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Saturday, September 20, 2025

Tag: Donald Trump
August 22, 2025
Crime

SecDef Hegseth Authorizes Thousands of ARMED National Guard to Patrol DC.

PULSE POINTS

âť“WHAT HAPPENED: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has authorized 2,000 armed National Guard troops to patrol Washington, D.C. with service-issued weapons, if necessary.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, the D.C. National Guard, the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), federal law enforcement partners, and President Donald J. Trump.

đź“ŤWHEN & WHERE: Authorization made on Thursday, in Washington, D.C.

đź’¬KEY QUOTE: “At the direction of the Secretary of Defense, JTF-DC members supporting the mission to lower the crime rate in our nation’s capital will soon be on mission with their service-issued weapons, consistent with their mission and training.” – a Defense Department official

🎯IMPACT: Armed National Guard troops will be visible in D.C. to assist in lowering crime but will not make arrests, instead detaining suspects temporarily before transferring them to law enforcement.

IN FULL

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has authorized 2,000 National Guard troops to patrol Washington, D.C., with their service-issued weapons, if necessary, according to a Defense Department (DOD) official. Currently, they are supporting federal and federalized law enforcement in the American capital without firearms.

“At the direction of the Secretary of Defense, JTF-DC members supporting the mission to lower the crime rate in our nation’s capital will soon be on mission with their service-issued weapons, consistent with their mission and training,” the DOD official said, adding: “The Interim Commanding General of the D.C. National Guard retains the authority to make any necessary force posture adjustments in coordination with the D.C. Metropolitan Police and Federal law enforcement partners. The D.C. National Guard remains committed to safeguarding the District of Columbia and serving those who live, work, and visit the District.”

While troops will not be making arrests, they will have the ability to temporarily detain individuals before transferring suspects to law enforcement. Armed National Guard personnel could be seen in the coming days.

President Donald J. Trump met with National Guardsmen and law enforcement officers in Washington, D.C., on Thursday at the U.S. Park Police Anacostia Operations Facility. Trump brought pizza and hamburgers for the officers, showing support for their efforts in restoring order in the capital city.

“We want to make this absolutely perfect. It’s our capital. And, I guess it used to be many years ago, safe, but it’s certainly not had a… very good run. And you got to be strong. You got to be tough. You got to do your job. Whatever it takes to do your job, you got to do your job,” Trump told the officers during his visit.

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August 22, 2025
Crime

Trump Warns D.C. Mayor: Address Fake Crime Stats or Face Federal Takeover.

PULSE POINTS

âť“WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump is threatening further federal intervention in Washington, D.C., if Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) do not address the alleged falsification of crime statistics.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Donald J. Trump, Mayor Bowser, the Metropolitan Police Department, the D.C. Police Union, and the Department of Justice (DOJ).

đź“ŤWHEN & WHERE: Washington, D.C., on Friday, with ongoing developments throughout the week.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Mayor Muriel Bowser must immediately stop giving false and highly inaccurate crime figures, or bad things will happen, including a complete and total Federal takeover of the City!” – Donald Trump

🎯IMPACT: The DOJ is investigating allegations of manipulated crime statistics, with federal oversight of D.C. law enforcement under review.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump blasted Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) in a Truth Social post on Friday for providing “false and highly inaccurate crime figures.” Trump, who has temporarily federalized law enforcement in the American capital, warned of a “complete and total Federal takeover of the City” if the issue is not addressed.

“Washington, D.C. is SAFE AGAIN! The crowds are coming back, the spirit is high, and our D.C. National Guard and Police are doing a fantastic job. They are out in force, and are NOT PLAYING GAMES!!! As bad as it sounds to say, there were no murders this week for the first time in memory,” Trump wrote. “Mayor Muriel Bowser must immediately stop giving false and highly inaccurate crime figures, or bad things will happen, including a complete and total Federal takeover of the City! Washington D.C. will soon be great again!!!”

The National Pulse reported on Thursday that the MPD is being sued by a veteran of its homicide unit who alleges the capital city’s law enforcement leaders manipulated crime data by misclassifying murders as accidental deaths and suicides. Meanwhile, the D.C. Police Union, representing 3,000 officers, has expressed skepticism over the accuracy of crime statistics reported by the MPD. Union President Gregg Pemberton stated, “What we know, what our members know, is that we go call to call to call out on the streets at night, going from robbery to carjacking to stabbing to shooting, and we just know that crime is ubiquitous, and it’s all in every quadrant of the city.”

