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Category: Politics
May 15, 2025
Data
Politics

It’s AOC’s Democratic Party Now, Data Shows.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: A recent survey reveals that many Democratic voters see Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) as the face of their party. The progressive lawmaker’s surging popularity among her party’s liberal base has led to speculation she could mount a presidential bid in 2028.

👥 Who’s Involved: Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Democratic voters, Co/efficient survey respondents, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT).

📍 Where & When: The survey was fielded in the United States from May 7 to May 9, 2025, with the results publicized on May 15.

⚠️ Impact: The poll shows Ocasio-Cortez remains a polarizing figure, with strong support among Democrats but significant opposition from Republicans. Her high support among political progressives and the Democratic base is fueling speculation she could soon run for the U.S. Senate or even the White House.

IN FULL:

A new poll suggests many Democratic voters view far-left Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) as the party’s leading political figure. The Co/efficient survey, which included approximately 1,400 participants, showed that 26 percent of respondents identified Ocasio-Cortez as the “face of the Democratic Party.” An equal percentage of those surveyed stated that “no one” currently represents the party.

In recent months, Ocasio-Cortez—often referred to as AOC—has toured the country, holding political rallies with Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), a self-described democratic socialist. The rallies, part of the two far-left lawmakers’ Fighting Oligarchy Tour, have buoyed progressive voter support for Ocasio-Cortez, leading to speculation she could mount a primary challenge to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) or even seek the Democratic Party’s 2028 presidential nomination.

Additional polling data reflects Ocasio-Cortez’s popularity among Democrats. An AP/NORC poll found that 55 percent of Democratic respondents hold a favorable view of the congresswoman. In her home state of New York, a Data for Progress poll indicated that 75 percent of Democratic primary voters preferred her over other prominent figures, such as the 74-year-old Senator Chuck Schumer.

The progressive congresswoman’s strong stance against President Donald J. Trump and the Republican Party appears to resonate with liberal voters. Ocasio-Cortez has consistently used social media platforms and congressional hearings to criticize the Trump administration and Republican policies. However, Democratic Party leadership worries that the radical, far-left policy positions taken by the New York progressive lawmaker will alienate more moderate and centrist voters, viewed as key to retaking Congress and the White House.

Despite her popularity within the Democratic base, Ocasio-Cortez has not made significant moves to secure leadership roles on key House committees. Observers suggest this may be due to her polarizing status, which draws both fervent support from Democrats and sharp opposition from Republicans.

The National Pulse reported last month that statistician and polling analyst Nate Silver believes Ocasio-Cortez is a strong contender for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028, if she chooses to run.

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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May 15, 2025
William Upton
Crime
Politics

Foreign Democrat Mega Donor Hit With Sexual Harassment Lawsuit.

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❓What Happened: Swiss billionaire and Democratic Party dark money mega donor Hansjorg Wyss has been hit with a sexual harassment lawsuit, alleging the 89-year-old subjected a 30-year-old employee to repeated sexual propositions, groping, and sexual exposure.

👥 Who’s Involved: Hansjorg Wyss, Madison Busby, and a network of dark money groups that advocate for progressive political policies and back Democratic Party candidates for office.

📍 Where & When: The lawsuit was filed on April 25, 2025, in the San Luis Obispo County, California Superior Court. Details emerged publicly on May 14, 2025.

💬 Key Quote: “Mr. Wyss told Ms. Busby how much he enjoyed having a threesome, even with another man,” the lawsuit alleges, adding: “He even suggested a ‘foursome’ and stated it would be ‘fun’ for the three of them and another woman by the name of ‘Lori.’”

⚠️ Impact: The lawsuit could sideline one of the Democratic Party’s most significant and influential dark money donors ahead of the 2026 congressional midterm elections.

