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Tuesday, September 16, 2025

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4 hours ago
Media
News

Trump Files $15 Billion Defamation Lawsuit Against ‘Most Degenerate Newspaper in History.’

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump filed a federal lawsuit against The New York Times, seeking $15 billion for alleged defamation and libel.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Trump, The New York Times, and four of its journalists.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Filed late Monday in the U.S. District Court in Florida.

💬KEY QUOTE: “I view it as the single largest illegal Campaign contribution, EVER.” – Donald Trump

🎯IMPACT: The lawsuit underscores the growing distrust of corporate media.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump announced late Monday that he has filed a federal lawsuit against The New York Times, seeking $15 billion for alleged defamation and libel. Trump called the outlet “one of the worst and most degenerate newspapers in the history of our country, a virtual mouthpiece for the Radical Left Democrat Party.”

“Today, I have the Great Honor of bringing a $15 Billion Dollar Defamation and Libel Lawsuit against The New York Times,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “I view it as the single largest illegal Campaign contribution, EVER. Their Endorsement of Kamala Harris was actually put dead center on the front page of The New York Times, something heretofore UNHEARD OF!”

“I am PROUD to hold this once respected ‘rag’ responsible, as we are doing with the Fake News Networks such as our successful litigation against George Slopadopoulos/ABC/Disney, and 60 Minutes/CBS/Paramount, who knew that they were falsely “smearing” me through a highly sophisticated system of document and visual alteration, which was, in effect, a malicious form of defamation, and thus, settled for record amounts,” Trump added.

The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court in Florida, names The New York Times and four of its journalists. Attorneys for Trump accused the outlet of “spreading false and defamatory content” about the president. “The Times has betrayed the journalistic ideals of honesty, objectivity, and accuracy that it once professed,” the lawyers stated, adding that the outlet “published such statements negligently, with knowledge of the falsity of the statements, and/or with reckless disregard of their truth or falsity.”

 A similar lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal was filed in July over its Jeffrey Epstein coverage. In 2020, Trump sued The New York Times over an opinion column that claimed his campaign was influenced by Moscow; that case was dismissed as “protected speech.”

In recent days, Trump has called for reinstating the Cold War-era Smith‑Mundt Act to hold media accountable.

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By Popular Demand.
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1 minute ago
William Upton
Lawfare

Guess Which Judge Will Run Maurene Comey’s Lawsuit Against Trump?

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Maurene Comey, the daughter of former Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director James Comey, has drawn Barack Obama-appointed U.S. District Court Judge Jesse M. Furman in her lawsuit against the Trump administration for wrongful termination.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Maurene Comey, Judge Jesse Furman, James Comey, President Donald J. Trump, and the Department of Justice (DOJ).

📍WHEN & WHERE: Tuesday, September 16, 2025.

🎯IMPACT: The drawing of Judge Furman to preside over the case seems incredible, as the District Court judge is one of nearly 50 in the Southern District of New York (SDNY) but has seen multiple high-profile cases involving the Trump administration land in his court.

IN FULL

Maurene Comey, the daughter of former Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director James Comey, has drawn Barack Obama-appointed U.S. District Court Judge Jesse M. Furman in her lawsuit against the Trump administration for wrongful termination. Comey was fired from her role as a Department of Justice (DOJ) prosecutor in July following her lackluster prosecution of music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, which resulted in the jury acquitting him of significant charges such as racketeering and sex trafficking.

The drawing of Judge Furman to preside over the case beggars belief, as the District Court judge is one of nearly 50 in the Southern District of New York (SDNY), but has now seen multiple high-profile cases involving the Trump administration land in his court. Juge Furman, as previously reported by The National Pulse, is the scion of a powerful Democrat-aligned family. His brother Jason Furman—a Harvard economist and professor—served as the chair of the Council of Economic Advisers (CEA) under former President Obama.

Meanwhile, the judge’s late mother, Gail Furman, was an early and major backer of the George Soros-linked Media Matters for America organization and its founder, David Brock. Additionally, the Furman Foundation served as a major donor to the Tides Center—an affiliate of the far-left Tides Foundation.

