Saturday, February 7, 2026

Harvard Rejects Trump Admin Instructions to Address Anti-Semitism on Campus, Risking Federal Funding.

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What Happened: Harvard University rejected a set of funding conditions from the Trump administration aimed at addressing anti-Semitism and other civil rights issues on its campus on Monday, risking the potential loss of hundreds of millions of federal education dollars.

👥 Who’s Involved: Harvard University, President Donald J. Trump’s administration, and Harvard President Alan M. Garber.

📍 Where & When: The statement was issued by Harvard on Monday through a post on their X (formerly Twitter) account.

💬 Key Quote: “The university will not surrender its independence or relinquish its constitutional rights,” the university stated.

⚠️ Impact: Harvard risks potential federal funding cuts as it opposes the Trump administration’s conditions, which are intended to combat anti-Semitism and involve an audit of class subjects and student admission criteria adjustments.

IN FULL:

Harvard University announced on Monday that it will not comply with a set of conditions issued by President Donald J. Trump’s administration in order to continue receiving federal funding. The Trump White House previously informed the university that future federal funding would be conditioned on its adoption of a proposed series of policy changes aimed at combating antisemitism on campus, eliminating its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, and additional screening of international students for potential terrorist sympathies.

“The university will not surrender its independence or relinquish its constitutional rights,” Harvard University posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, announcing its decision to refuse the government’s funding conditions. Meanwhile, students, teachers, and staff were notified of the university’s decision in a note from Harvard President Alan Garber.

“No government—regardless of which party is in power—should dictate what private universities can teach, whom they can admit and hire, and which areas of study and inquiry they can pursue,” Garber wrote, alleging: “Although some of the demands outlined by the government are aimed at combating antisemitism, the majority represent direct governmental regulation of the ‘intellectual conditions’ at Harvard.”

Harvard’s decision to reject the Trump administration proposal could imperil nearly $9 billion in federal funding. Earlier this year, President Trump moved to cut an estimated $400 million in federal funding earmarked for Columbia University over the school’s failure to handle pro-Hamas and antisemitic protests on campus. The Trump administration has also cut $500 million in funding for Brown University, again citing the school’s failure to address anti-Semitic incidents and pro-Hamas demonstrators.

Additional schools seeing significant funding cuts include Cornell University, which has lost $1 billion in federal dollars, and Northwestern University, which saw a cut of around $790 million.

Image by Joseph Williams.

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U.S. Deports More Violent Illegals, Including Tren de Aragua Gang Members, to El Salvador.

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What Happened: The Trump administration deported another 10 violent illegal immigrants to El Salvador this past weekend, where they will be held at the country’s CECOT prison facility used to house dangerous criminals and gang members.

👥 Who’s Involved: President Donald J. Trump, President Nayib Bukele, federal immigration officials, and 10 violent criminal illegal immigrants—including five members of Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua gang.

📍 Where & When: The United States and El Salvador’s CECOT prison, the weekend of April 11-13, 2025.

💬 Key Quote: “He’s taking care of a lot of problems that we have that we really wouldn’t be able to take care of from a cost standpoint. And he’s… been amazing. We have some very bad people in that prison. People that should have never been allowed into our country,” said President Trump regarding El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele.

⚠️ Impact: The 10 new deportees join over 200 other violent illegal immigrant criminals that the Trump administration has removed from the United States and sent to El Salvador as federal immigration officials continue to enact President Trump’s mass deportation policy.

IN FULL:

Federal immigration enforcement agents removed another 10 violent, illegal immigrant criminals from the United States over the weekend, placing them aboard a government flight bound for El Salvador. The Trump White House has deported over 200 illegal immigrants who have committed violent crimes or are identified as members of dangerous gangs to the Central American nation since reaching an agreement in February with El Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele to house deportees in his country’s CECOT super-prison.

Senior administration officials indicated that five of the 10 illegal immigrants—all either Venezuelan or El Salvadoran nationals—deported to CECOT were confirmed as members of the violent Tren de Aragua gang. The other five deportees were considered active threats to American citizens, having a litany of prior convictions for assault, rape, robbery, and making terroristic threats.

