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Category: News
April 14, 2025
Election Integrity

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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April 13, 2025
Religion

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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April 12, 2025
Immigration
UK

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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April 11, 2025
Lawfare
Politics

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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April 11, 2025
Corruption
Election Integrity

Rep. Jasmine Crockett Faces FEC Scrutiny Over ActBlue Donations.

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❓What Happened: The Federal Elections Commission (FEC) has initiated an investigation into Representative Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) over campaign donations made through ActBlue.

👥 Who’s Involved: Rep. Jasmine Crockett, the FEC, conservative advocacy group Coolidge-Reagan Foundation, and ActBlue.

📍 Where & When: The complaint was filed in March 2025; the FEC notified the group on April 2, 2025.

💬 Key Quote: FEC assistant general counsel Wanda D. Brown informed, “The respondents will be notified of this complaint within five business days.”

⚠️ Impact: The scrutiny could impact Rep. Crockett’s campaign financing and bring attention to ActBlue’s fundraising operations.

IN FULL:

The Federal Elections Commission (FEC) has initiated an inquiry into donations to Rep. Jasmine Crockett‘s (D-TX) campaign. The inquiry will focus on contributions made via ActBlue, a platform for Democratic fundraising currently under increased scrutiny over allegations centered on foreign straw donations.

According to the FEC, its investigation seeks to determine whether donations made through ActBlue and designated for Crockett’s campaign adhere to federal campaign finance laws, given suspicious patterns in when the contributions were made.

A March 2025 complaint by the Coolidge-Reagan Foundation, a conservative advocacy organization, prompted the FEC’s action. The group has raised concerns over the nature of the fundraising activities linked to Rep. Crockett and allegations of voter intimidation. On April 2, 2025, the FEC formally communicated its intent to review these matters to the foundation.

Dan Becker, attorney for the Coolidge-Reagan Foundation, was informed of the investigation through a letter from FEC’s assistant general counsel for complaints examination and legal administration, Wanda D. Brown. Brown indicated that the parties involved would be notified promptly, and any additional information gathered would be shared with the Office of the General Counsel.

At the core of the complaint is a case involving a donor, reportedly linked to 53 individual donations amounting to $595 made using the ActBlue portal. These donations were attributed to a 73-year-old Texas resident, Randy Bes. However, Bes’s spouse reportedly denied knowledge of these transactions. This has led to further suspicion regarding the legitimacy of such donations, possibly mirroring a pattern seen amongst other contributions.

“Rep. Crockett, through her principal campaign committee Respondent Jasmine for U.S., has received thousands of other donations through ActBlue totaling over $870,000,” the complaint filed with the FEC states, before continuing: “It is unclear how many of these are similarly fraudulent transactions, made in the name of unsuspecting innocent people who did not actually provide the funds.”

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April 11, 2025
Immigration

This European Country Has Started Sending Illegals to Detention Centers Overseas.

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❓What Happened: Forty migrants with no permission to remain in Italy have been transferred to Italian-run centers in Albania, marking the first time a European Union (EU) country sent rejected migrants outside the EU to a country that is neither their country of origin nor a transit destination.

👥 Who’s Involved: The Italian government, the Albanian authorities, and migration experts.

📍 Where & When: Italian media reported on April 11 that the migrants left Brindisi, Italy, towards centers in Shengjin and Gjader, Albania.

💬 Key Quote: “It is a new, courageous, unprecedented path, but one that perfectly reflects the European spirit and has all the makings of a path to be taken with other non-EU nations as well.” — Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

⚠️ Impact: The legality of this action under EU law is in question, with concerns from rights groups over potential violations of so-called asylum rights. However, if successful, the initiative by Italy could set a precedent for similar actions by other EU countries.

IN FULL:

Italy has initiated the transfer of 40 illegal migrants to detention centers in Albania. It is the first instance of a European Union (EU) country sending rejected migrants to a non-EU nation that is neither their point of origin nor a transit destination. This move instituted by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s administration has raised legal uncertainties and attracted attention from leftist groups who claim it compromises the right to seek asylum.

The migrants embarked from the Italian port of Brindisi and are being housed in Italian-managed facilities in Shengjin and Gjader, Albania. These centers were initially intended to process the asylum requests of individuals intercepted in the Mediterranean Sea, although their purpose seems to be shifting under new decrees. The Albanian facilities came into existence through an agreement with Italy worth 800 million euros over five years, allowing a significant monthly number of migrants to be processed or repatriated.

Australia largely ended seaborne illegal immigration through Operation Sovereign Borders, which saw would-be asylum seekers transferred to safe third countries years ago, but Italy is the first European nation to implement a similar policy. Britain’s former Conservative government funded a scheme to transfer migrants to Rwanda but allowed it to be bogged down in lawfare for years, with the new Labour Party government canceling it as soon as they were elected last summer.

