GET THE APP
Tuesday, September 16, 2025

Tag: Donald Trump
April 11, 2025
Lawfare
Politics

More Lawfare Firms Bend the Knee to Trump Admin.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: President Donald J. Trump announced agreements with five major law firms to provide pro bono services worth hundreds of millions of dollars for causes supported by him and the firms. The law firms include Kirkland & Ellis LLP, Allen Overy Shearman Sterling US LLP, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, Latham & Watkins LLP, and Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP.

👥 Who’s Involved: President Trump; the law firms Kirkland & Ellis LLP, Allen Overy Shearman Sterling US LLP, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, Latham & Watkins LLP, and Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP; and the EEOC.

📍 Where & When: Announced on Truth Social, the agreements were publicized on Friday, April 11.

💬 Key Quote: “The Law Firms affirm that they will not deny representation to clients, such as members of politically disenfranchised groups and Government Officials, employees, and advisors, who have not historically received Legal representation from major National Law Firms, including in pro bono matters, and in support of non-profits, because of the personal political views of individual lawyers,” Trump’s Truth Social post states.

⚠️ Impact: The pro bono pledges have exceeded $900 million, bringing to heel a number of major law firms that have sought to undermine the Trump agenda by assisting lawfare efforts in recent years.

IN FULL:

President Donald J. Trump has revealed commitments from five prominent law firms to deliver pro bono services totaling $600 million for various causes they mutually endorse. The firms joining this initiative include Kirkland & Ellis LLP, Allen Overy Shearman Sterling US LLP, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, Latham & Watkins LLP, and Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP, with the latter contributing $100 million. Services pledged by these firms will span supporting veterans, military families, law enforcement, and first responders, as well as addressing fairness in the justice system and combating anti-Semitism, according to statements released by Trump.

Trump’s announcement, made on Truth Social, noted that these legal entities will not partake in “illegal” diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) activities. The decision is also linked to the recent withdrawal of inquiries from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), with Trump referencing this move as part of an agreement.

“The Law Firms affirm their commitment to Merit-Based Hiring, Promotion, and Retention. Accordingly, the Law Firms will not engage in illegal DEI discrimination and preferences,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, adding: “The Law Firms affirm that they will not deny representation to clients, such as members of politically disenfranchised groups and Government Officials, employees, and advisors, who have not historically received Legal representation from major National Law Firms, including in pro bono matters, and in support of non-profits, because of the personal political views of individual lawyers.”

This development marks a significant expansion in the scale of legal services committed on a pro bono basis, notably for causes that are perceived to align closely with the Trump administration’s priorities. The total value of these pro bono pledges by law firms has now surpassed $900 million. Trump highlighted the bipartisan nature of the pro bono work to be undertaken, asserting that it will uphold a wide range of political perspectives, including conservative values.

These agreements come after Trump earlier enacted Executive Orders that penalized certain high-profile law firms. The law firms involved have previously been noted for engaging in lawfare efforts against Trump or employing individuals who have pursued dubious legal actions against him to hamper his 2024 presidential campaign and political agenda.

READ:

show less

PULSE POINTS:

show more
April 11, 2025
William Upton
Breaking

BREAKING: Federal Judge Clears Way for Deportation of ‘Pro-Hamas’ Demo Organizer.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: A federal judge on Friday ruled that the Trump administration can proceed with the deportation of “pro-Hamas” demonstrator and former Columbia University graduate student Mahmoud Khalil.

👥 Who’s Involved: U.S. Federal Courts, the Trump administration, Mahmoud Khalil, anti-Israel student demonstrators, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and the State Department.

📍 Where & When: U.S. Federal Court on April 11, 2025.

💬 Key Quote: President Donald J. Trump branded Khalil a “Radical Foreign Pro-Hamas Student” last month, hailing his arrest as “the first of many to come” for foreign agitators.

