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Tag: Donald Trump
March 27, 2025
Politics

BREAKING: Trump Pulls Elise Stefanik U.N. Nomination.

IN BRIEF:

❓What Happened: Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) has had her candidacy for the position of U.S. ambassador to the United Nations pulled due to concerns over maintaining the Republican majority in the House.

👥 Who’s Involved: Elise Stefanik, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), President Donald J. Trump, and former Reps. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) and Mike Waltz (R-FL).

📍 Where & When: Discussions have taken place recently; an announcement by President Trump arrived Thursday afternoon.

💬 Key Quote: “With a very tight Majority, I don’t want to take a chance on anyone else running for Elise’s seat. The people love Elise and, with her, we have nothing to worry about come Election Day. There are others that can do a good job at the United Nations. Therefore, Elise will stay in Congress, rejoin the House Leadership Team, and continue to fight for our amazing American People. Speaker Johnson is thrilled!” – President Trump.

⚠️ Impact: Stefanik’s withdrawal prevents a special election in her district, preserving the Republican Party’s slim majority in the House.

IN FULL:

Representative Elise Stefanik‘s (R-NY) nomination for the role of U.S. ambassador to the United Nations is being withdrawn by President Donald J. Trump, citing concerns that a vacancy in her Congressional seat could jeopardize the Republican House majority and the White House’s agenda.

“As we advance our America First Agenda, it is essential that we maintain EVERY Republican Seat in Congress. We must be unified to accomplish our Mission, and Elise Stefanik has been a vital part of our efforts from the very beginning,” President Trump wrote Thursday afternoon in a post on Truth Social. He added: “I have asked Elise, as one of my biggest Allies, to remain in Congress to help me deliver Historic Tax Cuts, GREAT Jobs, Record Economic Growth, a Secure Border, Energy Dominance, Peace Through Strength, and much more, so we can MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN. With a very tight Majority, I don’t want to take a chance on anyone else running for Elise’s seat.”

Stefanik has held her congressional seat since 2015, representing New York’s 21st district. If she had proceeded with the nomination and been confirmed, a special election would have ensued in her district, potentially complicating her party’s position in the House. The Republican Party currently holds a slight edge over Democrats, with a 218-213 majority.

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) was aware of the conversations involving Stefanik’s withdrawal, as every Republican vote is currently considered critical as Congress undertakes the budget reconciliation process. With four vacancies in the House, two due to the recent deaths of Democratic representatives Sylvester Turner and Raul Grijalva, the situation remains volatile. Additionally, former House members Matt Gaetz (R-FL) and Mike Waltz (R-FL) vacated their seats, with the latter assuming a role in President Donald J. Trump’s administration, contributing to the issue.

President Trump nominated Stefanik for the ambassador role just days after he won the 2024 presidential election, and she expressed her enthusiasm and honor for the appointment in a statement last November. “I am truly honored to earn President Trump’s nomination to serve in his Cabinet as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations,” Stefank said at the time, adding: “During my conversation with President Trump, I shared how deeply humbled I am to accept his nomination and that I look forward to earning the support of my colleagues in the United States Senate.”

Image by Gage Skidmore. 

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March 27, 2025
NatSec
News

Mike Waltz’s Venmo Account Reveals Phone Contacts Including Top Reporters.

IN BRIEF:

❓What Happened: Mike Waltz, the U.S. National Security Adviser, reportedly left his Venmo account publicly accessible, revealing a list of his contacts amid a controversy over leaked military plans.

👥 Who’s Involved: Mike Waltz, Susie Wiles, Pete Hegseth, Walker Barrett, Dan Crenshaw, journalists like Bret Baier and Brian Kilmeade, and the editor-in-chief of the Atlantic, Jeffrey Goldberg.

📍 Where & When: The incident was initially reported by Wired, with the account visibility changed as of Wednesday. The Signal chat leak came to light a few days prior.

💬 Key Quote: Waltz stated, “I take full responsibility,” Waltz said regarding the inadvertent addition of Jeffrey Goldberg to a sensitive national security group chat.