Already, Judge Furman has presided over the Mahmoud Khalil deportation case, blocking the Trump administration’s attempts to remove the pro-Hamas activist and foreign national from the country. Even more astounding is that Judge Furman oversaw the late 2018 case Department of Commerce v. New York, in which Furman barred the first Trump administration from adding a citizenship status question to 2020 Census forms.

Maurene Comey’s tenure at the DOJ saw her assigned several high-profile prosecutions, raising allegations of nepotism due to her father’s position and influence. As a DOJ attorney, Comey participated in the prosecutions of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell and led the Combs prosecution.

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By Popular Demand.
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46 minutes ago
News

First Suspect in Charlie Kirk Assassination Tells Police Why He Falsely Confessed, Gets Hit With CHILD PORN Charges.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: George Zinn, the 71-year-old who was the first suspect in Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk’s assassination, has told police he falsely confessed in the immediate aftermath of the shooting to create a distraction for the real killer. He has also been charged with possessing child pornography.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: George Zinn, 71, who made the false confession, Tyler Robinson, 22, believed to be the real gunman, and Charlie Kirk.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Kirk’s assassination took place during an American Comeback Tour debate at Utah Valley University campus. Zinn’s affidavit was filed on Monday, and Robinson is set to appear in court on Tuesday.

💬KEY QUOTE: “I shot him, now shoot me,” Zinn reportedly told police immediately after Kirk’s shooting, according to court documents.

🎯IMPACT: Zinn faces charges for obstruction of justice and sexual exploitation of a minor, while Robinson, the alleged assassin, faces various charges up to and including capital murder.

IN FULL

Police have revealed that George Zinn, the 71-year-old who falsely confessed to the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University immediately after his shooting, has admitted he was attempting to create a distraction for the real gunman, believed to be Tyler Robinson, 22. Zinn has also been charged with four counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, after investigators found child pornography on his phone.

According to court documents, Zinn approached officers after the shooting and yelled, “I shot him, now shoot me.” He was taken into custody, where he continued to insist he was the shooter. However, investigators determined his confession was fabricated, and Zinn later acknowledged he wanted to be a “martyr.”

Once at the police station, Zinn requested a lawyer and admitted he expected to face consequences for his false statements. “I am already going to be in trouble for saying I shot him. Even if I did not,” he reportedly told officers.

Zinn has a history of disrupting political events and prior criminal charges. Past offenses include a 2013 bomb threat at the Salt Lake City marathon.

In addition to obstruction charges, the would-be “martyr” also faces child pornography charges, related to images of underage girls that investigators found on his phone. He reportedly confessed to being “sexually aroused” by children.

Robinson, alleged to be the real assassin, is set to make his first court appearance on Tuesday. He faces various charges up to and including capital murder, which carries the death penalty, potentially by firing squad.

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By Popular Demand.
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1 hour ago
News

Biden Can’t Get Paid Post-Presidency.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Former President Joe Biden is receiving relatively few big-money offers post-presidency, spending his first Independence Day out of the White House at a high-end trailer park owned by musician Moby, a friend of Hunter Biden.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Joe Biden, Jill Biden, Moby, Hunter Biden, Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, and others.

💬KEY QUOTE: “It’ll be fine,” said a person familiar with the Bidens’ finances, regarding their lifestyle.

🎯IMPACT: Biden’s post-presidency is proving less lucrative than expected, with challenges in securing high-paying engagements and financial concerns.

IN FULL

Joe Biden, having left the White House, spent his first Independence Day at a trailer park owned by musician Moby, a friend of his son Hunter. This setting marked a stark contrast to the lavish summer activities of his peers, such as the Obamas on Martha’s Vineyard and the Clintons in the Hamptons.

Biden, at 82, faces a less lucrative post-presidency than anticipated, with limited options for high-profile jobs due to his age, unpopularity, and the likelihood that he will not be an especially valuable political connection. Former allies, including Kamala Harris, have already begun criticizing his decision to attempt to run for a second term in 2024.