The latest deportations come as President Trump hosted Bukele at the White House on Monday, with the aim of further solidifying the relationship between the United States and El Salvador. Ensuring continued access and use of El Salvador’s CECOT prison is a key goal for the Trump White House, with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stating last week that thousands more illegal immigrants may soon be sent to the facility.

“I want to thank you for the great job you’re doing. I appreciate it,” Trump said during a press event with the El Salvadoran leader in the Oval Office.

Responding, President Bukele emphasized his commitment to assisting the Trump administration’s deportation actions, stating: “We’re very eager to help. We know you have a crime problem, a terrorism problem you need help with. If we can help, we can do it.”

 

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Former Anti-Corruption Chief Wanted on Corruption Charges.

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What Happened: A court in Bangladesh has issued an arrest warrant for Tulip Siddiq, a Member of Parliament (MP) for Britain’s governing Labour Party, in connection with corruption charges related to land acquisition. Until recently, Siddiq was Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s Anti-Corruption Minister.

👥 Who’s Involved: Tulip Siddiq, the niece of Bangladesh’s ex-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, along with her family members, including Hassina, are involved in the case.

📍 Where & When: The warrant was issued in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on April 13.

💬 Key Quote: Siddiq’s lawyers claim the charges are “politically motivated.”

⚠️ Impact: The case has raised political tension between Bangladesh and Britain’s far-left government.

IN FULL:

A Bangladeshi court has issued an arrest warrant for Tulip Siddiq, a British Member of Parliament (MP), amidst mounting political tension involving her family. Siddiq, the niece of Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, faces allegations of corruption linked to the illegal acquisition of land in a government project near Dhaka. The warrant, issued by Senior Special Judge Zakir Hossain of Dhaka Metropolitan, followed the receiving of charges in three cases filed by the country’s Anti-Corruption Commission.

According to reports, the legal proceedings also implicate over 50 others, including Siddiq’s mother, Sheikh Rehana, and brother, Radwan Siddiq. However, both Siddiq’s and Hasina’s camp have condemned the charges as attempts to tarnish the family’s reputation.

Siddiq, who stepped down from Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s government—in which she served as Anti-Corruption Minister—in January, was allegedly involved in a controversial 2013 nuclear power plant deal between Bangladesh and Russia, which purportedly involved financial misconduct.

Siddiq first emerged in British politics as a municipal councilor before being elected to represent a London electoral district in Parliament in 2015. She rose rapidly within the Labour Party, being promoted to a government role following Prime Minister Starmer’s election win last July.

Labour won a large majority in Parliament but with a historically low number and share of the vote, and their polling numbers have slumped amid several controversies. Brexit leader Nigel Farage’s Reform Party has surpassed Labour in many recent polls.

Image via House of Commons.

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Teen Boy Thrown to His Death from Apartment Building by Syrian Migrants.

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What Happened: A 15-year-old boy has been killed in Hamburg, Germany, after being thrown from the eighth floor of a 14-story high-rise by a group of Syrian men who forced their way into his apartment.

👥 Who’s Involved: The victim was a 15-year-old Iraqi boy; according to Hamburg police. His attackers were four Syrian teenagers and young men (16, 17, 20, 20) and a 22-year-old Iraqi woman.

📍 Where & When: Hamburg, Germany, last night.

💬 Key Quote: “The bad thing is that children are growing up in Hamburg (and not only there) who don’t know anything else about life—they will increasingly perceive such conditions as ‘normal.'” — Sven Wendorf, Member of the German Bundestag (parliament).

⚠️ Impact: The home invasion and subsequent murder is the latest violent attack perpetrated by migrants in Germany, which has seen voters flock to the nationalist and populist Alternative for Germany (AfD) party as a result of migrant crime.

