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Thursday, May 29, 2025

Category: Politics
May 20, 2025
Politics

DOJ Investigates Chicago Mayor Over Anti-White Hiring Remarks.

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❓What Happened: The Department of Justice (DOJ) has launched an investigation into Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson over suspected racial discrimination in hiring practices.

👥 Who’s Involved: Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, U.S. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon, Governor J.B. Pritzker (D-IL), and the DOJ.

📍 Where & When: The investigation was announced this week following remarks by the Democrat mayor at a church in Woodlawn, Chicago.

💬 Key Quote: “Considering these remarks, I have authorized an investigation to determine whether the City of Chicago is engaged in a pattern of practice of discrimination as set forth above,” Dhillon said.

⚠️ Impact: The investigation adds to ongoing legal scrutiny of Chicago, which has already faced a DOJ lawsuit over its sanctuary city policies.

IN FULL:

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has initiated an investigation into Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson (D), alleging racial discrimination in his hiring practices. The probe was announced this week after Johnson made remarks at a Woodlawn church, emphasizing a preference for hiring black people in his administration.

During his Sunday remarks, Mayor Johnson acknowledged potential criticism over his focus on hiring black employees. “There are some detractors that will push back on me and say, ‘The only thing the mayor talks about is the hiring of black people.’ No. What I’m saying is, when you hire our people, we always look out for everybody else. We are the most generous people on the planet. I don’t know too many cultures that have play cousins,” Johnson said.

Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon referenced the mayor’s public comments in her announcement, stating, “Considering these remarks, I have authorized an investigation to determine whether the City of Chicago is engaged in a pattern of practice of discrimination as set forth above.” The investigation will assess whether Johnson’s hiring practices violate the 1964 Civil Rights Act.

This investigation is the latest in a series of legal actions involving Chicago under the Trump administration. Earlier this year, the DOJ filed a lawsuit against the city and the state of Illinois over sanctuary policies that allegedly obstruct federal immigration enforcement efforts. The lawsuit accuses Chicago and the State of Illinois of deliberately hindering federal officers in carrying out deportation responsibilities.

Governor J.B. Pritzker (D-IL) has pushed back against federal scrutiny, previously denying any violations of federal law. Responding to the February lawsuit, the governor’s office complained, “Instead of working with us to support law enforcement, the Trump Administration is making it more difficult to protect the public, just like they did when Trump pardoned the convicted January 6 violent criminals. We look forward to seeing them in court.”

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May 20, 2025
Christopher Tomlinson
Politics
UK

British PM Declares Nigel Farage His Number One Rival for Power.

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❓What Happened: British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has acknowledged that Nigel Farage and his Reform Party are now the ruling Labour Party’s main rivals for power.

👥 Who’s Involved: Sir Keir Starmer, Nigel Farage, Labour Party, Reform Party, Conservative Party.

📍 Where & When: Starmer made the comments to fellow Labour Members of Parliament (MPs) on May 19.

💬 Key Quote: “Reform are our main rivals for power. We have a moral responsibility to make sure Farage never wins.” — Sir Keir Starmer.

⚠️ Impact: The admission is a major shakeup in British politics, which has been dominated by Labour and the Conservatives for around a century. 

IN FULL:

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has reportedly told the inner circle of his ruling Labour Party that Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and his party are now their “main rivals for power.” Starmer met with his Members of Parliament (MPs) on May 19, telling them, “The Conservatives are not our principal opponent. Reform are our main rivals for power. We have a moral responsibility to make sure Farage never wins.”

Starmer labelled Farage, “A state-slashing, NHS-privatising, Putin apologist, without a single patriotic bone in his body. We will take the fight to him. We will fight as Labour.”

The statements come just hours after Starmer announced a new trade deal with the European Union (EU), which Farage blasted as a “surrender deal.”

“In 2016, we voted to take back control of our fishing waters from the EU and give a much-needed lifeline to our fishing industry. Today, we learn that Sir Keir Starmer’s much vaunted EU reset deal will grant European fishermen access to British waters for 12 years,” Farage said. He also criticised another aspect of the deal, which could reintroduce a form of Free Movement immigration for EU nationals who are under the age of 30.

Farage also previously criticised Starmer’s trade deal with India, claiming that it betrayed British workers as it could make it 20 percent cheaper for companies to hire Indian workers over native Brits.

Reform dominated the municipal elections in England last month, at the expense of both the Conservatives and Labour. Polling now routinely puts Reform above both the Conservatives and Labour.

