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April 8, 2025
2A

Trump DOJ, ATF Roll Back Biden’s ‘Zero Tolerance’ Gun Policy.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) repealed the “Zero Tolerance Policy” established by former President Joe Biden, which enforced strict regulations on federal firearms dealers. They also announced a review of the stabilizing braces policy and the “engaged in the business” rule.

👥 Who’s Involved: The decision involves the DOJ, ATF, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel (also acting director of ATF), and U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi.

📍 Where & When: The announcement was made on April 7, 2025, in the United States.

💬 Key Quote: U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi stated, “The prior administration’s ‘Zero Tolerance’ policy unfairly targeted law-abiding gun owners and created an undue burden on Americans seeking to exercise their constitutional right to bear arms —it ends today.”

⚠️ Impact: The repeal will reduce regulatory pressure on firearms dealers and alter regulations concerning stabilizing braces and the definition of firearms dealers, which could affect private transactions.

IN FULL:

The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) have rescinded the “Zero Tolerance Policy” implemented under former President Biden. This policy aimed to significantly restrict the operations of federal firearms dealers and tighten gun regulations in the United States.

Under former President Biden, the “Zero Tolerance Policy” applied stringent regulations on firearms dealers, causing contention among Second Amendment advocates who criticized the policy for targeting dealers over minor paperwork inconsistencies rather than severe infractions. The repeal announcement, confirmed on Monday, was accompanied by a planned review of two related rules: the stabilizing braces policy and the definition of being “engaged in the business.”

“The prior administration’s ‘Zero Tolerance’ policy unfairly targeted law-abiding gun owners and created an undue burden on Americans seeking to exercise their constitutional right to bear arms—it ends today,” U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said in announcing the rule repeal. Meanwhile, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel—who also serves as the acting director of the ATF—stated: “Today’s repeal of the Zero Tolerance Policy and the comprehensive review of stabilizing brace regulations and the definition of ‘engaged in the business’ marks a pivotal step toward restoring fairness and clarity in firearms regulation.”

In addition to the policy repeal, the DOJ and ATF announced they will re-evaluate the “engaged in the business” rule, which expanded the definition of a firearms dealer and raised concerns about the potential criminalization of private transactions. Additionally, the former Biden government’s ruling that handguns that utilize stabilizing braces constitute illegal short-barreled rifles is also being reconsidered.

By Popular Demand.
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47 minutes ago
News

DOJ to Settle With Ashli Babbitt’s Family in $30M Capitol Assassination Suit.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: The Department of Justice has reached an agreement in principle to settle a lawsuit filed by Ashli Babbitt’s family over her shooting during the January 6 Capitol riot.

👥 Who’s Involved: Ashli Babbitt’s family, U.S. Capitol Police Officer Michael Byrd, and federal Judge Ana Reyes.

📍 Where & When: U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, Friday hearing; lawsuit filed in January 2024.

💬 Key Quote: Robert Sticht, lawyer for Babbitt’s family, noted a formal settlement agreement is anticipated within the next three weeks.

⚠️ Impact: The tentative settlement concludes the legal pursuit of $30 million over Babbitt’s death, while President Donald Trump publicly supports the family’s stance and calls for “justice.”

IN FULL:

The Department of Justice has reached an initial settlement with the family of Ashli Babbitt, days after a federal judge recounted the proceedings. The family filed a $30 million lawsuit against the government over Babbitt’s shooting death during the January 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol.

Details of the settlement remain undisclosed following the hearing in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, adjudicated by Judge Ana Reyes. Capitol Police Officer Michael Byrd shot Babbitt at point-blank range as rioters breached a window leading to the House Speaker’s Lobby. The National Pulse was one of the first to declare the killing an extrajudicial, unnecessary assassination on federal property. Babbitt posed no physical threat to Byrd, who has a record of unprofessional and politically motivated behavior.

At the time, even so-called ‘conservative’ figures like CPAC’s Matt Schlapp, mistaking Babbit for “a 16-year-old,” said she may have “deserved” to be shot:

Babbitt’s family initiated legal action in January 2024, asserting her shooting was unjust. As an emergency hearing revealed the settlement was considered, the family’s prior legal representative sought a preliminary injunction to secure his payment.

