Friday, September 19, 2025

Trump ‘Thinking About a Little Rebate’ for Americans, Funded by Tariffs Windfall.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump is floating using some of the revenue generated by his tariffs to fund rebate checks for American taxpayers.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Trump, the Treasury Department, and American taxpayers.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Trump addressed the idea of rebate checks while fielding questions outside the White House on Friday, July 25, 2025.

💬KEY QUOTE: “We have so much money coming in, we’re thinking about a little rebate. A little rebate for people of a certain income level might be very nice.” — President Trump

🎯IMPACT: Rebates could help further boost consumer confidence and the U.S. economy, but such direct economic stimulus could also increase inflationary pressure.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump suggested on Friday that Americans could see rebate checks funded by record revenues taken in by the federal government through the imposition of tariffs on foreign goods. While the rebates could help further boost consumer confidence and the U.S. economy, such direct economic stimulus could also increase inflationary pressure.

“We have so much money coming in, we’re thinking about a little rebate,” President Trump told reporters outside the White House on Friday. “A little rebate for people of a certain income level might be very nice.”

Data published by the U.S. Treasury Department shows that Trump’s tariffs have generated well over $100 billion in revenue so far this year.


Tariff revenues could reach nearly $30 billion in July alone. The National Pulse reported last week that data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates that foreign manufacturers, not American consumers, are absorbing a bulk of the tariff costs, as they seek to protect their share in the U.S. market.

Tariff critics have—thus far—wrongly contended that the trade duties would be largely passed on to American consumers. This, however, would suggest that a taxpayer rebate would act purely as a stimulus and not as a tariff cost offset, meaning the increase in dollars among consumers could have inflationary impacts.

Previously, the Trump White House floated using some savings generated by cuts in government waste, identified by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), to pay for rebate checks. The idea originated from former DOGE staffer James Fishback. However, his departure from the agency appears to have also sidelined the idea.

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Trump Admin Tracks Down Thousands of Lost Migrant Minors, Arrests Hundreds of Sponsors for Abuse and Trafficking.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) says it has tracked down 13,000 unaccompanied migrant minors released into the United States under the former Biden government, and arrested over 400 sponsors for crimes ranging from child abuse to sex trafficking.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Former President Joe Biden, President Donald J. Trump, the DHS, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), unaccompanied illegal immigrant minors, NGOs, and unvetted sponsors.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The Trump White House’s efforts to locate upwards of 320,000 illegal immigrant children essentially lost by the former Biden government are ongoing.

💬KEY QUOTE: “The safety of children and ensuring they are reunited with their parents or safe guardian is the top priority of the Trump Administration, which stands in stark contrast to the nearly 300,000 migrant children that were lost under the Biden Administration.” — DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin

🎯IMPACT: The Trump administration is prioritizing the deportation of unaccompanied minors to their families in their countries of origin instead of continuing the use of the unvetted sponsor system utilized by the Biden government.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump’s Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is working to track down thousands of unaccompanied migrant minors that the former Biden government handed over to—in some instances—completely unvetted ‘sponsors.’ It is estimated that more than 13,000 minors have now been located, with hundreds of sponsors arrested for crimes including child abuse and worse.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) says it has arrested around 400 so-called sponsors who had been cleared to care for unaccompanied illegal immigrant minors under the Biden government. However, the number of sponsors who have engaged in criminal acts could be much higher. During recent testimony before Congress, counter-trafficking expert and policy advocate Ali Hooper revealed evidence that the Biden government left 65,000 phone calls unanswered on a hotline for unaccompanied minors to report sexual abuse, trafficking, or other criminal activities perpetrated by sponsors.

During the Biden government, an estimated 320,000 unaccompanied minors were released into the interior of the United States, and—through federal government partnerships with non-governmental organizations (NGOs)—these minors were placed with often poorly vetted sponsors. Local law enforcement across the country has warned of situations involving both sex trafficking and illegal underage labor.

Speaking with Laura Ingraham late Thursday, Hooper highlighted an alarming incident where suspects, now in custody, would lace minors’ drinks with an unidentified white powder. They would then bring in “clients” who would pay upwards of $1,000 for “appointments” at what is described as a “bunker.” The minors were often restrained and tied to beds. DHS is currently assisting the investigation.

