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January 15, 2025
Politics
TRUMP TRANSITION 2024/5

Marco Rubio Declares Postwar Global Order ‘Obsolete’ in Senate Confirmation Hearing.

President-elect Donald J. Trump’s nominee for Secretary of State, Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), outlined his vision for an “America First” foreign policy during his Wednesday confirmation hearing before the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. The Florida Republican declared that the global order that emerged following the Second World War no longer serves American interests and must be remade.

“The postwar global order is not just obsolete; it is now a weapon being used against us,” Rubio told his Senate colleagues. He continued: “We welcomed the Chinese Communist Party into this global order. And they took advantage of all its benefits. But they ignored all its obligations and responsibilities.”

“Instead, they have lied, cheated, hacked, and stolen their way to global superpower status at our expense,” he stated.

“Under President Trump, the top priority of the United States Department of State will be the United States,” Rubio continued, adding: “Every dollar we spend, every program we fund, every policy we pursue, must be justified by the answer to one of three questions: Does it make America safer? Does it make America stronger? Does it make America more prosperous?”

UKRAINE, NATO, & IRAN.

Addressing the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, Rubio argued a resolution to the conflict would require concessions by both nations. Additionally, Trump’s Secretary of State nominee told the committee he would continue the President-elect’s policy of urging European countries to take on a more significant role in their security.

During his first presidential administration and on the 2024 campaign trail, Trump has repeatedly criticized NATO members for not upholding their defense spending commitments. However, Rubio—under questioning by the committee—did reaffirm his support for the defense alliance, pointing to his co-sponsorship of legislation intended to prevent the U.S. from withdrawing from NATO.

Turning to Middle Eastern affairs, Rubio discussed the humanitarian issues in Gaza, asserting that while civilian casualties are tragic, the Hamas terrorist group bears significant responsibility for using human shields. He defended Israel’s conduct, stating it does not deliberately target civilians. He also condemned Iran for its nuclear ambitions and funding of terror groups like Hamas, calling for a restoration of Trump’s maximum pressure campaign against the Islamic Republic.

Image by Gage Skidmore.

By Popular Demand.
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2 minutes ago
Bonkers Britain
News

Labour MP Apologizes After Accusing Nigel Farage of ‘Faux Outrage’ Over Murder of Ann Widdecombe.

The Labour Party’s Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Safeguarding and Violence against Women has issued an apology after describing Nigel Farage’s reaction to the murder of Reform UK’s Ann Widdecombe as “faux outrage.”

PULSE POINTS
❓ WHAT HAPPENED: The Labour-controlled British government’s minister for Safeguarding and Violence against Women has apologized after describing anger following Ann Widdecombe’s murder as “faux outrage.”
📺 DETAIL: On Monday, Natalie Fleet, Labour Member of Parliament (MP) for Bolsover and the British government’s Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Safeguarding and Violence against Women posted on X (formerly Twitter): “Nigel Farage & his gang of bin men [garbage men] get the same security as the rest of us. Sick of the faux outrage.” Fleet’s post followed the murder of Ann Widdecombe, former Conservative MP and the Reform UK party’s immigration and justice spokeswoman, and subsequent requests by Reform leader Nigel Farage, along with other Reform British politicians, for increased security. Following online backlash, Fleet deleted the post and issued an apology on X.
💬 KEY QUOTE: “Apologies for offence caused by my earlier tweet, which I’ve now deleted. My thoughts are – as they have always been – with Ann Widdecombe’s loved ones at this awful time,” posted Fleet on X.
🎯 IMPACT: The fact that the flippant tweet was posted by a government minister tasked with Safeguarding and Violence against Women, following the murder of a well-known female politician and spokeswoman for a popular political party, sparked widespread calls for Fleet’s resignation. The initial post also raises concerns about a two-tier attitude from the British government when it comes to tackling violence against women.
📺 FLASHBACK: In a statement to the House of Commons this week, British Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, roughly equivalent to the U.S. Homeland Security Secretary, offered a security meeting to Nigel Farage, leader of Reform, following the murder of Miss Widdecombe. This followed the arrest of a 28-year-old man suspected of murdering Widdecombe at her home in Devon, south-west England. Police have confirmed that the suspect was arrested on terrorism charges. He was not previously known to Prevent, Britain’s counter-terrorism program, according to the British government.