Counsel for Babbitt’s family, Robert Sticht, conveyed expectations for the formal settlement signing within a few weeks.

Former President Donald Trump, who has shown continued support for those involved in the Capitol events, expressed his commitment to investigating the legal proceedings further. Meanwhile, the court agreement represents a conclusion to the family’s claims.

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By Popular Demand.
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2 hours ago
News

Victorious Farage Declares: We’re The Opposition Now.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, made substantial gains in local UK elections, claiming to have replaced the Conservatives as the main opposition to Labour.

👥 Who’s Involved: Nigel Farage, Sir Keir Starmer, Kemi Badenoch, local UK politicians, and voters.

💬 Key Quote: “The party that I lead is expanding. As we march on, the Conservatives are in retreat. In my opinion, they will never recover,” said Nigel Farage.

⚠️ Impact: The rise of Reform UK promises a shift in political dynamics, pressuring the Conservative and Labour parties to adapt strategies.

IN FULL:

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has gained control of 10 councils and over 600 seats across England. Farage asserted that the two-party political framework is collapsing locally and nationally. He visited Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, to celebrate his party’s victories. The Reform leader stressed that the Conservative Party is retreating and is unlikely to recover. These election outcomes have put Sir Keir Starmer, Labour leader, and Kemi Badenoch, a Conservative Party leader, under scrutiny to reverse their parties’ setbacks.

“We’ve dug very deep into the Labour vote and, in other parts of England, we’ve dug deep into the Conservative vote. After tonight, there’s no question, in most of the country, we are now the main opposition party to this government,” Farage declared.

Writing for the Telegraph, Farage added:

“The party that I lead is expanding. As we march on, the Conservatives are in retreat. In my opinion, they will never recover.

“There is now a widespread acceptance that Reform UK has supplanted the Conservatives as the real opposition to Labour in England, Scotland and Wales. We no longer have to rely only on opinion polls to indicate this; Thursday’s results prove it.

“Many people will wonder how the strange death of the Conservative Party came about. In fact, there is no mystery.

“The 80-seat majority that was achieved under Boris Johnson’s leadership in 2019 should have led to a golden period for the party, including the delivery of a proper Brexit. For their own selfish reasons, they squandered their position, in the process betraying the electorate in the most unforgivable way. To compound matters, mass immigration – the issue about which most voters feel strongly – was allowed to rocket.”

In response, Sir Keir Starmer is anticipated to propose stricter immigration measures soon. This, however, comes amidst regional frustrations over the government’s policies, as expressed by South Yorkshire mayor Oliver Coppard and others seeking immediate action.

Prime Ministerial hopeful Farage now intends to stop the housing of asylum seekers in the counties under his party’s control. Furthermore, the prospects of deporting all illegal immigrants within five years are being explored, contingent on withdrawing from European agreements.

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By Popular Demand.
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3 hours ago
World

Here’s What Happened in Australia’s Election.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese secured a second term in Australia’s national election, defeating the conservative opposition.

👥 Who’s Involved: Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister of Australia, and Peter Dutton, leader of the conservative opposition.

💬 Key Quote: “The Australian people have voted for Australian values. For fairness, aspiration and opportunity for all.” – Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

⚠️ Impact: The election outcome signifies continued leadership under leftist Albanese, with the center-right Liberal Party led by Peter Dutton preparing to rebuild after the defeat.

IN FULL:

Leftist Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been elected for a second term in office following Australia’s recent national election. Albanese emerged victorious, defeating the center-right opposition headed by Peter Dutton. In his victory speech, Albanese emphasized leftist, multiculturalist doctrine.

“We do not need to beg or borrow or copy from anywhere else. We do not seek our inspiration overseas. We find it right here in our values and in our people,” he said, in what many have interpreted as a veiled jab at the United States.

Peter Dutton, leader of the Liberal Party, acknowledged the party’s failure to achieve desired results. Dutton took responsibility for the campaign’s shortcomings and recognized the hard work of his party members throughout the past three years. He also expressed regret for those candidates who lost their seats and ambitions in the election. Despite the setback, Dutton assured supporters that the party remains strong and committed to rebuilding.

