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Monday, September 15, 2025

Category: News
August 8, 2025
News

Trump Admin Ends Final Vestiges of Biden Govt’s Vax Policies for Federal Workers.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The Trump administration has directed federal agencies to erase employees’ COVID-19 vaccine status from their records, including noncompliance with mandates and exemption requests.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM), federal agencies, and Feds For Freedom, a nonprofit representing 9,000 federal employees.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The directive is expected to be issued Friday, following a settlement announced Wednesday involving the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Feds For Freedom.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Things got out of hand during the pandemic, and federal workers were fired, punished, or sidelined for simply making a personal medical decision. That should never have happened.” – OPM Director Scott Kupor

🎯IMPACT: Federal agencies will no longer consider COVID-19 vaccine status in hiring, promotion, or disciplinary decisions, ensuring no lingering effects from prior mandates.

IN FULL

According to a federal government memo, the Trump administration is finalizing the removal of a Biden government-era policy by directing federal agencies to scrub employees’ COVID-19 vaccine status from their records. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is set to issue a directive instructing agencies to delete any data related to vaccine compliance, exemption requests, or noncompliance with mandates.

The guidance also prohibits agencies from considering an individual’s COVID-19 vaccine status in hiring or employment decisions. “Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, we’re making sure the excesses of that era do not have lingering effects on federal workers,” OPM Director Scott Kupor stated.

The announcement follows a settlement reached Wednesday between the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the nonprofit Feds For Freedom, which sued over the Biden government’s vaccine mandate for federal workers. The group, representing 9,000 federal employees, had successfully obtained an injunction in 2022 that paused the federal vaccine mandate, which President Biden formally revoked in May 2023.

Biden’s original Executive Order, issued shortly after he took office in 2021, required federal workers to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Following the revocation, OPM issued guidance advising agencies to ensure that job postings no longer included compliance with the rescinded mandate as a requirement.

The new OPM memo reiterates and expands upon prior guidance, stating that federal agencies “may not use an individual’s COVID-19 vaccine status, history of noncompliance with prior COVID-19 vaccine mandates, or requests for exemptions from such mandates in any employment-related decisions, including but not limited to hiring, promotion, discipline, or termination.”

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August 8, 2025
Immigration
Lawfare

Appeals Court Throws Out Boasberg’s Contempt Ruling Against Trump.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: A federal appeals court overturned a district judge’s contempt order against federal officials involved in the transport of Venezuelan migrants.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Judges Gregory Katsas, Neomi Rao, and Cornelia Pillard, along with U.S. District Judge James Boasberg and Trump administration officials.

📍WHEN & WHERE: August 8, 2025, at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.

💬KEY QUOTE: “The government is plainly correct about the merits of the criminal contempt, and our saying so now would prevent long disputes between the Executive and the Judiciary over difficult, contentious issues,” wrote Judge Gregory Katsas.

🎯IMPACT: The decision represents a significant victory for the Trump administration, underscoring judicial restraint in matters involving executive authority.

IN FULL

A federal appeals court has overturned a district judge’s decision to pursue criminal contempt proceedings against federal officials. The case stemmed from an incident in March involving the transport of Venezuelan illegal immigrants to El Salvador, which U.S. District Court Judge James Boasberg argued violated his prior order barring the move.

Judges Gregory Katsas and Neomi Rao, both appointed by President Trump, ruled in favor of the Trump administration by setting aside the contempt order. Judge Cornelia Pillard, an Obama appointee, dissented, arguing that the contempt findings were justified.

In his concurring opinion, Katsas noted that the case highlights an “extraordinary, ongoing confrontation between the Executive and Judicial Branches.” He added that the decision would prevent prolonged disputes over contentious issues like judicial control of foreign policy and prosecution.

Judge Pillard, however, criticized the ruling, stating, “Our system of courts cannot long endure if disappointed litigants defy court orders with impunity rather than legally challenge them.” She emphasized the importance of accountability when court orders are disobeyed.

The ruling is seen as a major victory for the Trump White House, reinforcing constitutional executive authority in areas such as foreign policy and immigration enforcement.

