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Category: News
March 1, 2024
Corruption
Lawfare

NY AG Letitia James Spent Over $13,500 On Trips To Puerto Rico, Other Luxury Travel Totaling $250K in 2023.

New York Attorney General Letitia James’ campaign spent nearly $250,000 on travel, dining, accommodation, and campaign consultants throughout the 2023 calendar year, according to recent campaign finance filings. A series of expenditures for trips to Puerto Rico between July and December, totaling over $13,500, are drawing particular scrutiny. Some of these payments were given descriptively labeled purposes like “compliance” or “advertising,” while others remained vague or unclear.

The James for NY 2026 campaign splurged on luxury airline flights, nightclub outings, and extensive consulting fees. James is not up for re-election until 2026. These expenditures included over $218,000 paid to various “campaign consultants” between March and December.

James, who won re-election as New York Attorney General in November 2022, earned national attention for prosecuting former President Donald Trump in a civil fraud case earlier this year. Campaign filings indicate that thousands of dollars were spent at hotels, restaurants, and nightclubs while the Trump case was ongoing.

Amid these affairs, James’ campaign also shelled out thousands at the 48 Lounge in New York City, a venue that prides itself on offering a “luxurious and intimate atmosphere.” Marked as a fundraising expense, this expenditure occurred in September 2023, with a price tag of over $5,000. Additionally, the campaign shelled out over $2,700, paid to multiple airlines between August and November. When questioned about campaign spending, representatives from James’s campaign offered no immediate response.

Other national figures in Democrat politics have been criticized for outsized campaign and public taxpayer spending on entertainment and travel. The National Pulse previously reported that both Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) and Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ) have come under fire for spending thousands of dollars on flights, childcare, trips to Europe, and even Super Bowl tickets.

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New York Attorney General Letitia James’ campaign spent nearly $250,000 on travel, dining, accommodation, and campaign consultants throughout the 2023 calendar year, according to recent campaign finance filings. A series of expenditures for trips to Puerto Rico between July and December, totaling over $13,500, are drawing particular scrutiny. Some of these payments were given descriptively labeled purposes like “compliance” or “advertising,” while others remained vague or unclear. show more
March 1, 2024
Media

Journalist Catherine Herridge Held In Contempt By Federal Judge For Refusing To Name Source.

U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper held investigative journalist and former CBS News correspondent Catherine Herridge in civil contempt yesterday. Herridge has refused to expose the source behind a series of 2017 Fox News reports on a federal investigation into Chinese American scientist Yanping Chen’s ties to the Chinese military.

“Herridge and many of her colleagues in the journalism community may disagree with that decision and prefer that a different balance be struck, but she is not permitted to flout a federal court’s order with impunity,” Judge Cooper wrote on Thursday.

The former CBS News correspondent has been ordered to pay $800 daily until she complies with an August court order to reveal the source behind her reporting on Chen. However, the judge issued a 30-day stay for the contempt order while Herridge explores a possible appeal.

Judge Cooper’s ruling has been met with strong pushback from journalists and First Amendment activists who see the contempt order as a blow to the media’s constitutional rights.

Chen is seeking the identity of Herridge’s source. Chen filed a lawsuit against the FBI and Department of Justice in 2018, asserting that her reputation was unjustly tarnished and her livelihood compromised by selective information leakage. The judge’s earlier order in August had demanded Herridge divulge her sources during a deposition, asserting that Chen’s need for the information outweighed Herridge’s journalistic protection rights.

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U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper held investigative journalist and former CBS News correspondent Catherine Herridge in civil contempt yesterday. Herridge has refused to expose the source behind a series of 2017 Fox News reports on a federal investigation into Chinese American scientist Yanping Chen’s ties to the Chinese military. show more
March 1, 2024
Ed Kozak
Immigration
Politics

Boston’s Wealthy Elite Outraged Over Migrant Shelter in Their Neighborhood.

