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Tag: Donald Trump
February 28, 2025
William Upton
Breaking

Trump Issues Statement After Oval Office Clash: ‘Zelensky Is Not Ready for Peace If America Is Involved.’

President Donald J. Trump has issued a statement following Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky kicking off a heated row with Vice President J.D. Vance during an Oval Office press event. The Ukrainian leader, ostensibly in Washington, D.C., to sign a rare earth minerals deal with the United States, lashed out after Vance spoke to a journalist about the need for diplomacy with Russia, prompting President Trump to intervene and chastise Zelensky for being disrespectful and ungrateful for U.S. aid. During the argument, it became apparent that Zelenksy was not serious about negotiating a ceasefire.

“We had a very meaningful meeting in the White House today. Much was learned that could never be understood without conversation under such fire and pressure,” President Trump said in his statement, posted to Truth Social. “It’s amazing what comes out through emotion, and I have determined that President Zelenskyy is not ready for Peace if America is involved, because he feels our involvement gives him a big advantage in negotiations. I don’t want advantage, I want PEACE. He disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office.”

“He can come back when he is ready for Peace,” Trump added.

Attaining a ceasefire and a long-term peace deal has been a top priority of President Trump, who campaigned on ending the Russian invasion of Ukraine during the 2024 presidential election. However, Zelensky has been obstinate in making progress towards any agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin, thus far rejecting any possibility of Ukraine making concessions for an end to the conflict.

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President Donald J. Trump has issued a statement following Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky kicking off a heated row with Vice President J.D. Vance during an Oval Office press event. The Ukrainian leader, ostensibly in Washington, D.C., to sign a rare earth minerals deal with the United States, lashed out after Vance spoke to a journalist about the need for diplomacy with Russia, prompting President Trump to intervene and chastise Zelensky for being disrespectful and ungrateful for U.S. aid. During the argument, it became apparent that Zelenksy was not serious about negotiating a ceasefire. show more
February 28, 2025
Lawfare

Judge Rules Trump’s Mass Firing of Federal Probationary Employees Likely Illegal, Halts Terminations.

Senior U.S. District Court Judge William Alsup, appointed to the bench by former President Bill Clinton, is ordering the reinstatement of non-union organizational employees to agencies such as the National Parks Service (NPS), Department of Veterans Affairs, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Small Business Administration (SBA), and the Department of Defense (DoD). Thousands of probationary and non-union government workers have been dismissed by the Trump administration under the direction of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in recent weeks, though Judge Alsup’s ruling undoes those terminations for now.

The ruling provides relief in a lawsuit brought by the American Federation of Government Employees and several other unions representing government employees, who contend their dismissals from various agencies were unlawfully directed by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) based on purported performance issues.

Judge Alsup also halted the OPM’s orders amid concerns that additional federal employees might face unwarranted termination. He ruled that union-represented employees must resolve their cases through administrative channels like the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) and the National Labor Relations Authority (NLRA).

The plaintiffs argued that the terminations were the result of directives from Charles Ezell, OPM’s acting head, rather than independent agency decisions. Conversely, the government attorneys contended that the OPM’s communications to agency heads were merely advisory, urging them to assess employee performance. They emphasized that agency heads had the discretion to decide on employment status.

During the proceedings, Judge Alsup expressed skepticism about the defense’s position, pointing to sworn statements from agency heads suggesting OPM-directed terminations. Acknowledging the lack of records from a critical February 13 phone call between OPM and agency heads, Alsup scheduled an evidentiary hearing for March 13 to examine the call, requiring Ezell’s testimony.

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Senior U.S. District Court Judge William Alsup, appointed to the bench by former President Bill Clinton, is ordering the reinstatement of non-union organizational employees to agencies such as the National Parks Service (NPS), Department of Veterans Affairs, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Small Business Administration (SBA), and the Department of Defense (DoD). Thousands of probationary and non-union government workers have been dismissed by the Trump administration under the direction of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in recent weeks, though Judge Alsup's ruling undoes those terminations for now. show more
February 28, 2025
William Upton
Culture
Immigration
Politics

President Trump to Issue Executive Order Declaring English the Official Language of the U.S.

President Donald J. Trump is set to issue an executive order on Friday declaring English the official language of the United States. The order will rescind a directive by former President Bill Clinton mandating federal agencies and entities receiving federal funding provide alternatives for non-English speakers.

Since its founding, the United States has never had an official language at the federal level. However, surveys consistently show elevating English to official status is politically popular and that most Americans believe those residing in the country should speak the predominantly native language. According to Pew Research, just over eight in ten American adults say speaking English is very or somewhat important to “truly be American.”

