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Category: News
March 4, 2025
Jack Montgomery
War

Dem Rep Boycotting Trump’s Address to Congress in ‘Solidarity’ with Ukraine.

Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA) has said he is boycotting President Donald J. Trump’s address before a joint session of Congress on Tuesday night, citing “solidarity with our friends in Ukraine.”

The Virginia Democrat, 74, announced in a press release that “Since being elected to Congress, I have never missed a State of the Union address”—although President Trump’s planned address is not a State of the Union—but “we have never seen our democracy so tested… our laws, institutions, and the separation of powers so attacked from within.”

Alongside “solidarity” with Ukraine, Connolly cites solidarity with “federal workers and contractors,” “DC and Capitol Police officers,” and others as the reason he will refuse to hear the American people’s duly elected President.

Last week, President Trump clashed with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, who remains in office beyond his elected term due to marital law, in the Oval Office, after the Ukrainian started an argument with Vice President J.D. Vance over comments related to diplomacy with Russia.

President Trump subsequently announced he would be pausing U.S. aid to Ukraine, having determined that Zelensky will not make peace as long as the American taxpayer is underwriting his war effort. Shortly after this pause was announced, Zelensky appeared to buckle, saying he was “ready to work under President Trump’s strong leadership to get a peace that lasts.”

Image via Presidential Office of Ukraine.

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Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA) has said he is boycotting President Donald J. Trump's address before a joint session of Congress on Tuesday night, citing "solidarity with our friends in Ukraine." show more
March 4, 2025
Education
News

Trump Pledges to Cut Federal Funds for Colleges Permitting Antisemitic Protests.

President Donald J. Trump announced on March 4 that his administration will withdraw federal funding from educational institutions permitting illegal protests on their grounds. This announcement follows recent anti-Semitic protests at New York City campuses, including Barnard College and Columbia University.

Trump stated on his social media platform Truth Social, “Agitators will be imprisoned/or permanently sent back to the country from which they came. American students will be permanently expelled or, depending on the crime, arrested. NO MASKS!”

The administration is also threatening to terminate over $50 million in government contracts with Columbia University. Furthermore, to ensure the protection of Jewish students’ rights, grants exceeding $5 billion connected to the university will be reviewed.

Secretary of Education Linda McMahon declared that unlawful demonstrations have significantly disrupted campus operations, affecting Jewish students’ educational opportunities.

In response, Columbia University expressed willingness to cooperate with the White House to combat anti-Semitism. Earlier in the year, Columbia’s campus hosted significant anti-Israel protests amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Attempts by university leaders to negotiate with encamped protesters were unsuccessful, necessitating police intervention.

Nationwide, similar protests emerged at various colleges from late 2023 through spring 2024. This led to the resignation of four Ivy League presidents amid public and congressional dissatisfaction.

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President Donald J. Trump announced on March 4 that his administration will withdraw federal funding from educational institutions permitting illegal protests on their grounds. This announcement follows recent anti-Semitic protests at New York City campuses, including Barnard College and Columbia University. show more
March 4, 2025
Jack Montgomery
War

Zelensky Folds, ‘Ready to Work Under President Trump’s Strong Leadership’ for Peace.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appears to have capitulated to President Donald J. Trump after he announced a pause on U.S. aid to Ukraine, declaring, “My team and I stand ready to work under President Trump’s strong leadership to get a peace that lasts.” This follows a fractious meeting in the Oval Office, where Zelensky started an argument with Vice President J.D. Vance and was chastised by Trump for his ingratitude and opposition to a ceasefire.

“None of us wants an endless war. Ukraine is ready to come to the negotiating table as soon as possible to bring lasting peace closer. Nobody wants peace more than Ukrainians,” Zelensky said in a statement on social media. “We do really value how much America has done to help Ukraine maintain its sovereignty and independence. And we remember the moment when things changed when President Trump provided Ukraine with Javelins. We are grateful for this.”

During their row in the White House, President Trump noted that Russia first invaded Ukraine under the Obama-Biden administration and again under Biden-Harris—with no incursions during his first term—and that while Obama merely provided the Ukrainians with “sheets,” he provided them with the Javelin anti-tank missiles that were key to fending off the initial phase of Russia’s 2022 invasion.