⚠️ Impact: The ruling allows the Trump administration to move forward with the removal of Khalil and other foreign students who have espoused anti-Semitism and support for the Hamas terrorist group from the United States. Khalil has until April 23 to file applications for relief.

IN FULL:

A federal judge has ruled that the Trump administration’s effort to deport Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian Columbia University graduate and U.S. permanent resident now detained in a federal jail in Louisiana, can move forward. Deportation proceedings against Khalil were initiated last month after federal authorities determined he had helped organize pro-Hamas demonstrations that disrupted Columbia University activities and created an environment of fear for Jewish students on campus. Khalil will have until April 23 to file relief applications.

The United States Department of State, under Secretary of State Marco Rubio, initiated Khalil’s removal after determining his actions constituted an effort to threaten and undermine U.S. foreign policy interests. Khalil appealed the deportation, securing a temporary restraining order (TRO) barring his removal from U.S. District Court Judge Jesse M. Furman—a far-left judge whose family has deep ties to the Democratic Party.

President Donald J. Trump branded Khalil a “Radical Foreign Pro-Hamas Student” last month, hailing his arrest as “the first of many to come” for foreign agitators. Subsequently, the Trump administration is believed to have revoked potentially thousands of student visas—primarily involving foreign students who participated in and organized pro-Hamas demonstrations.

Following Khalil’s detention, several students facing deportation opted instead to self-deport, including Ranjani Srinivasan, an Indian migrant “who had her student visa revoked for advocating for violence and terrorism.” Another Columbia University student, Leqaa Kordia, was arrested last month by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for overstaying her expired F-1 student visa. Kordia is a Palestinian, originally from the West Bank.

show less

PULSE POINTS:

show more
April 11, 2025
William Upton
Economy
World

Canada Commits to U.S. Trade Talks, Leaving China as Last Major Holdout.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced his country will enter into bilateral trade talks with the United States next month.

👥 Who’s Involved: Prime Minister Mark Carney, U.S. President Donald J. Trump, and China.

📍 Where & When: Canada; April 11, 2025.

💬 Key Quote: Speaking on Friday, Carney stated that he wishes to  ensure that the next Canadian government “will be in the best possible position for negotiations with the United States, which, as the President and I have agreed, will begin from the start of May.”

⚠️ Impact: The announcement leaves China as the only major foreign government resisting bilateral trade talks with the United States.

IN FULL:

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Friday that his country would enter into trade talks with the United States in May, joining over 75 other nations entering into bilateral negotiations after U.S. President Donald J. Trump moved to impose reciprocal tariffs on a number of countries on April 2. Earlier this week, Trump announced he would reduce the reciprocal tariff on nations that have not retaliated against the United States to 10 percent to allow time for negotiations.

Speaking on Friday, Carney stated that he wishes to  ensure that the next Canadian government “will be in the best possible position for negotiations with the United States, which, as the president and I have agreed, will begin from the start of May.” Canada, unlike most other countries, joined China in enacting retaliatory measures against the U.S. However, with this latest move, China is now the sole nation still resisting U.S. trade talks. Earlier this week, President Trump began ratcheting up the tariff rate on Chinese goods, eventually setting the trade duty at 145 percent.

On Friday, China again retaliated, raising its own tariffs against U.S. goods to 125 percent. However, China—as a surplus economy—imports far less than it exports, meaning its retaliatory measures are unlikely to have nearly the effect on the U.S. economy that the American trade duties will have on the Chinese economy.

Canada will hold a general election on April 28. Currently, Carney and the Canadian Liberal Party are favored to retain power, although some polling has the Canadian Conservative Party winning a narrow majority.

show less

PULSE POINTS:

show more
April 11, 2025
Education

Michigan Refuses to Comply with Trump DEI Order.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: The state of Michigan has decided not to comply with a directive from the Department of Education demanding schools eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

👥 Who’s Involved: President Donald J. Trump, Michigan Superintendent Michael Rice, Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Craig Trainor.

📍 Where & When: Michigan, United States.