IN FULL:

A 15-year-old boy of Iraqi origin fell to his death in Hamburg, Germany, after a group of Syrian migrants forced their way into his apartment and pushed him from the eighth floor of the 14-story building. According to Hamburg police, a group of Syrian teenagers and young men aged between 16 and 20, along with a 22-year-old Iraqi woman, have been detained as suspects in the attack.

Hamburg police state that the attack took place last night, with firefighters and emergency personnel arriving at the Soltauer Ring apartment complex and discovering the victim at around 1:15 AM. First responders attempted emergency resuscitation on the teenage victim; however, according to police, the 15-year-old boy died shortly thereafter.

Witnesses told police that the group of Syrian migrants had forced their way into the teenager’s apartment and that a loud argument ensued. Reportedly, the situation subsequently escalated with the group of Syrian men attacking those present in the apartment, culminating in the 15-year-old boy being pushed to his death. At least three men, aged between 17 and 22, witnessed the attack and provided descriptions of the perpetrators to police.

While the attackers had fled the scene, Hamburg police were able to locate the group of Syrian migrants and the Iraqi woman based on the witness descriptions. After a brief manhunt, police found the suspects traveling in two taxis in Hamburg’s Hammerbrook district.

“The bad thing is that children are growing up in Hamburg (and not only there) who don’t know anything else about life – they will increasingly perceive such conditions as ‘normal,'” said Sven Wendorf, Member of the German Bundestag (parliament), in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

The National Pulse previously reported in March that a vehicle attack left two dead and dozens injured in Mannheim, Germany. Meanwhile, late last year, five people were killed and over 200 injured when a Saudi migrant allegedly plowed a car through a crowd at a Magdeburg, Germany, Christmas market.

Image by Shark1989z.

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Trump Partially Exempts Smartphones, Laptops from Tariffs.

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What Happened: The Trump administration has granted a temporary tariff exemption for various electronics, including smartphones and laptops, amidst ongoing trade tensions with China.

👥 Who’s Involved: The Trump administration, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and tech companies reliant on these imports.

📍 Where & When: The exemptions are effective retroactively from April 5, announced on Friday night.

💬 Key Quote: “These products are subject to the existing 20 percent Fentanyl Tariffs, and they are just moving to a different Tariff ‘bucket,'” President Donald J. Trump explained.

⚠️ Impact: The exemptions provide temporary relief for tech companies and consumers while keeping on pressure to “reshore” manufacturing to the U.S. over the longer term.

IN FULL:

The Trump administration has rolled out a temporary reprieve from some tariffs for various everyday electronics, easing pressures on tech companies and consumers while maintaining pressure on China. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) revised its tariff guidelines Friday night, itemizing 20 product categories now exempt from reciprocal tariffs.

Effective retroactively to April 5, the exemptions cover laptops and smartphones, among other electronics. On Truth Social, President Donald J. Trump explained, “NOBODY is getting ‘off the hook’ for the unfair Trade Balances, and Non Monetary Tariff Barriers, that other Countries have used against us, especially not China,” and that the products will still be “subject to the existing 20 percent Fentanyl Tariffs… they are just moving to a different Tariff ‘bucket.’ We are taking a look at Semiconductors and the WHOLE ELECTRONICS SUPPLY CHAIN in the upcoming National Security Tariff Investigations.”

The exemptions provide for refunds of tariffs collected post-April 5. Trump officials have emphasized the temporary nature of this measure, stressing potential new semiconductor-specific tariffs within months.

Desktop computers—including components like disc drives—are included in the exemption list alongside laptops and smartphones under “automatic data processing machines and units thereof.” Computer parts, solid-state drives, flat-panel display modules, routers, and various semiconductor products are also covered, accounting for sectors with high import needs and—for now—limited domestic output.

Dan Ives of Wedbush Securities called the move “a game-changer scenario when it comes to China tariffs.” China has been one of the only countries to attempt a reciprocal battle with the United States over President Trump’s new tariffs. Last week, the one-party communist dictatorship accused the U.S. of “bullying and coercion” while imposing 125 percent tariffs on American goods. However, such measures are of limited usefulness, with China as a surplus economy, selling far more to the U.S. than vice versa.