Image via House of Commons.

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The Labour Party's Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Safeguarding and Violence against Women has issued an apology after describing Nigel Farage's reaction to the murder of Reform UK's Ann Widdecombe as "faux outrage."

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By Popular Demand.
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22 minutes ago
Bonkers Britain
Crime
News

Video Released of Ann Widdecombe Murder Suspect’s Arrest by Counter Terror Police.

Counter Terrorism Police escorted the man suspected of murdering Ann Widdecombe, Reform UK’s immigration and justice spokeswoman, from his house in newly released footage of the arrest.

PULSE POINTS
❓ WHAT HAPPENED: Video footage of the man suspected of murdering Ann Widdecombe, the Reform UK party’s immigration and justice spokeswoman, being arrested at his house in Rotherham, northern England, has been released.
📺 DETAIL: Counter Terrorism Police arrested a 28-year-old man on suspicion of murdering Ann Widdecombe, a legendary former Conservative Member of Parliament (MP) and the immigration and justice spokeswoman for Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party. The footage was taken outside the suspect’s house in Rotherham, South Yorkshire. It shows the topless suspect being escorted from his house by Counter Terrorism Police. The footage shows the suspect being handcuffed. The arrest apparently took place on Saturday at approximately 21:00 BST (British Summer Time), days after Widdecombe was found dead at her home in Devon, south-west England. The suspect’s address is more than 200 miles from Widdecombe’s home.
🎯 IMPACT: The footage confirms that the suspect is in police custody. The presence of Counter Terrorism Police at the scene of the arrest reinforces suspicions that Widdecombe’s murder was politically motivated, rather than a simple act of murder. The footage matches similar recordings taken by other outlets at the time and place of the arrest.
📺 FLASHBACK: Last week, an investigation was announced into the death of Miss Widdecombe. The 78-year-old former government minister was a well-known figure in British politics. Initially a member of the Conservative Party, she joined Nigel Farage’s Brexit Party, which eventually became Reform UK. On July 9, she was found dead at her house. Police later confirmed that her death was being treated as a murder case. Leftists mocked and celebrated Widdecombe’s death online, who was known for her staunchly conservative and Christian beliefs. The police later confirmed that the suspect was arrested on terrorism charges. Nigel Farage, Reform’s leader, has since been invited to a security meeting with the Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, who is roughly equivalent to the U.S. Homeland Security Secretary, and the chairman of the Home Office’s independent body which handles security for elected officials.

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Counter Terrorism Police escorted the man suspected of murdering Ann Widdecombe, Reform UK's immigration and justice spokeswoman, from his house in newly released footage of the arrest.

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By Popular Demand.
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2 hours ago
Crime
News
Religion

Burning of 173-Year Old Brooklyn Church Investigated as Arson Attack.

The 173-year-old South Bushwick Reformed Church in Brooklyn is rallying for restoration after a devastating fire, now under investigation as a potential arson case.

PULSE POINTS
❓ WHAT HAPPENED: A fire on June 19 that severely damaged the South Bushwick Reformed Church in Brooklyn, New York, is being investigated as a possible act of arson after video footage revealed a person fleeing the scene shortly before the blaze began.
📺 DETAIL: The fire required nearly 200 firefighters to battle the flames for more than two hours before bringing it under control. No injuries were reported, but the church’s worship space and ministry center suffered significant damage. Church leaders have launched a GoFundMe campaign to support recovery efforts, raising more than $14,000 as of Saturday, and have asked city officials to delay demolition plans while structural assessments are completed. According to the church, an engineer determined the building remains structurally sound. In a statement, the congregation said its mission will continue despite the loss of its historic building and pledged to work with city agencies, engineers, preservation experts, and community partners on restoration efforts. The church, built in 1853 with congregational roots dating back to the 1600s, is recognized as a historic house of worship and is seeking support to preserve the site for future generations.
💬 KEY QUOTE: “The church is not brick and mortar alone. The church is people. The church is faith. The church is love in action,” reads a message on the church’s website.
🎯 IMPACT: This may be just the latest case of an anti-Christian attack on a church in America, and follows a broader trend across much of the Western world where anti-Christian hate and church attacks have risen significantly.

