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Thursday, September 18, 2025

Tag: Donald Trump
July 1, 2025
Politics

The USAID ‘NGO Industrial Complex’ Is Officially Over.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) will cease implementing foreign assistance programs, with the State Department taking over such efforts under the Trump administration.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the Trump administration, and USAID.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Announcement made Tuesday; changes effective July 1.

💬KEY QUOTE: “This era of government-sanctioned inefficiency has officially come to an end.” – Marco Rubio

🎯IMPACT: Over 80 percent of USAID programs will be cut, with 5,200 of 6,200 programs canceled.

IN FULL

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) will no longer implement foreign assistance programs, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Tuesday. Beginning July 1, the State Department will take over such programs under the Trump administration’s directive to prioritize America’s national interests.

Rubio stated that USAID has failed to meet development objectives for decades, often worsening instability and fostering anti-American sentiment. “Beyond creating a globe-spanning NGO industrial complex at taxpayer expense, USAID has little to show since the end of the Cold War,” Rubio remarked, adding: “This era of government-sanctioned inefficiency has officially come to an end.”

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) recently conducted a review of USAID’s operations, leading to the cancellation of over 80 percent of its programs. Rubio revealed that approximately 5,200 of USAID’s 6,200 programs will be terminated. Controversial funding decisions, such as a $1.5 million program to promote “diversity, equity, and inclusion” in Serbia and a $70,000 “DEI musical” in Ireland, contributed to the agency’s scrutiny.

Critics of the decision include Democrats and activists, with actress Charlize Theron voicing strong opposition. Theron claimed that foreign aid cuts have brought HIV and AIDS programs in South Africa to a halt, describing the situation as “absolutely heartbreaking.” She also criticized U.S. immigration policies and alleged a rollback of women’s and LGBTQ rights, stating, “Here in Los Angeles, in the U.S. and across the globe, we are moving backwards fast.” It is unclear whether Theron was voicing support for the violent, pro-illegal immigration riots in Los Angeles or just opposition to several large-scale U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids across the city.

Despite the criticism, the Trump administration has maintained that the changes will ensure foreign funding aligns with American interests, emphasizing greater accountability and efficiency under the State Department’s oversight.

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July 1, 2025
Economy

Media Concedes: Trump’s Tariffs Boost Government Revenue and Don’t Hurt Consumers.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Despite corporate media claims, President Donald J. Trump’s tariff policies appear to be working as the White House has stated, increasing government tax revenue with minimal impact on domestic consumer prices.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Trump, U.S. corporations, foreign producers, American consumers,  conservatives, and critics of the administration’s tariff policies.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Ongoing debate in 2025, with tariffs implemented in February and April.

🎯IMPACT: Tariffs have generated over $121 billion in revenue without increasing consumer prices, challenging critics’ negative predictions.

IN FULL

The corporate media is being forced to admit that President Donald J. Trump’s tariff policies are working, with the U.S. collecting over $121 billion in tariff revenue, little evidence that the trade duties are impacting domestic consumers, and inflation continuing to cool. For weeks leading up to the April 2 ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs, so-called experts insisted that Trump’s imposition of import levies would reignite inflation. However, as The National Pulse has repeatedly pointed out, tariffs have traditionally had deflationary effects, and under Trump, inflation has continued to cool.

Contrary to establishment predictions, consumer prices have not risen, leaving opponents scrambling to explain the data. Some still forecast a belated economic disaster, while others acknowledge the potential for tariffs to help pay down the national debt over time. Misconceptions about tariffs persist, with many believing they are a tax on foreign producers.

In reality, tariffs are taxes on companies sourcing goods internationally from targeted nations. These companies face a choice: adapt by sourcing from the U.S. or non-targeted countries to keep costs low, or find alternative ways to absorb the expenses. Raising prices is often a last resort, as consumers can easily cut back on non-essential goods.

Critics, including some Democrats and conservatives, had predicted sharp price increases as corporations passed tariff costs onto consumers. However, inflation data, such as the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge and the Consumer Price Index (CPI), has remained relatively stable, contradicting these forecasts. Some attribute this to “front-loading” of imports before tariffs took effect, but that explanation fails to account for sustained stability months after implementation.

At the current pace, tariffs could generate approximately $300 billion in revenue by year-end and $1.2 trillion over four years. While this revenue won’t offset all debt spending, it provides an alternative to tax hikes on the public. If inflation concerns remain overstated, tariffs could become a long-term strategy for economic growth and debt reduction.