⚠️ Impact: The exposure reignited debate in Washington, prompting calls for resignation from some Democrats.

IN FULL:

A recent report indicates that Mike Waltz, President Donald J. Trump‘s National Security Advisor, had left his Venmo account openly accessible to the public. This revelation adds to the growing controversy surrounding his involvement in a group chat that allegedly leaked sensitive military strategies to the media. Waltz’s Venmo profile, bearing his image, was accessible until it was set to private Wednesday after numerous media inquiries.

The account’s public friend list contained 328 individuals, including figures such as Walker Barrett of the National Security Council and Susie Wiles, chief of staff at the White House. Both Barrett and Wiles were mentioned in connection with a Signal messaging group where planning for a U.S. military operation in Yemen was reportedly leaked, stirring significant concern in the capital. Politicians, including Congressman Dan Crenshaw (R-TX), and media figures, like Bret Baier, were also among Waltz’s connections on the app.

Amid an intense response from Washington’s political circles, Waltz accepted full accountability for the controversy, despite President Trump’s statement suggesting a “lower level” staff member had caused the issue. Democrat lawmakers on Capitol Hill have called for the resignations of both Waltz and Pete Hegseth, the Secretary of Defense who shared the allegedly sensitive information regarding airstrike schedules.

Following the inquiry by reporters, Waltz and Wiles opted to set their Venmo accounts to private. The exposure of private dealings and a chain of high-profile political and media figures attests to potential vulnerabilities in maintaining security and privacy in digital spaces. The incident has triggered demands for stricter oversight and accountability in data and operational security, highlighting the complexities faced by those in governmental advisory roles.

Image by Gage Skidmore. 

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Editor’s Notes

Behind-the-scenes political intrigue exclusively for Pulse+ subscribers.

RAHEEM J. KASSAM Editor-in-Chief
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March 27, 2025
News

RFK Jr. Plans to Slash At LEAST 10,000 Jobs at HHS.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is reportedly planning to reduce the department’s workforce by 10,000 positions. The National Pulse reported in mid-February that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) was poised to cut 5,000 jobs. However, that number has now appeared to have doubled as Sec. Kennedy and staff with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) have identified further redundancies.

The reductions are expected to impact several key agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). These cuts will follow the exit of another 10,000 employees who recently left their roles through President Donald J. Trump’s federal employee buyout program.

“We are realigning the organization with its core mission and our new priorities in reversing the chronic disease epidemic,” Sec. Kennedy said in a statement. An announcement regarding the job reductions is anticipated on Thursday.

The total number of full-time HHS employees will be reduced from 82,000 to 62,000. Additionally, the department’s 28 divisions will be consolidated into 15, and the number of regional HHS offices will also be reduced by around half.

Meanwhile, HHS is also rolling back COVID-19 pandemic-era funding programs totaling an estimated $11.4 billion—with most of the money designated for state and local health departments. The funds were originally designated for testing, vaccination, and initiatives addressing health disparities in high-risk communities. The department contends the pandemic has concluded and criticized further spending as unnecessary. Termination notices began being sent out on Monday, and the CDC plans to reclaim the funds in about a month.

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Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is reportedly planning to reduce the department's workforce by 10,000 positions. The National Pulse reported in mid-February that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) was poised to cut 5,000 jobs. However, that number has now appeared to have doubled as Sec. Kennedy and staff with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) have identified further redundancies. show more
March 27, 2025
Crime

Pensioners Arrested for Vandalism at Trump Golf Course.

Two individuals have been taken into custody in connection with vandalism at President Donald J. Trump‘s Turnberry golf course in South Ayrshire, Scotland. Authorities reported that the incident, involving red paint sprayed on the clubhouse and damage to the greens, occurred early in the morning on March 8:

Vandals attacked Trump Turnberry, a golf resort owned by President Donald Trump, allegedly in response to his recent statements on the Gaza Strip in the Middle East.

