Saturday, August 2, 2025

Trump Hits Powell Over Renovation Costs During Historic Fed Visit.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump chastised Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell in person over the nearly $1 billion in cost overruns for renovations and new office construction undertaken by the American central bank.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Trump, Powell, and the Federal Reserve.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Thursday, July 24, 2025, at the Federal Reserve in Washington, D.C.

💬KEY QUOTE: “A lot of very expensive work, there’s no question about it,” Trump said, adding: “So we’re taking a look, and it looks like it is about $3.1 billion; it went up a little bit.”

🎯IMPACT: Trump’s visit is likely part of a broader campaign to pressure Powell and the Federal Reserve to cut interest, mirroring similar efforts by the late President Richard Nixon to push his Fed chairman, Arthur Burns, into lowering borrowing costs.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump chastised Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell in person over the nearly $1 billion in cost overruns for renovations and new office construction undertaken by the American central bank. On Thursday, July 24, 2025, Trump became only the fourth President in American history to visit the Federal Reserve, and the only President to enter the building for nonceremonial purposes. Previously, former Presidents Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Gerald Ford, and George W. Bush each visited the Fed.

“Thank you very much, we’re looking at the construction, and we’re with the chairman, as you know,” President Trump said before waving Powell over to join him in front of the cameras: “Chairman, come on over.”

“And we’re just taking a look at what’s happening, and it’s a tough construction job; they’re building basements where they didn’t exist or expanding them. A lot of very expensive work, there’s no question about it,” Trump continued. “So we’re taking a look, and it looks like it is about $3.1 billion; it went up a little bit.”

A stunned Powell abruptly began shaking his head in disagreement, insisting the construction costs were not that high. President Trump proceeded to produce a report detailing the cost, which included a separate office space that the Federal Reserve did not pair with its renovation estimates.

For weeks, President Trump has increased pressure on the U.S. central bank to begin slashing interest rates as economic data has shown some concerning deflationary signals. Powell, however, has remained obstinate, maintaining rates at their current levels.

This has led to some speculation that Trump could move to fire Powell—with cause— by citing the renovation cost overruns, though the America First leader has insisted he does not intend to remove the Fed chairman before his term expires next year.

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Trump Blocks Feds from Using Woke AI.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order mandating that artificial intelligence (AI) models procured by the federal government prioritize truthfulness and ideological neutrality.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Donald J. Trump, federal agencies, and AI developers.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The Executive Order was signed Wednesday, July 23, 2025, in Washington, D.C.

💬KEY QUOTE: “We will terminate every diversity, equity, and inclusion program across the entire federal government.” – Donald J. Trump

🎯IMPACT: The Order should ensure AI models used by the federal government adhere to principles of truthfulness and neutrality, avoiding ideological bias.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order late Wednesday mandating that artificial intelligence (AI) models used by the federal government prioritize truthfulness and ideological neutrality. The Order outlines “Unbiased AI Principles,” which include truth-seeking and ideological neutrality as core tenets.

According to the presidential directive, truth-seeking AI models are required to prioritize historical accuracy, scientific inquiry, and objectivity, acknowledging uncertainty when information is incomplete or contradictory. Ideological neutrality mandates that AI models remain nonpartisan, avoiding manipulation of responses to favor ideologies like diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

The Order directs federal agencies to procure only AI models compliant with these principles. It also requires contracts with AI vendors to include accountability measures, such as cost coverage if noncompliance leads to contract termination. The Director of the Office of Management and Budget will issue guidance to enforce these directives.

President Trump emphasized the importance of trustworthy AI, citing examples of biased outputs from existing models. These include AI systems altering historical representations for DEI purposes and prioritizing ideological compliance over factual accuracy. Such practices, the Trump White House argues, erode public trust in AI systems.

The Executive Order is part of a broader effort by President Trump to eliminate DEI-driven policies across the federal government. In recent months, he has signed multiple actions to dismantle DEI programs in federal agencies, defense, and education, ensuring that government initiatives prioritize fairness and merit. “We will terminate every diversity, equity, and inclusion program across the entire federal government,” President Trump pledged earlier this year.

