GET THE APP
Thursday, July 23, 2026

WE ARE 100% INDEPENDENT AND READER-FUNDED. FOR A GUARANTEED AD-FREE EXPERIENCE AND TO SUPPORT REAL NEWS, PLEASE SIGN UP HERE, TODAY.

44 minutes ago
Immigration
News

DHS Imposes $84 Billion in Fines on Over 100,000 Illegal Migrants.

The Department of Homeland Security has escalated its efforts to induce illegal aliens to self-deport by issuing substantial daily fines, now totaling over $84 billion.

PULSE POINTS
❓ WHAT HAPPENED: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a total of $84 billion in fines to 103,000 illegal aliens, charging them nearly $1,000 per day of illegal presence in the United States. This marks a significant increase from April, when a total of $36 billion in fines were levied against 65,000 migrants.
📺 DETAIL: The fines are part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to enforce immigration laws and encourage self-deportation among illegal immigrants. Some migrants have received notices demanding payment of up to $1.8 million, leading to lawsuits and legal challenges from pro-illegal immigrant groups. Charles Moore, a lawyer with the so-called Public Justice organization, complained that the Trump administration “is just churning out as many fines as it can to intimidate and harass people into leaving the country.”
💬 KEY QUOTE: “Our message is clear: LEAVE NOW OR FACE THE CONSEQUENCES.” – DHS on X, responding to media coverage of the fines
🎯 IMPACT: The fines aim to pressure illegal migrants to leave voluntarily while addressing economic concerns such as wage suppression and housing costs caused by illegal migration. While it is highly unlikely that it will be possible to collect the fines in full, many long-term illegal immigrants do have cars, properties, and other assets that could be seized to defray their bills, and DHS reports that over $1.2 million had been collected as of July 16.
📺 FLASHBACK: Soon after President Donald J. Trump returned to the White House, his administration declared that it would start imposing daily fines of $998 on illegal immigrants who had received final deportation orders but did not leave the country voluntarily or otherwise comply with their removal.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

By Popular Demand.
The National Pulse Now has an on-site comments section for members. Sign up today and be part of the conversation in our community of almost 15,000.
Pulse Ad
Pulse Ad
More From The Pulse

WE ARE 100% INDEPENDENT AND READER-FUNDED. FOR A GUARANTEED AD-FREE EXPERIENCE AND TO SUPPORT REAL NEWS, PLEASE SIGN UP HERE, TODAY.

2 hours ago
News
World

France Sees 5,700 Excess Deaths During Heatwave Amid AC Debate.

France’s public health agency has revealed a sharp rise in excess deaths during a record-breaking heatwave earlier this year, highlighting Europe’s lack of air conditioning and its vulnerability to high temperatures.

PULSE POINTS
❓ WHAT HAPPENED: France reported nearly 6,000 excess deaths during a Europe-wide heatwave throughout June and July.
📺 DETAIL: According to Public Health France, the country experienced 5,764 excess deaths during a historic heatwave which hit the European continent from June 17 to July 2. The agency reported 21,674 deaths during the heatwave, significantly higher than the 15,910 deaths statistically expected based on prior years. The data was released on Wednesday. This constitutes a 36 percent increase in mortality rates and the highest excess death count from a heatwave in France since 2003, when roughly 15,000 people died. Over half of the excess deaths occurred in the immediate run-up to and during the three hottest days of the year, spanning a period between June 25 and June 27. The hottest days of the year were June 24 and June 25. This follows a similar report from the United Kingdom, which revealed that England and Wales experienced almost 3,000 excess deaths during the same heatwave. A joint study by Imperial College London, the Met Office, and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine revealed that approximately 2,700 people died during the heatwave. June, the hottest month on record in England, accounted for roughly 2,200 of the reported deaths.
🎯 IMPACT: The data underscores Europe’s vulnerability to heat, raising questions about the continent’s lack of air conditioning. According to the International Energy Agency, only around 20 percent of European households have AC, while roughly 90 percent of U.S. households do. This is driven in part by energy consumption regulations driven by net zero ideology. During the heatwave, the far-left Deputy Mayor of Paris blamed the United States for the heatwave. “As the second-largest emitter of greenhouse gas emissions in the world, you bear a significant amount of responsibility for global warming and the consequences we, in France, are experiencing,” Pulvar claimed. When Americans online recommended that Parisians install air conditioning, Pulvar replied: “Dear American journalists and social media ‘influencers’: for days, some of you have been criticizing and making fun of Paris because the city does not have A/C in every room…OMG, this is so rich!” 

