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Saturday, September 20, 2025

Tag: Donald Trump
August 28, 2025
William Upton
Lawfare

Lisa Cook Sues Trump, Powell for Termination from Fed.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Lisa Cook has filed a lawsuit challenging her removal from the Federal Reserve Board of Governors.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Lisa Cook, President Donald J. Trump, and Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The lawsuit was filed in federal court in the District of Columbia on Thursday, August 28, 2025.

💬KEY QUOTE: “President Trump’s conception of ‘cause’ has no limiting principle. It would allow him to remove any Federal Reserve Board member with whom he disagrees about policy based on chalked up allegations.” — Lisa Cook’s lawsuit

🎯IMPACT: Cook is seeking an emergency injunction that would prevent her removal from the Federal Reserve Board of Governors.

IN FULL

Lisa Cook has filed a lawsuit in federal court against President Donald J. Trump and Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell over her removal from the Federal Reserve Board of Governors. The lawsuit, filed in the District of Columbia, challenges the legality of her firing and asks the District Court for emergency injunctive relief to prevent her removal.

“President Trump’s conception of ‘cause’ has no limiting principle,” the lawsuit contends, adding: “It would allow him to remove any Federal Reserve Board member with whom he disagrees about policy based on chalked up allegations.”

Cook’s lawsuit describes her removal as “unprecedented and illegal” and disputes the allegations of mortgage fraud that were cited as justification for her firing. Her legal team argues that the removal violated the Federal Reserve Act of 1913 and court precedent set in Humphrey’s Executor v. United States, which requires “cause” for such actions. The filing argues that because Cook has not yet been criminally charged, there is no “cause” for her firing.

Additionally, the lawsuit claims that Trump’s actions infringed upon Cook’s Fifth Amendment due process rights and her statutory right to notice and a hearing under the Federal Reserve Act. Cook is seeking an immediate injunction against the firing and her reinstatement to the Board of Governors.

While Cook may initially prevail at the District Court level, many legal scholars argue her case is unlikely to survive appeal as higher courts may be more hesitant to intervene in the executive branch’s determination of what constitutes “cause.”

Image by Brookings Institution.

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August 28, 2025
Crime
Data

Majority of Voters Support Trump’s D.C. Crime Crackdown as Justified, Necessary.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: A new poll shows 54 percent of voters support President Donald J. Trump’s crackdown on crime in Washington, D.C., including the deployment of the National Guard.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Trump, the National Guard, federal officers, and the federalized Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

📍WHEN & WHERE: The poll was conducted online in August 2025, among 2,025 registered voters in the U.S.

🎯IMPACT: The poll shows public support for addressing crime in major cities.

IN FULL

New survey data reveals that 54 percent of voters believe President Donald J. Trump‘s crackdown on crime in Washington, D.C., is justified and necessary. The poll, conducted last week by Harvard CAPS/Harris, found that 85 percent of Republicans and 47 percent of Independents supported Trump’s actions, along with 28 percent of Democrats.

Earlier this month, citing unique provisions in the District of Columbia’s Home Rule Act, President Trump federalized—for 30 days—the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), and deployed federal law enforcement officers from various agencies to support them, along with the National Guard. Seventy-three percent of respondents believe that the National Guard deployment signals that Trump may take similar action in other cities.

The survey highlighted broader concerns over crime in American cities, with 56 percent of voters agreeing that, in general, large cities are unsafe. Specifically, 63 percent of respondents pointed to New York City and 62 percent to Los Angeles as examples of unsafe urban centers. A plurality of voters, 40 percent, said crime in the U.S. is on the rise.

The poll was conducted online on August 20-21, 2025, surveying 2,025 registered voters nationwide.

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August 27, 2025
Economy

Here’s How Trump’s America First Economy Is Boosting Wages for the Average Worker:

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump highlighted that his America First economic policies have resulted in a $500 wage increase for the average American worker this year, and the fastest blue-collar wage growth in 60 years.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Trump, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, Energy Secretary Chris Wright, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, and Treasury officials.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Across the United States since Trump’s inauguration in January.

