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Wednesday, July 16, 2025

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5 hours ago
Economy

Another Tariff Win as American Industrial Output Surges.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: U.S. industrial production rose significantly more than expected in June, increasing by 0.3 percent month-over-month (MoM), surpassing the anticipated 0.1 percent MoM growth.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The U.S. manufacturing and industrial sectors.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The data reflects industrial activity for June 2025 across the United States.

🎯IMPACT: The data indicates a stronger-than-expected performance in industrial production, with manufacturing output also rising, as President Donald J. Trump’s tariffs—designed to protect American businesses and producers from unfair foreign competition—come into force.

IN FULL

United States industrial production for June increased by 0.3 percent month-over-month, exceeding the expected 0.1 percent growth. Additionally, May’s previously reported 0.2 percent decline was revised upward to unchanged.

Year-over-year, industrial production rose by 0.73 percent, reflecting a steady improvement in the sector’s performance. Manufacturing output also showed positive momentum in June, increasing by 0.1 percent compared to expectations of no growth. This lifted the year-over-year growth in manufacturing output to 0.8 percent. Capacity utilization saw a modest uptick in June, but continues to remain in a broader downtrend, signaling that certain challenges may persist within the industrial space.

The jump in industrial production follows a number of major American companies announcing they are reshoring significant swaths of their production capacity to the United States. In June, Micron Technology announced it would make a $200 billion investment to expand its American chip manufacturing operations. Meanwhile, General Motors (GM) announced plans to invest $4 billion in U.S. plants over the next two years, while also shifting production of two vehicle lines away from Mexico in response to President Trump’s tariff policies, which are designed to stop American jobs from flowing to comparatively low-wage, low-regulation economies, where tariff and non-tariff barriers against U.S. products are often far stiffer than vice versa.

The National Pulse reported earlier on Wednesday that the June Producer Price Index (PPI) data indicated that inflationary pressures remain subdued, with headline and core PPI both printing cooler than expected. Notably, the PPI data further undermines claims by critics of President Donald J. Trump’s tariffs, who claim that the trade duties would accelerate inflation—including embattled Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell.

In addition, Trump’s tariffs have seen record trade duty revenues, while in May, the measures cut the U.S. trade deficit in half.

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54 minutes ago
William Upton
Crime
Immigration

Businessman, Police Chiefs Indicted for Obtaining Visas for Illegals.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Federal prosecutors have filed a 62-count indictment against a Louisiana businessman and four senior law enforcement officials over an alleged scheme to use false police reports to obtain U-Visa status for illegal immigrants who paid them tens of thousands of dollars.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Local Louisiana businessman Chandrakant “Lala” Patel; Chad Doyle, Chief of Police for the City of Oakdale; Glynn Dixon, Chief of Police for the City of Forest Hill; Tebo Onishea, former Chief of Police for the City of Glenmora; Michael “Freck” Slaney, Marshal of the Ward 5 Marshal’s Office in Oakdale; and unnamed illegal immigrants.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The indictment was revealed on July 16, 2025; the scheme is alleged to have taken place from at least December 26, 2015, until July 15, 2025.

💬KEY QUOTE: According to the Department of Justice (DOJ), “[T]he defendants each face a sentence of up to five years in prison on the conspiracy charge; up to 10 years on the visa fraud charges; up to 20 years on the mail fraud charge; and Patel faces up to 10 years on the bribery charge. In addition, they could be ordered to pay a fine of up to $250,000 on each count. “

🎯IMPACT: The federal charges raise questions regarding the legitimacy of U-Visa status and the potential for the program’s abuse.

IN FULL

The U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana has moved to indict three local Louisiana police chiefs, a city marshal, and a prominent business leader over an alleged immigration fraud scheme that gamed the U nonimmigrant status (“U-Visa”) system.

According to the 62-count indictment, local Louisiana businessman Chandrakant Patel—also known as “Lala”—conspired from at least December 26, 2015, until July 15, 2025 with Chad Doyle, Chief of Police for the City of Oakdale; Glynn Dixon, Chief of Police for the City of Forest Hill; Tebo Onishea, former Chief of Police for the City of Glenmora; and Michael “Freck” Slaney, Marshal of the Ward 5 Marshal’s Office in Oakdale to fabricate crimes in which illegal immigrants or legal immigrants with expiring status would be named as victims or witnesses. This allowed the immigrants to falsely obtain a U-Visa, allowing them to remain in the United States legally.

