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Category: Culture
June 19, 2025
Culture
News

Corporates Are Defunding Pride.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: New York’s annual Pride parade is seeking individual donations as corporate sponsors reportedly reduce or withdraw financial support.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: NYC Pride organizers, NYC Pride spokesman Kevin Kilbride, and corporations like Target.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The parade is scheduled for June 29, in New York City.

💬KEY QUOTE: “That [corporate funding] gap we’re trying to fill with a community fundraising campaign,” said Kilbride.

🎯IMPACT: Up to 25 percent of corporate sponsors have reportedly scaled back or withdrawn, prompting organizers to rely more heavily on community donations.

IN FULL

New York’s annual Pride parade, one of the largest LGBT gatherings in the United States, is now seeking individual cash donations as corporate sponsors reportedly reduce their financial support. According to organizers, as many as 25 percent of previous corporate donors have either canceled or scaled back their contributions.

NYC Pride spokesman Kevin Kilbride stated that the parade, scheduled for June 29, could draw as many as two million attendees. However, he noted that additional funding is needed, prompting a new community fundraising campaign launched in mid-May. “That gap we’re trying to fill with a community fundraising campaign,” Kilbride said, adding: “So in the middle of May, we launched a peer-to-peer campaign so folks can start their own fundraiser online, share it with their friends, and then have folks donate to that.”

Organizers claim the funding challenges stem from a broader rejection of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies in both government and the private sector, which they attribute to President Donald J. Trump’s policies and influence. Kilbride added that the group is now “wanting to lean a little bit more into individual giving and support from the community.”

One prominent corporate sponsor, Target, reportedly adjusted its involvement with the event. The retailer initially requested to donate without publicity, but has since reinstated its float at the parade. Target has faced backlash and a dip in its stock price following leftist boycotts over its decisions to curtail certain diversity programs. Before this, it faced significant losses from conservative boycotts for selling children’s clothing promoting transgenderism.

Enthusiasm for Pride parades elsewhere has also declined. In Toronto, Canada’s largest city, organisers have complained they may need government assistance after reporting a $900,000 (CAD) shortfall. Organizers claim that while they have seen corporate sponsorships, corporate partnerships can be “fickle.”

Image by Following NYC.

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June 4, 2025
William Upton
Culture
Economy

Jaguar’s April Sales Crash After Woke Rebrand.

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❓What Happened: Jaguar reported selling just 49 total vehicles in Europe in the month of April, a record low. Some see the sales collapse as a consumer rejection of the company’s rebrand.

👥 Who’s Involved: Jaguar Land Rover, Jaguar, and European Union (EU) and United Kingdom consumers.

📍 Where & When: The EU and the United Kingdom in April 2025.

⚠️ Impact: While it appears the low sales numbers are likely the result of Jaguar drawing down its entire vehicle inventory before it rolls out its new line of cars next year, the shockingly low number of cars sold could portend long-term consumer rejection of the company over its new all-electric, woke brand.

IN FULL:

Jaguar sales in Europe have seen one of the most catastrophic April sales numbers on record. Just 49 cars were sold in the entirety of the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom, the latter being the company’s home market. This marks a nearly 98 percent decline from the company’s sales in April just one year ago, and a continued slide in popularity since Jaguar rolled out a rebrand that ditches the iconic “leaper” logo, uses a lower-case monogram, and focuses on electric vehicles. The rebrand has received stiff backlash, with automobile enthusiasts accusing Jaguar of becoming more of a fashion or luxury brand rather than a car company after its widely-panned inaugural commercial, which featured a series of bizarrely dressed, androgynous models and zero cars.

While the shockingly low sales numbers could portend long-term problems for Jaguar, some details suggest the concerns about the rebrand and the company’s sales position are overblown. The 49 total cars sold in April appear to be the result of Jaguar merely liquidating its remaining inventory before its redesigned vehicles, as part of its rebrand, begin production later this year and hit dealership showrooms in 2026. In essence, this means that consumers didn’t simply buy fewer Jaguar cars, but rather that there were far fewer Jaguar cars even available than in April 2024.

Jaguar’s parent company, Jaguar Land Rover, posted $3.39 billion in profits for the fiscal year 2025. The high profit margin of the company’s popular Land Rover brand gives it the cash stability to draw down its Jaguar inventory ahead of officially shifting to its rebranded vehicle line.

Still, it is inconceivable that Jaguar would have let its inventory become so low that it only had several dozen models available for sale before it rolls its new line of vehicles. This suggests that the company’s rebrand is likely having an adverse effect on sales, though to what degree remains to be seen.

