Monday, April 21, 2025

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15% of All U.S. Oil Production Might End in a Matter of Months. Here’s Why…

The BidenHarris government appears to be dragging its feet in complying with a court order issued by a judge with the United States District Court for the District of Maryland earlier this month, which could result in a ban on all oil drilling activity in the Gulf of Mexico. Currently, drilling the Gulf accounts for approximately 15 percent of all U.S. oil production.

At the center of the potentially disastrous halting of Gulf oil projects is a convoluted intersection of issues involving the Endangered Species Act (ESA), the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and a biological assessment for the region that began in the final days of the Trump administration.

BANNING DRILLING.

The U.S. District Court in Maryland struck down the National Marine Fisheries Service’s biological assessment and ordered a new assessment to be completed by December 20. Ostensibly, the court ruling aims to strengthen protections for the endangered Rice’s whale, among other species. However, some view the move as a backdoor attempt by BidenHarris to bar drilling in the Gulf.

A cadre of environmentalist groups brought the lawsuit against the National Marine Fisheries Service. Despite the litigation’s long-term economic impacts, the BidenHarris government appears to be doing little to challenge the jurisdiction of the Maryland federal judge or the standing of the environmental groups—in essence, giving their tacit approval to drilling being blocked.

KAMALA’S GREEN AGENDA.

The BidenHarris government has already offered the fewest oil and gas drilling leases in the Gulf of Mexico in U.S. history. Meanwhile, with the federal court now mandating a new biological assessment, the Biden-Harris government can entirely end drilling in the oceanic region by using agencies to slow down the process.

Kamala Harris, the 2024 Democratic Party presidential nominee, is a staunch opponent of the oil industry and unlikely to seriously challenge the court ruling. In 2020, she vowed that fracking would be banned on “day one” of a Harris presidency.

The Gulf oil industry adds tens of billions of dollars to the U.S. economy and provides hundreds of thousands of jobs to U.S. workers.

Image via Flickr.

By Popular Demand.
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Trump Blasts ‘Loser’ Powell for Delay in Interest Rate Cuts.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: President Donald J. Trump criticized Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, calling for reduced interest rates amid claims of low inflation.

👥 Who’s Involved: President Trump and Jerome Powell.

📍 Where & When: On Truth Social, the morning of Monday, April 21.

💬 Key Quote: Trump remarked, “Powell has always been ‘Too Late,’ except when it came to the Election period when he lowered in order to help Sleepy Joe Biden, later Kamala, get elected. How did that work out?”

⚠️ Impact: The U.S. economy has sent mixed signals that have left the Federal Reserve to adopt an overly cautious stance. However, recent indicators have suggested deflation could now be occurring, which may finally push Powell to reduce rates.

IN FULL:

President Donald J. Trump is continuing his criticism of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, urging for immediate cuts to interest rates. Trump reiterated his position on Truth Social on Monday, stating, without providing evidence, that “preemptive cuts” to rates are being advocated by many as the economy faces what he described as “virtually No Inflation.”

“‘Preemptive Cuts’ in Interest Rates are being called for by many. With Energy Costs way down, food prices (including Biden’s egg disaster!) substantially lower, and most other ‘things’ trending down, there is virtually No Inflation,” Trump wrote, continuing: “With these costs trending so nicely downward, just what I predicted they would do, there can almost be no inflation, but there can be a SLOWING of the economy unless Mr. Too Late, a major loser, lowers interest rates, NOW. Europe has already ‘lowered’ seven times.”

“Powell has always been ‘Too Late,’ except when it came to the Election period when he lowered in order to help Sleepy Joe Biden, later Kamala, get elected. How did that work out?” the America First leader added.

President Trump has increased pressure on the Federal Reserve chairman in recent weeks. Last week, Trump suggested Powell’s removal as the head of the U.S. central bank could be imminent, writing on Truth Social that, “Powell’s termination cannot come fast enough!” However, according to U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Powell is likely to be replaced as Fed chair later this year, with the target date being “sometime in the fall.”