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Jack Montgomery contributed to this report.

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REVEALED: Anti-Trump Democrat Mayor Received Over $300K from Suspected CCP Influence Operative.

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What Happened: A probe reveals Boston Mayor Michelle Wu’s 2021 campaign received substantial donations from a Chinese association-linked fundraiser.

👥 Who’s Involved: Mayor Michelle Wu, fundraiser Gary Yu, and the United Front Work Department (UFWD), an intelligence and recruitment agency operated by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

📍 Where & When: Donations were made in the U.S. during Wu’s 2021 campaign; Wu has risen to prominence in the Democratic Party in 2025 as a leading anti-Trump, pro-open borders figure.

💬 Key Quote: “There is no ethnic Chinese official in America who is not targeted. It’s time for law enforcement to investigate the CCP’s ties to Gary Yu and Yu’s ties to Mayor Michelle Wu.” – Gordon Chang, China expert

⚠️ Impact: Concerns over foreign influence in U.S. politics, potential investigations into Wu’s campaign contributions.

IN FULL:

A recent investigation has found that Boston Mayor Michelle Wu’s 2021 campaign received over $300,000 from a fundraiser reportedly tied to a Chinese Communist Party (CCP) influence agency. The contributions to the Democrat mayor’s campaign were raised with the assistance of the New England Chinese American Alliance (NECAA), a civic association led by Gary Yu, who serves as the group’s co-chairman.

The investigation found that Yu—the founder of Boston International Media Consulting, whose real name is Yu Guoliang—is also listed as an official with the United Front Work Department (UFWD), an intelligence department of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Notably, the UFWD is tasked with recruiting members of the Chinese diaspora to act as intelligence assets and manage the CCP’s foreign influence operations. In his role with the UFWD, Yu operates as a talent recruiter—raising questions about potential foreign influence operations targeting Wu and other Massachusetts government officials.

Using the NECAA, Yu has positioned himself as a significant campaign contribution bundler for the Massachusetts Democratic Party. Campaign finance records show Yu has donated considerable sums to various Democratic politicians in the state, including Governor Maura Healey (D-MA), State Auditor Diana DiZoglio, and Michelle Wu.

“There is no ethnic Chinese official in America who is not targeted. It’s time for law enforcement to investigate the CCP’s ties to Gary Yu and Yu’s ties to Mayor Michelle Wu,” noted attorney and CCP expert Gordan Chang during a recent interview. “Wu’s ultra-leftism makes her the perfect candidate for CCP recruitment and capture. Or do we have it backward? Is her ultra-leftism the result of CCP recruitment and capture?” he added.

Mayor Wu has emerged as a leading anti-Trump voice in the Democratic Party, declaring in March that Boston will remain a sanctuary city and resist efforts by federal immigration officials to detain and deport illegal immigrants. “Come high water or hell—no matter who threatens to bring it—Boston has stood up for the people we love and the country we built. And we’re not stopping now,” Wu declared during her State of the City address last month, adding: “God save whoever messes with Boston.”

Image by Peter Souza.

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Arizona to Purge Up to 50K Noncitizens from Voter Rolls.

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What Happened: Arizona’s 15 counties have initiated a process to verify and remove noncitizens from their voter lists. Nearly 50,000 registrations without proof of U.S. citizenship are under review.

👥 Who’s Involved: America First Legal (AFL) led the initiative, filing a lawsuit on behalf of EZAZ.org and naturalized citizen Yvonne Cahill. The counties are collaborating with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for verification.

📍 Where & When: This process is occurring across all counties in Arizona, set into motion after a lawsuit was filed last year.

💬 Key Quote: James Rogers, AFL senior counsel, stated, “This settlement is a great result for all Arizonans.”

⚠️ Impact: The verification effort aims to secure election integrity by ensuring only citizens can vote in state and local elections. Confirmed citizens will be transferred to regular voter lists, while noncitizens will have their registrations canceled.

