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Tag: Donald Trump
February 14, 2025
Politics

Hegseth Warns Woke Generals of Imminent Career Changes.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says senior military personnel are being closely monitored to ensure they are adhering to recent directives issued by President Donald J. Trump. According to Sec. Hegseth, the generals and senior staff who subvert or ignore the orders given by the Commander in Chief “will have a different job in due time.”

“I’m paying very close attention. There’s plenty of three- and four-star generals up for promotion or up for new positions, and there will already be a few folks that that we’ve identified who will have different jobs in due time,” President Trump’s Defense Secretary said in an interview while in Belgium for a meeting of NATO. Hegseth continued: “I’m not here to declare anybody woke and they’re out. We’re watching the execution of culture change and willingness to support the president’s policies, lawful orders, and we’ll evaluate from there.”

Discussing policy overhauls at the Department of Defense, Hegseth added: “From the beginning, we have focused on culture and culture development; the five and ten-meter targets have been here are the executive orders. Here are the directives on woke, on DEI, on CRT, on genderism, on trans service members, on COVID. You pick it; we’re advancing it.”

Additionally, Sec. Hegseth emphasized that he has observed an overall positive response among military personnel to President Trump’s executive orders, which ended the progressive social policies imposed on them by former President Joe Biden. He remarked that service members feel a sense of liberation under the new regulations, which aim to simplify and clarify their roles.

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U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says senior military personnel are being closely monitored to ensure they are adhering to recent directives issued by President Donald J. Trump. According to Sec. Hegseth, the generals and senior staff who subvert or ignore the orders given by the Commander in Chief "will have a different job in due time." show more
February 13, 2025
William Upton
War
World

Secretary of State Rubio Expects Deal With Ukraine to Repay Aid With Rare Earth Minerals.

President Donald J. Trump’s Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, says he expects a deal to be struck with Ukraine to repay American military and economic aid with rare earth minerals mined in the Eastern European country. The acquisition and securing of rare and valuable minerals—critical in the production of semiconductors and other advanced technology—is a top priority of the Trump administration. Additionally, President Trump’s recent overtures to purchase the Arctic island of Greenland partly stem from the U.S. interest in attaining a secure supply of the vital resource.

“Some of that money will go back to pay back the U.S. taxpayer for the billions of dollars that’s been spent there,” Sec. Rubio said in a radio interview on Thursday. The deal, being negotiated at the Munich Security Conference in Germany, could see Ukraine supply the U.S. with hundreds of billions of dollars worth of graphite, uranium, titanium, and lithium in exchange for future American military aid.

“I told [Ukraine] that I want the equivalent [of] like $500 billion worth of rare earth,” President Trump said in an interview aired on Fox News on Monday. Sec. Rubio is joined in Mnuchin by Trump’s Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. The two cabinet officials have led ongoing talks with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, the latter indicating he hopes to finalize an agreement in Munich this week.

Ukraine currently has access to at least 22 of the 50 rare earth minerals considered critical to the American economy and military by the U.S. government. A deal with Ukraine would allow the U.S. to reduce the import of these critical resources from China, currently the world’s largest supplier of rare earth minerals.

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President Donald J. Trump's Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, says he expects a deal to be struck with Ukraine to repay American military and economic aid with rare earth minerals mined in the Eastern European country. The acquisition and securing of rare and valuable minerals—critical in the production of semiconductors and other advanced technology—is a top priority of the Trump administration. Additionally, President Trump's recent overtures to purchase the Arctic island of Greenland partly stem from the U.S. interest in attaining a secure supply of the vital resource. show more
February 13, 2025
William Upton
Politics

DOGE Staff Begins Audit of the IRS, Trump Confirms.

A top staffer with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), headed by technology mogul Elon Musk, arrived at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on Thursday to begin a review of the tax-collecting agency’s operations. Gavin Kliger, a senior adviser at the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) who is working with DOGE, is leading the IRS review and has already initiated meetings with the agency’s senior staff.

“The Internal Revenue Service will be looked at like everybody else. Just about everybody is going to be looked at,” President Donald J. Trump said during an Oval Office press conference on Thursday, confirming the DOGE review. He continued: “They’re doing a helluva job. It’s an amazing job they’re doing… I call it the force of super-geniuses.”