…messages were painted on the course in Scotland, United Kingdom, with “Gaza Is Not For Sale” written in large letters. Other images show “F*ck Trump” and “Free Gaza” graffitied on other parts of the property.

Following investigations in Oban, Argyll and Bute, Police Scotland confirmed the arrest of a 75-year-old man and a 66-year-old woman. Both were subsequently released as inquiries continue. The police have stated that the investigation remains active.

Earlier in the month, a 33-year-old man was also arrested in relation to the same incident. Like the others, he was released after initial questioning.

Authorities are yet to provide further details regarding the motive behind the vandalism or the potential suspects involved. The Trump Turnberry Resort, a prominent golfing location, spans 800 acres and is known for hosting significant golf events. Police have urged anyone with information to come forward as they work to piece together the events leading to the damage.

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Two individuals have been taken into custody in connection with vandalism at President Donald J. Trump's Turnberry golf course in South Ayrshire, Scotland. Authorities reported that the incident, involving red paint sprayed on the clubhouse and damage to the greens, occurred early in the morning on March 8: show more
March 26, 2025
William Upton
Immigration
Lawfare

Appeals Court Rejects Trump Request to Stay Far-Left Judge’s Ruling Blocking Alien Enemies Act Deportations.

The United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit has rejected a motion from President Donald J. Trump‘s Department of Justice (DOJ) to stay District Court Judge James Boasberg‘s restraining order blocking the deportation of Tren de Aragua gang members under the Alien Enemies Act. In a two-to-one decision, the appellate court found that “the United States [must] be at war or under invasion or predatory incursion” for the Alien Enemies Act to be used. The ruling suggests that if Judge Boasberg rules against the Trump administration, an appeal of that ruling could face difficulty at the appellate level as well.

“[T]he AEA vests in the President near-blanket authority to detain and deport any noncitizen whose affiliation traces to the belligerent state,” Circut Court Judge Karen Henderson—an appointee of the late President George H.W. Bush—conceded in the majority opinion. However, she added: “A central limit to this power is the Act’s conditional clause—that the United States be at war or under invasion or predatory incursion.”

On March 15, District Court Judge James Boasberg, appointed to the bench by former President Barack Obama, attempted to order several planes carrying illegal immigrant members of Tren de Aragua—a violent Venezuelan criminal gang—to an El Salvador detention facility to turn around and return to the United States. However, as the planes were already over international waters, the order held no bearing. Subsequently, Judge Boasberg issued a temporary restraining order to prevent any further flights from taking place.

The Trump administration initially appealed the restraining order before Judge Boasberg; however, the far-left jurist denied the appeal. Consequently, the DOJ brought the appeal to the D.C. Circuit, where earlier this week, a three-judge appellate panel heard arguments on the matter and rejected the stay request late this afternoon.

Image via Wikimedia Commons.

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The United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit has rejected a motion from President Donald J. Trump's Department of Justice (DOJ) to stay District Court Judge James Boasberg's restraining order blocking the deportation of Tren de Aragua gang members under the Alien Enemies Act. In a two-to-one decision, the appellate court found that "the United States [must] be at war or under invasion or predatory incursion" for the Alien Enemies Act to be used. The ruling suggests that if Judge Boasberg rules against the Trump administration, an appeal of that ruling could face difficulty at the appellate level as well. show more
March 26, 2025
William Upton
Data
Economy

DATA: Historically High Number of Americans Say Country on the Right Track Under Trump.

Several recent public opinion polls show a historically high number of Americans think the country is on the right track. A recent NBC poll shows 44 percent of respondents saying the country is headed in the right direction—the highest number recorded since 2004—and a Marist poll shows 45 percent saying we’re on the right track—the highest number since 2009.

The opinion surveys, along with recent hard economic data, directly contradict the corporate media narrative that sliding consumer confidence signals an imminent recession. Instead, the data would appear to suggest that recent declines in consumer confidence are being driven by the said corporate media narrative and not economic realities.