Residents of Fort Point, one of Boston’s most affluent districts, are voicing their grievances over the city’s decision to transform an office space into a shelter for illegal immigrants. At a community meeting this week, the residents expressed their disbelief and concern over the state officials’ choices regarding safety and security. The space, owned by the Unitarian Universalist Association and located at 24 Farnsworth Street, will house 80 immigrants as an overflow shelter under the Baptism of the United Way of Massachusetts Bay, the non-profit chosen for the task.

“I think there’s a lot of angry residents who feel the same way I do that this was being forced on us,” said local resident Brian Curley.

Gov. Maura Healey conveyed to the Boston Herald the urgency of having the shelter operational “as soon as possible” without releasing a definitive date for the immigrants’ arrival. Healey said her government endorses the project as a step towards “safe shelter for people.” She reinforced that dialogue with the community and the city continues, notwithstanding residents’ claims about a lack of answers from Tuesday’s meeting.

Residents asked about safety measures and accused state officials of a rushed process that left community members without answers. Gen. Scott Rice, charged with managing security at the migrant shelters, affirmed the state’s commitment to maintain safety. Two weeks ago, ICE arrested a 34-year-old illegal immigrant from Guatemala on child sex crime charges in Gloucester, MA, which has further exacerbated residents’ concerns about immigrant-related safety issues.

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Residents of Fort Point, one of Boston's most affluent districts, are voicing their grievances over the city's decision to transform an office space into a shelter for illegal immigrants. At a community meeting this week, the residents expressed their disbelief and concern over the state officials' choices regarding safety and security. The space, owned by the Unitarian Universalist Association and located at 24 Farnsworth Street, will house 80 immigrants as an overflow shelter under the Baptism of the United Way of Massachusetts Bay, the non-profit chosen for the task. show more
March 1, 2024
Immigration

NYC Discovers Migrants Housed Illegally in Furniture Store.

New York City officials issued a vacate order for a Bronx furniture store discovered to house numerous migrants in hazardous living conditions, according to the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB). DOB issued the order on Wednesday due to life-threatening conditions, including severe overcrowding and inadequate natural light and ventilation.

At least ten people were removed from the store, which was found to have been illegitimately converted into a makeshift residence with 45 tightly packed beds. City authorities are unsure about the whereabouts of other possible residents who may have fled amid the official intervention.

The order follows a similar incident involving a Queens furniture store overseen by the same person. The Queens store was inspected and evacuated earlier in the week 74 migrants, primarily from West Africa, were found living there.

The store discoveries come amid a broader citywide crisis in housing and feeding migrants relocated to New York City from the southern border. As part of the Operation Lone Star plan initiated by Texas Governor Greg Abbott, 37,900 migrants have reportedly been transported to the city since August 2022. City officials continue working to address these housing and humanitarian concerns.

The massive influx of migrants into New York City has also resulted in a significant increase in crime, leading Mayor Eric Adams to issue a call to change the city’s ‘sanctuary‘ status.

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New York City officials issued a vacate order for a Bronx furniture store discovered to house numerous migrants in hazardous living conditions, according to the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB). DOB issued the order on Wednesday due to life-threatening conditions, including severe overcrowding and inadequate natural light and ventilation. show more
March 1, 2024
Immigration
UK

Housing For ‘Asylum Seekers’ Costs UK Taxpayers £15 Million EACH DAY.

The UK government spent £4.3 billion more than allocated on asylum support due to a growing backlog in applications, according to Treasury figures. Official estimates put total expenditures at £5.4 billion ($6.8bn) for last year, surpassing the budget of £1 billion set aside for 2023/24 by £4.3 billion. The Treasury figures also indicate the government’s decision to house asylum seekers in hotels has cost UK taxpayers as much as £15 million ($19m) a day.

The Labour Party’s shadow home secretary, Yvette Cooper, called attention to the overspending, citing it as evidence of “complete chaos” in the asylum system under the current Conservative leadership. The National Pulse previously reported that the UK’s Conservative government has let in record numbers of asylum claimants.