Meanwhile, senior IRS officials were also directed to examine all “non-essential” contracts and determine which could be eliminated. In a memo issued by the General Services Administration (GSA)—the federal agency that manages most government contracts—the IRS is directed to review consulting agreements and provide justifications for the expenditures.

“Consistent with the goals and directives of the Trump administration to eliminate waste, reduce spending, and increase efficiency, GSA has taken the first steps in a government-wide initiative to eliminate non-essential consulting contracts,” the GSA memo states.

Image by Alpha Photo.

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A top staffer with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), headed by technology mogul Elon Musk, arrived at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on Thursday to begin a review of the tax-collecting agency's operations. Gavin Kliger, a senior adviser at the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) who is working with DOGE, is leading the IRS review and has already initiated meetings with the agency's senior staff. show more
February 13, 2025
Lawfare

Judge Halts Trump’s Executive Order Restricting Federal Funding of Sex Changes for Minors.

A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order blocking President Donald J. Trump’s executive order restricting federal funding of sex change surgeries and other gender transition procedures for those under the age of 19. U.S. District Court Judge Brendan A. Hurson issued the order late Thursday afternoon at the request of six transgender youths aged 12 to 18, their parents, and advocacy groups who are suing to repeal Trump’s directive.

The ruling is a temporary measure and does not represent a conclusive judgment on the legal arguments but it is a hindrance for Trump’s administration. This legal obstacle adds to another earlier this month when a federal judge opposed Trump’s directive to restrict gender-transition treatments for federal prisoners and to house transgender women inmates with men in facilities. Judge Hurson was appointed to the District Court by former President Joe Biden.

Residents of Maryland, New York, and Massachusetts, the plaintiffs assert that two specific executive orders from Trump imperil their access to supposedly necessary gender transition treatments, announced following his inauguration last month. One order instructs federal agencies to withhold grant funding for research or education that supports what the Trump administration labels as “gender ideology,” challenging the notion that individuals can identify with a gender different from their sex assigned at birth. The second order demands that agencies bar federal funds for medical practitioners offering puberty blockers, hormone therapies, and surgeries to those under 19 for gender transition purposes.

Following Trump’s directive, several clinics reportedly canceled appointments. The plaintiffs reference a White House news release indicating the order’s success, with announcements from various hospitals cited as evidence of their claims.

Image by Oriel Frankie Ashcroft.

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A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order blocking President Donald J. Trump's executive order restricting federal funding of sex change surgeries and other gender transition procedures for those under the age of 19. U.S. District Court Judge Brendan A. Hurson issued the order late Thursday afternoon at the request of six transgender youths aged 12 to 18, their parents, and advocacy groups who are suing to repeal Trump's directive. show more
February 13, 2025
Jack Montgomery
Health

‘God Sent Me President Trump’ — RFK Jr. Sworn In as HHS Secretary.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been officially sworn in as Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary by Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch in the Oval Office. RFK Jr., the nephew of the late President John F. Kennedy and the son of the late Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy Sr., described how, for years, he prayed to God to put him in a position to tackle the childhood chronic disease epidemic gripping America, and how “God sent me President Trump.”

“He’s kept every promise that he’s made to me, he’s kept his word in every account and gone way beyond it,” Kennedy said. “A lot of people told me that I couldn’t trust President Trump, that I had better get it in writing. [But] we did a handshake [deal], and everything that he told me was going to do, he has done,” he continued.

“I genuinely believe that you are a pivotal historical figure, that you are going to transform this country,” he told the America First leader.

WATCH:

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Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been officially sworn in as Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary by Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch in the Oval Office. RFK Jr., the nephew of the late President John F. Kennedy and the son of the late Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy Sr., described how, for years, he prayed to God to put him in a position to tackle the childhood chronic disease epidemic gripping America, and how "God sent me President Trump." show more
February 13, 2025
News

White House Ousts Top Federal Prosecutors in DOJ, FBI Shakeup.

The White House dismissed several U.S. Attorneys on Wednesday evening. Until their dismissal following his November election, Trump was a defendant in two federal cases. The scope of the terminations remains uncertain, with no specific figure from the Justice Department as of the time of publication. The U.S. has 93 federal court districts that may be affected. Among those affected are at least two court-appointed attorneys, including a prosecutor involved in January 6 cases.

Tara McGrath, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of California, learned of her dismissal through a White House communication, her office stated. Other departures include Erek L. Barron of Maryland and Dena J. King of the Western District of North Carolina, both confirming their exit without details. McGrath, Barron, and King were Senate-confirmed Joe Biden nominees.