Federal prosecutors allege that illegal and legal immigrants would contact Patel either directly or through an intermediary to request to be named as “victims” in false police reports, paying Patel tens of thousands of dollars for the criminal act. Subsequently, after payment, Patel would proceed to contact either Doyle, Slaney, Dixon, or Onishea in order to have a false police report, usually regarding armed robbery, created with the immigrant’s name listed as the victim or witness. This would then allow the immigrant to file an application for a U-Visa, with the police report nearly guaranteeing they would secure status.

Notably, the U nonimmigrant status or U-Visa was created in 2000 through Congress’s adoption of the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act. The law’s intent is to aid law enforcement investigations by granting the ability to provide certain legal protections to illegal immigrants who are either victims or material witnesses to a crime—effecively removing the threat of deportation in exchange for their cooperation.

According to the Department of Justice (DOJ), “[T]he defendants each face a sentence of up to 5 years in prison on the conspiracy charge; up to 10 years on the visa fraud charges; up to 20 years on the mail fraud charge; and Patel faces up to 10 years on the bribery charge. In addition, they could be ordered to pay a fine of up to $250,000 on each count. “

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2 hours ago
Health
News

RFK Jr. Ousts Senior HHS Aides.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. dismissed his chief of staff and deputy chief of staff.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Chief of Staff Heather Flick Melanson, Deputy Chief of Staff Hannah Anderson, and Acting Chief of Staff Matt Buckham.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Wednesday, at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

🎯IMPACT: The shakeup marks the latest leadership changes under Kennedy, who continues efforts to “Make America Healthy Again.”

IN FULL

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. dismissed his chief of staff and deputy chief of staff on July 16, continuing a series of dramatic leadership changes and policy overhauls at one of the federal government’s largest agencies.

Heather Flick Melanson and Hannah Anderson were removed from their posts as chief and deputy chief of staff, respectively, following what officials described as a “loss of confidence” in their leadership. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) confirmed the dismissals and named longtime conservative operative Matt Buckham as acting chief of staff.

The move follows Kennedy’s earlier decision in June to disband the 17-member Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) independent panel on vaccines.

Since taking the helm of HHS in February, Kennedy has led one of the most aggressive restructurings in the department’s history. According to reports, his office has overseen the termination of more than 10,000 federal health workers, with further layoffs planned across the CDC, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other sub-agencies.

Entire divisions—including the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and several minority health offices—have been eliminated or substantially downsized, as Kennedy pivots HHS’s priorities toward environmental and chronic health concerns.

One of his first actions in office was overseeing the establishment of the “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) Commission, which President Donald J. Trump created through an executive order. The commission recently published its findings on chronic disease in American children, citing excessive exposure to chemicals, overprescription of psychiatric drugs, and unhealthy diets as core contributors.

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2 hours ago
Immigration
News

Illegal Border Crossings Plunge to Another Record Low.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Illegal border crossings fell to their lowest level in June, with no parole releases of illegal immigrants, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) data.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Border Patrol agents, and President Donald J. Trump.

📍WHEN & WHERE: June 2025, along the U.S.–Mexico border and nationwide.

💬KEY QUOTE: “From shutting down illegal crossings to seizing fentanyl and enforcing billions in tariffs, CBP is delivering results on every front.” – CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott

🎯IMPACT: Record-low illegal border crossings and increased drug seizures underscore efforts to secure the border and combat cartel activities.

IN FULL

According to new data released by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on Tuesday, illegal crossings at the U.S. border dropped to an unprecedented low in June. The agency reported 25,228 encounters nationwide, marking a decrease from May’s 29,478 and setting a new record for the lowest monthly total ever documented by CBP.

Border Patrol also recorded a historic drop in apprehensions, with only 8,024 apprehensions nationwide in June, down from 10,357 the previous month. Of those, 6,072 occurred along the southwest border, reflecting a 15 percent decline from the 7,183 apprehensions in March. The agency also logged its lowest single-day total ever on June 28, with just 136 apprehensions.

For the second month in a row, CBP confirmed that there were zero parole-style releases of illegal immigrants along the southwest border, signaling a shift in policy enforcement.

In contrast to the decline in crossings, drug seizures across the country increased by 13 percent in June compared to May. Methamphetamine confiscations, in particular, saw a dramatic surge of 102 percent, which officials attribute to ongoing crackdowns on cartel smuggling operations.

CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott emphasized the agency’s determination in a statement, saying:
“From shutting down illegal crossings to seizing fentanyl and enforcing billions in tariffs, CBP is delivering results on every front.” He added that the agency remains committed to protecting the nation “with relentless focus” under President Donald J. Trump’s administration.

Since retaking office on January 20 for a second term, President Trump has signed multiple executive orders to strengthen immigration enforcement. Among them is a directive to build additional border barriers, prosecute unlawful entrants, and take aggressive action against drug and human trafficking.

In April, the White House issued a memo allowing the U.S. military to assume control over federal lands near the U.S.–Mexico border. The order covers the Roosevelt Reservation—a federally owned 60-foot-wide strip along the border in parts of California, Arizona, and New Mexico. It authorizes Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to secure the zone and impose access restrictions as needed to prevent illegal activity.

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By Popular Demand.
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3 hours ago
News

Trump Explains Objection to Epstein Release: ‘I Can Imagine What They Put Into Files…’

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald Trump explained his objection to releasing the complete Epstein files in an interview with JustTheNews on Wednesday.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Donald Trump, the FBI, and potentially a special prosecutor.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The statement was made during an interview on Wednesday afternoon on the Just the News, No Noise television show.

💬KEY QUOTE: “I can imagine what they put into files, just like they did with the others. I mean, the Steele dossier was a total fake, right? It took two years to figure that out,” – Donald Trump

🎯IMPACT: The MAGA base’s hunt for more Epstein files may not be over, after all.

IN FULL

President Donald Trump appeared to express approval of the FBI’s decision to investigate alleged intelligence abuses over the past decade, suggesting the involvement of a special prosecutor and the potential inclusion of the Jeffrey Epstein case.

During an interview with Just the News, No Noise, Trump stated, “Well, I’m happy that they did that,” referring to the FBI’s recent decision to open a probe into abuses from 2016 to 2024. He emphasized the need for such an investigation, despite admitting limited knowledge about it.

Trump proposed that a special prosecutor could also examine “anything credible” related to Jeffrey Epstein, to ensure a comprehensive account for the American public. He criticized the handling of Epstein’s case by previous officials and expressed concern over potential manipulation of files to protect specific political interests.

“But they ought to look into the Jeffrey Epstein hoax too, because that’s another hoax that’s frankly, put out by the Democrats pushing, pushing the Republicans, and put out by the Democrats,” he said, clarifying: “I can imagine what they put into [the] files, just like they did with the others. I mean, the Steele dossier was a total fake, right? It took two years to figure that out… So I would imagine if they were run by Chris Wray and they were run by Comey, and because it was actually even before that administration, they’ve been running these files, and so much of the things that we found were fake.”

It remains unclear whether Trump has seen evidence from the Epstein files that he deems fake, whether this is information passed onto him, or whether he is just speculating. The statement differs greatly from his Wednesday morning missive on Truth Social, which blasted Epstein information seekers as “past” supporters of his.

“I don’t want their support anymore!” he wrote, to the surprise of many of his longest-standing advocates.

Trump had pledged to release the Epstein files in campaign interviews on the run-up to the 2024 election.

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By Popular Demand.
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3 hours ago
Crime
News

Car Laden With Weapons Including a Rifle, Rapier, and Bow Discovered at Capitol.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: A man was arrested near the U.S. Capitol after police discovered a cache of weapons, including a bow, in his car.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Nolan R. Churan, United States Capitol Police, D.C. Metropolitan Police.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C., July 2025

💬KEY QUOTE: “Currently, there does not appear to be a nexus to the Congress.” – USCP

🎯IMPACT: The incident triggered a weapons investigation and raised concerns over Capitol security.

IN FULL

Capitol Police officers from the First Responders Unit discovered a suspicious vehicle parked improperly in a zone designated for Congressional staff in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, July 16. The Subaru Outback, which had a large tricycle strapped to its roof, drew attention for lacking a valid parking permit.

Upon inspecting the vehicle, officers spotted weapons and accessories inside, including a bow and arrow, a knife, and an empty pistol holster. After running the driver’s license, police located 23-year-old Nolan R. Churan near the North Barricade of the Capitol, where he admitted to having firearms in his car.

A firearms detection K-9 from the D.C. Metropolitan Police alerted to potential ammunition or weapons, prompting a more extensive search. The U.S. Capitol Police Crime Scene Evidence Unit uncovered a rifle, a handgun, ammunition, multiple blades, including knives and axes, a halberd, a rapier sword, and a bow and arrow.