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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Editor’s Notes

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

RAHEEM J. KASSAM Editor-in-Chief
Do not take this as financial advice, but I’ve got some serious money on Nigel winning the 2029 election! Just saying!
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Do not take this as financial advice, but I’ve got some serious money on Nigel winning the 2029 election! Just saying! show more
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May 19, 2025
News
Politics

REPORT: AOC is No Longer Wearing Her Engagement Ring.

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❓What Happened: Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) has not been seen wearing her engagement ring since November 2023, raising questions about her relationship with fiancé Riley Roberts.

👥 Who’s Involved: Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Riley Roberts, her fiancé and web developer.

📍 Where & When: Public appearances and social media posts since December 2023; engagement announced in April 2022.

💬 Key Quote: Kendra Arnold of the Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust said, “When a member is not legally married but in a long-term relationship similar to marriage, these concerns still apply even though there is no disclosure requirement.”

⚠️ Impact: The couple’s unmarried status allows Roberts to avoid financial disclosure rules, raising ethical questions as Ocasio-Cortez pushes for stock trading bans for lawmakers and spouses.

IN FULL:

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) has not been seen wearing her engagement ring for over 17 months, sparking speculation regarding the status of her relationship with fiancé Riley Roberts, according to a review of public appearances, social media posts, and news images.

Roberts proposed to Ocasio-Cortez in April 2022 with a “zero emission” ring made of recycled gold, valued at $3,057.04. The congresswoman frequently displayed the ring in the months following the engagement. However, since November 2023, the ring has been absent from her left hand during numerous public events, including recent televised appearances, committee hearings, and a series of 2025 political rallies held with Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) as part of the Fighting Oligarchy Tour.

While the absence of the ring has raised questions, records show the couple continues to share a residence in Queens and they were seen together in March 2024. Ocasio-Cortez has also referred to Roberts as her “spouse” in House Ethics Committee filings, though her office clarified that they are not legally married.

The couple’s unmarried status has significant implications. As a long-term partner rather than a legal spouse, Roberts is not required to disclose his financial activities, including stock trades or employment details, as part of Ocasio-Cortez’s congressional financial disclosures. Critics, such as Kendra Arnold of the Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust, argue this loophole undermines transparency.

“When a member is not legally married but in a long-term relationship similar to marriage, these concerns still apply even though there is no disclosure requirement,” Arnold stated.

This situation is particularly noteworthy given Ocasio-Cortez’s legislative efforts to ban individual stock trading by members of Congress and their spouses. Her proposal would not apply to Roberts unless they marry, allowing him to continue trading stocks without restriction or transparency.

Other members of Congress, such as former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), have made millions on the stock market in recent years. Some investors and fund managers have even created their own financial products that mimic trades made by members of Congress using publicly available data, as lawmakers are required to disclose market transactions over $1,000.

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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May 19, 2025
Politics

Bill Clinton’s Nuclear Football Carrier Says Hillary was ‘Nazi Schoolmarm.’

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❓What Happened: Former Clinton administration military aide Buzz Patterson accused Hillary Clinton of fostering a hostile environment in the White House, describing her as “evil” and “vindictive.”

👥 Who’s Involved: Buzz Patterson, a former Air Force officer and Senior Military Aide to President Bill Clinton, and Hillary Clinton.

📍 Where & When: White House, during Bill Clinton’s presidency (1996-1998), with the revelations posted to X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, March 17, 2025.

💬 Key Quote: “When Hillary was gone, it was a frat party. When she was home, it was Schindler’s List,” wrote Patterson.

⚠️ Impact: Patterson notes that the mood and tone of the White House often revolved around whether Hillary Clinton was present on that given day, claiming that the political staff and the Clintons themselves were known for their “lack of professionalism and courtesy.”

IN FULL:

A former military aide to President Bill Clinton has alleged that Hillary Clinton was so feared during her time as First Lady that White House staff avoided her at all costs. Buzz Patterson, who served as Senior Military Aide from 1996 to 1998, made the claims in a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), describing Hillary Clinton as “evil, vindictive, profane,” and “a bitch.”

Patterson, who carried the “nuclear football” for the president, stated that the atmosphere in the White House shifted dramatically based on Hillary Clinton’s presence. “We used to say that when Hillary was gone, it was a frat party. When she was home, it was Schindler’s List,” he wrote in a post that has garnered millions of views.

He claimed that Hillary Clinton was the most intimidating figure in the administration, even more so than her husband. Patterson recalled being warned by his predecessor, “You can get away with pissing off Bill, but if you make her mad, she’ll rip your heart out.”