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August 8, 2025
War
World

China’s Xi Speaks With Putin Ahead of Possible U.S.-Russia Summit.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Presidents Donald J. Trump and Vladimir Putin are set to hold their first face-to-face summit in the coming days, with discussions anticipated to address the Ukraine conflict. Prior to the summit, China’s Xi Jinping spoke with the Russian leader, suggesting pressure for a peace deal may be building.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, and Xi Jinping.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The meeting between the American and Russian leaders could take place within days, following a phone call between Putin and Xi Jinping on Friday.

💬KEY QUOTE: “China welcomes Russia-US contacts, improving relations and advancing political settlement of Ukrainian crisis.” – Xi Jinping via CCTV

🎯IMPACT: The summit could potentially lead to progress in resolving the Ukraine crisis and impact ongoing sanctions and economic tensions.

IN FULL

A possible face-to-face bilateral summit with U.S. President Donald J. Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin appears to be gaining momentum toward realization. Putin discussed the matter with Chinese President Xi Jinping on a phone call today, suggesting the Russian overture could be more than a tactic to delay American secondary sanctions on Russia’s shadow oil fleet.

During their conversation, Putin updated Xi on recent communications between the U.S. and Russia. According to Chinese state broadcaster CCTV, Putin expressed a desire to maintain close coordination with China. Russian media echoed these sentiments. Xi, in turn, welcomed the dialogue between Russia and the U.S. and reiterated China’s support for efforts aimed at a political resolution to the Ukraine conflict.

“China welcomes Russia-US contacts, improving relations and advancing political settlement of Ukrainian crisis,” Xi Jinping was quoted as saying by CCTV. He further emphasized the importance of nuanced solutions to complex problems and reaffirmed China’s commitment to fostering dialogue to resolve regional disputes.

This call followed the Kremlin’s announcement on Thursday that Putin had reached out to Trump and requested to meet soon to discuss a potential end to the Ukraine war. Trump had previously set a Friday deadline for Russia to agree to a ceasefire, warning of expanded sanctions if no progress was made. It remains to be seen whether the summit will influence these plans or alter the U.S. approach to sanctions.

The Russian move follows President Trump’s announcement that the U.S. will increase tariffs on India to a total rate of 50 percent over the country’s continued purchase of Russian oil. While India and China remain regional rivals, China—facing economic strain at home—is likely seeking its own offramp from aiding Russia’s conflict in Ukraine.

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August 8, 2025
Crime
News

A Progressive Advocacy Group is Suing the DOJ and FBI for Epstein Records.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: A far-left advocacy group filed a lawsuit against the Justice Department (DOJ) and FBI for records related to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Democracy Forward, the Justice Department, the FBI, and Jeffrey Epstein. President Trump and U.S. District Judge Robin Rosenberg are also mentioned.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The lawsuit was filed on Friday in federal court in Washington, D.C.

💬KEY QUOTE: “The court should intervene urgently to ensure the public has access to the information they need about this extraordinary situation,” said Skye Perryman, president and CEO of Democracy Forward.

🎯IMPACT: The case continues to draw public attention, with calls for transparency and questions about government handling of Epstein-related records.

IN FULL

A far-left, progressive advocacy group, Democracy Forward, has filed a lawsuit against the Justice Department (DOJ) and the FBI, seeking records related to their handling of the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking investigation. The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Washington, D.C., is reportedly the first of its kind.

The group is requesting documents about communications between senior administration officials regarding Epstein, as well as any correspondence between Epstein and President Donald J. Trump. Democracy Forward claims their Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests submitted in late July have not been fulfilled.

Skye Perryman, president and CEO of Democracy Forward, said in a statement, “The court should intervene urgently to ensure the public has access to the information they need about this extraordinary situation.”

The Justice Department’s decision not to release additional documents related to the Epstein case last month has drawn significant public attention, particularly among online communities and conspiracy theorists. The Trump administration previously sought to unseal grand jury transcripts, but these efforts were denied by U.S. District Judge Robin Rosenberg, who ruled they did not meet federal law’s extraordinary exceptions for public release.

The House Oversight Committee has also subpoenaed the Justice Department for files on the investigation, as part of a broader probe into potential links between Epstein, Trump, and other officials. President Trump has denied prior knowledge of Epstein’s crimes and has stated he ended their relationship long ago.

