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Thursday, August 28, 2025
12 hours ago
Economy

Here’s How Trump’s America First Economy Is Boosting Wages for the Average Worker:

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump highlighted that his America First economic policies have resulted in a $500 wage increase for the average American worker this year, and the fastest blue-collar wage growth in 60 years.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Trump, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, Energy Secretary Chris Wright, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, and Treasury officials.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Across the United States since Trump’s inauguration in January.

💬KEY QUOTE: “The wages for blue-collar workers are now rising at the fastest rate in 60 years, which is so important to all of us around this table. The average American worker has already seen a $500 wage increase this year.” — President Trump

🎯IMPACT: Workers’ incomes are outpacing inflation, increasing purchasing power and signaling continued economic growth.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump has announced to the Cabinet that blue-collar wages are rising at the fastest rate in six decades, with the average American worker seeing a $500 wage increase this year. Trump emphasized the importance of this growth, noting its positive impact on American families and the broader economy.

“The wages for blue-collar workers are now rising at the fastest rate in 60 years, which is so important to all of us around this table. The average American worker has already seen a $500 wage increase this year,” Trump stated. He also highlighted that wages are outpacing inflation, providing workers with increased purchasing power.

Trump credited the stabilization of inflation to American energy production, thanking Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Energy Secretary Chris Wright for their efforts. “There’s no inflation because there’s been decreases, tremendous decreases, thanks to Doug and Chris, some of the people, the great job they’ve done with energy. Thank you very much,” Trump said. He also pointed to declining grocery prices, praising Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins for her contributions.

Joe Lavorgna, senior adviser to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, echoed Trump’s optimism. He noted that the current 1.4 percent annualized wage growth for blue-collar workers is the second-fastest start for any administration in six decades, surpassed only by Trump’s first term. Lavorgna added that the recently passed One Big Beautiful Bill, which includes incentives for factory and plant construction, will further boost blue-collar wages and job opportunities.

“Those are carpenters, electricians, plumbers, laborers,” Lavorgna explained, adding: “It also includes things like nursing assistants, people that work in retail and wholesale trade, basically the backbone of the economy. Those workers are going to benefit from the increased capital that companies are incentivized now to make those commitments, in addition to the building of factories.”

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13 hours ago
Lawfare
News

Trump DOJ Reaches Settlement with FBI Whistleblowers Targeted Under Biden.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Ten Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) whistleblowers will have their security clearances reinstated and receive back pay following a settlement addressing retaliation they faced for their political beliefs and disclosing misconduct.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The former Biden regime, FBI whistleblowers, Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), and the legal nonprofit Empower Oversight.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Settlement announced Tuesday; incidents occurred during the Biden government.

💬KEY QUOTE: “They were punished [because] of their disclosures/political beliefs. In other words, they were treated like skunks at a picnic. Now they receive justice.” – Sen. Grassley

🎯IMPACT: Whistleblowers will receive back pay, have their security clearances reinstated, and see justice for improper retaliation.

IN FULL

Ten Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) whistleblowers who faced retaliation after reporting misconduct under the former Biden regime will have their security clearances reinstated and receive back pay, according to a settlement announced August 26. Collectively, they endured 12 years of suspension time. The whistleblowers were represented by the legal nonprofit Empower Oversight, which said the agents were targeted for protected disclosures and, in some cases, their political beliefs.

Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), a longtime advocate for whistleblower protections, was closely involved in navigating the settlement and welcomed the outcome. “They were punished [because] of their disclosures/political beliefs. In other words, they were treated like skunks at a picnic. Now they receive justice,” Grassley wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

In a March 5 letter to the FBI’s general counsel, Empower Oversight detailed alleged retaliation, including demotions, revoked clearances, and loss of pay. The whistleblowers had objected to a range of actions inside the bureau, including the use of a SWAT team for a misdemeanor arrest, prosecutorial misconduct, and financial mismanagement.

Empower Oversight emphasized that the reprisals violated protections afforded to whistleblowers. “The actions taken against our clients were in reprisal for protected whistleblowing and/or improper targeting because of their political beliefs,” the group stated in its letter. Empower Oversight Founder Jason Foster and President Tristan Leavitt credited Grassley’s involvement in securing the resolution but warned that many similar cases remain unresolved.