In response to the massive number of unaccompanied illegal immigrant minors in the United States, the Trump White House has directed federal immigration officials to quickly deport the minors in question to be reunited with their families, instead of matriculaing into an NGO-sponsor network. “The safety of children and ensuring they are reunited with their parents or safe guardian is the top priority of the Trump Administration, which stands in stark contrast to the nearly 300,000 migrant children that were lost under the Biden Administration,” DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement.

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Trump Is Tackling Street Homelessness, Here’s How:

President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order to end widespread street homelessness, calling on states to move vagrants, addicts, and the mentally ill into treatment centers.

The details: In an executive order titled “Ending Crime and Disorder on America’s Streets,” Trump redirected federal funding to prioritize institutional care—including substance abuse facilities, civil commitment, and long-term facilities.

  • States and cities that crack down on street camping, drug use, and squatting will get grant priority.

Zoom out: Roughly 274,000 people were sleeping on the streets last year under the Biden regime. And “tent cities” have popped up in many Democrat-run areas, plagued by open-air drug use, crime, and squalor.

What’s the big deal? It’s a public safety issue. According to the order, the “overwhelming majority of these individuals are addicted to drugs, have a mental health disorder, or both.” Roughly two-thirds are taking hard drugs like meth and other opioids.

  • Failing to address it leaves other citizens vulnerable to “disorderly behavior, sudden confrontations, and violent attacks.”

What does the law say? Last year, the Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that cities have the right to issue fines to people who camp on public property.

What the White House is saying: Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said, “The Trump Administration will ensure that Americans feel safe in their own communities and that individuals suffering from addiction or mental health struggles are able to get the help they need.”

Real talk from G: We should be compassionate towards the homeless. But enabling them is not compassionate.

Image by Robin Kanouse.

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President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order to end widespread street homelessness, calling on states to move vagrants, addicts, and the mentally ill into treatment centers. show more

Trump Hits Powell Over Renovation Costs During Historic Fed Visit.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump chastised Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell in person over the nearly $1 billion in cost overruns for renovations and new office construction undertaken by the American central bank.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Trump, Powell, and the Federal Reserve.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Thursday, July 24, 2025, at the Federal Reserve in Washington, D.C.

💬KEY QUOTE: “A lot of very expensive work, there’s no question about it,” Trump said, adding: “So we’re taking a look, and it looks like it is about $3.1 billion; it went up a little bit.”

🎯IMPACT: Trump’s visit is likely part of a broader campaign to pressure Powell and the Federal Reserve to cut interest, mirroring similar efforts by the late President Richard Nixon to push his Fed chairman, Arthur Burns, into lowering borrowing costs.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump chastised Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell in person over the nearly $1 billion in cost overruns for renovations and new office construction undertaken by the American central bank. On Thursday, July 24, 2025, Trump became only the fourth President in American history to visit the Federal Reserve, and the only President to enter the building for nonceremonial purposes. Previously, former Presidents Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Gerald Ford, and George W. Bush each visited the Fed.

“Thank you very much, we’re looking at the construction, and we’re with the chairman, as you know,” President Trump said before waving Powell over to join him in front of the cameras: “Chairman, come on over.”

“And we’re just taking a look at what’s happening, and it’s a tough construction job; they’re building basements where they didn’t exist or expanding them. A lot of very expensive work, there’s no question about it,” Trump continued. “So we’re taking a look, and it looks like it is about $3.1 billion; it went up a little bit.”

A stunned Powell abruptly began shaking his head in disagreement, insisting the construction costs were not that high. President Trump proceeded to produce a report detailing the cost, which included a separate office space that the Federal Reserve did not pair with its renovation estimates.

For weeks, President Trump has increased pressure on the U.S. central bank to begin slashing interest rates as economic data has shown some concerning deflationary signals. Powell, however, has remained obstinate, maintaining rates at their current levels.

This has led to some speculation that Trump could move to fire Powell—with cause— by citing the renovation cost overruns, though the America First leader has insisted he does not intend to remove the Fed chairman before his term expires next year.

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Trump Blocks Feds from Using Woke AI.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order mandating that artificial intelligence (AI) models procured by the federal government prioritize truthfulness and ideological neutrality.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Donald J. Trump, federal agencies, and AI developers.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The Executive Order was signed Wednesday, July 23, 2025, in Washington, D.C.