Image by Dinkun Chen.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less

France's public health agency has revealed a sharp rise in excess deaths during a record-breaking heatwave earlier this year, highlighting Europe's lack of air conditioning and its vulnerability to high temperatures.

show more
By Popular Demand.
The National Pulse Now has an on-site comments section for members. Sign up today and be part of the conversation in our community of almost 15,000.

WE ARE 100% INDEPENDENT AND READER-FUNDED. FOR A GUARANTEED AD-FREE EXPERIENCE AND TO SUPPORT REAL NEWS, PLEASE SIGN UP HERE, TODAY.

2 hours ago
News
Politics
UK

EXC: New UK PM’s Head of Strategy Repeatedly Smeared Nigel Farage.

Social media posts first uncovered by The National Pulse show Matthew McGregor, former Director of Campaigns and Communications for Hope Not Hate turned top advisor to new British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, aggressively smearing Reform UK party leader Nigel Farage.

PULSE POINTS
❓ WHAT HAPPENED: Matthew McGregor, Head of Political Strategy under newly-appointed British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, has an extensive history of attacking Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.
📺 DETAIL: On June 16, 2016, McGregor posted on X (formerly Twitter): “Another reason to vote Remain: to tell this racist piece of shit to do one” with a picture of then-UKIP leader Nigel Farage on the campaign trail during the 2016 referendum on leaving the European Union (EU). On October 1, 2025, McGregor posted: “Fracking is environmentally dangerous and economically stupid. But Reform politicians want to ‘drill baby drill’. So a proper ban is needed. It’s brilliant that [Ed Miliband] has listened to the many campaigners who have been fighting for this outcome,” with a link to an article by 38 Degrees, a progressive activist organization. McGregor served as Chief Executive Officer for 38 Degrees prior to entering Number 10. Titled “Ban Fracking For Good,” the article includes then-Secretary of State for Net Zero Ed Miliband responding to the organization’s petition to end fracking by promising a permanent ban ahead of his speech at the Labour Party’s national conference in 2025. On September 6, 2025, McGregor posted: “While the likes of Farage and Jenrick extol Trumpism, let’s check in on what the man himself is up to” with a screenshot of a post from President Donald J. Trump’s Truth Social account. The post includes an edited image of the President with the caption “I love the smell of deportations in the morning… Chicago about to find out why it’s called the Department of WAR.”
💬 KEY QUOTE: “Another reason to vote Remain: to tell this racist piece of shit to do one” – Matthew McGregor, Head of Political Strategy at Number 10 Downing Street under Prime Minister Andy Burnham, on X, as first reported by The National Pulse
🎯 IMPACT: As of Monday this week, McGregor has taken up his duties as Head of Political Strategy at 10 Downing Street, the Prime Minister’s official residence. The role is roughly equivalent to that of White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller. As a hardline EU loyalist, McGregor’s appointment is rather incongruous, given that Prime Minister Burnham owes his position to winning the Makerfield by-election (special election). The Makerfield constituency (electoral district) voted to leave the European Union and supported Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party, successor to the also Farage-led Brexit Party, during local elections in May. The catastrophic result for the governing Labour Party, both nationally and its heartland constituencies, resulted in the resignation of now-former Labour Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. As a hardliner on Net Zero, evidenced by his support for Miliband and 38 Degrees’ support for a total ban on fracking, McGregor’s position in Number 10 is likely to create problems for the new Prime Minister as he tries to establish a working relationship with President Donald J. Trump, someone McGregor also has an extensive history of attacking online. The White House has already expressed concerns about now-Foreign Secretary Miliband’s fanatical support for Net Zero. The fact that McGregor expressly links Farage to President Trump underscores the explicit hatred that he has for both of them. Less than a day after The National Pulse exposed his attacks on Farage and his supporters, McGregor deleted his X account.

