump told reporters the United States will not be entering a long-term war amid questions about the Iran situation.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Donald J. Trump, CNN, Brian Glenn, and members of the White House press corps.

📍WHEN & WHERE: June 18, 2025, outside the White House, Washington, D.C.

💬KEY QUOTE: “We’re not going to get into a long-term war.” – Donald J. Trump

🎯IMPACT: The president’s comment signals a restrained posture on Iran, despite rising regional tensions and media speculation about potential escalation.

IN FULL

47th President Donald J. Trump assured the press today that the United States will not be entering a drawn-out military conflict, despite heightened scrutiny over his administration’s handling of the situation in Iran.

Speaking to reporters outside the White House, Trump responded directly to questions from CNN and Brian Glenn, stating firmly, “We’re not going to get into a long-term war.”

His remarks come amid growing media chatter over potential U.S. military action in the Middle East. Critics suggest the administration may be inching toward escalation, and Trump’s brief but decisive statement appears aimed at quelling that speculation.

The White House has not released additional details on diplomatic or military plans regarding Iran. However, Trump’s comment reaffirms his long-held posture against foreign entanglements, a cornerstone of his 2016 and 2024 campaigns.

WATCH: 

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By Popular Demand.
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2 hours ago
Jack Montgomery
War

BREAKING: Trump Says Iran Has Reached Out to Him, Wants to Negotiate.

President Donald J. Trump has said the Iranian leadership has reached out to his administration to negotiate an end to the Israel-Iran conflict. Speaking to the press at the unveiling of a new flagpole at the White House on Tuesday, President Trump said, “Iran’s got a lot of trouble, and they want to negotiate.”

“It’s very sad to watch this,” the President said of the conflict, noting that there are many Iranians in America who are “incredible people.”

With respect to the prospects of a peace deal, he said that “nothing’s too late,” but that he was upfront with the Iranians when they reached out to him that “it’s very late… to be talking,” and that he was disappointed they did not negotiate with him in earnest when he attempted to before the first Israeli strikes.

“We may meet,” Trump added. Still, he stressed that, “There’s a big difference between now and a week ago,” with the Iranian regime having sustained heavy damage and the possibility of a U.S. strike on Iran’s hardened nuclear facilities on the table.

This story is developing…

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President Donald J. Trump has said the Iranian leadership has reached out to his administration to negotiate an end to the Israel-Iran conflict. Speaking to the press at the unveiling of a new flagpole at the White House on Tuesday, President Trump said, "Iran's got a lot of trouble, and they want to negotiate." show more
By Popular Demand.
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2 hours ago
Immigration
News

CBP Releases ZERO Illegals Into U.S., Compared With 62,000 This Time Last Year.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reported a 93 percent decrease in illegal crossings along the southwest border in May 2025 compared to the previous year.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: CBP Acting Commissioner Pete Flores, President Donald J. Trump, and Secretary Kristi Noem.

📍WHEN & WHERE: May 2025, Southwest Border, United States.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Border numbers continue to trend at historic lows, reinforcing the sustained success of our enforcement efforts in securing the homeland and protecting American communities.” – Pete Flores.

🎯IMPACT: CBP is achieving historic lows in illegal crossings and enhanced border security under President Trump, while also intercepting drugs, counterfeit goods, and addressing forced labor concerns.

IN FULL

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) released its operational statistics for May 2025, highlighting a 93 percent decrease in illegal crossings along the southwest border compared to May 2024. Acting Commissioner Pete Flores credited the Trump administration with providing historic support for CBP operations, stating, “Border numbers continue to trend at historic lows, reinforcing the sustained success of our enforcement efforts in securing the homeland and protecting American communities.”

In May 2025, the U.S. Border Patrol encountered 8,725 illegal aliens crossing the southwest border, a dramatic reduction from the 117,905 encounters reported in May 2024. Notably, the agency released zero illegal aliens into the country, a stark contrast to over 62,000 released in the same month last year, under former President Joe Biden. Nationwide, CBP averaged 952 daily encounters in May, marking the second-lowest daily average in CBP history.

Migrants release into the interior under the former Biden regime were responsible for a litany of serious crimes from rape to murder in parts of the United States.

CBP also reported significant drug interdictions, including the seizure of 718 pounds of fentanyl. Cocaine seizures rose by 19 percent, and heroin seizures saw a 191 percent increase from April to May. Additionally, CBP processed over 2.8 million entry summaries valued at more than $276 billion, collecting nearly $26.6 billion in duties.