Despite these challenges, Biden is working on a memoir with a $10 million advance and receives substantial pensions from his government service. His financial planning includes paying off personal debts and supporting family members, such as his infamous son Hunter and his daughter Ashley, who both face financial and legal difficulties. In Hunter’s case, these are compounded by First Lady Melania Trump threatening a defamation lawsuit against him.

Biden’s speaking engagements have seen mixed success, with some organizations attempting to negotiate fees below his team’s standard range. His wife, Jill, has also retired from a $100,000-a-year teaching job at Northern Virginia Community College, with a new position at a liberal think tank being unpaid. A source familiar with their finances has said they should be “fine”—provided they can stick with a relatively modest lifestyle.

The former president also plans a presidential center at the University of Delaware. However, once again, fundraising efforts have been challenging due to lingering frustrations over his campaign and transparency about his evident cognitive decline. The center is expected to be more modest compared to the Obama Presidential Center.

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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By Popular Demand.
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2 hours ago
News

Kash Patel: Acosta’s Mishandling of Epstein Case Is Scandal’s ‘Original Sin.’

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel testified about the mishandling of the Jeffrey Epstein case.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Kash Patel, Alex Acosta, Jeffrey Epstein, Representative James Comer (R-KY).

📍WHEN & WHERE: Senate testimony on Tuesday; Acosta to appear before a House panel on Friday.

💬KEY QUOTE: “If I were the FBI director then, it wouldn’t have happened.”  – Kash Patel

🎯IMPACT: Acosta’s handling of the case remains under scrutiny, with further investigation by the House panel.

IN FULL

During Senate testimony on Tuesday, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel criticized the initial handling of the Jeffrey Epstein investigation under former U.S. Attorney Alex Acosta in 2006. Notably, Acosta resigned as the U.S. Secretary of Labor in 2019 following Epstein’s alleged suicide.

Director Patel described Acosta and the FBI’s decision to pursue only limited search warrants that failed to cover and provide for the seizure of a number of critical documents and personal materials of Epstein as the “original sin.” He told senators, referring to Acosta’s decision to assent to a controversial non-prosecution agreement in 2008: “If I were the FBI director then, it wouldn’t have happened.”

The 2008 agreement legally prevented the government from accessing certain materials in Epstein’s possession without court permission. The Department of Justice (DOJ) concluded in 2020 that while Acosta showed “poor judgment,” he did not commit “professional misconduct” in the Epstein case.

Acosta is slated to appear before the House Oversight Committee on September 19 for a transcribed interview. The National Pulse reported earlier on Tuesday that Oversight Chairman James Comer (R-KY) blasted Attorney General Pam Bondi‘s handling of the Epstein Files, stating: “I don’t think anyone would say she’s handled this situation in a perfect manner.”

“It’s an odd series of events. She said she had the Epstein list on her [desk], then they walked it back and said there was no list. That’s a question she needs to answer,” Comer argued.

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By Popular Demand.
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3 hours ago
News

Newly Released FBI Files Allege Further Biden Bribery.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Newly unclassified Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) files reveal allegations involving former President Joe Biden and his son Hunter in a potential foreign bribery scheme linked to the Ukrainian energy company Burisma Holdings.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Hunter Biden, Joe Biden, Burisma ownedr Mykola Zlochevsky, former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, and members of the U.S. intelligence community.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The allegations stem from events between 2014 and 2019, with FBI informant interviews conducted in 2017 and 2019.

💬KEY QUOTE: “We aren’t saying the allegations are true, we want to know what the FBI did to fully investigate their veracity or lack thereof, and what they concluded.” – Sen. Chuck Grassley

🎯IMPACT: The allegations raise questions about potential influence peddling and whether the FBI fully investigated the claims.