💬 Key Quote: Michigan State Superintendent Michael Rice insisted, “Pre-K-12 programs that promote diversity representing all children, regardless of race, and inclusion of all children, regardless of race, do not inherently harm particular groups of children and are not de facto violations of Title VI.”

⚠️ Impact: This position underscores Michigan’s commitment to DEI initiatives, while other states, like Indiana, have chosen to comply with federal directives. The national discourse on the legality and value of DEI initiatives in education continues.

IN FULL:

Michigan is rejecting a federally imposed directive demanding schools cut diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. The move comes in response to a recent memo from the Department of Education. The Trump administration’s directive urged schools nationwide to align with its interpretation of federal civil rights law, which limits the use of racial considerations in education settings.

Michigan State Superintendent Michael Rice asserts that the state adheres to all federal civil rights mandates. He emphasized the importance of DEI efforts, proclaiming them both lawful and vital. Rice contends that “Pre-K-12 programs that promote diversity representing all children, regardless of race, and inclusion of all children, regardless of race, do not inherently harm particular groups of children and are not de facto violations of Title VI.”

The February memo from the Department of Education mandates that educational institutions cease using racial preferences in decisions regarding admissions and scholarships and outlines potential consequences for noncompliance, including investigations or loss of federal funding. However, a number of state education leaders have joined Michigan in resisting the Trump administration directive, including in Colorado, New York, Pennsylvania, and Illinois. Each state claims it already meets federal civil rights guidelines.

Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Craig Trainor argues that DEI initiatives lead to discrimination, favoring one group over another. “For decades, schools have been operating on the pretext that selecting students for ‘diversity’ or similar euphemisms is not selecting them based on race. No longer. Students should be assessed according to merit, accomplishment, and character—not prejudged by the color of their skin,” Trainor stated in February. He warned: “The Office for Civil Rights will enforce that commitment.”

show less

PULSE POINTS:

show more
April 11, 2025
NatSec

Pentagon Dismisses Greenland Commander After Criticism of J.D. Vance.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: The commander of a U.S. military base in Greenland was dismissed after reportedly sending an email in opposition to remarks made by Vice President J.D. Vance during his visit to the Arctic territory.

👥 Who’s Involved: Colonel Susannah Meyers, Vice President J.D. Vance, President Donald J. Trump, and the Pentagon.

📍 Where & When: The incident took place at the Pituffik Space Base, Greenland, with Meyers being relieved of her duties on April 10, 2025, following her email sent on March 31, 2025.

💬 Key Quote: “I do not presume to understand current politics, but what I do know is the concerns of the U.S. administration discussed by Vice President Vance on Friday are not reflective of Pituffik Space Base,” Meyers reportedly stated in her email.

⚠️ Impact: Meyers’s dismissal highlights tensions between the Trump administration and politicized military leaders.

IN FULL:

Colonel Susannah Meyers, who led the U.S. military’s Pituffik Space Base in Greenland, has been removed from her post by the Pentagon. This decision follows her alleged distribution of an email that challenged Vice President J.D. Vance‘s comments during his visit to the territory. The Pentagon expressed that actions undermining command structure or the president’s objectives are intolerable.

Meyers communicated with base personnel that she spent the weekend contemplating the implications of Vance’s statements regarding U.S. policy towards Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark, to which the island currently belongs. “I do not presume to understand current politics, but what I do know is the concerns of the U.S. administration discussed by Vice President Vance on Friday are not reflective of Pituffik Space Base,” Meyers wrote, adding: “I commit that, for as long as I am lucky enough to lead this base, all of our flags will fly proudly—together.”

Concerningly, Meyers’s email was distributed to all base personnel, including non-military staff from Denmark and Greenland. A military officer undermining the policy stance of the U.S. government’s executive branch is considered a serious matter that is not casually brushed aside.

