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Tag: Donald Trump
September 19, 2025
Culture
SCOTUS

Trump Seeks Supreme Court Intervention on Woke Passport Gender Ruling.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump has asked the Supreme Court to intervene in a ruling allowing transgender and nonbinary citizens to select their gender identity on passports.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Trump, the U.S. Supreme Court, and government lawyers.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Filed Friday, September 19, 2025, in Washington, D.C.

🎯IMPACT: The Supreme Court’s decision could set a precedent for gender identity policies in federal documentation.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump has filed a petition with the U.S. Supreme Court, requesting intervention in a case concerning gender identity options on U.S. passports. In a Friday filing, government attorneys asked the justices to block a lower court decision that allows passport applicants to select “male,” “female,” or an “X” designation, regardless of the sex listed on their birth certificate.

The policy, which has sparked significant debate, represents a departure from the traditional reliance on birth certificate sex markers for official documentation. Similarly, the former Biden government issued guidance allowing immigrants filing a N-400 form applying for naturalization to select the “X” designation without supporting documents.

“You do not need to provide supporting documentation to select X as your gender initially or to change your gender selection for Form N-400,” the former Biden government policy guidance stated at the time, continuing: “The gender you select does not need to match the gender listed on your other immigration documents or on supporting identity documents, such as your birth certificate, passport, or state identification.”

In addition to asking for high court intervention with the change to U.S. passports, Republicans in the House of Representatives are looking to advance a bill that would allow the Secretary of State to revoke the passports of people accused of aiding terrorist groups. The National Pulse reported earlier this week that the bill defines “material support” broadly, including financial aid, lodging, weapons, transportation, and “expert advice or assistance.” Exceptions are made for medicine and religious materials. Notably, people whose passports are revoked would be allowed to appeal.

Image by Joe Ravi.

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September 19, 2025
Politics

Senate to Slash Trump Nominee Backlog with 108 Confirmations in a Month.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) filed a resolution to expedite the confirmation of 108 Trump administration nominees, addressing a significant backlog.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: John Thune, Hershel Walker, Sergio Gor, Benjamin Black, Mike Waltz, and Senate Republicans and Democrats.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The resolution was filed late Thursday night, with confirmations expected by early October. The Senate is advancing these nominations in Washington, D.C.

🎯IMPACT: The resolution aims to clear a backlog of key Trump administration nominees, ensuring their roles are filled before critical events like the UN General Assembly.

IN FULL

The Republican-controlled Senate is set to clear a backlog of 108 Trump administration nominees for key executive branch roles by early October. Positions range from ambassadors to U.S. attorneys to deputy and assistant department secretaries, and have been held up for months by Democrat obstructionism in the upper chamber of Congress.

Late Thursday night, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) filed a resolution to confirm the nominees in a large batch. Last week, Thune invoked a so-called nuclear option, passing a rule change that allows executive branch nominees to be confirmed in large groups rather than individually. Senate Democrats brought the process of confirming Trump administration nominees to a halt by forcing roll-call votes on each individual nominee and dragging out confirmations as long as possible.

Among those nominated are Herschel Walker, tapped to serve as U.S. Ambassador to the Bahamas; Sergio Gor, nominated for U.S. Ambassador to India; and Benjamin Black, who has been selected to lead the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC). Former national security advisor Mike Waltz has been nominated to serve as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations (UN).

The resolution comes as the UN General Assembly’s high-level meetings approach, where Waltz’s confirmation is critical for full participation. Waltz’s nomination was advanced by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in July but faced procedural delays, requiring a revote. The committee approved him again on September 11 by a narrow margin.

The Senate has already made progress under the new process, confirming 48 Trump nominees in an initial package. This included Stephen Miran, who was confirmed to the Federal Reserve Board earlier this week, enabling his participation in the Fed’s mid-September meetings.

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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September 19, 2025
NatSec
TECH

Trump Secures ‘TikTok Approval’ Following Call with Xi.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump announced approval for a TikTok deal, following a call with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Donald Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The call occurred on Friday, September 19, 2025, with plans for an in-person meeting at the APEC Summit in South Korea next month.