IN FULL:

Arizona election officials have started verifying the citizenship status of registered voters following a legal settlement stemming from a lawsuit filed late last year. The verification process includes reviewing the state’s “federal-only voters” list, which comprises approximately 50,000 registrants who have not provided proof of U.S. citizenship. State law mandates that voters on the list undergo verification in order to participate in state and local elections.

The voter roll purge resulted from a lawsuit filed by America First Legal (AFL) on behalf of EZAZ.org and Yvonne Cahill, a naturalized citizen and registered voter. AFL’s lawsuit argued that the counties failed to adhere to state legislation demanding monthly checks for noncitizens among voter rolls. As a result of the settlement, Arizona’s 15 counties are working with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to validate the status of voters. County officials previously faced criticism for not utilizing available resources to check citizenship, which Arizona law requires.

Although the U.S. Supreme Court in 2013 prevented states from enforcing voter registration requirements beyond the federal obligation to affirm citizenship, Arizona law continues to enforce proof of citizenship for voting in state and local elections. The state law also requires monthly verification by county recorders to ensure registrants on the so-called “federal-only” list, which includes nearly 50,000 individuals, hold U.S. citizenship.

“This will help County Recorders find and remove any aliens on their voter rolls,” says AFL’s James Rogers, adding: “It will also potentially enfranchise federal-only voters whose citizenship is confirmed, which would allow them to vote in state and local elections. AFL congratulates each of Arizona’s 15 county recorders for taking this bold and important step for election integrity in the state.”

Image by Wing-Chi Poon.

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Trump White House Announces ‘Extraordinary’ Holy Week Observance.

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❓What Happened: The White House is organizing a series of events to celebrate Holy Week and Easter, led by President Donald Trump.

👥 Who’s Involved: President Donald Trump, White House Faith Office, Jennifer Korn, Karoline Leavitt, Pastor Paula White.

📍 Where & When: White House, during Holy Week leading up to Easter.

💬 Key Quote: “The White House Faith Office has put together an extraordinary weeklong celebration for Holy Week ahead of Easter Sunday,” said Karoline Leavitt.

⚠️ Impact: The events will emphasize Trump’s commitment to the Christian faith and mark a contrast to the previous administration’s Easter observance.

IN FULL:

The White House has announced a series of Holy Week events led by President Donald Trump, organized by the newly established White House Faith Office. The week of observance ahead of Easter will include the issuance of a Holy Week proclamation, a special video message, an Easter dinner, and a worship service for White House staff.

President Trump’s Easter proclamation is anticipated on Palm Sunday, marking the beginning of Holy Week. This declaration is expected to emphasize his commitment to defending the Christian faith in various societal sectors, including schools, the military, workplaces, hospitals, and government institutions.

On Monday, a Holy Week video message from the president is slated for release. Later in the week, President Trump will host an Easter dinner at the White House. Attendees will include pastors, priests, and faith leaders, along with key staff including White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, Pastor Paula White, and faith director Jennifer Korn. The event will feature hymns from the Marine Corps Band, a performance by Christian opera singer Charles Billingsley, as well as prayers and remarks from President Trump.

Holy Thursday will see a White House staff worship service led by prominent religious figures like the Rev. Franklin Graham, Pastor Greg Laurie, and Pastor Jentezen Franklin. Music for the service will be provided by an ensemble from Liberty University.

Past statements from Leavitt highlighted these observances as contrasting with actions from the previous administration, particularly referencing the establishment of March 31 as Transgender Day of Visibility by President Joe Biden in 2024.

The creation of the White House Faith Office by Trump aims to fulfill a promise made to millions of Christians across the country, emphasizing the current administration’s commitment to religious observance during this significant time on the Christian calendar.

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Collusion: France Distributing Life Jackets to Illegal Boat Migrants.

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What Happened: An audio recording revealed communications between the British Border Force and the French Navy about returning life jackets loaned to migrants crossing the Channel.

👥 Who’s Involved: British Border Force, French Navy, and migrants crossing the English Channel.