The move coincides with President Donald J. Trump’s renewed interest in acquiring Greenland from Denmark. Vice President Vance’s remarks in Greenland on March 28 called for the Arctic island’s independence—supported by most of its inhabitants, who are largely not ethnic Danes—and criticized Denmark’s security measures for the region. Vance’s statements urged Greenlanders towards self-determination, suggesting potential partnership benefits with the U.S.

Denmark’s leadership, including Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen, has condemned the tone and content of these overtures. After Vance’s visit, Rasmussen indicated that while open to constructive criticism, the approach taken by the U.S. administration was unwelcome.

show less

PULSE POINTS:

show more
April 11, 2025
Immigration

Court Sides with Trump, Illegal Immigrants Must Register Federally.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: A federal judge ruled in favor of the Trump administration, requiring anyone in the U.S. illegally to register with the federal government and carry documentation.

👥 Who’s Involved: Judge Trevor Neil McFadden, President Donald J. Trump, and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem were central figures in this ruling, alongside the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

📍 Where & When: The ruling occurred in a federal court and will go into effect Friday.

💬 Key Quote: DHS Secretary Kristi Noem stated, “President Trump and I have a clear message for those in our country illegally: leave now. If you leave now, you may have the opportunity to return and enjoy our freedom and live the American dream.”

⚠️ Impact: The ruling enforces a longstanding requirement, extending to non-U.S. citizens who must register and provide fingerprints. Noncompliance can lead to fines, imprisonment, or deportation.

IN FULL:

A federal judge upheld the Trump administration’s policy requiring individuals in the U.S. illegally to register with federal authorities and carry documentation or else face stiff financial and criminal penalties. On Thursday, U.S. District Court Judge Trevor Neil McFadden ruled that a group challenging this requirement lacked the standing necessary for their claims to be considered. The decision will begin to take effect on Friday.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) emphasized that individuals without legal status who have been within U.S. borders for longer than 30 days must comply with this registration requirement. “President Trump and I have a clear message for those in our country illegally: leave now. If you leave now, you may have the opportunity to return and enjoy our freedom and live the American dream,” DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said, reiterating that illegal immigrants should leave the United States before they are either forcibly deported or face other legal action.

President Donald J. Trump‘s imposition of the registration requirement and financial penalties for those who fail to comply is rooted in provisions in the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952. The legislation outlines various measures to monitor illegal immigrants and encourage them to depart voluntarily.

Adhering to these provisions requires anyone aged 14 and older without legal status to provide their fingerprints and current address. Canadians staying in the U.S. for over 30 days also fall under this mandate. The Trump administration underscores the importance of these laws for maintaining national safety and security.

The registration concept isn’t new, having been applied more stringently after September 11, 2001. Back then, males 16 and older from select countries were required to register, a program that was later suspended in 2011 and ultimately dissolved in 2016.

The DHS has been proactive in notifying illegal immigrants since February, warning of substantial consequences for those who fail to comply.

show less

PULSE POINTS:

show more
April 11, 2025
Economy
News

China Imposes 125% Tariffs, Accuses Trump of ‘Bullying and Coercion.’

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: China increased tariffs on U.S. goods to 125 percent in response to U.S. tariff hikes on Chinese products.

👥 Who’s Involved: China, the United States, President Donald J. Trump, and the Chinese Ministry of Finance.

📍 Where & When: The announcement was made on Friday.

💬 Key Quote: “The U.S.’s imposition of abnormally high tariffs on China seriously violates international economic and trade rules…” claims China’s Ministry of Finance.

⚠️ Impact: U.S. products, including soybeans, pharmaceutical drugs, and airplanes, are affected; tensions between the two nations rise, with implications for international trade systems.

IN FULL:

Beijing is striking back against the United States, imposing a 125 percent tariff on American goods. The move follows U.S. President Donald J. Trump clarifying on Thursday that the effective tariff rate on Chinese imports now stands at 145 percent, up from the previous 125 percent.

