GET THE APP
Saturday, September 20, 2025

Tag: Donald Trump
September 2, 2025
News

Giuliani Discharged From Hospital, Trump Promises Medal of Freedom Award.

PULSE POINTS

âť“WHAT HAPPENED: Rudy Giuliani was injured in a car crash on Interstate 93 in New Hampshire. He has since been released from hospital, and President Donald J. Trump has promised to award him the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Rudy Giuliani, his spokesman Ted Goodman, a 19-year-old female driver, and President Donald J. Trump.

đź“ŤWHEN & WHERE: The crash occurred Saturday on Interstate 93 in New Hampshire, near Exit 9N.

💬KEY QUOTE: “As President of the United States of America, I am pleased to announce that Rudy Giuliani, the greatest Mayor in the history of New York City, and an equally great American Patriot, will receive THE PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF FREEDOM, our Country’s highest civilian honor.” – Donald Trump

🎯IMPACT: Giuliani suffered multiple injuries, including a fractured thoracic vertebra, but is recovering well. The crash remains under investigation.

IN FULL

Rudy Giuliani, former New York City mayor and attorney to President Donald J. Trump, has been released from hospital following a car crash on Interstate 93 in New Hampshire on Saturday. President Donald J. Trump has since announced that Giuliani, dubbed “America’s Mayor” for his leadership in New York City following the 9/11 terror attacks, will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

“As President of the United States of America, I am pleased to announce that Rudy Giuliani, the greatest Mayor in the history of New York City, and an equally great American Patriot, will receive THE PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF FREEDOM, our Country’s highest civilian honor,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, adding that details as to the time and place of the award ceremony would follow later.

Giuliani, 81, was a passenger in a rented Ford Bronco driven by his spokesman, Ted Goodman, when the vehicle was struck from behind by a Honda HR-V driven by a 19-year-old woman, according to New Hampshire State Police. The crash caused both vehicles to hit the highway median and sustain significant damage. Giuliani was transported to a nearby trauma center with injuries including a fractured thoracic vertebra, lacerations, contusions, and injuries to his left arm and lower leg.

Before the crash, Giuliani and Goodman had stopped to assist a woman who flagged them down, reporting she had been involved in a domestic violence incident, according to state police. Police stated the reported domestic violence and the crash were unrelated.

Ted Goodman confirmed Giuliani’s release from the hospital and expressed gratitude for the care provided by first responders and medical staff. “He has since been discharged from the hospital and deeply appreciates the love, well wishes, and prayers he has received,” Goodman stated.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation, and no charges have been filed.

Image by Gage Skidmore.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less
show more
August 30, 2025
Economy

Labor Day Gas Prices Hit Five-Year Low Under Trump.

PULSE POINTS

âť“WHAT HAPPENED: Americans are seeing the lowest gas prices for Labor Day weekend in at least five years, with additional savings on airfare, hotels, and car rentals.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Donald J. Trump, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, and GasBuddy analysts.

đź“ŤWHEN & WHERE: Labor Day weekend 2025, across the United States.

đź’¬KEY QUOTE: “President Trump campaigned on lowering costs and this Labor Day Weekend, the American people will see the results firsthand at the gas pump—with the lowest gas prices in years.” — Secretary of Energy Chris Wright

🎯IMPACT: Families are saving money on travel and gas, with analysts forecasting further price drops in the coming weeks.

IN FULL

American motorists traveling over the Labor Day holiday weekend will pay the lowest gas prices in at least five years, alongside reduced costs for airfare, hotels, and car rentals. The Trump White House is touting a new report from GasBuddy, which states consumers will pay “the lowest price at the pump on Labor Day since 2020.” The administration says further relief is expected in the coming weeks.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt credited President Donald J. Trump’s energy policies, stating, “Thanks to President Trump fully unleashing American energy dominance, gas prices this summer are at five-year lows and families are saving significant money at the pump. President Trump ended Joe Biden’s Green New Scam policies and is making America affordable again.”

Secretary of Energy Chris Wright echoed the sentiment, highlighting the administration’s achievements, saying, “President Trump campaigned on lowering costs, and this Labor Day Weekend, the American people will see the results firsthand at the gas pump—with the lowest gas prices in years. His approach is simple and commonsense: more American energy means lower costs, more jobs, and more prosperity.”