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House Panel Approves Subpoenas for Clintons Over Epstein Connections.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: A House Oversight panel subcommittee voted to authorize subpoenas for Bill and Hillary Clinton over their links to deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, convicted of trafficking minors for him.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Bill and Hillary Clinton, Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA).

📍WHEN & WHERE: The motion was issued during a Federal Law Enforcement Subcommittee hearing on Wednesday.

💬KEY QUOTE: “I wish I had never met him,” Clinton wrote, complaining it was “not worth the years of questioning afterward.”

🎯IMPACT: The subpoenas could compel the Clintons and others to provide testimony or documents regarding Epstein and Maxwell.

IN FULL

Former President Bill Clinton and his wife, Hillary Clinton, could be subpoenaed to testify on their alleged ties to convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein and his madam, Ghislaine Maxwell, after a House Oversight subcommittee voted to compel their testimony. Congressman Scott Perry (R-PA) introduced the motion on Wednesday during a meeting of Oversight’s Federal Law Enforcement Subcommittee. The subpoena was approved by a Republican-led panel via voice vote, without a roll call.

The Clintons, along with several former top Justice Department (DOJ) officials—including ex-Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director James Comey, one-time special counsel Robert Mueller, and former attorneys general Loretta Lynch, Eric Holder, Merrick Garland, Bill Barr, Jeff Sessions, and Alberto Gonzales—were included in the list of subpoenas sought by Perry to “expand the full committee’s investigation into Ms. Maxwell.”

House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-KY) will ultimately decide whether to issue the subpoenas to compel the Clintons and others to provide testimony or documents to the panel. Former President Clinton acknowledged in his 2024 book, Citizen: My Life After the White House, that he flew aboard Epstein’s private plane, nicknamed the Lolita Express, as part of his work with the Clinton Global Initiative nonprofit. “I wish I had never met him,” Clinton wrote, adding it was “not worth the years of questioning afterward.”

Epstein also visited the White House at least 17 times shortly after Clinton was sworn into office in 1993.

In December 2021, a jury convicted Maxwell of sex trafficking of minors, transporting a minor with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, and three counts of conspiracy. She was later sentenced to 20 years in prison.

The Department of Justice filed a motion on Wednesday to unseal grand jury testimonies related to Epstein. The motion, filed in the United States District Court’s Southern District of New York (SDNY), called for the release of grand jury transcripts associated with the Epstein indictment.

“At the direction of the Attorney General, the Department of Justice hereby moves the Court to release grand jury transcripts associated with the above-referenced indictment,” the court document stated.

However, Barack Obama-appointed U.S. District Judge Robin Rosenberg denied the request.

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WATCH: Senator Facing Paxton Primary Challenge Loves Anti-Borders, Pro-Sanctuary Nonprofit.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) is facing political backlash over resurfaced comments made on the Senate floor praising the far-left League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) political group, which advocates for open borders and mass immigration.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Sen. Cornyn, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R), Governor Greg Abbott (R), President Donald J. Trump, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), and Texas Republican voters.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Cornyn’s remarks came during National Hispanic Heritage Month and resurfaced on social media on July 23, 2025.

💬KEY QUOTE: “There is also the League of United Latin American Citizens, or as we know it, LULAC, that fights to improve opportunities for Hispanic Americans—particularly when it comes to education.” — Sen. John Cornyn

🎯IMPACT: Cornyn is struggling to defend his Senate seat from a primary challenge launched by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, a staunch ally of President Trump. The video is likely to cause further problems for Cornyn among Texas Republicans.

IN FULL

U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) is drawing backlash from Texas conservatives after a video surfaced of him praising the far-left League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) political group, which advocates for open borders and mass immigration. Notably, LULAC sued Texas in 2017 over legislation signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott (R-TX) ending sanctuary cities in the state.

Sen. Cornyn’s praise for LULAC is part of the Congressional Record. The Texas Republican highlighted the group on the Senate floor during National Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 to October 15 every year.

“There is also the League of United Latin American Citizens, or as we know it, LULAC, that fights to improve opportunities for Hispanic Americans—particularly when it comes to education,” Cornyn stated during his floor speech praising numerous Hispanic and immigrant advocacy groups.