Image via Eirik Helland Urke / Nordiske Mediedager.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less

Social media posts first uncovered by The National Pulse show Matthew McGregor, former Director of Campaigns and Communications for Hope Not Hate turned top advisor to new British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, aggressively smearing Reform UK party leader Nigel Farage.

show more
By Popular Demand.
The National Pulse Now has an on-site comments section for members. Sign up today and be part of the conversation in our community of almost 15,000.
Pulse Ad
Pulse Ad

WE ARE 100% INDEPENDENT AND READER-FUNDED. FOR A GUARANTEED AD-FREE EXPERIENCE AND TO SUPPORT REAL NEWS, PLEASE SIGN UP HERE, TODAY.

11 hours ago
Crime
Immigration

Illegal Immigrant Arrested for Sexual Assault and Murder of Toddler.

A 29-year-old Mexican illegal alien faces charges of sexually assaulting and murdering a two-year-old girl in Virginia.

PULSE POINTS
❓ WHAT HAPPENED: Raul Ortiz Moran, a 29-year-old illegal alien from Mexico, has been charged with aggravated sexual assault and second-degree murder in the death of a two-year-old girl in Louisa County, Virginia. Authorities allege Moran sexually assaulted and then murdered the child, who was pronounced dead at a hospital after her mother sought help at the Goochland County Sheriff’s Office.
💬 KEY QUOTE: “This is an unimaginable tragedy involving the death of a young child. Our detectives have worked tirelessly to thoroughly investigate this case and ensure those responsible are held accountable. Our thoughts and prayers remain with everyone affected by this heartbreaking incident,” said Louisa County Sheriff Donald Lowe.
🎯 IMPACT: The case has reignited concerns over illegal immigration and its implications for public safety, with Moran currently being held in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody without bond. The tragedy underscores the importance of enforcing federal immigration laws to prevent such crimes, something the Democrats have been refusing to do in many sanctuary jurisdictions, even where an illegal alien has already been arrested or even convicted of a serious crime.
📺 DETAIL: The alleged murder occurred on July 4, when the child’s mother brought her to authorities in a desperate attempt to save her life. Despite life-saving efforts, the girl was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. Moran now faces multiple charges and is awaiting trial while in ICE custody.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less

A 29-year-old Mexican illegal alien faces charges of sexually assaulting and murdering a two-year-old girl in Virginia.

show more
By Popular Demand.
The National Pulse Now has an on-site comments section for members. Sign up today and be part of the conversation in our community of almost 15,000.

WE ARE 100% INDEPENDENT AND READER-FUNDED. FOR A GUARANTEED AD-FREE EXPERIENCE AND TO SUPPORT REAL NEWS, PLEASE SIGN UP HERE, TODAY.

12 hours ago
Data
News

Poll Shows Declining Support for Iran War Among MAGA Voters.

A new poll reveals a significant drop in support for the Iran war among President Trump’s MAGA base, as economic concerns dominate voter priorities.

PULSE POINTS
❓ WHAT HAPPENED: A recent poll shows that support for the Iran war among President Donald J. Trump’s MAGA voters has dropped by 13 percentage points since May, with only 37 percent now supporting continued involvement under certain conditions. Nearly one in five MAGA voters now believe the U.S. should withdraw from the conflict entirely, regardless of costs.
📺 DETAIL: The poll, conducted by Public First, highlights growing frustration among Trump’s base as gas prices climb above $4 per gallon and economic concerns overshadow foreign policy. While the White House defends the war as necessary to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions, its unpopularity and the rising costs associated with Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz are key challenges ahead of the midterm elections. MAGA voters overwhelmingly blame the war for higher gas prices, with 57 percent citing it as the primary cause.
🎯 IMPACT: The waning support for the war among Trump’s core voters signals potential challenges for Republican candidates in the upcoming midterms, where economic issues are expected to dominate. The President’s continued defense of the conflict could further alienate voters concerned about its financial toll, complicating efforts to maintain party unity.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less

A new poll reveals a significant drop in support for the Iran war among President Trump's MAGA base, as economic concerns dominate voter priorities.

show more
By Popular Demand.
The National Pulse Now has an on-site comments section for members. Sign up today and be part of the conversation in our community of almost 15,000.
Pulse Ad
Pulse Ad

WE ARE 100% INDEPENDENT AND READER-FUNDED. FOR A GUARANTEED AD-FREE EXPERIENCE AND TO SUPPORT REAL NEWS, PLEASE SIGN UP HERE, TODAY.