“Let’s take a look at the percentage of the country who say that we’re on the right track. It’s actually a very high percentage when you compare it to some historical numbers,” CNN data guru Harry Enten noted during a recent segment. “What are we talking about? According to Marist, 45 percent say we’re on the right track. That’s the second highest that Marist has measured since 2009.”

“How about NBC News? Forty-four percent. That’s the highest since 2004!” Enten exclaimed. “The bottom line is the percentage of Americans who say we’re on the right track is through the roof.”

The CNN data reporter said the current polling is above the number seen when incumbents are usually re-elected, suggesting Republican candidates could perform fairly well during the 2026 midterms if voter sentiment about the country’s direction remains positive.

Earlier on Wednesday, The National Pulse reported that demand for durable goods increased for the second straight month, signaling that the economy continues to be strong despite the baseless corporate news reports claiming a recession is on the horizon.

WATCH: 

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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Several recent public opinion polls show a historically high number of Americans think the country is on the right track. A recent NBC poll shows 44 percent of respondents saying the country is headed in the right direction—the highest number recorded since 2004—and a Marist poll shows 45 percent saying we're on the right track—the highest number since 2009. show more
March 26, 2025
William Upton
Economy

Trump Egg Prices Down Nearly 60 Percent Since Last Month.

Wholesale egg prices continue to fall, with costs down 59 percent from February. Last month, President Donald J. Trump‘s Department of Agriculture (USDA) took action to put downward pressure on egg prices, including a surge of resources to combat avian flu outbreaks among the U.S. poultry population.

“Gasoline’s way down. Eggs are way down. Groceries are down, very substantially. Almost everything is down,” President Trump said yesterday evening at the White House. “Now I’d like to see interest rates come down a little bit, and you’re going to see billions of dollars, even trillions of dollars, coming into our country very soon in the form of tariffs.”

While wholesale prices have fallen, the Trump administration and industry experts caution that it could still take some time for consumers to see changes in their retail prices. The cost of eggs began to climb rapidly late last year as large-scale poultry cullings impacted egg producers due to the spread of bird flu on chicken farms. These measures significantly restricted the supply of eggs, which caused a rapid increase in cost. Price increases were further exacerbated by a spike in demand due to consumer fears that prices would rise further.

In addition to allocating further resources to end avian flu outbreaks, the Trump administration has cleared the way for new imports of eggs from designated countries, including Brazil. The alleviation of supply constraints should help drive down prices further.

Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins noted earlier this month that the measures have already contributed—for instance—to a 50 percent drop in wholesale prices in New York State.

WATCH:

 

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Wholesale egg prices continue to fall, with costs down 59 percent from February. Last month, President Donald J. Trump's Department of Agriculture (USDA) took action to put downward pressure on egg prices, including a surge of resources to combat avian flu outbreaks among the U.S. poultry population. show more
March 26, 2025
William Upton
Data
Economy

Surge in Durable Goods Demand Signals Strong Trump Economy.

New data shows durable goods orders have risen for a second straight month, drastically beating expectations. The increase in demand, combined with the resilient job market and rising wages, suggests the corporate media narrative playing up fears of a recession is likely influencing negative consumer surveys and polling more than economic reality.

Durable goods orders were up 0.9 percent in February, beating expectations of a one percent decline. The increase was predominantly fueled by a surge in demand for industrial equipment and consumer goods like computers, appliances, and automobiles. Excluding transportation equipment, durable goods orders were up 0.7 percent, suggesting broad-based industrial strength continues.

Notably, computer and appliance demand was up 1.1 percent and two percent, respectively. Meanwhile, machinery demand was up 0.2 percent, and automobile demand was up a stunning four percent. With January’s data revised to a 3.3 percent increase, this suggests that overall, the U.S. manufacturing rebound is far stronger than indicated by consumer confidence surveys and business expectations surveys.

The new data should allay growing concerns over a potential recession. Economic downturns typically do not occur when demand surges and the job market remains robust.

