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Tag: inauguration
April 23, 2025
News

Michelle Obama Admits Putting Her Feelings Before the Country in Missing Trump’s Inauguration.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Former First Lady Michelle Obama discussed her choice to skip President Donald J. Trump’s inauguration and the ensuing rumors.

👥 Who’s Involved: Michelle Obama, Barack Obama, Donald Trump, and several past U.S. presidents, including Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.

📍 Where & When: The discussion was held during an episode of the podcast IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson, released recently.

💬 Key Quote: “My decision to skip the inauguration, what people don’t realize, or my decision to make choices at the beginning of this year that suited me were met with such ridicule and criticism,” Michelle Obama complained.

⚠️ Impact: Mrs. Obama’s absence led to public speculation about her personal life and sparked rumors of marital issues with Barack Obama.

IN FULL:

Former First Lady Michelle Obama has spoken publicly about her voluntary absence from President Donald J. Trump’s inauguration in January, explaining her reasons during a recent episode of the low-rated IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson. The decision sparked rumors about her personal life with former President Barack Obama, who once wrote that he “make[s] love to men daily… in the imagination.”

During a discussion with actress Taraji P. Henson, Mrs. Obama elaborated on her reasoning, emphasizing it as a personal choice. “My decision to skip the inauguration, what people don’t realize, or my decision to make choices at the beginning of this year that suited me, were met with such ridicule and criticism,” she stated. “People couldn’t believe that I was saying ‘no’ for any other reason, that they had to assume that my marriage was falling apart, you know.”

Speculation of possible marital discord was widespread after Mrs. Obama no-showed at the inauguration, particularly after former President Obama also appeared at former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral alone.

“I’m here really trying to own my life and intentionally practice making the choice that was right for me,” Mrs. Obama insisted, adding that it “took everything in my power to not do the thing that was right, or that was perceived as right, but do the thing that was right for me. That was a hard thing for me to do.”

On April 3, former President Obama admitted he was “in a deep deficit with my wife” during his time in office. Speaking at Hamilton College, he revealed he has “been trying to dig myself out of that hole” since then by doing “fun things.”

In 2022, Mrs. Obama admitted “there were 10 years where I couldn’t stand my husband”—roughly a third of their marriage.

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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April 22, 2025
News
Politics

Elon Musk Didn’t Contribute to Trump’s Inauguration.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk did not contribute financially to Donald Trump’s inauguration events, despite being a vocal supporter during his campaign.

👥 Who’s Involved: Elon Musk, President Donald J. Trump, Trump’s inaugural committee, and companies such as Meta, Amazon, and Nvidia.

📍 Where & When: Washington, D.C., during Trump’s inauguration on January 20, 2025; FEC filing released on Sunday, April 20, 2025.

💬 Key Quote: “Donations to an inaugural committee are not subject to any contribution amount limitations. In addition, an inaugural committee may accept donations from corporations and labor organizations,” state FEC rules.

⚠️ Impact: Trump’s inauguration raised $239 million from donors, exceeding previous records, highlighting potential Silicon Valley support for Trump’s presidency.

IN FULL:

Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, notably abstained from making financial contributions toward the inauguration of President Donald J. Trump, as shown in recent documentation by the Federal Election Commission (FEC). This reveals a departure from Musk‘s previous backing of Trump’s campaign, during which he reportedly expended over $250 million in support of the America First leader. According to the FEC filing, which was released by the Trump-Vance Inaugural Committee, donations exceeded $239 million, setting a new record for inaugural fundraising in January.

Several major technology companies, including Meta (the parent company of Facebook and Instagram), Nvidia, and Amazon, contributed substantially, each offering at least $1 million toward the inaugural events. However, the reason for Musk’s absence from the list of inaugural donors is not yet known.

While Musk did attend the inauguration ceremony on January 20, 2025, and delivered an address at a major rally later that evening, his financial absence is noteworthy given his prior involvement in the presidential campaign. Notably, a number of major Silicon Valley firms contributed to the second Trump inauguration despite the tech industry’s hostility—and in some cases outright opposition—to Trump’s agenda in the past.

The inaugural committee is not obligated to disclose expenditure specifics or remaining funds until it submits its tax return in 2026. Also of note, the FEC rules state: “Donations to an inaugural committee are not subject to any contribution amount limitations. In addition, an inaugural committee may accept donations from corporations and labor organizations.”

Image by Wcamp9. 

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January 28, 2025
Christopher Tomlinson
Culture
Politics

KASSAM: We Are Bringing Back Beauty and the Establishment Fears It.

Raheem Kassam, Editor-in-Chief of The National Pulse, has hit back at New York Magazine for an article disparaging MAGA supporters, highlighting his new project, a venue and space that rejects the ugliness of modernity and the left. It labeled young Trump supporters during President Donald J. Trump’s inauguration as “casually cruel.”

