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August 5, 2025
Economy

The Search for Powell’s Replacement at the Fed Has Narrowed.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump announced he has narrowed his list of potential Federal Reserve chair candidates to four, including Kevin Hassett and Kevin Warsh, as he considers a replacement for Jerome Powell.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Donald Trump, Kevin Hassett, Kevin Warsh, Jerome Powell, and Adriana Kugler.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The announcement was made during an interview on Tuesday.

💬KEY QUOTE: “I think Kevin and Kevin, both Kevins, are very good,” said Trump during the interview.

🎯IMPACT: Trump’s decision could reshape the Federal Reserve leadership and influence U.S. monetary policy for years to come.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump revealed on Tuesday that he has narrowed his list of candidates for Federal Reserve chair to four individuals. During a media appearance, Trump named Kevin Hassett, director of the National Economic Council, and Kevin Warsh, a former Federal Reserve Board governor, as two of his top picks. He declined to name the other two candidates but confirmed that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is not among them.

“I think Kevin and Kevin, both Kevins, are very good,” Trump said during the interview. While expressing his dissatisfaction with current Fed Chair Jerome Powell, Trump noted that he has not yet decided on a replacement but plans to make a decision “soon.” Powell, whose term ends in May 2026, has been a frequent target of Trump’s criticism, particularly over interest rate policies.

Trump has accused Powell of mismanaging a $2.5 billion renovation project at the Fed, but stated he is “highly unlikely” to fire him. The potential shift in leadership comes as Adriana Kugler, a current Fed governor, recently announced her resignation, creating an additional vacancy on the board.

Kevin Hassett, one of the named candidates, has a history of supporting Trump’s economic policies, including tax cuts and tariffs. He previously served as chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers during the first Trump administration.

Meanwhile, Kevin Warsh, another candidate, has been critical of Powell’s Federal Reserve and has advocated for significant changes to its operations. In a previous interview, Warsh stated, “The president’s right to be frustrated with Jay Powell and the Federal Reserve.” Warsh has also suggested a new Treasury-Fed accord, similar to one implemented in 1951, to address the nation’s debt and improve coordination between monetary and fiscal policies.

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11 hours ago
Immigration
News

These States Risk Losing Federal Funding, Because They Won’t Make Foreign Truckers Learn English.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy issued a 30-day ultimatum for California, New Mexico, and Washington to enforce federal English proficiency rules for truck drivers or face losing federal funding.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, the Department of Transportation, and officials from California, New Mexico, and Washington.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The announcement was made August 26, following an investigation into a deadly August 12 crash on the Florida Turnpike involving an illegal alien trucker.

💬KEY QUOTE: “This is about keeping people safe on the road. Your families, your kids, your spouses, your loved ones, your friends. We all use the roadway, and we need to make sure that those who are driving big rigs—semis—can understand the road signs, that they’ve been well trained.” – Sean Duffy

🎯IMPACT: States could lose millions in federal funding, with California at risk of losing $30 million, Washington $10 million, and New Mexico $7 million if they fail to comply.

IN FULL

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has given California, New Mexico, and Washington a 30‑day ultimatum on August 26 to enforce federal English‑proficiency requirements for commercial truckers, or face the loss of federal funding. This directive follows a federal investigation launched after a deadly crash earlier this month on the Florida Turnpike, in which Harjinder Singh, an illegal immigrant from India, allegedly made an illegal U‑turn and killed three people.

“This is about keeping people safe on the road. Your families, your kids, your spouses, your loved ones, your friends. We all use the roadway, and we need to make sure that those who are driving big rigs, semis, can understand the road signs, that they’ve been well trained,” Duffy stated.

The Department of Transportation’s probe into the Florida crash revealed several lapses. Singh received his commercial driver’s license from both California and Washington despite his illegal status. New Mexico authorities failed to administer the required English‑language test after Singh was pulled over for speeding in July. He reportedly answered only two of 12 questions correctly in an English Language Proficiency test, and misidentified three of four road traffic signs.

From June 25 to August 21, California alone allowed at least 23 drivers with documented violations in English proficiency to continue driving. Similar enforcement failures were identified in Washington and New Mexico.

Should they fail to come into compliance, California faces up to $30 million, Washington about $10 million, and New Mexico $7 million in potential federal funding losses under the Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program.

In response to the tragedy, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, framing the action as both a safety and economic measure, announced an immediate pause in issuing work visas for commercial truck drivers, including H‑2B, E‑2, and EB‑3 categories, citing concerns over road safety. Rubio emphasized the decision was aimed at preventing unqualified or unsafe drivers from entering U.S. roads and protecting American truckers.