Notably, in recent months, Cornyn has tried to reposition himself as being opposed to mass immigration while claiming to be an ally of President Donald J. Trump‘s America First agenda. Polling has shown Cornyn consistently trailing his Republican primary challenger, Trump ally and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R), by a significant margin in the 2026 Senate race.

LULAC presents itself as a Hispanic and Latin-American civil rights organization; however, the group has consistently pushed a far-left political agenda, including educating illegal immigrants on legal maneuvers to frustrate federal immigration enforcement actions. Additionally, LULAC has joined campaigns in defense of abortion, far-left DEI programs, and Affirmative Action.

Concerningly, LULAC has joined other far-left groups in promoting anti-U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) propaganda. LULAC has accused ICE of utilizing so-called “terror strikes” and “lightning attacks” to create an environment of “fear and anxiety” in the Hispanic community.

The group has received significant funding from the Tides Foundation, as well as the National Education Association (NEA) and American Federation of Teachers (AFT). Its current president, Domingo Garcia, is a long-time Texas Democrat politician and served as a member of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) for over a decade.

Cornyn actively opposed Trump’s 2024 bid to retake the White House until well after polling showed the America First leader was the only GOP candidate positioned to defeat the Democrats. The National Pulse reported in November 2023 that Cornyn admitted, “I was wrong,” regarding his opposition to Trump’s candidacy.

The resurfaced LULAC video is likely to cause further problems for Cornyn in Texas. Already, the Senator has seen defections, with Congressman Lance Gooden (R-TX) endorsing Paxton.

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Farage’s Reform Party Scores Another Major Defection.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: Laura Anne Jones, a lawmaker in the Welsh Parliament, or Senedd, has defected from the Conservatives to the Reform Party, becoming its first Member of the Senedd (MS).

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Laura Anne Jones, Nigel Farage, Welsh Conservative leader Darren Millar, and Plaid Cymru (Party of Wales) leader Rhun ap Iorwerth.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Announced at the Royal Welsh Show in Llanelwedd on Tuesday.

💬KEY QUOTE: “I’ve just suddenly felt that the Conservative Party was unrecognisable to me. It wasn’t the party that I joined over three decades ago.” – Laura Anne Jones

🎯IMPACT: The defection reduces the Conservative presence in the Welsh Parliament to 14 and raises the prospect of further defections, with polls indicating Reform will come out well ahead of the Conservatives in the Welsh elections next year.

IN FULL

Laura Anne Jones, a Senedd (Welsh Parliament) lawmaker, has left the Conservative Party to join the populist Reform Party, as announced by party leader Nigel Farage at the Royal Welsh Show. This move makes her the first Member of the Senedd (MS) for Reform in Wales and represents the party’s highest-profile defection in the region.

Jones stated that she could no longer justify Conservative policies to voters. “I’ve just suddenly felt that the Conservative Party was unrecognisable to me. It wasn’t the party that I joined over three decades ago,” she said, adding that Reform “is listening to the people of Great Britain.”

The announcement has sparked anger among Welsh Conservatives. Darren Millar, leader of the Senedd Conservative group, expressed disappointment, saying voters in South Wales East would feel “very let down by her announcement.” He added, “We wish Laura all the very best in her new high tax and high spend party.” However, despite his snide remarks, polls suggest Reform is likely to place well ahead of the Conservatives in next year’s Senedd elections.

Nigel Farage praised Jones for her experience, stating, “She knows how the place works, and that’s very important for us.” Jones has previously been critical of the Labour-led Welsh government—roughly equivalent to a U.S. state government—for its policies, particularly on issues like education, healthcare, and support for farmers.

The defection is just the latest for Reform and comes just weeks after former Conservative Party chairman Sir Jake Berry joined the party, a major blow to current Tory leader Olukemi “Kemi” Olufunto Adegoke Badenoch.