Jaguar is set to reveal its first rebranded vehicle, an all-electric four-door GT, at the end of this year. It will hit showrooms in 2026.

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June 4, 2025
Culture
Politics

Hegseth Directs Navy to Rename Ship Previously Honoring Harvey Milk.

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❓What Happened: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered the U.S. Navy to rename the oiler ship USNS Harvey Milk, originally named after gay rights activist Harvey Milk, who had a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old runaway boy while he was in his thirties.

👥 Who’s Involved: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, and the late Harvey Milk.

📍 Where & When: The renaming order was issued at the start of Pride Month in June of 2025, affecting a ship named in 2016 during a San Francisco ceremony.

⚠️ Impact: The decision has sparked criticism from Democratic leaders, but draws attention to Milk’s controversial relationship with underage boy Jack Galen McKinley. 

IN FULL:

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has directed the U.S. Navy to rename the USNS Harvey Milk, a ship named in honor of the late gay rights activist and politician. The order, issued at the start of Pride Month, was revealed through a memorandum issued by the Department of Defense (DoD).

The USNS Harvey Milk was named in 2016 during a ceremony in San Francisco. Milk, a Navy veteran, became the first openly gay elected official in California in 1977, serving on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors before being assassinated in 1978. However, Milk also had a sexual relationship with an underage runaway, Jack Galen McKinley, while he was in his thirties, which has led many conservatives to challenge the status he has been awarded as a civil rights hero.

This renaming initiative is reportedly part of Hegseth’s broader efforts to “reestablish the warrior culture” within the military. Since assuming his role, Hegseth has worked to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, aiming to restore what he refers to as the “warrior ethos.”

In addition to the USNS Harvey Milk, other ships on a Navy renaming recommendation list include the USNS Thurgood Marshall, USNS Ruth Bader Ginsburg, USNS Harriet Tubman, USNS Dolores Huerta, USNS Lucy Stone, USNS Cesar Chavez, and USNS Medgar Evers.

The decision has drawn sharp criticism from Democratic leaders. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) condemned the move, stating, “The reported decision by the Trump Administration to change the names of the USNS Harvey Milk and other ships in the John Lewis-class is a shameful, vindictive erasure of those who fought to break down barriers for all to chase the American Dream.”

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) also expressed outrage, calling the renaming “disgusting, blatant discrimination—and during Pride Month to boot.” He added that Milk “served the U.S. Navy and his country honorably, and he was assassinated while serving the public and fighting for LGBTQ+ rights.”

Schumer did not reference Milk’s unlawful relations with McKinley.

Jack Montgomery contributed to this report.

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June 4, 2025
Culture
News

Trump White House Will Not Issue ‘Pride’ Proclamation.

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❓What Happened: White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced there are no plans for a “Pride Month” proclamation under President Donald J. Trump.

👥 Who’s Involved: President Donald J. Trump, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, and the Department of Education.

📍 Where & When: White House press briefing, June 3, 2025.

💬 Key Quote: “There are no plans for a proclamation for the month of June,” said Leavitt, adding Trump is “proud to be a President for all Americans regardless of race, religion, or creed.”

⚠️ Impact: The Trump administration is shifting focus away from LGBT-centric policies to initiatives such as recognizing Title IX’s anniversary and addressing gender ideology in federal policy.

IN FULL:

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed Tuesday that President Donald J. Trump’s administration has no plans to issue a “Pride Month” proclamation this June, marking a significant departure from his predecessor’s approach to LGBT-related celebrations.

“There are no plans for a proclamation for the month of June,” Leavitt stated during a press briefing, emphasizing that President Trump is “proud to be a president for all Americans regardless of race, religion, or creed.”

The announcement coincides with the Department of Education’s decision to designate June as “Title IX Month,” commemorating the 53rd anniversary of the landmark legislation prohibiting sex-based education discrimination.

This approach contrasts sharply with the policies of former President Joe Biden, who issued annual “Pride Month” proclamations and hosted high-profile LGBT events at the White House. Notably, a 2023 Pride event under Biden drew criticism after transgender activist Rose Montoya, a man claiming to be a woman, appeared topless in a video on the White House lawn. Biden also signed an executive order in 2022 to expand access to gender-transition procedures for adults and minors.

Since taking office, Trump has focused on rolling back “radical” gender ideology. In an executive order titled “Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government,” the White House stated that erasing sex in language and policy undermines trust in government and societal stability.

The Trump administration has prioritized protecting children from irreversible gender procedures and ensuring fairness in women’s sports by barring biological males from competing. This marks a sharp pivot from the policies of the previous administration, reinforcing Trump’s commitment to “biological truth.”