Tessa Gorman, the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Washington, was also removed. Gorman, initially an acting official, was appointed by former Attorney General Merrick Garland, before being officially approved by judges in May 2024.

Trent Morse, deputy director of the Office of Presidential Personnel, stated, “At the direction of President Donald J. Trump, I am writing to inform you that your position as U.S. Attorney is terminated, effective immediately.”

The direct involvement of the White House in these actions is atypical; it usually falls to the Justice Department to ask for the resignations of prosecutors appointed by previous administrations.

Following Trump’s inauguration, he issued pardons for January 6 defendants and appointed an advocate for them as interim U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C., prompting scrutiny of Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) employees involved in related investigations.

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The White House dismissed several U.S. Attorneys on Wednesday evening. Until their dismissal following his November election, Trump was a defendant in two federal cases. The scope of the terminations remains uncertain, with no specific figure from the Justice Department as of the time of publication. The U.S. has 93 federal court districts that may be affected. Among those affected are at least two court-appointed attorneys, including a prosecutor involved in January 6 cases. show more
February 13, 2025
Health

Trump Launches ‘Make America Healthy Again’ Commission to Tackle Autism and Chronic Diseases.

President Donald J. Trump will initiate a new executive order on Thursday, establishing the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who was recently confirmed as Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary, will head the group which is tasked with investigating the underlying factors contributing to the nation’s growing health issues, starting with childhood chronic diseases, according to the White House.

Earlier on Thursday, Kennedy Jr.’s nomination as HHS Secretary cleared the Senate 52 to 48, along a largely partisan line vote. The new commission, under the HHS Secretary’s guidance, aims to regain trust in medical and scientific bodies by holding public discussions and soliciting input from health experts. The White House stated that the commission’s initial efforts will also address adult chronic diseases like asthma and assess U.S. life expectancy compared to other countries.

The commission is expected to publish an evaluation of the childhood chronic disease situation within 100 days of its formation, with a subsequent strategy for improving children’s health within 180 days. Additionally, the commission will prioritize ensuring transparency in health data, promoting comprehensive research on chronic disease causes, collaborating with farmers for healthier, affordable food, and expanding treatment options for lifestyle changes and prevention efforts.

On the campaign trail, Kennedy and Trump committed to a focus on autism and asserted their intention to “Make America Healthy Again.”

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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President Donald J. Trump will initiate a new executive order on Thursday, establishing the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who was recently confirmed as Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary, will head the group which is tasked with investigating the underlying factors contributing to the nation’s growing health issues, starting with childhood chronic diseases, according to the White House. show more
February 13, 2025
William Upton
Economy
World

BREAKING: President Trump Will Impose Reciprocal Tariffs on Countries Taxing U.S. Exports.

President Donald J. Trump is issuing an order to impose reciprocal tariffs on foreign nations that have already instituted their own tariffs on American exports. The proposed tariffs aim to end unfair trade practices that tilt international markets against American companies and products, an issue that President Trump has repeatedly emphasized for decades and argues has undermined both the national interest and the United States economy.

“On trade, I have decided for purposes of fairness that I will charge a reciprocal tariff—meaning whatever countries charge the United States of America, we will charge them. No more, no less,” Trump said during a Thursday press conference at the White House. He continued: “In other words, they charge us a tax or tariff and we charge them the exact same tax or tariff. In almost all cases, they’re charging us vastly more than we change them. But those days are over.”


Notably, Trump says he intends to impose tariffs on countries that have enacted a Value Added Tax (VAT). The European Union’s member states, which use a stringent VAT system, would be the most prominently impacted countries.

Once enacted, the tariffs will target a wide range of goods—though automobiles, manufacturing, and raw industrial materials are among the most prominent products targeted. Already, President Trump has instituted a new 10 percent tariff on goods from China and initiated—but paused—tariffs of 25 percent on goods imported from Mexico and Canada; the latter tariffs are intended to push Canada and Mexico to crack down on drug trafficking across their borders with the U.S.

Critics of President Trump’s tariff plans claim their imposition will increase prices for American consumers. However, The National Pulse has previously detailed that this claim is—for the most part—untrue. Tariffs are paid by the importing company on the cost of the product or good at the point of production. This means a 25 percent tariff—for instance—is on the price at the point of production and not on the sale price consumers see.