Core themes during the campaign included the cost of living, foreign policy, housing, and energy. Australia’s politics have drifted leftward for decades, and the nation was one of the most oppressive and antediluvian during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Labor Party increased its representation in the House of Representatives, though final vote tallies will take weeks to ascertain due to the nation’s slow-paced system. Voting is compulsory in Australia, with a turnout of around 98.2 percent. All Australian citizens aged 18 and over are legally required to enrol and vote in federal, state, and local elections. Failure to vote without a valid and sufficient reason can result in a fine.

There are no voter identification requirements.

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By Popular Demand.
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21 hours ago
AMERICANA

Dolly Parton Hits Ric Grenell’s Resurgent Kennedy Center.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: A musical performance centered on Dolly Parton’s work is scheduled at The Kennedy Center. The National Pulse readers can get five percent off tickets using the code THREADS at checkout. This is not paid advertising, and we do not make a commission from ticket sales.

👥 Who’s Involved: Dolly Parton, The Kennedy Center, Richard Grenell, National Symphony Orchestra, President Trump.

📍 Where & When: The Kennedy Center, Washington, D.C.; June 26 and 27.

⚠️ Impact: Despite protests over recent administrative changes under President Trump’s leadership, the venue attracts high-profile artists and substantial audiences.

IN FULL:

“Dolly Parton’s Threads: My Songs in Symphony” is set to take the stage at The Kennedy Center, featuring the National Symphony Orchestra. The concert, debuting June 26 and 27, marks the first time the iconic musician’s work will be presented in a symphonic format in Washington, D.C.

Dolly Parton highlighted the personal significance of the event, saying in an announcement that the project weaves together the threads of her life through her songs. The showcase will include beloved hits such as Jolene, Coat of Many Colors, and I Will Always Love You, bringing decades of her work to orchestral life.

The announcement represents a significant development for The Kennedy Center, which has been a focal point in the arts community following recent institutional reforms. The firing of the entire board and subsequent policy changes during President Trump’s term amplify the importance of drawing recognized artists like Parton to the venue.

The Kennedy Center continues to see record-breaking attendance figures. In March, the venue noted an event attendance of 11,000 individuals, marking the highest recorded participation for a public gathering.

The National Pulse readers can get five percent off tickets using the code THREADS at checkout. This is not paid advertising, and we do not make a commission from ticket sales.

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By Popular Demand.
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May 3, 2025
News
TECH

Regulators Accuse TikTok of Secretly Sending User Data to China.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: TikTok faces a $599 million fine for illegal data transfers to China.

👥 Who’s Involved: TikTok, Irish Data Protection Commission, President Donald J. Trump.

📍 Where & When: Ireland; alleged violations occurred between 2020 and 2022.

💬 Key Quote: “TikTok failed to verify, guarantee and demonstrate that the personal data of [European] users… was afforded a level of protection essentially equivalent to that guaranteed within the EU,” said Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC) Deputy Commissioner Graham Doyle.

⚠️ Impact: TikTok must align its data practices with EU standards within six months or halt data transfers to China. Plans for an appeal have been stated.

IN FULL:

Irish regulators have imposed a substantial fine on TikTok, the Beijing-owned video platform, requiring the company to pay $599 million. This penalty arises after it was discovered that TikTok unlawfully sent user data from Europe to China, breaching data protection laws of the European Union (EU), according to the Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC).

Following a four-year investigation, the DPC concluded that TikTok had not implemented adequate safeguards when transferring European users’ data to China. Additionally, between 2020 and 2022, the platform did not disclose to its users that their data could be accessed by personnel in China.

“TikTok failed to verify, guarantee and demonstrate that the personal data of [European] users, remotely accessed by staff in China, was afforded a level of protection essentially equivalent to that guaranteed within the EU,” DPC deputy commissioner Graham Doyle said.

This fine coincides with enduring scrutiny of TikTok’s connections to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). U.S. officials have raised national security concerns over TikTok and mandated that the app sever ties with its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, by June 19, or it risks an outright ban in the U.S.

Despite TikTok’s persistent denials regarding the storage of European or American data on Chinese servers, the company admitted in April to having stored limited data from European users in China. The revelations prompted serious concerns from Irish regulators about further regulatory actions that might be necessary.