The article also discussed a new haute-cuisine bistro, Butterworth’s, of which Kassam is a part-owner. It is located just two blocks from the U.S. Congress.

Describing his vision for the venue on Stephen K. Bannon’s War Room show, Kassam said, “We’re running an operation here now on Capitol Hill, which is kind of the centerpiece of where a lot of these people who kind of want to reject the modernity, who want to reject the ugliness, are flocking to for their events, for their dinners.”

He stressed that the space is not meant to be exclusively right-wing but explained, “What we are trying to do is bring a little bit of beauty back, bring a little bit of truth, which is inexorably linked to beauty. And it’s working.”

Kassam noted that the front page was a win for MAGA, saying, “Yes, they’re insulting you, yes they’re biting their thumb at you, but that’s because they fear you. You should embrace it.”

WATCH:

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Raheem Kassam, Editor-in-Chief of The National Pulse, has hit back at New York Magazine for an article disparaging MAGA supporters, highlighting his new project, a venue and space that rejects the ugliness of modernity and the left. It labeled young Trump supporters during President Donald J. Trump's inauguration as "casually cruel." show more
January 17, 2025
William Upton
News

Several D.C.-Area Police Departments Say They Won’t Assist With Trump Inauguration Security: Report.

Several Washington, D.C., metro-area police departments say they will not assist the capital city with security measures for President-elect Donald J. Trump’s inauguration on Monday. A disagreement over the memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Washington, D.C.’s Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) has led to around a half-dozen local law enforcement agencies declining to provide support for the high-security event—likely depriving the city of hundreds of additional officers.

“I was just told that based on the current MOU, we will not be assisting Metro PD,” a spokesman for Maryland’s Montgomery County Police Department said regarding the decision. Joining Mongomery County are several other Maryland police departments, including those for Howard and Queen Anne’s Counties and the Frederick County Sheriff’s Department.

Meanwhile, Maryland’s Anne Arundel and Prince George’s police departments stress that they will be sending officers to aid the U.S. Capitol Police but not the MPD. Washington, D.C.’s MPD has been plagued with scandal in recent years, especially regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and ineffective, soft-on-crime arrest policies. It appears other departments, troubled by these measures, are unwilling to work with the MPD specifically.

However, the MPD’s lack of outside assistance may only impact auxiliary security measures, as the U.S. Secret Service (USSS) and U.S. Capitol Police are the primary leads on security for the inauguration. Additionally, the deployment of National Guard units around the capital will serve to bolster the overall security environment.

The National Pulse previously reported that the Secret Service and Capitol Police are especially concerned with planned demonstrations and potential lone-wolf attackers. Notably, due to forecasted severe cold temperatures, the inauguration has been moved inside the U.S. Capitol, which should provide an additional layer of protection.

Image by Ted Eytan.

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Several Washington, D.C., metro-area police departments say they will not assist the capital city with security measures for President-elect Donald J. Trump's inauguration on Monday. A disagreement over the memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Washington, D.C.'s Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) has led to around a half-dozen local law enforcement agencies declining to provide support for the high-security event—likely depriving the city of hundreds of additional officers. show more
January 17, 2025
Jack Montgomery
Breaking

BREAKING: Trump Confirms Inauguration Moving Indoors to Protect People from ‘Severe’ Weather.

President-elect Donald J. Trump has confirmed that his inauguration ceremony will move indoors to the Capitol Rotunda, with Washington, D.C., set for the coldest inauguration day in four decades. “It is my obligation to protect the People of our Country but, before we even begin, we have to think of the Inauguration itself. The weather forecast for Washington, D.C., with the windchill factor, could take temperatures into severe record lows. There is an Arctic blast sweeping the Country,” he explained.

“I don’t want to see people hurt, or injured, in any way. It is dangerous conditions for the tens of thousands of Law Enforcement, First Responders, Police K9s and even horses, and hundreds of thousands of supporters that will be outside for many hours on the 20th (In any event, if you decide to come, dress warmly!),” he continued, confirming the inauguration address, prayers, and other speeches are moving to the Rotunda, “as was used by Ronald Reagan in 1985, also because of very cold weather.”

SCHEDULE.

“We will open Capital One Arena on Monday for LIVE viewing of this Historic event, and to host the Presidential Parade. I will join the crowd at Capital One, after my Swearing In,” Trump said, adding: “All other events will remain the same, including the Victory Rally at Capital One Arena, on Sunday at 3 P.M… and all three Inaugural Balls on Monday evening.”

He concluded: “Everyone will be safe, everyone will be happy, and we will, together, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!

President Ronald Reagan‘s second inauguration in 1985 saw temperatures plummet to four degrees below zero in the morning, with a noon temperature of just seven degrees, the coldest on record for an inauguration.

Image by Matt H. Wade.