Additionally, reciprocal tariffs are intended to level the playing field in international trade by matching import taxes foreign nations have already imposed on U.S. exports.

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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President Donald J. Trump is issuing an order to impose reciprocal tariffs on foreign nations that have already instituted their own tariffs on American exports. The proposed tariffs aim to end unfair trade practices that tilt international markets against American companies and products, an issue that President Trump has repeatedly emphasized for decades and argues has undermined both the national interest and the United States economy. show more
February 13, 2025
News

Celebrities Exit Kennedy Center as Trump Wins Unanimous Chairmanship Vote.

President Donald J. Trump has assumed the chairmanship of the Kennedy Center after a unanimous vote by the concert and arts venue’s board. The vote is prompting notable figures in the arts community and celebrities—many major Democratic donors and critics of President Trump—to resign en masse. Trump takes over from David Rubenstein as chairman of this key cultural institution.

Richard Grenell was named interim president in one of Trump’s first moves, replacing Deborah Rutter. Subsequently, Grenell moved to fire several Kennedy Center executives whose salaries totaled approximately $2.4 million.

Several well-known board members and advisors have resigned following Trump’s appointment. Shonda Rhimes, a key figure in television and former Kennedy Center treasurer, immediately left her position, announcing her departure in a statement. Performing and recording artist Ben Folds, who served as an artistic advisor to the National Symphony Orchestra, also decided to leave. Additionally, Renee Fleming, an opera singer, exited her role as an artistic advisor at large.

The Kennedy Center, recognized for its Kennedy Center Honors performances, faces significant changes under Trump’s leadership. During his first presidency, Trump did not participate in the institution’s Honors events, citing disagreements with recipients.

He has recently criticized the center’s past performance offerings, arguing that their framing has been overtly liberal and not reflective of American values. As part of a broader strategy, Trump has indicated his intentions to reshape the Kennedy Center’s direction, dismissing previous board members appointed by Joe Biden and bringing in new faces, such as singer Lee Greenwood.

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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President Donald J. Trump has assumed the chairmanship of the Kennedy Center after a unanimous vote by the concert and arts venue's board. The vote is prompting notable figures in the arts community and celebrities—many major Democratic donors and critics of President Trump—to resign en masse. Trump takes over from David Rubenstein as chairman of this key cultural institution. show more
February 13, 2025
William Upton
Breaking
Health
Politics

BREAKING: RFK Jr. Confirmed as Trump’s HHS Secretary by Senate.

President Donald J. Trump’s nominee to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has cleared the U.S. Senate 52-48 in a final vote of confirmation. The vote, largely along partisan lines, makes Kennedy Jr. the 27th individual to serve as the Secretary of Health of Human Services since the cabinet-level position was created as part of the former Department of Health, Education, and Welfare in 1953 under the late President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Kennedy Jr. is a key member of President Trump’s push to “Make America Healthy Again.” A scion of the Kennedy clan, nephew of the late President John F. Kennedy and son of the late Robert F. Kennedy Sr., RFK Jr. is a staunch advocate for healthy foods and scientific transparency in public health.

Multinational pharmaceutical corporations see him as a major threat to their business model and monopoly on public health. Early opposition to his nomination from a handful of establishment Senate Republicans collapsed over the last week following two contentious Senate confirmation hearings.

During his confirmation hearing before the Senate Finance Committee, Kennedy Jr. made a firm pledge that after leaving the President’s cabinet, he would not accept payment or job with the pharmaceutical, medical device, or hospital industries—a promise no other HHS Secretary has made. Additionally, Kennedy Jr. has committed to pushing President Trump’s plan to end late-term abortion.

Most consequential, however, is Kennedy Jr.’s promise to prioritize combating addiction as HHS Secretary. Illicit drugs, which flooded the U.S. under former President Joe Biden, have sparked an epidemic in addiction and substance abuse. Kenendy Jr., himself a heroin addict for 14 years, stressed his 42 years in recovery during his confirmation hearings and emphasized that the issue is one of the most important tasks he believes the department faces.

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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President Donald J. Trump's nominee to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has cleared the U.S. Senate 52-48 in a final vote of confirmation. The vote, largely along partisan lines, makes Kennedy Jr. the 27th individual to serve as the Secretary of Health of Human Services since the cabinet-level position was created as part of the former Department of Health, Education, and Welfare in 1953 under the late President Dwight D. Eisenhower. show more