According to Patterson, the First Lady instructed staff to avoid interacting with her, leading to scenes of White House employees scrambling to stay out of her line of sight. “Many a time, I’d see mature, professional adults… scurrying into office doorways to escape Hillary’s line of sight,” he recounted, likening her demeanor to that of a “Nazi schoolmarm.”

Patterson also alleged that Hillary Clinton attempted to ban military uniforms in the White House, a move he opposed due to national security concerns. He claimed she sought to downplay the military’s importance in the administration, only relenting after the Secret Service intervened.

The former aide, who has since become a vocal supporter of President Donald J. Trump, concluded his posts by saying the Clintons are “corrupt beyond words.”

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May 19, 2025
William Upton
Politics

EXPLAINER: What’s the Status of Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ and What to Expect This Week.

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❓What Happened: After voting down the budget reconciliation bill on Friday, House Budget Committee members reconvened on Sunday after renewed negotiations and intervention from President Donald J. Trump and the White House, allowing the legislation to advance to the Rules Committee before it heads to the House floor.

👥 Who’s Involved: Speaker Mike Johnson, President Donald J. Trump, House Budget Committee members, and four GOP members who shifted their stance: Reps. Chip Roy, Ralph Norman, Andrew Clyde, and Josh Brecheen.

📍 Where & When: Capitol Hill, late Sunday night vote following a failed attempt on Friday.

💬 Key Quote: Speaker Mike Johnson said the bill is now “on track” for a House floor vote by the end of the week.

⚠️ Impact: The bill’s advancement is a win for Trump and Johnson but faces further hurdles in the House and Senate.

IN FULL:

House Republicans on the Budget Committee narrowly advanced a major budget proposal on Sunday night, reversing Friday’s failed attempt to move the bill forward. The measure, which includes making President Donald J. Trump’s 2017 tax cuts permanent, a significant expansion in the number of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deportation agents, $1.6 trillion in deficit reduction, full Defense Department (DoD) funding, and overhauling Medicaid, passed by a 17-16 vote. All Democrats opposed the bill, while four Republicans—Reps. Chip Roy (R-TX), Ralph Norman (R-SC), Andrew Clyde (R-GA), and Josh Brecheen (R-OK)—voted “present” after initially voting “no” on Friday.

The sudden shift followed a weekend of intense negotiations behind closed doors. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) met with lawmakers shortly before the vote and confirmed that “some minor modifications” had been made to the legislation. Johnson expressed optimism about the bill’s progress, stating it is “on track” for a House floor vote by the end of the week.

Budget Committee Chair Jodey Arrington (R-TX) noted during the session that additional changes to the measure are likely before it reaches the floor, though he declined to provide specifics. The bill must still pass through the House Rules Committee and secure approval on the House floor, where Republicans hold a slim majority.

Norman, one of the Republicans who shifted his stance, expressed enthusiasm about the adjustments, saying he was “excited about the changes” being made. However, the legislation remains contentious within the GOP, particularly over Medicaid reform. Conservatives have pushed for deeper structural changes, while moderates have raised concerns about the potential political risks.

Additionally, the legislation faces opposition from a bloc of moderate Republicans that represent districts in high-tax, Democrat-controlled states. President Trump and House Republican leaders have been engaged in protracted negotiations with these lawmakers, which include Reps. Elise Stefanik (R-NY), Mike Lawler (R-NY), Nick LaLota (R-NY), and Andrew Garbarino (R-NY). These lawmakers want a significant change to the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction cap, well above the $30,000 for single filers and $60,000 for joint filers proposed by Speaker Johnson. Currently, House leaders are floating lifting the cap to $40,000 for single filers and $80,000 for joint filers—still below the $60,000 and $120,000 levels being pushed for by the New York Republican delegation.

Even if the package clears the House, Senate Republicans are expected to propose revisions. A group of Senate fiscal hawks, including Senator Mike Lee (R-UT), has expressed their intention to push for deeper structural cuts to reduce the budget deficit.

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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May 19, 2025
Election Integrity
Politics

Trump Orders Investigation Into Oprah, Springsteen, Beyoncé, Bono and More…

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❓What Happened: President Donald J. Trump questioned whether Kamala Harris paid entertainment elites for endorsements during her 2024 campaign.

👥 Who’s Involved: President Trump, Kamala Harris, Bruce Springsteen, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, Oprah Winfrey, Samuel L. Jackson, Spike Lee, and Tyler Perry.

