Friday, September 19, 2025

The MAHA Effect!? Ultra Processed Food Consumption Starts to Decline.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: A new study from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that while Americans, especially children, are consuming a significant portion of their calories from ultra-processed foods, that number is in decline due in part to the Trump administration’s Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics compiled the data, and Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has expressed grave concern over the issue.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Data was released in August 2025.

💬KEY QUOTE: “[C]onsumption of mean calories from ultra-processed foods among adults decreased.” — CDC study

🎯IMPACT: The study highlights the role of ultra-processed foods in chronic diseases and obesity, sparking calls for dietary changes.

IN FULL

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released new data showing that while Americans, particularly children, continue to consume large amounts of ultra-processed foods (UPFs), that number is beginning to decline from recent highs. Over the last several years, the average percentage of total calories from UPFs was 55 percent for individuals aged one and older. Children aged 1 to 18 consumed an even higher percentage, with 61.9 percent of their calories coming from these foods. However, the study notes that while still elevated, “the consumption of mean calories from ultra-processed foods among adults decreased” over the last decade.

Ultra-processed foods are typically energy-dense, low in nutritional value, and contain added fats, sugars, and chemicals to extend shelf life and enhance flavor. Popular examples include snacks, sugary beverages, and sandwiches like hamburgers. These foods are designed to be inexpensive, convenient, and highly palatable, contributing to their widespread consumption.

The Trump White House has previously pointed to ultra-processed foods as a significant factor in rising rates of chronic diseases such as diabetes and obesity. Meanwhile, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has called for reducing the prevalence of these foods in the American diet.

The CDC’s data also reveals a fluctuating trend in UPF consumption over the past 20 years. After a decline in consumption following 2013, rates increased again before showing a slight downward trend since 2017-2018. The pandemic disrupted the usual two-year survey cycle, which had been ongoing since 1999-2000, according to CDC spokesman Brian Tsai.

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Trump Declares Illegal Immigrants Will Not Be Counted in Census.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump announced plans to exclude illegal immigrants from the next U.S. census and instructed the Commerce Department to begin work on a new census based on the 2024 election results.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Donald Trump, the U.S. Census Bureau, and the Department of Commerce.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The announcement was made Thursday morning on Truth Social, with implications for the 2024 election and 2030 census.

💬KEY QUOTE: “People who are in our Country illegally WILL NOT BE COUNTED IN THE CENSUS.” – Donald Trump

🎯IMPACT: The move could face legal challenges and significantly alter population counts, potentially affecting congressional representation and electoral college votes.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump announced Thursday morning that illegal immigrants will not be included in the next census. He directed the Commerce Department to begin work on a “new and highly accurate census” based on data from the 2024 presidential election.

“I have instructed our Department of Commerce to immediately begin work on a new and highly accurate CENSUS based on modern day facts and figures and, importantly, using the results and information gained from the Presidential Election of 2024,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, adding: “People who are in our Country illegally WILL NOT BE COUNTED IN THE CENSUS.”

The U.S. Census Bureau, which is part of the Commerce Department, currently includes illegal immigrants—referred to as “unauthorized migrants”—in its population counts. These figures are used for congressional apportionment and electoral college votes. The bureau defines the “foreign-born” population to include naturalized citizens, lawful permanent residents, temporary migrants, and unauthorized migrants.

Legal challenges could arise from Trump’s directive, as Section 2 of the 14th Amendment states that representatives should be apportioned based on the “whole number of persons in each State.” However, Trump’s focus on census accuracy comes as Republicans and Democrats battle over redistricting in states like Texas ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

The 2020 census acknowledged errors that led to undercounts in Republican-led states like Florida and Texas, while Democrat-led states such as New York and Massachusetts were overcounted. If Trump’s plan is implemented, states with large illegal immigrant populations—such as California, Texas, and Florida—could see significant changes in their 2030 census numbers.

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Hey Jerome Powell! Even the Bank of England Just Cut Rates…

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: The Bank of England cut interest rates by 0.25 percentage points to four percent after a rare second round of voting by the Monetary Policy Committee. The move will likely reverberate across the Atlantic, where U.S. President Donald J. Trump continues pushing Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell to cut rates.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The Monetary Policy Committee, including Governor Andrew Bailey and external member Alan Taylor, who changed his vote during the second round.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The decision was announced in the UK on August 7, 2025.