Efforts to combat forced labor continued as CBP detained 132 shipments worth over $4.5 million for suspected use of forced labor, particularly linked to the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China. The agency also seized 2,973 shipments containing counterfeit goods valued at over $317 million.

CBP remains at the forefront of enforcing tariffs, implementing 22 presidential actions that resulted in $46.9 billion in tariff revenue from January through May 2025. The agency also conducted 67 audits in May, identifying $139 million in duties owed to the U.S. government. Agriculture specialists issued 7,806 emergency action notifications, safeguarding America’s agriculture and natural resources.

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By Popular Demand.
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3 hours ago
Crime
Politics

Top U.S. Cities Have One Thing in Common: No Democrats in Power.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Provo, Utah, was declared the most efficient city in the U.S., according to a WalletHub study analyzing 148 cities based on factors like crime, unemployment, and infrastructure.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Provo Mayor Michelle Kaufusi, WalletHub researchers, and other city officials across the U.S.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The study was published in June 2025, focusing on cities nationwide, with Provo, Utah, ranking first.

🎯IMPACT: Provo’s success highlights the effectiveness of conservative leadership in fostering low crime, economic growth, and strong education outcomes.

IN FULL

Provo, Utah, has been named the most efficient city in the United States, according to a WalletHub study that analyzed 148 cities on factors such as unemployment, crime, infrastructure quality, education outcomes, and economic health. Provo, run by Republican Mayor Michelle Kaufusi since 2017, achieved the top ranking due to its low crime rates, strong economy, and high graduation rates.

The city boasts the fourth-lowest violent crime rate and seventh-lowest property crime rate in the nation. It also ranks 22nd for infrastructure quality and eighth for unemployment. Provo’s economy is growing at a rate of 5.2 percent, and its high school graduation rate stands at nearly 91 percent, signaling a bright future for the city of just over 113,000 residents.

Nampa, Idaho, ranked second in the study, also under Republican leadership. Mayor Debbie Kling has overseen a city with the lowest property crime rate in the nation and a government with remarkably low debt—just $478 per capita in long-term debt. This contrasts sharply with cities like New York, where residents would need to contribute over $34,000 each to eliminate their city’s debt.

Manchester, New Hampshire, placed third, with Republican Mayor Jay Ruais taking office in January 2024. Manchester excels in environmental health, boasting the seventh-lowest air pollution in the country, alongside a strong real estate market and low unemployment. The city’s lack of state income and general sales taxes has also attracted new residents.

At the other end of the spectrum, San Francisco, California, was ranked the worst-run city in the study, burdened by the highest debt levels and ongoing issues with crime and homelessness. Other poorly-ranked cities included Detroit, Oakland, and Baltimore, all of which struggle with high crime rates and weak public services. San Francisco’s financial health was downgraded by S&P Global in December 2024, reflecting the challenges facing Democrat-led cities.

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By Popular Demand.
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5 hours ago
Economy
News

European Union Admits ‘Donald Is Right.’

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen acknowledged President Donald J. Trump’s stance on China’s trade policies during the G7 summit, stating, “Donald is right.”

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Ursula von der Leyen, President Trump, and other G7 leaders.

📍WHEN & WHERE: During the G7 Summit in Alberta, Canada, which began Monday and runs through Tuesday.

💬KEY QUOTE: “On this point, Donald is right—there is a serious problem,” von der Leyen said regarding China’s trade practices.

🎯IMPACT: The remarks highlight growing concerns over China’s trade policies and the potential for further international action against the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

IN FULL

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed agreement with President Donald J. Trump on China’s trade practices during the G7 summit, stating, “Donald is right.” She emphasized the need to focus on the real challenges posed by China’s abusive trade policies rather than disputes over tariffs among allies.

Von der Leyen pointed to China’s restrictions on raw material exports, which are critical for industries like automotive and renewable energy, accusing Beijing of “weaponizing” its control over these resources. She highlighted China’s April restrictions on permanent magnet exports, coinciding with Trump’s reciprocal tariff plan to address the U.S. trade deficit.

“This is not market competition—it is distortion with intent,” von der Leyen said, criticizing China’s approach to intellectual property, subsidies, and global market dominance. She warned of a “new China shock” as the country continues to flood Western and other international markets with state-subsidized, low-cost products.