The Federal Reserve has been slow to reduce interest rates, fixating on concerns that inflation could accelerate. However, a Consumer Price Index (CPI) print from early April had SuperCore CPI—a key indicator monitored by the central bank—showing possibly deflation. A deflationary cycle is far more of an economic concern than reigniting inflation, and may suggest a lack of liquidity in the market, meaning an interest rate cut may need to occur, whether Powell is ready for rate reductions or not.

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By Popular Demand.
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Trump Backs Hegseth Despite New Signal Chat Leak Allegations.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth allegedly shared details about a military strike in Yemen through Signal chat groups with family and friends.

👥 Who’s Involved: Pete Hegseth, Karoline Leavitt, Jeffrey Goldberg, Mike Waltz, and President Donald J. Trump.

📍 Where & When: The incident surrounding the March strike was reported by various outlets in Washington, D.C., over Easter weekend 2025.

💬 Key Quote: “The president stands strongly behind Secretary Hegseth, who is doing a phenomenal job leading the Pentagon,” Karoline Leavitt stated.

⚠️ Impact: Questions have arisen about information security policies within the Pentagon. However, President Trump and his White House communications team stress that the media allegations are part of a broad effort by career Pentagon bureaucrats to undermine the America First Agenda.

IN FULL:

President Donald J. Trump continues to “strongly” stand behind Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth despite a series of corporate media stories alleging that the Pentagon chief communicated details regarding military operations in Yemen through private messaging groups. Late Sunday, the New York Times reported that Hegseeth had sent details about a March strike against the Houthis via Signal chat to a group that included his family and personal attorney.

“The President stands strongly behind Secretary Hegseth, who is doing a phenomenal job leading the Pentagon,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said early Monday. She added: “This is what happens when the entire Pentagon is working against you and against the monumental change that you are trying to implement.”

Later in the day, during the White House Easter Egg Roll, President Trump also addressed the corporate media allegations, calling them a “waste of time” and—addressing Hesgesth specifically—stating, “He’s doing a great job.” The America First leader added: “Ask the Houthis how he’s doing.”

The controversy over the use of encrypted Signal messaging chats involving groups of administration officials began in March after The Atlantic’s editor, Jeffrey Goldberg, was inadvertently added to a group. That specific instance involved a Signal group dedicated to situational awareness and messaging cohesion regarding strikes against the Houthi rebel group in Yemen.

A forensic investigation shows Godlberg’s contact information was saved under the wrong contact on National Security Advisor Mike Waltz‘s phone. However, the White House has stressed that no war plans or classified materials were shared in the chat to which Goldbeg was inadvertently made privy.

DOD photo by U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Madelyn Keech.

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By Popular Demand.
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Mexican Nationals Arrested for Trafficking 180,000 Rounds of Ammunition from Utah to Colorado.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Two Mexican nationals on nonimmigrant visas were arrested for transporting a large quantity of ammunition during a traffic stop in Colorado.

👥 Who’s Involved: Caesar Ramon Martinez Solis, 41, and Humberto Ivan Amador Gavira, 24, were arrested. The U.S. Attorney’s Office – District of Colorado, Fremont County detectives, and the Department of Homeland Security special agents are part of the investigation.

📍 Where & When: The incident occurred in Canon City, Colorado, on March 26.

💬 Key Quote: “[Martinez Solis] further explained that he did not know the intent with the ammunition but that he believed it was destined for Pueblo,” states an arrest affidavit.

⚠️ Impact: The case is part of a federal initiative, Operation Take Back America, which aims to address illegal immigration and combat transnational criminal organizations.

IN FULL:

Authorities have announced the arrest of two Mexican nationals found carrying a substantial supply of ammunition during a routine traffic stop in Colorado last month. Caesar Ramon Martinez Solis, 41, and Humberto Ivan Amador Gavira, 24, were apprehended in Canon City on March 26 while transporting approximately 180,000 rounds of ammunition.