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June 3, 2025
Culture
News

Trump, Melania Set to Star at Star-Studded Kennedy Center Gala.

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❓What Happened: President Donald J. Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, and Second Lady Usha Vance will attend the opening night of Les Misérables at the Kennedy Center.

👥 Who’s Involved: President Trump, Melania Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, Usha Vance, Kennedy Center President Richard Grenell, and Kennedy Center officials.

📍 Where & When: Kennedy Center, Washington D.C., June 11.

💬 Key Quote: “The Kennedy Center is coming back,” President Trump said. “It was not properly taken care of and we are taking it back and we are going to turn it back into something great.”

⚠️ Impact: The opening night performance is nearly sold out, with ticket sales exceeding $3 million, and the Kennedy Center is undergoing revitalization efforts under new leadership.

IN FULL:

According to officials, President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will join Vice President J.D. Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance for the opening night of the musical Les Misérables at the Kennedy Center on June 11. The production, a staple of Broadway and West End history, is set to make a significant debut at the Washington, D.C. venue.

President Trump, who has often played songs from Les Misérables at his rallies, expressed enthusiasm for the production. “I love the songs, I love the play,” Trump remarked. “I think it’s great—we may extend it.”

Kennedy Center President Richard Grenell highlighted the excitement surrounding the event. “Les Misérables is proving to be a huge hit,” Grenell stated. “Opening night is going to be electric.”

Officials at the Kennedy Center have reported strong ticket sales, with the first two weeks of performances nearly sold out and generating over $3 million in revenue. A spokesman noted that sales have exceeded expectations, surpassing typical timelines.

The opening night will feature a red carpet event, with select media invited to attend. Attendees are also encouraged to walk the red carpet, adding to the evening’s grandeur.

Last month, a significant number of actors expressed an intent to boycott President Trump’s appearance at a performance of Les Misérables. Grenell reacted, suggesting that performers engaging in such boycotts would not be welcome. “[T]he Kennedy Center will no longer fund this intolerance,” he warned.

President Trump emphasized his commitment to restoring the Kennedy Center, which he described as previously neglected. “The Kennedy Center is coming back,” he said. “It was not properly taken care of and we are taking it back and we are going to turn it back into something great.”

Under Trump’s personal chairmanship, the Kennedy Center is working to bolster its financial sustainability. The venue, which includes affiliates such as the National Symphony Orchestra and the Washington National Opera, is aiming for larger endowments and long-term growth.

Grenell announced the season’s performances last month, completely free of left-wing ideological performances like drag shows.

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June 1, 2025
Culture
Data

DATA: Republican Support for Gay Marriage Is Crashing.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Republican support for gay marriage has significantly dropped, according to a recent Gallup poll, but Democratic support remains high.

👥 Who’s Involved: Gallup poll respondents, including Republicans, Democrats, and independents; Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas.

📍 Where & When: United States; Gallup poll released Thursday, May 29, 2025.

⚠️ Impact: The poll reflects a growing partisan divide on gay marriage and related moral issues, with implications for future legal challenges and cultural debates.

IN FULL:

Support among Republicans for same-sex marriage has dropped sharply over the past three years, according to a new Gallup poll released Thursday. The survey found that just 41 percent of GOP voters now back the legalization of gay marriage, a significant decline from 55 percent in 2021 and 2022.

In contrast, 88 percent of Democrats expressed approval for same-sex marriage, marking a 47-point gap between the two parties—the largest divide recorded since Gallup began polling on the issue in 1996. Among independents, 76 percent voiced support for gay marriage.

Historical data from Gallup shows that in 1996, only 16 percent of Republicans, 33 percent of Democrats, and 32 percent of independents supported the legalization of same-sex unions.

The new poll also highlighted differences in moral perceptions of gay and lesbian relationships. While 86 percent of Democrats said such relationships are morally acceptable, only 38 percent of Republicans agreed—a sharp drop from 56 percent in 2022. Among Americans who attend religious services weekly, 33 percent found same-sex marriage morally acceptable, with only 24 percent deeming gay and lesbian relationships socially acceptable.

The issue of same-sex marriage has also been revisited in legal debates. Justice Clarence Thomas, in his concurring opinion in the 2022 Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision, called for reconsideration of substantive due process precedents, including Obergefell v. Hodges, the 2015 case that established a constitutional right to gay marriage.

Thomas argued that the legal principle of substantive due process, which has been used to protect unenumerated rights like privacy and same-sex marriage, lacks constitutional grounding. He described it as “an oxymoron that lack[s] any basis in the Constitution,” and emphasized that such decisions should be revisited to determine whether other constitutional provisions might support the rights they claim to protect.