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July 1, 2025
William Upton
Breaking

BREAKING: Senate Passes ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ After Vance Breaks Tie.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The United States Senate has passed the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ after embarking on the longest amendment vote-a-rama in American history. Vice President J.D. Vance, acting in his capacity as President of the Senate, cast the tiebreaking vote, following two previous tiebreaking votes on amendments to the bill.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Senate Republicans, Senate Democrats, Donald J. Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, and the House of Representatives.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The Senate version of the reconciliation bill was adopted on Tuesday, July 1, 2025.

🎯IMPACT: The ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ now heads back to the House for final approval, though the version passed by the Senate could face headwinds among House Republicans.

IN FULL

The ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ passed the United States Senate on Tuesday, July 1, after an over 24-hour period of amendments being offered on the legislation, called a ‘vote-a-rama’—the longest to occur in American history. Senate Republicans were able to adopt the budget reconciliation bill, which implements most of President Donald J. Trump’s domestic policy agenda, after Vice President J.D. Vance, acting in his capacity as President of the Senate, cast three tiebreaking votes, on the bill as a whole and two amendments to it. Notably, the budget reconciliation process circumvents the Senate filibuster, meaning only 51 votes were needed.

Three Senate Republicans—Sens. Rand Paul (R-KY), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Susan Collins (R-ME)—voted against the bill. The three joined all 47 Senate Democrats in opposition.

Now that the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ has passed the Senate, it will head back to the House of Representatives, where lawmakers will need to consider the changes made to the legislation by the upper chamber. Already, some House conservatives are voicing concerns over changes made by the Senate, although House Republican leadership has expressed confidence that they will be able to secure a vote on final passage and have the bill on President Donald J. Trump’s desk for the July 4 holiday.

It is expected that the House Rules Committee will move to take up the budget reconciliation bill immediately, with House leaders indicating a final vote could be held as soon as Wednesday. However, with the vote for adoption having taken longer than anticipated in the Senate, this could push the House vote back to Thursday.

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July 1, 2025
Jack Montgomery
News

Another Food Corp Is Ditching Synthetic Dyes Amid ‘MAHA’ Push.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Synthetic dyes will be removed from all Hershey’s snacks by the end of 2027, amid a push by the Trump administration and Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to ‘Make America Healthy Again.’

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Hershey Co., Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Governor Greg Abbott (R-TX), state lawmakers in Texas and West Virginia.

📍WHEN & WHERE: United States, changes take effect between 2027 and 2028.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Removing these colors is a natural next step in our program to ensure consumers have options to fit their lifestyle while maintaining trust and confidence in our products.” – Hershey spokesman

🎯IMPACT: The removal of synthetic dyes by major food companies reflects growing pressure from the Trump administration, state governments, and consumers.

IN FULL

Hershey Co. will remove synthetic dyes from its snack products by the end of 2027, citing growing legislative pressure at the state level. The company said it aims to preempt regulations and ensure customer trust by voluntarily shifting away from artificial colorants in its chocolate, candy, and popcorn brands.

“There is a patchwork of state regulations emerging that is creating confusion and will ultimately increase consumer costs,” a Hershey spokesman said. “Removing these colors is a natural next step in our program to ensure consumers have options to fit their lifestyle while maintaining trust and confidence in our products.”

Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has prioritized the removal of “poisonous” artificial dyes from U.S. foods, with an initial focus on encouraging voluntary removal and supporting state-level action. This includes a West Virginia law that will ban the sale of dyed foods starting in 2028 and a Texas law signed by Governor Greg Abbott (R) requiring warning labels on synthetic dye products beginning in 2027.

Hershey joins other major food corporations, such as Nestlé SA, Conagra Brands Inc., Kraft Heinz Co., and General Mills Inc., which have committed to removing dyes from their American product lines.

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July 1, 2025
Crime
Immigration

Trump Orders Revocation of Naturalized Criminals’ U.S. Citizenship.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The Department of Justice (DOJ) issued a directive urging U.S. Attorneys to prioritize the denaturalization of foreign-born criminals to address crime and national security threats.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Donald J. Trump, Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate, and U.S. Attorneys.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The memo was issued in June 2025 and applies nationwide.

💬KEY QUOTE: “The Department of Justice may institute civil proceedings to revoke a person’s United States citizenship if an individual either ‘illegally procured’ naturalization or procured naturalization by ‘concealment of a material fact or by willful misrepresentation.’” – Brett Shumate

🎯IMPACT: The directive aims to deport migrants who pose a threat to national security, combat financial fraud, and target those involved in crimes such as human trafficking and gang activity, even if they have acquired U.S. citizenship.