13 hours ago
Crime
News

Bill Gates Further Tarnished by New Epstein Report.

An external review revealed that Bill Gates and his foundation staff held multiple meetings with convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein despite warnings from employees about the risks of associating with him.

PULSE POINTS
❓ WHAT HAPPENED: An independent five-month review by law firm WilmerHale found that Bill Gates ignored repeated warnings from Gates Foundation employees about the risks of associating with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, meeting with him roughly 30 times between 2011 and 2014 to discuss creating a donor-advised public health fund.
📺 DETAIL: The review, based on more than 50 interviews, found no evidence of illegal conduct by Gates or foundation staff during those meetings, which included visits to Epstein’s Manhattan townhouse and one meeting at the Gates Foundation. Investigators concluded Gates knew of Epstein’s 2008 Florida conviction before their relationship began, while foundation staff repeatedly raised concerns with senior leadership about the reputational risks of working with him. According to the review, Gates ended the relationship in late 2014 after determining that Epstein had misrepresented potential donor support for the proposed fund. The report also found Epstein introduced Gates to Terje Rød-Larsen, whose International Peace Institute later received a Gates Foundation grant before Rød-Larsen resigned in 2020 over his own ties to Epstein. The foundation launched the review after Gates’s name appeared in Justice Department records released during the Epstein investigation. Gates has consistently denied any involvement in or knowledge of Epstein’s abuse of underage girls, and has described meeting with him as a “grave error in judgment.” Significantly, WilmerHale noted its review did not include Gates’s personal communications or examine any interactions with Epstein outside the foundation’s work.
🎯 IMPACT: The revelations have further tarnished Gates’s reputation, with his ex-wife, Melinda French Gates, citing the association with Epstein as a factor in their divorce. The Gates Foundation has since implemented stricter vetting and risk management measures.
📺 FLASHBACK: Epstein, who was federally indicted in 2019 on charges of sex trafficking minors, died while awaiting trial, stirring ongoing controversy, alongside his connections to numerous high-profile figures.

Image by World Economic Forum/swiss-image.ch/Remy Steinegger.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less

An external review revealed that Bill Gates and his foundation staff held multiple meetings with convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein despite warnings from employees about the risks of associating with him.

show more
By Popular Demand.
The National Pulse Now has an on-site comments section for members. Sign up today and be part of the conversation in our community of almost 15,000.

WE ARE 100% INDEPENDENT AND READER-FUNDED. FOR A GUARANTEED AD-FREE EXPERIENCE AND TO SUPPORT REAL NEWS, PLEASE SIGN UP HERE, TODAY.

15 hours ago
Economy
News

Oil Prices Surge to Six-Week High Amid Houthi Disruption of Saudi Shipments.

Iran-backed Houthi threats against Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea have disrupted global shipping routes, driving up oil prices and raising fears of further instability in the region.