The Home Office attributed this additional expenditure to increased instances of small boat arrivals; in a letter to the Home Affairs Select Committee, Permanent Secretary Sir Matthew Rycroft labeled this as a volatile area for budgeting. He also pointed out that efficiency measures are being implemented to ensure better financial management in the asylum system, including the cessation of housing asylum seekers in hotels.

Meanwhile, recent figures from the Home Office show that over 2,000 migrants have arrived in the UK so far this year, having crossed the Channel. This figure is less by 32 percent than the total recorded around the same time in the previous year but higher by 49 percent compared to the numbers from 2022. With a backlog of nearly 100,000 cases, Labour claims that the failure to resolve asylum applications efficiently has led to extravagant spending on asylum accommodation.

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The UK government spent £4.3 billion more than allocated on asylum support due to a growing backlog in applications, according to Treasury figures. Official estimates put total expenditures at £5.4 billion ($6.8bn) for last year, surpassing the budget of £1 billion set aside for 2023/24 by £4.3 billion. The Treasury figures also indicate the government's decision to house asylum seekers in hotels has cost UK taxpayers as much as £15 million ($19m) a day. show more
March 1, 2024
Media

MSNBC Legal Analyst Says 1st Amendment is U.S.’s Achilles Heel.

The First Amendment is a vulnerability that opens the United States to an onslaught of ‘disinformation,’ MSNBC legal analyst Barbara McQuade has argued. Promoting her new book, Attack from Within: How Disinformation is Sabotaging America, McQuade was questioned by Rachel Maddow regarding the susceptibility of the United States to so-called ‘disinformation‘ relative to other nations.

McQuade said the legal right to free speech in the U.S. posed a potential threat to the country’s democracy. “Actually, Rachel, I think we’re more susceptible to it than other countries, and that’s because some of our greatest strengths can also be our Achilles heel,” McQuade said.

The former U.S. Attorney, appointed by Barack Obama, claimed there were nuances when considering free speech and its ‘unintended consequences.‘ She explained that despite the cherished nature of free speech and its importance in democracy, the reflexive reaction to any attempts at regulation is dismissed as censorship, thereby contributing to America’s vulnerability. McQuade also referenced the Supreme Court’s stance that permits limitations on fundamental rights, including free speech, under specific conditions deemed important by the government.

Furthermore, McQuade voiced her belief that the U.S. needs more constructive conversations and practical solutions to combat the issue of ‘disinformation.’ She expressed concern over the rampant use of political labels and the retreat to positional ‘extremes’ when discussing censorship and limiting First Amendment rights. In addition to her media roles, McQuade is a law professor at the University of Michigan.

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The First Amendment is a vulnerability that opens the United States to an onslaught of 'disinformation,' MSNBC legal analyst Barbara McQuade has argued. Promoting her new book, Attack from Within: How Disinformation is Sabotaging America, McQuade was questioned by Rachel Maddow regarding the susceptibility of the United States to so-called 'disinformation' relative to other nations. show more
February 29, 2024
William Upton
Politics
War

Republican Pushes ‘Discharge Petition’ to Force Ukraine Funding Vote.

Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), co-chairman of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, has initiated preparations for a discharge petition to force a House vote on Ukraine war funding. The petition must receive 218 signatures to proceed. Democratic Representative Bill Pascrell of New Jersey has already expressed a willingness to add his signature to the legislative maneuver.

The Pennsylvania Congressman will likely need support from several dozen support from Republicans. Democrat members of the House Progressive Caucus have signaled they will not support a discharge petition. Fitzpatrick remained uncertain about which funding proposal the discharge petition would be linked to, stating, “It’s existential, it’s time sensitive. Whether that’s our product or somebody else’s, we’ve just got to get the money out the door to them.”

Meanwhile, the Senate has already approved a $95 billion foreign aid bill, comprising approximately $61 billion for Ukraine, while the remaining appropriations are allocated to Israel, Taiwan, and humanitarian for Palestinians in Gaza. The Senate supplemental funding bill has stalled out in the House. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), facing pressure from House conservatives, has refused to bring the bill to the floor for a vote.

