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Wednesday, December 24, 2025

Category: Politics
December 16, 2025
Lawfare
Politics

FBI Emails Show Biden DOJ Lacked Probable Cause in Trump Mar-a-Lago Raid.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Emails are set to be turned over to Congress showing the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) warned the Biden Department of Justice (DOJ) that it lacked probable cause to raid President Donald J. Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence, but prosecutors proceeded anyway.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Attorney General Pam Bondi, current FBI Director Kash Patel, former Biden government special counsel Jack Smith, House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH), and President Trump.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The emails are to be turned over to the Senate and House Judiciary Committees as early as Tuesday.

💬KEY QUOTE: “The Committee on the Judiciary is continuing to conduct oversight of the operations of the Office of Special Counsel you led—specifically, your team’s prosecutions of President Donald J. Trump and his co-defendants.” – Chairman Jim Jordan.

🎯IMPACT: The revelations further highlight concerns of political weaponization within the DOJ under the former Biden government, particularly with regard to actions against Trump ahead of the 2024 election.

IN FULL

Email communications from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) sent to the former Biden government’s Department of Justice (DOJ) warning that it lacked probable cause to execute the August 8, 2022, raid of President Donald J. Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence are set to be turned over to congressional investigators. Reports indicate that Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel, as soon as Tuesday, will provide the Biden-era emails to the Senate and House Judiciary committees—ahead of a Wednesday deposition of former Biden DOJ special counsel Jack Smith.

The emails detail the FBI’s legal objections to the raid, though Biden DOJ prosecutors decided to proceed regardless. Before the raid, in which the use of deadly force was authorized, the FBI’s Washington field office warned federal prosecutors that it “does not believe they established probable cause” to execute the warrant.

Notably, the raid became a significant inflection point just before the 2024 election and subsequently led to two federal indictments against President Trump. Jack Smith took over the FBI’s classified documents case several months after the Mar-a-Lago raid, ramping up Democrat lawfare efforts against the Republican nominee. Both indictments were ultimately dismissed.

Smith is set to be deposed on Wednesday in a closed-door session by the House Judiciary Committee. Congressional investigators are probing the Biden DOJ’s prosecutions of President Trump and Smith’s actions in the Arctic Frost scandal.

“The Committee on the Judiciary is continuing to conduct oversight of the operations of the Office of Special Counsel you led—specifically, your team’s prosecutions of President Donald J. Trump and his co-defendants,” House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH) wrote in the letter accompanying the subpoena sent to Smith two weeks ago. Peter Koski, a lawyer representing Smith, indicated that he would comply with the subpoena.

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December 15, 2025
Politics

Bessent Replaces Biden-Era DEI Coins for America’s 250th Birthday.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The U.S. Mint revealed new coin designs for America’s 250th anniversary, featuring eagles, pilgrims, and George Washington, while dropping diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) themes selected by the former Biden government.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, the U.S. Mint, the Trump administration, and the former Biden government.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Announced December 2025 by the U.S. Mint.

💬KEY QUOTE: The Trump administration noted the Biden-era designs “did not feature a single Founding Father but instead emphasized diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) themes.”

🎯IMPACT: The redesign shifts focus back to America’s Founding Fathers and traditional symbols, moving away from DEI-centric themes.

IN FULL

The U.S. Mint has dropped diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) themes selected by the former Biden government to adorn coins commemorating America’s 250th anniversary. Instead, new designs have been chosen that feature traditional American symbols, such as eagles, pilgrims, and President George Washington.

Notably, the Biden-era coin designs—which were never publicly released—focused heavily on DEI-related imagery and omitted the Founding Fathers entirely. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reportedly scrapped those plans under the guidance of the Trump White House.

The U.S. Mint has not officially commented on or released images of the Biden-era concepts. However, the Trump White House has criticized the previous designs for sidelining America’s historical figures and traditional values in favor of a DEI-oriented narrative. The new designs appear to reflect a return to celebrating the country’s founding and heritage.

The National Pulse reported in early October that the U.S. Mint was considering a $1 commemorative coin celebrating the United States of America’s 250th birthday that will feature an image of President Donald J. Trump. The U.S. Treasurer, Brandon Beach, revealed the proposed design, stating, “No fake news here. These first drafts honoring America’s 250th Birthday and [President Trump] are real.”