IN FULL:

Hansjorg Wyss, an 89-year-old Swiss billionaire and Democratic Party mega donor, is the subject of a sexual harassment lawsuit filed by a 30-year-old employee at one of his California wineries. In the legal filing, Madison Busby—an employee at Halter Ranch Winery—alleges Wyss subjected her to repeated sexual propositions, groped her, and exposed himself to her. Wyss’s political contributions to far-left advocacy groups and Democratic Party-aligned nonprofits have been the subject of controversy as he lacks both U.S. citizenship and permanent residency.

“Madison has suffered severe emotional distress from the harassment which took place over the course of many years, and also from lost wages and then future damages. She’s been harmed immensely,” Busby’s attorney, John Ly, said after the lawsuit‘s filing. Busby claims that after she rejected Wyss’s advances, the Swiss billionaire engaged in retaliation against her.

While not as publicly well-known as far-left Democrat donors like George Soros and Reid Hoffman, Wyss has quietly become one of the party’s most influential financiers over the last decade. Notably, Wyss is a major backer of the progressive political consulting firm Arabella Advisors‘s dark money network. In recent years, the Swiss billionaire contributed an estimated $162 million to Arabella’s key left-wing political money operations, Sixteen Thirty Fund and New Venture Fund.

Using a network of nonprofits and foundations that help conceal his political giving, Wyss has funnelled over $200 million in total to Democrat Party-aligned nonprofit advocacy groups, including the Center for American Progress, NewsGuard, and Priorities USA.

Notably, United States election laws bar noncitizens from contributing to federal candidates for office and political action committees (PACs). However, Wyss—a Swiss national who lacks American citizenship or permanent residency—circumvents these restrictions by contributing to outside political advocacy organizations that use donor money to help influence elections in favor of Democratic Party candidates.

According to the lawsuit, Wyss aggressively pursued the potential of group sex with Busby. “Mr. Wyss told Ms. Busby how much he enjoyed having a threesome, even with another man,” the filing states, adding: “He even suggested a ‘foursome’ and stated it would be ‘fun’ for the three of them and another woman by the name of ‘Lori.’” The lawsuit notes that in 2022, Wyss admitted to Busby that “if you ever went after me for sexual harassment, you would win.”

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May 15, 2025
Politics

WATCH: Ben & Jerry’s Co-Founder Arrested for Heckling RFK Jr. About Gaza During Senate Hearing.

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❓What Happened: Ben & Jerry’s co-founder Ben Cohen was arrested during a pro-Palestinian protest inside the U.S. Capitol.

👥 Who’s Involved: Ben Cohen, six other protesters, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and law enforcement officials.

📍 Where & When: U.S. Capitol, during a Senate committee hearing on Wednesday.

💬 Key Quote: “You’re killing poor kids in Gaza and paying for it by cutting Medicaid for kids here,” Cohen shouted at Kennedy.

⚠️ Impact: Cohen and six others were detained for disrupting the hearing, with charges including resisting police and assault on an officer.

IN FULL:

Ben Cohen, co-founder of the Ben & Jerry’s ice cream company, was among seven people arrested during a protest at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday. The demonstration took place during a Senate committee hearing where Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was testifying about his plans to downsize the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

The proceedings were disrupted by protesters who shouted accusations against Kennedy, including “RFK kills people with AIDS!” and “anti-vax, anti-science, anti-America,” referencing Kennedy’s views on vaccines.

Amid the interruptions, Cohen, 74, stood and criticized what he described as U.S. government policies contributing to the deaths of children in Gaza. “You’re killing poor kids in Gaza and paying for it by cutting Medicaid for kids here,” Cohen shouted at Kennedy, whose father, former U.S. Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy Sr., was assassinated by a Palestinian in 1968.

Capitol Police detained Cohen and six other demonstrators, with some facing charges of resisting arrest and assaulting officers, according to reports. Following the incident, Cohen shared a video of the protest on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), stating: “I told Congress they’re killing poor kids in Gaza by buying bombs, and they’re paying for it by kicking poor kids off Medicaid in the US. This was the authorities’ response.”

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May 14, 2025
News
Politics

Kevin McCarthy Backs ‘Young and Smart’ David Hogg After DNC Ouster.