“Our meeting in Washington, at the White House on Friday, did not go the way it was supposed to be. It is regrettable that it happened this way. It is time to make things right,” Zelensky added. He said a rare earth minerals deal with the U.S.—postponed after the Oval Office row—that he was “ready to sign it in any time and in any convenient format.”

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appears to have capitulated to President Donald J. Trump after he announced a pause on U.S. aid to Ukraine, declaring, "My team and I stand ready to work under President Trump’s strong leadership to get a peace that lasts." This follows a fractious meeting in the Oval Office, where Zelensky started an argument with Vice President J.D. Vance and was chastised by Trump for his ingratitude and opposition to a ceasefire. show more
March 4, 2025
News
War
World

Vance Blasts ‘Absurdly Dishonest’ Reporting on His Ukraine Stance.

Vice President J.D. Vance has hit back at allegations he disrespected British and French forces during a recent interview, where he argued a U.S. stake in the Ukrainian economy was a “better security guarantee than 20,000 troops from some random country that hasn’t fought a war in 30 or 40 years.” Contrary to the claims of many pro-war politicians and commentators, the Vice President did not reference Britain or France directly, and he confirmed on Monday that he was not alluding to them.

“This is absurdly dishonest,” he said in response to a Westminster journalist sharing a clip of the interview on social media and asserting he was referring to British and French troops. “I don’t even mention the UK or France in the clip, both of whom have fought bravely alongside the US over the last 20 years, and beyond,” Vance stated.

Vance’s initial comments coincided with President Donald J. Trump’s decision to pause military aid to Ukraine. Defending Trump’s pause, Vance suggested that a complete withdrawal of U.S. support to Ukraine could test the commitment of European nations to filling the support gap against Russian aggression.

An Italian newspaper correspondent suggested that Vance’s remarks were unfavorable news for European leaders, including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, who have both suggested they might commit troops to Ukraine—although they want U.S. backing.

Vance emphasized that European leaders must realistically assess the situation, noting that public declarations of support for Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky differ from private discussions.

Part of the Trump-Vance strategy includes the rare earth mineral deal President Zelensky was supposed to sign last week before his disastrous meeting at the White House with the American leaders.

Despite the fallout from this meeting, reports suggest Zelensky still wants to sign the deal.

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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Vice President J.D. Vance has hit back at allegations he disrespected British and French forces during a recent interview, where he argued a U.S. stake in the Ukrainian economy was a "better security guarantee than 20,000 troops from some random country that hasn't fought a war in 30 or 40 years." Contrary to the claims of many pro-war politicians and commentators, the Vice President did not reference Britain or France directly, and he confirmed on Monday that he was not alluding to them. show more
March 4, 2025
Wake Up Right
News

Melania Trump Fights Revenge Porn.

First Lady Melania Trump made her first public appearance since returning to the White House, urging Congress to pass the Take It Down Act—a bill criminalizing the distribution of nonconsensual explicit images, including AI-generated deepfakes.

The details: Melania spoke alongside victims of online abuse, including teens targeted by AI-generated explicit images, to urge Congress to act “with a common goal, to protect our youth from online harm.”

The bill: The Take It Down Act is a bipartisan bill co-sponsored by Senators Ted Cruz and Amy Klobuchar, which would criminalize the sharing of nonconsensual intimate images (authentic or AI) with penalties of up to three years in prison. It would also require social media platforms to remove flagged content within 48 hours.

Victims: The First Lady was joined by several victims, including Elliston Berry, who at just 14 years old had a fake image of her face on a naked body circulated online. She told lawmakers:

  • “I felt responsible and ashamed to tell my parents, despite doing nothing wrong.”

Melania swipes at absent Democrats: At the event, the First Lady said: “I must admit, however, I expected to see more Democrat leaders with us here today to address this serious issue. Surely, as adults, we can prioritize America’s children ahead of partisan politics.”

Trump comments: During the event’s live broadcast, President Trump wrote on Truth Social: “Watching our First Lady now, great job!”

Next steps: The bill was passed in the Senate unanimously and will head to the House for approval before arriving on President Trump’s desk.

The last word goes to Melania, who said: “Addressing this issue is essential for fostering a safe and supportive environment for our young people.”

Be sure to subscribe to the Wake Up Right newsletter! 

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First Lady Melania Trump made her first public appearance since returning to the White House, urging Congress to pass the Take It Down Act—a bill criminalizing the distribution of nonconsensual explicit images, including AI-generated deepfakes. show more
March 4, 2025
News
War
World

Trump Pauses Funds to Ukraine.