IN FULL

Recently declassified Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) documents, made public by Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), reveal allegations of a foreign bribery plot involving Hunter Biden, former President Joe Biden, and Ukraine’s Burisma Holdings. The files, containing interviews from 2017 and 2019, claim that Burisma’s owner, Mykola Zlochevsky, attempted to bribe then-Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko with $100 million to stop an Interpol investigation. The money allegedly moved through a Latvian shell company linked to the Bidens.

According to the documents, Joe Biden met with Poroshenko to safeguard his son’s interests and those of Zlochevsky, who reportedly paid Hunter Biden around $1 million per year for his position on Burisma’s board from 2014 to 2019. The files further suggest that Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) officers intervened to block investigations into Zlochevsky, with support from elements of the U.S. intelligence community.

During a Senate hearing, Grassley stressed that the FBI has not confirmed whether these allegations were properly investigated. “In total, we now have three different FBI confidential human sources providing information about the Biden family and potential criminal conduct,” he said, adding, “Let’s put this matter to rest, one way or the other.”

The documents also tie Hunter Biden’s associates, Devon Archer and Chris Heinz, to a larger money laundering operation involving Russian and Ukrainian officials. A 2019 FBI informant report alleged that Russian intelligence sought to “penetrate the American Elite,” while a 2020 file claimed Zlochevsky paid Joe and Hunter Biden $5 million each to shield Burisma from corruption investigations.

Grassley, alongside Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI), released these files to highlight potential misconduct and push for transparency from federal agencies. The Biden family has not issued a statement, and neither the FBI nor the CIA has responded to requests for comment.

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By Popular Demand.
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3 hours ago
News

Top House Investigator Blasts AG Bondi’s Handling of Epstein Files.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Congressman James Comer (R-KY), Chairman of the House Oversight Committee, criticized Attorney General Pam Bondi over her handling of claims regarding a supposed Jeffrey Epstein client list.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: James Comer, Pam Bondi, President Donald J. Trump, Prince Andrew, and Jeffrey Epstein.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Recent interviews and investigations conducted by the House Oversight Committee, ongoing in the United States.

💬KEY QUOTE: “I don’t think anyone would say she’s handled this situation in a perfect manner.” – James Comer

🎯IMPACT: Increased scrutiny of Epstein-related documents and public figures connected to the case, including potential new revelations about Prince Andrew.

IN FULL

Congressman James Comer (R-KY), Chairman of the House Oversight Committee, is again criticizing Attorney General Pam Bondi for her handling of claims surrounding a supposed Jeffrey Epstein client list. Bondi had previously suggested in February that such a list was “sitting on my desk,” but later said there was no list and she was referring to Epstein case files more broadly.

Comer stated, “It’s an odd series of events. She said she had the Epstein list on her [desk], then they walked it back and said there was no list. That’s a question she needs to answer.” He added, “I don’t think anyone would say she’s handled this situation in a perfect manner.”

The Kentucky Republican also addressed claims that President Donald J. Trump referred to the Epstein scandal as a “hoax.” He clarified, “I don’t interpret what Donald Trump said as the Epstein Island criminal activity was a hoax. I think what he means by hoax is it’s a hoax that the media is trying to say that Donald Trump ever went to Epstein Island, or Donald Trump was ever involved in inappropriate relationships with these young girls, or the human trafficking.”

Meanwhile, Comer has vowed to release any relevant documents regarding Prince Andrew and his connections to Epstein. He stated, “Anything we get we will publish,” warning, “If Prince Andrew’s name is mentioned, you’ll see it.” Comer emphasized transparency in the investigation, saying, “We believe very strongly in due process, and we’re going to give everyone an opportunity to explain themselves.”

The Department of Justice (DOJ) previously announced Epstein’s death was a suicide—despite widespread speculation to the contrary—and stated that no incriminating client list exists. However, public interest in the case remains high, with further document releases expected in the coming weeks, potentially involving communications and financial records tied to Prince Andrew.