💬KEY QUOTE: “The call was a very good one, we will be speaking again by phone, appreciate the TikTok approval, and both look forward to meeting at APEC!” – Donald Trump

🎯IMPACT: A framework agreement was reached for TikTok’s U.S. operations, addressing national security concerns and removing Chinese control over the social media app and its data.

IN FULL

U.S. President Donald J. Trump announced he has finalized the deal for the American purchase of the video social media app TikTok after speaking with Chinese President Xi Jinping. In addition, he confirmed that the two leaders will meet in person at the APEC Summit in South Korea next month.

“I just completed a very productive call with President Xi of China. We made progress on many very important issues including Trade, Fentanyl, the need to bring the War between Russia and Ukraine to an end, and the approval of the TikTok Deal,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post on Friday. He continued: “I also agreed with President Xi that we would meet at the APEC Summit in South Korea, that I would go to China in the early part of next year, and that President Xi would, likewise, come to the United States at an appropriate time.”

Trump added: “The call was a very good one, we will be speaking again by phone, appreciate the TikTok approval, and both look forward to meeting at APEC!”

TikTok, owned by Chinese conglomerate ByteDance, has been under scrutiny for years due to national security concerns. A law passed during Joe Biden’s presidency required the app to be sold to U.S. investors or shut down. However, Biden deferred enforcement of the law, leaving it to the Trump administration, which has extended the sale-or-ban deadline multiple times as negotiations continued.

After over six months of negotiations, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced Monday that U.S. and Chinese officials have reached a “framework” agreement for TikTok. China’s Vice Minister of Commerce, Li Chenggang, remarked that the consensus “serves the interests of both sides.”  While specific details remain unclear, the U.S. investor consortium is said to include Oracle, Silver Lake, and Andreessen Horowitz.

Trump also noted that the U.S. government would receive a “tremendous fee” for facilitating the deal.

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September 18, 2025
NatSec
War

Trump Wants Key Afghan Airbase Back.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump revealed efforts to regain control of the Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Donald Trump and the United States government.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Announced during a press conference in the United Kingdom on Thursday.

💬KEY QUOTE: “We are trying to get it back by the way. OK, that could be a little breaking news,” said Trump.

🎯IMPACT: The potential return of Bagram Air Base could have strategic implications, particularly considering its proximity to China.

IN FULL

During a press conference in the United Kingdom on Thursday, President Donald J. Trump stated that the United States is attempting to “get back” the Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan. The facility, one of the largest airbases in the world, was abandoned as part of the U.S. military’s chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan over four years ago under the former Biden government.

“We are going to keep Bagram, one of the biggest airbases in the world. We gave it for nothing. We are trying to get it back by the way. OK, that could be a little breaking news,” Trump said. He emphasized the strategic importance of the base, noting, “One of the reasons we want the base is, as you know, it’s an hour away from where China makes its nuclear weapons.”

The remarks highlight the ongoing discussions about the U.S. presence and strategic interests in the region, particularly in light of China‘s growing military capabilities. Bagram Air Base was a key hub during the nearly two-decade-long U.S. military engagement in Afghanistan.

It remains unclear how the U.S. military will reoccupy Bagram—whether it will require force or if President Trump intends to reach an agreement with the Taliban, which currently controls Afghanistan.

The Taliban has repeatedly denied that there is a Chinese military presence at the Bagram airbase, though Chinese interests have sought to establish economic and political influence in Afghanistan following the U.S. withdrawal from the region.

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September 18, 2025
Economy
TECH
UK

Trump and Starmer Sign Historic British-American Tech Investment Deal.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: U.S. President Donald J. Trump and British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer signed a U.S.-UK Tech Prosperity Deal at the latter’s Chequers estate, marking a significant step in cooperation on artificial intelligence (AI) and technology investments.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Trump, Prime Minister Starmer, and business leaders, including representatives from Nvidia, Microsoft, and BlackRock.