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❓What Happened: Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy defended David Hogg after the Democratic National Committee (DNC) voided his election amid internal party disputes.

👥 Who’s Involved: Kevin McCarthy, David Hogg, James Carville, Nancy Pelosi, Chuck Schumer, Hakeem Jeffries, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Maxine Waters.

📍 Where & When: Fox News, Wednesday; the DNC’s credentials committee decision reported Monday.

💬 Key Quote: McCarthy: “This is exactly what the Democrats do… If you’re old and not working to win a majority, you ought to leave!”

⚠️ Impact: The controversy highlights internal Democratic Party tensions and potential shifts in leadership dynamics.

IN FULL:

Former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy expressed his support for anti-gun-rights activist David Hogg on Wednesday, after the Democratic National Committee (DNC) voided his election as vice chair amid internal disputes.

During an appearance on Fox News, McCarthy criticized the Democratic Party’s handling of Hogg’s situation, arguing that the party’s leadership is resistant to change. Hogg, who had been proposing to fund challenges against insufficiently woke Democratic incumbents, had faced backlash from the party leadership prior to his removal, ostensibly on grounds that his appointment transgressed party gender quotas.

“This is exactly what the Democrats do,” McCarthy said. “They don’t believe in allowing Democrats to pick who should lead them. He’s right, and he’s young, he’s smart, and he’s going to be around, and this is only going to elevate him.”

The controversy began Monday after reports stated that the DNC’s credentials committee had nullified Hogg’s election as vice chair, citing gender-parity policies. However, Hogg and many observers believe the move is linked to Hogg’s outspoken criticism of the party’s leadership and ongoing efforts to install more “progressive” candidates.

McCarthy suggested that Hogg’s criticism of older Democratic leaders resonates with party members. “If you’re old and not working to win a majority, you ought to leave,” McCarthy remarked, pointing to figures like former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, 85, and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, 74, as examples of leadership he believes is ineffective.

The former Speaker also highlighted the fundraising success of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), whom he described as a rising leader in the party. “AOC has raised more money in the last quarter than any member in Congress—three times as much as the Speaker. [Hogg’s] going to be next, and this is the future.”

McCarthy predicted that Hogg’s position within the party will ultimately be strengthened, saying, “They’re going to elevate him, and he should fight this; and he will become the chairman of the party or get elected.”

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May 13, 2025
Christopher Tomlinson
Politics

David Hogg, Who Can’t Define ‘Woman,’ Turfed Out of DNC for Not Being One.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: The Democratic National Committee (DNC) has voided the election of David Hogg, citing gender parity rules.

👥 Who’s Involved: Democratic National Committee (DNC), David Hogg, Ken Martin.

📍 Where & When: United States, the DNC credentials committee voted on May 11.

💬 Key Quote:  “The DNC has pledged to remove me, and this vote has provided an avenue to fast-track that effort.” — David Hogg.

⚠️ Impact: The move likely removes Hogg from his Democratic leadership position. He had vowed to campaign against Democrats he did not deem progressive enough.

IN FULL:

Democrats have moved to remove far-left anti-gun rights activist David Hogg from this position as vice chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) because his election violated gender parity rules. The complaint came from Kalyn Free, who lost in the vice chair race but claimed the party had disadvantaged female candidates.

The DNC credentials committee voted on May 11 to void the vote that elected Hogg and second vice chair Malcolm Kenyatta. The issue will now be put forward to the party at large to determine whether Hogg and Kenyatta must take part in another election this year.

Party chairman Ken Martin stated he was “disappointed” in the procedural error and added that he trusted the DNC members to review and resolve the matter. David Hogg, meanwhile, said the matter was just an excuse for the DNC to remove him after he pledged to spend millions going after Democrats not deemed sufficiently progressive.

“It is also impossible to ignore the broader context of my work to reform the party which loomed large over this vote,” Hogg said, adding: “The DNC has pledged to remove me, and this vote has provided an avenue to fast-track that effort.”