Churan now faces a series of charges, including Carrying a Pistol without a License, Carrying a Rifle without a License, Possession of a High-Capacity Ammunition Feeding Device, and Carrying a Dangerous Weapon – Sword.

The Capitol Police Threat Assessment Section is continuing to investigate to determine Churan’s intent. USCP officials released a statement noting, “Currently, there does not appear to be a nexus to the Congress.”

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By Popular Demand.
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4 hours ago
Immigration
Lawfare

Judges Back Green Card Migrants Against Trump.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The Third Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the Department of Justice (DOJ) lacks the authority to unilaterally revoke a green card, citing a violation of Congress’s authority and the separation of powers.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The case involved Mohammad Qatanani, a New Jersey-based imam, and the DOJ’s Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA).

📍WHEN & WHERE: The ruling was issued on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, by the Third Circuit Court of Appeals.

💬KEY QUOTE: “The government’s position is antithetical to ‘the basic concept of separation of powers.’ … We therefore reject it.” – Circuit Judge Arianna Freeman

🎯IMPACT: The decision upholds Qatanani’s status as a lawful permanent resident and limits the DOJ’s authority to revoke green cards without adhering to what the court claims are procedures laid out by Congress.

IN FULL

A federal appeals court ruled on Tuesday that the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) lacks the power to unilaterally revoke a green card, stating that such actions violate Congress’s authority and the principle of separation of powers. The case involved Mohammad Qatanani, a New Jersey-based imam with alleged ties to Hamas, who has been seeking permanent residency in the United States for over two decades.

Judge Arianna Freeman, appointed by former President Joe Biden and writing for the majority of the Third Circuit Court of Appeals panel, argued, “The BIA exceeded its authority when it attempted to undo Qatanani’s adjustment to LPR status by using an agency regulation in a manner inconsistent with the procedures set out by Congress in the [Immigration and Nationality Act].” She further stated, “The government’s position is antithetical to ‘the basic concept of separation of powers.’ … We therefore reject it.”

Qatanani, who was admitted to the U.S. on a work visa in 1996, applied for permanent residency in 1999. Despite two favorable rulings by immigration judges in 2008 and 2020, the BIA vacated the earlier decision and attempted to order his removal. The court found that the BIA acted beyond its authority, particularly as the DOJ had failed to appeal the 2020 ruling within the required 30-day period.

Judge Paul Matey, a Trump-appointed judge, dissented, arguing that the petition should have been denied. He noted, “For more than a quarter century, five Presidents and 10 Attorneys General have objected to Mohammad Qatanani’s presence in our Nation.” Matey added that the court lacked jurisdiction to review the Executive’s discretionary decisions on status adjustments.

The ruling could have significant implications for lawful permanent residents, as its far-reaching language restricts the DOJ’s ability to retroactively revoke green cards without adhering to the court’s interpretation of legislative text passed by Congress. It is likely to be appealed.

Image by ACE603.

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By Popular Demand.
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6 hours ago
News

Trump Just Started Deporting Migrants Who Can’t Be Sent Home to This Tiny African Kingdom.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The Trump administration has deported five convicted criminal migrants to Swaziland, also known as Eswatini, as it expands its third-country deportation program.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Swazi authorities, and five foreign criminals from Vietnam, Jamaica, Cuba, Yemen, and Laos.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Deportations were announced Tuesday, with the migrants sent to Swaziland, Africa.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Individuals so uniquely barbaric that their home countries refused to take them back.” – Tricia McLaughlin, DHS Assistant Secretary, on the deportees.

🎯IMPACT: The deportations will serve as an incentive for illegal immigrants to be less resistant to leaving the U.S. voluntarily, as they risk being sent to comparatively undesirable countries even if their homelands will not take them back easily.

IN FULL

The United States has deported five men, described as “barbaric” criminals, to the small African kingdom of Swaziland, or Eswatini, as part of its third-country deportation program. The announcement was made by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Tuesday. The deportees, identified as citizens of Vietnam, Jamaica, Cuba, Yemen, and Laos, were reportedly convicted of crimes including murder and child rape.

Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated in a post on X that the men had “been terrorizing American communities” but were now “off of American soil.” She added that these individuals were “so uniquely barbaric that their home countries refused to take them back.”

The deportees’ criminal records and sentences were shared publicly, though their names were not disclosed.