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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Obama and Biden Judges Push Alina Habba Out of US Attorney Role.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: Interim U.S. Attorney Alina Habba was replaced after New Jersey federal district court judges, predominantly appointed by former presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden, voted against extending her term.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Alina Habba, Desiree Grace, President Donald J. Trump, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka (D), and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Decision announced Tuesday, July 22, in the Federal District of New Jersey.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Their rush reveals what this was always about: a left-wing agenda, not the rule of law.” – Todd Blanche

🎯IMPACT: Desiree Grace will temporarily assume the role; Habba could still resume the role should she be confirmed by the U.S. Senate to a full term.

IN FULL

Interim U.S. Attorney Alina Habba‘s position in the District of New Jersey came to an abrupt end—for now—after federal district court judges, predominantly appointed by former Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden, voted not to extend her term. The judges voted behind closed doors on Monday to replace her with First Assistant U.S. Attorney Desiree Grace. Grace will temporarily take over the role effective immediately, according to a court order made public on Tuesday, July 22.

Habba, known for her previous role as President Donald J. Trump’s personal attorney and legal spokeswoman, has aggressively pursued legal action against a group of New Jersey Democratic Party lawmakers who are accused of physically assaulting federal immigration officials earlier this year. In May, she ordered the arrest of Newark’s Democratic mayor, Ras Baraka, for allegedly trespassing in an immigration detention facility. The charges were later dropped, and a judge criticized her actions as an attempt to “satisfy public clamor.” Baraka has since filed a defamation lawsuit against Habba.

Additionally, in June, Congresswoman LaMonica McIver (D-NJ) pleaded not guilty to charges brought by Habba alleging McIver forcibly impeded federal officers during the attempted arrest of Baraka. The charges include allegations that McIver physically obstructed officers, using her arms to block and strike them.

President Trump recently nominated Habba for a full four-year term, emphasizing her commitment to cracking down on street crime. She has also received endorsements from law enforcement groups. However, Democrats in the U.S. Senate say they will uniformly oppose the nomination, citing a lack of prosecutorial experience and accusing her of politicizing the role.

Habba’s path to Senate confirmation currently appears blocked as New Jersey’s Democratic senators, Cory Booker and Andy Kim, submitted blue slips opposing her nomination. However, the blue slip process is merely a courtesy extended to a nominee’s home-state senators by the relevant committee chairman and can be ignored.

Deputy U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche defended Habba on Tuesday, accusing the federal judges of pursuing a partisan agenda. “The district court judges in NJ are trying to force out [Habba] before her term expires at 11:59 PM Friday. Their rush reveals what this was always about: a left-wing agenda, not the rule of law,” Blanche stated on X (formerly Twitter). He added: “When judges act like activists, they undermine confidence in our justice system. Alina is President Trump’s choice to lead—and no partisan bench can override that.”

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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Trump Backs Senator Who Backstabbed MAGA With ‘Fair’ 2020 Election Comments.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump issued an endorsement for GOP Senator Mike Rounds of South Dakota, despite previously vowing never to support him again.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Trump, Senator Rounds, and voters in South Dakota.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The endorsement was made this week via Truth Social.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Mike Rounds has my Complete and Total Endorsement for Re-Election – HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!” — President Donald Trump

🎯IMPACT: The endorsement marks a significant shift in Trump’s stance toward the senator and could influence South Dakota’s political landscape.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump is backing U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD) for re-election despite having pledged not to endorse the South Dakota lawmaker just three years ago. In 2022, Trump slammed Rounds after the senator described the 2020 election as “fair” during an appearance on ABC’s This Week. At the time, Trump referred to Rounds as a “weak and ineffective leader” and stated, “I will never endorse this jerk again.”

However, in a Truth Social post on Monday, President Trump announced he would once again endorse Sen. Rounds, after backing his candidacy in 2020 as well. “Senator Mike Rounds is an incredibly strong advocate for the wonderful people of South Dakota, a State I love, and WON BIG, in 2016, 2020, and 2024!” Trump wrote, continuing: “An America First Patriot, Mike is fighting tirelessly to Advance the Great Values of the Mount Rushmore State, Champion our Farmers and Ranchers, Strengthen the Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Ensure American Energy DOMINANCE, Help Secure our already Highly Secure Border, Support our Brave Military, Veterans, and Law Enforcement, and Protect our always under siege Second Amendment.”