Previously, Hogg has struggled to define what a woman is, insisting in 2022, “Trans women are women. Trans girls are girls. But some people still don’t get it.” He also urged his social media followers to flood a tip line for flagging men competing in women’s reports with bogus reports.

Many long-time party members, including Clinton White House strategist James Carville, had criticised Hogg, and last month, the party issued an ultimatum to him. The DNC enacted new rules to force members to be neutral regarding primary elections, forcing Hogg to choose between his role as vice chair and his primary-focused initiatives.

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May 13, 2025
Politics

Far-Left, Foreign-Born House Democrat Moves for Immediate Trump Impeachment Vote.

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❓What Happened: A House Democrat introduced a privileged resolution to impeach President Donald J. Trump, triggering a potential chamber-wide vote.

👥 Who’s Involved: Representative Shri Thanedar (D-MI), House GOP leadership, and vulnerable House Democrats.

📍 Where & When: U.S. House of Representatives, introduced Tuesday afternoon on May 13, 2025.

💬 Key Quote: “Donald Trump has unlawfully conducted himself, bringing shame to the presidency and the people of the United States,” Rep. Thanedar claims.

⚠️ Impact: The resolution is unlikely to pass, but it could politically endanger vulnerable Democrats. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) has attempted to avoid discussing the impeachment resolution, but with a potentially imminent vote, he may no longer be able to shield his members in swing districts.

IN FULL:

Representative Shri Thanedar (D-MI) has filed a privileged resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives to impeach President Donald J. Trump, setting the stage for a potential chamber-wide vote. The resolution, introduced Tuesday afternoon, forces House leadership to address the measure within two legislative days.

Thanedar’s resolution accuses Trump of multiple offenses, including obstruction of justice, bribery, corruption, and abuse of trade powers. “Donald Trump has unlawfully conducted himself, bringing shame to the presidency and the people of the United States,” Thanedar stated. He also criticized the Elon Musk-fronted Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), denouncing it as a “flagrantly unconstitutional creation.”

The far-left Michigan Democrat, who hails from India, initially introduced seven articles of impeachment in April. However, his efforts faced early setbacks, as four Democratic co-sponsors withdrew from the measure, reportedly claiming they were added in error.

House Republican leaders, who hold the majority, are expected to move to table the resolution. Such a procedural move would prevent a direct vote on the impeachment articles. No Republican lawmakers are anticipated to support the measure, making its passage highly unlikely.

An impeachment vote could place vulnerable House Democrats in a precarious position, especially as the party seeks to regain the majority in the 2026 midterm elections. Democrats have struggled to unify around a clear message since the 2024 election, and this vote could further complicate their efforts. A number of Democrat House members hold seats in districts won by President Trump in 2024, with the America First leader maintaining consistent support among working-class voters, once part of the Democrat political base. Alienating that voting bloc further could spell disaster for the Democrats.

This move follows similar impeachment efforts by Rep. Al Green (D-TX), who previously attempted to file articles against Trump and was removed from a joint session of Congress for protesting the President’s joint address to both chambers. The chamber subsequently censured Green.

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May 13, 2025
Jack Montgomery
Politics
World

Trump Ending Sanctions on Syria to ‘Give Them a Chance at Greatness.’

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❓What Happened: President Donald J. Trump announced the cessation of sanctions against Syria at the Saudi-U.S. Investment Forum, aiming to normalize relations with the regime led by former al-Qaeda operative Ahmed Hussein al-Sharaa and stabilize the war-torn nation.

👥 Who’s Involved: President Trump, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and Syria’s leader Ahmed Hussein al-Sharaa, a.k.a. Abu Mohammad al-Julani.

📍 Where & When: Saudi-U.S. Investment Forum, Saudi Arabia, May 13, 2025.

💬 Key Quote: “I will be ordering the cessation of sanctions against Syria in order to give them a chance at greatness,” Trump declared.