While President Trump’s executive order rescinds the Clinton-era directive, it does not bar federal agencies from continuing to provide language assistance for non-English speakers. The Trump White House contends the President’s order will help to establish greater civic cohesion, promote national unity, and streamline government services.

Individuals seeking to become naturalized U.S. citizens already have to demonstrate an ability to speak, read, and write in English—which nearly 80 percent of Americans speak at home. Around 30 states have also passed laws making English the official language at the state level.

Notably, during his time in the U.S. Senate, Vice President J.D. Vance introduced legislation along with Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) that directed the federal government to conduct all official business in English.

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President Donald J. Trump is set to issue an executive order on Friday declaring English the official language of the United States. The order will rescind a directive by former President Bill Clinton mandating federal agencies and entities receiving federal funding provide alternatives for non-English speakers. show more
February 28, 2025
News

DATA: Even Democrat Voters Support the DOGE ‘Dividend Checks’ Initiative.

President Donald J. Trump‘s proposal to distribute $5,000 “dividend checks” to Americans through savings from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has significant public support, according to a new poll. Conducted by J.L. Partners on February 24-25, the survey found that 67 percent of the 1,001 registered voters surveyed favor the one-time payment. Of these, 46 percent expressed strong support, while 21 percent were somewhat supportive.Only 12 percent opposed the proposal.

The poll indicates robust cross-party backing for the dividend. Notably, 79 percent of Republicans and 60 percent of Democrats support the measure, revealing potential bipartisan appeal. Additionally, the proposal could sway voting behavior, with 29 percent of independents and 24 percent of Democrats indicating the payout might influence them to vote Republican.

Despite public enthusiasm, the proposal’s success depends on DOGE‘s ability to significantly reduce federal spending. DOGE frontman Elon Musk has acknowledged the challenge, describing the $2 trillion savings goal as ambitious. During an interview with strategist Mark Penn, Musk admitted that achieving even half of the target would be deemed a success.

“It’s money taken away from the things that are destructive to the country, and from organizations that hate you, to you. That’s awesome—that’s, like, glorious. The spoils of battle,” Musk said of the dividend check concept while speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) last week.

James Fishback—a DOGE adviser and the originator of the dividend check idea—remains optimistic, crediting the proposal’s momentum to President Trump’s support.

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President Donald J. Trump's proposal to distribute $5,000 "dividend checks" to Americans through savings from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has significant public support, according to a new poll. Conducted by J.L. Partners on February 24-25, the survey found that 67 percent of the 1,001 registered voters surveyed favor the one-time payment. Of these, 46 percent expressed strong support, while 21 percent were somewhat supportive.Only 12 percent opposed the proposal. show more
February 27, 2025
Lawfare

Chief Justice Roberts Upholds Freeze on U.S. Foreign Aid Payments.

U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts issued an administrative stay late Wednesday night on a federal judge’s order that the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the State Department release over $1.5 billion to non-governmental organizations (NGOs) overseas. The stay order is a provisional win for President Donald J. Trump, who argued in an emergency appeal to the high court that U.S. District Court Judge Amir H. Ali’s ruling exceeded judicial authority and encroached on presidential power.

The midnight deadline initially set by Judge Ali required immediate financial action from the agencies, but Chief Justice Roberts’ intervention maintains the current situation while a more thorough review is conducted. The challengers involved in the case have been instructed to submit a response by Friday, with the Supreme Court expected to deliberate and decide on the next steps shortly thereafter.

President Trump’s appeal is the first in a series of potential Supreme Court cases related to a range of executive orders enacted by the America First leader since his inauguration on January 20, 2025.

Meanwhile, consistent with the administration’s policy to reduce overseas spending, attorneys announced the termination of nearly 10,000 contracts and grants managed by USAID and the State Department. Only around 500 contacts have been retained.

One of former President Joe Biden’s final judicial appointments, Judge Amir H. Ali has deep ties to numerous NGO groups. He once served as the executive director of the MacArthur Justice Center, for instance.

Judge Ali was narrowly confirmed by the U.S. Senate in November, 50 to 48, with both Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Mike Braun (R-IN) absent at the time. Braun was preparing his transition to serving as Governor of Indiana.

Image via Department of Defense.

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U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts issued an administrative stay late Wednesday night on a federal judge's order that the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the State Department release over $1.5 billion to non-governmental organizations (NGOs) overseas. The stay order is a provisional win for President Donald J. Trump, who argued in an emergency appeal to the high court that U.S. District Court Judge Amir H. Ali's ruling exceeded judicial authority and encroached on presidential power. show more
February 27, 2025
William Upton
News

Trump to Host UK PM Starmer at White House for Talks on Ukraine, Tariffs, & NATO Spending.