“Substantive due process exalts judges at the expense of the People from whom they derive their authority,” Thomas wrote, adding that it has led to “constitutionally unmoored policy judgments.”

Image by Tim Evanson.

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May 27, 2025
Culture
Sports

Trump Moves to Strip Top Liberal State’s Federal Funding.

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❓What Happened: President Donald J. Trump threatened to cut federal funding to California if transgender athletes continue competing in women’s sports.

👥 Who’s Involved: President Trump, California Governor Gavin Newsom, and California high school athletes.

📍 Where & When: California, following a weekend high school track meet; Trump’s statement was posted Tuesday on Truth Social.

💬 Key Quote: Trump wrote, “California continues to ILLEGALLY allow MEN TO PLAY IN WOMEN’S SPORTS… This is a totally ridiculous situation!!!”

⚠️ Impact: Trump’s threats could affect billions of dollars in federal funding to California.

IN FULL:

President Donald J. Trump took to Truth Social on Tuesday to criticize California’s policies on transgender athletes, threatening to withdraw federal funding if the state continues to permit biological males to compete against women and girls. Trump’s remarks were directed at Governor Gavin Newsom (D) and referenced a recent high school sports event where a transgender won the girls’ long jump and triple jump titles during the California Interscholastic Federation Southern Section Masters Meet.

“California continues to ILLEGALLY allow MEN TO PLAY IN WOMEN’S SPORTS,” Trump posted. “I will speak to him today to find out which way he wants to go??? In the meantime I am ordering local authorities, if necessary, to not allow the transitioned person to compete in the State Finals. This is a totally ridiculous situation!!!”

This marks the second time in recent weeks that Trump has targeted a state over the participation of biological males in women’s sports. Last month, he initiated steps to withdraw federal education funding from Maine over a similar dispute with Governor Janet Mills (D), a conflict that has since escalated into legal proceedings.

Gov. Newsom, eyeing a 2028 bid for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination, has sought to distance himself from the transgender athlete issue in recent months. In April, Newsom labeled it “deeply unfair” for biological males to compete in women’s sports but insisted the issue involves only a small number of athletes. He also accused conservatives of politicizing the matter, stating, “To the extent that someone could find that right balance, I would embrace those conversations and the dignity that hopefully presents themselves in that conversation.”

President Trump’s post raises questions about the potential loss of significant federal funding for California. The Golden State has previously clashed with the Trump administration over policies related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.

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May 21, 2025
Culture
Economy

L.A. Mayor Follows in Trump’s Tariff Footsteps – Make Hollywood American Again!

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❓What Happened: Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass issued an executive order to simplify filming processes in the city.

👥 Who’s Involved: Mayor Karen Bass, President Donald J. Trump, entertainment professionals, and the Department of Commerce.

📍 Where & When: Los Angeles, California; announcement made Tuesday, May 20, two weeks after President Trump’s tariff declaration.

💬 Key Quote: “Keeping entertainment production in L.A. means keeping good-paying jobs in L.A., and that’s what we are fighting for,” said Bass.

⚠️ Impact: The directive seeks to retain entertainment jobs in Los Angeles amidst competition from other U.S. locations and foreign countries.

IN FULL:

Democratic Mayor Karen Bass issued an executive order on Tuesday designed to streamline the filmmaking process in Los Angeles, declaring her intent to keep entertainment production within the city. The announcement comes over two weeks after President Donald J. Trump revealed plans for a 100 percent tariff on foreign-produced movies, citing concerns over national security and economic harm.

Bass’s announcement appears to largely align with Trump’s push to reshore film productions, running counter to efforts by national Democratic Party leaders to undermine the President’s trade agenda. The National Pulse previously reported that Trump’s film tariff announcement also received backing from the Teamsters.

Bass’s directive aims to cut bureaucratic hurdles for filmmakers, making it easier to shoot at popular Los Angeles locations such as the Griffith Observatory, the L.A. Central Library, and the Port of Los Angeles. Additionally, the order reduces the requirement for city employees to be present during filming to just one, a move intended to lower costs for production teams.

“We are going to fight now,” Bass stated, continuing: “While we push for the tax credits to be passed in Sacramento, we need to do what we can today to impact building in Los Angeles.” She added: “Keeping entertainment production in L.A. means keeping good-paying jobs in L.A., and that’s what we are fighting for.”

The executive order comes amid increasing competition from other U.S. cities and foreign countries offering more affordable and accessible production options.

President Trump recently criticized Hollywood’s reliance on foreign incentives, describing it as a “national security threat” and a source of economic devastation. In a Truth Social post earlier this month, Trump explained his decision to authorize a 100 percent tariff on foreign-made films, stating, “Hollywood, and many other areas within the U.S.A., are being devastated… WE WANT MOVIES MADE IN AMERICA, AGAIN!”