⚠️ Impact: Trump’s move could help stabilize Syria and pave the way for migrant returns. Engaging with al-Sharaa’s controversial regime risks backlash over minority persecutions, but could create diplomatic leverage that the administration can leverage to protect minorities.

IN FULL:

President Donald J. Trump has announced he “will be ordering the cessation of sanctions against Syria in order to give them a chance at greatness” at the Saudi-U.S. Investment Forum. The America First leader said Syria had “seen so much misery and death” over its years of civil war, and that he hoped the new regime would “hopefully succeed in stabilizing the country and keeping peace.”

“[T]hey’ve had their share of travesty, war, killing [for] many years,” Trump remarked on Tuesday, saying his administration had already taken steps towards normalizing relations with the country. He revealed that the Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Mohammed Bin Salman, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan had played a significant role in persuading him to make these moves.

“Oh, the things I do for the Crown Prince,” Trump joked after the sanctions announcement was met with sustained cheers.

The decision to normalize relations with Syria, now led by former al-Qaeda operative and wanted terrorist Ahmed Hussein al-Sharaa, a.k.a. Abu Mohammad al-Julani, will prove controversial, given his track record and reports of atrocities against Syria’s Alawite and Christian minorities under his leadership.

However, the reality on the ground is that al-Sharaa is in complete control of the country’s capital and heartlands, and he is already being welcomed on official visits by other countries, such as France. Officially recognizing al-Sharaa’s government may give the Trump administration more leverage to persuade al-Sharaa’s regime not to persecute minorities, and make it possible to return tens of thousands of Syrian migrants to their homeland.

Earlier in his visit, President Trump announced he had secured $600 billion in Saudi investments.

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May 12, 2025
William Upton
Politics

House Republicans Unveil Tax Provisions in Trump’s ‘Big, Beautiful Bill,’ Including No Tax on Tips and Overtime.

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❓What Happened:  House Republicans have unveiled the sweeping tax provisions that will be included in their budget reconciliation legislation, dubbed the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” The measures will permanently enshrine key elements of the 2017 Trump tax cuts while adding new deductions for tips, overtime, car loan interest, school choice scholarship contributions, and more.

👥 Who’s Involved: The amendment was filed by Rep. Jason Smith (R-MO), chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee. Many of the provisions reflect President Donald J. Trump’s 2024 campaign pledges, providing relief for American workers.

📍 Where & When: The tax provisions were filed on Monday, May 12, 2025.

💬 Key Quote: “This week the Republicans are meeting in the Tax, Energy, and Agriculture Committees on major pieces of ‘THE ONE, BIG, BEAUTIFUL BILL’,” President Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social on Monday, adding: “Republicans need to UNIFY behind their Highly Respected Chairmen, Jason Smith, Brett Guthrie, and Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson. Remember, these are men that truly strive to do what is RIGHT for America.”

⚠️ Impact: The bill enacts a number of President Trump’s 2024 campaign promises, providing tax relief for American workers through no tax on tips and no tax on overtime provisions. Additionally, other tax changes aim to boost domestic industry and make permanent Trump’s 2017 tax cuts.

IN FULL:

House Republicans have unveiled the tax portion of what President Donald J. Trump has dubbed the “Big, Beautiful Bill“—budget reconciliation legislation that will implement much of the America First leader’s White House agenda. Filed by House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (R-MO) as an amendment to the overall budget bill, the legislative measure contains provisions making the 2017 Trump tax cuts permanent, and expands them with a bevy of new deductions aimed at workers, families, car buyers, and donors to private education initiatives.

“This week the Republicans are meeting in the Tax, Energy, and Agriculture Committees on major pieces of ‘THE ONE, BIG, BEAUTIFUL BILL’,” President Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social earlier on Monday, adding: “Republicans need to UNIFY behind their Highly Respected Chairmen, Jason Smith, Brett Guthrie, and Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson. Remember, these are men that truly strive to do what is RIGHT for America.”