Notably, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has launched an investigation into allegations of manipulated crime data, following reports of a D.C. police commander being placed on leave over accusations of falsifying statistics. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro is leading the investigation, which may examine actions by multiple police officials.

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August 22, 2025
Economy

Canada Folds, Lifts Numerous Retaliatory Tariffs Against U.S.

PULSE POINTS

âť“WHAT HAPPENED: Canada announced the removal of many retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods, bowing to the Trump administration’s prerequisite that the duties be ended before trade talks can resume.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, U.S. President Donald J. Trump, and a White House official.

đź“ŤWHEN & WHERE: The announcement was made on August 22, 2025.

đź’¬KEY QUOTE: “As we work intensively with the United States, our focus is squarely on the strategic sectors,” said Prime Minister Mark Carney.

🎯IMPACT: The decision is expected to ease trade tensions and could lead to further negotiations between the two nations under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

IN FULL

Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on Friday that his country would remove many of its retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods, signaling progress in trade relations between the two nations. The announcement was made during a press conference in Ottawa, Ontario.

The tariffs, initially imposed in March, included a 25 percent levy on a wide range of U.S. products, mostly falling under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Beginning September 1, these trade duties will end, though similar tariffs imposed on Canada by the United States will remain in effect as negotiations continue. However, Canada will maintain its 25 percent tariffs on U.S. autos, steel, and aluminum.

“As we work intensively with the United States, our focus is squarely on the strategic sectors,” Carney stated during the press conference. He also noted that President Donald J. Trump assured him in a phone call that removing tariffs would pave the way for further negotiations.

A White House official described Canada’s decision as “long overdue” and expressed optimism about continued discussions on trade and national security concerns. The announcement comes as the USMCA, negotiated during Trump’s first term, is set for review later this year.

Canada’s counter-tariffs, originally imposed by then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, targeted CA$30 billion (US$21.7 billion) worth of U.S. goods. The decision to ease tariffs follows a period of heightened tensions, during which Trump raised tariffs on Canadian goods to 35 percent, citing issues such as the continued flow of fentanyl into the U.S. and Canada’s lack of cooperation on the matter.

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August 22, 2025
Immigration

Trump Targets Comprehensive Review of All 55 MILLION Visa Holders.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The Trump administration has announced plans to review the status of all 55 million foreign nationals in the U.S. holding valid visas, initiating a “continuous vetting” process aimed at identifying security threats and individuals supporting terrorism.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Secretary of State Marco Rubio, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the Trump administration.

đź“ŤWHEN & WHERE: Announced on Thursday, August 21, 2025.

💬KEY QUOTE: “We review all available information as part of our vetting, including law enforcement or immigration records or any other information that comes to light after visa issuance.” – Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

🎯IMPACT: The new policy will include a “continuous vetting” process for all 55 million foreign nationals who hold valid visas in the United States.

IN FULL

The Trump administration says it will soon implement a “continuous vetting” process for all foreign nationals in the U.S. holding valid visas. The policy, announced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, aims to identify legal immigrants who pose security risks or are involved in activities such as supporting terrorism.

“Things like any indicators of overstays, criminal activity, threats to public safety, engaging in any form of terrorist activity, or providing support to a terrorist organization” will serve as cause for visa revocation under the new policy, according to the State Department. The agency added: “We review all available information as part of our vetting, including law enforcement or immigration records or any other information that comes to light after visa issuance.”

The State Department highlighted that since the beginning of Trump’s second term, it has revoked more than twice as many visas, including nearly four times as many student visas, compared to the same period last year. The administration has also targeted visa applicants for potential ties to anti-American or terrorist groups, with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) monitoring foreign nationals participating in campus protests against Israel’s actions in Gaza.

Secretary Rubio has also announced additional measures, including a halt on worker visas for foreign commercial truck drivers, citing concerns over road safety and the impact on American truckers. “Effective immediately we are pausing all issuance of worker visas for commercial truck drivers,” Rubio wrote on X, adding that the move was necessary to protect American lives and livelihoods.

This follows the killing of three people by an illegal immigrant truck driver in Florida.

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August 22, 2025
Economy

Is Jerome Powell Finally Poised to Cut Interest Rates?

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell signaled possible interest rate cuts amid ongoing economic uncertainty during his speech at the Fed’s annual Jackson Hole conference.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Jerome Powell, Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) members, and President Donald J. Trump, who has been vocal about his desire for lower rates.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Friday, August 22, 2025, at the Federal Reserve’s annual conference in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, with a potential interest rate cut being enacted in September.