💬KEY QUOTE: “The wages for blue-collar workers are now rising at the fastest rate in 60 years, which is so important to all of us around this table. The average American worker has already seen a $500 wage increase this year.” — President Trump

🎯IMPACT: Workers’ incomes are outpacing inflation, increasing purchasing power and signaling continued economic growth.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump has announced to the Cabinet that blue-collar wages are rising at the fastest rate in six decades, with the average American worker seeing a $500 wage increase this year. Trump emphasized the importance of this growth, noting its positive impact on American families and the broader economy.

“The wages for blue-collar workers are now rising at the fastest rate in 60 years, which is so important to all of us around this table. The average American worker has already seen a $500 wage increase this year,” Trump stated. He also highlighted that wages are outpacing inflation, providing workers with increased purchasing power.

Trump credited the stabilization of inflation to American energy production, thanking Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Energy Secretary Chris Wright for their efforts. “There’s no inflation because there’s been decreases, tremendous decreases, thanks to Doug and Chris, some of the people, the great job they’ve done with energy. Thank you very much,” Trump said. He also pointed to declining grocery prices, praising Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins for her contributions.

Joe Lavorgna, senior adviser to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, echoed Trump’s optimism. He noted that the current 1.4 percent annualized wage growth for blue-collar workers is the second-fastest start for any administration in six decades, surpassed only by Trump’s first term. Lavorgna added that the recently passed One Big Beautiful Bill, which includes incentives for factory and plant construction, will further boost blue-collar wages and job opportunities.

“Those are carpenters, electricians, plumbers, laborers,” Lavorgna explained, adding: “It also includes things like nursing assistants, people that work in retail and wholesale trade, basically the backbone of the economy. Those workers are going to benefit from the increased capital that companies are incentivized now to make those commitments, in addition to the building of factories.”

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August 27, 2025
War
World

Trump Deploys Warships Amid Tensions with Venezuela.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The U.S. Navy has deployed eight warships to the Caribbean and Pacific regions near Central and South America, increasing military presence and tensions with Venezuela.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The U.S. Navy, Trump administration officials, and the Venezuelan government led by Nicolás Maduro.

📍WHEN & WHERE: August 27, 2025; Caribbean and Pacific waters near Central and South America.

🎯IMPACT: The deployment may signal increased U.S. pressure on Venezuela, while also raising concerns about regional stability.

IN FULL

The Trump administration has deployed eight U.S. Navy warships to Caribbean and Pacific waters near Central and South America, with Venezuela’s far-left dictatorship claiming it sees the move as a possible precursor to invasion. Despite the protests by Venezuela’s dictator, Nicolás Maduro, the Trump White House stressed the deployment is part of an “enhanced counter narcotics operation” aimed at drug interdiction missions in Latin America.

Notably, the deployment includes three destroyers, two landing dock ships, an amphibious assault ship, a cruiser, and a littoral combat ship. These vessels are equipped for various operations, with destroyers carrying U.S. Coast Guard and law enforcement officials for drug interdictions.

Recently, the Trump administration accused Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro of leading a drug cartel and facilitating the entry of Tren de Aragua gang members into the United States, offering a $50 million bounty for his capture.

Despite the military buildup, the Trump administration continues to coordinate deportation flights with Venezuelan officials, indicating ongoing diplomatic engagement. Meanwhile, Maduro has mobilized troops and called on Venezuelans to enlist in militias to defend the nation.

Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau emphasized that the U.S. opposes regime change driven by external forces, stating that Venezuelans must claim their own freedom. Maduro, reacting to U.S. actions, has released political prisoners while rallying support against perceived threats.