💬KEY QUOTE: “We will terminate every diversity, equity, and inclusion program across the entire federal government.” – Donald J. Trump

🎯IMPACT: The Order should ensure AI models used by the federal government adhere to principles of truthfulness and neutrality, avoiding ideological bias.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order late Wednesday mandating that artificial intelligence (AI) models used by the federal government prioritize truthfulness and ideological neutrality. The Order outlines “Unbiased AI Principles,” which include truth-seeking and ideological neutrality as core tenets.

According to the presidential directive, truth-seeking AI models are required to prioritize historical accuracy, scientific inquiry, and objectivity, acknowledging uncertainty when information is incomplete or contradictory. Ideological neutrality mandates that AI models remain nonpartisan, avoiding manipulation of responses to favor ideologies like diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

The Order directs federal agencies to procure only AI models compliant with these principles. It also requires contracts with AI vendors to include accountability measures, such as cost coverage if noncompliance leads to contract termination. The Director of the Office of Management and Budget will issue guidance to enforce these directives.

President Trump emphasized the importance of trustworthy AI, citing examples of biased outputs from existing models. These include AI systems altering historical representations for DEI purposes and prioritizing ideological compliance over factual accuracy. Such practices, the Trump White House argues, erode public trust in AI systems.

The Executive Order is part of a broader effort by President Trump to eliminate DEI-driven policies across the federal government. In recent months, he has signed multiple actions to dismantle DEI programs in federal agencies, defense, and education, ensuring that government initiatives prioritize fairness and merit. “We will terminate every diversity, equity, and inclusion program across the entire federal government,” President Trump pledged earlier this year.

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After 20 Years, Australia Reverses American Beef Ban.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: Australia announced the lifting of restrictions on U.S. beef imports after two decades.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins, and President Donald Trump.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Announcement made Thursday, July 24, 2025, in Australia; restrictions have been in place for 20 years.

💬KEY QUOTE: “American farmers and ranchers produce the safest, healthiest beef in the world. It’s absurd that non-scientific trade barriers prevented our beef from being sold to consumers in Australia for the last 20 years.” – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins.

🎯IMPACT: U.S. beef producers gain greater access to the Australian market, marking a significant trade breakthrough.

IN FULL

In a major shift, Australia’s left-wing Labor government, led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, has announced the lifting of restrictions on American beef imports. This decision follows two decades of trade barriers that kept American farmers out of the Australian market.

Julie Collins, Australia’s Agricultural Minister, stated that the restrictions were originally implemented to prevent the spread of mad cow disease and that lifting them would lead to a more open and competitive marketplace in Australia. “Australia stands for open and free trade—our cattle industry has significantly benefited from this,” Collins said in a statement.

Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins praised the announcement as a “major trade breakthrough,” crediting President Donald J. Trump’s efforts to ensure fair and free trade with America’s trade partners. Rollins stated, “American farmers and ranchers produce the safest, healthiest beef in the world. It’s absurd that non-scientific trade barriers prevented our beef from being sold to consumers in Australia for the last 20 years.”

President Trump had previously criticized Australia’s restrictions, announcing tariffs on Australian imports earlier this year. He stated, “Australia bans—and they’re wonderful people, and wonderful everything—but they ban American beef. Yet we imported $3 billion of Australian beef from them just last year alone.”

Canberra has not yet set a date for the full lifting of restrictions.

Image by Ken Slade.

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Federal Court Strikes Down Trump Order Ending Birthright Citizenship.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has found President Donald J. Trump’s Executive Order ending birthright citizenship unconstitutional and issued a nationwide injunction blocking the measure.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Trump, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, the Department of Justice (DOJ), the U.S. Supreme Court, and illegal immigrants and their children.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The decision was handed down late Wednesday, July 24, 2025.

💬KEY QUOTE: “The district court correctly concluded that the Executive Order’s proposed interpretation, denying citizenship to many persons born in the United States, is unconstitutional. We fully agree.” — 9th Circuit’s majority

🎯IMPACT: The ruling marks a significant legal setback for the Trump White House; however, it does clear the path for the administration to bring the matter before the U.S. Supreme Court.