💬KEY QUOTE: “We’ve cut interest rates today, but it was a finely balanced decision,” said BoE’s governor Andrew Bailey.

🎯IMPACT: The pound rose 0.5 percent against the dollar, and two-year gilt yields climbed six basis points to 3.88 percent after the announcement.

IN FULL

In a decision that required an unprecedented second round of voting, the Bank of England reduced its interest rate by 0.25 percentage points to four percent. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) initially failed to achieve a majority consensus, resulting in a second vote where Alan Taylor shifted his stance to support the reduction.

The final vote was close, with five members backing the cut and four preferring no change. The decision marks the first time in the panel’s 28-year history that two rounds of voting were necessary to reach a conclusion on rates.

Governor Andrew Bailey stated, “We’ve cut interest rates today, but it was a finely balanced decision.” He emphasized that future rate reductions would be made “gradually and carefully,” with the timing dependent on easing disinflationary pressures.

The announcement caused immediate market reactions, as the pound rose 0.5 percent against the dollar to $1.3428, and two-year gilt yields increased by six basis points to 3.88 percent. Traders have adjusted their expectations for future rate cuts accordingly. The decision comes amid a challenging economic environment of high inflation and weak growth. The Bank of England has warned that food prices will push inflation further above target in the near term, with a predicted peak of four percent in September.

Notably, the decision to slash rates comes as U.S. President Donald J. Trump continues his own campaign to push Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell to cut interest rates as well. Powell is currently facing increased scrutiny over the ballooning Federal Reserve renovation costs, and a revolt among some Fed members who are backing Trump’s call for a rate cut.

While the Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) declined to reduce borrowing rates in July, they are anticipated to back a rate cut at its upcoming September meeting.

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Trump Demands Intel CEO Linked to China Resign, ‘There Is No Other Solution.’

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump called for the resignation of Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan, citing conflicts of interest due to Tan’s ties to Chinese firms.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Donald Trump, Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan, U.S. Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR), and Intel’s board of directors.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Trump’s statement was made on Thursday via Truth Social, following a letter from Senator Cotton to Intel’s board.

💬KEY QUOTE: “The CEO of INTEL is highly CONFLICTED and must resign, immediately. There is no other solution to this problem. Thank you for your attention to this problem!” – Donald Trump

🎯IMPACT: Intel shares fell by approximately 4 percent in U.S. premarket trading, and the company faces scrutiny over Tan’s investments in Chinese firms.

IN FULL

On Thursday, U.S. President Donald J. Trump demanded the resignation of Intel’s CEO Lip-Bu Tan, citing “highly conflicted” ties to Chinese firms. The demand follows a report that revealed Tan’s investments in hundreds of Chinese companies, some linked to the Chinese military.

Trump’s statement came after U.S. Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) sent a letter to Intel’s board chair raising concerns over Tan’s connections to China and a criminal case involving his previous company, Cadence Design. “The CEO of INTEL is highly CONFLICTED and must resign, immediately. There is no other solution to this problem. Thank you for your attention to this problem!” President Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social, leading Intel shares to drop by approximately 4 percent in premarket trading.

Intel, a major player in U.S. chip manufacturing, received nearly $20 billion in federal grants under the 2022 CHIPS and Science Act to bolster domestic semiconductor production. The company stated that both Intel and Tan “are deeply committed to the national security of the U.S. and the integrity of our role in the U.S. defense ecosystem.” Intel also noted it would address the concerns raised by Senator Cotton.

Tan assumed the role of CEO in March, succeeding Pat Gelsinger. Under his leadership, Intel has aimed to cut costs by reducing its workforce by 22 percent and halting construction on several planned manufacturing sites. Despite these efforts, Intel has struggled to regain its position in the semiconductor industry, losing ground to Taiwan’s TSMC and falling behind in the artificial intelligence chip market dominated by Nvidia.

It was revealed earlier this year that Tan, through various venture funds, has invested at least $200 million in advanced manufacturing and chip firms in China. While sources close to the Intel CEO claim Tan has divested from these positions, Chinese databases appear to show many of the investments remain current. The extent of any divestitures remains unclear.

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India’s Modi Remains Defiant In Face of Trump’s 50% Tariff.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 50 percent tariff on Indian goods, prompting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to defend the nation’s farmers and industries.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, U.S. President Donald Trump, India’s foreign ministry, and industry leaders.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The announcement was made on Wednesday, with Modi responding on Thursday during an event in New Delhi.