GasBuddy predicts prices could drop below $3 per gallon on average this fall. Additionally, hotel rates have fallen by 11 percent, domestic airfares by six percent, and car rental costs by three percent compared to last year. The White House contends these reductions come as a result of President Donald J. Trump’s focus on revitalizing America’s energy sector and dismantling restrictive policies from the Joe Biden era.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less
show more
August 29, 2025
Economy

Trump Tariff Triumph: U.S. Sees Record Revenue, Lower Goods Prices, Stable Inflation.

PULSE POINTS

âť“WHAT HAPPENED: Inflation in July held steady, with the Federal Reserve’s preferred price gauge showing a slight deceleration in cost pressures, defying earlier predictions of tariff-driven price increases.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Donald J. Trump, the Federal Reserve led by Chairman Jerome Powell, and the Bureau of Economic Analysis.

đź“ŤWHEN & WHERE: Data for July 2025, released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis on Friday.

🎯IMPACT: Despite fearmongering over tariffs, inflationary pressures have remained manageable, with consumer prices for goods showing minimal increases.

IN FULL

Inflation in July remained muted, with the personal consumption expenditures price index rising 2.6 percent from a year earlier, matching June’s annual pace. Monthly inflation rose by 0.2 percent, slightly down from the previous month’s 0.3 percent increase, according to data released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis.

Core prices, which exclude food and energy costs, increased by 2.9 percent annually and 0.3 percent for the month, aligning with Wall Street expectations. Services prices, the primary driver of inflation, rose 3.6 percent annually, while goods prices increased by just 0.5 percent.

Meanwhile, goods prices fell 0.1 percent in July, with energy costs dropping 1.1 percent and durable goods declining 0.1 percent. Over the past year, energy prices have dropped 2.7 percent, while durable goods prices rose modestly by 1.1 percent. These figures challenge earlier warnings from Federal Reserve officials about the inflationary effects of tariffs.

Fed Chairman Jerome Powell previously stated, “Tariffs are highly likely to generate at least a temporary rise in inflation,” and warned of potentially persistent inflationary effects. However, consumer prices for durable and nondurable goods—the categories most affected by tariffs—have shown minimal increases despite trade tensions.

Consumer spending increased by 0.5 percent in July, driven by purchases of motor vehicles, financial services, and housing-related expenses. Personal income rose 0.4 percent, reflecting higher wages and employer contributions to employee benefits. After taxes and inflation, real disposable income edged up by 0.2 percent, providing consumers with modest additional purchasing power.

The National Pulse reported last week that a new Congressional Budget Office (CBO) analysis projects President Donald J. Trump’s tariff policies could slash federal deficits by $4 trillion over the next decade through increased revenue.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less
show more
August 29, 2025
TECH

Trump Moves to Restrict Chinese Access to Key American Technology.

PULSE POINTS

âť“WHAT HAPPENED: The Trump administration has revoked special authorizations for foreign chipmakers in China, requiring licenses for access to American semiconductor manufacturing equipment.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: South Korea’s Samsung and SK Hynix, Intel, and U.S. equipment suppliers like KLA Corp., Lam Research, and Applied Materials.

đź“ŤWHEN & WHERE: The new restrictions were announced recently and will take effect in 120 days, applying to operations in China.

🎯IMPACT: The decision could benefit U.S. semiconductor firms like Micron and Intel.

IN FULL

The Trump White House has tightened export restrictions on foreign chipmakers operating in China, revoking special authorizations that previously allowed South Korea’s Samsung and SK Hynix to access American semiconductor manufacturing equipment without individual licenses. The move was announced in a Federal Register notice and ends exemptions granted in 2022 when sweeping limits on U.S. technology sales to China were first imposed.

Under the new rules, companies will now need licenses to obtain U.S. equipment for their Chinese facilities. Intel also appeared on the list of firms losing authorization, though it sold its Dalian facility in China earlier this year. The Commerce Department stated that licenses would be approved to maintain existing operations, but would not cover expansions or technology upgrades.

U.S. equipment suppliers like KLA Corp., Lam Research, and Applied Materials are the most likely domestic companies to be impacted by the new export restrictions, which could limit their sales to China. Shares of Lam Research fell by four percent, Applied Materials dropped 2.8 percent, and KLA slipped 2.4 percent on the news.