The measure parallels proposals from the European Commission advocating for “return hubs” across EU member states, although approval remains pending. Legal experts and “human rights” organizations are closely watching the situation, as Italy’s example may inspire similar policies in other EU nations, with the Netherlands reportedly considering transferring migrants to Uganda.

Italy is also curbing migrant inflows by strengthening its border policies. This year has seen a reduction in migrant arrivals to Italian shores, dropping to just under 11,000. Last year, Italy saw over 66,000 illegals arrive by sea. Primary arrivals in 2025 are from Bangladesh, Syria, Tunisia, and Egypt.

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April 11, 2025
Education

Michigan Refuses to Comply with Trump DEI Order.

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❓What Happened: The state of Michigan has decided not to comply with a directive from the Department of Education demanding schools eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

👥 Who’s Involved: President Donald J. Trump, Michigan Superintendent Michael Rice, Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Craig Trainor.

📍 Where & When: Michigan, United States.

💬 Key Quote: Michigan State Superintendent Michael Rice insisted, “Pre-K-12 programs that promote diversity representing all children, regardless of race, and inclusion of all children, regardless of race, do not inherently harm particular groups of children and are not de facto violations of Title VI.”

⚠️ Impact: This position underscores Michigan’s commitment to DEI initiatives, while other states, like Indiana, have chosen to comply with federal directives. The national discourse on the legality and value of DEI initiatives in education continues.

IN FULL:

Michigan is rejecting a federally imposed directive demanding schools cut diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. The move comes in response to a recent memo from the Department of Education. The Trump administration’s directive urged schools nationwide to align with its interpretation of federal civil rights law, which limits the use of racial considerations in education settings.

Michigan State Superintendent Michael Rice asserts that the state adheres to all federal civil rights mandates. He emphasized the importance of DEI efforts, proclaiming them both lawful and vital. Rice contends that “Pre-K-12 programs that promote diversity representing all children, regardless of race, and inclusion of all children, regardless of race, do not inherently harm particular groups of children and are not de facto violations of Title VI.”

The February memo from the Department of Education mandates that educational institutions cease using racial preferences in decisions regarding admissions and scholarships and outlines potential consequences for noncompliance, including investigations or loss of federal funding. However, a number of state education leaders have joined Michigan in resisting the Trump administration directive, including in Colorado, New York, Pennsylvania, and Illinois. Each state claims it already meets federal civil rights guidelines.

Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Craig Trainor argues that DEI initiatives lead to discrimination, favoring one group over another. “For decades, schools have been operating on the pretext that selecting students for ‘diversity’ or similar euphemisms is not selecting them based on race. No longer. Students should be assessed according to merit, accomplishment, and character—not prejudged by the color of their skin,” Trainor stated in February. He warned: “The Office for Civil Rights will enforce that commitment.”

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April 11, 2025
Immigration
NatSec

Immigrants on Terror Watchlist Granted Medicaid Benefits.

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❓What Happened: The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) revealed that a group of 6,300 individuals admitted into the U.S. under the Biden regime were identified to have criminal records or were on the terrorist watchlist and subsequently able to obtain government benefits like Medicaid.

👥 Who’s Involved: The individuals were processed by Border Patrol and identified by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) during Joe Biden’s term of office.

📍 Where & When: These incidents have been occurring since at least 2023 within the United States.

💬 Key Quote: The Department of Government Efficiency stated that these paroles “have since been terminated with immediate effect.”

⚠️ Impact: Paroled individuals were able to receive social security numbers and file for work authorization. It was found that 905 individuals accessed Medicaid, 41 collected unemployment benefits, 22 received federal student loans, 409 received tax refunds, and several benefited from Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payouts.

IN FULL:

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) announced that Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has identified a cohort of 6,300 individuals admitted into the United States without legal status who are listed on the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Terrorist Screening Center watchlist or possess criminal records. According to DOGE, almost all of these illegal immigrants were admitted and paroled into the United States by the former Biden government.

Despite lacking official legal status, these paroled individuals filed for work permits and were granted social security numbers. Subsequently, they were able to obtain access to various government benefits, raising concerns regarding eligibility and oversight failures.

Among the identified 6,300 people, 905 were found to be registered for Medicaid, including four individuals on the terrorist watchlist, accruing $276,000 in expenses. Additionally, 41 individuals collected unemployment insurance worth $42,000, and 22 had federal student loans totaling $280,000.

Furthermore, 409 individuals received tax refunds totaling $751,000 in 2024 alone. Several have also reportedly accessed benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) program, commonly known as food stamps. The investigation into the exact number of SNAP recipients continues.

The Department of Government Efficiency stated that these paroles “have since been terminated with immediate effect.” However, the revelations have prompted questions within the government regarding the rigor of current screening processes and the mechanisms in place for vetting individuals.