The G7 summit, held in Alberta, Canada, focused on trade, the Russia-Ukraine war, and tensions in the Middle East, particularly the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. President Trump departed the summit early to return to Washington, D.C., citing the need to address the Iran situation directly. “I don’t believe in telephones,” Trump told reporters, emphasizing the importance of being on the scene.

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By Popular Demand.
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16 hours ago
News

FEMA’s Coordination Chief Has Resigned. Here’s Why:

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Response Coordination Center, Jeremy Greenberg, has resigned from the agency. President Donald J. Trump is moving to close FEMA entirely.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Jeremy Greenberg, David Richardson, FEMA leadership, and President Trump.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Greenberg’s resignation was confirmed last week, as the U.S. enters peak disaster season.

💬KEY QUOTE: “FEMA has the right leadership in place to continue to be laser focused on our mission and are fully prepared for Hurricane season.” — FEMA.

🎯IMPACT: The resignation raises concerns about FEMA’s readiness during a critical period for disaster response.

IN FULL

Jeremy Greenberg, who has led the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Response Coordination Center since 2020, confirmed his resignation last week. His departure comes as FEMA faces a wave of high-level resignations, with interim leader David Richardson currently at the helm.

Greenberg’s resignation comes during the height of the U.S. natural disaster season, which includes hurricanes, floods, and wildfires. The National Response Coordination Center is critical for managing federal disaster response efforts, coordinating resources and personnel from multiple agencies and governments. For instance, during Hurricane Helene last year, the center managed evacuation orders across multiple states, tracked FEMA resources, and coordinated with agencies like the Army Corps of Engineers and the Department of Transportation.

Greenberg’s team was activated three days before Helene’s landfall to ensure a coordinated response. However, some accused FEMA of blocking supplies, including tech billionaire Elon Musk, who was trying to hand out Starlink devices to locals to ensure they had Internet access.

Greenberg stated he will remain at FEMA for two more weeks but referred additional questions to agency leadership. FEMA has not disclosed who will lead the disaster coordination office after his departure.

FEMA confirmed that Greenberg would be leaving his position and stated, “FEMA has the right leadership in place to continue to be laser focused on our mission and are fully prepared for Hurricane season.”

President Donald J. Trump has announced plans to eliminate FEMA by December, with a council of governors, cabinet members, and emergency management experts tasked with recommending changes to the agency by mid-November. This follows scandals under the former Joe Biden government in which FEMA personnel were found to be withholding aid from Trump supporters in the wake of disasters.

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By Popular Demand.
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17 hours ago
Health
NatSec

This Bill Would Pay Back Troops Fired by Biden for Refusing Vax Mandate.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Sen. Tim Sheehy (R-MT) has introduced a bill to provide back pay to troops impacted by former President Joe Biden’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Sen. Tim Sheehy, former President Joe Biden, and affected U.S. service members.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The legislation was announced on Tuesday, June 17, 2025.

💬KEY QUOTE: “This unacceptable action by the last administration robbed servicemembers of the pay and benefits they rightfully earned in service to our country,” said Sen. Sheehy.

🎯IMPACT: The bill aims to restore pay and benefits to nearly 100,000 service members and their families affected by the mandate.

IN FULL

Sen. Tim Sheehy (R-MT) will introduce legislation on Tuesday that would, if passed and signed into law, provide back pay to the thousands of troops negatively affected by former President Joe Biden’s COVID military vaccine mandate. The legislation is designed to restore pay and benefits to thousands of U.S. service members discharged for noncompliance with the vaccination requirement under the former Biden government.

“This unacceptable action by the last administration robbed servicemembers of the pay and benefits they rightfully earned in service to our country,” Sheehy said in a statement. He added: “My legislation will right this wrong by building on President Trump’s Executive Order to reinstate those servicemembers, ensuring we fulfill our government’s sacred obligations to the men and women who put their lives on the line in defense of our freedoms.”

According to the Montana Republican, nearly 8,500 active-duty troops were dismissed for noncompliance with Biden’s mandate, while the Army Reserve and National Guard lost over 60,000 more. In total, around 100,000 servicemembers and their families were impacted, with many losing pay, benefits, and retirement credit.

Although Congress repealed the mandate in the fiscal year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and courts later ruled the mandate unconstitutional, many former troops are still struggling to reclaim lost compensation and recognition. Sheehy’s bill would allow those affected to opt into a claims process for back pay and entitlements under the Military Pay Act, with eligibility contingent on meeting specified criteria. The relief would be in addition to benefits granted under President Donald J. Trump’s executive order reinstating servicemembers discharged over the mandate.

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