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President-elect Donald J. Trump has confirmed that his inauguration ceremony will move indoors to the Capitol Rotunda, with Washington, D.C., set for the coldest inauguration day in four decades. "It is my obligation to protect the People of our Country but, before we even begin, we have to think of the Inauguration itself. The weather forecast for Washington, D.C., with the windchill factor, could take temperatures into severe record lows. There is an Arctic blast sweeping the Country," he explained. show more
January 14, 2025
Christopher Tomlinson
Politics
TRUMP TRANSITION 2024/5

Michelle Obama Will Not Attend Trump Inauguration, But Barack Will.

Former First Lady Michelle Obama will not attend President-elect Donald J. Trump’s inauguration on January 20, although her husband, former President Barack Obama, will. The Office of Barack and Michelle Obama released a statement on Tuesday, January 14, noting that Michelle Obama would be absent from the inauguration ceremony but did not provide any details as to why.

Michelle Obama was also missing from the state funeral held for former President Jimmy Carter last week. At the funeral, Barack Obama was seated next to President-elect Trump and his wife Melania.

After President Joe Biden dropped out of the presidential race last year following a catastrophic debate, some briefly considered Michelle Obama to replace him. However, both Obamas later endorsed Kamala Harris as the Democrat nominee, despite sources claiming that both held a very low opinion of the Vice President, regarding her as incompetent.

President-elect Trump’s inauguration will be attended by all living U.S. presidents, including Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Joe Biden. Several world leaders are also expected to attend the event, including Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Argentina’s President Javier Milei, Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban, El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele, and others.

China’s President Xi Jinping was reportedly invited to the inauguration but declined. Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was also reportedly invited, but Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes has seized his passport and may refuse to allow him to attend.

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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Former First Lady Michelle Obama will not attend President-elect Donald J. Trump's inauguration on January 20, although her husband, former President Barack Obama, will. The Office of Barack and Michelle Obama released a statement on Tuesday, January 14, noting that Michelle Obama would be absent from the inauguration ceremony but did not provide any details as to why. show more
January 14, 2025
NatSec
News

Capitol Police Identify Major Threats Ahead of Trump Inauguration.

The U.S. Capitol Police say they have identified the potential for major threats ahead of President-elect Donald J. Trump’s inauguration on January 20 in Washington, D.C. City officials and law enforcement are emphasizing that they’re implementing heightened security measures to counter any individuals planning violent acts, with a strong focus on potential lone wolf actors.

During a press conference on Monday, Capitol Police Chief Thomas Manger noted the recent security breaches during former President Jimmy Carter’s state funeral events. In one instance, an individual was apprehended attempting to enter the Capitol building armed with a machete and three knives shortly before President-elect Trump was slated to arrive at the building to meet with Republican lawmakers. Chief Manger highlighted the swift response of Capitol Police in preventing the suspect from gaining entry beyond the security screening area.

However, the incident and public announcements of protests by far-left organizations have prompted a continuous state of high alert and the implementation of robust security plans across the capital city. The mishap-prone U.S. Secret Service (USSS) is leading the national security efforts for Inauguration Day, deploying extensive measures, including approximately 30 miles of fencing, security checkpoints, and drone surveillance.

Moreover, the District of Columbia National Guard will have about 7,800 soldiers available to help manage traffic and patrol public transit stations. Two Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) command posts will be operational to monitor possible threats, though no specific threats have been publicly identified as of the time of publication.

City officials say they expect approximately 250,000 ticketed attendees for the inauguration, along with an unknown number of demonstrators.

The Secret Service has faced ongoing criticism for security failures, including those that led to two known assassination attempts against Trump during the 2024 presidential campaign.

Image by Lorie Shaull.

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The U.S. Capitol Police say they have identified the potential for major threats ahead of President-elect Donald J. Trump's inauguration on January 20 in Washington, D.C. City officials and law enforcement are emphasizing that they're implementing heightened security measures to counter any individuals planning violent acts, with a strong focus on potential lone wolf actors. show more
January 14, 2025
Christopher Tomlinson
World

Top Brazilian Judge Wants to Ban Bolsonaro From Trump Inauguration.

Brazilian Supreme Federal Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes may prohibit former President Jair Bolsonaro from attending the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald J. Trump. He has already seized the Brazilian populist leader’s passport.

Bolsonaro demanded the return of his passport after allegedly receiving an invitation to attend the inauguration on January 20, but Justice Moraes stated that Bolsonaro needs to provide further proof of an official invitation for the request to be considered.

The invite presented by Bolsonaro came from his son Eduardo, who received an email invitation to the inauguration in Washington, D.C., but Justice Moraes argued that it was not enough. Former president Bolsonaro is under several investigations in Brazil.