“For each of these cases where whistleblowers finally received at least some measure of justice for the retaliation they faced just for telling the truth about wrongdoing, there are many more who still need a remedy,” they wrote.

The settlement is one of several recent cases in which federal employees faced political or administrative retaliation under former President Joe Biden and later received relief under President Donald J. Trump.

Image by Steve Fernie.

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13 hours ago
Education
Immigration

Trump Sues Walz’s Minnesota for Funding Tuition for Illegals While Charging Americans More.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The Trump administration is suing Minnesota over a law allowing illegal aliens to receive in-state tuition rates while U.S. citizens from other states are charged higher fees.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The Trump administration, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (D), Minnesota Democrats, and the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR).

📍WHEN & WHERE: The lawsuit pertains to a recently passed Minnesota law.

💬KEY QUOTE: “No state can be allowed to treat Americans like second-class citizens in their own country by offering financial benefits to illegal aliens,” said U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi.

🎯IMPACT: The lawsuit challenges Minnesota’s attempt to bypass federal law, which prohibits states from offering lower tuition rates to illegal aliens while charging higher rates to U.S. citizens.

IN FULL

The Trump administration is suing Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (D) and his state over a law that allows illegal immigrants to receive in-state tuition at public colleges, arguing it violates federal law and unfairly disadvantages American citizens from other states.

The law, known as the North Star Promise, grants illegal alien students in-state tuition rates if they can prove they live in Minnesota and attended school there. Meanwhile, U.S. citizens from other states must pay significantly higher out-of-state rates.

Federal officials argue this policy breaks federal law prohibiting states from offering in-state tuition to illegal immigrants unless the same benefit is extended to all U.S. citizens, regardless of residency. “No state can be allowed to treat Americans like second-class citizens in their own country by offering financial benefits to illegal aliens,” U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said.

Minnesota Democrats attempted to sidestep the federal restriction by making tuition eligibility based on high school attendance rather than state residency. Under the law, illegal alien students who attended a Minnesota high school qualify for in-state tuition, while U.S. citizens who went to high school outside the state do not.

Critics see this as a dubious legal loophole intended to flout the intent of federal law. Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) general counsel Christopher J. Hajec stated, “For Minnesota, it’s not enough to let illegal aliens, who are not permitted to live in the United States at all, into its state schools, and apply lower admission standards to instate illegal aliens than to out-of-state Americans. Even after all that, Minnesota also lets them pay much less in tuition than out-of-state Americans have to pay. That’s where federal law and its supremacy come in, however.”

This lawsuit follows another move by the Trump administration to terminate a Clinton-era policy allowing illegal immigrants to access federally funded career, technical, and adult education programs. Education Secretary Linda McMahon declared, “Postsecondary education programs funded by the federal government should benefit American citizens, not illegal aliens.”

She promised that under the Trump administration, “hardworking American taxpayers will no longer foot the bill for illegal aliens to participate in our career, technical, or adult education programs or activities.”

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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14 hours ago
News
War

Russians Advance Into New Ukrainian Region as Peace Talks Stall.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Russian forces have reportedly penetrated another region in eastern Ukraine.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Russian and Ukrainian forces.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Ukraine claims fighting is ongoing in the villages of Novoheorhiivka and Zaporizke in Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk region, while Russia claims they have been captured.

🎯IMPACT: Ukrainian forces remain under immense pressure, while Russia continues its campaign to disrupt Ukraine’s energy infrastructure ahead of winter.

IN FULL

Russian forces have entered the villages of Novoheorhiivka and Zaporizke in Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk (Dnepropetrovsk) region, according to Ukrainian military officials. The area, a key industrial hub bordering the fiercely contested Donetsk region, has become a new flashpoint amid Russia’s ongoing campaign in eastern Ukraine.

Victor Trehubov, a spokesman for Ukrainian ground forces, confirmed that Russian troops are now present in the villages, but claims their position remains insecure. Russia has claimed complete control of the settlements, but Ukraine insists its forces are still engaged in combat there.