President Donald J. Trump has paused all military funding to Ukraine after the country’s president showed disrespect at the White House and an unwillingness to broker a ceasefire with Russia. The United States is set to pause and review all military spending on Ukraine, which will affect several key areas of military capability.

Military expert and former Security Service of Ukraine officer Ivan Stupak warned of the possibility of escalated Russian attacks utilizing ballistic missiles like Kinjals and Iskanders if tensions between the U.S. and Ukraine persist.

Ukraine is heavily reliant on sophisticated U.S. air defense systems such as Patriot missiles, which Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has identified as critical in countering Russian airstrikes.

The suspension may also disrupt the maintenance and supply of other essential military equipment, including munitions for HIMARS artillery, spare parts for M1 Abrams tanks, and equipment for F-16 fighter jets.

About 55 percent of the weapons used in the ongoing conflict are produced in Ukraine, with 25 percent sourced from Europe and 20 percent from the United States.

Additionally, the pause in aid potentially includes U.S. intelligence support, which has been pivotal for Ukraine in tracking Russian military movements and targeting.

The move comes after President Volodymyr Zelensky disrespected President Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance in the Oval Office, being kicked out of the White House before the rare earth mineral deal could be signed.

President Trump has stated that Zelensky is welcome back only when he wishes to pursue peace and a ceasefire.

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President Donald J. Trump has paused all military funding to Ukraine after the country's president showed disrespect at the White House and an unwillingness to broker a ceasefire with Russia. The United States is set to pause and review all military spending on Ukraine, which will affect several key areas of military capability. show more
March 4, 2025
Immigration

NYC Eases ID Card Rules for Illegal Aliens Despite Mayor Adams’s Pledge to Support Trump’s Deportations.

In an effort spearheaded by Mayor Eric Adams, New York City has expanded the types of documentation that can be used to apply for its municipal residency ID card, IDNYC. The new rules increase the variety of documents that immigrants, including those without legal status, can present to prove city residency.

The program is intended to assist individuals in accessing services such as housing and healthcare. The change permits the use of 23 additional forms of identification, including expired driver’s licenses and prior documents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Bureau of Prisons.

First introduced in 2015 under the Bill de Blasio administration, IDNYC was designed to provide all New Yorkers, from age 10 onwards, with identification that facilitates better access to city services. Access to IDNYC has been expanded as a response to the ongoing migrant influx, with over 1.7 million cards issued since its inception.

However, the IDNYC program has faced ongoing criticism from the public and federal lawmakers like Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), who argues that it undermines federal immigration law and presents security concerns. Critics express apprehension about the absence of thorough vetting processes and the potential destruction of documentation that could aid investigations.

City officials plan to hold a public hearing on March 28 to address any adjustments needed for the ID program.

Image by Anthony Quintano.

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In an effort spearheaded by Mayor Eric Adams, New York City has expanded the types of documentation that can be used to apply for its municipal residency ID card, IDNYC. The new rules increase the variety of documents that immigrants, including those without legal status, can present to prove city residency. show more
March 3, 2025
News

Guatemalan Smugglers Arrested for Trafficking 20,000 Migrants.

Two men alleged to be central figures in a large-scale human smuggling operation have been apprehended in Los Angeles, California, as confirmed by federal prosecutors on Monday. Eduardo Domingo Renoj-Matul, also known as “Turko,” alongside his associate Cristobal Mejia-Chaj, is facing multiple charges related to the smuggling of migrants into the United States. Both individuals have pleaded not guilty to these accusations.

Court records reveal that Renoj-Matul is identified as the leader of the smuggling organization, which has been active for over a decade. The group is suspected of facilitating the unlawful entry of approximately 20,000 individuals from Guatemala into the U.S. over the past five years alone.

Following their appearance in court, a federal judge has determined that Renoj-Matul and Mejia-Chaj, both residing in the country without legal status, will remain in custody without the possibility of bail. These detention measures will remain in place as they await trial, which is set to begin in April.

This development highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to dismantle smuggling networks that aid in the unlawful movement of migrants across borders for profit. According to officials, these operations not only violate immigration laws but also often subject migrants to dangerous travel conditions and exploitative situations.

The arrests of Renoj-Matul and Mejia-Chaj are part of broader crackdowns on international smuggling rings. Authorities continue to investigate further connections and operations associated with the accused individuals.