Among American goods falling under the new Chinese import duties are soybeans, pharmaceuticals, and aircraft. The duty on soybeans is likely to be the most impactful, as while China exports far more to the United States than it imports, the American goods that China does buy tend to be agricultural.

In announcing the new trade measures, the  Chinese Ministry of Finance accused the United States of violating international trade norms and engaging in economic coercion. “The U.S.’s imposition of abnormally high tariffs on China seriously violates international economic and trade rules,” claimed the ministry.

The U.S. had cited China’s involvement in the fentanyl trade as a factor for the tariff increase. President Donald J. Trump has been vocal about what he perceives as China’s long-standing unfair trade practices against the U.S., cautioning Beijing against further retaliation. Trump’s recent statements emphasize the need for China to recognize that its economic practices are unsustainable.

In response to the U.S. tariffs, Chinese officials maintain that the new rates leave no viable market for American exports to China. “If the U.S. continues to impose tariffs on Chinese goods exported to the U.S., China will ignore it,” the Chinese ministry remarked. However, it is important to note that China—a surplus economy—is far more reliant on the U.S. purchasing Chinese goods than vice-versa.

China appears to have halted efforts to defend its currency, the yuan Renminbi, against the U.S. tariffs. After initially devaluing earlier in the week, the yuan began to appreciate again last night. Notably, the Chinese purposefully devalue the yuan to give the country’s exports a competitive advantage in global trade.

show less

PULSE POINTS:

show more
April 10, 2025
Culture

Trump’s Kennedy Center Shatters Attendance Record Despite Liberal Seething.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: The Kennedy Center set an all-time attendance record with a fireworks show.

👥 Who’s Involved: The Kennedy Center, President Donald J. Trump, Ric Grenell.

📍 Where & When: March 29, the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

💬 Key Quote: “It was wonderful to have so many new visitors at the Kennedy Center for Cai Guo-Qiang’s firework showcase. We look forward to their return for more wonderful programming soon,” said the Kennedy Center’s Vice President of Public Relations Roma Daravi.

⚠️ Impact: A shift away from politically charged, leftist programming has broadened The Kennedy Center’s appeal and audience.

IN FULL:

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, colloquially known as The Kennedy Center, has set an all-time public attendance record under executive director Ric Grenell—appointment by President Donald J. Trump, who also serves as chairman of the center’s board. An estimated 11,000 people attended the March 29 “EARTH to SPACE: Arts Breaking the Sky” fireworks display held on the Kennedy Center grounds.

“It was wonderful to have so many new visitors at the Kennedy Center for Cai Guo-Qiang’s firework showcase. We look forward to their return for more wonderful programming soon,” The Kennedy Center’s Vice President of Public Relations Roma Daravi said, adding: “Everyone is welcome here!”

While Hollywood celebrities and New York theater socialites bemoaned Trump’s takeover of the Kennedy Center, the America First leader swiftly depoliticized the arts and entertainment institution. President Trump and his administration contend that the overly leftist and “woke” programming featured at the Kennedy Center in recent years turned off regular tourists and other attendees, reducing the number of guests at concerts, operas, and musical and theater performances.

Notably, the fireworks show saw a crowd of 76 percent first-time attendees, a positive sign of the Kennedy Center, which, like other theater and opera venues, has struggled post-COVID-19 pandemic.

show less

PULSE POINTS:

show more
April 10, 2025
Lawfare

Judge Greenlights Defamation Suit Against Trump for Central Park Five Comments.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: A judge allowed a defamation lawsuit against President Donald J. Trump to proceed.

👥 Who’s Involved: President Trump, Yusef Salaam, Raymond Santana, Kevin Richardson, Antron Brown, Korey Wise, and Judge Wendy Beetlestone.

📍 Where & When: Philadelphia, ruling made on Thursday.

💬 Key Quote: “The Plaintiffs seek to correct the record and clear their names once again,” said Shanin Specter, lawyer for the plaintiffs.

⚠️ Impact: The case looks to address Trump’s statements about the plaintiffs during the 2024 presidential election.