The restrictions come amid ongoing trade tensions between the U.S. and China, with both nations still operating under a tariff truce set to last until November. Notably, South Korea’s Samsung and SK Hynix—both reliant on Chinese semiconductor facilities—had previously benefited from a Validated End User status, which streamlined equipment shipments from U.S. suppliers. With the designation now revoked, the companies must operate under the same licensing rules as other foreign firms.

The revocations will not take effect for 120 days, giving businesses time to adjust.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less
show more
August 29, 2025
Politics

TX Gov. Signs Redistricting Bill, Cutting Five Democrat House Seats.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R) signed a new redistricting bill to redraw the state’s congressional map, favoring Republicans.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Governor Abbott, Texas legislators, and President Donald J. Trump.

đź“ŤWHEN & WHERE: The bill was signed on Friday in Texas following approval by the state house and senate.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Big WIN for the Great State of Texas!!! Everything Passed, on our way to FIVE more Congressional seats and saving your Rights, your Freedoms, and your Country, itself.” – Donald Trump

🎯IMPACT: The new map will increase Republican-majority districts from 25 to 30, removing several Democratic-majority districts.

IN FULL

Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R) has signed a new redistricting bill that favors Republicans in the state’s congressional map. The bill, signed on Friday, follows a contentious process during which state Democrats staged a weeks-long walkout earlier this month.

In a video posted to X (formerly Twitter), Abbott described the bill as creating “the one big, beautiful map that ensures fairer representation in the United States Congress for Texas.” The bill was approved by the Texas House of Representatives in an 88-52 party-line vote before being passed by the Texas Senate early last Saturday.

President Donald J. Trump, whose request for new congressional maps prompted the redistricting, celebrated the move last week on Truth Social, writing: “Big WIN for the Great State of Texas!!! Everything Passed, on our way to FIVE more Congressional seats and saving your Rights, your Freedoms, and your Country, itself.” He added, “Texas never lets us down. Florida, Indiana, and others are looking to do the same thing.”

The new map increases Republican-majority districts from 25 to 30 out of Texas’s 38 districts. It also eliminates Democrat-majority districts in key urban areas such as Houston, Austin, and the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.

However, the move has drawn backlash from Democrat-aligned election and lawfare groups. Demetria McCain, policy director for the Legal Defense Fund, stated, “Black voters are not a tool for legislators to use to cut up maps as they see fit. This redistricting process in Texas is a shameful power grab at the expense of Black voices.”

Oni Blair, executive director of the ACLU Texas chapter, also condemned the move, calling it “disgraceful.”

Image by Gage Skidmore.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less
show more
August 29, 2025
Corruption
Lawfare

Trump, Fed Ask Court for Swift Decision on Dismissal of Lisa Cook.

PULSE POINTS

âť“WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump requested a judge deny Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook’s bid to block her removal as her lawsuit proceeds in court.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Trump, Lisa Cook, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, and Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte.

đź“ŤWHEN & WHERE: Court filings were made on Friday morning, ahead of a scheduled hearing in Washington, D.C.

đź’¬KEY QUOTE: The Federal Reserve stated it would “follow any order this Court issues.”

🎯IMPACT: The dispute will likely escalate to the Supreme Court for resolution regardless of the hearing’s outcome.

IN FULL

On Friday morning, President Donald J. Trump filed a request asking a judge to deny Federal Reserve Board Governor Lisa Cook’s attempt to block her removal. The filings were submitted just hours before a scheduled hearing in U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C.

Cook’s lawsuit, filed Thursday, alleges that Trump’s decision to terminate her is unlawful. She has requested a temporary restraining order to prevent her removal while the case is litigated. Trump has cited allegations from Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte, who accused Cook of mortgage fraud involving properties in Atlanta and Ann Arbor, Michigan, prior to her tenure at the Federal Reserve.

On Thursday night, Pulte announced he had filed a second criminal referral against Cook with the Department of Justice (DOJ). This referral reportedly pertains to a mortgage for a condominium in Cambridge, Massachusetts, as well as alleged misrepresentations about that property and two others in government ethics filings during Cook’s time as a Fed governor.

The Federal Reserve, in its own court filing, stated it would not argue the merits of Cook’s request but asked Judge Jia Cobb to issue a “prompt ruling” to resolve the matter. The central bank also emphasized its intention to comply with any court order issued in the case. Cook has included Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell and the Fed Board of Governors in her lawsuit, asserting that they could potentially act to enforce Trump’s decision to fire her.