IN FULL

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has issued a memo directing U.S. Attorneys to “prioritize and maximally pursue denaturalization proceedings” as part of the Trump administration’s efforts to combat crime and protect national security. The memo, signed by Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate, outlines categories of individuals who should be targeted for denaturalization, including those tied to terrorism, espionage, or the unlawful export of sensitive goods and technology.

Shumate emphasized the importance of these proceedings in a written statement, noting, “The benefits of civil denaturalization include the government’s ability to revoke the citizenship of individuals who engaged in the commission of war crimes, extrajudicial killings, or other serious human rights abuses; to remove naturalized criminals, gang members, or, indeed, any individuals convicted of crimes who pose an ongoing threat to the United States; and to prevent convicted terrorists from returning to U.S. soil or traveling internationally on a U.S. passport.”

The memo also directs U.S. Attorneys to pursue cases against migrants who committed financial fraud against the United States, including Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan fraud and Medicare/Medicaid fraud, as well as those involved in violent crimes, human trafficking, and sex offenses. It further calls for action against migrants with criminal gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and drug cartels.

Two days after the memo was issued, the Justice Department announced it had successfully secured the denaturalization of a convicted distributor of child sexual abuse material.

Shumate has instructed the Civil Division of the Justice Department to “prioritize and maximally pursue denaturalization proceedings in all cases permitted by law and supported by the evidence.”

Image by Steve Fernie.

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July 1, 2025
William Upton
Politics

Senate GOP Fails to Restore Medicaid Cuts for Illegals to ‘Big, Beautiful Bill.’

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Senate Republicans failed to restore a provision barring illegal immigrants from accessing Medicaid to the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ after it was thrown out by the Senate Parliamentarian.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Senate Republicans, Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough, and President Donald J. Trump.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The ‘vote-a-rama’ on amendments to the budget reconciliation bill began on June 30 and was ongoing on the morning of July 1.

🎯IMPACT: The removal of key provisions found in the House of the legislation could push lawmakers in the lower chamber to either outright oppose or demand amendments to the Senate bill once it is passed. This could jeopardize the chances of passage or delay adoption of the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ beyond President Trump’s July 4 deadline.

IN FULL

Senate Republicans failed to re-add a measure preventing illegal immigrants from accessing Medicaid to the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ during the longest ‘vote-a-rama’ in American political history. The measure was rejected with 56 Senators in favor and 44 opposed. Typically, the amendment would have needed only 51 votes to be adopted. However, Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough ruled that the provision violated the Byrd Rule, which raises the vote threshold to 60 votes to break a filibuster.

The removal of the measure has angered conservatives who saw the provision as a key component of the budget reconciliation legislation. Notably, a number of policies that were adopted in the House version of the bill have been stripped in the Senate by the Parliamentarian.

While the core of the legislation remains intact, including the implementation of President Donald J. Trump‘s campaign promises of no tax on tips, no tax on social security income, no tax on overtime income, and making permanent the 2017 Trump tax cuts—other provisions that prevented Medicaid funds from being used for the gender transition of minors and the clawback of funding for Planned Parenthood were stripped by the Parliamenarian. Consequently, the more watered-down Senate legislation could be seen as unpalatable in the House.

Some “moderate” House Republicans are already balking at the Senate bill’s larger direct cuts to Medicaid. If they’re joined in opposition by conservative House Republicans, it may be difficult to find a path to bring both sides back to supporting the legislation, jeopardizing its final passage.

President Trump has said he wants to sign the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ into law on July 4, though as of the time of publication, the reconciliation legislation is still stuck in the Senate, so lawmakers on Capitol Hill are running quickly out of time.

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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June 30, 2025
Immigration

Trump and DeSantis Are Going on a Trip Together. Here’s Where, and Why…

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump will join Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) on Tuesday to tour a new illegal immigrant detention center at the Miami-Dade Collier Training Facility, dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz.”

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Governor Ron DeSantis, President Donald J. Trump, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

📍WHEN & WHERE: The facility is located in the Everglades and is expected to be operational this week. President Trump is scheduled to attend the opening.

💬KEY QUOTE: “The security is amazing … natural and otherwise.” – Ron DeSantis

🎯IMPACT: The facility aims to streamline the deportation process and support the federal government’s immigration enforcement efforts.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump will travel to Florida on Tuesday to join Governor Ron DeSantis (R) for the opening of a new illegal immigration detention center at the Miami-Dade Collier Training Facility, also known as “Alligator Alcatraz.” The facility, approved by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), is located in the middle of the Everglades and intended for use in detaining illegal immigrants. DeSantis emphasized its logistical simplicity and natural security features, including alligators and pythons.