The fine constitutes the third-largest fine under the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Regulators have instructed TikTok to bring its data handling practices into compliance with EU standards within six months, or it will be required to suspend all data transfers to China.

In response, TikTok has stated its strong disagreement with the Irish commission’s findings and its intentions to appeal the decision.

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By Popular Demand.
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May 2, 2025
William Upton
Economy
Politics

Trump White House Unveils Lean 2026 Budget Proposal.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) presented President Donald J. Trump’s discretionary budget proposal for fiscal year 2026 to Congress. Notably, the Trump White House touts the plan as being a “skinny budget,” with significant cuts being proposed for a bevy of agencies and federal programs.

👥 Who’s Involved: President Trump, U.S. Congress, and Russ Vought, Director of the Office of Management and Budget.

📍 Where & When: The budget plan was presented to Congress in Washington, D.C., on Friday, May 2.

💬 Key Quote: OMB Director Russ Vought stated, “At this critical moment, we need a historic Budget—one that ends the funding of our decline, puts Americans first, and delivers unprecedented support to our military and homeland security.”

⚠️ Impact: The budget suggests a major restructuring of federal funding, with significant cuts to non-defense programs and increases in defense and homeland security spending, aiming to redirect resources to support national security and infrastructure.

IN FULL:

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) sent President Donald J. Trump’s discretionary budget proposal for the 2026 fiscal year to Congress on Friday, with the push for steep spending cuts rankling some Republican lawmakers at the Capitol. The proposal calls for a $163 billion reduction in non-defense discretionary spending compared to the previous year, with a focus on increasing funding for the military and border security.

President Trump’s OMB Director, Russ Vought, pitched the budget plan to lawmakers and the American public, stating: “At this critical moment, we need a historic Budget—one that ends the funding of our decline, puts Americans first, and delivers unprecedented support to our military and homeland security.” Notably, the proposals seek to codify many of the spending cuts enacted by the American First leader through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), making it more difficult for Democrats to restore the programs if they were to win the White House in 2028.

While many House Republicans have cheered the DOGE cuts and signaled their support for the budget plan, some influential Republican lawmakers chairing key committees appear less than enthused with the proposed spending cuts. “Look, we’re supportive of this administration and what it’s trying to do,” Representative Tom Cole (R-OK), who chairs the powerful House Appropriations Committee, said on Friday. He added: “But with all due respect to anybody, I think the members have a better understanding of what can pass and what can’t than the Executive Branch does.”

Historically, budgets proposed by the President and sent to Congress undergo significant changes on Capitol Hill. The plan has and does, however, serve as a guide for lawmakers as to what the White House sees as policy priorities. Additionally, many of the non-defense discretionary spending cuts come through eliminating grants and other federal programs that have largely funded the Democratic Party’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) agenda.

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By Popular Demand.
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May 2, 2025
News
UK

Nigel Farage Hails Reform’s Triumph as ‘Apocalypse’ for Two-Party System.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Nigel Farage’s Reform Party has achieved a significant breakthrough in England, winning local and mayoral elections and securing a parliamentary seat in a by-election (special election).

👥 Who’s Involved: Nigel Farage, voters in England, the Labour and Conservative parties.

📍 Where & When: Various locations across England, including Durham, Northumberland, and Essex, during the 2025 local elections.

💬 Key Quote: Nigel Farage stated, “People vote for us because they want change. They’re sick of the two-party system.”

⚠️ Impact: The election results signify a shift in the political landscape, with challenges for established parties like the governing Labour Party and the formerly governing  Conservatives (Tories).

IN FULL:

Nigel Farage’s Reform Party has made massive inroads in England‘s local elections, taking a pivotal step beyond their previous political influence. The 2025 elections resulted in Reform securing vital positions, including a new parliamentary seat, and control of numerous municipal governments, suggesting a growing disenchantment with the establishment Labour and Conservative parties.

At the heart of this shift was the Runcorn and Helsby by-election, where Reform claimed victory. The leftist Labour Party previously regarded it as a stronghold, with a majority of nearly 14,700 votes from the general election held just last year.