President Donald J. Trump will meet with British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at the White House on Thursday, marking the America First leader’s second visit by a foreign leader. Earlier this week, Trump and French President Emmanual Macron met to discuss a peace process to end the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine and President Trump’s plans for reciprocal tariffs.

It is expected that Trump’s conversation with Starmer will focus on similar subjects—the Ukraine peace process and Trump’s tariff plans. On Wednesday, The National Pulse reported that President Trump is eyeing a 25 percent tariff on the European Union (EU)—specifically targeted at automobiles and several other products. For decades, EU restrictions on importing American automobiles and steel have been a contentious issue, especially for manufacturers in the United States.

Another topic of discussion between the U.S. and British leaders will likely be the strategic Chagos Islands. Currently part of the British Indian Ocean Territory, they are in the process of being transferred by the British government to the island nation of Mauritius. However, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy confirmed earlier this week that President Donald Trump can veto the British government’s plans to hand over the islands.

There is mounting concern that Mauritius could subsequently lease one or more of the Chagos Islands to the People’s Republic of China—expanding the communist nation’s influence in the Indian Ocean and threatening U.S. and British interests. Such a move could also render a U.S. base on the Chagos island of Diego Garcia largely redundant, even if the transfer agreement between Britain and Mauritius includes an ongoing lease for the base.

Lastly, Prime Minister Starmer is expected to pledge that Britain will begin boosting its own domestic military spending—a policy President Trump has repeatedly pushed NATO alliance members to enact. It is believed Starmer will achieve this increase through reducing foreign aid.

Image by Simon Dawson/No 10 Downing Street.

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President Donald J. Trump will meet with British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at the White House on Thursday, marking the America First leader's second visit by a foreign leader. Earlier this week, Trump and French President Emmanual Macron met to discuss a peace process to end the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine and President Trump's plans for reciprocal tariffs. show more
February 26, 2025
Economy
News

Agriculture Secretary Rollins Announces $1 Billion Plan to Slash Egg Prices.

President Donald J. Trump‘s Department of Agriculture Secretary (USDA), Brooke Rollins, has laid out a plan to reduce egg prices. “This five-point strategy won’t erase the problem overnight, but we’re confident that it will restore stability to the egg market over the next three to six months,” Rollins said on Wednesday, adding: “This approach will also ensure stability over the next four years and beyond.”

Egg prices have climbed significantly in recent months, driven largely by a widespread disease outbreak that has resulted in poultry cullings limiting supply. President Trump’s administration has been committed to lowering consumer costs, a key campaign promise for the America First leader. Recent polls suggest addressing this issue is crucial to maintaining the President’s favorable approval ratings.

Rollins pointed to ongoing incidents of highly pathogenic avian influenza, or bird flu, as a significant factor causing the price increase. To combat this, she announced a $1 billion investment dedicated to controlling bird flu, funded partly by savings identified by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The investment includes $500 million for biosecurity initiatives to help stop the flu’s spread among poultry producers. Another $400 million is earmarked for those producers experiencing significant production declines due to the flu, and $100 million will support vaccine research.

Currently, poultry farmers typically cull infected flocks to combat flu outbreaks. However, Rollins expressed optimism that vaccinations could lessen the need for this practice, ensuring a more stable supply. Additionally, she promised to explore possibilities for deregulating the industry to promote efficiency, and is considering egg imports as a temporary measure to boost supply.

Image by Pietro Izzo.

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President Donald J. Trump's Department of Agriculture Secretary (USDA), Brooke Rollins, has laid out a plan to reduce egg prices. "This five-point strategy won’t erase the problem overnight, but we’re confident that it will restore stability to the egg market over the next three to six months," Rollins said on Wednesday, adding: "This approach will also ensure stability over the next four years and beyond." show more
February 26, 2025
Jack Montgomery
NatSec
UK

British Foreign Sec. Confirms Trump CAN Veto Surrender of Strategic Island Base.

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy has confirmed that U.S. President Donald J. Trump can veto the British government’s plans to hand the British Indian Ocean Territory, or Chagos Islands, to Mauritius. The islands include Diego Garcia, home to a strategic U.S. base, and the proposal to transfer sovereignty to China-aligned Mauritius has proved highly contentious.

“On a military level and an intelligence level, we’re very intertwined with the United States,” Lammy told the British media, noting there have been changes of government in both Mauritius and the U.S. since his government, led by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, was first struck in 2024. “If President Trump doesn’t like the deal, the deal will not go forward, and the reason for that is we have a shared military and intelligence interest with the United States, and of course they’ve got to be happy with the deal, or there is no deal,” he added.