📍WHEN & WHERE: September 18, 2025, at Chequers, the Prime Minister’s country retreat in Buckinghamshire, England.

💬KEY QUOTE: “This agreement will also help America and our British allies dominate the future of artificial intelligence.” — President Trump

🎯IMPACT: The partnership is expected to generate significant economic growth, with £250 billion (~$339 billion) of investment and 15,000 jobs created across the United Kingdom.

IN FULL

U.S. President Donald J. Trump and British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer have signed a U.S.-UK Tech Prosperity Deal at Chequers, the Prime Minister’s official country residence. The agreement focuses on fostering cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI) and technology, with both leaders emphasizing the “unbreakable bond” between the two nations.

Business leaders from major corporations such as Nvidia, Microsoft, Rolls-Royce, and BlackRock were present for the signing. The deal includes a £250 (~$339 billion) investment flowing between the U.S. and the United Kingdom, projected to create tens of thousands of jobs in both countries. The leaders also highlighted the importance of energy and infrastructure to support AI advancements.

President Trump stated, “This agreement will also help America and our British allies dominate the future of artificial intelligence. You need the energy; you have to have the energy. That’s one thing I learned very quickly.” He also reiterated his belief that the U.S. is “leading China and the world by a lot” in AI technology.

Prime Minister Starmer expressed pride in the United Kingdom’s status in the field, stating, “We have the only trillion-dollar tech sector in the West outside of the U.S. That’s what we bring to the table, and we are proud of it.” He added that the British-American partnership would “deliver more for working people” and strengthen the economic ties between the two nations.

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September 17, 2025
William Upton
Economy

BREAKING: Fed FINALLY Cuts Rates.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) moved to cut interest rates on Wednesday by 25 basis points (bps), marking the first rate cut of 2025.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The Federal Reserve, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC), Fed Chairman Jerome Powell, President Donald J. Trump, and the U.S. economy.

📍WHEN & WHERE: September 17, 2025, in Washington, D.C.

🎯IMPACT: While economists largely forecasted the rate cut, the decision still triggered a degree of market volatility, though this is fairly common in the wake of a reduction in rates.

IN FULL

The Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) moved to cut interest rates on Wednesday by 25 basis points (bps), marking the first rate cut of 2025. While economists largely forecasted the rate cut, the decision still triggered a degree of market volatility, with stocks initially jumping higher on the news.

In August, during the Federal Reserve’s annual Jackson Hole summit, the central bank’s chairman, Jerome Powell, signalled that the FOMC would likely move to cut rates at its September meeting. At Jackson Hole, Powell indicated data showing a weakening labor market likely necessitated a reduction in interest rates. “[W]ith policy in restrictive territory, the baseline outlook and the shifting balance of risks may warrant adjusting our policy stance,” Powell said.

Notably, the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) benchmark revision, released earlier this month, revised downward the total number of jobs created between April 2024 and March 2025 by a shocking 911,000. This revision, accounting mostly for the final year of the former Biden government, means the monthly job growth number for much of 2024 stood at only 71,000 per month, instead of the initially reported average of 147,000 per month.

Additionally, the August jobs report suggests the U.S. economy could be slowing, with only 22,000 jobs added for the month—placing further pressure on the Federal Reserve to finally begin lowering borrowing costs. President Donald J. Trump has repeatedly pushed for Powell to cut rates, warning that the central bank’s hesitation risked putting the U.S. economy into a recession.

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September 17, 2025
Election Integrity
Politics

Anti-Trump Brad Raffensperger Enters Georgia Governor Race.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Anti-Trump Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger announced his candidacy for governor in a video on Wednesday.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Governor Brian Kemp, President Donald J. Trump, Brad Raffensperger, and other Republican and Democratic candidates.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Announcement made on September 17, 2025, in Georgia.

💬KEY QUOTE: “I follow the law and the Constitution, and I’ll always do the right thing for Georgia no matter what.” – Brad Raffensperger

🎯IMPACT: The race for Georgia’s gubernatorial seat is expected to be highly competitive in a state that has become a key battleground.