In Durham County Council, Reform captured 17 seats formerly held by both Labour and the Conservatives. Nigel Farage told the media, “Two-party politics just died in front of our eyes. What happened here in County Durham, in Lancashire, and in Runcorn and Helsby, it’s pretty cataclysmic for the Labour Party.”

He emphasized that Reform aims to scrutinize government spending, reduce unnecessary expenditures, and prioritize core services over climate change initiatives. “We need to shrink the size of local government, reduce excessive spending, and get back to delivering the core services that county councils are supposed to provide,” Farage said.

Farage dismissed notions of an immediate bid for the prime ministership, emphasizing focus on forthcoming elections in Scotland and Wales as necessary steps before contemplating higher ambitions.

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By Popular Demand.
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May 2, 2025
News

WATCH: Dem Governor Says He Is Not Afraid of Being Arrested by Border Czar Homan.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers expressed concern over suggestions from President Trump’s top border adviser that he might face arrest due to guidance he issued to state employees regarding interactions with federal immigration agents.

👥 Who’s Involved: Gov. Tony Evers of Wisconsin, Border Czar Tom Homan, and state employees.

📍 Where & When: Madison, Wisconsin; Evers’ video statement released on YouTube Friday.

💬 Key Quote: Gov. Evers stated, “I’m not afraid… I’ve never once been discouraged from doing the right thing and I will not start today.”

⚠️ Impact: The situation highlights tensions between state guidance and federal immigration enforcement, with implications for state-federal relations and employee legal protection.

IN FULL:

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers (D) has said he is not afraid of being arrested after Border Czar Tom Homan suggested that officials helping illegal aliens evade federal authorities could be subject to arrest themselves. This stems from guidance Evers provided state workers on how to deal with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.

Evers’s instructions included contacting a lawyer if ICE agents are encountered and advising employees to refrain from allowing access to records or responding to queries without legal counsel. These recommendations resemble those issued earlier by Connecticut’s governor, Ned Lamont (D).

“[Y]ou can not support what we’re doing, and you can support sanctuary cities if that’s what you want to do, but if you cross that line to impediment or knowingly harboring and concealing an illegal alien, that’s a felony and we’re treating it as such,” Homan said on May 1.

Evers, choosing to interpret this as a veiled threat to arrest him, has issued a video statement insisting that his actions are within the law. “I’m not afraid,” Evers said, adding, “I’ve never once been discouraged from doing the right thing, and I will not start today.”

Evers’s remarks come after a federal judge in Milwaukee was arrested after allegedly trying to conceal an illegal immigrant in her courthouse last month.

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By Popular Demand.
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May 2, 2025
Immigration
Lawfare

Trump Admin Seeks Supreme Court Decision Allowing Deportation of 350K Venezuelans.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: The Trump administration requested the Supreme Court allow its attempt to end a Joe Biden-era immigration program protecting Venezuelan nationals from deportation.

👥 Who’s Involved: The key figures include U.S. Solicitor General John Sauer, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, and U.S. Senior District Court Judge Edward Chen.

📍 Where & When: The appeal was filed with the United States Supreme Court after a federal judge in March blocked the Trump administration’s revocation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for illegal immigrants from Venezuela.

💬 Key Quote: “The Secretary’s decision whether to designate, extend, or terminate TPS implicates sensitive judgments as to foreign policy and, in this case, the ‘national interest’—a discretionary determination that Congress expressly committed to her judgment,” wrote President Trump’s Solicitor General, John Sauer, in an emergency appeal filed with the high court.

⚠️ Impact: The decision could affect 348,202 Venezuelan nationals in the U.S., facilitating more deportations.

IN FULL:

The Trump administration has filed an emergency appeal with the United States Supreme Court asking it to overturn a lower court order barring Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem from ending the Joe Biden-era Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation granted to Venezuelan illegal immigrants residing in the United States. At the end of March this year, U.S. Senior District Court Judge Edward Chen issued an order preventing the Trump administration from ending the TPS designation, insisting revoking the protections would “inflict irreparable harm on hundreds of thousands of persons whose lives, families, and livelihoods will be severely disrupted, cost the United States billions in economic activity, and injure public health and safety in communities throughout the United States.”

