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Friday, January 2, 2026

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1 hour ago
Media
News

Will Smith, ‘Grooming,’ and a Hotel Intrusion Feature in Bizarre New Lawsuit Against ‘Fresh Prince.’

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Will Smith has been sued by a former touring musician who accused him of “deliberately grooming” him and retaliating after an alleged “hotel intrusion” was reported.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Actor and musician Will Smith, violinist Brian King Joseph, and Smith’s management team.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The events reportedly occurred on or around March 20 in Las Vegas; the lawsuit was filed in the Los Angeles County Superior Court earlier this week.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Everyone is telling me that what happened to you is a lie, nothing happened, and you made the whole thing up. So, tell me, why did you lie and make this up?” – Alleged statement from Smith’s representative, according to the lawsuit.

🎯IMPACT: The lawsuit accuses Smith of misconduct and retaliation, raising significant questions about his conduct and management practices.

IN FULL

Violinist Brian King Joseph has sued actor and musician Will Smith in Los Angeles County Superior Court, alleging inappropriate conduct and retaliation during Smith’s most recent album tour. Joseph, who first joined the tour in December 2024, claims he worked closely with the actor and musician and that Smith told him they shared a “special connection,” which the lawsuit characterizes as “deliberately grooming and priming” him for exploitation.

The complaint centers on an alleged incident that occurred on or around March 20, 2025, during a tour stop in Las Vegas. Joseph says that when he returned to his hotel room late at night, he noticed signs suggesting someone had entered without permission. According to the lawsuit, items found in the room included wipes, a beer bottle, an earring, HIV medication, and a handwritten note that read: “Brian, I’ll be back no later [sic] 5:30, just us [drawn heart], Stone F.”

Joseph reported the situation to hotel security, police, and representatives for Smith—describing it as a “hotel intrusion.” He alleges that after making the report, he was removed from the tour. The lawsuit quotes a representative of Smith as saying, “Everyone is telling me that what happened to you is a lie, nothing happened, and you made the whole thing up. So, tell me, why did you lie and make this up?”

Although he was told the tour was “moving in a different direction,” Joseph says another violinist was hired soon after to replace him. The filing does not specify the amount of damages being sought.

Image by Gage Skidmore. 

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37 minutes ago
NatSec

Kash Patel’s FBI Thwarts New Year’s Eve ISIS Terror Plot.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Federal authorities stopped an ISIS-inspired terrorist attack planned for New Year’s Eve in Mint Hill, North Carolina.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Christian Sturdivant, 18, a U.S. citizen, along with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The attack was planned for New Year’s Eve at a grocery store and fast food restaurant in Mint Hill, North Carolina.

💬KEY QUOTE: “He was preparing for Jihad and innocent people were going to die.” – Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.

🎯IMPACT: The attack was thwarted, preventing a potential national tragedy.

IN FULL

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) on Friday announced that federal law enforcement prevented an Islamic State (ISIS) inspired terrorist attack against  New Year’s Eve revelers in Mint Hill, North Carolina. According to DOJ officials, Christian Sturdivant, an 18-year-old U.S. citizen, allegedly intended to carry out the attack using knives and hammers in the Charlotte suburb, after becoming radicalized online.

“He was preparing for Jihad and innocent people were going to die,” said Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina, during a press conference. Sturdivant reportedly intended to target Jews, Christians, and LGBTQ individuals, and aimed to become a “martyr” in the attack.

Additional details released by the DOJ indicate that Sturdivant first came to law enforcement’s attention in January 2022, at the age of 14, when he communicated with an overseas ISIS member who instructed him to attack people with a hammer. His family stopped him at the time, and he underwent psychological care without facing charges. Authorities later discovered he had resumed social media activity and began reading ISIS propaganda, creating TikTok videos, and pledging allegiance to ISIS.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and law enforcement agencies intervened after Sturdivant shared detailed plans with undercover agents, including locations for the attack and requests for firearms. A search of his residence revealed hammers, knives, and notes outlining his plans. Sturdivant was arrested on New Year’s Eve as he was being discharged from a medical facility.

“Without the swift action of the FBI, joint terrorism task force, New York City Police Department, the Mint Hill Police Department, and our partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina, we could be announcing a national tragedy,” said James Barnacle, FBI Special Agent in Charge in Charlotte.