President Trump concluded the post by stating: “Mike Rounds has my Complete and Total Endorsement for Re-Election – HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!”

While endorsements during U.S. midterm elections often focus on party unity and retention of Congressional majorities, Trump’s decision to back Rounds is surprising. The South Dakota Republican threw his support to fellow Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) during the 2024 Republican presidential primary and has clashed with President Trump’s policy agenda, especially the administration’s immigration stance at times.

Most recently, Rounds sought to reduce the size of federal funding cuts to NPR and PBS in President Trump’s rescission request. Along with Sens. Susan Collins (R-ME) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Rounds argued that public broadcasters are an essential service for Native American tribes and rural areas. Ultimately, the cuts to NRP and PBS were enacted, and Rounds voted in favor of the measure.

Image by World Economic Forum / Boris Baldinger.

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Federal Judge Blocks State DEI Ban.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order against a Mississippi law banning diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) from public schools and universities.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: U.S. District Court Judge Henry Wingate, the Mississippi Association of Educators, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), and the Mississippi Center for Justice.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The restraining order was issued on Sunday, pausing the law’s implementation for at least 14 days. The law, House Bill 1193, took effect on July 1 in Mississippi.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Suppressing constitutional speech through vague prohibitions and the specter of financial retribution does not serve the public good—it undermines it,” Judge Wingate claimed.

🎯IMPACT: The law’s enforcement is paused, and institutions are temporarily shielded from penalties tied to its provisions while further hearings are scheduled.

IN FULL

U.S. District Court Judge Henry Wingate, appointed by Ronald Reagan, issued a temporary restraining order on Sunday against a Mississippi law that bans diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs from public schools and universities. The law, House Bill 1193, had taken effect on July 1 after being approved in April. The 78-year-old judge’s order halts its implementation for at least 14 days.

The plaintiffs and their representatives include the Mississippi Association of Educators, American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), and Mississippi Center for Justice—a Democrat-aligned lawfare group funded by George Soros’s Open Society Foundations and grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). They argued that the law’s allegedly vague language and punitive measures, such as the withdrawal of state funding, created a chilling effect on constitutionally protected speech. Judge Wingate agreed, citing examples of how the law had already impacted faculty and institutions.

“Suppressing constitutional speech through vague prohibitions and the specter of financial retribution does not serve the public good—it undermines it,” the federal judge wrote in his order, adding: “An over-broad, constitutionally borderless law should be the target of a well-aimed injunction to promote, rather than impair, the interests of Mississippi citizens, the integrity of its institutions, and the constitutional principles on which this republic stands.”

The Mississippi law prohibits DEI offices, programs, and trainings, as well as courses promoting so-called “divisive concepts,” including the idea that one race or sex is superior to another. It also bans concepts tied to transgender ideology, gender-neutral pronouns, and related topics. Institutions found in violation risk losing state funding or facing other penalties.

Judge Wingate highlighted affidavits from school officials that described partnerships and programs being abruptly canceled due to fear of violating the law. Wingate concluded that the evidence showed a “clear and ongoing deprivation of constitutional rights” and warranted injunctive relief. A hearing is scheduled for Wednesday to determine whether to extend the restraining order further.

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This Renowned Economist Says Powell Should Resign to Protect Fed’s Integrity.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: Mohamed El-Erian called for Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell to step down in order to protect the Fed’s integrity.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Mohamed El-Erian, Jerome Powell, President Donald J. Trump, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

📍WHEN & WHERE: El-Erian made the statement on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, July 22, 2025.

💬KEY QUOTE: “If Chair Powell’s objective is to safeguard the Fed’s operational autonomy (which I deem vital), then he should resign.” – Mohamed El-Erian

🎯IMPACT: The statement adds to growing criticism of Powell and the Federal Reserve, including concerns over mission creep and lack of action toward reducing interest rates.

IN FULL

Renowned Egyptian-American economist Mohamed El-Erian says he is increasingly convinced that Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell should announce his resignation sooner rather than later in order to protect the U.S. central bank’s independence on monetary policy. In a Tuesday morning post on X (formerly Twitter), El-Erian—who once managed investment strategy for Harvard University‘s endowment and served as chairman of former President Barack Obama’s Global Development Council—argued that the increasing scrutiny from Congress and the Trump White House leaves Powell with little choice but to step down.