PULSE POINTS
❓ WHAT HAPPENED: International and U.S. oil prices climbed more than four percent on Wednesday as renewed concerns over global energy supplies intensified after Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels began enforcing a self-declared “maritime ban” on Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, prompting several vessels to reverse course. The Houthis announced the blockade earlier this week in response to renewed Saudi military strikes in Yemen, threatening to prevent Saudi crude exports from transiting the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait after Iranian attacks disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
📺 DETAIL: Maritime intelligence firms reported that at least seven ships carrying Saudi cargoes, including a tanker transporting two million barrels of crude to China, turned back following Houthi warnings, though other vessels have continued transiting the waterway without reported attacks. Analysts warned the disruption could significantly affect global oil markets, as Saudi exports through the Red Sea have become increasingly important due to instability in the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude rose 4.12 percent to $94.76 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate increased 4.35 percent to $88.01 per barrel. Analysts at Goldman Sachs said Brent crude could reach $120 per barrel by the end of the year if shipping tensions continue, although some expect prices to fall below $80 if the conflict de-escalates. Saudi Arabia condemned the Houthi blockade and pledged to take all necessary measures to protect its commercial shipping, while the Houthis warned that any Saudi military response would be met with further escalation. Meanwhile, President Donald J. Trump has warned Iran that any further attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz will result in U.S. military strikes against Iranian infrastructure, including bridges and power plants.
🎯 IMPACT: The disruption in oil shipments has heightened concerns about global energy security and economic stability, with analysts warning that prolonged tensions could push oil prices above $100 per barrel. The Saudi Foreign Ministry condemned the blockade, vowing to protect its vessels, while the Houthis threatened a “decisive response” to any Saudi actions.
📈 DATA: Saudi oil exports through the Red Sea had grown from 1.6 million barrels per day to 4.7 million due to the Iran war, underscoring the importance of the route.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less

Iran-backed Houthi threats against Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea have disrupted global shipping routes, driving up oil prices and raising fears of further instability in the region.

show more
By Popular Demand.
The National Pulse Now has an on-site comments section for members. Sign up today and be part of the conversation in our community of almost 15,000.
Pulse Ad
Pulse Ad

WE ARE 100% INDEPENDENT AND READER-FUNDED. FOR A GUARANTEED AD-FREE EXPERIENCE AND TO SUPPORT REAL NEWS, PLEASE SIGN UP HERE, TODAY.

15 hours ago
News
TECH

Federal Judge Greenlights Record $1.5 Billion Copyright Settlement Against Anthropic.

A landmark $1.5 billion settlement resolves allegations that AI company Anthropic illegally downloaded copyrighted books to train its models.

PULSE POINTS
❓ WHAT HAPPENED: A federal judge has granted final approval to a $1.5 billion class-action settlement requiring AI company Anthropic to compensate authors and publishers whose copyrighted books were illegally downloaded from the pirate libraries LibGen and PiLiMi, marking what the U.S. District Court in San Francisco called the largest copyright class-action settlement in history.
📺 DETAIL: The lawsuit focused on Anthropic’s acquisition of the works rather than the legality of using copyrighted material to train artificial intelligence, with an earlier ruling finding that training its AI models is covered by fair use. Under the order signed by U.S. District Judge Araceli Martínez-Olguín, eligible rights holders can claim roughly $3,000 per book—about four times the typical minimum statutory copyright award—with more than 440,000 books already claimed, while Anthropic must also delete the pirated files from its systems. The settlement comes during a turbulent year for the AI company, which recently sued the Trump administration after being designated a federal “supply chain risk,” arguing the designation unlawfully threatened its government business following a dispute over military use of its AI technology. The company also drew attention after CEO Dario Amodei said researchers could not rule out the possibility that Anthropic’s Claude AI model might one day become conscious, comments that fueled debate over the ethical implications of increasingly advanced artificial intelligence systems.
🎯 IMPACT: The case sets a significant precedent for copyright protection in the era of artificial intelligence, signaling that companies cannot freely use pirated content for AI training without consequences. It also provides substantial financial restitution to authors and publishers whose works were exploited.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less

A landmark $1.5 billion settlement resolves allegations that AI company Anthropic illegally downloaded copyrighted books to train its models.

show more
By Popular Demand.
The National Pulse Now has an on-site comments section for members. Sign up today and be part of the conversation in our community of almost 15,000.

WE ARE 100% INDEPENDENT AND READER-FUNDED. FOR A GUARANTEED AD-FREE EXPERIENCE AND TO SUPPORT REAL NEWS, PLEASE SIGN UP HERE, TODAY.

16 hours ago
News
Politics
UK

Hot Mic Catches New UK PM’s Cabinet Laughing About Releasing Dangerous Prisoners Early.

Wes Streeting and Shabana Mahmood, two Cabinet-level ministers in the Labour-controlled British government, were caught joking and laughing about early prison releases, prompting apologies on social media.