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3 hours ago
Politics

Thomas Massie’s Primary Opponent is Raising a LOT of Money.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Ed Gallrein, a retired Navy SEAL and GOP challenger to Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY), raised $1.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2025, his campaign announced.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Ed Gallrein, Rep. Thomas Massie, President Donald J. Trump, and campaign spokesman Lance Trover.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The fundraising announcement came in December 2025, with the GOP primary for Kentucky’s fourth congressional district scheduled for May 19, 2026.

💬KEY QUOTE: “President Trump endorsed Ed because he knows Ed is fighting to put America First and will partner with him to unleash our economy, lower taxes, and stop the woke agenda.” – Lance Trover, Gallrein campaign spokesman

🎯IMPACT: Gallrein’s early fundraising success positions him as a serious challenger to Massie, with Trump’s endorsement amplifying his campaign.

IN FULL

Ed Gallrein, a retired Navy SEAL who served for three decades—including on SEAL Team Six—and is mounting a primary challenge against Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY), has raised $1.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2025, his campaign has announced. The campaign attributes this significant fundraising milestone to the overwhelming support Gallrein has received since entering the race in October.

“This fundraising number reflects the overwhelming support Ed’s campaign has received right out of the gate,” Gallrein campaign spokesman Lance Trover said, emphasizing that President Donald J. Trump’s endorsement has been pivotal. “President Trump endorsed Ed because he knows Ed is fighting to put America First and will partner with him to unleash our economy, lower taxes, and stop the woke agenda,” Tover added.

Gallrein launched his campaign to challenge Massie in Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District. According to Gallrein’s campaign, nearly all the money they’ve raised thus far is from contributions for the primary cycle, not the general election, suggesting growing Republican support for ousting Massie, who has held the seat since November 2012. Republican voters and other supporters of President Trump have become increasingly frustrated with Massie, who has too often sided with Congressional Democrats to block the White House’s America First agenda.

During the first year of President Trump’s second term, Massie voted against the One Big Beautiful Bill, which provides significant working-class tax relief and needed funding for immigration enforcement. Before the 2024 election, Massie emerged as an unlikely ally of former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), who was ousted by former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) after breaking an agreement with House conservatives over spending bills.

President Trump is publicly backing Gallrein’s primary campaign, calling him a “winner,” and writing on Truth Social before the primary bid, “I hope Ed gets into the Race against Massie… CAPTAIN ED GALLREIN IS A WINNER WHO WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN.” The Kentucky Republican primary is slated for May 2026.

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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3 hours ago
News
Politics

Soviet-Era Putin Ally Drops Simpsons Meme on ‘Comrade Mamdani’ After ‘Collectivism’ Flub.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Russian President Vladimir Putin’s political ally Kirill Dmitriev mocked New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s collectivist rhetoric using a Simpsons meme in a post on social media.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Kirill Dmitriev, Zohran Mamdani, and Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT).

📍WHEN & WHERE: Dmitriev’s response was posted on January 1, 2026, following Mamdani’s swearing-in ceremony in New York City.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Dear Comrade Mamdani — just a friendly reminder that this has been tried before.” – Kirill Dmitriev

🎯IMPACT: Mamdani’s rhetoric drew criticism from a number of political commentators, who labeled it as “chilling” and “horrific.”

IN FULL

Kirill Dmitriev, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin and the head of Russia’s sovereign wealth fund, mocked New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s embrace of collectivism on social media following Mamdani’s swearing-in ceremony. Mamdani, who identifies as a democratic socialist, declared during the event, “We will replace the frigidity of rugged individualism with the warmth of collectivism.”

Dmitriev responded directly to Mamdani on X (formerly Twitter), addressing him as “comrade” and posting a Simpsons meme depicting Russian revolutionary Vladimir Lenin as a zombie with the caption, “Must crush capitalism!” Alongside the image, Dmitriev wrote, “Dear Comrade Mamdani — just a friendly reminder that this has been tried before.” Dmitriev, who is a Harvard graduate, has frequently commented publicly on Western politics and economic policy.

Mamdani was publicly sworn into office on January 1, 2026, by U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), whom the new mayor praised as “the man whose leadership I seek most to emulate.” His remarks on collectivism drew criticism from conservative and MAGA-aligned commentators in the United States, some of whom described the language as “horrific” and “chilling.”