The arrest resulted from a traffic violation after Fremont County detectives observed a white Chevrolet van failing to dim its headlights, contravening state law. Further, the van failed to signal at a turn and possessed a defective license plate lamp. These violations prompted the traffic stop, leading to the discovery of the ammunition stored in roughly 150 boxes of .308 and 30 boxes of 7.62 caliber rounds, each labeled to contain 1,000 bullets.

According to the arrest affidavit, Martinez Solis informed special agents from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that he and Amador Gavira, whom he identified as his brother-in-law, had traveled from Mexico to Denver to purchase a vehicle. Their journey also included a stop at a Salt Lake City firearms and ammunition store, where the ammunition was acquired.

“[Martinez Solis] further explained that he did not know the intent with the ammunition but that he believed it was destined for Pueblo,” law enforcement states in the affidavit.

Both men face charges of Unlawful Possession of Ammunition by Alien Admitted Under a Nonimmigrant Visa. The Denver Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations, with support from the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), is currently managing the case.

This arrest falls under Operation Take Back America, a federal initiative focused on addressing issues related to illegal immigration and dismantling cartel and criminal organization activities.

Image by 70023venus2009. 

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By Popular Demand.
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Trump Takes on Penn Station Overhaul.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: The U.S. federal government plans to take control of Pennsylvania Station’s renovation efforts in Manhattan, aiming for a major upgrade.

👥 Who’s Involved: U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy, President Donald Trump’s administration, and New York political leaders.

📍 Where & When: Pennsylvania Station, Manhattan; announcement made on April 17.

💬 Key Quote: Sean P. Duffy stated the goal is to create a station that “reflects America’s greatness.”

⚠️ Impact: The initiative represents a significant federal intervention in an infrastructure project, potentially speeding up or complicating long-standing efforts.

IN FULL:

In a surprise declaration, the federal government announced its intention to redesign historic Pennsylvania Station in Manhattan. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy revealed the plan on Thursday, marking a significant intervention by the federal administration after years of promises by local New York politicians to overhaul the station.

The station, often cited as the busiest rail hub in the United States, has been the subject of numerous renovation attempts over the years, each stalling due to political conflicts. Officials in New York have repeatedly announced ambitious plans to overhaul the facility, but successful execution has remained elusive.

Secretary Duffy emphasized transforming Penn Station into a safe and orderly environment intended to embody national pride in its aesthetics and functionality. “This project will result in a station that reflects America’s greatness,” he declared, signaling a shift from traditional bureaucratic approaches to more direct federal involvement.

For years, the intended renovation of Penn Station had been a subject of significant political negotiation and strategic planning, and it faced various hurdles. The federal control announcement marks the first time presidential power has been used so overtly in this context. The approach aligns with President Donald J. Trump’s strategy of aggressive negotiation and streamlined decision-making.

Transportation experts have expressed concerns regarding the project’s feasibility under typical timelines and budgets, noting that such comprehensive renovations would require years and potentially billions of dollars in funding. The federal government has the ability to take charge of renovations as it controls Amtrak, which runs through Penn Station.

President Trump has previously expressed interest in infrastructure projects and architecture. On his first day in office in January, he issued an executive order to promote traditional and classical architecture for federal public buildings.

 

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By Popular Demand.
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Germany to Deport American, 3 EU Citizens Following Pro-Hamas Demonstration.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Four individuals, including three EU citizens and one American, are facing deportation from Germany due to their involvement in protests against Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Their cases have not yet been adjudicated in court.

👥 Who’s Involved: The individuals comprise two Irish citizens, one Polish citizen, and one American citizen.

📍 Where & When: The protest occurred at Berlin’s Free University in October 2024. The deportation orders were served last month, with an April 21 deadline for voluntary departure.

💬 Key Quote: “We all feel very defiant and confident that this won’t pass through the legal system,” said Roberta Murray, one of the Irish citizens facing deportation.