IN FULL

Late Wednesday evening, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals handed down a ruling declaring President Donald J. Trump‘s Executive Order ending birthright citizenship unconstitutional. The ruling marks a significant legal setback for the Trump White House; however, it does clear the path for the administration to bring the matter before the U.S. Supreme Court.

“The district court correctly concluded that the Executive Order’s proposed interpretation, denying citizenship to many persons born in the United States, is unconstitutional. We fully agree,” the 9th Circuit’s majority wrote. In addition, the judges agreed with the plaintiffs, a coalition of Democrat governed states, that the matter fell under the exceptions laid out by the Supreme Court justices regarding their restrictions on nationwide injunctions: “We conclude that the district court did not abuse its discretion in issuing a universal injunction in order to give the States complete relief.”

“We should approach any request for universal relief with good faith skepticism, mindful that the invocation of ‘complete relief’ isn’t a backdoor to universal injunctions,” Judge Patrick Bumatay wrote in dissent. The judge argued that it is unlikely the states have the proper legal standing to sue, but did not directly address the constitutionality of President Trump’s Executive Order.

The Constitution’s 14th Amendment states, “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.” However, the Department of Justice (DOJ) maintains that the clause in the amendment stating “subject to United States jurisdiction” means it does not necessarily grant citizenship to a child simply for being born in the United States.

The coalition of Democratic states points to the precedent established by the 1898 Supreme Court decision in United States v. Wong Kim Ark. In that decision, the high court held, “a child born in the United States, of parents of Chinese descent, who, at the time of his birth, are subjects of the Emperor of China, but have a permanent domicile and residence in the United States, and are there carrying on business, and are not employed in any diplomatic or official capacity under the Emperor of China,” was granted U.S. citizenship at birth.

However, the DOJ and critics of the United States’ birthright citizenship policies contend that the decision does not apply to the children of immigrants in the country illegally. The Supreme Court has not clarified whether this is the case.

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Columbia University Agrees $220m Settlement With Trump.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: Columbia University agreed to a $200 million settlement with the Trump administration and an additional $20 million payment to Jewish employees over claims of harassment and anti-Israel protests.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Donald J. Trump, Columbia University, Secretary Linda McMahon, and acting University President Claire Shipman.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The settlement was announced Wednesday night, involving Columbia University in New York City.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Columbia has agreed to pay a penalty of $200 Million Dollars to the United States Government for violating Federal Law, in addition to over $20 Million to their Jewish employees who were unlawfully targeted and harassed.” – Donald Trump

🎯IMPACT: Columbia must review its Middle East-related programs, eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, and ensure merit-based admissions and hiring practices.

IN FULL

On Wednesday, President Donald J. Trump revealed that Columbia University will pay $200 million to resolve issues stemming from its management of anti-Israel protests and other issues, with $200 million going to the federal government and $20 million compensating Jewish employees “who were unlawfully targeted and harassed.”

As previously reported by The National Pulse, Columbia had been facing far harsher punishment, including the loss of $400 million in federal grants, its tax-exempt status, and potentially its accreditation, with controversial former Jeffrey Epstein lawyer Jay Lefkowitz said to have stepped in to negotiate a more favorable settlement.

“I am pleased to announce that the Trump Administration has reached a historic agreement with Columbia University. Columbia has agreed to pay a penalty of $200 Million Dollars to the United States Government for violating Federal Law, in addition to over $20 Million to their Jewish employees who were unlawfully targeted and harassed,” Trump said of the deal on Truth Social. He emphasized Columbia’s pledge to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, adopt merit-based admissions, and safeguard civil liberties.

The agreement mandates Columbia to reassess its Middle East-related programs, with the senior vice provost tasked with enhancing support for Jewish students. While denying liability, the university acknowledged that “Jewish students and faculty have experienced painful, unacceptable incidents.”

The settlement also bans DEI programs promoting race-based outcomes or quotas, enforces merit-based admissions without racial proxies, and requires detailed admissions data for compliance. Hiring must prioritize individual merit.

Interim President Claire Shipman called the settlement “an important step forward after a period of sustained federal scrutiny and institutional uncertainty,” noting it reinstates the university’s federal research partnership. This follows Columbia’s disciplinary actions against over 70 students involved in anti-Israel protests.