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12 hours ago
News

Cracker Barrel Reverts to Classic Logo Following Customer Outcry.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Cracker Barrel reversed its rebranding decision and restored its old logo following public backlash.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Cracker Barrel, President Donald Trump, and conservative activist Robby Starbuck.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Announcement made Tuesday, following earlier statements and public feedback.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Our new logo is going away and our ‘Old Timer’ will remain.” – Cracker Barrel

🎯IMPACT: The decision aligns with customer feedback and addresses concerns over the company’s direction.

IN FULL

Cracker Barrel announced it would revert to its old logo after facing significant backlash over its rebranding. The decision came after public criticism and a statement from President Donald Trump urging the company to listen to its customers.

Fox News’ Bret Baier reported the news on X, quoting the company’s statement: “Our new logo is going away and our ‘Old Timer’ will remain. At Cracker Barrel, it’s always been – and always will be – about serving up delicious food, warm welcomes, and the kind of country hospitality that feels like family.”

President Trump weighed in on the situation earlier, posting on Truth Social: “Cracker Barrel should go back to the old logo, admit a mistake based on customer response (the ultimate Poll), and manage the company better than ever before.” He added that the company could turn the situation into a “great opportunity” if handled correctly.

The company had initially apologized on Monday, stating that “Uncle Herschel” would remain on road signs and branding, but stopped short of restoring the old logo at that time. By Tuesday, Cracker Barrel reversed course entirely, citing the importance of listening to its customers.

The controversy also brought attention to Cracker Barrel’s involvement in DEI initiatives, “all ages” pride events, and a “diversity” supplier program, which had drawn criticism from conservative voices, including activist Robby Starbuck.

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12 hours ago
Immigration
News

ICE Is Cracking Down on App Delivery Drivers.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Federal agents and federalized Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers conducted a crackdown on delivery drivers in Washington, D.C., seizing mopeds and arresting individuals.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Metropolitan Police Department, delivery drivers, and pro-illegal immigrant groups.

📍WHEN & WHERE: August 2025, Washington, D.C.

💬KEY QUOTE: “It’s very clear ICE is targeting delivery drivers because they’re outdoors, which makes it easier to do warrantless arrests. It’s a population that ICE is aware is very immigrant-heavy.” – Michael Lukens, Amica Center for Immigrant Rights

🎯IMPACT: The crackdown highlights issues with bosses exploiting illegal immigrants for cheap labor.

IN FULL

Federal agents and officers from the federalized Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) recently conducted a joint operation in Washington, D.C., targeting delivery drivers across the city. Witnesses say officers in tactical gear seized scooters and mopeds, loading them into trucks already filled with impounded vehicles.

The MPD says the operation is part of an effort to address unsafe driving. According to officials, more than 1,200 scooters have been impounded and 139 arrests have been made since the initiative began. However, the department did not address the visible involvement of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

“It’s very clear ICE is targeting delivery drivers because they’re outdoors, which makes it easier to do warrantless arrests. It’s a population that ICE is aware is very immigrant-heavy. And frankly, it’s easy for ICE to go after them,” said Michael Lukens, executive director of the Amica Center for Immigrant Rights. He added that many of those arrested are recent Venezuelan immigrants and could be subject to fast-tracked deportation.

The crackdown has led to a noticeable drop in the number of delivery drivers on city streets. Videos circulating on social media show agents detaining drivers, tackling one outside a coffee shop.

A growing number of food delivery workers in the D.C. area are illegal immigrants, especially from Venezuela, who often lack work permits, insurance, and vehicle registration. Many of these workers use unregistered mopeds and scooters while waiting for legal asylum or work authorization. Locals have expressed concern about reckless scooter driving.

So far, major food delivery platforms such as Uber Eats, Grubhub, and DoorDash have not commented on the arrests or the broader issue of illegal alien workers on their platforms.

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13 hours ago
Christopher Tomlinson
Religion
War

Gaza Christians Say Israel Has Told Them to Flee Their Churches, But They Intend to Stay.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The Greek Orthodox and Latin Patriarchates of Jerusalem say Israel is demanding they leave their churches in Gaza and evacuate, but they intend to remain where they are.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The Greek Orthodox and Latin Patriarchates of Jerusalem, the Israeli armed forces, and Gazans.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The Greek Orthodox and Latin Patriarchates of Jerusalem released a joint statement on August 26.

💬KEY QUOTE: “There can be no future based on captivity, displacement of Palestinians, or revenge,” the joint statement reads.