PULSE POINTS
❓ WHAT HAPPENED: British government ministers Wes Streeting and Shabana Mahmood have been criticized for joking about the early release of prisoners during a hot-mic moment.
📺 DETAIL: This week, Wes Streeting, the new Defense Secretary, and Shabana Mahmood, the Home Secretary, equivalent to the U.S. Secretaries of War and Homeland Security, were caught joking about the Labor government’s decision to release many prisoners early. Talking about Alex Norris, the newly-appointed Lord Chancellor and Secretary for Justice, Streeting is recoded saying: “You know he’s [Norris] the enemy now, Justice Shabana?” to which Mahmood responds, “No, he’s not.” Streeting then quips: “He wants to let them all out,” prompting laughter. The incident was recorded without Streeting’s or Mahmood’s knowledge. The two Cabinet ministers subsequently issued apologies on social media. On X (formerly Twitter), Mahmood posted: “I think everyone can see there was no ill intent behind this ribbing of the new Lord Chancellor – a role I once filled and which comes with immense challenges thanks to the vandalism inflicted on our justice system by the last Conservative Government… But I appreciate this is an extremely serious issue and do not want anyone to mistake this moment of levity for a lack of serious intent.” Streeting posted: “I hope everyone can see there was no ill intent behind this ribbing of the new Justice Secretary – it was a reference to an old May/Clarke joke,” he said, referring to former Conservative Home Secretary (later Prime Minister) Theresa May saying of former Conservative Justice Secretary Ken Clarke, “I locked ’em up and he let ’em out.” 
💬 KEY QUOTE: “It’s incredibly disappointing and very hurtful, particularly to those friends and families of people who will be due for early release.” – Sir Mel Stride, Shadow Chancellor.
🎯 IMPACT: The incident adds to the controversy surrounding the government’s decision to release prisoners early. Back in June, it was reported that the Labour government planned to release up to 6,000 serious offenders from prison, including murderers and rapists, to tackle overcrowding. Specifically, the government plans to allow more offenders to be released halfway through their sentences. Originally, more dangerous prisoners were eligible for early release only after serving two-thirds of their sentence. “Once the MoJ [Ministry of Justice] starts writing to victims and saying this is what is happening, there will inevitably be individual victims who have suffered at the hands of an offender who will become very upset,” said Tom Wheatley, President of the Prison Governors’ Association.

Image by Simon Dawson / No 10 Downing Street.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less

Wes Streeting and Shabana Mahmood, two Cabinet-level ministers in the Labour-controlled British government, were caught joking and laughing about early prison releases, prompting apologies on social media.

show more
By Popular Demand.
The National Pulse Now has an on-site comments section for members. Sign up today and be part of the conversation in our community of almost 15,000.
Pulse Ad
Pulse Ad

WE ARE 100% INDEPENDENT AND READER-FUNDED. FOR A GUARANTEED AD-FREE EXPERIENCE AND TO SUPPORT REAL NEWS, PLEASE SIGN UP HERE, TODAY.

17 hours ago
News
UK

UK Abandons Multi-Billion Digital ID Program.

The British government’s proposed Digital ID program, known as BritCard, has been officially canceled, with its $2.4 billion budget redirected to reduce VAT on electricity bills.