Tech billionaire Elon Musk has heavily criticized Supreme Court Justice de Moraes. Last year, the judge temporarily banned X (formerly Twitter) from operating in Brazil. Moraes demanded that X censor accounts on the platform, which were supposedly linked to “digital militias” spreading supposed “fake news” and “misinformation” during Jair Bolsonaro’s presidency.

X and Musk refused to censor the accounts and announced that they would lay off all their staff in Brazil and shut down all operations. Justice de Moraes demanded that X name a legal representative, but Musk said that Brazil had threatened to arrest one of its legal representatives in the past.

The ban was lifted just over a month after its imposition when Justice Moraes announced that X could resume its services as long as it was compliant with Brazilian laws.

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Brazilian Supreme Federal Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes may prohibit former President Jair Bolsonaro from attending the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald J. Trump. He has already seized the Brazilian populist leader's passport. show more
January 3, 2025
Christopher Tomlinson
Culture

Far Left, BLM, Hamas Caucus Hosts ‘Peace Ball’ During Trump Inaugural Week – Here Are The Details.

A group of anti-Trump leftists is set to gather during President-elect Donald J. Trump’s inaugural week for an event featuring a cornucopia of far-left speakers from pro-BLM activists, pro-Hamas politicians, and anti-white authors to foreign-funded media personalities.

The 2025 “Peace Ball,” set to be held in Washington, D.C., on Saturday, January 18, is being presented by the Busboys and Poets, a chain of restaurant-bookstore bars in the Washington, D.C. area.

Headlining the event are speakers like Ibram X. Kendi, known for his anti-white books like How to be an Antiracist. Kendi was given millions to open his own research center, but despite accumulating over $40 million, he produced virtually no research and laid off half of his workers in 2023.

Another anti-whiteness author, Robin DiAngelo, who wrote White Fragility, is also set to attend the event. DiAngelo has recently seen her own troubles, being accused of plagiarizing minority scholars in her doctoral thesis.

While the University of Washington later dismissed the accusations, DiAngelo was later embarrassed by right-wing personality Matt Walsh in his film Am I Racist? when she was tricked into paying “reparations” to a black man, Walsh’s producer.

The “Hamas Caucus” in Washington, D.C., will also attend. Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), who encouraged a “revolt” among Muslim Democrats against President Joe Biden over the situation in Gaza last year and was revealed to be part of a pro-Hamas Facebook group, is set to attend alongside Representative Ilhan Omar (D-MN).

Several media personalities will also speak, such as Qatar-funded broadcaster Medhi Hasan, who once called non-Muslims “cattle” and “animals.” Hasan has been accused of spreading and amplifying anti-Israel content in the wake of the October 7 attacks in Israel as well.

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A group of anti-Trump leftists is set to gather during President-elect Donald J. Trump's inaugural week for an event featuring a cornucopia of far-left speakers from pro-BLM activists, pro-Hamas politicians, and anti-white authors to foreign-funded media personalities. show more
December 12, 2024
William Upton
TECH
TRUMP TRANSITION 2024/5

Zuckerberg Donates $1M to Trump Inauguration Fund.

Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is contributing $1 million to President-elect Donald J. Trump’s inaugural fund. The move appears to be part of a larger effort by the tech billionaire to win over Trump after the latter accused Zuckerberg of interfering in the 2020 presidential election.

The donation is a notable departure from Meta and Zuckerberg’s previous position, with neither contributing to Trump’s 2017 nor Biden’s 2021 inaugurations. However, the contribution is only one component of a broader effort by the Facebook founder.

In late November, Zuckerberg traveled to Trump’s residence at Mar-a-Lago and dined with the President-elect, bringing several high-powered political consultants in tow. Brian Baker, a well-networked establishment Republican insider spearheading Zuckerberg’s effort to improve his standing with Republican lawmakers, met with Trump’s White House chief of staff, Susie Wiles. The National Pulse previously reported on Baker’s hiring, who, prior to the 2016 election, was a staunch opponent of Trump.

Additionally, several top Facebook executives who accompanied Zuckerberg met with Secretary of State nominee Marco Rubio and White House advisors Stephen Miller, Vince Haley, and James Blair.

Zuckerberg’s relationship with America’s political right has deteriorated drastically since the 2020 presidential election. Many on the right have accused the Meta CEO of using his vast wealth and companies to interfere in American elections.

He admitted that his social media platform, Facebook, was pressured by the Biden-Harris government to censor Americans who posted about the COVID-19 pandemic on his website. Additionally, the tech billionaire acknowledges that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) had warned them about potential Russian disinformation regarding Burisma and the Biden family, which directly resulted in the New York Post‘s Hunter Biden laptop story being suppressed on Facebook.

Image by Anthony Quintano.

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Mark Zuckerberg's Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is contributing $1 million to President-elect Donald J. Trump's inaugural fund. The move appears to be part of a larger effort by the tech billionaire to win over Trump after the latter accused Zuckerberg of interfering in the 2020 presidential election. show more