Critically, the Ways and Means amendment that will be incorporated into the larger reconciliation bill begins by eliminating the 2025 sunset provisions in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). Under the new framework, lower individual tax rates would remain in place permanently, and the increased standard deduction would be retained and boosted through 2028. The Child Tax Credit would increase from $2,000 to $2,500 between 2025 and 2028, then remain indexed to inflation thereafter. Eligibility for the credit would require each child to possess a valid Social Security Number—a change likely aimed at curbing fraudulent filings involving non-citizens.

The bill also introduces a new set of work-based incentives. Cash tips would become non-taxable in qualifying service industries. Overtime wages would be newly deductible for workers through 2028. Senior citizens would receive an additional $4,000 standard deduction, phased out at higher income levels. Another provision allows car buyers to deduct loan interest payments, provided the vehicle was assembled in the United States.

Education reforms also receive a significant boost. The bill offers a federal tax credit of up to $5,000 for donations to approved Scholarship Granting Organizations that support private and religious schooling. A nationwide cap of $5 billion would apply. Five hundred and twenty-nine savings plans would also be expanded to include homeschool expenses, tutors, special education therapies, and educational materials. The adoption tax credit is enhanced and made partially refundable, with new language recognizing tribal government input in determining children with special needs.

Notably, the estate tax exemption would rise to $15 million per person, effective permanently, providing additional protections to family farms. The Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) thresholds would be extended indefinitely. High-income earners would face a return of the so-called Pease limitation on itemized deductions, kicking in on incomes over $400,000.

Overall, the tax provisions reflect President Trump’s America First agenda, rewarding work, family formation, religious schooling, and domestic manufacturing. The Ways and Means Committee amendment’s text is 389 pages long, though the final full reconciliation bill is expected to be far longer.

While House and Senate Democrats have already expressed their opposition to the “Big, Beautiful Bill,” under the rules of the budget reconciliation process, the legislation only requires a majority in each chamber of Congress for passage. Additionally, a budget bill moved under the reconciliation process is not subject to Senate filibuster rules, meaning Republicans will not need to reach the 60-vote threshold to invoke cloture.

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May 12, 2025
William Upton
Politics

AOC Eyes Schumer Ouster, 2028 Presidential Bid.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) is using a series of cross-country rallies with Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) to consolidate support among progressive Democrats ahead of a potential primary challenge against Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), or even a possible 2028 presidential run. The New York Congresswoman raised nearly $10 million in campaign cash during the first quarter of 2025.

👥 Who’s Involved: Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Sen. Bernie Sanders, Sen. Chuck Schumer, President Donald J. Trump, Democratic voters.

📍 Where & When: Ocasio-Cortez and Sanders kicked off their Fighting Oligarchy Tour in February with recent rallies in Colorado, California, and Arizona.

💬 Key Quote: “We need a Democratic Party that fights harder for us,” Rep. Ocasio-Cortez argued at a recent rally in Tempe, Arizona. “I want you to look at every level of office around and support Democrats who fight, because those are the ones who can actually win against Republicans.”

⚠️ Impact: The Fighting Oligarchy Tour has positioned Ocasio-Cortez, a radical progressive, as a leading anti-Trump voice in the Democratic Party, fueling speculation she may soon launch a primary challenge to Sen. Schumer or launch a 2028 presidential bid.

IN FULL:

Disaffected Democrats and political progressives are rallying around the far-left populist message espoused by Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), fueling increasing speculation that the 35-year-old New York Democrat may mount a primary challenge to 74-year-old Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) or even launch a 2028 presidential bid. Since late February, Ocasio-Cortez—often referred to as AOC—has been holding large rallies across the country with Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) as part of the Fighting Oligarchy Tour, resulting in the progressive Congresswoman raising nearly $10 million in the first quarter of 2025.