The exchange comes amid a history of Russian officials weighing in on U.S. political affairs. In 2024, Putin publicly indicated a preference for former Vice President Kamala Harris in the presidential race, citing dissatisfaction with sanctions imposed on Russia by President Donald J. Trump during his first term in office. The comments attracted attention after coinciding with former U.S. Representative Liz Cheney’s (R-WY) endorsement of Harris.

Even before being sworn in to office, Mamdani’s administration has drawn controversy. One of his appointees resigned just one day after being named to a senior role, following backlash over resurfaced past antisemitic statements. Mamdani has additionally faced criticism for staffing decisions during his transition period, including tapping a lawyer known for representing terrorism suspects to his transition team—and later naming him as the city’s Chief Counsel—and defending the inclusion of a convicted armed robber in a public safety role.

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4 hours ago
Culture
Politics

Wicked Composer Cancels Trump-Kennedy Center Show.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Composer Stephen Schwartz has canceled his performance at the Kennedy Center, citing objections to its renaming as the Trump-Kennedy Center.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Stephen Schwartz, President Donald J. Trump, and Trump-Kennedy Center President Richard Grenell

📍WHEN & WHERE: The announcement was made ahead of Schwartz’s planned May 16 performance at the Trump-Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

💬KEY QUOTE: “It no longer represents the apolitical place for free artistic expression it was founded to be. There’s no way I would set foot in it now.” – Stephen Schwartz

🎯IMPACT: Numerous artists have canceled performances at the Trump-Kennedy Center, though many actually appear to have withdrawn from scheduled shows due to almost no public interest in their work.

IN FULL

Stephen Schwartz, the composer of Broadway hits such as Wicked, Godspell, and Pippin, has withdrawn from a scheduled performance at the Trump-Kennedy Center. The decision comes in response to the venue’s renaming as the Trump-Kennedy Center, a move that has sparked protests from far-left activists in the arts community.

Schwartz, who was set to host the Washington National Opera Gala on May 16, stated via an email sent by his assistant, “It no longer represents the apolitical place for free artistic expression it was founded to be. There’s no way I would set foot in it now.” The Trump-Kennedy Center has been the target of leftist protests after President Donald J. Trump and the cultural institution’s president, Ric Grenell, moved to depoliticize its musical and artistic offerings.

The renaming has prompted a wave of artist cancellations. Jazz group The Cookers, the Doug Varone and Dancers troupe, and drummer Chuck Redd are among those who have withdrawn from scheduled performances. Redd’s cancellation of his Christmas Eve concert led to Trump-Kennedy Center leadership demanding $1 million from him, calling his decision a “political stunt.” However, The National Pulse reported late last week that leftist performers such as The Cookers, Kristy Lee, Chuck Redd, and Doug Varone and Dancers actually appear to have withdrawn from scheduled shows due to almost no public interest in their work.

Additionally, Grenell has accused media outlets like CNN and The Washington Post of encouraging artists to boycott the venue. He claimed on social media that “legacy media are left-wing activists—and they are open about it.” Meanwhile, the Trump administration has dismissed criticism of the renaming, arguing it saved the institution from financial ruin.

Notably, a number of leftwing activists and self-styled “arts defenders” have been revealed to be urging performers to cancel appearances, patrons to boycott events, and even cheering for Trump’s death, all in protest of the Center’s association with the current president.

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4 hours ago
War
World

Maduro Now Says He’s Willing to Talk.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro expressed willingness to negotiate a drug-trafficking agreement with the United States following recent military actions targeting his government.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Nicolás Maduro, the U.S. military, and U.S. President Donald J. Trump.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The remarks were made in an interview given by Maduro, which aired on Venezuelan state television on New Year’s Eve, following U.S. military strikes that have been ongoing since September 2025.

💬KEY QUOTE: “If they want to seriously discuss an agreement to combat drug trafficking, we’re ready.” – Nicolás Maduro

🎯IMPACT: While Maduro’s remarks could signal a potential shift in U.S.-Venezuelan relations, his regime’s integration with the Cartel de los Soles and involvement in the illegal drug trade likely mean new negotiations remain remote.