“This morning, US government criticism of both Federal Reserve Chair Powell and the institution itself has broadened to include ‘mission creep’ and the effectiveness of other officials,” the President of Queens’ College, Cambridge, wrote, continuing: “The developments of the last few days reinforce my view: If Chair Powell’s objective is to safeguard the Fed’s operational autonomy (which I deem vital), then he should resign.”

“I recognize this isn’t the consensus view, which favors him staying until the end of his tenure in May. Nor is it a first best, which is simply not attainable. Yet, it’s better than what is playing out now—growing and broadening threats to Fed independence—and will undoubtedly increase should he remain in office,” the former PIMCO CEO added. El-Erian further emphasized that he believes the names being floated as potential replacements for Powell are well respected enough to calm any potential market volatility.

The National Pulse reported on Monday that Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) made a formal criminal referral to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), alleging that Powell made “materially false” claims to Congress. Rep. Luna states the central bank chief appeared to have committed perjury during his June 25 testimony before the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs regarding renovations to the Federal Reserve’s headquarters. Notably, the National Capital Planning Commission is also investigating issues surrounding Powell’s oversight of the renovations.

Late Monday, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent added his concerns regarding mission creep at the Federal Reserve to the mounting criticism Powell is facing. “It is my belief that the central bank should conduct an exhaustive internal review of its non-monetary policy operations,” Bessent said, adding: “Significant mission creep and institutional growth have taken the Fed into areas that potentially jeopardize the independence of its core monetary policy mission.”

However, despite his continued frustration with Powell and the Fed’s lack of urgency in reducing interest rates, President Donald J. Trump signaled last week that he is “not planning on doing anything” to remove Powell just yet. However, Trump reiterated that he remains “very concerned” about the central bank’s lack of action in cutting borrowing costs.

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Trump Exits UN Agency, Citing Support for ‘Woke’ Globalist Agenda.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: The Trump administration announced the United States will exit the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), citing the organization’s support for divisive far-left cultural and social causes.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Donald J. Trump, White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly, State Department Spokeswoman Tammy Bruce, French President Emmanuel Macron, and UNESCO leadership.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The announcement was made on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, with the decision following a prior U.S. withdrawal in October 2017.

💬KEY QUOTE: “President Trump has decided to withdraw the United States from UNESCO—which supports woke, divisive cultural and social causes that are totally out-of-step with the commonsense policies that Americans voted for in November.” — Anna Kelly

🎯IMPACT: The decision underscores the administration’s America First foreign policy and its rejection of globalist ideological agendas.

IN FULL

The Trump administration announced Tuesday that the United States will exit the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). A specialized agency under the United Nations Economic and Social Council based in Paris, France, UNESCO is ostensibly tasked with promoting “cooperation in education, science, culture and communication to foster peace worldwide.” However, the Trump White House says the UN agency no longer “aligns with our national interests.”

“President Donald Trump has decided to withdraw the United States from UNESCO—which supports woke, divisive cultural and social causes that are totally out-of-step with the commonsense policies that Americans voted for in November,” White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly said on Tuesday, adding: “This President will always put America First and ensure our country’s membership in all international organizations aligns with our national interests.”

U.S. State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce confirmed the withdrawal from UNESCO, writing on X (formerly Twitter): “Today, the United States announced our decision to withdraw from UNESCO. Like many UN organizations, UNESCO strayed from its founding mission. Going forward, U.S. participation in international organizations must make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous.”

The Trump administration also cited UNESCO’s recognition of the “State of Palestine” as a Member State as a key issue. This decision, they argue, has contributed to anti-Israel rhetoric within the organization. The United States previously withdrew from UNESCO in October 2017 under similar circumstances, but the Biden government rejoined the agency in 2023.

Notably, the move has already drawn a response from French President Emmanuel Macron, who pledged “Unwavering support for UNESCO, a universal guardian of science, the Ocean, education, culture, and world heritage,” in a post on X.

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