💬KEY QUOTE: “India will never compromise on the well-being of its farmers, dairy [sector], and fishermen. And I know personally I will have to pay a heavy price for it.” — Narendra Modi

🎯IMPACT: The tariffs have strained U.S.-India relations, triggered domestic pressure on Modi, and raised concerns among Indian industries and investors.

IN FULL

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed to protect the interests of the nation’s farmers, fishermen, and dairy sector amid a significant tariff hike announced by U.S. President Donald J. Trump. Speaking at an event in New Delhi on Thursday, Modi declared, “India will never compromise on the well-being of its farmers, dairy [sector], and fishermen. And I know personally I will have to pay a heavy price for it.”

Trump’s decision to impose a 50 percent tariff on Indian goods, effective August 28, is reportedly aimed at penalizing India for its continued purchase of Russian oil. The tariff increase follows the collapse of trade talks between the two nations after five rounds of negotiations failed to resolve disagreements over India’s farm and dairy sectors and its oil imports from Russia.

India’s foreign ministry has criticized the tariff hike as “extremely unfortunate” and pledged to take “all necessary steps to protect its national interests.” Dammu Ravi, secretary of economic relations in India’s foreign ministry, described the move as lacking logic, stating, “This is a temporary aberration, a temporary problem that the country will face, but in course of time, we are confident that the world will find solutions.”

The tariffs have sparked domestic calls for a strong response, with both Modi’s supporters and opposition leaders urging him to act decisively. Congress party president Mallikarjun Kharge emphasized, “India’s national interest is supreme. Any nation that arbitrarily penalizes India for its time-tested policy of strategic autonomy… does not understand the steel frame India is made of.”

Indian industry leaders have expressed alarm over the economic impact of the tariffs. Sudhir Sekhri, chairman of the Apparel Export Promotion Council, warned, “There is no way the industry can absorb such a steep hike.”

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India’s Tariff Rate Will Double For Purchasing Russian Oil.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: Tariffs on Indian exports to the United States will increase to 50 percent by the end of August if the country continues to purchase Russian oil.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Donald J. Trump, the Indian Foreign Ministry, and Russia.

📍WHEN & WHERE: United States and India, August 6, 2025.

💬KEY QUOTE: “They don’t care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian war Machine.” — President Donald J. Trump

🎯IMPACT: Trump is using economic pressure to push Russia to end its war in Ukraine by targeting its oil customers, like India. Other countries that import Russian oil may now face similar tariffs as well.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump announced on Wednesday that tariffs on India will be doubled to 50 percent in August, in retaliation for the country’s purchase of Russian oil. According to the White House, similar trade penalties will be imposed on other nations that continue to buy Russian energy as part of President Trump’s efforts to use trade policy to pressure the Kremlin to resolve the war in Ukraine.

The new Executive Order will ensure that India faces a 25 percent tariff starting on August 27 if the country continues to purchase oil from Russia. This is in addition to the 25 percent duty that Trump announced last week, which takes effect on Thursday.

President Trump criticized the Indian government on a social media post this week for purchasing ‘massive amounts’ of Russian oil and selling it on the open market. He stated, “They don’t care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian war Machine.” The order also directs administration officials to “determine whether any other country is directly or indirectly importing Russian Federation oil.”

India’s Foreign Ministry responded to Trump’s announcement late on Wednesday, stating its motives for importing Russian oil are due to the energy needed for its large population of 1.4 billion people. Indian officials signaled they did not intend to halt purchases of Russian oil. “It is therefore extremely unfortunate that the U.S. should choose to impose additional tariffs on India for actions that several other countries are also taking in their own national interest,” the ministry’s statement said.

The National Pulse reported in late July that President Trump slammed India and Russia, declaring, “They can take their dead economies down together, for all I care.” He singled out India specifically for not having reached a bilateral trade agreement with the United States.

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Pennsylvania Man Charged for Alleged Death Threats Against President Trump.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: A Pennsylvania man was charged federally for allegedly threatening to kill then-President-elect Donald J. Trump before his inauguration.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Jacob Buckley, a 22-year-old from Port Matilda, Pennsylvania, and the U.S. Secret Service.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The threats were made on January 16, 2025, via TikTok, according to the Justice Department.

💬KEY QUOTE: “I’m going to kill Trump,” Buckley allegedly wrote on TikTok.