🎯IMPACT: Intensification of the war in Gaza could lead to the destruction of one of the oldest Christian communities in the Holy Land.

IN FULL

The Greek Orthodox and Roman Catholic Latin Patriarchates of Jerusalem have issued a joint appeal warning of a humanitarian catastrophe as Israel prepares to take control of Gaza City. In their statement, the Patriarchs condemned “the gates of hell” scenario unfolding in Gaza, where “massive military mobilization” and evacuation orders are forcing hundreds of thousands, including the Christian minority, to flee south.

Clergy and nuns at the Greek Orthodox compound of Saint Porphyrius and the Catholic Holy Family complex declared they would not flee. They say they are sheltering malnourished children, the elderly, and people with disabilities, describing leaving as “nothing less than a death sentence.” They argue that “There can be no future based on captivity, displacement of Palestinians, or revenge.”

Their plea echoes the words of Pope Leo XIV, who recently affirmed: “All peoples, even the smallest and weakest, must be respected… especially the right to live in their own lands; and no one can force them into exile.”

In an address on August 13, the America-born pontiff expressed deep concern about Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, warning, “The humanitarian crisis must be resolved… they must be freed. But we must also think of the many who are dying of hunger.

On July 17, 2025, an Israeli strike on Gaza’s only Catholic Church, Holy Family parish, killed three civilians and wounded ten, including parish priest Father Gabriel Romanelli. The building had become a refuge for both Muslims and Christians, including children with disabilities. Israel labeled the attack accidental, caused by stray tank fire, but the Patriarchate challenged this, saying it amounted to a grave violation of sanctity.

In response, Latin Patriarch Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and Greek Orthodox Patriarch Theophilos III made a rare personal visit to Gaza on July 18. They brought hundreds of tons of emergency aid, coordinated evacuations for the injured, and offered solidarity to survivors.

President Donald J. Trump is reported to have been furious about the strike on the church, communicating his anger over the incident to the Israeli government directly.

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14 hours ago
Lawfare

Judge Dismisses DOJ Lawsuit Against Entire Maryland Judiciary.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: A federal judge appointed by President Donald J. Trump dismissed a Department of Justice (DOJ) lawsuit targeting all 15 federal judges in Maryland, calling it “not ordinary.”

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: District Judge Thomas Cullen, the Trump administration, and the Maryland federal judges.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The ruling was issued on Monday in Maryland.

💬KEY QUOTE: “To hold otherwise would run counter to overwhelming precedent, depart from longstanding constitutional tradition, and offend the rule of law.” – Judge Thomas Cullen

🎯IMPACT: The ruling underscores tensions between the judiciary and the Trump administration, with over 200 lawsuits challenging the administration’s policies.

IN FULL

A federal court has dismissed a Department of Justice (DOJ) lawsuit that targeted all 15 federal judges in Maryland. The case stems from an order that blocked the Trump administration from deporting illegal immigrants who sought to challenge their removal in court.

U.S. District Court Judge Thomas Cullen, who was appointed by President Donald J. Trump in 2019, described the lawsuit as “not ordinary” and criticized the administration’s approach. He stated, “Any fair reading of the legal authorities cited by Defendants leads to the ineluctable conclusion that this court has no alternative but to dismiss.”

The DOJ had argued that the judges’ pause on deportation proceedings hindered the President’s authority to enforce immigration laws. However, Cullen sided with the Maryland judges, who contended that the lawsuit was an attack on the judiciary.

In his ruling, Cullen emphasized that the administration should address grievances through proper legal channels, stating, “If Trump truly believes that the Maryland judges’ order is illegal, then the administration should avail itself of the tried-and-true recourse available to all federal litigants: It should appeal.”

While the case was always considered a long shot, some in the administration had hoped a win could tamp down the scale of Democratic lawfare currently hampering efforts to deport the millions of illegal immigrants allowed into the country under former President Joe Biden.

There has been tension between President Trump and Leonard Leo and the Federalist Society since he began his second term, with the America First leader contending they recommended bad judges to him during his first term.

Image by Katrin Bolovtsova.

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14 hours ago
News

Drunk Ukrainian Arrested for Steering Massive Cargo Ship Into Seattle.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: A Ukrainian cargo ship captain was charged with operating a vessel while under the influence after piloting a massive container vessel into Seattle while intoxicated.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Oleh Danylin, a 48-year-old Ukrainian cargo ship captain, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The incident occurred on August 20, 2025, when the MSC Jubilee IX arrived at Terminal 5 in Seattle, Washington. Charges were filed on Tuesday, August 26.