The front of the coin features President Trump in profile, like other presidents appearing on U.S. currency. On the back of the coin is an engraving of Trump standing in front of an American flag, raising his fist into the air—a reference to him raising his fist after being shot in the ear by a would-be assassin during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Notably, U.S. law technically prohibits living presidents from appearing on the country’s currency. However, commemorative coins struck by the U.S. Mint are allowed to feature living presidents while also retaining their denominated value.

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December 15, 2025
Election Integrity
Politics

DOJ Accuses Democratic Campaign Arm of Obstruction in California Redistricting Case.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) accused the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) of withholding key redistricting documents related to California’s Proposition 50.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The DOJ, the DCCC, consultant Paul Mitchell, and California Governor Gavin Newsom (D).

📍WHEN & WHERE: The allegations surfaced ahead of a three-day federal court hearing beginning Monday in California.

💬KEY QUOTE: A source familiar with the DOJ’s thinking described the redistricting effort as a “brazen power grab” and accused the Newsom administration of “covering up the racially driven design” of the map.

🎯IMPACT: The DOJ claims the map prioritizes racial considerations, potentially violating constitutional protections, and has asked the court to block Proposition 50.

IN FULL

In a new federal court filing, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) contends the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC)—the House Democrats’ official campaign arm—worked to actively obstruct and interfere with the discovery process in a lawsuit concerning California’s Proposition 50. The DOJ alleges that the DCCC, along with consultant Paul Mitchell, withheld key documents and provided a massive data dump of files just days before a federal court hearing began—in an apparent attempt to prevent DOJ attorneys from having enough time to review the evidence.

According to the DOJ, Mitchell’s records included evidence that racial considerations were prioritized in the redistricting process. One slide deck reportedly promoted how the map would increase voting opportunities for Latino residents. The DOJ further stated that the DCCC misled the court by claiming it lacked control over Mitchell’s records, despite having a contractual right to access them.

The lawsuit, which the DOJ joined alongside the California Republican Party, alleges that Proposition 50 constitutes unconstitutional racial gerrymandering. The ballot measure, passed in November, allows for a new congressional map to be drawn in time for the 2026 midterms. The DOJ argues that the map was designed to favor Democrats and cancel out likely Republican gains from redistricting efforts in Texas.

A source familiar with the DOJ’s position criticized Governor Gavin Newsom‘s (D-CA) administration, telling media it appeared to be “covering up the racially driven design” of the map. The source described the plan as a “brazen power grab” that divides voters based on race and undermines the electoral process.

The DCCC has denied the allegations, claiming the DOJ is overstating its access to Mitchell’s files and attempting to “slam square pegs into round holes” to bolster its case. The DOJ has requested that the court find race to have been a significant factor in the drawing of the map, which would support the broader claim that Proposition 50 violates constitutional protections.

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December 15, 2025
News
Politics

Kamala Harris Is Preparing for 2028 Presidential Bid: Dem Insiders.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Former Vice President Kamala Harris is reportedly preparing for a 2028 White House run, despite her previous loss to President Donald J. Trump.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Kamala Harris, her husband Doug Emhoff, Democratic Party insiders, and Harris’s spokeswoman Kirsten Allen.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Harris’s book tour stops in 2026 will include South Carolina, Detroit, Jackson, Memphis, and Montgomery. She also spoke at the DNC winter meeting in Los Angeles.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Both parties have failed to hold the public’s trust. Government is viewed as fundamentally unable to meet the needs of its people…. People are done with the status quo, and they’re ready to break things to force change.” – Kamala Harris

🎯IMPACT: Harris remains a top Democratic contender for 2028, with notable support among black Democrats, as she positions herself for another presidential campaign.

IN FULL

Former Vice President Kamala Harris is signaling a possible return to presidential politics in 2028, according to recent reporting and her expanding public schedule, despite her historic defeat by President Donald J. Trump in both the Electoral College and the popular vote in 2024.

Democratic Party insiders claim that Harris’s recent actions suggest she is laying the groundwork for another White House run. Central to that effort is an extended promotional tour for her memoir, 107 Days, which recounts her 2024 campaign. Upcoming stops include early primary states such as South Carolina, along with cities that have large black voter populations, including Detroit, Jackson, Memphis, and Montgomery. Harris continues to perform well among black Democrats in early primary polling, a factor that has kept her near the top of lists of potential 2028 contenders.

Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, recently attended the Democratic National Committee’s winter meeting in Los Angeles, California, where they met with national and state party officials. While addressing the gathering, Harris delivered a broad critique of the current political system, saying, “Both parties have failed to hold the public’s trust. Government is viewed as fundamentally unable to meet the needs of its people… People are done with the status quo, and they’re ready to break things to force change.”

Her spokeswoman, Kirsten Allen, said Harris would approach the coming election cycles with a continued emphasis on public engagement, stating that Harris is focused on “listening to the American people, reflecting where leadership has fallen short, and helping shape the path forward beyond this political moment.”

Harris is also scheduled to appear on Jimmy Kimmel Live! as part of her ongoing media outreach, adding to speculation that she is maintaining a national profile for future campaigns.

Earlier this year, Harris announced that she would not run for Governor of California in 2026, ending speculation that she might pivot to state politics.

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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December 15, 2025
Politics
World

Chilean Populist Defeats Communist Rival, Winning Presidency Amid Fears Over Crime and Illegal Immigration.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: José Antonio Kast, a conservative populist and nationalist, won Chile’s presidential election, marking a significant shift to the right in the country.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: José Antonio Kast and Chilean voters concerned about issues like immigration and crime.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The election took place in Chile, with Kast securing victory on Sunday, December 14, 2025.

💬KEY QUOTE: “What Kast is saying is that foreigners should come to Chile, let them come to work, but they should enter properly through the door, not through the window.” – Jeremías Alonso, Kast supporter.

🎯IMPACT: Kast’s victory reflects a broader regional trend of countries shifting to the right, with immigration and crime dominating political discourse.

IN FULL

Conservative populist and nationalist politician José Antonio Kast won a convincing victory in the runoff election for Chile‘s presidency on Sunday. Kast defeated Communist candidate Jeannette Jara with nearly 60 percent of the vote to her 40 percent. The 59-year-old Kas has pledged to lead an “emergency government,” but says this will not entail the authoritarian elements seen during past states of emergency in Chile.

Kast’s campaign emphasized strict immigration policies, including a proposed border wall and mass deportations of illegal immigrants—echoing U.S. President Donald J. Trump. His rhetoric resonated with many Chileans who feel overwhelmed by the rapid increase in the country’s foreign-born population, which has grown by 46 percent since 2018. Government figures estimate that 336,000 illegal immigrants, many from Venezuela, currently reside in Chile.

Jeremías Alonso, a Kast supporter, argued that illegal immigration has strained public services and contributed to social issues in his working-class neighborhood. “What Kast is saying is that foreigners should come to Chile, let them come to work, but they should enter properly through the door, not through the window,” Alonso said.

While Kast’s party lacks a majority in Congress, complicating his plans for tougher sentencing and maximum-security prisons, his victory signals a broader regional trend of nations shifting to the right. Countries like Argentina and El Salvador have also moved away from leftist governments amid economic crises and concerns over governance.

Image by Torobayo80.

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December 12, 2025
Politics

Trump Admin Probes Democrat-Run City’s Anti-White Housing Policies.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has launched a civil rights investigation into Boston’s housing policies, alleging they unlawfully favor black, Latino, and other ethnic minority residents.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: HUD, led by Secretary Scott Turner, and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu (D) and her administration.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Announced Thursday, focusing on housing policies in Boston, Massachusetts.

💬KEY QUOTE: “The context of race, fair housing is not about ‘the absence of racial discrimination . . . but the presence of deliberate systems . . . to achieve and sustain racial equity.’” — HUD letter

🎯IMPACT: HUD has demanded documents from Boston within 10 days and may escalate the case to the Department of Justice (DOJ).

IN FULL

The Trump administration announced it has launched a major civil rights investigation into the City of Boston‘s housing policies, which allegedly favor black, Latino, and other ethnic minority residents. Announced by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on Thursday, the investigation marks a significant federal intervention against local diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in the Democrat-run city.

In a letter to Boston Mayor Michelle Wu (D), HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) chastised the city’s approach, stating, “The context of race, fair housing is not about ‘the absence of racial discrimination . . . but the presence of deliberate systems . . . to achieve and sustain racial equity.’” Assistant HUD Secretary Craig Trainor, who leads the FHEO, accused the city of embedding “racial equity into every layer of operations in City government.”