IN FULL

Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro is signaling that he is now open to negotiations with U.S. President Donald J. Trump on tackling his country’s involvement in drug trafficking, as well as oil-related leases and agreements. In a pre-taped interview that aired on Venezuelan state television, he said, “The U.S. government knows, because we’ve told many of their spokespeople, that if they want to seriously discuss an agreement to combat drug trafficking, we’re ready.”

The interview and call for negotiations follow a month of U.S. military strikes against Venezuelan-origin cartel drug boats and the seizure of several large oil tankers subject to sanctions by U.S. forces operating in the Caribbean. Notably, the Trump administration contends the drug trafficking operations are linked to the Maduro regime, which is believed to also operate as the Cartel de los Soles (Cartel of the Suns).

In addition, Maduro invited U.S. investment in Venezuela’s oil industry, emphasizing Chevron’s ongoing operations in the country. However, the communist strongman also accused President Trump and the U.S. government of pursuing regime change and seeking control over Venezuela’s oil reserves, citing a “pressure campaign” that included military deployments in the Caribbean. He claimed the U.S. aims to “impose themselves through threats, intimidation and force.”

Notably, Maduro’s interview coincided with the latest U.S. kinetic military strike against a cartel-operated drug boat, announced by the Pentagon. Additionally, just after the Christmas holiday, President Trump confirmed that U.S. forces had struck the Venezuelan mainland, targeting a port facility used by drug traffickers to launch illegal narcotic-laden vessels.

At least 114 individuals have reportedly been killed since the U.S. initiated strikes on drug boats in September.

Image by Eneas De Troya.

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5 hours ago
Crime
News

Scott Bolger Faces 5-Years for Death Threat Text to Kennedy Center Chief Ric Grenell.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: A McLean man is facing federal charges after allegedly sending a death threat to a federal official and attempting to deceive agents upon their arrival.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Scott Allen Bolger, federal law enforcement, and Richard Grenell.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The threat was sent on December 23, and the investigation took place in McLean, Virginia.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Threats of violence are serious crimes with serious consequences,” said Lindsey Halligan, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia.

🎯IMPACT: Bolger faces up to five years in federal prison if convicted.

IN FULL

A 33-year-old Virginia man has been charged with transmitting threats in interstate commerce and making false statements after allegedly sending a graphic death threat to the Trump Kennedy Center President Ric Grenell, a current federal official, and attempting to deceive investigators.

Scott Allen Bolger, who lives in a 740 sq ft apartment in McLean, faces up to five years in federal prison if convicted. According to court records, the investigation began after a threatening text message was sent on December 23 using Google Voice, a service that masks the sender’s phone number.

According to prosecutors, the text read, “Step on U Street and get a bullet put between your eyes, loyalist pig skin pu**y.” The Department of Justice (DOJ) initially did not identify the recipient of the threat, but later reports stated that the message was sent to Grenell, who subsequently confirmed he was the target.

Grenell thanked law enforcement officials involved in the case, including Pam Bondi, Kash Patel, and U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan, saying, “I am grateful… for finding this deranged individual and locking him up. His name is Scott Bolger.”

When federal agents arrived at Bolger’s residence in McLean to question him, prosecutors allege he attempted to mislead them by claiming his name was “Brian Black” and denying any knowledge of Scott Bolger. Investigators had already identified him as the suspect before the encounter.

Bolger attended Marshall University in West Virginia and lists his employer as I.T. consultancy “Iben,” run by Beneil (Ben) Khoshabeh, based in San Jose, California.

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6 hours ago
News

Kentucky Woman Charged with Fetal Homicide After Taking Abortion Pills Has Long Drug Arrest Record.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: A Kentucky woman is facing charges of first-degree fetal homicide, abuse of a corpse, and tampering with physical evidence after allegedly using medication to abort a “developed male infant” at her home.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Melinda Spencer, 35, and Kentucky law enforcement officials.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The incident came to light on Wednesday at the United Clinic outside Lexington, Kentucky.

💬KEY QUOTE: “A truly compassionate society does not ask women to solve crises by ending a human life – it surrounds them with care, truth, and real alternatives.” – Addia Wuchner, Executive Director of Kentucky Right to Life.

🎯IMPACT: Spencer faces potential life imprisonment or the death penalty under Kentucky law if convicted of first-degree fetal homicide.