đź’¬KEY QUOTE: “[W]ith policy in restrictive territory, the baseline outlook and the shifting balance of risks may warrant adjusting our policy stance.” — Jerome Powell

🎯IMPACT: Powell’s remarks caused stocks to surge, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average climbing over 600 points, while Treasury yields dropped significantly. Moreover, the Jackson Hole speech appears to tee up an interest rate cut at September’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting.

IN FULL

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell addressed potential interest rate cuts during his speech at the central bank’s annual Jackson Hole conference on Friday. He cited “sweeping changes” in tax, trade, and immigration policies as factors creating uncertainty for policymakers. Powell noted that while the labor market ostensibly remains strong, data suggest employment could be weakening and this may necessitate a change in the Fed’s interest rate policy.

“[W]ith policy in restrictive territory, the baseline outlook and the shifting balance of risks may warrant adjusting our policy stance,” Powell said. Although he stopped short of explicitly endorsing a rate cut, Wall Street interpreted his comments as a sign of potential easing. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained over 600 points following the speech, and the two-year Treasury note yield dropped by 0.08 percentage points.

Powell emphasized the independence of the Federal Reserve from elected officials, stating, “FOMC members will make these decisions, based solely on their assessment of the data and its implications for the economic outlook and the balance of risks. We will never deviate from that approach.” This comes amidst pressure from President Donald J. Trump, who has repeatedly called for aggressive rate cuts.

The Fed has maintained its benchmark borrowing rate between 4.25 percent and 4.5 percent since December, citing uncertainty over the long-term impact of tariffs on inflation. Powell expressed that while tariff impacts may be “short-lived,” current economic conditions allow the Fed to proceed cautiously.

Importantly, the Fed chairman finally acknowledged that the central bank’s current rate policy could be hampering employment. “This slowdown is much larger than assessed just a month ago, as the earlier figures for May and June were revised down substantially,” Powell said, with the caveat: “But it does not appear that the slowdown in job growth has opened up a large margin of slack in the labor market—an outcome we want to avoid.”

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August 21, 2025
Politics

Chip Roy Joins Packed Field for Texas Attorney General.

PULSE POINTS

âť“WHAT HAPPENED: Congressman Chip Roy (R-TX) announced his candidacy for Texas attorney general, entering a competitive race to succeed Ken Paxton as the state’s top prosecutor.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Chip Roy, a conservative member of the House of Representatives and policy chair of the House Freedom Caucus, along with other candidates, including Paxton’s former deputy Aaron Reitz, Mayes Middleton, and Joan Huffman.

đź“ŤWHEN & WHERE: Roy announced his campaign on Thursday, with the race taking place in Texas.

đź’¬KEY QUOTE: “It has been my honor to represent the 21st congressional district of Texas—the best part of the best state in the greatest country in the history of the world… But representatives should not be permanent,” said Roy.

🎯IMPACT: Roy’s entry into the race is expected to shake up the primary, with a poll showing nearly three-quarters of Republican voters undecided before his announcement.

IN FULL

Congressman Chip Roy (R-TX) launched a bid for Texas Attorney General on Thursday, entering a crowded race to replace the Lone Star state’s current Attorney General, Ken Paxton, as the state’s top prosecutor. Roy, who serves as the policy chair of the House Freedom Caucus, enters the race with $2.5 million in campaign funds and notable name recognition due to his prominence on Capitol Hill.

“It has been my honor to represent the 21st congressional district of Texas—the best part of the best state in the greatest country in the history of the world,” Roy said in his campaign announcement. He added, “I am particularly proud of our work to deliver on President Trump’s agenda and fight to drain the swamp. I could do it forever and be fulfilled professionally. But representatives should not be permanent.”

Roy also emphasized his desire to return to Texas, stating, “My experience watching Texans unite in response to the devastating Hill County floods made clear that I want to come home. I want to take my experience in Congress, as a federal prosecutor, and as First Assistant Attorney General to fight for Texas from Texas.”

However, the Texas Republican could face headwinds among supporters of President Donald J. Trump, as Roy has been a critic of the America First leader and was the subject of an infamous social media meltdown during the 2024 Republican primary when Kevin McCarthy was ousted as Speaker of the House.

“Some of our brothers and sisters, particularly in the, uh, you know, MAGA camp, I think, particularly enjoy the circular firing squad,” The National Pulse reported Rep. Roy saying in October 2023 after McCarthy’s removal for failing to honor his commitments to America First conservatives on spending, border security, the Ukraine war, and impeaching Joe Biden. Rep. Roy added, “You want to come at me and call me a RINO? You can kiss my ass.”