⚠️ Impact: The move raises concerns about potential conflicts with EU laws on freedom of movement and has sparked discussion about Germany’s commitment to Israel.

IN FULL:

Berlin’s Immigration Office has issued deportation orders to four individuals for their participation in a pro-Hamas protest at Berlin’s Free University, which involved damage to property. The protesters, two from Ireland, one from Poland, and one from the United States, are accused of participating in the October 2024 demonstrations, which resulted in violence and property destruction.. They were instructed last month to leave the country by April 21 or face deportation.

The protestors allege that no formal charges have been communicated to them, though official statements cite ongoing criminal proceedings related to the incident. Their legal representative, Alexander Gorski, is challenging the orders, citing the lack of due process and expressing confidence that the individuals will be allowed to stay until their cases can be more thoroughly examined.

The European Union’s principle of freedom of movement is central to this issue. The deportation threats have prompted concerns about potential conflicts with this fundamental EU law, particularly as this involves citizens of EU member states. We all feel very defiant and confident that this won’t pass through the legal system,” said Roberta Murray, one of the Irish citizens facing deportation.

“I hadn’t expected it to go this way at all,” Cooper Longbottom—a 27-year-old graduate student from Seattle, Washington, slated to be removed from the EU country—said, adding: “I hadn’t gotten any charges in the mail. It’s just a complete mess and not how the order of criminal law and due process is supposed to go.”

German authorities point to the concept of “Staatsräson,” or Germany’s unwavering solidarity with Israel, as justification for the deportations. However, traditionally, “Staatsräson” has served as more of a political concept than a legal one. Longbottom has indicated he has no intention of leaving  Germany despite the deportation proceedings.

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By Popular Demand.
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White House Proposes ‘Reparations’ for Americans Affected by Illegal Immigration.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller proposed that Americans should be compensated for the harm caused by mass migration.

👥 Who’s Involved: Stephen Miller, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Kilmar Abrego Garcia.

📍 Where & When: The remarks were made during a Newsmax interview on Friday.

💬 Key Quote: Miller stated, “Where are the damages for Americans?”

⚠️ Impact: Miller’s comments add to the ongoing debate over immigration policy, highlighting rifts between the administration and its critics.

IN FULL:

White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller has opened a new front in the immigration debate by suggesting that reparations be paid to Americans for harm caused by mass illegal immigration. During a media appearance on Friday, Miller—responding to Senator Sheldon Whitehouse’s (D-RI) proposal that the federal government should incur daily fines over Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s deportation to El Salvador—argued American citizens are those who deserve restitution.

“Where are the damages for Americans?” Miller countered, continuing: “I mean, for the love of God, where are the damages for Americans? Where do I even begin? Where do I even start?”

“We used to have a functioning public school system in his country. Then we had open borders. Now our schools are in chaos and disarray. We need hundreds of translators. Nobody is learning how to read or write,” Miller said, noting the havoc that millions of illegal immigrants who entered the country under former President Joe Biden have wrought on the United States.

“Look at Los Angeles, once a paradise of safety, security, and prosperity—entire neighborhoods occupied and controlled by foreign gangs,” Miller contended, adding: “Where do all of the residents who have been displaced—who have been forced out of Los Angeles—where do they go to get their reparations?”

Meanwhile, the comments come as Congressional Democrats ramp up their criticism of President Donald J. Trump‘s mass deportation policies and efforts to remove dangerous and criminal illegal immigrants from the United States. Last week, Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) traveled to El Salvador in support of Abrego Garcia, an illegal immigrant who had previously been demonstrated to be a member of the violent MS-13 gang and ordered removed from the United States by an immigration judge.

Image by Gage Skidmore. 

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By Popular Demand.
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More Democrats Make Pilgrimage to Visit Kilmar Abrego Garcia.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Four House Democrats traveled to El Salvador concerning the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an El Salvadoran illegal immigrant who they claim was wrongfully deported from Maryland.

👥 Who’s Involved: Reps. Robert Garcia (D-CA), Maxwell Frost (D-FL), Maxine Dexter (D-OR), and Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ); Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD); Kilmar Abrego Garcia.