Meanwhile, HUD Secretary Scott Turner described Boston’s housing policies as a “social engineering project” driven by DEI ideology rather than legitimate housing needs. Turner vowed to bring the city into compliance with federal law, emphasizing, “This warped mentality will be fully exposed.”

The investigation focuses on several city initiatives, including the Boston Housing Strategy 2025, the Assessment of Fair Housing, and the Anti-Displacement Action Plan. These plans include provisions such as targeting outreach to black and Latino families, increasing lending in “communities of color,” and allocating homeownership opportunities specifically for “BIPOC” households. HUD argues these policies violate federal civil rights law and Supreme Court precedent against “outright racial balancing.”

HUD has also criticized the city’s use of racially based data tools and race-conscious marketing strategies, which it claims echo the logic of “government-sponsored redlining.” The department has requested documents from the city within 10 days and noted it may escalate the case by filing formal discrimination charges or referring it to the Department of Justice (DOJ).

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December 11, 2025
Politics

Indiana Senate Blocks Trump-Backed Redistricting Plan.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The Indiana Senate voted down a redistricting map backed by President Donald J. Trump that aimed to create two more Republican-leaning congressional districts.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Donald J. Trump, Indiana Senate Republican leader Rodric Bray, Vice President J.D. Vance, and conservative organizations like Turning Point Action.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Indiana, over recent months, with the final vote occurring on Thursday, December 11, 2025.

🎯IMPACT: The vote represents a significant setback for Trump’s efforts to reshape congressional districts in Republican-controlled states ahead of the 2026 midterms.

IN FULL

The Indiana State Senate rejected a plan to redraw the Hoosier State’s congressional map before the 2026 midterm elections. President Donald J. Trump and Governor Mike Braun (R-IN) pushed Republican lawmakers in the legislature to back the plan, but Republican defections scuttled the bill that would have redrawn the map on Thursday.

Under the failed proposal, the congressional districts for Representatives Frank Mrvan (D-IN) and Andre Carson (D-IN) would have essentially been eliminated and replaced with two Republican-leaning seats, making the entire state’s delegation in the U.S. House of Representatives a Republican one. Currently, Republicans hold seven of the state’s nine U.S. House seats.

The setback in Indiana follows a recent Supreme Court decision allowing Texas to use its newly redrawn map, which creates five additional GOP-favorable districts. Indiana had become a focal point in Trump’s nationwide effort to reshape congressional districts ahead of the 2026 midterms, a strategy aimed at maintaining the narrow Republican majority in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Indiana Senate Republican leader Rodric Bray had resisted Trump’s redistricting efforts, stating previously that there wasn’t enough support in the chamber. Trump criticized Bray on social media, warning of potential primary challenges for Bray and others opposing the map. Despite Trump’s campaign to pass the new maps, including calls from Vice President J.D. Vance and House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), the Senate ultimately rejected the measure.

Conservative organizations like Turning Point Action also joined the effort, running ads and pledging to target Republican lawmakers who opposed the map. Trump emphasized the importance of redistricting, stating that “we must keep the majority at all costs” and vowing to continue pushing Republican lawmakers in other states to redraw congressional districts mid-cycle.

Image by Charles Edward.

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December 11, 2025
William Upton
Health
Politics

Senate Obamacare Subsidy Bills Fail, White House Says Trump Has a Plan.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The Senate rejected legislation to extend Obamacare subsidies, risking higher costs for millions of Americans starting January 1.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Senate Democrats, Senate Republicans, and the Trump White House.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Thursday, in the U.S. Senate, Washington, D.C.

🎯IMPACT: Millions of Americans face premium increases as bipartisan negotiations failed to produce a solution.

IN FULL

The U.S. Senate on Thursday took up two bills ostensibly aimed at addressing Obamacare subsidies set to expire on January 1. Legislation brought by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY)—and largely seen as a messaging bill rather than a serious attempt at extending or reforming the failing healthcare program—failed along party lines. Meanwhile, a test vote on a Republican-led proposal that would allow Americans to opt into Health Savings Account (HSA) programs instead of the Obamacare subsidized plans also failed, as it was unable to overcome a Democrat filibuster.