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The 173-year-old South Bushwick Reformed Church in Brooklyn is rallying for restoration after a devastating fire, now under investigation as a potential arson case.

show more
By Popular Demand.
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3 hours ago
Crime
News
UK

Farage Offered Security Briefing as UK Govt Admits Ann Widdecombe Murder Suspect Was Not on Counter-Terror Radar.

British Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has extended a security meeting offer to Reform UK party leader Nigel Farage following revelations about the suspect in Ann Widdecombe’s murder case.

PULSE POINTS
❓ WHAT HAPPENED: The British Home Secretary has offered a security meeting to Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, following new details regarding the suspect in the murder of Reform UK immigration and justice spokeswoman Ann Widdecombe. Notably, the Home Office previously cut Farage’s security, forcing him to find private funding.
📰 DETAIL: On Monday, in a statement to the House of Commons, British Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, roughly equivalent to the U.S. Homeland Security Secretary, offered a security meeting to Nigel Farage, leader of the Reform UK party. The offer coincided with new information about the 28-year-old suspect arrested on suspicion of murdering Ann Widdecombe, a long-time, prominent figure in British politics. “Today is a dark day in our political life, but we must also use it as an opportunity to celebrate Ann Widdecombe’s memory. She was a unique figure in our politics, a distinctive and devoted public servant, the likes of whom you will rarely, if ever, see again,” said the Home Secretary on Monday. The suspect was not previously known to Prevent, Britain’s counter-terrorism program. Soon after, Farage accepted Mahmood’s offer for a security meeting on X (formerly Twitter). The meeting will be co-hosted by the chair of Ravec (Royal and VIP Executive Committee), the Home Office’s independent body which handles security for officials.
💬 KEY QUOTE: “Thank you for this offer [Shabana Mahmood]. I will meet with the Chair of Ravec and discuss the security of all Reform politicians, including those who are not MPs,” replied Farage on X.
🎯 IMPACT: The offer of a security meeting underscores the heightened concern for the safety of public figures following the murder of Widdecombe, especially Reform UK politicians. The offer of a security meeting to Farage specifically is likely to reinforce the growing suspicion among members of the public, especially supporters of Reform UK, that Widdecombe’s murder was politically motivated.
👀 FLASHBACK: Last week, an investigation was announced into the death of Ann Widdecombe. The 78-year-old former Conservative MP and government minister turned Brexit and Reform UK party figure was found dead at her home. The same day, it was confirmed that Widdecombe’s death was being treated as a murder by the police. In reaction to news of the legendary and devoutly Christian politician’s death, leftists celebrated online. This week, a suspect was arrested on terrorism charges.

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British Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has extended a security meeting offer to Reform UK party leader Nigel Farage following revelations about the suspect in Ann Widdecombe's murder case.

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By Popular Demand.
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3 hours ago
Lawfare
News

Obama Judge Halts Trump’s Restrictions on Federal Grants Funding DEI.

A California federal judge has issued a preliminary injunction, halting the Trump administration’s attempt to tie anti-DEI conditions to federal grant funding.