🎯IMPACT: If convicted, Buckley faces up to five years in prison, supervised release, fines, and a special assessment.

IN FULL

Jacob Buckley, a 22-year-old Pennsylvania man, has been charged by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania for allegedly threatening to kill then-President-elect Donald J. Trump. The threats, made on TikTok under the username “Jacob_buckley,” included statements such as, “I’m going to kill Trump,” and, “Bro we going into a literal oligarchy in 4 days and im going to kill Trump,” according to prosecutors.

The U.S. Secret Service conducted the investigation, and Buckley has been “charged by criminal information for threatening Donald Trump as the President-elect,” according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The Department of Justice (DOJ) noted that the maximum penalty upon conviction includes up to five years in prison, supervised release, fines, and a special assessment.

This case follows a similar incident involving a Rhode Island man, Carl Montague, who was charged in July for allegedly threatening Trump and members of his administration on Truth Social. Montague’s threats, posted on June 27, 2025, included violent language directed at Trump, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller. The FBI later determined that Montague did not have access to weapons or the means to carry out his threats.

During the 2024 presidential campaign, two would-be assassins made attempts on President Trump’s life. Ryan Wesley Routh, who was discovered by the Secret Service hiding with an SKS-style rifle amidst shrubbery on the edge of the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, is currently facing trial. A judge recently ruled that Routh will be allowed to represent himself in his defense.

Official White House Photo by Daniel Torok.

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This Tech Co. Just Pledged an Additional $100 Billion U.S. Investment After Trump Tariff Threat.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: Apple announced plans to increase its U.S. investment by $100 billion, adding to its earlier $500 billion pledge.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Apple CEO Tim Cook, President Donald J. Trump, and the White House.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Announced Wednesday by the Trump White House.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Today’s announcement with Apple is another win for our manufacturing industry that will simultaneously help reshore the production of critical components to protect America’s economic and national security,” said a White House spokesman.

🎯IMPACT: Analysts suggest Apple’s investment could help mitigate tariffs and align with Trump’s push for U.S.-based manufacturing.

IN FULL

Apple has announced a new $100 billion investment in the United States, adding to its previous $500 billion pledge to boost domestic manufacturing and production. The announcement comes as the company faces pressure from President Donald J.  Trump to relocate more of its supply chain to the U.S.

The White House confirmed the investment would encourage the production of Apple parts in the U.S. This follows earlier remarks from Trump, who threatened to impose higher tariffs on Apple products unless iPhone manufacturing was moved stateside. Apple CEO Tim Cook has indicated the company is looking to “do more” in response to these pressures.

A White House spokesman called the announcement “another win for our manufacturing industry” and emphasized its potential to reshore production of critical components, which aligns with Trump’s broader economic and national security goals. Apple has historically manufactured most of its products in China but has been adapting its supply chain in response to U.S. tariffs.

While Apple has shifted some production to countries like India and Vietnam, analysts note that significant changes to its supply chain will take time. Shares of Apple rose over 4 percent following the announcement, signaling investor optimism about the company’s U.S.-focused strategy. Cook also highlighted Apple’s plans to invest in rare earth production and a “manufacturing academy” in Michigan.

Official White House Photo by Joyce N. Boghosian.

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The Wall Street Journal’s Trump-Epstein Story is Already One of Its Most Read Ever.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) published an article alleging that President Donald J. Trump sent a lewd birthday letter to Jeffrey Epstein in 2003, which Trump has called “fake” and is suing over. Since its publication, the story has become one of the WSJ’s best-performing articles in modern history.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Donald J. Trump, Jeffrey Epstein, WSJ reporters Khadeeja Safdar and Joe Palazzolo, and WSJ Editor-in-Chief Emma Tucker.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The article was published on July 17 by the Wall Street Journal, and the alleged letter dates back to 2003.

💬KEY QUOTE: “A pal is a wonderful thing. Happy Birthday – and may every day be another wonderful secret,” allegedly written in the letter.

🎯IMPACT: The article has become one of WSJ’s most-read pieces, while Trump’s lawsuit seeks $10 billion in damages for defamation.

IN FULL

The Wall Street Journal’s report about a lewd birthday letter allegedly sent by President Donald J. Trump to convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein in 2003 has become one of the paper’s most-read articles of all time, according to internal data.