IN FULL

Anti-Trump Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger (R) announced Wednesday that he is running for governor. “I’m a conservative Republican, and I’m prepared to make the tough decisions,” he claimed in an announcement video, adding: “I follow the law and the Constitution, and I’ll always do the right thing for Georgia no matter what.”

The current governor, Brian Kemp (R), is term-limited, making the race open for new contenders. Raffensperger gained national attention after rejecting President Donald J. Trump‘s request to review voter irregularities in Georgia following the 2020 presidential election. Subsequently, the Georgia Secretary of State positioned himself as a staunch opponent of the America First leader.

Raffensperger insisted he was following the law during an interview on Meet the Press in 2021, saying, “I followed the law, I followed the Constitution. And they believe that’s the honorable thing to do.”

The National Pulse reported in October 2024 that Raffensperger was fundraising for a nonprofit lawfare group that he claimed would target any activists or election officials who raise concerns regarding voter fraud. Election Defense Fund, Inc.—a 501(c)4 nonprofit organization—was founded in 2023 and appeared to be run by Ryan Germany, the former General Counsel for Raffensperger. The group specifically targeted Georgia State Election Board members Dr. Jan Johnson, Janelle King, and Rick Jeffries. The three election officials spearheaded several significant election integrity efforts and changes to the state’s election rules regarding ballot counting.

The Republican primary will include other candidates such as Georgia Lt. Gov. Burt Jones (R) and Attorney General Chris Carr (R). On the Democratic side, former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms (D) and former Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan (D), who recently switched parties, are in the running, along with State Sen. Jason Esteves (D) and State Rep. Derrick Jackson (D).

Image by Patrick Farrell.

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September 17, 2025
News
UK

President Trump’s Historic Second State Visit to Britain Is Underway.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were welcomed to Britain for a historic second state visit, beginning with a royal greeting at Windsor Castle.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Donald Trump, Melania Trump, King Charles III, Queen Camilla, Prince William, Princess Catherine, and other members of the Royal Family.

📍WHEN & WHERE: September 17, 2025, at Windsor Castle and its surrounding estate.

💬KEY QUOTE: “He’s been a friend of mine for a long time, and everybody respects him, and they love him.” – Donald Trump on King Charles III.

🎯IMPACT: The visit highlighted the “special relationship” between the United States and its mother country, the United Kingdom, marked by unprecedented ceremonial displays and significant bilateral agreements.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump arrived in the United Kingdom today for their second state visit, kicking off with a warm royal welcome at Windsor Castle. The Prince and Princess of Wales greeted the couple as they touched down by helicopter in the castle’s Walled Garden. A lip reader caught Trump telling Princess Catherine, also known as Kate, “You’re beautiful,” as they exchanged pleasantries.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla joined the Trumps outside Victoria House, setting the stage for a grand carriage procession through the castle grounds. The event featured the Band of the Household Cavalry, a Guard of Honour for inspection, and a 41-gun salute fired by The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, echoed by a simultaneous salute at the Tower of London.

King Charles and Trump shared a carriage, with Queen Camilla and Melania Trump following closely behind. The procession included an impressive 1,300 British military personnel from the Royal Navy, Army, and Royal Air Force, making it the largest ceremonial welcome for a state visit in recent history.

Later, the Trumps were invited to view a special exhibit of U.S.-related items from the Royal Collection. The day’s itinerary also included a private moment at St. George’s Chapel, where the couple planned to lay a wreath at Queen Elizabeth II’s tomb. The evening will wrap up with a state banquet in St. George’s Hall, where both King Charles and Trump are set to give speeches.

The visit highlights the deep bond between America and Britain, strengthened by new agreements like a £31 billion (~$42.3 billion) “tech prosperity deal” focused on boosting Britain’s AI and nuclear power sectors. Trump called the visit a “great honor” and celebrated the enduring friendship between the two nations.