The Chagos deal has proved highly contentious in Britain, with the far-left Labour government agreeing to transfer the islands to Mauritius in deference to a non-binding International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling. Britain would have paid Mauritius billions of pounds—not the other way around—to facilitate this transfer in exchange for a fragile 99-year lease for the Diego Garcia base. However, Mauritius could have rendered the base fairly redundant by leasing one of the other islands to China.

Moreover, the native Chagossians—relocated from their islands to make way for the base in the 1960s and ’70s—oppose the transfer to Mauritius, which is over 1,300 miles away, with little real connection to Chagos beyond the fact they were part of the same colony administratively under the British Empire.

The anti-British Empire Attorney General who negotiated the one-sided deal with Mauritius and the Mauritian negotiator are both friends and political supporters of Prime Minister Starmer, raising doubts about its incredibly disadvantageous terms.

Deferring to Trump on the question of the Chagos Islands will be a personal blow to Lammy, a black identitarian who has previously described the America First leader as a “neo-Nazi sympathizing sociopath” and “tyrant.”

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British Foreign Secretary David Lammy has confirmed that U.S. President Donald J. Trump can veto the British government's plans to hand the British Indian Ocean Territory, or Chagos Islands, to Mauritius. The islands include Diego Garcia, home to a strategic U.S. base, and the proposal to transfer sovereignty to China-aligned Mauritius has proved highly contentious. show more
February 26, 2025
Politics

USAID Criticized for Spending on Ukrainian Pickle Maker and Pet Accessories.

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) blew through millions of taxpayer dollars funding Ukrainian businesses, according to an investigation by Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA). USAID staff attempted to block the Iowa Republican’s investigation, appearing to insist certain documents pertaining to their Ukraine activities were classified. However, this was not actually the case.

In October 2024, Sen. Ernst and her staff were finally allowed to access the Ukraine assistance data and found that the agency had funded numerous businesses and start-ups in the country with only the most tenuous connections to actual aid needs related to the ongoing Russian invasion. The inquiry revealed millions of U.S. taxpayer dollars were allocated to various Ukrainian businesses, some of which included unexpected ventures such as a pet tracking app.

Ernst’s office noted significant financial support for projects initialized under USAID‘s Competitive Economy Program and Investment for Business Resilience funds. The investigation found approximately $300,000 earmarked for a pet collar manufacturer and $300,000 for a pet food packaging enterprise.

The investigation further identified that fashion-related businesses received a total of around $733,000. Various fashion enterprises benefitted notably from the funding, including a women’s clothing company and a bridal brand. Moreover, more significant disbursements were made to ventures such as a carpet manufacturer, which received nearly $2 million.

Financial assistance was extended to the food sector in addition to manufacturing, with grants provided to a pickle maker and a condiment manufacturer. A separate allocation provided approximately $319,000 to a meatpacking facility.

Subsequently, following President Donald J. Trump’s inauguration and an investigation by the Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), USAID has seen over 1,600 staff dismissed from their jobs and its functions absorbed into the State Department—effectively ending the rogue agency.

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The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) blew through millions of taxpayer dollars funding Ukrainian businesses, according to an investigation by Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA). USAID staff attempted to block the Iowa Republican's investigation, appearing to insist certain documents pertaining to their Ukraine activities were classified. However, this was not actually the case. show more
February 26, 2025
Jack Montgomery
News

Trump to Host First Cabinet Meeting, with Elon Musk Present.

Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) chief Elon Musk will attend the inaugural Cabinet meeting of President Donald J. Trump’s second term on Wednesday. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has confirmed Musk’s participation, noting his role in spearheading the Trump administration’s cost-cutting efforts.

According to Leavitt, Musk will brief the Cabinet on DOGE’s mission to root out inefficiency, focusing on how Cabinet secretaries are tackling waste, fraud, and abuse within their agencies. “He’ll be sharing updates on DOGE’s efforts and the collaborative work happening across the administration,” Leavitt said during a Tuesday press briefing.

Musk’s presence at the meeting, typically reserved for the President, Vice President, Cabinet secretaries, and the White House chief of staff, comes amid ongoing efforts by DOGE to slash federal spending and streamline the government workforce, a priority in Trump’s first month back in office.

Musk, who holds the status of a “special government employee” with a White House office and email but draws no salary, has been the public face of DOGE’s aggressive cost-cutting agenda. However, the White House has emphasized that Musk does not formally head DOGE or wield unilateral decision-making power. This clarification came in response to a lawsuit from several Democratic state attorneys general questioning the extent of Musk’s authority within the administration.

In court, the White House described him as a senior presidential advisor.

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Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) chief Elon Musk will attend the inaugural Cabinet meeting of President Donald J. Trump’s second term on Wednesday. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has confirmed Musk’s participation, noting his role in spearheading the Trump administration’s cost-cutting efforts. show more