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August 8, 2025
News

DOJ Launches Grand Jury Probe into Letitia James Over Anti-Trump Lawfare.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The Department of Justice convened a grand jury to investigate New York Attorney General Letitia James, focusing on possible deprivation of rights allegations.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The DOJ, Letitia James, President Donald Trump, and the Trump Organization.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The investigation is being run out of Albany, New York, and subpoenas were issued this week.

🎯IMPACT: The investigation marks an escalation in Trump’s legal battles with James, who has previously secured a $454 million judgment against him.

IN FULL

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has convened a grand jury to investigate New York Attorney General Letitia James (D). The investigation centers on whether James’ office caused a deprivation of legal rights under the color of law through its civil suits against President Donald J. Trump, his businesses, and the National Rifle Association (NRA). In addition, filings reveal the inquiry is being conducted out of Albany, New York, and subpoenas for documents, including information related to James’s civil fraud lawsuit against President Trump, were issued this week.

Letitia James, a Democrat who has been in office since 2018, has been a prominent figure in Democratic lawfare efforts against Trump. She successfully brought civil charges against him for business fraud in 2022, securing a $454 million judgment against the former president and his company. James has also been involved in lawfare challenging Trump administration policies and executive actions.

James’s office has not commented on the DOJ investigation. However, James’s past comments about seeking legal action against Trump, including a campaign pledge to pursue the America First leader legally, could prove damaging to the New York Democrat.

Tensions between Trump and James have been ongoing. Trump has criticized her on social media, calling her a “wacky crook” and demanding her resignation. In April, the Trump Federal Housing Finance Agency requested an investigation into James over mortgage fraud, which the DOJ also began investigating. James has denied the allegations.

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August 8, 2025
News
War

Trump Will Host These Two Nations for a Historic Peace Accord Today.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump will host a peace signing ceremony at the White House for Armenia and Azerbaijan.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Donald J. Trump, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.

📍WHEN & WHERE: August 8 at the White House.

💬KEY QUOTE: “I am very proud of these courageous Leaders for doing the right thing for the Great People of Armenia and Azerbaijan. It will be a Historic Day for Armenia, Azerbaijan, the United States, and, THE WORLD.” – Donald Trump

🎯IMPACT: The ceremony aims to end decades of conflict and pursue economic opportunities in the South Caucasus region.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump announced that he will host a peace agreement signing between Armenia and Azerbaijan at the White House on August 8, marking a major diplomatic breakthrough in the decades-long conflict between the two nations. Taking to TRUTH Social on Thursday evening, Trump wrote: “These two Nations have been at War for many years, resulting in the deaths of thousands of people. Many Leaders have tried to end the War, with no success, until now, thanks to ‘TRUMP.'”

The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan, which dates back to the late 1980s, centers on the Nagorno-Karabakh region, an area internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan but populated largely by ethnic Armenians. Tensions flared as the Soviet Union collapsed, leading to full-scale wars and recurring violence over the years. Both nations were previously part of the USSR.

Armenia, which Russia largely backs, has accused Azerbaijan, primarily supported by Turkey and Israel, of war crimes and ethnic cleansing, along with several NGOs like the American Freedom House, which published a report last year after more than 100,000 ethnic Armenians fled the area in 2023.

Trump revealed that Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan will join him at the White House for the signing ceremony. He also announced that the United States will enter into bilateral agreements with both countries in addition to the peace accord.

“The United States will also sign Bilateral Agreements with both Countries to pursue Economic opportunities together, so we can fully unlock the potential of the South Caucasus Region,” Trump stated. “I am very proud of these courageous Leaders for doing the right thing for the Great People of Armenia and Azerbaijan. It will be a Historic Day for Armenia, Azerbaijan, the United States, and, THE WORLD.”

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August 8, 2025
Crime

Trump Ramps Up Federal Law Enforcement Presence in D.C. Starting Today.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Federal agents are increasing their presence in Washington, D.C., following President Trump’s directive to address crime in the city.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Donald Trump, federal law enforcement agencies, and local officials.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Starting Friday, in high-traffic and crime-prone areas of Washington, D.C.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Starting tonight, there will be no safe harbor for violent criminals in D.C. President Trump is committed to making our Nation’s capital safer,” said White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.