“People say there are training flights that go in there, but it’s a massive runway. And, you know … there’s not a lot of buildings out there, but there’s a lot of concrete. And so these guys set up this whole thing within a matter of days,” DeSantis said. He added that the facility is “not defunct” and highlighted its natural barriers, which make it difficult for detainees to escape: “The security is amazing … natural and otherwise.”

DeSantis explained that the facility will help expedite the deportation process. “You literally drive them to 2,000 feet, put them on a plane, and then they’re gone. It’s very logistically simple,” he said. The existing runway allows the federal government to fly detainees out of the country directly from the site.

The White House announced on Monday that President Trump will join DeSantis for the opening of the facility. According to the Florida governor,  he spoke with President Trump over the weekend, stating that the America First leader is “very excited about doing it.” DeSantis has noted that Florida is assisting the federal government in fulfilling the voters’ mandate on immigration enforcement, saying, “We literally are doing what the voters who elected all of us have been demanding for many, many years.”

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June 30, 2025
Politics

Trump Is Suing Los Angeles for Obstructing ICE.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The Trump administration has filed a lawsuit against the city of Los Angeles, alleging that its sanctuary policies interfere with federal immigration enforcement.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The Department of Justice (DOJ), Attorney General Pam Bondi, President Donald J. Trump, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

📍WHEN & WHERE: The lawsuit was filed on Monday, June 30, 2025, following recent pro-illegal immigrant riots in Los Angeles targeting ICE operations.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Sanctuary policies were the driving cause of the violence, chaos, and attacks on law enforcement that Americans recently witnessed in Los Angeles,” said Attorney General Pam Bondi.

🎯IMPACT: The lawsuit seeks to block Los Angeles’s sanctuary policies, citing constitutional violations under the Supremacy Clause.

IN FULL

The Trump administration is suing the city of Los Angeles, alleging that its sanctuary policies obstruct federal immigration authorities from performing their duties. Attorney General Pam Bondi stated, “Sanctuary policies were the driving cause of the violence, chaos, and attacks on law enforcement that Americans recently witnessed in Los Angeles.”

The Department of Justice (DOJ) argues that Los Angeles’s policies intentionally discriminate against federal authorities, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), by treating them differently from other law enforcement agencies. The lawsuit claims that these policies violate the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution, which prohibits state and local jurisdictions from interfering with federal law.

“The Los Angeles Ordinance and other policies intentionally discriminate against the Federal Government by treating federal immigration authorities differently than other law enforcement agents through access restrictions both to property and to individual detainees,” the lawsuit reads. It further accuses the city of prohibiting contractors from cooperating with federal authorities and disfavoring federal criminal laws.

Los Angeles recently experienced violent demonstrations and riots in response to ICE operations in the region. Mayor Karen Bass criticized the presence of federal law enforcement, stating, “Last Thursday, ICE entered our city and provoked the city by chasing people through Home Depots and car washes and showing up at schools and, today, showing up at emergency rooms and homeless shelters.” Bass further claimed that the deployment of the National Guard was used as a pretext to escalate federal involvement.

Notably, the illegal aliens detained by ICE ahead of the riots included mass shooters and pedophiles. The DOJ is seeking a judicial order to block the enforcement of Los Angeles’s sanctuary policies.

Image by Lord Jim.

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June 30, 2025
Politics
The Resistance

Deep Staters at the EPA Are in Open Rebellion Against Trump.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Nearly 300 current and former Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) employees issued a declaration of dissent, claiming the Trump White House has politicized science and arguing federal workforce reductions have harmed the agency. Notably, EPA career employees have faced scrutiny over their role in aiding a Biden government plot to direct taxpayer dollars to external bank accounts to ensure funding of Democrat-aligned nonprofits.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: 278 EPA employees, including 174 who signed their full names, addressed their complaints to Administrator Lee Zeldin.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The declaration was sent on Monday, June 30, 2025, as the EPA faces another round of staff reductions and a major reorganization.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Today, we stand together in dissent against the current administration’s focus on harmful deregulation, mischaracterization of previous EPA actions, and disregard for scientific expertise,” the group stated.

🎯IMPACT: The reorganization is aimed at sidelining far-left environmental justice programs not based in science but rather in progressive social policy.

IN FULL

Nearly 300 current and recently terminated employees of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are rebelling against President Donald J. Trump, issuing a letter of dissent that declares concerns over the agency’s direction and alleges risks to public health and safety. The declaration, sent to Administrator Lee Zeldin, outlined five key issues, including the dismantling of the research office and the abandonment of far-left progressive environmental justice initiatives.