The deportations to Swaziland follow a Supreme Court ruling that lifted restrictions on sending migrants to third countries with which they have no ties. Eight other migrants were previously deported to South Sudan, where their fate remains unclear. Swazi authorities have not commented publicly on any agreement with the U.S. to accept deportees, nor have they clarified what will happen to them.

The U.S. has identified Africa as a region for potential third-country deportation agreements, with countries like Rwanda reportedly in talks to host deported migrants. Previously, the United Kingdom funded a scheme to deport migrants crossing the English Channel from France in small boats, but Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer terminated it before it could begin on his first day in office.

Image by Darron Raw.

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By Popular Demand.
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7 hours ago
News
War

Israel Just Started ANOTHER War.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Israeli aircraft launched airstrikes on key military targets of the new Syrian regime after attacks on the Druze minority.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syrian military, Druze minority.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The strikes took place on Wednesday, July 16.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Do not cross the border. You are risking your lives; you could be murdered, you could be taken hostage, and you are impeding the efforts of the IDF.” — Benjamin Netanyahu.

🎯IMPACT: The attacks could resume the hostility between the two nations that subsided somewhat following the ouster of former President Bashar al-Assad. Notably, Netanyahu’s corruption trial has been adjourned due to the strikes.

IN FULL

Israel has a series of major military strikes against the Syrian capital of Damascus and against a tank unit that was approaching Syria’s southern city of Suweida. The city is predominantly Druze—a religious minority group that the Israelis say they intend to protect. The strikes in Damascus targeted and destroyed the Ministry of Defense and the General Staff Headquarters of the Syrian military.

Notably, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s long-running corruption trial has been adjourned as a result of the strikes.

The renewed conflict, which could reignite hostilities across the region, stems from what began as a Sunni Bedouin attack on the Druze population of Suweida. This escalated as Syrian government forces appeared poised to join the Bedouin tribal fighters against the Druze, who are alleged to remain loyal to the ousted Assad regime.

The Israeli military confirmed the operation, stating it was a “message to [Syrian President Ahmed] al-Sharaa regarding the events in Suweida.” Israel has also targeted Syrian tanks and conducted drone strikes over the past three days, killing regime soldiers.

Israel has drawn a red line in southern Syria, vowing to protect the Druze minority from what it sees as renewed oppression by the Syrian regime. However, Netanyahu has warned Druze from the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights, attempting to cross into Syria, “Do not cross the border. You are risking your lives; you could be murdered, you could be taken hostage, and you are impeding the efforts of the IDF.”

Many in the Druze community remain wary of appearing aligned with Israel. Nevertheless, the ongoing violence, sparked by a robbery involving Bedouin tribesmen and escalating into sectarian warfare, has forced many to seek outside help. Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri, a leading Druze spiritual figure, has publicly appealed for international intervention.

The Assad regime’s fall left a power vacuum in southern Syria. Damascus has struggled to reassert control, and its attempt to reenter Suweida over the weekend was met with fierce resistance from local militias. A ceasefire announced Tuesday collapsed within hours.

The Syrian interior ministry insists the only solution is the reintegration of Suweida into the central state. But ongoing attacks on Druze fighters and civilians have fueled resentment. Civilians trapped in Suweida report being cut off from power and supplies, with snipers making the streets deadly.

President al-Sharaa, previously known by his nom de guerre Abu Mohammad al-Julani, is a Sunni jihadist previously wanted by the U.S., whose Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) is an offshoot of al-Qaeda previously aligned with the Islamic State. In addition to persecuting Druze, al-Sharaa’s regime has also overseen massacres of Syria’s Christians, who were largely protected by Assad.

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By Popular Demand.
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7 hours ago
Economy

Trump Denies He Is Firing Fed Chair Powell, Contradicting GOP Lawmakers.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump reportedly asked House Republicans whether Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell should be fired, with many in the room expressing support.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Trump, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, and House Republicans, including Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL).

📍WHEN & WHERE: The discussion occurred Tuesday night in the Oval Office during a meeting with House Republicans.

💬KEY QUOTE: “I think he’s terrible. You talk to the guy, it’s like talking to a… nothing. It’s like talking to a chair.” – Donald Trump

🎯IMPACT: A firing would likely trigger legal challenges.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump gauged support for a potential move to fire Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell while meeting with a group of congressional Republicans at the White House on Tuesday night. Republican lawmakers, for the most part, are believed to have expressed support for possibly removing Powell, though the specific means of how it would be accomplished remain unclear. “I think he’s terrible. You talk to the guy, it’s like talking to a… nothing. It’s like talking to a chair,” Trump is reported to have said.