Trump also highlighted the role of foreign film incentives in what he called “messaging and propaganda,” instructing the Department of Commerce and the U.S. Trade Representative to initiate the tariff process.

Image via U.S. Institute of Peace.

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May 19, 2025
Culture

Ric Grenell’s Kennedy Center Unveils New Season of Woke-Free Programming.

PULSE POINTS:

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The Kennedy Center announced its 2025–2026 season across theater, dance, and young audiences.
👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Programming overseen by Kennedy Center President Ric Grenell.
🧾KEY QUOTES: “Each performance encourages the young and young-at-heart to unleash their imaginations,” said Vice President of Education Jordan LaSalle.
⚠️FALLOUT: The upcoming season contains no drag shows, gender curriculum, or left-wing ideological content in children’s programming.
📌SIGNIFICANCE: Marks a cultural shift at the Kennedy Center, emphasizing traditional performance and family entertainment.

IN FULL:

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has released its full schedule for the 2025–2026 season, with programming that excludes left-wing ideological content previously embedded in family and youth productions.

The theater lineup includes Broadway titles such as Monty Python’s Spamalot, Chicago, Back to the Future: The Musical, Moulin Rouge!, Mrs. Doubtfire, and The Outsiders. Complementary programming includes Champions of Magic, The Improvised Shakespeare Company, and Shear Madness, all returning without thematic revisions.

Back to the Future comes to the Kennedy Center in 2026.

The Performances for Young Audiences season includes two world premieres: The Sea Beyond the Ocean and Fishing for Stars, the latter developed for ages 2–6. Other titles include Young Dragon, Flutter, Little Murmur, and Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock LIVE. The season does not feature drag performances, gender-themed material, or identity-based instruction.

Dance programming includes commemorations of the centennials of Martha Graham, Maria Tallchief, and Robert Rauschenberg.

The schedule features The Nutcracker (Cincinnati Ballet), The Winter’s Tale (American Ballet Theatre), Mere Mortals (San Francisco Ballet), and repertory from Doug Varone, Hiroaki Umeda, A.I.M by Kyle Abraham, and New York City Ballet. A full ice dance performance by Le Patin Libre and a local commission from chitra.MOVES are also included.

All three seasonal divisions—Theater, Dance, and Young Audiences—are absent any stated emphasis on equity, inclusion, “anti-racism,” or climate activism. Programming descriptions omit common progressive identifiers, marking a clear departure from previous years.

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April 24, 2025
Culture
News

Trump Admin Exploring $5,000 Baby Bonus Plan to Tackle Demographic Decline.

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❓What Happened: The White House is considering a “baby bonus” of $5,000 for new mothers to encourage higher birth rates in the U.S.

👥 Who’s Involved: White House aides, policy experts, birth rate advocates, and the Trump administration, including Vice President J.D. Vance and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.

📍 Where & When: United States, ongoing discussions reported by The New York Times.

💬 Key Quote: “While a $5,000 baby bonus may temporarily increase birth rates…such financial incentives alone have minimal lasting impact on overall birth rates,” stated Theodore D. Cosco, a research fellow at Oxford Institute of Population Ageing.

⚠️ Impact: If implemented, the policy could provide financial assistance to new mothers, but experts caution it may not significantly alter birth rates without broader systemic support.

IN FULL:

The White House is examining a proposal to offer a $5,000 “baby bonus” for women having children to address declining birth rates in the United States. This comes amid discussions with policy experts and advocates seeking solutions to boost the nation’s fertility figures, as an alternative to mass migration.

Encouraging more births could address long-term demographic challenges, with more deaths than births observed in recent years. The Congressional Budget Office projects the U.S. fertility rate to average 1.6 births per woman over the next 30 years, well below the 2.1 necessary for maintaining a stable population without mass migration.

President Donald J. Trump has previously expressed concern over birth rates. Initiatives under this administration have included expanding IVF access and prioritizing federal funding for regions with marriage and birth rates above the national average. Vice President J.D. Vance also wants to see “more babies” born in the U.S.

Comparative policies in other countries show mixed results. Australia’s “baby bonus” and Hungary’s pro-family policies offer insights into various approaches, yet external factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukraine war, and their associated shocks to jobs and prices, have hampered their short-term effectiveness.

Mass migration is unlikely to be a long-term solution to demographic issues, however. United Nations studies dating back to the turn of the century show that, because migrants also age, the annual influx would have to increase to impossibly vast totals to maintain a 4:1 ratio of working-age people to senior citizens.

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