PULSE POINTS
❓ WHAT HAPPENED: Former British Prime Minister Keir Starmer‘s proposed national digital identity program, known as BritCard, has been scrapped by new Prime Minister Andy Burnham, with ministers saying the move will help fund the removal of Value Added Tax (VAT) on domestic electricity bills beginning October 1. New Chancellor of the Exchequer (Treasury Secretary) John Healey said canceling the Digital ID program, previously estimated to cost the equivalent of $2.4 billion over three years, would finance the tax cut, which will also apply to qualifying small businesses, charities, and care homes.
📺 DETAIL: The BritCard scheme was supposedly introduced as part of an effort to combat illegal immigration and initially included a mandatory right-to-work requirement, but that provision was dropped earlier this year following widespread opposition and a petition signed by nearly 2.9 million people. Civil liberties groups, including Big Brother Watch, had criticized the proposal as costly and unnecessary, while opponents argued it risked expanding government surveillance. Questions remain over whether canceling the program will fully fund the VAT cut, with reports citing differing assessments from the government, the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), and former ministers over whether the Digital ID budget had ever been fully allocated. The government has said updated costings will be provided at the next Budget as it prepares additional measures, including a 20 percent reduction in business rates for hospitality businesses and a £2 (~$2.70) bus fare cap. Financial markets initially reacted cautiously to the new administration’s spending plans, although government borrowing costs eased after Healey was appointed Chancellor. While the standalone BritCard program has been canceled, existing government digital identity services, including GOV.UK One Login, the GOV.UK Wallet, and age-verification systems under the Online Safety Act remain in place.
💬 KEY QUOTE: “This is funded this year from cancelling the Digital ID programme,” said new Chancellor John Healey, explaining the financial rationale behind the VAT cut.
🎯 IMPACT: The cancellation halts the rollout of the controversial ID system, criticized for its high cost and potential to infringe on civil liberties, while potentially providing some financial relief to households and small businesses through the VAT cut.
📺 FLASHBACK: When the Digital ID program was announced, officials admitted its success depended on universal adoption. The program quickly expanded in scope, with proposals for “cradle-to-grave” tracking, sparking widespread public and political opposition.

Image by James Mitchell.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less

The British government’s proposed Digital ID program, known as BritCard, has been officially canceled, with its $2.4 billion budget redirected to reduce VAT on electricity bills.

show more
By Popular Demand.
The National Pulse Now has an on-site comments section for members. Sign up today and be part of the conversation in our community of almost 15,000.

WE ARE 100% INDEPENDENT AND READER-FUNDED. FOR A GUARANTEED AD-FREE EXPERIENCE AND TO SUPPORT REAL NEWS, PLEASE SIGN UP HERE, TODAY.

18 hours ago
News
World

Trump Seals Historic U.S.-Saudi Nuclear Agreement.

The agreement, which requires congressional approval, could expand Saudi Arabia’s nuclear capabilities, with some raising questions over nonproliferation safeguards.

PULSE POINTS
❓ WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump has approved a civil nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia, according to a senior administration official, with the deal allowing U.S. companies to help develop the kingdom’s nuclear power program. Congress will have an opportunity to review the agreement, though blocking it would require a veto-proof majority.
📺 DETAIL: Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States would not enter into any agreement that creates a risk of nuclear proliferation. The deal comes as the United States continues military operations against Iran, with the Trump administration maintaining that Tehran must not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon. Previous U.S. policy had linked Saudi nuclear cooperation to normalization of relations with Israel, but that condition was reportedly dropped as negotiations advanced. Analysts say the agreement’s impact will depend on whether it permits Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium and whether it includes strict International Atomic Energy Agency oversight and other nonproliferation safeguards. Experts have warned that allowing domestic uranium enrichment without strong restrictions could increase regional proliferation risks, particularly given past comments by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman that the kingdom would seek a nuclear weapon if Iran obtained one. Saudi Arabia is a member of the International Atomic Energy Agency, which monitors civilian nuclear programs, but the full terms of the agreement have not yet been released.
💬 KEY QUOTE: “We would not reach any agreement with any country in the world that leads to the risk of proliferation,” said Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
🎯 IMPACT: If approved, the deal could strengthen Saudi Arabia’s energy infrastructure but also heighten regional tensions, particularly with Iran, which has been accused of pursuing nuclear weapons despite its denials.
📺 FLASHBACK: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has previously stated that the kingdom would seek nuclear weapons if Iran were to develop them. In addition, Saudi Arabia signed a mutual defense pact with Pakistan, a nuclear-armed nation, in September, raising further concerns about nuclear proliferation in the region.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less

The agreement, which requires congressional approval, could expand Saudi Arabia's nuclear capabilities, with some raising questions over nonproliferation safeguards.

show more
By Popular Demand.
The National Pulse Now has an on-site comments section for members. Sign up today and be part of the conversation in our community of almost 15,000.
Pulse Ad
Pulse Ad