Representative Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) posted on X (formerly Twitter) that she had heard Powell’s firing was imminent. “Hearing Jerome Powell is getting fired! From a very serious source,” she wrote, later adding, “I’m 99% sure firing is imminent.” However, President Trump later said he is “not planning on doing anything” with respect to Powell, despite being “very concerned” about him. Notably, a firing would likely result in legal challenges and could have significant effects on financial markets, which may have dissuaded Trump from removing Powell.

The legal basis for firing a Federal Reserve chairman remains untested, as The Federal Reserve Act stipulates such actions can only be taken “for cause.” The Supreme Court has signaled that it believes that the President “may remove without cause executive officers who exercise [executive power] on his behalf, subject to narrow exceptions,” which could possibly allow for the Federal Reserve chairman’s removal despite congressional restrictions—but the central bank chief could well be deemed a special case, making this a risky approach to ousting him.

Another potential option could be to demote Powell, leaving him in place as a member of the central bank’s Board of Governors while elevating another Fed governor, such as Christopher Waller or Michelle Bowman.

A third path, with groundwork already being laid, would be to build a case for malfesence or ethical breaches on Powell’s part, allowing for his removal “for cause.” The National Pulse reported last week that President Trump named three key figures in his White House to the National Capital Planning Commission, who subsequently announced an investigation into the lavish, over-budget renovations Powell has authorized for the Federal Reserve’s Washington, D.C. headquarters. Should the National Capital Planning Commission uncover malfeasance, this could be used as justification for Powell to be fired.

Trump has repeatedly expressed dissatisfaction with Powell, accusing him of failing to act quickly enough to cut interest rates. However, while President Trump confirmed that he discussed firing Powell with lawmakers while speaking with the press at the White House on Wednesday, he cautioned that he was “more conservative” on the matter than congressional Republicans.

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8 hours ago
Politics

Hunter Biden Blames Democrat Losses on Lack of Loyalty to His Father.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Hunter Biden claimed that the Democratic Party’s 2024 election loss stemmed from abandoning his father, Joe Biden, as the party’s leader, arguing the party “literally melted down.”

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Hunter Biden, Joe Biden, Biden Sr.’s physician Kevin O’Connor, and Biden White House aides.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Comments made on the At Our Table podcast, set to air Thursday, July 17, 2025.

💬KEY QUOTE: “We lost the last election because we did not remain loyal to the leader of the party.” – Hunter Biden

🎯IMPACT: Hunter Biden’s remarks point to internal party struggles, with further scrutiny on Joe Biden’s health and leadership during the campaign.

IN FULL

Hunter Biden, the son of former President Joe Biden, says the Democratic Party’s 2024 election loss was due to its decision to abandon his father as its leader, claiming the party “literally melted down.” Speaking on the At Our Table podcast hosted by former Democratic National Committee chairman Jaime Harrison, Hunter Biden defended his father’s controversial legacy and lashed out at those behind the machinations that saw former President Biden drop out of the presidential race on July 21, 2024.

“We lost the election because we did not remain loyal to the leader of the party,” Biden said, according to excerpts of the conversation released prior to the podcast’s airing on Thursday. “That’s my position. We had the advantage of incumbency. We had the advantage of an incredibly successful administration, and the Democratic Party literally melted down.”

The comments from Hunter Biden come as former White House staff are facing a Congressional inquiry into allegations that they covered up former President Joe Biden’s cognitive decline and used an autopen device to sign presidential directives without the octogenarian Democrat’s knowledge. Most recently, Biden’s White House doctor, Kevin O’Connor, pleaded the Fifth, refusing to answer questions from the House Oversight Committee.

Following a disastrous June 2024 presidential debate performance, Joe Biden was pressured by Democratic leaders and some of his senior staff to exit the race, as polling showed a catastrophic defeat for the party up and down the November ballot. Addressing the alleged cover-up of his father’s cognitive decline, Hunter Biden argued “the idea of a conspiracy” is a ploy peddled by journalists trying to sell books and that hiding a President’s declining health would be impossible in Washington, D.C.

Hunter Biden then denied allegations that he acted as a key advisor to his father, telling Harrison that he “stayed as far away” as he could during the campaign. Notably, Hunter Biden faced federal gun and tax fraud charges at the time.

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