“The Secretary’s decision whether to designate, extend, or terminate TPS implicates sensitive judgments as to foreign policy and, in this case, the ‘national interest’—a discretionary determination that Congress expressly committed to her judgment,” U.S. Solicitor General John Sauer wrote in the Trump administration appeal. He continued, referencing the District Court’s ruling: “The court contravened an express bar on judicial review, sidestepped black-letter law authorizing agencies to reverse as-yet-inoperative actions, and embraced a baseless equal-protection theory on the road to issuing impermissible universal relief that intrudes on central Executive Branch operations.”

“It’s order upsets the judgments of the political branches, prohibiting the Executive Branch from enforcing a time-sensitive immigration policy and indefinitely extending an immigration status that Congress intended to be ‘temporary,” Saur concluded.

Under former President Joe Biden, the TPS program was radically altered by the then-Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, who originally arrived in the U.S. as a migrant. Congress initially intended the program to be narrow in scope, only granting a short period of protection to individuals who had been displaced by natural disasters or armed conflict. However, the Biden government implemented policy changes turning TPS into a de facto amnesty program.

At the end of January this year, Secretary Noem announced that the Department of Homeland Security was revoking an extension of TPS status for Venezuelans that Biden had enacted just before he left office. The move prompted a group of Venezuelan illegal immigrants to sue the Trump administration with the backing of the ACLU Foundation of Northern California, the Center for Immigration Law and Policy at UCLA School of Law, California, the ACLU Foundation of Southern California, and the National Day Laborer Organizing Network

Image by Domenico Convertini.

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By Popular Demand.
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May 2, 2025
Jack Montgomery
War

U.S. Steps Back from Mediation Role in Ukraine, Urges Kiev, Moscow to Get Serious About Peace.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: The U.S. State Department confirmed on May 1, 2025, that it will no longer mediate peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, shifting responsibility to Kiev and Moscow to resolve the conflict.

👥 Who’s Involved: Vice President J.D. Vance, State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce, President Donald J. Trump, and leaders in Ukraine and Russia.

📍 Where & When: Announced by the State Department in Washington, D.C., on May 1, 2025, with Vance’s comments on Fox News.

💬 Key Quote: Vice President Vance stated, “It’s not going anywhere… it’s not going to end any time soon,” emphasizing that “it would now be up to them to come to an agreement and stop this brutal, brutal conflict.”

⚠️ Impact: The U.S. withdrawal from mediation signals a strategic pivot, allowing the Trump administration to focus on domestic priorities instead of a foreign war, while pressuring both sides to take ownership of peace negotiations.

IN FULL:

The United States is stepping back from its role as a mediator in peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, a move confirmed by the State Department on May 1, 2025. Vice President J.D. Vance delivered a stark warning about the war’s trajectory, telling Fox News, “It’s not going anywhere… it’s not going to end any time soon.” He stressed that the onus is now on Kyiv and Moscow to resolve the conflict, stating, “It would now be up to them to come to an agreement and stop this brutal, brutal conflict.”

State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce elaborated on the policy change, noting that the U.S. is altering “the methodology of how we contribute” to the talks. She made clear that the days of extensive U.S. involvement are over, saying, “We will continue to help, but we will no longer fly around the world as mediators in meetings.”

Bruce added, “Now it is up to the two sides, the time has come when they must present and develop concrete ideas on how to end this conflict. It will be up to them.” The announcement follows the State Department’s warning that it would withdraw unless “concrete proposals” emerged from both parties, a condition unmet amid escalating violence, including Russia’s largest assault on Kiev since July 2024, which killed at least 12 and injured 90, according to Ukrainian officials.

Vance highlighted President Trump’s efforts to bring both sides to the negotiating table, but emphasized that the U.S. will no longer lead the mediation process. The Kremlin has expressed openness to direct talks but rejected a recent U.S. peace proposal, insisting on international recognition of its seized territories—a demand Ukraine staunchly opposes.

With both sides entrenched, the U.S. decision to step back allows the Trump administration to redirect its focus to pressing domestic issues such as economic renewal and mass deportations, while pushing Kiev and Moscow to take responsibility for ending their conflict.

Image via Mvs.gov.ua.

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By Popular Demand.
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