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April 11, 2025
Immigration

Court Sides with Trump, Illegal Immigrants Must Register Federally.

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❓What Happened: A federal judge ruled in favor of the Trump administration, requiring anyone in the U.S. illegally to register with the federal government and carry documentation.

👥 Who’s Involved: Judge Trevor Neil McFadden, President Donald J. Trump, and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem were central figures in this ruling, alongside the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

📍 Where & When: The ruling occurred in a federal court and will go into effect Friday.

💬 Key Quote: DHS Secretary Kristi Noem stated, “President Trump and I have a clear message for those in our country illegally: leave now. If you leave now, you may have the opportunity to return and enjoy our freedom and live the American dream.”

⚠️ Impact: The ruling enforces a longstanding requirement, extending to non-U.S. citizens who must register and provide fingerprints. Noncompliance can lead to fines, imprisonment, or deportation.

IN FULL:

A federal judge upheld the Trump administration’s policy requiring individuals in the U.S. illegally to register with federal authorities and carry documentation or else face stiff financial and criminal penalties. On Thursday, U.S. District Court Judge Trevor Neil McFadden ruled that a group challenging this requirement lacked the standing necessary for their claims to be considered. The decision will begin to take effect on Friday.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) emphasized that individuals without legal status who have been within U.S. borders for longer than 30 days must comply with this registration requirement. “President Trump and I have a clear message for those in our country illegally: leave now. If you leave now, you may have the opportunity to return and enjoy our freedom and live the American dream,” DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said, reiterating that illegal immigrants should leave the United States before they are either forcibly deported or face other legal action.

President Donald J. Trump‘s imposition of the registration requirement and financial penalties for those who fail to comply is rooted in provisions in the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952. The legislation outlines various measures to monitor illegal immigrants and encourage them to depart voluntarily.

Adhering to these provisions requires anyone aged 14 and older without legal status to provide their fingerprints and current address. Canadians staying in the U.S. for over 30 days also fall under this mandate. The Trump administration underscores the importance of these laws for maintaining national safety and security.

The registration concept isn’t new, having been applied more stringently after September 11, 2001. Back then, males 16 and older from select countries were required to register, a program that was later suspended in 2011 and ultimately dissolved in 2016.

The DHS has been proactive in notifying illegal immigrants since February, warning of substantial consequences for those who fail to comply.

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April 11, 2025
Economy
News

China Imposes 125% Tariffs, Accuses Trump of ‘Bullying and Coercion.’

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❓What Happened: China increased tariffs on U.S. goods to 125 percent in response to U.S. tariff hikes on Chinese products.

👥 Who’s Involved: China, the United States, President Donald J. Trump, and the Chinese Ministry of Finance.

📍 Where & When: The announcement was made on Friday.

💬 Key Quote: “The U.S.’s imposition of abnormally high tariffs on China seriously violates international economic and trade rules…” claims China’s Ministry of Finance.

⚠️ Impact: U.S. products, including soybeans, pharmaceutical drugs, and airplanes, are affected; tensions between the two nations rise, with implications for international trade systems.

IN FULL:

Beijing is striking back against the United States, imposing a 125 percent tariff on American goods. The move follows U.S. President Donald J. Trump clarifying on Thursday that the effective tariff rate on Chinese imports now stands at 145 percent, up from the previous 125 percent.

Among American goods falling under the new Chinese import duties are soybeans, pharmaceuticals, and aircraft. The duty on soybeans is likely to be the most impactful, as while China exports far more to the United States than it imports, the American goods that China does buy tend to be agricultural.

In announcing the new trade measures, the  Chinese Ministry of Finance accused the United States of violating international trade norms and engaging in economic coercion. “The U.S.’s imposition of abnormally high tariffs on China seriously violates international economic and trade rules,” claimed the ministry.

The U.S. had cited China’s involvement in the fentanyl trade as a factor for the tariff increase. President Donald J. Trump has been vocal about what he perceives as China’s long-standing unfair trade practices against the U.S., cautioning Beijing against further retaliation. Trump’s recent statements emphasize the need for China to recognize that its economic practices are unsustainable.

In response to the U.S. tariffs, Chinese officials maintain that the new rates leave no viable market for American exports to China. “If the U.S. continues to impose tariffs on Chinese goods exported to the U.S., China will ignore it,” the Chinese ministry remarked. However, it is important to note that China—a surplus economy—is far more reliant on the U.S. purchasing Chinese goods than vice-versa.

China appears to have halted efforts to defend its currency, the yuan Renminbi, against the U.S. tariffs. After initially devaluing earlier in the week, the yuan began to appreciate again last night. Notably, the Chinese purposefully devalue the yuan to give the country’s exports a competitive advantage in global trade.

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