📍 Where & When: English Channel between the UK and France.

💬 Key Quote: “We can arrange to return your life jackets. Can you confirm how many are on board?” — British Border Force to French Navy.

⚠️ Impact: Record numbers of migrants crossing have been observed under Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

IN FULL:

New audio recordings between the British Border Force and the French Navy provide further evidence that France has been helping migrants looking to make the perilous journey across the English Channel. The French appear to be handing out life jackets to boat migrants—and Border Force, apparently unconcerned, is arranging to return them after escorting the migrants to English shores.

“We can arrange to return your life jackets. Can you confirm how many [migrants] are on board?” the Border Force can be heard asking their French Navy counterparts.

The revelation comes amid a surge of migrants attempting to cross the Channel. Recent data show that over 7,200 people have made the journey so far this year, setting a record and marking a 33 percent increase compared to the same period last year. The National Pulse reported in early March that one location recently saw nearly 600 migrants arrive by boat in one day.

Labour Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s government has taken limited legal action against those operating the boats. Government data highlighted that this year, only five individuals have been convicted for piloting migrant boats.

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More Lawfare Firms Bend the Knee to Trump Admin.

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What Happened: President Donald J. Trump announced agreements with five major law firms to provide pro bono services worth hundreds of millions of dollars for causes supported by him and the firms. The law firms include Kirkland & Ellis LLP, Allen Overy Shearman Sterling US LLP, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, Latham & Watkins LLP, and Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP.

👥 Who’s Involved: President Trump; the law firms Kirkland & Ellis LLP, Allen Overy Shearman Sterling US LLP, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, Latham & Watkins LLP, and Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP; and the EEOC.

📍 Where & When: Announced on Truth Social, the agreements were publicized on Friday, April 11.

💬 Key Quote: “The Law Firms affirm that they will not deny representation to clients, such as members of politically disenfranchised groups and Government Officials, employees, and advisors, who have not historically received Legal representation from major National Law Firms, including in pro bono matters, and in support of non-profits, because of the personal political views of individual lawyers,” Trump’s Truth Social post states.

⚠️ Impact: The pro bono pledges have exceeded $900 million, bringing to heel a number of major law firms that have sought to undermine the Trump agenda by assisting lawfare efforts in recent years.

IN FULL:

President Donald J. Trump has revealed commitments from five prominent law firms to deliver pro bono services totaling $600 million for various causes they mutually endorse. The firms joining this initiative include Kirkland & Ellis LLP, Allen Overy Shearman Sterling US LLP, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, Latham & Watkins LLP, and Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP, with the latter contributing $100 million. Services pledged by these firms will span supporting veterans, military families, law enforcement, and first responders, as well as addressing fairness in the justice system and combating anti-Semitism, according to statements released by Trump.

Trump’s announcement, made on Truth Social, noted that these legal entities will not partake in “illegal” diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) activities. The decision is also linked to the recent withdrawal of inquiries from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), with Trump referencing this move as part of an agreement.

“The Law Firms affirm their commitment to Merit-Based Hiring, Promotion, and Retention. Accordingly, the Law Firms will not engage in illegal DEI discrimination and preferences,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, adding: “The Law Firms affirm that they will not deny representation to clients, such as members of politically disenfranchised groups and Government Officials, employees, and advisors, who have not historically received Legal representation from major National Law Firms, including in pro bono matters, and in support of non-profits, because of the personal political views of individual lawyers.”

This development marks a significant expansion in the scale of legal services committed on a pro bono basis, notably for causes that are perceived to align closely with the Trump administration’s priorities. The total value of these pro bono pledges by law firms has now surpassed $900 million. Trump highlighted the bipartisan nature of the pro bono work to be undertaken, asserting that it will uphold a wide range of political perspectives, including conservative values.

These agreements come after Trump earlier enacted Executive Orders that penalized certain high-profile law firms. The law firms involved have previously been noted for engaging in lawfare efforts against Trump or employing individuals who have pursued dubious legal actions against him to hamper his 2024 presidential campaign and political agenda.

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