Notably, Supreme Court precedent appears to be on President Trump’s side. Two early 20th-century cases, Shurtleff v. United States and Reagan v. United States, both grant the President broad authority to remove executive branch officials in cases where “for cause” statutes are vaguely defined.

Image by Brookings Institution.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less
show more
Migrant Crime
August 28, 2025
Immigration
News

ICE Deportations Near 200,000, on Track to Reach 300,000 By Year End.

PULSE POINTS

âť“WHAT HAPPENED: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal agencies have deported nearly 350,000 people since President Donald J. Trump took office, with ICE alone deporting close to 200,000.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: ICE, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the U.S. Coast Guard, and the Trump administration.

đź“ŤWHEN & WHERE: Deportations recorded during the 2025 Fiscal Year.

💬KEY QUOTE: “In the face of a historic number of injunctions from activist judges, ICE, CBP, and the U.S. Coast Guard have made historic progress to carry out President Trump’s promise of arresting and deporting illegal aliens who have invaded our country.” – Senior Department of Homeland Security (DHS) official

🎯IMPACT: ICE deportations could surpass 300,000 in fiscal year 2025, potentially matching levels last seen under former President Obama in 2014.

IN FULL

New data reveals that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has deported nearly 200,000 individuals under President Donald J. Trump‘s second term so far. Notably, total deportations across federal agencies are nearing 350,000, according to a senior Department of Homeland Security (DHS) official.

These numbers include deportations carried out by ICE, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the U.S. Coast Guard, as well as self-deportations. From October through December 2024, ICE recorded approximately 71,400 deportations. When including these numbers, ICE is—by itself—on track to potentially surpass 300,000 deportations in fiscal year 2025. This would be the highest number since fiscal year 2014, when around 316,000 deportations were carried out under former President Barack Obama.

Notably, President Trump’s Border Czar, Tom Homan, was executive associate director of enforcement and removal operations at ICE in 2014.

Meanwhile, CBP has recorded over 132,000 deportations this year, along with tracking approximately 17,500 self-deportations. Combined with ICE’s efforts, these numbers bring the total deportations under Trump’s administration to nearly 350,000 since the beginning of his second term.

“In the face of a historic number of injunctions from activist judges, ICE, CBP, and the U.S. Coast Guard have made historic progress to carry out President Trump’s promise of arresting and deporting illegal aliens who have invaded our country,” a senior Homeland Security official said. “Additionally, illegal aliens are hearing our message to leave now or face the consequence.”

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem has estimated that, in total, 1.6 million illegal immigrants have self-deported since President Trump’s inauguration.

The current daily rate of ICE arrests—between 1,000 and 2,000—still falls short of the White House’s stated goal of 3,000 daily arrests, although it is around double that of the former Biden government.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less
show more
August 28, 2025
Immigration

Trump Directs ICE to Intensify Operations in These Five Sanctuary Cities:

PULSE POINTS

âť“WHAT HAPPENED: The Trump administration announced plans to intensify immigration enforcement in five major U.S. cities, including Chicago, with federal officials considering a naval base as an operations hub.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: White House Border Czar Tom Homan, President Donald J. Trump, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker (D).

đź“ŤWHEN & WHERE: August 28, 2025; cities include Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, Portland, and Seattle.

đź’¬KEY QUOTE: “All these sanctuary cities… refuse to work with ICE,” said Tom Homan.

🎯IMPACT: The move could expand ICE operations and potentially increase federal intervention in sanctuary cities.

IN FULL

The Trump administration has announced an effort to ramp up immigration enforcement in five major U.S. cities, including Chicago. Federal officials are reportedly considering utilizing a Lake Michigan naval base as an operations hub for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations.

White House Border Czar Tom Homan, speaking to reporters on Thursday, stated that a “large contingent” of ICE agents would be deployed to sanctuary jurisdictions that continue to undermine federal immigration laws. Cities targeted include New York, Los Angeles, Portland, Seattle, and Chicago.

President Donald J. Trump has also criticized Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker (D) for violent crime in Chicago, suggesting that the city’s leadership has failed to protect its residents. Trump reiterated the federal government’s readiness to intervene if necessary.

“Governor Pritzker had 6 murders in Chicago this weekend. 20 people were shot. But he doesn’t want to ask me for help. Can this be possible?” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social. He added: “The people are desperate for me to STOP THE CRIME, something the Democrats aren’t capable of doing. STAY TUNED!!!”