📍 Where & When: El Salvador, visit by Reps. began Monday, following Sen. Van Hollen’s visit the previous week.

💬 Key Quote: Far-left California Rep. Robert Garcia remarked, “While Donald Trump continues to defy the Supreme Court, Kilmar Abrego Garcia is being held illegally in El Salvador after being wrongfully deported.”

⚠️ Impact: The case highlights ongoing Democrat Party obsessions with foreign criminals, deportation processes, and concerns about “due process” for illegals.

IN FULL:

Four Democrat members of the House of Representatives have traveled to El Salvador to attempt to represent a foreign, alleged MS-13 gang member and El Salvadoran national, Kilmar Abrego Garcia. The delegation, comprised of Reps. Robert Garcia of California, Maxwell Frost of Florida, Maxine Dexter of Oregon, and Yassamin Ansari of Arizona are questioning his deportation from Maryland, which they describe as wrongful.

Abrego Garcia had been living in the U.S. and faced deportation due to illegal entry. However, in 2019, an immigration judge issued a withholding of removal order, citing fears of persecution by a rival gang should he return to El Salvador. However, the country’s government has subsequently ended the rival gang’s presence.

The lawmakers’ journey follows Maryland Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen‘s recent visit to El Salvador, where Van Hollen had the opportunity to meet with Abrego Garcia.

Rep. Robert Garcia emphasized the purpose of their visit, stating, “While Donald Trump continues to defy the Supreme Court, Kilmar Abrego Garcia is being held illegally in El Salvador after being wrongfully deported.” The Trump administration has countered claims of wrongful deportation, arguing that Abrego Garcia is involved with the notorious gang MS-13 and that the withholding of removal order is effectively vacated now that the gang is considered a foreign terrorist organization (FTO).

President Donald J. Trump pointed out the tattoos on Abrego Garcia’s hand, which indicate his membership in MS-13.

“They said he is not a member of MS-13, even though he’s got MS-13 tattooed onto his knuckles, and two Highly Respected Courts found that he was a member of MS-13, beat up his wife, etc,” President Trump said.

Stephen Miller, a senior White House aide, also contended that the deportation was not in error and blamed a Department of Justice attorney for suggesting otherwise.

DHS photo by Tia Dufour.

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By Popular Demand.
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India Takes Trump’s Lead, Imposes Tariffs to Block Cheap Chinese Imports.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: India plans to implement a 12 percent safeguard duty on steel imports to curb an influx of inexpensive steel from foreign nations, especially China.

👥 Who’s Involved: The Indian government, Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR), Ministry of Finance. Key stakeholders include JSW Steel, Tata Steel, the Steel Authority of India, and ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India.

📍 Where & When: The measures will apply in India, with the duty expected to be enforced promptly following final government approval.

💬 Key Quote: “There is clarity that the duty would be 12 percent and a decision is expected at the earliest,” a source informed of the situation stated.

⚠️ Impact: The surge of cheaper steel imports has led to operational challenges and potential job cuts among India’s smaller steel mills.

IN FULL:

India is set to impose a temporary tariff of 12 percent on steel imports, aiming to counter a significant increase in low-cost steel products from China. The action, referred to locally as a safeguard duty, is intended to take effect promptly.

As the second-largest producer of crude steel, India was also a net importer of finished steel for the second straight year during the 2024/25 fiscal year. Preliminary government data shows that steel imports climbed to their highest level in nine years, reaching 9.5 million metric tons.

The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) advised last month that a 12 percent tariff be placed on certain steel imports for 200 days. This recommendation forms part of broader efforts to manage cheap imports, following an investigation that began in December of the preceding year to evaluate the impact on Indian steel manufacturers. Of primary concern is China’s dumping of cheap steel products on Indian markets, which aims to undermine India’s domestic steel industry.

“There is clarity that the duty would be 12 [percent] and a decision is expected at the earliest,” an Indian government source said, regarding the anticipated adoption of the DGTR recommendation.