📍 Where & When: Trump made the statement on Truth Social on Monday, May 19, 2025; celebrity endorsements occurred during Harris’s 2024 campaign rallies in various locations, including Atlanta, Georgia, and Houston, Texas.

💬 Key Quote: “BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN, OPRAH, BONO AND, PERHAPS, MANY OTHERS, HAVE A LOT OF EXPLAINING TO DO!!!” — President Trump.

⚠️ Impact: Trump’s comments raise questions about potential election law violations and the role of celebrity influence in political campaigns.

IN FULL:

President Donald J. Trump has raised concerns over whether Kamala Harris compensated entertainment elites for their endorsements during her struggling 2024 presidential campaign. In a post on Truth Social on Monday morning, Trump raised the possibility, suggesting a potential investigation into whether election laws were violated.

“According to news reports, Beyoncé was paid $11,000,000 to walk onto a stage, quickly ENDORSE KAMALA, and walk off to loud booing for never having performed, NOT EVEN ONE SONG!” Trump wrote, continuing: “Remember, the Democrats and Kamala illegally paid her millions of Dollars for doing nothing other than giving Kamala a full throated ENDORSEMENT.”

He added: “THIS IS AN ILLEGAL ELECTION SCAM AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL! IT IS AN ILLEGAL CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTION! BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN, OPRAH, BONO AND, PERHAPS, MANY OTHERS, HAVE A LOT OF EXPLAINING TO DO!!!”

The President’s accusations come amid renewed attacks from Bruce Springsteen, who drew Trump’s ire last week. During the 2024 presidential campaign, Springsteen announced his support for Harris, stating, “Donald Trump is the most dangerous candidate for president in my lifetime.”

At a campaign rally in Atlanta, Georgia, Harris received backing from a host of Hollywood stars, including Samuel L. Jackson, Spike Lee, and Tyler Perry. Meanwhile, pop icon Beyoncé Knowles-Carter endorsed Harris during a rally in Houston, Texas, focusing her remarks on abortion.

“I’m not here as a celebrity, I’m not here as a politician. I’m here as a mother,” Beyoncé stated. “Imagine our daughters growing up seeing what’s possible with no ceilings, no limitations.”

Trump’s Truth Social post suggests he believes these endorsements may warrant scrutiny under election law. Notably, campaign finance records indicate that the Harris campaign paid at least $1 million to Oprah‘s production company. This payment was supposedly in exchange for the company’s assistance with the “United for America” livestream rally featuring numerous celebrities and endorsements in September 2024.

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May 16, 2025
Politics

Democratic Lawmakers Propose Trillions in Reparations for Black Americans.

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❓What Happened: A group of House Democrats reintroduced a resolution advocating for federal reparations for descendants of slaves and other black Americans.

👥 Who’s Involved: Led by Rep. Summer Lee (D-PA), supported by Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), Sen. Corey Booker (D-NJ), and others.

📍 Where & When: Washington, D.C.; resolution reintroduced this week.

💬 Key Quote: “We’re owed repair, we’re owed restitution, and we’re owed justice,” said Rep. Summer Lee.

⚠️ Impact: The resolution calls for trillions of dollars in reparations and aims to address racial wealth gaps, health disparities, and “environmental racism.”

IN FULL:

House Democrats, led by Representative Summer Lee (D-PA), have reintroduced a resolution calling for federal reparations for descendants of slaves and other black Americans, proposing trillions of dollars in payments. First introduced by former Rep. Cori Bush (D-MO) in 2023, the “Reparations Now Resolution” seeks to address what its supporters describe as historical injustices and systemic inequities.

“We’re here to say that there’s no more waiting, no more watering down, no more putting justice on layaway,” Rep. Lee said after reintroducing the measure in the House of Representatives. The Pennsylvania Democrat argued that the United States had benefited from “stolen labor, stolen land, and stolen lives” over the last 400 years and declared that black Americans are owed “repair, restitution, and justice.”

The resolution also includes proposals to address the racial wealth gap, improve black maternal health outcomes, enhance education funding, and combat what proponents call “environmental racism.” Lee framed these measures as part of a broader moral obligation, saying, “This is a moment in time where societies are shaped [and] new societies are built. We should be the ones who are shaping it.”

Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) echoed Lee’s sentiments during a press event, describing the current state of the U.S. as “anti-Blackness on steroids.” She further asserted, “The antidote to anti-Blackness is to be pro-Black, and we will do it unapologetically.” Pressley also called for immediate action, stating, “The U.S. government owes us a debt, and we need reparations now.”