Image via Wikimedia Commons.

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Tech Boss Praises Trump as America’s ‘Unique Advantgage.’

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: The White House unveiled Winning the AI Race: America’s AI Action Plan, following President Donald J. Trump’s executive order on Removing Barriers to American Leadership in AI.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Trump, White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Director Michael Kratsios, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Announced in Washington, DC, as part of ongoing Federal efforts to lead in AI innovation.

💬KEY QUOTE: “America’s unique advantage that no other country can possibly have is President Trump.” – Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia

🎯IMPACT: The plan aims to secure U.S. dominance in AI through innovation, infrastructure, and global partnerships, while safeguarding American workers and values.

IN FULL

The White House today released Winning the AI Race: America’s AI Action Plan, in accordance with President Trump’s January executive order on Removing Barriers to American Leadership in AI. The plan sets forth over 90 Federal policy actions, and has earned praise from Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, who said, “America’s unique advantage that no other country can possibly have is President Trump.”

Key policies include expediting permits for data centers, removing restrictive regulations on AI development, and ensuring free speech in AI systems contracted by the federal government. The comprehensive strategy aims to propel the U.S. to the forefront of global AI leadership.

“America’s AI Action Plan charts a decisive course to cement U.S. dominance in artificial intelligence. President Trump has prioritized AI as a cornerstone of American innovation, powering a new age of American leadership in science, technology, and global influence,” said Michael Kratsios, Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted the broader implications, noting: “Winning the AI Race is non-negotiable. America must continue to be the dominant force in artificial intelligence to promote prosperity and protect our economic and national security. These clear-cut policy goals set expectations for the Federal Government to ensure America sets the technological gold standard worldwide.”

Image by Nvidia Taiwan.

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Trump Admin Launches Probe Into Harvard’s Sponsorship of Foreign Students.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: The Trump administration has opened an investigation into Harvard University’s use of international visas through the Exchange Visitor Program.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Harvard University, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem, U.S. District Court Judge Allison Burroughs, and President Donald J. Trump.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The investigation was announced on Wednesday, with ongoing legal proceedings in Boston federal court.

💬KEY QUOTE: “All sponsors participating in this program are required to fully comply with exchange visitor regulations, transparency in reporting, and a demonstrated commitment to fostering the principles of cultural exchange and mutual understanding upon which the program was founded.” – Secretary Rubio

🎯IMPACT: The investigation could affect Harvard’s ability to sponsor foreign students and scholars, with potential implications for federal funding and visa processing.

IN FULL

The Trump administration has launched an investigation into Harvard University’s use of international visas. Announced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday, the probe will assess the university’s compliance with the Exchange Visitor Program (J-visa) and its eligibility to continue as a sponsor.

“[The State Department] is opening an investigation into Harvard’s authority to sponsor exchange visas,” Sec. Rubio wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter). He added: “Visa sponsorship is a privilege, and sponsors whose conduct tarnishes our nation’s interests will lose that privilege.”

Rubio stated the investigation aims to ensure that “State Department programs do not run contrary to our nation’s interests.”

“All sponsors participating in this program are required to fully comply with exchange visitor regulations, transparency in reporting, and a demonstrated commitment to fostering the principles of cultural exchange and mutual understanding upon which the program was founded,” Rubio said. He stressed that sponsors must ensure their activities do not undermine U.S. foreign policy or national security interests.

In response, a Harvard spokesman claimed the investigation is “yet another retaliatory step taken by the Administration in violation of Harvard’s First Amendment rights.”

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem previously attempted to revoke Harvard’s certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), citing concerns over foreign students’ ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and accusations of fostering violence and anti-Semitism. Harvard challenged the decision in court, arguing the move jeopardized the education of over 7,000 international students. U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs—a Barack Obama appointee—sided with Harvard, blocking the revocation while litigation continues.

President Donald J. Trump issued a presidential order in June directing the State Department to deny visas to students at institutions under federal investigation for national security or anti-Semitism concerns, explicitly naming Harvard. Despite this, Judge Burroughs ordered consular offices to process visas and allow Harvard students entry into the U.S.

Harvard is also contesting the administration’s decision to cut $2.6 billion in federal research funding, with a decision on the matter still pending.

Image by Adam Fagen.

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