IN FULL

Melinda Spencer, a 35-year-old Kentucky woman, is facing charges of first-degree fetal homicide, abuse of a corpse, and tampering with physical evidence. Police allege Spencer used abortion pills to terminate a “developed male infant” at her home outside Lexington.

The National Pulse has unearthed a lengthy, drug-riddled arrest record for Spencer, which dates back to 2011. Spencer appears to have been arrested on at least eleven occasions, with most arrests containing records of amphetamine or methamphetamine abuse. In 2016, Spencer was subject to a commitment order.

According to local reports, Spencer disclosed to staff at United Clinic that she aborted her pregnancy at her residence on Flat Mary Road in central, rural Kentucky. Clinic staff reported her to Kentucky State Police on Wednesday. Troopers and detectives interviewed Spencer, who admitted to purchasing abortion medication online and using it.

Law enforcement officials stated that Spencer then buried the fetus in a shallow grave at her residence. Investigators later uncovered the grave, though they did not specify how far along Spencer was in her pregnancy, only describing the fetus as “developed.”

First-degree fetal homicide is classified as a capital offense in Kentucky, carrying potential penalties of life imprisonment or the death penalty.

Addia Wuchner, Executive Director of Kentucky Right to Life, commented on the case, calling it “a profound tragedy.” She stated, “This case also highlights the dangers of abortion pills, which too often remove medical oversight, safeguards, and support. Kentucky’s responsibility is not to normalize abortion as healthcare, because healthcare is meant to heal and protect life.”

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Editor’s Notes

Behind-the-scenes political intrigue exclusively for Pulse+ subscribers.

RAHEEM J. KASSAM Editor-in-Chief
The reason we’re covering this is that there has been a plethora of local reporting on the subject, and I have no doubt the national media will try to turn this into some pro-abortion crusade
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The reason we’re covering this is that there has been a plethora of local reporting on the subject, and I have no doubt the national media will try to turn this into some pro-abortion crusade show more
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By Popular Demand.
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6 hours ago
News
World

Iranian Regime Teeters as Trump Warns U.S. is ‘Locked and Loaded.’

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Protests erupted in Iran, with two demonstrators confirmed dead after security forces opened fire in Lordegan.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Demonstrators, Iranian security forces, and international human rights organizations.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Protests began on Sunday in Tehran and spread to provinces such as Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, including Lordegan.

💬KEY QUOTE: “The Islamic Republic is the enemy of us all.” – Iranian wrestler Ebrahim Eshaghi

🎯IMPACT: The unrest highlights growing economic discontent and calls for international attention to human rights abuses.

IN FULL

Iran is experiencing the most significant outbreak of political unrest in nearly three years, with protests driven by economic hardship spreading nationwide. State media confirmed two demonstrators were killed in the western city of Lordegan. The deaths followed reports that security forces opened fire on crowds in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province, roughly 400 miles south of Tehran.

On Truth Social, U.S. President Donald J. Trump declared, “We are locked and loaded and ready to go,” emphasizing that the U.S. would intervene if more protesters were harmed. The protests, now in their sixth day, are the largest since 2022 and have already resulted in at least seven deaths as the Islamic regime seeks to maintain control.

Iranian officials, including Ali Larijani, have accused the U.S. and Israel of encouraging the unrest. Larijani warned on X, “Trump should know that intervention by the U.S. in the domestic problem corresponds to chaos in the entire region and the destruction of the U.S. interests.” Alj Shamkhani, an adviser to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, echoed this sentiment, stating, “Any interventionist hand that gets too close to the security of Iran will be cut.”

Shopkeepers, bazaar merchants, and university students have joined demonstrations, chanting slogans against the ruling system and calling for economic reforms.

Ebrahim Eshaghi, an Iranian wrestler living in Germany, appealed for international attention, saying: “Today, the people of my city came out into the streets to demand their rights. So far, two young people have been killed, and many more have been injured. We ask all the people of the world to be our voice. The Islamic Republic is the enemy of us all.”

Analysts say Iran’s worsening economic situation underlies the protests, with inflation, currency devaluation, and unemployment pushing large segments of the population below the poverty line.

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Editor’s Notes

Behind-the-scenes political intrigue exclusively for Pulse+ subscribers.