Neither bill was expected to pass, though a potential opening for either an extension of the subsidies or compromise legislation could be building in the House of Representatives as Democrats slowly gain signatures on two discharge petitions for what is seen as more serious proposals to extend the subsidies than those pushed by Sen. Schumer. If Congress fails to either reform the failing Obamacare program or extend current subsidies enacted under former President Joe Biden, millions of Americans who rely on the Obamacare marketplace for health insurance will likely see significant health insurance premium hikes at the beginning of next year.

While a congressional solution has largely been seen as the only avenue to fix Obamacare and avoid the premium hikes, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt appeared to allude to a third possible solution being considered by President Donald J. Trump. Details of any White House plan do not appear to be public, and what executive actions Trump could take are unknown.

Despite some bipartisan interest in extending the subsidies in the Senate, no meaningful negotiations occurred. A prior agreement between a group of Democrats and the Republican majority, made during the resolution of the Democrat-initiated 43-day government shutdown, had raised hopes for compromise. However, talks fell apart when Republicans pushed to ensure the continued inclusion of restrictions on abortion coverage, which Democrats deemed unacceptable.

Image by Ted Eytan.

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December 11, 2025
Politics

MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell Launches Bid for Minnesota Governor.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell has announced his candidacy for Minnesota governor in 2026.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Mike Lindell, other Republican candidates, and incumbent Governor Tim Walz (D).

📍WHEN & WHERE: Lindell announced his decision on social media on Thursday, December 11, 2025, in Minnesota.

💬KEY QUOTE: “After prayerful consideration and hearing from so many of you across our great state, I’ve made the decision to enter the 2026 gubernatorial race.” – Mike Lindell

🎯IMPACT: Lindell’s entry adds to an already competitive race for Minnesota’s governorship, with Governor Walz seeking a third term.

IN FULL

Mike Lindell, the founder and CEO of MyPillow, has announced his intention to run for Governor of Minnesota in 2026. This decision was made official on Thursday, December 11, 2025, after he previously filed paperwork but had not confirmed his candidacy.

In his announcement, Lindell stated, “After prayerful consideration and hearing from so many of you across our great state, I’ve made the decision to enter the 2026 gubernatorial race. I’m still standing and I’ll stand for you.”

Lindell will be running as a Republican in what is shaping up to be a competitive race. Governor Tim Walz (D) is seeking a third consecutive term, a feat that has not been achieved in Minnesota’s history. Other Republican candidates include the state House Republican Speaker Lisa Demuth and Scott Jensen, who ran against Walz in 2022.

Notably, Gov. Walz is facing increased scrutiny after state government whistleblowers publicly alleged his administration discovered and then ignored a network of social services fraud schemes connected to the state’s large Somali community. The whistleblowers allege state officials feared being called racist if they stepped in to prevent the theft of an estimated $1 billion in taxpayer dollars.

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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December 11, 2025
Politics

Trump Backs ‘Fantastic’ Noem Amid Replacement Rumors.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump dismissed rumors that he is considering replacing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Trump, Secretary Noem, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, and White House Deputy Press Secretary Abigail Jackson.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Wednesday, during a roundtable with business leaders.

💬KEY QUOTE: “I read a story recently that I’m unhappy with Kristi—I’m so happy with her… She’s fantastic, actually,” said President Trump.

🎯IMPACT: The White House firmly denied the report, calling it “total Fake News” and praising Noem’s performance.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump threw cold water on corporate media speculation that he is looking to replace Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem, calling her performance “fantastic” during a roundtable with business leaders late on Wednesday. “I read a story recently that I’m unhappy with Kristi—I’m so happy with her… We have a border that’s the best border in the history of our country. Why would I be unhappy? She’s fantastic, actually,” Trump told reporters.

The pushback comes following a report from MS NOW (formerly MSNBC), which claimed that Noem was on “very thin ice” and that White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller was leading an effort to replace her. The report alleged dissatisfaction with Noem’s pace in building new detention centers and handling of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and disaster relief funds. However, the Trump White House dismissed the claims as “total Fake News.”

White House Deputy Press Secretary Abigail Jackson said of the report, “Everything about this is total Fake News. Secretary Noem is doing a great job implementing the President’s agenda and making America safe again. MS Now continues to beclown themselves by inventing narratives that simply are not true.”

DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin also criticized the report, saying, “I can’t speak for the President, but I’ve seen more credible reporting on Bigfoot.”

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