The letter, signed by 278 employees—174 of whom used their full names—criticized the administration’s approach to deregulation, alleging that it is harmful and dismissive of supposed scientific expertise. “Today, we stand together in dissent against the current administration’s focus on harmful deregulation, mischaracterization of previous EPA actions, and disregard for scientific expertise,” the group stated.

The agency’s reorganization includes consolidating several offices, dissolving the research division, and canceling billions of dollars in grants. Notably, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) uncovered a $14 billion scheme that saw taxpayer dollars funneled by the Biden-era EPA to an external account with Citibank, which disbursed the funds to three Democrat-aligned environmental nonprofits. The National Pulse previously reported that one of the nonprofit groups, which received $2 billion in grants, is affiliated with Georgia election denier Stacy Abrams.

While the EPA, in recent years, has become singularly focused on the promotion and subsidization of so-called “green energy,” which is heavily reliant on materials sourced from China, the Trump White House has rolled out an all-of-the-above energy policy aimed at deregulation, streamlined drilling and mining permitting, and allowing power providers to use market forces to source the cheapest energy available.

The declaration also raises claims regarding partisan rhetoric, alleged “misinformation” in EPA communications, and a culture of fear within the agency. Employees warned that such decisions would have long-term repercussions, stating, “Your decisions and actions will reverberate for generations to come. EPA under your leadership will not protect communities from hazardous chemicals and unsafe drinking water, but instead will increase risks to public health and safety.”

Despite couching the grievances in appeals to scientific authority, most environmental justice initiatives are ideologically driven social engineering and not actually based in scientific fact.

Image by Paul A. Fagan.

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June 30, 2025
William Upton
Politics

Top Ukraine Ally Quits Congress.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Representative Don Bacon (R-NE), an outspoken proponent of U.S. military assistance for Ukraine, announced he will not seek re-election in 2026.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Rep. Don Bacon, President Donald J. Trump, and other congressional Republicans.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Announcement made Monday; Bacon represents Nebraska’s second congressional district.

💬KEY QUOTE: “After 30 years in the Air Force and 10 years in Congress, it’s time to spend my future with the love of my life, our four kids, and our wonderful grandchildren. Thank you, Nebraska!” – Don Bacon

🎯IMPACT: Bacon’s retirement opens up a key battleground district for Democrats ahead of the 2026 midterms. The Nebraska Republican’s exit from Congress also marks a significant blow for the coalition of Democrats and Republicans who continually insist on propping up Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in his ongoing conflict with Russia.

IN FULL

Representative Don Bacon (R-NE), a key House Republican ally of Ukraine who has continually pushed for increased American military assistance for the Eastern European country, announced Monday that he will not seek re-election in 2026. Bacon, who has represented Nebraska‘s second congressional district since 2017, stated his intention to focus on his family. “After 30 years in the Air Force and 10 years in Congress, it’s time to spend my future with the love of my life, our four kids, and our wonderful grandchildren. Thank you, Nebraska!” Bacon said.

The Nebraska Republican has been one of just a handful of GOP lawmakers who have often worked to undermine President Donald J. Trump‘s America First agenda in Congress. While Bacon ultimately voted for President Trump’s ‘One Big Beautiful Bill‘ last month, he has often expressed concerns about specific provisions. Currently, Bacon is among a group of House Republicans who could potentially derail the legislation’s final passage in the lower chamber later this week.

A so-called ‘moderate’ Republican, Bacon has on occasion served as a foil to Trump’s agenda in the House. Most recently, he indicated opposition to a White House rescission proposal if it included cuts to an AIDS program. Additionally, Bacon was the only Republican to vote against a House bill that would make Trump’s name change for the Gulf of America permanent.

Bacon has criticized Trump’s stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, both taking umbrage with Trump’s pursuit of an end to the conflict and mounting Republican opposition to further supplying military aid.

In a March post on X (formerly Twitter), Bacon declared, “real Republicans know that Putin’s Russia hates the West and freedom. We also know that Ukraine wants democracy, free markets and rule of law. We stand with right vs evil. Reagan, Churchill, Eisenhower… that is our legacy. I won’t walk away from it.” Notably, Bacon announced his retirement just over three months after the post.

Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District, which former Vice President Kamala Harris won by nearly five percentage points in 2024, remains a key target for Democrats in the upcoming 2026 midterms. The state is one of two that splits its Electoral College votes by congressional district. Bacon narrowly won re-election in 2024 by less than two percentage points.

Image via the Presidential Office of Ukraine.

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