In March, a Fighting Oligarchy Tour rally in Denver, Colorado, featuring AOC and Sanders, drew a reported 34,000 attendees—eclipsing the crowds drawn during Sen. Sanders’s previous two presidential campaigns and dwarfing all other Democratic Party events that month. Subsequently, an April rally in Los Angeles, California, drew an estimated 36,000 people. The rallies often feature calls for Rep. Ocasio-Cortez to primary Sen. Chuck Schumer. AOC and progressive Democrats contend he was too quick to cave to President Trump and Congressional Republicans on a government funding bill.

“We need a Democratic Party that fights harder for us,” Rep. Ocasio-Cortez argued at a recent rally in Tempe, Arizona. “I want you to look at every level of office around and support Democrats who fight, because those are the ones who can actually win against Republicans.”

While AOC’s cross-country tour and rallies with Sanders have energized the Democratic Party’s far-left progressive faction, more moderate party leaders worry that the New York Congresswoman’s radical message will alienate independent voters. However, absent any other standard bearers stepping forward and gaining traction, Ocasio-Cortez, with the backing of Sanders, appears to be quickly consolidating her position as one of the Democratic Party’s most vocal anti-Trump leaders.

Despite not having ruled out a potential 2028 bid for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination, AOC is believed to be best positioned to challenge Schumer for his Senate seat. Several House Democrats have encouraged their progressive colleague to mount a primary campaign, with Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI) stating, “I’ve already said it: Senate looks good.”

Image by Matt Johnson.

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May 12, 2025
William Upton
Health
Politics

President Trump Signs ‘Most Favored Nation’ EO, Slashing Prescription Drug Costs.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order implementing a “most favored nation” prescription drug pricing policy that could cut pharmaceutical costs by anywhere between 30 and 80 percent for Americans.

👥 Who’s Involved: President Trump, Medicare, foreign nations, the pharmaceutical industry.

📍 Where & When: The order was signed on Monday, May 12, 2025, at the White House.

💬 Key Quote: “We are going to pay the lowest price there is in the world. Whoever is paying the lowest price, that is the price we’re going to get—so we’re no longer paying ten times more than another country,” President Trump said after signing the Executive Order.

⚠️ Impact: The new drug pricing plan aims to significantly lower the costs for prescription drugs purchased through Medicare, providing savings for both the U.S. government and Americans enrolled in the federal health insurance program.

IN FULL:

President Donald J. Trump has signed an Executive Order establishing a “most favored nation” policy that will tie Medicare payments for pharmaceuticals administered by a medical doctor to the lowest price paid by other countries. The directive aims to bring down the cost of prescription drugs in the United States and provide significant savings to the federal government through reduced Medicare costs. Notably, the Trump White House contends the policy could cut pharmaceutical costs by anywhere between 30 and 80 percent for Americans.

The “most favored nation” pricing policy has been a long-standing goal for President Trump. An attempt to implement the plan late in his first term was sidelined after a federal court blocked the directive. However, according to Trump, the newest iteration will not only be implemented through his Executive Order but will also be codified into law as part of the budget reconciliation bill taking form in Congress.

“We are going to pay the lowest price there is in the world. Whoever is paying the lowest price, that is the price we’re going to get—so we’re no longer paying ten times more than another country,” Trump said after signing the order in the Oval Office on Monday. He continued: “I’m doing this against the most powerful lobby in the world, probably—the drug lobby and pharmaceutical lobby—but it’s one of the most important orders, I think, that’s ever been signed.”

The America First leader added: “Big Pharma will either abide by this principle voluntarily, or we’ll use the power of the federal government to ensure that we are paying the same price as other countries.”


While the specifics of the Executive Order and legislative provisions are not entirely known as of the time of publication, a “most favored nation” pricing policy essentially means the United States government will only pay pharmaceutical companies for a drug covered under Medicare at the lowest rate paid by similar advanced nations. For instance, while a pharmaceutical company might charge the federal government $300 for a specific medication, if that same medication is sold to the German government for just $30, by law, the U.S. government will only pay $30 instead of the higher price.

It is expected that Trump’s Executive Order will face a number of legal challenges from the pharmaceutical industry.

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