PULSE POINTS
❓ WHAT HAPPENED: A Barack Obama-appointed federal judge in California has blocked the Trump administration from attaching anti-DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) conditions to federal grant funding. The preliminary injunction, issued by U.S. District Judge William Orrick, prevents enforcement of new certification requirements against 11 municipal governments, citing constitutional and legal overreach.
📺 DETAIL: The lawsuit was brought by several California and Oregon cities and counties, which argued the administration had imposed ideological conditions on grants that Congress had already approved for programs including public safety, disaster preparedness, law enforcement, water conservation, and crime victim services. Orrick agreed, writing that the challenged conditions were unrelated to the purposes of the grant programs and lacked statutory authorization. The disputed requirements directed recipients to certify they were not operating DEI programs that violate federal anti-discrimination law and included provisions encouraging cooperation with federal immigration enforcement and compliance with related executive orders. The administration has defended the policy as a lawful effort to ensure federal funds are not used to support discriminatory practices and is expected to appeal the ruling. Orrick claimed that allowing the conditions to remain in place during the litigation could disrupt funding for anti-terrorism efforts, wildfire preparedness, flood mitigation, forensic science, law enforcement training, and services for crime victims and human trafficking survivors. The preliminary injunction will remain in effect while the lawsuit proceeds.
💬 KEY QUOTE: “What defendants seek to do likely violates the Constitution (separation of powers and Spending Clause) and the Administrative Procedures Act.” – Judge William Orrick
🎯 IMPACT: The ruling temporarily halts the administration’s broader strategy to ensure federal dollars are not used for DEI-related programs, leaving the policy in legal limbo pending an expected appeal.

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A California federal judge has issued a preliminary injunction, halting the Trump administration's attempt to tie anti-DEI conditions to federal grant funding.

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By Popular Demand.
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4 hours ago
Data
News
World

Le Pen Leads All Rivals in Latest French Election Polls.

A recent poll has revealed that National Rally leader Marine Le Pen would decisively defeat any opponent in next year’s French presidential election, despite her three-year sentence for alleged misuse of European Union funds.

PULSE POINTS
❓ WHAT HAPPENED: A new poll has revealed that France’s Marine Le Pen is on track to win the country’s presidential election next year, despite a controversial lawfare campaign aimed at preventing her from running.
📺 DETAIL: Earlier this week, a new survey by the French Institute of Public Opinion (IFOP) revealed that Marine Le Pen, leader of the National Rally party, is leading in both rounds of next year’s French presidential election. French presidential elections use a two-round system, in which all candidates are permitted to run in the first round, but only the two most popular candidates in the first round advance to the second round. The winner of the second round of voting becomes President. IFOP’s poll showed that Le Pen would beat all her major opponents in the second round of voting, including establishment-backed centrists Gabriel Attal (54 percent vs 46 percent) and Édouard Philippe (55 percent vs 45 percent), and the far-left Jean-Luc Mélenchon (70 percent vs 30 percent). In the first round, Le Pen would receive roughly a third of the vote (36 percent). If she faces off against a centrist in the second round, Le Pen is expected to consolidate approximately 50 percent of the right-leaning vote. If she faces off against Mélenchon in the second round, she is expected to consolidate 90 percent of the right-leaning vote. IFOP’s survey follows a ruling by the Court of Appeals in Paris allowing Le Pen to run for the presidency after she was given a three-year sentence for allegedly misusing funds from the European Parliament. The court shortened Le Pen’s ban from running in European elections, allowing her to stand. Two of the three years in Le Pen’s sentence are suspended, with the remaining year being under house arrest with an electronic bracelet. As the ruling allowed Le Pen to appeal further to the Court of Cassation, the highest court in the French judicial system, her innocence is still presumed and will not have to serve any part of her sentence, including wearing a tag on the campaign trail, until her appeal is resolved.
💬 KEY QUOTE: “From now on, I am campaigning to convince the French, to talk to them about their lives, their security, their purchasing power, the rebirth of the country. My opponents would like this campaign to be judicial. I want it to be democratic, and I will not let anyone confiscate this presidential election from the French.” – Marine Le Pen, leader of the National Rally party.
🎯 IMPACT: France’s two-round voting system has typically favored establishment-backed centrist candidates, as left-leaning and right-leaning voters tend to vote for the centrist candidate to block out the further right-leaning or left-leaning candidate who gets through to the second round. If elected, Le Pen would be the first National Rally candidate to win the French presidency. The survey suggests that the lawfare campaign against Le Pen may have backfired, strengthening her anti-establishment credentials.
📺 FLASHBACK: Last week, Le Pen vowed that she would run in the next French presidential election, despite her conviction. The first round is scheduled for April 2027.

Image by Rémi Noyon.

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A recent poll has revealed that National Rally leader Marine Le Pen would decisively defeat any opponent in next year's French presidential election, despite her three-year sentence for alleged misuse of European Union funds.