Reps. Fitzpatrick and Jared Golden (D-ME) have introduced their own bipartisan funding plan for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. The legislation would appropriate $66 billion for foreign aid earmarked for those nations. It would also provide some funding for U.S. border security.

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Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), co-chairman of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, has initiated preparations for a discharge petition to force a House vote on Ukraine war funding. The petition must receive 218 signatures to proceed. Democratic Representative Bill Pascrell of New Jersey has already expressed a willingness to add his signature to the legislative maneuver. show more

Editor’s Notes

Behind-the-scenes political intrigue exclusively for Pulse+ subscribers.

RAHEEM J. KASSAM Editor-in-Chief
Remember to read this if you want some further information on the discharge petition as a mechanism!
for exclusive members-only insights
Remember to read this if you want some further information on the discharge petition as a mechanism! show more
for exclusive members-only insights
February 29, 2024
Immigration

White House Now Referring to Illegal Immigrants As ‘Newcomers.’

White House officials introduced a new term for illegal immigrants, referring to them as “newcomers” ahead of President Joe Biden’s visit to Brownsville, Texas, on Thursday. The “newcomers” language appeared as part of a fact sheet discussing the Biden-backed Senate agreement on Ukraine and border funding.

The government’s use of the term “newcomers” — obfuscating the difference between legal and illegal immigrants — was met with robust criticism from House Republicans. Members of the House GOP conference have termed Biden’s approach to the border crisis as a “designed catastrophe.” Republicans argue that the drafted border bill would normalize high levels of unlawful immigration and achieve little in terms of curbing crossings at the border and drug trafficking.

Biden government officials have pushed back against critics of the legislation. They argue it represents a “genuine commitment” to border security. The bill proposes expanding the Border Patrol staff, amending asylum rules, strengthening law enforcement’s authority to tackle drug smuggling, expanding visa and guest worker programs, and providing increased funding to cities and states accommodating asylum seekers.

President Joe Biden visited Brownsville, Texas — near the U.S.-Mexico border — on Thursday. The Texas town, however, has seen very few crossings compared to other locations. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump visited Eagle Pass, Texas, earlier on Thursday — the most heavily trafficked crossing in the state.

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White House officials introduced a new term for illegal immigrants, referring to them as "newcomers" ahead of President Joe Biden's visit to Brownsville, Texas, on Thursday. The "newcomers" language appeared as part of a fact sheet discussing the Biden-backed Senate agreement on Ukraine and border funding. show more
February 29, 2024
Raheem J. Kassam
Breaking
Corruption

BOMBSHELL: Hunter Confirms Joe Biden is ‘The Big Guy’ in ‘Laptop From Hell’ China E-Mails.

The transcript of the closed-door Hunter Biden deposition before the House Oversight Committee appears to confirm President Joe Biden is, in fact, “the big guy” referred to in e-mails first reported from his son’s laptop in advance of the 2020 election. At the time, the U.S. media and intelligence agencies dismissed the evidence of corruption as “Russian disinformation.”

But in exchanges throughout his deposition this week, Hunter not only repeatedly validated the claims made by those who first reported on his hard drive – including The National Pulse – he also confirmed the identity of the man who “10%” of a prospective business deal would be held for: Joe Biden.

The matter concerns a May 13, 2017, e-mail from Hunter’s business partner, James Gilliar, who was pitching for business with Chinese Communist Party-linked CEFC China Energy company. At the time, Joe Biden was still in office, which provided a clue as to who the “10 held by H for the big guy” was really for.

In his deposition, Hunter was asked by Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH), “One final question, because our round is up, I know everyone’s disappointed. But the reference to the big guy, you would agree, is a reference to your father?”

Hunter initially answers in the same way he responded to the question throughout the deposition: “I truly don’t know what the hell that James was talking about. All I know is that what actually happened. All I know is that what was executed in the agreement, and the agreement didn’t have anything to do with my father. My father’s never been involved with my business. He’s never benefited from my business, and he’s never taken an action to benefit me or any of my business.”

Pressing once more, Jordon quizzed: “If that’s the case, though, why is Gilliar drafting something like that?”