Additionally, the durable goods data indicates the Trump White House’s trade tariffs are not depressing consumer demand overall. While the reciprocal tariffs will take effect next week, markets have predominantly priced in the increased costs, which appear to have had negligible impact on purchasing.

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New data shows durable goods orders have risen for a second straight month, drastically beating expectations. The increase in demand, combined with the resilient job market and rising wages, suggests the corporate media narrative playing up fears of a recession is likely influencing negative consumer surveys and polling more than economic reality. show more
March 26, 2025
Jack Montgomery
News

Trump Praises Ashli Babbitt, Says He Is Considering Compensation for J6 Defendants.

President Donald J. Trump is actively considering providing financial relief to January 6 protesters. During a Tuesday night interview, Trump revealed, “A lot of the people that are in the government now talk about it because a lot of the people in government really like that group of people.”

The America First leader said he was “a big fan” of Ashli Babbitt—the unarmed U.S. Air Force who was slain by Capitol Police officer and known liar Michael Byrd. “Ashli Babbitt was a really good person who was a big MAGA fan, Trump fan. And she was innocently standing there, they even say trying to sort of hold back the crowd, and a man did something to her that was unthinkable when he shot her,” Trump said.

The National Pulse previously reported on video analysis showing Babbitt conversing with police and attempting to diffuse tensions between them and some of the rowdier demonstrators.

On whether Byrd, who still serves with the Capitol Police, could face sanctions, the President said he would “take a look at it.”

Raheem Kassam, Editor-in-Chief of The National Pulse, argued in December that justice for the January 6 defendants should not end with pardons and that they should be compensated and the January 6 Committee punished.

WATCH:

Image by Tyler Merbler.

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President Donald J. Trump is actively considering providing financial relief to January 6 protesters. During a Tuesday night interview, Trump revealed, “A lot of the people that are in the government now talk about it because a lot of the people in government really like that group of people.” show more
March 25, 2025
William Upton
Media
NatSec

Trump Stands By NatSec Advisor Waltz After Houthi Group Chat Inadvertently Included Reporter.

President Donald J. Trump is standing by his White House National Security Advisor Michael Waltz after The Atlantic‘s Jeffrey Goldberg was inadvertently added to an encrypted Signal group chat with top administration officials discussing military strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen. Following the revelation that Goldberg had been privy to the messages, some members of the national security community and Democrat lawmakers on Capitol Hill capitalized on the error and are pushing for Waltz to either be dismissed or resign.

“Michael Waltz has learned a lesson, and he’s a good man,” President Trump said on Tuesday. “It was the only glitch in two months, and it turned out not to be a serious one.” The America First leader went on to state that it was one of Waltz’s aides who added Golberg’s number to the Signal group.

In addition to President Trump, Waltz is seeing support from U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) chief Elon Musk.  “I agree with President [Donald Trump] [Mike Waltz] is an invaluable member of his national security team and that he should continue to serve the President and our country,” Sen. Graham wrote on X. Musk reposted Graham’s statement of support for Waltz, adding “Same.”

GOLDBERG’S ‘SENSATIONALIST SPIN.’

While the Trump White House says that no classified information or operational military plans were shared in the chat, contrary to Golberg’s claims, the National Security Council has launched an investigation into how the journalist was inadvertently added to the message group.

The National Pulse reported earlier on Tuesday that White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt emphatically denied that any “classified material” or “war plans” were discussed in the chat to which Goldberg was added. She added that The Atlantic editor has a history of writing “sensationalist spin” and stated that “The White House Counsel’s Office has provided guidance on a number of different platforms for President Trump’s top officials to communicate as safely and efficiently as possible.”

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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President Donald J. Trump is standing by his White House National Security Advisor Michael Waltz after The Atlantic's Jeffrey Goldberg was inadvertently added to an encrypted Signal group chat with top administration officials discussing military strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen. Following the revelation that Goldberg had been privy to the messages, some members of the national security community and Democrat lawmakers on Capitol Hill capitalized on the error and are pushing for Waltz to either be dismissed or resign. show more