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By Popular Demand.
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5 hours ago
News
UK
War

Britain Finally Bans Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

The British government has officially designated Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a national security threat, introducing new powers to prosecute individuals supporting the group and other foreign-linked operatives.

PULSE POINTS
❓ WHAT HAPPENED: British Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced that Iran‘s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has been designated a national security threat, with new laws making support for the group a criminal offense punishable by up to 14 years in prison. The measures also target two other groups, the Islamic Movement of Companions of the Right (IMCR) and the volunteer corps of Russia‘s GRU, to address espionage, sabotage, and foreign interference.
📺 DETAIL: Outgoing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the changes would ensure Britain is no longer “a playground for states who want to spread fear, division and violence,” adding that those carrying out hostile acts on behalf of foreign governments in Britain would face tougher prosecutions. If approved by Parliament, individuals convicted of sabotage, including arson, could face life imprisonment. The government said the IRGC has been linked to seven attacks targeting Jewish and Israeli-related sites in the United Kingdom, and MI5 has identified at least 20 potentially lethal Iranian-backed plots against people in Britain over the past year. Mahmood accused Iran and Russia of using proxies and criminal networks to carry out hostile activities on British soil and pledged to track down those working on their behalf. Notably, the United States, Canada, Australia, and the European Union have already designated the IRGC as a terrorist organization or equivalent security threat.
💬 KEY QUOTE: “We will never let Britain be a playground for states who want to spread fear, division and violence on our streets.” – Sir Keir Starmer
🎯 IMPACT: If approved by Parliament, the legislation will make it easier to prosecute those linked to the IRGC and other foreign-linked operatives, removing the need to establish direct foreign power connections in every case.
📺 FLASHBACK: The IRGC has long been accused by Western nations of sponsoring terrorism and orchestrating crackdowns on dissent, both within Iran and abroad. The group has been on the U.S. terror list since 2019, and its belated designation by the British government comes after years of criticism for lagging behind its allies in addressing the threat.

Image via Wikimedia Commons.

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The British government has officially designated Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a national security threat, introducing new powers to prosecute individuals supporting the group and other foreign-linked operatives.

show more
By Popular Demand.
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6 hours ago
Crime
Immigration
News

Driver Shot Dead While ‘Trying to Hit ICE Officer’ with Car.

A fatal shooting involving an ICE officer occurred in Biddeford, Maine, after an alleged attempt to strike the officer with a vehicle.

PULSE POINTS
❓ WHAT HAPPENED: A person was fatally shot in Biddeford, Maine, during an encounter with a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer. Witnesses report that the individual who was shot appeared to be attempting to run over the ICE officer before the officer discharged his weapon.
📍 WHEN & WHERE: The incident occurred on Monday morning near Pool Street in Biddeford, Maine.
📺 DETAIL: Witness Lucas Scott described seeing the ICE officer exit an unmarked vehicle, order the driver to get out of his vehicle, and then open fire as the driver “was trying to hit the ICE officer” with his car. Witnesses also described a white vehicle having collided with a law enforcement vehicle at the scene, with gunshots were heard by nearby residents.
💬 KEY QUOTE: “This morning a shooting occurred in Biddeford. A person was killed. ICE was involved. State Police and the Department of Public Safety are now on scene to gather details and would expect the FBI to investigate as well. These are the details that I have at this time.” – Maine House Speaker Ryan Fecteau (D)
🎯 IMPACT: State police, the Department of Public Safety, and potentially the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) are expected to be involved in investigating the shooting. Anti-ICE activists quickly organized a demonstration following the incident.
📺 FLASHBACK: The shooting in Maine follows another deadly shooting involving ICE in Houston, Texas, last week. Mexican national Lorenzo Salgado Araujo is also accused of having “rammed an ICE law enforcement vehicle, refused to follow multiple verbal commands, and weaponized his vehicle in an attempt to run over an ICE law enforcement officer,” although this is disputed by passengers presented in the vehicle at the time. Mexico is attempting to sue the U.S. over the incident. 

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A fatal shooting involving an ICE officer occurred in Biddeford, Maine, after an alleged attempt to strike the officer with a vehicle.