This latest advance adds to mounting pressure along a 620-mile front line that continues to strain Ukraine’s military resources. Earlier this month, Russian forces made a significant breakthrough near Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region. Troops reportedly pushed up to eight miles in a single day, breaking through Ukrainian lines east of Dobropillia. This move threatened to sever a key supply route connecting Dobropillia to Kramatorsk, raising concerns over Ukraine’s ability to hold its current defensive lines.

At the same time, Russia has escalated its campaign against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, striking power grids and gas facilities in at least six regions. The attacks appear aimed at undermining Ukraine’s resilience ahead of the winter season. In response, Ukrainian forces have launched drone strikes on Russian infrastructure, including oil refineries.

Diplomatic progress towards ending the war remains stalled. No direct peace talks are currently scheduled between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. U.S. officials continue to press for dialogue following summits with Putin and European leaders.

Image by Vitaly V. Kuzmin.

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15 hours ago
War
World

Trump Deploys Warships Amid Tensions with Venezuela.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The U.S. Navy has deployed eight warships to the Caribbean and Pacific regions near Central and South America, increasing military presence and tensions with Venezuela.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The U.S. Navy, Trump administration officials, and the Venezuelan government led by Nicolás Maduro.

📍WHEN & WHERE: August 27, 2025; Caribbean and Pacific waters near Central and South America.

🎯IMPACT: The deployment may signal increased U.S. pressure on Venezuela, while also raising concerns about regional stability.

IN FULL

The Trump administration has deployed eight U.S. Navy warships to Caribbean and Pacific waters near Central and South America, with Venezuela’s far-left dictatorship claiming it sees the move as a possible precursor to invasion. Despite the protests by Venezuela’s dictator, Nicolás Maduro, the Trump White House stressed the deployment is part of an “enhanced counter narcotics operation” aimed at drug interdiction missions in Latin America.

Notably, the deployment includes three destroyers, two landing dock ships, an amphibious assault ship, a cruiser, and a littoral combat ship. These vessels are equipped for various operations, with destroyers carrying U.S. Coast Guard and law enforcement officials for drug interdictions.

Recently, the Trump administration accused Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro of leading a drug cartel and facilitating the entry of Tren de Aragua gang members into the United States, offering a $50 million bounty for his capture.

Despite the military buildup, the Trump administration continues to coordinate deportation flights with Venezuelan officials, indicating ongoing diplomatic engagement. Meanwhile, Maduro has mobilized troops and called on Venezuelans to enlist in militias to defend the nation.

Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau emphasized that the U.S. opposes regime change driven by external forces, stating that Venezuelans must claim their own freedom. Maduro, reacting to U.S. actions, has released political prisoners while rallying support against perceived threats.

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15 hours ago
NatSec
World

Denmark Summons U.S. Diplomats Over Alleged Covert Ops in Greenland.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Denmark’s foreign minister summoned U.S. diplomats after reports surfaced of an alleged influence campaign in Greenland involving individuals linked to the Trump administration.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: At least three Americans with ties to the Trump White House, along with Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen and Greenlandic politicians.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The developments occurred recently in Greenland and Denmark, with Danish officials addressing the matter on Wednesday, August 27, 2025.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Any attempt to interfere in the internal affairs of the Kingdom will, of course, be unacceptable,” said Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen.

🎯IMPACT: The situation has strained U.S.-Denmark relations amid the Trump administration’s ongoing efforts to obtain Greenland.

IN FULL

Denmark’s foreign minister summoned U.S. diplomats for discussions following reports of an alleged influence campaign in Greenland involving individuals connected to President Donald J. Trump. Danish public broadcaster DR reported that at least three Americans with links to the Trump administration were conducting activities in Greenland, including compiling lists of allies and opponents, and engaging with local politicians and businesspeople.

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen stated, “We are aware that foreign actors continue to show an interest in Greenland and its position in the Kingdom of Denmark. It is therefore not surprising if we experience outside attempts to influence the future of the Kingdom in the time ahead.” He emphasized that any interference in Denmark’s internal affairs would be unacceptable.