🎯IMPACT: The operation aims to deter crime and increase safety in the nation’s capital.

IN FULL

Federal agents are set to have a larger presence in Washington, D.C., starting Friday after President Donald J. Trump criticized the city’s violent crime rate and vowed to restore order in the nation’s capital. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced late Thursday that the increased law enforcement presence is aimed at protecting citizens in a city she described as “plagued by violent crime for far too long.”

“Starting tonight, there will be no safe harbor for violent criminals in D.C. President Trump is committed to making our Nation’s capital safer for its residents, lawmakers, and visitors from all around the world,” Leavitt said. The seven-day operation—expected to begin Friday and led by the U.S. Park Police—will focus on high-traffic areas and crime hot spots.

Participating officers will include personnel from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the FBI, the U.S. Capitol Police, the Metropolitan Police Department, and the U.S. Marshals Service. The operation begins at 12 AM ET on Friday and could extend beyond the initial weeklong period. Officers will be visibly marked and stationed in prominent locations.

President Trump recently signed an Executive Order titled “Making the District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful,” which directs federal resources toward enforcing immigration laws and prosecuting violent crimes. Trump also criticized local officials for their handling of crime, citing a recent carjacking incident involving former Department of Government Efficiency employee Edward Coristine, who was violently assaulted. On Truth Social, Trump stated, “The Law in D.C. must be changed to prosecute these ‘minors’ as adults, and lock them up for a long time, starting at age 14.”

Trump has also hinted at a potential federal takeover of D.C.’s governance, suggesting that White House lawyers are reviewing the Home Rule Act of 1973, which grants the city limited self-governance. “If D.C. doesn’t get its act together, and quickly, we will have no choice but to take Federal control of the City,” Trump warned.

Image by Ted Eytan.

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August 7, 2025
Lauren Gallagher
Crime

CBP Agents Discover Cocaine And Meth Being Smuggled In Children’s Game.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in Philadelphia seized cocaine and methamphetamine hidden inside a children’s board game, “5 Second Rule, Jr,” on July 30. The drugs were concealed under a bag of cat food within the game box and were en route to London after being marked “return to sender.”

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

📍WHEN & WHERE: Area Port of Philadelphia, July 30, 2025

💬KEY QUOTE: “This seizure… illustrates how Customs and Border Protection officers expertly leverage our export enforcement mission to combat drug trafficking organizations,” said Cleatus P. Hunt, Jr., Area Port Director in Philadelphia.

🎯IMPACT: CBP officers and agents seize an average of 1,571 pounds of drugs daily across U.S. ports of entry.

IN FULL

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) intercepted cocaine and methamphetamine inside a children’s game in Philadelphia on July 30. Officers examined the package disguised as a board game and discovered a zip-lock bag and a vacuum-sealed bag under a bag of cat food inside a box for the “5 Second Rule, Jr.” game, which is marketed to children ages six and up.

According to CBP, the zip-lock bag contained 515 grams of cocaine, while the vacuum-sealed bag contained 186.9 grams of methamphetamine pills. The package was shipped from Atlanta, Georgia, to London after being posted as a return to sender—suggesting the potential for a foreign drug smuggling operation based out of the United Kingdom, possibly utilizing board games or children’s toys to conceal illicit substances.

However, CBP also notes that “drug trafficking organizations may swap the parcel’s contents and post it returned to sender, creating the illusion of the parcel being misaddressed.” Parcels may be returned to the sender if they are undeliverable to the address, such as when the address is incorrect or nonexistent, or not accepted by the resident of that address.

“This seizure of dangerous drugs illustrates how Customs and Border Protection officers expertly leverage our export enforcement mission to combat drug trafficking organizations,” said Cleatus P. Hunt, Jr., Area Port Director for CBP’s Area Port of Philadelphia., adding: “CBP officers remain committed to searching for and seizing similar export and import shipments to deprive criminal organizations of their poisonous products or illicit revenue.”

On average, CBP officers and agents seize 1,571 pounds of drugs daily at U.S ports of entry.