At this point, Hunter let the cat out of the bag, admitting it was indeed a reference to Joe Biden.

“Because I think that it was just as Rob Walker said. I think that it was pie in the sky. Like Joe Biden’s out of the office. Maybe we’ll be able to get him involved. Remember, again, is that Joe Biden, for first time in 48 years, is not an elected official and is not seeking office. And so James is probably, like, wow, wouldn’t be great [sic] if a former Vice President could be in our business together? And I say you’re out of your mind. My dad knows less about doing cross-border blah, blah, blah, than he does about — I mean, it’s just ridiculous. It’s absolutely ridiculous.”

While Hunter and the Biden family will hide behind the fact that no business involving Joe Biden supposedly came to pass with CEFC, the admission that his business partners were, in fact, trying to sell access to the outgoing Vice President of the United States will doubtless further cause issues for the 46th President and his son.

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The transcript of the closed-door Hunter Biden deposition before the House Oversight Committee appears to confirm President Joe Biden is, in fact, "the big guy" referred to in e-mails first reported from his son's laptop in advance of the 2020 election. At the time, the U.S. media and intelligence agencies dismissed the evidence of corruption as "Russian disinformation." show more

Editor’s Notes

Behind-the-scenes political intrigue exclusively for Pulse+ subscribers.

RAHEEM J. KASSAM Editor-in-Chief
Click here to read the whole deposition
for exclusive members-only insights
Click here to read the whole deposition show more
for exclusive members-only insights
February 29, 2024
William Upton
Election 2024
Lawfare

Democrats Say They Won’t Certify Trump Victory in Congress.

Democrats who have spent the last three years labeling former President Donald Trump and other Republicans who questioned the 2020 presidential election results as “insurrectionists” now claim they’ll refuse to certify a potential Trump victory in November.

The Atlantic reports:

[Attorney Jason] Murray and other legal scholars say that, absent clear guidance from the Supreme Court, a Trump win could lead to a constitutional crisis in Congress. Democrats would have to choose between confirming a winner many of them believe is ineligible and defying the will of voters who elected him. Their choice could be decisive: As their victory in a House special election in New York last week demonstrated, Democrats have a serious chance of winning a majority in Congress in November, even if Trump recaptures the presidency on the same day. If that happens, they could have the votes to prevent him from taking office.

In interviews, senior House Democrats would not commit to certifying a Trump win, saying they would do so only if the Supreme Court affirms his eligibility. But during oral arguments, liberal and conservative justices alike seemed inclined to dodge the question of his eligibility altogether and throw the decision to Congress.

The apparent contingency plan comes amid sliding approval ratings for President Joe Biden and mounting indications Trump could win a second term in 2024.

The crux of the plan is based on the recent Colorado Supreme Court ruling that the 14th Amendment’s insurrection clause bars Trump from the presidential ballot. If the U.S. Supreme Court does not clearly rule against the Colorado court’s decision, it leaves open the door for Congressional Democrats to attempt to block the certification of the 2024 presidential election on the grounds that Trump is ineligible under the insurrection clause.

If Congressional Democrats won a House majority and were to refuse to certify the 2024 presidential election, it would set off a potential constitutional crisis. With the Electoral College winner thrown out, the Constitution indicates the election of the President would be thrown to the House of Representatives. Thus far, senior House Democrats have refused to say if they would certify a Trump victory in November. Some have said they would only do so if the Supreme Court explicitly affirmed his eligibility to serve.

Democratic officials have prosecuted and incarcerated thousands connected to the Capitol riot on January 6th, 2021, while concurrently accusing Republican attempts to legally overturn what they consider potentially fraudulent 2020 results as another form of insurrection. The lawfare campaign against Trump has also aimed to prevent his candidacy in the 2024 election through several federal and state prosecutions.

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Democrats who have spent the last three years labeling former President Donald Trump and other Republicans who questioned the 2020 presidential election results as "insurrectionists" now claim they'll refuse to certify a potential Trump victory in November. show more