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August 27, 2025
NatSec
World

Denmark Summons U.S. Diplomats Over Alleged Covert Ops in Greenland.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Denmark’s foreign minister summoned U.S. diplomats after reports surfaced of an alleged influence campaign in Greenland involving individuals linked to the Trump administration.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: At least three Americans with ties to the Trump White House, along with Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen and Greenlandic politicians.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The developments occurred recently in Greenland and Denmark, with Danish officials addressing the matter on Wednesday, August 27, 2025.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Any attempt to interfere in the internal affairs of the Kingdom will, of course, be unacceptable,” said Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen.

🎯IMPACT: The situation has strained U.S.-Denmark relations amid the Trump administration’s ongoing efforts to obtain Greenland.

IN FULL

Denmark’s foreign minister summoned U.S. diplomats for discussions following reports of an alleged influence campaign in Greenland involving individuals connected to President Donald J. Trump. Danish public broadcaster DR reported that at least three Americans with links to the Trump administration were conducting activities in Greenland, including compiling lists of allies and opponents, and engaging with local politicians and businesspeople.

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen stated, “We are aware that foreign actors continue to show an interest in Greenland and its position in the Kingdom of Denmark. It is therefore not surprising if we experience outside attempts to influence the future of the Kingdom in the time ahead.” He emphasized that any interference in Denmark’s internal affairs would be unacceptable.

Greenlandic political parties have reportedly united in opposition to U.S. actions, following what they describe as undue pressure from Trump and U.S. officials. Allegations include distributing MAGA merchandise to Greenlandic residents in exchange for food and legislative efforts in Congress to rename the territory “Red, White, and Blueland.”

The National Pulse reported in April that Greenland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Vivian Motzfeldt, announced the strategically important island will seek greater cooperation with China and potentially enter into a trade partnership with the communist state. This came just weeks after Vice President J.D. Vance reiterated the significance of American leadership in the Arctic during a visit to Greenland, cautioning against the growing interests of China and Russia in Arctic shipping lanes and mineral reserves.

Image by NordForsk/Terje Heiestad.

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August 27, 2025
Politics

Trump Calls for RICO Charges Against George Soros and Son Alex.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump has called for George Soros and his son Alex Soros to face prosecution under the RICO Act for their financial support of violent protests in the United States.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Trump, George Soros, Alex Soros, and organizations funded by the Soros network.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Statements made via Truth Social on August 27, 2025, referencing Soros’s political activities across the United States.

💬KEY QUOTE: “George Soros, and his Wonderful Radical Left son, should be charged with RICO because of their support of Violent Protests, and much more, all throughout the United States of America.” – President Trump

🎯IMPACT: Renewed scrutiny of Soros-funded organizations and their involvement in protests and political activities.

IN FULL

In a post on Truth Social, President Donald J. Trump accused George Soros and his son, Alex Soros, of financially supporting violent protests across the United States, calling for them to be prosecuted under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act.

Trump wrote, “George Soros, and his Wonderful Radical Left son, should be charged with RICO because of their support of Violent Protests, and much more, all throughout the United States of America. We’re not going to allow these lunatics to rip apart America any more, never giving it so much as a chance to ‘BREATHE,’ and be FREE.”

According to the Department of Justice (DOJ), the federal RICO statute—established in 1970—aims to eliminate organized crime’s infiltration into legitimate organizations. It is broad enough to address illegal activities impacting interstate or foreign commerce. Notably, Soros’s Open Society Foundations have financially supported groups involved in contentious protests and rallies, including one advocating for an accused MS-13 gang member.

Soros’s network has provided millions in funding to organizations such as CASA and Human Rights First, which have been involved in pro-illegal immigrant advocacy and lawsuits against Trump administration policies. Open Society Foundations also allegedly funneled significant funds to groups linked to anti-Israel protests, including those justifying Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.

Soros’s foundations have reportedly funneled over $15 million to groups behind anti-Israel protests since 2016, including $13.7 million through the Tides Center.