RAHEEM J. KASSAM Editor-in-Chief
Under the Biden government, the Iranian Republic was enriched and emboldened (just like under Obama)
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Under the Biden government, the Iranian Republic was enriched and emboldened (just like under Obama) show more
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By Popular Demand.
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7 hours ago
News

‘F*ck Trump’ Arson Attack Destroys D.C. Home of Military Servicemen & Infant.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Two active-duty U.S. Space Force officers returned home to find their residence vandalized, robbed, and intentionally set on fire.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Jason and Kaylee Taylor, both active-duty U.S. Space Force officers, along with their infant daughter, Rae.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The incident occurred on Sunday, December 28, at their residence in Washington, D.C.

💬KEY QUOTE: “While they were out of town, their home was broken into, robbed, vandalized, and intentionally set on fire.” – GoFundMe page

🎯IMPACT: The family lost nearly all possessions, including clothing, furniture, and keepsakes, and their cat, Marlee, perished in the fire.

IN FULL

Jason and Kaylee Taylor, two members of the United States Space Force, were the victims of an allegedly politically motivated attack while they were away from their residence over the weekend before the New Year’s holiday.

The two active-duty Space Force officers returned to their Washington, D.C. home to find it had been broken into, vandalized, and intentionally set on fire, according to their account of the incident posted on a GoFundMe page raising money for the couple and their child.

The Taylors returned to find their residence destroyed by fire, including their pet cat being murdered in the process. Their vehicle was also vandalized with spray-painted messages reading “F*ck Trump” and “F*ck the Space Force.” The incident occurred on Sunday, December 28, near the Congressional Cemetery in D.C.’s Southeast.

Image from GoFundMe

“While they were out of town, their home was broken into, robbed, vandalized, and intentionally set on fire,” the GoFundMe page states. The family lost clothing, furniture, baby items, keepsakes, and other essentials. Tragically, their family cat, Marlee, died in the fire. “Kaylee and Jason… and their beautiful baby girl, Rae, lost pretty much everything they owned,” the fundraiser adds.

The Taylors were not physically harmed. “We are incredibly grateful that Kaylee, Jason, and Rae were not home at the time and are physically safe,” the page says. However, they now face the challenge of rebuilding their lives from scratch. Donations are being sought to cover immediate needs and recovery costs, including “temporary housing and living expenses” and “replacing basic necessities.”

The GoFundMe campaign has raised nearly $86,000 as of the time of publication, and the incident remains under investigation.

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Editor’s Notes

Behind-the-scenes political intrigue exclusively for Pulse+ subscribers.

RAHEEM J. KASSAM Editor-in-Chief
I donated to the GoFundMe and, given the family’s proximity to Capitol Hill, offered to buy them a meal (or more, frankly, if they want) at Butterworth’s
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I donated to the GoFundMe and, given the family’s proximity to Capitol Hill, offered to buy them a meal (or more, frankly, if they want) at Butterworth’s show more
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December 31, 2025
AMERICANA

FIRST LOOK: Stunning Washington Monument Lit Up for ‘Freedom 250’ U.S. Anniversary Celebration.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The Washington Monument will be transformed into a spectacular projection-mapped experience to celebrate America’s 250th birthday.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Freedom 250 is organizing the event.

📍WHEN & WHERE: December 31, 7:00 PM – January 5, 10:00 PM, at the Washington Monument.

💬KEY QUOTE: “This moment launches a year-long national celebration of the American spirit—past, present, and future.”

🎯IMPACT: The event marks the beginning of a year-long celebration of America’s history and future.

IN FULL

This New Year’s Eve, the Washington Monument will serve as the world’s tallest birthday candle, kicking off the countdown to America’s 250th birthday. Images projected will include Washington crossing the Delaware, the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the moon landing, and many more.

From December 31 to January 5, Freedom 250 will transform this iconic landmark into a breathtaking, projection-mapped experience. The event will narrate the story of our Nation’s discovery, sacrifice, independence, and future.

The festivities on New Year’s Eve will commence at 7:00 PM and continue until 12:06 AM, with fireworks lighting up the sky at midnight.

From January 1 to 5, the display will be available nightly from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Interested individuals can learn more and watch live at freedom250.org.

This event marks the beginning of a year-long national celebration of the American spirit, celebrating the past, present, and future of the United States.

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