The push for reparations was also discussed earlier this week during a congressional briefing titled, “We Can’t Wait: Advancing Reparative Justice in Our Lifetime.” Participants included Senator Corey Booker (D-NJ), Reps. Hank Johnson (D-GA), Lee, and Pressley. The briefing highlighted the “Reparations Now Resolution” and Booker and Pressley’s separate initiative, the “Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans Act.”

Image by Mark Dixon.

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May 16, 2025
Politics

The ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ Stalls in Committee Vote.

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❓What Happened: The House Budget Committee voted down the House budget reconciliation bill, legislation referred to by President Donald J. Trump as the “Big, Beautiful Bill.”

👥 Who’s Involved: The House Budget Committee, Chairman Jodey Arrington (R-TX), Reps. Chip Roy (R-TX), Ralph Norman (R-SC), Andrew Clyde (R-GA), Josh Brecheen (R-OK), and Lloyd Smucker (R-PA), along with the committee’s Democrat members.

📍 Where & When: U.S. House Budget Committee, Friday, May 16, 2025.

💬 Key Quote: “Hey, for the members, listen up, I do not anticipate us coming back today. I’ve had some questions; I know most of you are trying to get home. Go home. I’ll let you know this weekend if we’re going to return first thing on Monday. I think that’s the goal at this point,” Chairman Arrington said after the reconciliation bill failed in his committee.

⚠️ Impact: The rejection marks a significant hurdle for Republican House leaders seeking to meet their July 4 deadline for final passage through both legislative chambers.

IN FULL:

On Friday, the House Budget Committee voted down President Donald J. Trump’s proposed budget reconciliation bill, delivering a notable blow to Republican congressional leaders aiming for its final approval by Independence Day. The vote ended 16-21, with five Republicans joining Democrats in opposition to the legislation. The Republican lawmakers voting no were Representatives Chip Roy (R-TX), Ralph Norman (R-SC), Andrew Clyde (R-GA), Josh Brecheen (R-OK), and Lloyd Smucker (R-PA).

“Hey, for the members, listen up, I do not anticipate us coming back today. I’ve had some questions; I know most of you are trying to get home. Go home. I’ll let you know this weekend if we’re going to return first thing on Monday. I think that’s the goal at this point,” Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington (R-TX) told members after the failed vote.

The multitrillion-dollar proposal, which makes the 2017 tax cuts implemented during Trump’s first term in office permanent, has been a point of contention among GOP lawmakers. Members of the House Freedom Caucus have demanded steep cuts to Medicaid, a move that risks voter backlash ahead of the 2026 midterm elections—and provides an avenue for Democrats to potentially regain a modicum of political momentum. Meanwhile, a group of more moderate Republicans from Democrat-controlled states has balked at what they say is too small of an increase in the state and local tax (SALT) deduction.

While the failed committee vote marks a setback for the reconciliation bill’s passage, House leaders remained firm that they’ll be able to move the legislation forward and on to the Senate by Memorial Day. Additionally, President Trump, who returned to the United States after concluding his Middle East tour on Friday, is likely to become increasingly involved in ramping up pressure on House Republicans to pass the budget plan.

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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May 16, 2025
William Upton
Economy
Politics

Here’s How the FCC Just Advanced Trump’s America First Agenda in New Verizon Deal.

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❓What Happened: The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will allow Verizon’s purchase of Frontier, a regional telecom company, to move forward, with the former agreeing to enact a series of reforms in alignment with President Donald J. Trump’s pro-worker, America First agenda.

👥 Who’s Involved: Verizon, Frontier, the FCC, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, tower climbers, and telecom workers.

📍 Where & When: Washington, D.C., on Friday, May 16, 2025.

💬 Key Quote: “The agreement between NATE, Verizon, and the FCC is massive news. As a 36-year tower contractor and employer of over 200 tower technicians, this brings fairness back to our relationship. We can’t thank Chairman Carr enough for looking out for Main Street while still being fair to Wall Street. We hope T-Mobile and AT&T will follow Verizon’s lead,” said Craig Snyder, a tower climber and one of the negotiators for his industry in the Verizon acquisition deal, in comments to The National Pulse.

⚠️ Impact: Verizon’s acquisition approval comes with a commitment to ending its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies and programs and agreeing to a new set of pro-worker conditions with the tower climber and telecom worker industries.

IN FULL:

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is allowing telecom giant Verizon to acquire Frontier, a regional communications company, with the aim of expanding its fiber Internet service. Notably, Verizon’s acquisition was contingent on a series of policy and labor practice changes, in alignment with President Donald J. Trump’s pro-worker America First agenda, imposed by the FCC through its regulatory authority.