Image via Alex Soros/X.

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August 27, 2025
Crime
Data

These Are the Shocking Results of Trump’s DC Crime Crackdown Compared to Last Year:

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Violent crime in Washington, D.C., has decreased by nearly half since President Donald J. Trump deployed federal troops and law enforcement agents in the city.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Trump, federal law enforcement agents, the National Guard, and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

📍WHEN & WHERE: Washington, D.C., from August 7 through August 25, 2025.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Crime in D.C., was the worst ever in history. And now, over the last 13 days, we’ve worked so hard, we’ve taken so many. There are many left, but we’ve taken so many criminals—over 1,000.” – Donald Trump

🎯IMPACT: More than 1,094 arrests have been made, including MS-13 and Tren de Aragua gang members, and significant reductions in violent crime and burglaries have been reported.

IN FULL

Over the three weeks since President Donald J. Trump federalized Washington, D.C. law enforcement and deployed federal agents and troops to restore order, violent crime has reportedly dropped by nearly 50 percent, based on a CBS News analysis of crime data.

The analysis examined incidents reported to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) from August 7 to August 25, revealing a notable decline in violent crime compared to the same period in 2024 and the five-year average. Burglaries have decreased by 48 percent, and car thefts have dropped by 36 percent.

Contrary to some corporate media reports, federal forces have focused on high-crime areas, such as U Street, NW, where gun crimes were well above the citywide average, with the National Guard providing a deterrent present at locations such as subway stations. The White House has reported over 1,094 arrests since the operation started, including eight gang members affiliated with MS-13 or Tren de Aragua, and the seizure of 115 firearms.

On August 25 alone, 87 arrests were made, including 39 illegal immigrants. Notably, D.C.’s sanctuary policies protecting illegals have been suspended since federalization.

President Trump commented on the effort, saying, “Crime in D.C., was the worst ever in history. And now, over the last 13 days, we’ve worked so hard, we’ve taken so many. There are many left, but we’ve taken so many criminals – over 1,000.” He also called D.C.’s crime data “phony,” likely referring to reports from police unions that senior officers are deliberately misclassifying crimes. At least one police commander is currently facing charges for allegedly doctoring statistics.

Federal forces are also aiding “beautification” projects in D.C., with at least 49 homeless encampments being cleared.

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August 26, 2025
William Upton
Crime

Trump: ‘If You Kill Someone in D.C., We’re Seeking the Death Penalty.’

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump announced that federal prosecutors trying homicide cases in the District of Columbia will now be directed to seek the death penalty against those convicted.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Trump, federal prosecutors, and murderers in Washington, D.C.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The announcement was made during a Cabinet meeting at the White House on August 26, 2025.

💬KEY QUOTE: “If somebody kills somebody in the capital—Washington, D.C.—we’re going to be seeking the death penalty.” — President Trump

🎯IMPACT: The new policy aims to serve as a further deterrent to violent crime in D.C.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump announced that federal prosecutors trying homicide cases in the District of Columbia will now be directed to seek the death penalty against those convicted. The America First leader revealed the federal prosecutorial policy change during a Cabinet Meeting at the White House on Tuesday afternoon.

“Anybody murders someone in the capital, capital punishment,” President Trump said. “Capital, capital punishment. If somebody kills somebody in the capital—Washington, D.C.—we’re going to be seeking the death penalty. And that’s a very strong preventative, and everybody that’s heard it agrees with it.”

“We have no choice. So in D.C., in Washington—states are going to have to make their own decision—but if somebody kills somebody… it is the death penalty,” he added.


While the federal death penalty can be sought in all 50 U.S. states and territories, its application has been exceedingly rare. Currently, there are only three prisoners on federal death row after former President Joe Biden commuted the death sentences of 37 men last December.

Notably, of the 16 federal prisoners executed since 2001, 13 of them were executed during President Trump’s first term between July 2020 and January 2021.