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By Popular Demand.
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6 hours ago
News
War

Trump Vows U.S. Will Take Control of Strait of Hormuz and Get Paid ‘A Lot of Money’ for Guarding It.

President Donald J. Trump has vowed that the U.S. will take control of the Strait of Hormuz and get paid “a lot of money” for guarding it, as Iran is once again declaring that the key energy export route is closed.

PULSE POINTS
❓ WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump announced on Monday that the U.S. intends to take control of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping lane for oil, natural gas, and fertilizer exports, and suggested that the U.S.-aligned exporting countries will pay the U.S. “a lot of money” for protecting the strait and keeping it open. This comes follows futher U.S. strikes on Iran, which has declared that the waterway is closed, on Sunday, followed by Iranian retaliatory strikes targeting U.S. bases in the region.
📺 DETAIL: Trump emphasized during an interview that the U.S. has guarded the strait for decades without compensation, stating, “We should be reimbursed for that… The other nations are very wealthy, and we can’t be expected to do that for nothing.”
💬 KEY QUOTE: “We’ll become the guardian of the Strait. Maybe we’ll call it the ‘Guardian Angel of the Strait,’ and we should be reimbursed for that.” – President Donald Trump
🎯 IMPACT: The proposal underscores the U.S.’s strategic interest in ensuring free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, which accounts for a significant share of global oil shipments. However, it also signals a shift toward demanding financial contributions from allies for continued U.S. intervention in the region, potentially reshaping bilateral relations.
📈 DATA: Oil prices surged nearly five percent on Monday, with benchmark crude nearing $80 a barrel, reflecting market concerns over the escalating conflict and its impact on energy supplies.
📺 FLASHBACK: The Strait of Hormuz has been a flashpoint in U.S.-Iran relations for decades, with Iranian threats to close or substantially disrupt traffic through the strait frequently deterring outside intervention against the regime in Tehran. A memorandum of understanding between the U.S. and Iran was supposed to keep the waterway open, but collapsed earlier in July after continued Iranian attacks on commercial shipping, which prompted dozens of American retaliatory strikes.

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President Donald J. Trump has vowed that the U.S. will take control of the Strait of Hormuz and get paid "a lot of money" for guarding it, as Iran is once again declaring that the key energy export route is closed.

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By Popular Demand.
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7 hours ago
News
Politics

Lindsey Graham’s ‘Sudden’ Death Caused by Aortic Tear: Medical Examiner.

The death of Senator Lindsey Graham following a “brief and sudden” health crisis has been attributed to an aortic dissection by a preliminary medical examination.

PULSE POINTS
❓ WHAT HAPPENED: The cause of death of Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), a famously pro-Israel and pro-Ukraine ally of President Donald J. Trump, on Saturday has been determined to be an aortic dissection caused by cardiovascular disease in a preliminary finding from the Washington, D.C., medical examiner. However, the death certificate remains “pending” until “toxicological and microscopic testing” are complete.
📺 DETAIL: Graham had recently returned from a trip to Kiev, where he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky a day before his death. Zelensky called Graham “a true defender of freedom,” while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel had lost “one of its greatest friends” and praised his strong support for the Jewish State. First elected to the Senate in 2002, Graham became one of Washington’s most influential voices on foreign policy, frequently advocating for U.S. military intervention abroad and backing the recent military action against Iran. Although he was once a vocal critic of Trump during the 2016 presidential campaign, Graham later positioned himself as one of the president’s closest Republican allies, supporting him through his impeachment trial and 2024 re-election campaign.
🎯 IMPACT: With Graham’s passing, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster (R) is tasked with appointing a temporary replacement until a new senator is elected in the November midterm elections. Republicans currently hold a slim 53-47 Senate majority, making the replacement process and upcoming elections critical for both parties as they vie for control of the chamber.
💬 KEY QUOTE: “Lindsey understood that the security of Israel and America are inseparable.” – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

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The death of Senator Lindsey Graham following a "brief and sudden" health crisis has been attributed to an aortic dissection by a preliminary medical examination.

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By Popular Demand.
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