Greenlandic political parties have reportedly united in opposition to U.S. actions, following what they describe as undue pressure from Trump and U.S. officials. Allegations include distributing MAGA merchandise to Greenlandic residents in exchange for food and legislative efforts in Congress to rename the territory “Red, White, and Blueland.”

The National Pulse reported in April that Greenland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Vivian Motzfeldt, announced the strategically important island will seek greater cooperation with China and potentially enter into a trade partnership with the communist state. This came just weeks after Vice President J.D. Vance reiterated the significance of American leadership in the Arctic during a visit to Greenland, cautioning against the growing interests of China and Russia in Arctic shipping lanes and mineral reserves.

Image by NordForsk/Terje Heiestad.

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16 hours ago
Crime

DC Grand Jurors Refuse to Indict Ex-DOJ Staffer for Assaulting Border Agent.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Federal prosecutors failed to secure a felony assault indictment against a former Department of Justice (DOJ) employee who pelted a federal agent with a sandwich.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Suspect Sean C. Dunn—a former DOJ paralegal—and a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The incident occurred on the streets of Washington, D.C. near 14th and U Streets, with Dunn initially charged on August 13, 2025.

💬KEY QUOTE: “I don’t want you in my city!” – Sean C. Dunn

🎯IMPACT: The case highlights challenges faced by federal prosecutors in securing indictments against criminals who commit politically sympathetic criminal acts in heavily Democratic cities.

IN FULL

Federal prosecutors failed to secure a felony assault indictment against Sean C. Dunn, who allegedly screamed at a federal agent and pelted him with a sandwich in Washington, D.C., before attempting to flee earlier this month. The incident took place in the early morning hours near 14th and U Streets NW, an area of D.C. known for its bar scene as well as crime.

This is the second instance in recent days where a D.C. federal grand jury rejected felony assault against a federal agent charges brought by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the capital city. The indictment rejections are raising concerns that empaneled grand juries in D.C. may be more motivated by politics than the letter of the law, resulting in a quasi-jury nullification issue in response to President Donald J. Trump‘s federalization of the capital’s police department.

Dunn, a former Department of Justice (DOJ) paralegal, was initially charged with throwing a submarine sandwich at a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer in an incident that was caught on camera. The complaint also noted that Dunn confronted the officer, calling him a “fascist” and expressing his disapproval of the federal agents’ presence in the District of Columbia.

Typically, prosecutors have a high rate of securing indictments from grand juries, as they must only demonstrate the viability and the presence of evidence or a case to move forward. However, the recent rejections in D.C. could force U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro to either reconsider the severity of charges brought in incidents like Dunn’s or attempt to seek an alternative venue for prosecution.

The National Pulse reported in January 2024 that polling data suggested it would have been nearly impossible for President Trump—who then faced charges stemming from a Democrat lawfare effort—to receive a fair trial in D.C. This data implied it would be more difficult to secure charges against anti-Trump agitators.

As it stands, Dunn is set to be back in court in September for a hearing on the viability of the charges—although an indictment could still be secured before then.

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16 hours ago
Health

FDA Greenlights New COVID-19 Shots, But Restricts Use on Young Children.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved updated COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax, but limited their use for many Americans, including children under five.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: FDA officials, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and FDA Commissioner Marty Makary.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The decision was announced Wednesday, with vaccines set to ship immediately across the United States.

💬KEY QUOTE: “The American people demanded science, safety, and common sense. This framework delivers all three.” — Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

🎯IMPACT: The updated shots, targeting the LP. 8.1 variant, are approved for seniors and those with at least one high-risk health condition, such as asthma or obesity.

IN FULL

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved updated COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax, but with significant limitations for younger populations. The updated shots, targeting the LP. 8.1 variant, are approved for seniors and those with at least one high-risk health condition, such as asthma or obesity. However, access for healthy adults and children has been curtailed, with Pfizer’s vaccine no longer authorized for children under five.

Parents seeking vaccines for young children will need to rely on Moderna’s Spikevax, which is approved for children as young as six months but only for those with serious health conditions. Novavax’s protein-based vaccine, meanwhile, is available for individuals 12 and older under similar restrictions. The FDA’s decision marks a departure from the previous policy recommending vaccines for all Americans six months and older.

Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and FDA Commissioner Marty Makary spearheaded the policy shift, emphasizing a risk-based approach. “The American people demanded science, safety, and common sense. This framework delivers all three,” Kennedy stated.

Logistical challenges loom as insurers and pharmacists navigate the new framework. Insurers typically follow recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advisory panel, which has undergone changes under Kennedy’s leadership. Pharmacists, who administer most vaccines, may face some legal and procedural hurdles in verifying patients’ eligibility under the new guidelines.

The FDA’s decision also revoked emergency use authorizations for Pfizer’s vaccine for young children and other pandemic-era therapies, signaling a shift in the U.S. government’s approach to COVID-19 management.

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17 hours ago
Politics

Trump Calls for RICO Charges Against George Soros and Son Alex.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump has called for George Soros and his son Alex Soros to face prosecution under the RICO Act for their financial support of violent protests in the United States.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Trump, George Soros, Alex Soros, and organizations funded by the Soros network.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Statements made via Truth Social on August 27, 2025, referencing Soros’s political activities across the United States.

💬KEY QUOTE: “George Soros, and his Wonderful Radical Left son, should be charged with RICO because of their support of Violent Protests, and much more, all throughout the United States of America.” – President Trump

🎯IMPACT: Renewed scrutiny of Soros-funded organizations and their involvement in protests and political activities.

IN FULL

In a post on Truth Social, President Donald J. Trump accused George Soros and his son, Alex Soros, of financially supporting violent protests across the United States, calling for them to be prosecuted under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act.

Trump wrote, “George Soros, and his Wonderful Radical Left son, should be charged with RICO because of their support of Violent Protests, and much more, all throughout the United States of America. We’re not going to allow these lunatics to rip apart America any more, never giving it so much as a chance to ‘BREATHE,’ and be FREE.”

According to the Department of Justice (DOJ), the federal RICO statute—established in 1970—aims to eliminate organized crime’s infiltration into legitimate organizations. It is broad enough to address illegal activities impacting interstate or foreign commerce. Notably, Soros’s Open Society Foundations have financially supported groups involved in contentious protests and rallies, including one advocating for an accused MS-13 gang member.

Soros’s network has provided millions in funding to organizations such as CASA and Human Rights First, which have been involved in pro-illegal immigrant advocacy and lawsuits against Trump administration policies. Open Society Foundations also allegedly funneled significant funds to groups linked to anti-Israel protests, including those justifying Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.

Soros’s foundations have reportedly funneled over $15 million to groups behind anti-Israel protests since 2016, including $13.7 million through the Tides Center.

Image via Alex Soros/X.

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17 hours ago
News

Church Shooting Suspect Is Anti-Trump Transgender: Report.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: A gunman who killed two children and injured at least 17 others at a Catholic school in Minneapolis, Minnesota, has been identified as Robin Westman, formerly Robert.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Shooter Robin Westman, children attending morning mass, and other victims.

📍WHEN & WHERE: August 27, 2025, at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis.

💬KEY QUOTE: “The shooter was not previously known to law enforcement.” – Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara

🎯IMPACT: There is an ongoing investigation into disturbing videos apparently uploaded to YouTube by the shooter.

IN FULL

The gunman responsible for the shooting at a back-to-school Mass at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota, which claimed the lives of two young children and left at least 17 others wounded, has been named as anti-Trump transgender Robin Westman, previously Robert.

Authorities are examining a series of troubling YouTube videos that are believed to be connected to Westman and posted just prior to the incident. These clips feature a diary written in Cyrillic script, decorated with Pride stickers, and what appears to be a diagram of the church, which Westman stabs with a knife. Other videos show firearms that seem to match those allegedly employed by the shooter, adorned with nods to other mass shooters and phrases like ‘Kill Donald Trump.’

The firearms are also decorated with Satanic pentagrams and a variety of anti-Semitic, anti-Hispanic, and anti-Muslim slogans, possibly in an effort to confuse people as to his true motives and ideology.

Westman killed himself at the scene of the shooting with a self-inflicted gunshot.

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