In recent months, India has recorded a surge in finished steel imports from China, South Korea, and Japan. These three countries were responsible for a large portion, amounting to 78 percent of India’s finished steel imports.

This influx is putting financial pressure on smaller steel mills in India, leading some to downscale operations or even contemplate layoffs. A number of nations are considering similar measures to restrict imports, as India’s main steel industry associations, including JSW Steel, Tata Steel, the Steel Authority of India, and ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India, continue to express concerns about the market effects of such imports.

Image by GovernmentZA.

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By Popular Demand.
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Pope Francis, Head of the Catholic Church, Dead at 88.

Pope Francis, the leader of the Catholic Church and its 1.39 billion adherents worldwide, is dead at 88. The Italian-Argentine pontiff—born December 17, 1936—was the first cleric from outside Europe to be raised to the papacy since Gregory III, who was of Syrian origin, in the 8th century.

“At 7:35 this morning (local time), the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father,” announced Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life, on Easter Monday.

The late pontiff’s last public appearance was at the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica yesterday, where an aide read an Easter Sunday blessing on his behalf. While his exact cause of death was not officially confirmed as of the time of complication, he was recently hospitalized with a respiratory illness, initially said to be bronchitis. However, speculation that Pope Francis was actually suffering from double pneumonia was later confirmed—a serious condition for someone of his advanced age with only one whole lung.

Born in Argentina to an Italian immigrant father, Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elevated to the papacy, choosing the pontifical name “Francis,” in 2013, following the nearly unprecedented resignation of his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI. Under the Francis papacy, the Vatican was seen by many as adopting more ‘progressive‘ and ‘modernist‘ views on Church teachings, especially regarding the liturgy and mass.

Pope Francis reversed several of Pope Benedict’s decisions, which had allowed the traditionalist movement in the Church to flourish for nearly a decade. This culminated in a de facto ban—for the most part—on the Traditional Latin Mass, a move that received significant criticism from conservative Catholics.

NOT SO PROGRESSIVE?

While often portrayed as a liberal pope, the Francis papacy—outside the liturgy and a handful of other superficial changes—saw little divergence from Church teachings on homosexuality, transgenderism, and abortion. In fact, Pope Francis was an outspoken critic of gender ideology, and a document released by the powerful Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, Dignitas Infinita, declared sex-change surgeries and surrogacy to be akin in the gravity of sin to abortion.

He personally intervened when Britain’s socialized National Health Service (NHS) decided to allow ill children such as Charlie Gard to die, against the wishes of their parents, attempting to have them brought to the Vatican-owned Bambino Gesu Children’s Hospital for continued care.

Notably, Pope Francis was also embroiled in a controversy where he allegedly used an Italian slur for homosexuals while arguing against allowing gay men to train as priests. The Pope was later forced to apologize for his choice of words.

Jack Montgomery contributed to this report.

Image by Mazur/cbcew.org.uk.

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Pope Francis, the leader of the Catholic Church and its 1.39 billion adherents worldwide, is dead at 88. The Italian-Argentine pontiff—born December 17, 1936—was the first cleric from outside Europe to be raised to the papacy since Gregory III, who was of Syrian origin, in the 8th century. show more
By Popular Demand.
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WATCH: Kassam Explains How Senator Van Hollen Walked Into Bukele’s MS-13 Trap.

The National Pulse’s Editor in Chief, Raheem Kassam, joined former Congressman and One America News host Matt Gaetz on Friday night to explain how El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele tricked Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen into posing, with margaritas, with an alleged MS-13 gang member.

Kassam also discusses his latest article in the Spectator, about the Kennedy Center, and how truth and beauty are “inextricably linked.”

WATCH:

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The National Pulse's Editor in Chief, Raheem Kassam, joined former Congressman and One America News host Matt Gaetz on Friday night to explain how El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele tricked Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen into posing, with margaritas, with an alleged MS-13 gang member. 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.