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September 16, 2025
News

Top House Investigator Blasts AG Bondi’s Handling of Epstein Files.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Congressman James Comer (R-KY), Chairman of the House Oversight Committee, criticized Attorney General Pam Bondi over her handling of claims regarding a supposed Jeffrey Epstein client list.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: James Comer, Pam Bondi, President Donald J. Trump, Prince Andrew, and Jeffrey Epstein.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Recent interviews and investigations conducted by the House Oversight Committee, ongoing in the United States.

💬KEY QUOTE: “I don’t think anyone would say she’s handled this situation in a perfect manner.” – James Comer

🎯IMPACT: Increased scrutiny of Epstein-related documents and public figures connected to the case, including potential new revelations about Prince Andrew.

IN FULL

Congressman James Comer (R-KY), Chairman of the House Oversight Committee, is again criticizing Attorney General Pam Bondi for her handling of claims surrounding a supposed Jeffrey Epstein client list. Bondi had previously suggested in February that such a list was “sitting on my desk,” but later said there was no list and she was referring to Epstein case files more broadly.

Comer stated, “It’s an odd series of events. She said she had the Epstein list on her [desk], then they walked it back and said there was no list. That’s a question she needs to answer.” He added, “I don’t think anyone would say she’s handled this situation in a perfect manner.”

The Kentucky Republican also addressed claims that President Donald J. Trump referred to the Epstein scandal as a “hoax.” He clarified, “I don’t interpret what Donald Trump said as the Epstein Island criminal activity was a hoax. I think what he means by hoax is it’s a hoax that the media is trying to say that Donald Trump ever went to Epstein Island, or Donald Trump was ever involved in inappropriate relationships with these young girls, or the human trafficking.”

Meanwhile, Comer has vowed to release any relevant documents regarding Prince Andrew and his connections to Epstein. He stated, “Anything we get we will publish,” warning, “If Prince Andrew’s name is mentioned, you’ll see it.” Comer emphasized transparency in the investigation, saying, “We believe very strongly in due process, and we’re going to give everyone an opportunity to explain themselves.”

The Department of Justice (DOJ) previously announced Epstein’s death was a suicide—despite widespread speculation to the contrary—and stated that no incriminating client list exists. However, public interest in the case remains high, with further document releases expected in the coming weeks, potentially involving communications and financial records tied to Prince Andrew.

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September 16, 2025
Lawfare

Georgia Supreme Court Denies Willis’s Attempt to Pursue Trump Prosecution.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The Georgia Supreme Court rejected Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis’s bid to prosecute President Donald J. Trump over the 2020 election.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, President Donald Trump, and Georgia’s Supreme Court justices.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The decision was made on Tuesday in Georgia.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Willis’s misconduct during the investigation and prosecution of President Trump was egregious and she deserved nothing less than disqualification.” – Steve Sadow

🎯IMPACT: The case against Trump is now in limbo, as appointing a new prosecutor could take months.

IN FULL

Early Tuesday, the Georgia Supreme Court put an end to Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis‘s attempt to revive her Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) prosecution against President Donald J. Trump over allegations he tried to overturn the 2020 presidential election results in the state. In a 4-3 decision, the court upheld a lower court ruling that disqualified Willis on the grounds of “significant appearance of impropriety,” stemming from her romantic relationship with her appointed prosecutor in the case, Nathan Wade.

Willis had aimed to prosecute Trump and his allies on racketeering charges prior to the 2024 presidential election, alleging they attempted to overturn the 2020 election results. However, after Willis’s ethics breach was exposed, she was removed from the case and was unable to use her lawfare effort to derail Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign.

The case now faces uncertainty as Georgia’s Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council may need to appoint a new prosecutor, a process that could take months, if the prosecution is even pursued further.

Reacting to the decision, Trump’s lead attorney in Georgia, Steve Sadow, said, “Willis’s misconduct during the investigation and prosecution of President Trump was egregious and she deserved nothing less than disqualification. This proper decision should bring an end to the wrongful political, lawfare persecutions of the President.”

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