IN FULL:

President Donald J. Trump is facing a defamation lawsuit concerning statements about the Central Park Five after a federal judge on Thursday determined the legal action can proceed. Philadelphia-based U.S. District Judge Wendy Beetlestone ruled that the claims presented sufficient evidence to advance.

The lawsuit was initiated in October by five individuals—Yusef Salaam, Raymond Santana, Kevin Richardson, Antron Brown, and Korey Wise—who were convicted in 1989 of brutally attacking and sexually assaulting a female jogger in Central Park. They were exonerated in 2002 after a confession by another man, accompanied by DNA evidence linking him to the victim’s sexual assault—although it remains unclear whether others may have played a role in the attack prior to the sexual assault.

The victim remains convinced that more than one person was involved, and police and prosecutors have defended their case against the Five.

The legal action claims that Trump made false and damaging statements about the group. In the past, Trump had publicly advocated for the death penalty for the men. During the 2024 presidential campaign, he asserted that the Five had confessed to murder—a claim they deny. Trump’s legal defense maintains that his remarks are shielded by First Amendment rights.

The controversy was a focal topic during a presidential debate between Trump and then-Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump insisted that the Central Park Five had admitted guilt, linking them to severe violence against a victim and suggesting contradictions in their pleas.

However, Judge Beetlestone believes that “an objective assessment” would classify Trump’s statement as false. The plaintiffs’ attorney, Shanin Specter, reiterated the group’s efforts to rectify public perception and clear their reputations following the lawsuit’s filing.

show less

PULSE POINTS:

show more
April 10, 2025
NatSec

SecDef Hegseth Evaluating Space-Based ‘Golden Dome’ for U.S. Defense.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: The U.S. government is reviewing plans for a space-based missile defense system, known as the “Golden Dome.”

👥 Who’s Involved: President Donald J. Trump, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, General Stephen Whiting, and U.S. Space Command.

📍 Where & When: The plan was initiated in Washington, D.C., during Trump’s first week in office. The review process continues with involvement from the Department of Defense and Space Command.

💬 Key Quote: “The United States will provide for the common defense of its citizens and the Nation by deploying and maintaining a next-generation missile defense shield,” stated Trump in an executive order.

⚠️ Impact: If implemented, this would mark the first deployment of a space-based weapons system to destroy ground-launched missiles, enhancing U.S. defense capabilities against a variety of threats.

IN FULL:

Plans initiated by President Donald J. Trump for a comprehensive missile defense shield have reached the review stage under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The proposed “Golden Dome,” a next-generation missile defense system situated in space, aims to secure the United States from ballistic, hypersonic, and other advanced missile threats.

An Executive Order signed by Trump outlined the necessity for a robust defense shield employing space-based interceptors. The directive mandated the Department of Defense to propose recommendations within 60 days. General Stephen Whiting of the U.S. Space Command underscored the urgency for space-oriented defense measures at a recent event in Colorado, advocating for orbital interceptors to deter potential space conflicts.

Trump’s vision for an advanced missile defense system parallels Israel’s “Iron Dome,” albeit with capabilities extended to intercept targets from ground-based launch sites. The system’s integration with existing missile technologies and novel space capabilities characterizes its innovative design. This marks a move towards broadening U.S. defense strategies, potentially elevating the nation’s response options in light of modern aerial threats.

Development specifics, including potential costs and technical configurations, remain undisclosed. However, the initiative highlights a strategic pivot towards incorporating outer space as a tactical theater for national defense, as indicated by discussions from top officials involved in the project.

The establishment of such a defense system would represent a significant milestone in U.S. military strategy, emphasizing protection against peer, near-peer, and rogue threats.

Upon formal recommendations and if forthcoming implementation proceeds, the United States’s “Golden Dome” would become the first missile defense shield to deploy space-based interceptors, marking a pivotal expansion in missile defense capabilities.

show less

PULSE POINTS:

show more