He also endorsed Florida Governor Ron DeSantis against Trump in the Republican primary.

Roy’s entry into the race adds to a growing list of candidates, including former Department of Justice (DOJ) appointee and Paxton deputy Aaron Reitz—who has Paxton’s endorsement—and Texas state senators Mayes Middleton and Joan Huffman. A recent poll by Texas Southern University showed that nearly three-quarters of Republican primary voters were undecided, though the survey was conducted before Roy’s announcement.

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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August 21, 2025
News

White House Tours Halted for Trump Ballroom Construction.

PULSE POINTS

âť“WHAT HAPPENED: Tours of the White House have been postponed indefinitely as construction begins on a new $200 million ballroom.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Donald J. Trump, White House staff, and the general public who had booked tours.

đź“ŤWHEN & WHERE: Construction begins September 1, 2025, on the White House East Wing.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Beginning on September 1st, 2025, the White House will be undergoing extensive renovations. As a result, all tours of the White House are postponed indefinitely,” reads a statement on the website of Rep. Eugene Vindman (D-VA).

🎯IMPACT: Disappointment among visitors and criticism from some Democrats over the indefinite postponement of tours.

IN FULL

The White House has indefinitely suspended tours as construction begins on September 1 on a new $200 million ballroom funded by President Donald J. Trump. The new ballroom will be built on the East Wing of the White House grounds, between the Executive Residence and the Treasury Department’s main headquarters.

Visitors who had booked tours have received cancellation notices. It remains unclear when public access will resume. “Beginning on September 1st, 2025, the White House will be undergoing extensive renovations,” a statement on the website of Rep. Eugene Vindman (D-VA) reads. “As a result, all tours of the White House are postponed indefinitely.”

Some members of Congress, including Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), have criticized the decision. “Seriously? School trips. Families. All shut out indefinitely for the building of a ballroom?” Klobuchar wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter). Other social media users also expressed frustration.

The White House Press Secretary has not provided a timeline for when tours might resume. In the meantime, some have suggested alternative attractions in Washington, D.C., such as monuments and museums, which remain accessible to the public. “I was super excited for the White House tour during our trip and it turned out to be a bit underwhelming,” one social media user commented, advising others to explore the People’s House and other landmarks instead.

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August 21, 2025
Immigration

The U.S. Immigrant Population Has Declined for the First Time in DECADES.

PULSE POINTS

âť“WHAT HAPPENED: The U.S. immigrant population appears to have decreased by 1.4 million people in the first six months of 2025, according to Pew Research Center.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Pew Research Center, President Donald J. Trump, and the former Biden government.

đź“ŤWHEN & WHERE: Data from January to June 2025, across the United States.

đź’¬KEY QUOTE: “The data we are looking at represented a dramatic change,” said Jeffrey Passel, Pew Research Center’s senior demographer.

🎯IMPACT: Immigration policy changes and enforcement measures appear to have contributed to the decline, with potential positive effects on America’s demographic stability and social cohesion.

IN FULL

The United States’ immigrant population dropped from 53.3 million in January 2025 to 51.9 million by June, marking the first significant decline since the 1960s. This data comes from the Pew Research Center, which noted that the reduction is reflected in the labor force, where over 750,000 workers were lost since January.

Jeffrey Passel, Pew’s senior demographer, highlighted the significance of this shift, stressing: “The data we are looking at represented a dramatic change.” Under the former Biden government, foreign workers outpaced native-born Americans in terms of post-pandemic recovery in the U.S. labor market. While the decline in immigrant labor could result in some short-term economic turbulence, most labor economists expect the number of native-born American workers to increase, especially as those who stopped looking for work altogether re-enter the workforce pool.

Notably, the decline is attributed to immigration enforcement policies implemented by President Donald J. Trump, including heightened arrests, detentions, and visa scrutiny. These measures aim to reverse the mass immigration policies implemented by former President Joe Biden, which saw American-born labor replaced with cheap, foreign workers and an unprecedented flood of illegal immigration.

The data also found that the illegal immigrant population reached a record 14 million in 2023—though others estimate it could have reached higher than 20 million—but has now begun to decline. This group includes individuals without legal status and those with temporary deportation protections, such as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) or Temporary Protected Status (TPS).

Despite the overall decline in immigrants, the United States remains home to more foreigners than any other nation—although countries like Canada and the United Arabe Emirates (UAE) have higher proportions of migrants in their populations. Pew reported that the share of immigrants in the U.S. population fell slightly from 15.8 percent in January to 15.4 percent in June.