💬KEY QUOTE: “A single miscalculation could have put lives, property, and critical shipping lanes in danger.” – Prosecutor’s filing.

🎯IMPACT: Captain Danylin faces up to 364 days in jail and a $5,000 fine if convicted, with further legal proceedings scheduled.

IN FULL

A Ukrainian cargo ship captain, Oleh Danylin, has been charged in King County, Washington, for allegedly piloting a massive container vessel into Seattle, Washington, while intoxicated. The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office filed charges of Operation of a Vessel While Under the Influence, a gross misdemeanor, against Danylin on Tuesday morning, August 26.

The incident occurred on August 20, 2025, when the MSC Jubilee IX arrived at Terminal 5 in Seattle. A Puget Sound pilot assigned to guide the ship through local waters reported smelling alcohol on Captain Danylin and alerted the U.S. Coast Guard. Danylin denied drinking, claiming the odor was from mouthwash, but failed field sobriety tests. A preliminary breath test registered a blood alcohol concentration of 0.241, three times the legal limit. Further testing confirmed levels of 0.253 and 0.254.

Danylin was arraigned in King County District Court, where he entered a plea of not guilty. He was released on personal recognizance but ordered to surrender his passport to the U.S. Coast Guard and barred from operating any vessel while the case is pending. Prosecutors emphasized the gravity of the situation, noting the risks posed by operating a large cargo vessel while impaired.

“This isn’t just a weekend boater,” the filing stated. “A single miscalculation could have put lives, property, and critical shipping lanes in danger.” While most DUI cases in King County are handled at the city level, the county prosecutor’s office has jurisdiction over certain waterways.

If convicted, Danylin faces up to 364 days in jail and a $5,000 fine. His next court appearance is a pre-trial hearing scheduled for August 27, with a routine pre-trial session set for September 27. Prosecutors have requested a jury trial.

Image by Mr.TinMD.

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16 hours ago
William Upton
Crime

Trump: ‘If You Kill Someone in D.C., We’re Seeking the Death Penalty.’

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump announced that federal prosecutors trying homicide cases in the District of Columbia will now be directed to seek the death penalty against those convicted.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Trump, federal prosecutors, and murderers in Washington, D.C.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The announcement was made during a Cabinet meeting at the White House on August 26, 2025.

💬KEY QUOTE: “If somebody kills somebody in the capital—Washington, D.C.—we’re going to be seeking the death penalty.” — President Trump

🎯IMPACT: The new policy aims to serve as a further deterrent to violent crime in D.C.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump announced that federal prosecutors trying homicide cases in the District of Columbia will now be directed to seek the death penalty against those convicted. The America First leader revealed the federal prosecutorial policy change during a Cabinet Meeting at the White House on Tuesday afternoon.

“Anybody murders someone in the capital, capital punishment,” President Trump said. “Capital, capital punishment. If somebody kills somebody in the capital—Washington, D.C.—we’re going to be seeking the death penalty. And that’s a very strong preventative, and everybody that’s heard it agrees with it.”

“We have no choice. So in D.C., in Washington—states are going to have to make their own decision—but if somebody kills somebody… it is the death penalty,” he added.


While the federal death penalty can be sought in all 50 U.S. states and territories, its application has been exceedingly rare. Currently, there are only three prisoners on federal death row after former President Joe Biden commuted the death sentences of 37 men last December.

Notably, of the 16 federal prisoners executed since 2001, 13 of them were executed during President Trump’s first term between July 2020 and January 2021.

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16 hours ago
William Upton
Crime
NatSec

Trump Approves National Guard Rapid Response Units.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump issued an executive order to establish National Guard units across the U.S. to address civil disorder and maintain public safety.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Trump, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and National Guard members across various states.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The order was signed on Monday, August 26, 2025, impacting Washington, D.C. and other locations nationwide.

💬KEY QUOTE: “In addition, the Secretary of Defense shall ensure the availability of a standing National Guard quick reaction force that shall be resourced, trained, and available for rapid nationwide deployment.” — President Trump

🎯IMPACT: The order will enable the federal government to quickly surge resources to assist local law enforcement during riots, natural disasters, or high-profile events where additional security is required.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump has directed the Pentagon to create National Guard units in Washington, D.C., and across the nation to manage civil disorder and ensure public safety. The Executive Order, signed by Trump, instructs Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to identify National Guard members who can swiftly assist law enforcement in “quelling civil disturbances and ensuring public safety and order.”