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August 7, 2025
News
UK

VP Vance Visits With Unlikely Friend at Country Estate.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy is hosting U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance at Chevening House during Vance’s private family holiday in the UK.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: David Lammy, J.D. Vance, and their families.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Friday, at Chevening House in Kent, UK.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Let me just say on J.D. Vance that I’ve met him now on several occasions, we share a similar working-class backgrounds with addiction issues in our family.” – David Lammy

🎯IMPACT: Strengthened ties between the U.S. and UK, with a focus on shared values and personal connections.

IN FULL

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy is set to welcome U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance to Chevening House, a historic Grade 1 listed mansion in Kent, on Friday. The meeting is part of Vance’s private holiday in the UK with his family. According to the White House, the two leaders will discuss “a variety of topics pertaining to the U.S.-UK relationship.” Vance and his family plan to spend most of their time in the Cotswolds and are also expected to visit Hampton Court Palace during their stay.

Lammy and Vance have developed a working relationship since Lammy took on the position of Foreign Secretary last year. The two reportedly bonded over their shared Christian faith and similar experiences with working-class backgrounds and family addiction issues. Lammy previously attended mass at Vance’s residence in Washington during an official visit in March.

Speaking about Vance last summer, Lammy noted, “Let me just say on J.D. Vance that I’ve met him now on several occasions, we share a similar working-class backgrounds with addiction issues in our family. We’ve written books on that, we’ve talked about that, and we’re both Christians. So I think I can find common ground with J.D. Vance.”

Notably, however, Lammy has had a more rocky relationship with President Donald J. Trump. The National Pulse reported last August that the UK Foreign Secretary has referred to the America First leader as a “neo-Nazi sympathizing sociopath” and “tyrant.” Defending his remarks, Lammy argued, “You’re going to struggle to find any politician who has not had things to say about Donald Trump in his first term, particularly on Twitter.”

The visit comes just weeks after President Trump traveled to Scotland for a private visit to his golf courses and met with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and EU chief Ursula von der Leyen. Trump also agreed to a trade deal with the EU and is expected to return to the UK for a state visit in September.

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August 7, 2025
Crime
Immigration

Transgender Illegal Charged with Child Rape Was Paroled into U.S. Under Biden.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: A biological male identifying as a “transgender” woman, who entered the U.S. illegally, is facing trial for the rape of a minor and stalking.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Nicol Alexandra Contreras-Suarez, a Colombian national and illegal immigrant with a lengthy criminal record.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The suspect was paroled into the U.S. by the Biden government in March 2023 and is set to appear before the New York Supreme Court on September 10, 2025.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Thanks to the failed sanctuary policies and Biden’s open-border agenda, this serial criminal was freed to prey on innocent American children – but that ends now.” – DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin

🎯IMPACT: The case has reignited debate over sanctuary city policies, “transgender” criminal protections, and border enforcement under the Biden administration.

IN FULL

Nicol Alexandra Contreras-Suarez, a Colombian transgender woman, is facing serious charges, including first-degree rape of a minor under 17 and stalking. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Contreras-Suarez had previously entered the United States illegally in March 2023 but was released under protocols established during the former Biden regime, despite a notable criminal history.

After initially being apprehended at the San Ysidro Port of Entry in California, Contreras-Suarez was released into the country. Following this release, authorities say he was involved in several criminal incidents in Medford, Massachusetts, where charges were filed for armed robbery, prostitution, and assault with a deadly weapon.

Local sanctuary policies in both Massachusetts and New York reportedly prevented federal immigration authorities from detaining or deporting Contreras-Suarez, allowing him to remain free despite multiple charges. The National Pulse reported in July that Contreras-Suarez raped a 14-year-old boy in the bathroom of a bodega in East Harlem early this year.

It wasn’t until February 2025 that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) issued a detainer at Manhattan Central Booking, finally enabling federal officials to assume custody. Contreras-Suarez is now incarcerated at Rikers Island and is scheduled to appear before the New York Supreme Court on September 10, 2025.

DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin issued strong criticism of local and federal policies that allowed Contreras-Suarez to remain at large: “Thanks to the failed sanctuary policies and Biden’s open-border agenda, this serial criminal was freed to prey on innocent American children – but that ends now.”

The case has reignited debate around sanctuary city policies and border enforcement under the former Biden government. At one point under Biden, as many as 15 percent of the women in federal prisons were actually men claiming to be transgender.

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