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August 21, 2025
William Upton
Breaking
Lawfare

BREAKING: Appeals Court Throws Out New York Civil Fraud Penalty Against Trump.

PULSE POINTS

âť“WHAT HAPPENED: A New York appellate court on Thursday threw out the state’s massive civil fraud penalty imposed on President Donald J. Trump.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Donald J. Trump, Judge Arthur Engoron, New York Attorney General Letitia James, and a New York appeals court.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Thursday, August 21, 2025.

đź’¬KEY QUOTE: “While the injunctive relief ordered by the court is well crafted to curb defendants’ business culture, the court’s disgorgement order, which directs that defendants pay nearly half a billion dollars to the State of New York, is an excessive fine that violates the Eighth Amendment of the United States Constitution,” the appeals panel wrote.

🎯IMPACT: Prior to today’s ruling, the penalty against Trump stood at an estimated $527 million, including accrued interest.

IN FULL

A New York appellate court on Thursday threw out the state’s massive civil fraud penalty imposed on President Donald J. Trump. The case, brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James (D), alleged that Trump and the Trump Organization, including sons Eric and Donald Jr., fraudulently misrepresented Trump’s wealth and property values to secure favorable loan and insurance terms. Last year, far-left New York Judge Arthur Engoron, a Democrat donor, imposed a $454 million civil judgment against Trump, as well as other legal sanctions against him, his sons, and the Trump Organization.

The panel of five Appellate Division judges determined that Judge Engoron’s penalties were “excessive” in nature. Legal commentators have held throughout the process that the penalties against President Trump were unusual, as the type of fraud case brought against him had no prior legal precedent.

“While the injunctive relief ordered by the court is well crafted to curb defendants’ business culture, the court’s disgorgement order, which directs that defendants pay nearly half a billion dollars to the State of New York, is an excessive fine that violates the Eighth Amendment of the United States Constitution,” the appeals panel wrote.

Prior to today’s ruling, the penalty against Trump stood at an estimated $527 million, including accrued interest.

Image by Freelancers Union.

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August 20, 2025
Crime
News

Trump’s DOJ Is Offering DC Residents Cash Rewards for Arrest Tips.

PULSE POINTS

âť“WHAT HAPPENED: Attorney General Pam Bondi announced $500 rewards for tips leading to arrests in Washington, D.C., as part of a federal crime crackdown initiated by President Donald J. Trump.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Attorney General Pam Bondi, President Trump, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, the D.C. Police Union, and Mayor Muriel Bowser (D).

đź“ŤWHEN & WHERE: Ongoing in Washington, D.C.

đź’¬KEY QUOTE: “Thanks to President Trump’s leadership and the outstanding work of both federal and local law enforcement, dangerous gang members like the one picked up last night will not be allowed on the streets of our nation’s capital.” – Karoline Leavitt

🎯IMPACT: Over 550 arrests have been made, with significant reductions in violent crime, robberies, and especially carjackings reported in D.C.

IN FULL

Attorney General Pam Bondi announced Wednesday that $500 rewards will be offered for tips leading to arrests in Washington, D.C., amid the federalization of the city’s law enforcement. Bondi posted on X, “We have now made over 550 arrests in Washington, D.C. and have taken 76 illegal firearms off the streets—saving lives. You can help—[the U.S. Marshals Service] is offering a reward for any information leading to an arrest. Together, we will make DC safe again!”

The crime crackdown follows President Donald J. Trump’s move to take control of the city’s police department. Federal and local law enforcement are now working together, supported by the National Guard, with a focus on crime-heavy areas. Immigration-related arrests are also taking place, with the Democrat-dominated city government’s sanctuary policies restricting D.C. police co-operation with immigration enforcement suspended during federalization.

The D.C. Police Union has backed the federal effort, citing major drops in crime, including an 83 percent decline in carjackings, 46 percent fewer robberies, a 21 percent reduction in auto thefts, and a 22 percent fall in violent crime.

However, Democrat D.C. leaders and some leftist agitators are unhappy. Mayor Muriel Bowser criticized the deployment of National Guard troops, complaining on social media that “American soldiers and airmen policing American citizens on American soil is #UnAmerican.” D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb added, “Let us be clear: armed soldiers should not be policing American citizens on American soil. Instead of making D.C. more secure, it undermines public safety and endangers our democracy.”

Amid these tensions, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has launched an investigation into whether D.C. police leaders have manipulated crime data to create the appearance of improvement. The probe began after MPD Commander Michael Pulliam was placed on administrative leave over allegations that he doctored violent crime figures, with the D.C. Police Union subsequently warning that such falsification is endemic.

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