The July 17 piece, titled “Jeffrey Epstein’s Friends Sent Him Bawdy Letters for a 50th Birthday Album. One Was From Donald Trump,” has garnered 4.4 million page views and 3.3 million unique readers, making it one of the WSJ’s best-performing articles in its modern history.

The article, authored by Khadeeja Safdar and Joe Palazzolo, described a birthday letter allegedly written by Trump for Epstein. The letter reportedly included a hand-drawn outline of a naked woman and was signed “Donald,” with the signature placed to resemble pubic hair. It concluded with the message: “A pal is a wonderful thing. Happy Birthday – and may every day be another wonderful secret.”

President Trump has dismissed the letter as “fake” and filed a $10 billion defamation lawsuit against the Journal, its parent company, News Corp, owner Rupert Murdoch, and the reporters involved. Murdoch and News Group Newspapers recently lost a major lawsuit to Britain’s Prince Harry in January, being forced to pay an undisclosed but “substantial” amount over hacking Prince Harry’s phone.

Some claims indicate that Trump personally contacted WSJ Editor-in-Chief Emma Tucker, urging her to retract the article, which Tucker reportedly refused.

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Ghislaine Maxwell Did NOT Implicate Trump in DOJ Interview, Source Reveals.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: Ghislaine Maxwell met with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche to discuss the Jeffrey Epstein case, answering questions about numerous individuals without invoking privilege. Sources reveal that Maxwell informed Blanche that she had never witnessed President Donald J. Trump engage in any activities or behavior that would raise concern.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Ghislaine Maxwell, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, Attorney General Pam Bondi, President Donald Trump, and survivors of Epstein’s crimes.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Maxwell’s meetings with Blanche took place in July at a Florida courthouse. She has since been transferred to a minimum-security prison in Texas.

💬KEY QUOTE: “She was asked about maybe about 100 different people. She answered questions about everybody and she didn’t hold anything back.” — David Oskar Markus, Maxwell’s attorney

🎯IMPACT: The handling of the Epstein Files and the call for transparency have drawn bipartisan attention, with survivors urging the release of grand jury transcripts to expose the full scope of Epstein and Maxwell’s crimes.

IN FULL

Ghislaine Maxwell, serving a 20-year sentence for her role in deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking scheme, met with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche in July at a Florida courthouse. Sources close to the matter have revealed that during the course of the discussions, Maxwell informed Blanche that she had never witnessed President Donald J. Trump engage in any activities or behavior that would raise concern and that she was unaware of anything regarding Epstein that would be harmful to the America First leader. According to her attorney, David Oskar Markus, Maxwell answered questions about approximately 100 individuals and did not invoke privilege during the discussions.

The Trump administration has faced growing scrutiny over its handling of the alleged “Epstein Files.” To address transparency concerns, Attorney General Pam Bondi has requested the unsealing of grand jury transcripts related to Maxwell and Epstein’s cases. However, Maxwell’s lawyers oppose the move, arguing that releasing the transcripts would cause reputational harm and potentially influence future legal proceedings as she appeals her conviction to the U.S. Supreme Court.

When asked about Maxwell’s recent transfer to a minimum-security prison in Texas, President Trump said he had no involvement, stating, “I didn’t know about it at all. I read about it just like you did.” Trump has also denied any wrongdoing in connection with Epstein. Their friendship reportedly ended in the mid-2000s.

Survivors of Epstein’s crimes, including Annie Farmer, have called for the release of the grand jury transcripts, with redactions to protect victims. Farmer’s attorneys emphasized the importance of understanding the full extent of Epstein and Maxwell’s crimes, stating, “Given the magnitude and abhorrence of Epstein and Maxwell’s crimes, unsealing the grand jury transcripts is not just appropriate, it is necessary.” The Justice Department (DOJ) has acknowledged that much of the information in the transcripts is already public, though certain identities remain protected.

The National Pulse Editor-in-Chief Raheem Kassam previously raised the possibility that Maxwell’s attorneys are actively working to foment controversy around Epstein, President Trump, and the alleged client list as a ploy to secure freedom for their client. “I predicted this weeks ago, and non-practitioner, hyper-online, nouveau-MAGA internet idiots claimed I was insane. Turns out I’m just always right,” Kassam wrote on X (formerly Twitter), responding to the revelation that Maxwell’s lawyers are pushing Deputy U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche for a presidential pardon.

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