Homan confirmed ongoing discussions about expanding ICE’s presence near Chicago, emphasizing the administration’s stance against sanctuary city policies. “All these sanctuary cities… refuse to work with ICE,” Homan said.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less
show more
August 28, 2025
Immigration

Trump Has Started Deporting Illegal Aliens to Rwanda.

PULSE POINTS

âť“WHAT HAPPENED: Seven illegal immigrants were transferred from the United States to Rwanda in August under a third-country deportation agreement, according to Rwandan authorities.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The Trump administration, the Rwandan government, and seven unidentified deportees.

đź“ŤWHEN & WHERE: The deportees arrived in Rwanda in mid-August 2025.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Three of the individuals have expressed a desire to return to their home countries, while four wish to stay and build lives in Rwanda.” – Yolande Makolo, Rwandan government spokeswoman.

🎯IMPACT: The deportation agreement highlights ongoing efforts by the Trump administration to facilitate mass deportations by sending migrants who cannot be sent hom directly to third countries, including Rwanda.

IN FULL

The African nation of Rwanda has begun accepting illegal immigrants removed from the United States as part of a third-country deportation agreement. According to Rwandan government officials, the country received seven illegal immigrants deported from the United States in August, with the agreement currently allowing the transfer of up to 250 deportees.

Yolande Makolo, spokeswoman for the Rwandan government, confirmed that the first group of seven vetted illegal immigrant deportees arrived in mid-August. She added that the migrants have been accommodated by an international organization, with visits from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and Rwandan social service representatives.

Makolo stated, “Three of the individuals have expressed a desire to return to their home countries, while four wish to stay and build lives in Rwanda.” Those approved for settlement in Rwanda will receive workforce training and access to healthcare, she said.

Rwanda is one of four African countries that have reached deportation agreements with the U.S., alongside Uganda, Swaziland (Eswatini), and South Sudan.

Image by Hjalmar Gislason.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less
show more
August 28, 2025
Health
Lawfare

CDC Director Rejects Firing, Claims Trump Must Personally Remove Her.

PULSE POINTS

âť“WHAT HAPPENED: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Susan Monarez disputes her firing, claiming only President Donald J. Trump has the authority to remove her from the position.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Susan Monarez, President Donald Trump, attorney Mark Zaid, and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

đź“ŤWHEN & WHERE: Monarez was removed from her position by the White House personnel office on August 27, 2025.

đź’¬KEY QUOTE: “[W]e reject notification Dr. Monarez has received as legally deficient and she remains as CDC Director.” – Mark Zaid, attorney for Susan Monarez

🎯IMPACT: The CDC faces significant turmoil amid leadership reforms and debates over vaccine policy.

IN FULL

Susan Monarez, Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is pushing back against reports that she has been fired, asserting that only the President has the authority to remove her. Monarez’s lawyers stated that White House staff informed her of her termination, but they argue the notification is legally invalid.

“Contrary to govt statements, Dr. Monarez has neither resigned nor yet been fired,” Monarez’s attorney Mark Zaid claimed in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “Our client was notified tonight by White House staff in the personnel office that she was fired. As a presidential appointee, senate confirmed officer, only the president himself can fire her.”

“For this reason, we reject notification Dr. Monarez has received as legally deficient and she remains as CDC Director,”  Zaid insisted. The statement came after the White House announced Monarez’s firing, citing her refusal to resign.

Zaid also noted Monarez’s resistance to what he described as “unscientific, reckless directives” and her refusal to dismiss certain health officials. He claimed this stance made her a target. Monarez has been at odds with her boss, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., over vaccine policies.

Kennedy, a longtime vaccine skeptic, has called for significant changes to U.S. immunization policy. In an interview, he stated that the CDC “has problems” and requires strong leadership to align with President Trump’s vision of restoring the agency’s credibility. He remarked, “We need to fix it, and we are fixing it, and it may be that some people should not be working there anymore.”

The National Pulse reported on Wednesday that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved updated COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax, but with significant limitations for younger populations. The updated shots, targeting the LP. 8.1 variant, are approved for seniors and those with at least one high-risk health condition, such as asthma or obesity. However, access for healthy adults and children has been curtailed, with Pfizer’s vaccine no longer authorized for children under five.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less
show more