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August 26, 2025
William Upton
Crime
NatSec

Trump Approves National Guard Rapid Response Units.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump issued an executive order to establish National Guard units across the U.S. to address civil disorder and maintain public safety.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Trump, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and National Guard members across various states.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The order was signed on Monday, August 26, 2025, impacting Washington, D.C. and other locations nationwide.

💬KEY QUOTE: “In addition, the Secretary of Defense shall ensure the availability of a standing National Guard quick reaction force that shall be resourced, trained, and available for rapid nationwide deployment.” — President Trump

🎯IMPACT: The order will enable the federal government to quickly surge resources to assist local law enforcement during riots, natural disasters, or high-profile events where additional security is required.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump has directed the Pentagon to create National Guard units in Washington, D.C., and across the nation to manage civil disorder and ensure public safety. The Executive Order, signed by Trump, instructs Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to identify National Guard members who can swiftly assist law enforcement in “quelling civil disturbances and ensuring public safety and order.”

“The Secretary of Defense shall immediately begin ensuring that each State’s Army National Guard and Air National Guard are resourced, trained, organized, and available to assist Federal, State, and local law enforcement in quelling civil disturbances and ensuring the public safety and order whenever the circumstances necessitate, as appropriate under law,” the order, signed on Monday afternoon, states. “In coordination with the respective adjutants general, the Secretary of Defense shall designate an appropriate number of each State’s trained National Guard members to be reasonably available for rapid mobilization for such purposes.”

“In addition, the Secretary of Defense shall ensure the availability of a standing National Guard quick reaction force that shall be resourced, trained, and available for rapid nationwide deployment,” the order adds.

Notably, the Executive Order also directs Secretary Hegseth to “immediately create and begin training, manning, hiring, and equipping a specialized unit within the District of Columbia National Guard… that is dedicated to ensuring public safety and order in the Nation’s capital.”

Since President Trump announced the federalization of the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) on August 22, 2,200 National Guard troops have been deployed in the nation’s capital—mostly as a deterrent in areas with more moderate crime—allowing the city’s police to surge officers to high-crime neighborhoods. This has led to a marked decline in violent crime in the District of Columbia.

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August 26, 2025
Crime

Coast Guard Intercepts Record 76,000 Pounds of Drugs.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The U.S. Coast Guard seized over 75,000 pounds of illegal drugs in its largest-ever haul, valued at nearly $473 million.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Defense (DOD), and 34 suspected drug traffickers detained during the operations.

📍WHEN & WHERE: This summer, across the Pacific and Caribbean, with drugs offloaded at Port Everglades, Florida, on Monday.

🎯IMPACT: The interdictions highlight the Coast Guard’s growing role in national security and drug enforcement efforts under the Trump administration.

IN FULL

Over the course of the summer, the United States Coast Guard seized more than 75,000 pounds (34,000 kilograms) of banned narcotics from ships operating in the Pacific and Caribbean regions. The entire cache consisted of about 61,740 pounds of cocaine along with 14,400 pounds of marijuana, with an estimated market value reaching $473 million.

These missions took place in partnership with the Department of Defense (DOD), focusing on 19 boats transporting drugs in the vicinity of Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands, Venezuela, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Aruba.

On Monday, the Coast Guard Cutter Hamilton brought the seized narcotics to Port Everglades in Florida. Overall, authorities apprehended 34 individuals suspected of involvement in drug smuggling during these actions, although additional information about the detainees remains unavailable.

This unprecedented confiscation showcases the Trump administration’s commitment to fighting narcotics distribution and protecting American neighborhoods. President Donald J. Trump has announced plans to grow the Coast Guard’s fleet and boost its manpower by 15,000 by 2028, enhancing its ability to tackle drug smuggling through America’s coastal borders.

At present, the Coast Guard operates with around 43,000 full-time personnel, 8,000 reserve members, and 30,000 auxiliary volunteers.

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