“The Secretary of Defense shall immediately begin ensuring that each State’s Army National Guard and Air National Guard are resourced, trained, organized, and available to assist Federal, State, and local law enforcement in quelling civil disturbances and ensuring the public safety and order whenever the circumstances necessitate, as appropriate under law,” the order, signed on Monday afternoon, states. “In coordination with the respective adjutants general, the Secretary of Defense shall designate an appropriate number of each State’s trained National Guard members to be reasonably available for rapid mobilization for such purposes.”

“In addition, the Secretary of Defense shall ensure the availability of a standing National Guard quick reaction force that shall be resourced, trained, and available for rapid nationwide deployment,” the order adds.

Notably, the Executive Order also directs Secretary Hegseth to “immediately create and begin training, manning, hiring, and equipping a specialized unit within the District of Columbia National Guard… that is dedicated to ensuring public safety and order in the Nation’s capital.”

Since President Trump announced the federalization of the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) on August 22, 2,200 National Guard troops have been deployed in the nation’s capital—mostly as a deterrent in areas with more moderate crime—allowing the city’s police to surge officers to high-crime neighborhoods. This has led to a marked decline in violent crime in the District of Columbia.

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17 hours ago
News
TECH

European Officials Censoring Americans Face Trump Travel Ban.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump is considering imposing sanctions on European Union (EU) officials over claims they are censoring Americans through the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA).

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Donald Trump, the U.S. State Department, European Union officials, and tech companies.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Discussions are ongoing in the U.S. and EU.

💬KEY QUOTE: “We are monitoring increasing censorship in Europe with great concern but have no further information to provide at this time.” – U.S. State Department spokesman.

🎯IMPACT: Potential visa restrictions on EU officials, heightened tensions between the U.S. and EU, and scrutiny of freedom of expression policies.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump is reportedly considering a range of sanctions, potentially including travel bans, targeting European Union (EU) officials over the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA) censoring American voices online and increasing operational costs for U.S.-based tech companies. Sources say the Trump administration is reviewing possible visa restrictions as part of its response strategy.

The Digital Services Act, which came into effect to regulate major online platforms, obliges tech companies to implement censorship regimes, targeting not only clearly unlawful content such as child sexual abuse material but also so-called hate speech. The Trump administration argues that the law imposes excessive constraints on free expression, impacting American users and firms.

In February, U.S. Vice President JD Vance sharply criticized European governments for democratic backsliding and suppression of political speech. The State Department’s annual Human Rights Practices report also flagged instances in Europe where laws against “hateful” or “offensive” speech were curbing political expression.

Vance has not only criticized the EU’s actions, but also the United Kingdom’s. During a visit to Britain earlier this year, he confronted Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer directly over the Online Safety Act, warning it infringes on civil liberties. “It is the job of the United States to stand up for free speech,” Vance said in a February interview, warning that both the European Union and the United Kingdom were on a “dangerous path” toward regulating speech in ways incompatible with democratic norms.

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18 hours ago
Crime

Coast Guard Intercepts Record 76,000 Pounds of Drugs.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The U.S. Coast Guard seized over 75,000 pounds of illegal drugs in its largest-ever haul, valued at nearly $473 million.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Defense (DOD), and 34 suspected drug traffickers detained during the operations.

📍WHEN & WHERE: This summer, across the Pacific and Caribbean, with drugs offloaded at Port Everglades, Florida, on Monday.

🎯IMPACT: The interdictions highlight the Coast Guard’s growing role in national security and drug enforcement efforts under the Trump administration.

IN FULL

Over the course of the summer, the United States Coast Guard seized more than 75,000 pounds (34,000 kilograms) of banned narcotics from ships operating in the Pacific and Caribbean regions. The entire cache consisted of about 61,740 pounds of cocaine along with 14,400 pounds of marijuana, with an estimated market value reaching $473 million.

These missions took place in partnership with the Department of Defense (DOD), focusing on 19 boats transporting drugs in the vicinity of Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands, Venezuela, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Aruba.

On Monday, the Coast Guard Cutter Hamilton brought the seized narcotics to Port Everglades in Florida. Overall, authorities apprehended 34 individuals suspected of involvement in drug smuggling during these actions, although additional information about the detainees remains unavailable.

This unprecedented confiscation showcases the Trump administration’s commitment to fighting narcotics distribution and protecting American neighborhoods. President Donald J. Trump has announced plans to grow the Coast Guard’s fleet and boost its manpower by 15,000 by 2028, enhancing its ability to tackle drug smuggling through America’s coastal borders.

At present, the Coast Guard operates with around 43,000 full-time personnel, 8,000 reserve members, and 30,000 auxiliary volunteers.

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