“By approving this deal, the FCC ensures that Americans will benefit from a series of good and common-sense wins. The transaction will unleash billions of dollars in new infrastructure builds in communities across the country—including rural America,” FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said in a statement announcing the acquisition approval. “This investment will accelerate the transition away from old, copper line networks to modern, high-speed ones. And it delivers for America’s tower and telecom crews who do the hard, often gritty work needed to build high-speed networks.”

One of the biggest concessions being made by Verizon is the company’s decision to end its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies and programs. In a letter to Chairman Carr on May 15, the telecom company acknowledged that it “recognizes some DEI policies and practices could be associated with discrimination.” Verizon goes on to announce that it “is changing its HR structure and will no longer have a team or any individual roles focused on DEI.” The move comes after Chairman Carr informed a number of telecom and Internet technology companies that the FCC would halt license approvals and authorizations for those that maintain discriminatory DEI programs.

The FCC also highlights that the deal represents a win for American workers. Verizon, as part of the approval, is committing to rework its agreements with NATE, the Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association, and remove the costly burdens its policies have placed on tower climbers. These new provisions include taking into account considerations in pricing when it comes to site conditions, the adoption of regional pricing for tower climbers and telecom workers’ labor, 30-day payment terms with fair indemnity clauses, and limits on Verizon’s use of 1099 outside contractors, which have been used to undercut worker wages.

Craig Snyder, a tower climber and negotiator for his industry in the Verizon acquisition deal, told The National Pulse: “The agreement between NATE, Verizon, and the FCC is massive news. As a 36-year tower contractor and employer of over 200 tower technicians, this brings fairness back to our relationship. We can’t thank Chairman Carr enough for looking out for Main Street while still being fair to Wall Street. We hope T-Mobile and AT&T will follow Verizon’s lead.”

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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May 16, 2025
Politics

D.C. Journalist Turned Democrat House Candidate Criticized for Concealing Lavish Lifestyle.

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❓What Happened: Hanna Trudo, a Democrat and former journalist, is facing scrutiny over her luxurious lifestyle after announcing plans to run for Congress in New Hampshire.

👥 Who’s Involved: Hanna Trudo, the Ruthless podcast hosts Josh Holmes, “Comfortably Smug,” Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook.

📍 Where & When: New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District, May 2025.

💬 Key Quote: “As a New Hampshire girl who grew up working class, I’m demanding more from our Democrats,” Hanna Trudo wrote in a post on social media in May, despite her membership of an exclusive millionaire dating website and other social media posts where when advertised the sale of her Ferrari sportscar.

⚠️ Impact: Trudo’s campaign aspirations are overshadowed by questions about her authenticity and background, suggesting her claims of representing working-class interests are merely a political ploy.

IN FULL:

Hanna Trudo, a Democrat and former journalist for outlets including The Daily Beast and POLITICO, has encountered early challenges in her potential congressional campaign after details of her lifestyle surfaced online. Trudo, who recently moved back to her home state of New Hampshire, is exploring a run for the state’s 1st Congressional District.

In a memo shared earlier this month, Trudo described herself as a “New Hampshire girl who grew up working class,” raised by a single mother who worked as a school reading aide. She highlighted her frustrations with Democrats in Washington, D.C., claiming they have failed the working class and arguing her journalism experience equips her to serve effectively.

However, Trudo’s background has come under scrutiny, particularly from the Ruthless podcast, hosted by political operatives Josh Holmes, “Comfortably Smug,” Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook. After publicly offering to appear on the show to discuss her campaign, Trudo reportedly stopped responding to producers’ outreach.

The podcast team then began investigating her background, uncovering a profile on Luxy, an exclusive dating platform for individuals with verified incomes exceeding $200,000. The profile, featuring Trudo’s name and photo, described her as a “senior political correspondent” who splits her time between Washington, D.C., New York City, and Miami.

Additionally, Trudo had posted an image of a Ferrari on social media, offering it for sale. Some of her social media posts were later deleted after these details were publicized. The Ruthless hosts have expressed their intention to continue scrutinizing Trudo’s campaign, with co-host John Ashbrook stating their team has uncovered “a lot more” about her background.

The revelations regarding Trudo’s background and lifestyle could raise concerns among voters regarding whether she is sincerely interested in working-class issues or just another Washington, D.C., elite political operative who relishes access to power and privilege.

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