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By Popular Demand.
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4 hours ago
Lawfare

Georgia Supreme Court Denies Willis’s Attempt to Pursue Trump Prosecution.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The Georgia Supreme Court rejected Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis’s bid to prosecute President Donald J. Trump over the 2020 election.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, President Donald Trump, and Georgia’s Supreme Court justices.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The decision was made on Tuesday in Georgia.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Willis’s misconduct during the investigation and prosecution of President Trump was egregious and she deserved nothing less than disqualification.” – Steve Sadow

🎯IMPACT: The case against Trump is now in limbo, as appointing a new prosecutor could take months.

IN FULL

Early Tuesday, the Georgia Supreme Court put an end to Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis‘s attempt to revive her Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) prosecution against President Donald J. Trump over allegations he tried to overturn the 2020 presidential election results in the state. In a 4-3 decision, the court upheld a lower court ruling that disqualified Willis on the grounds of “significant appearance of impropriety,” stemming from her romantic relationship with her appointed prosecutor in the case, Nathan Wade.

Willis had aimed to prosecute Trump and his allies on racketeering charges prior to the 2024 presidential election, alleging they attempted to overturn the 2020 election results. However, after Willis’s ethics breach was exposed, she was removed from the case and was unable to use her lawfare effort to derail Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign.

The case now faces uncertainty as Georgia’s Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council may need to appoint a new prosecutor, a process that could take months, if the prosecution is even pursued further.

Reacting to the decision, Trump’s lead attorney in Georgia, Steve Sadow, said, “Willis’s misconduct during the investigation and prosecution of President Trump was egregious and she deserved nothing less than disqualification. This proper decision should bring an end to the wrongful political, lawfare persecutions of the President.”

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By Popular Demand.
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5 hours ago
News

Tyler Robinson Faces Capital Murder Charge, Firing Squad Over Charlie Kirk Assassination.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Tyler Robinson, 22, is set to be charged with capital murder for the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, 31, during a debate event at Utah Valley University.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Charlie Kirk, Tyler Robinson, President Donald J. Trump, and Utah Governor Spencer Cox (R).

📍WHEN & WHERE: The charges will be announced Tuesday at 2 PM ET, with Robinson’s virtual court appearance scheduled for 5 PM. Kirk’s assassination was carried out last Wednesday at Utah Valley University.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Leftist ideology” and online “radicalization” were cited as factors in Robinson’s alleged actions by prosecutors.

🎯IMPACT: The case could lead to a rare capital punishment trial in Utah, potentially resulting in execution by firing squad.

IN FULL

Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old suspect in the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, is slated to face capital murder charges on Tuesday, with prosecutors seeking the death penalty. The charges will be formally announced at 2 PM ET, prior to Robinson’s initial court appearance at 5 PM.

Authorities allege Robinson was swayed by “leftist ideology” and became “radicalized” online, leading him to murder Kirk, a 31-year-old father of two, at a public debate event at Utah Valley University last Wednesday.

President Donald J. Trump and Utah Governor Spencer Cox (R) have publicly supported the death penalty for Robinson. Notably, Utah, as one of 27 states where capital punishment is authorized, allows execution by firing squad as a fallback if lethal injection is unavailable. The state last employed a firing squad in 2010 to execute Ronnie Lee Gardner. In that instance, five law enforcement volunteers fired rifles, one loaded with a blank round to obscure who delivered the lethal shots.

Should Robinson face aggravated murder charges, prosecutors have 60 days to declare their intent to pursue the death penalty, triggering a prolonged legal process with a two-phase trial for guilt and sentencing. Alternatively, Robinson could face life in prison without parole.

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By Popular Demand.
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7 hours ago
Media
News

Top Tony Blair Advisor Walks Back Lies About Charlie Kirk.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair’s former communications director, Alastair Campbell, apologized for falsely claiming Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk supported stoning homosexuals to death.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Alastair Campbell, Charlie Kirk, Andrew Doyle, and Stephen King.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The controversy unfolded following Kirk’s assassination, with comments and retractions made on social media and podcasts.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Apologies for this. I had seen a clip on social media which did not have the full context, and had seen others making the same claim.” – Alastair Campbell

🎯IMPACT: The incident highlights the need for caution when sharing social media content.