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Two men alleged to be central figures in a large-scale human smuggling operation have been apprehended in Los Angeles, California, as confirmed by federal prosecutors on Monday. Eduardo Domingo Renoj-Matul, also known as "Turko," alongside his associate Cristobal Mejia-Chaj, is facing multiple charges related to the smuggling of migrants into the United States. Both individuals have pleaded not guilty to these accusations. show more
March 3, 2025
News

False Collision Alerts Disrupt Landings at Reagan National Airport.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is conducting an investigation following a series of apparent false alerts received by aircraft approaching Washington Reagan National Airport on Saturday. Several airliners reportedly experienced unexpected alarms from their onboard Traffic Collision Avoidance Systems (TCAS). The situation prompted air traffic controllers to communicate with incoming flights about the anomalies, according to audio records.

American Eagle flight 4469, operated by Republic Airways, received a TCAS alert while descending between 1,200 and 1,000 feet. This prompted the pilots to take evasive actions, although no other aircraft were visible. Upon landing, the pilots confirmed to air traffic controllers that the TCAS showed an “unknown target descending rapidly.”

This issue was not isolated to a single flight. At least four other American Eagle flights reported similar alerts during their final approaches. These flights included American Eagle 4538 from New York City, American Eagle 5197 from Minneapolis, American Eagle 5098 from Des Moines, and Flight 5802 from Nashville. In each case, crews indicated the system showed potential hazards, yet no physical objects were detected.

While TCAS nuisance alerts are known to occur, it is rare for multiple aircraft in one location to experience them.

The FAA confirmed that various incoming crews encountered these alerts despite no nearby aircraft, with some pilots opting for go-arounds as a precaution. The exact number of affected flights remains undetermined.

This investigation comes amid increased scrutiny at Reagan National Airport, particularly in the aftermath of January’s fatal crash involving a Black Hawk helicopter and a passenger aircraft. Earlier this year, the NTSB began examining the TCAS from that incident to glean insights into potential system malfunctions.

Image by dbking.

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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is conducting an investigation following a series of apparent false alerts received by aircraft approaching Washington Reagan National Airport on Saturday. Several airliners reportedly experienced unexpected alarms from their onboard Traffic Collision Avoidance Systems (TCAS). The situation prompted air traffic controllers to communicate with incoming flights about the anomalies, according to audio records. show more
March 3, 2025
Jack Montgomery
War

EU Spent More on Russian Energy Than Ukraine Aid in 2024.

Despite throwing its weight behind Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky following his clash with U.S. President Donald J. Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance in the Oval Office last week, the European Union (EU) turns to have put more money into the Russian economy than it supplied to Ukraine in aid last year. According to the Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air, the bloc shelled out $23 billion for Russian oil and gas in 2024, easily surpassing the $19.6 billion in aid sent to Ukraine.

Key markets such as China, India, and Turkey increased their purchase of Russian fuel, collectively contributing billions to Russia’s coffers. It is likely that much more Russian fuel was funneled into Europe through these intermediaries than the headline figure of $23 billion suggests.

Overall, Russian oil exports have fallen by only eight percent since the commencement of the Ukraine war, despite Western sanctions and trade restrictions.

European dependence on Russian fuel is complicated by challenges in alternative sourcing. According to Jonathan Bass of Argent LNG, Russian pipeline gas remains economically viable compared to other options, especially given the geopolitical risks and infrastructure limitations. Restrictions on U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports have also played a pivotal role, as European nations hesitate to fully pivot to American LNG.

President Trump has repeatedly stressed Europe’s need to do more to assist Ukraine, given the war is in its backyard, and to do more to provide for its own defense in general. As far back as his first term, the America First leader was calling out Germany, the EU’s economic powerhouse, for expecting America to protect it from Russia while enriching the Kremlin through projects such as Nord Stream, while being consistently “delinquent” in meeting its NATO spending obligations.

Image: CC-BY-4.0: © European Union 2019 – Source: EP.

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Despite throwing its weight behind Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky following his clash with U.S. President Donald J. Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance in the Oval Office last week, the European Union (EU) turns to have put more money into the Russian economy than it supplied to Ukraine in aid last year. According to the Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air, the bloc shelled out $23 billion for Russian oil and gas in 2024, easily surpassing the $19.6 billion in aid sent to Ukraine. show more