IN FULL

Alastair Campbell, the infamous former communications director to Labour Prime Minister Tony Blair, best known for his role in paving the way for the Iraq War, has issued a public apology after making false claims about Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk. Speaking on the podcast The Rest Is Politics, which he co-hosts with former Conservative Party government minister Rory Stewart, Campbell alleged that Kirk had advocated for the stoning of homosexuals.

Campbell said on the podcast, “The guy’s died and it’s tragi … but it’s important we don’t lose sight of some of the views he expressed because they were horrific. I remember one clip I saw of him saying that, a literal reading of the Bible, gay people should be stoned to death.” This false statement triggered swift backlash, with political satirist Andrew Doyle, sharing a clip of the exchange that refuted Campbell’s claim.

“No… Charlie Kirk categorically did NOT support the stoning to death of gay people. Will you retract this reckless and ignorant smear?” Doyle wrote on X.

The video Campbell referenced was later shown to be part of a broader discussion on selective biblical interpretation, not a call to violence. Campbell later apologized publicly on X, saying, “Apologies for this. I had seen a clip on social media which did not have the full context, and had seen others making the same claim. The full exchange shows it was a debate about Biblical interpretation, not a call for the stoning of gay people.”

Other public figures, including author Stephen King, also spread the inaccurate claim and subsequently retracted it.

Campbell’s co-host, Rory Stewart, a former Conservative Party leadership contender, has previously faced media attention for all but guaranteeing that Kamala Harris would win the U.S. presidency, and for clashing with Vice President J.D. Vance over the Christian teaching on the hierarchy of love.

“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: the problem with Rory and people like him is that he has an IQ of 110 and thinks he has an IQ of 130,” Vance said.

Image by University of Salford.

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By Popular Demand.
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18 hours ago
Economy
World

Europe Must Stop Buying Russian Oil Before More U.S. Sanctions: Trump.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump urged NATO allies in Europe to halt their purchases of Russian oil, suggesting he would only move to implement tougher sanctions against Russia if they do so.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Trump, NATO allies, and European nations such as Hungary, France, Belgium, and Spain.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Comments made by Trump on Sunday evening.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Europe… they’re my friends, but they’re buying oil from Russia, so we can’t be expected to be the only ones that are, you know, full bore.” – Donald Trump

🎯IMPACT: Trump’s remarks highlight ongoing frustrations with NATO allies over their continued reliance on Russian oil amid the Ukraine-Russia conflict.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump is urging NATO allies in Europe to stop purchasing Russian oil as he considers new sanctions against Russia. Speaking to reporters on Sunday evening, Trump criticized European nations for continuing to import Russian oil while the United States takes a stronger stance.

“Europe… they’re my friends, but they’re buying oil from Russia, so we can’t be expected to be the only ones that are, you know, full bore,” Trump said. “Europe is buying oil from Russia. I don’t want them to buy oil,” he said, stressing that European sanctions on Russia “are not tough enough.” The President previously emphasized in a Saturday post on Truth Social that he will impose “major Sanctions on Russia” once the other NATO allies lay out their own sanction plans and end Russian oil purchases.

According to the Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air, Europe imported 21.9 billion euros’ worth of Russian oil in 2024. While the European Union (EU) has reduced its dependency on Russian energy since the invasion of Ukraine, it has not completely ceased imports. Countries such as Hungary, France, Belgium, and Spain remain significant importers, with Hungary, due to its geography and existing pipeline infrastructure, being unable to decouple from Russia easily.

Trump also noted his willingness to impose new sanctions, stating, “I’m willing to do sanctions, but they’re going to have to toughen up their sanctions commensurate with what I’m doing.” In a letter to NATO, Trump emphasized that major sanctions would only be implemented when all NATO nations agree to stop buying Russian oil.

Additionally, Trump called for NATO to impose “50 percent to 100 percent” secondary tariffs on China, which he suggested could be reversed once the conflict between Russia and Ukraine concludes. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is backing the tariff push, telling reporters last week, “I think the idea to put tariffs on countries who continue to make deals with Russia is a right idea.”

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