Friday, January 2, 2026

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MSNBC Analyst Pens Essay Defending CCP & Iran From Bannon.

MSNBC analyst and far-left website ‘Mother Jones’ Washington bureau chief David Corn has published an essay dismissing Steve Bannon’s assessment that China and Iran are more-than-eager to foment the war between Israel and Hamas as the conflict could serve to diminish American power. Surmising that regional and global powers like China and Iran could benefit from a worn down and war weary America is a “conspiracy theory” according to Corn.

Bannon’s theory about Chinese and Iranian interests in the Israel-Hamas conflict is wrong because he discussed it with War Room guest Alex Jones, says Corn, who calls Jones “scurrilous conspiracist” and “dangerous grifter.” Despite the ad hominem, what Jones told Bannon is a reasonable estimation of how Chinese grand strategy is intertwined with the interests of the global anti-American elite:

“[They] want to wear [out] America, destabilize America, and drive nations of the world away from a Western uni-power to this multi-polar world they talk about that really will finally end up unseating the US as the dominant force of the planet.”

The Chinese Communist Party has been shown to be actively working to undermine the power and influence of Western nation’s around the globe. In the United Kingdom two parliament staffers with links to senior lawmakers were arrested in March on the suspicion that they were acting as spies for Communist China. The UK Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee even published a report admitting that China had infiltrated every level of the country’s economy in an effort to exert influence over the British nation and its interests.

In the U.S., powerful Wall Street interests, like hedge-fund billionaire Jeff Yass, have poured money into preventing the government from banning the Chinese social media app TikTok – despite credible accusations that the Chinese Communist Party uses the app as an espionage tool. Yass is a major investor in TikTok with $21 billion of his $28 billion net worth wrapped up in the app. And in an example that adds additional strength to Bannon’s thoughts on China, the communist nation continues to back the Russian invasion of Ukraine in an effort to undermine the U.S. hegemony and push us towards a multi-polar world.

By Popular Demand.
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Newest Nobel Prize Winner Endorses Trump’s Venezuela Strategy.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado expressed strong support for President Trump’s strategy to pressure Nicolás Maduro’s regime and highlighted the importance of U.S. involvement in Venezuela’s fight for democracy.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: María Corina Machado, President Donald Trump, Nicolás Maduro, and international allies, including the United States.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Machado recently spoke on CBS’s “Face the Nation” after receiving her Nobel Peace Prize in Norway, marking her first public appearance in nearly a year.

💬KEY QUOTE: “We, the Venezuelan people, are very grateful to him and to his administration, because I believe he is a champion of freedom in this hemisphere.” – María Corina Machado

🎯IMPACT: Machado’s statements underscore the growing pressure on Maduro’s regime and the pivotal role of U.S. foreign policy in Venezuela’s path toward democracy.

IN FULL

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado praised President Donald J. Trump’s approach toward Venezuela, calling him a “champion of freedom in this hemisphere” and crediting his administration with intensifying pressure on Nicolás Maduro’s government. Machado said the Trump administration has finally taken steps the Venezuelan opposition has long requested, including expanded sanctions, seizures of Venezuelan oil, and military actions aimed at disrupting illegal activities tied to the regime.

“We, the Venezuelan people, are very grateful to him and to his administration, because I believe he is a champion of freedom in this hemisphere,” she said.

Machado added that those measures signal that Venezuela is now being treated as a U.S. national security priority. “We have been asking this for years, so it’s finally happening,” she said, adding that the Maduro regime’s “days are numbered.”

Machado recently escaped Venezuela to travel to Norway, where she accepted a Nobel Peace Prize. She dedicated the award to President Trump, arguing that sustained international pressure is essential to ending Maduro’s rule. While acknowledging the hardships caused by sanctions, she defended the policy, saying, “What we want to do is to save lives, but Maduro was the one who declared a war on the Venezuelan people.”

She called on democratic nations to work together to shut down the regime’s illicit revenue streams and raise the cost of Maduro remaining in power. Machado said growing cracks within the government are already visible, particularly within the armed forces and police. “The wide majority of the military want change,” she said, pointing to recent cases of service members refusing orders or reaching out to opposition figures.

Her comments come as the Trump administration has increased both economic and military pressure on Venezuela. In recent days, the United States announced new sanctions targeting Venezuelan and Iranian individuals and entities accused of supporting weapons and technology transfers tied to Caracas. U.S. officials have said the sanctions are designed to weaken the Maduro government’s international networks and limit its ability to fund security operations.

The administration has also acknowledged direct military action linked to Venezuela. Trump recently revealed that U.S. forces struck a facility on Venezuelan territory allegedly used to load narcotics shipments, marking a significant escalation in operations tied to counter-drug efforts. Separately, the U.S. military has continued maritime operations in the Caribbean, sinking vessels accused of working with drug cartels amid what officials describe as expanding Venezuela-related security missions.

Asked about the possibility of U.S. troops entering Venezuela, Machado said she supports “more and more pressure” to force Maduro out but does not expect American ground forces to be deployed. She emphasized that international allies, particularly the United States, will play a critical role in rebuilding democratic institutions after a transition.

“The day Maduro goes,” Machado said, “you will see tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands of Venezuelan migrants coming back home.”

Official White House Photo by Daniel Torok.

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‘Hate Crime’ – Dem Mayor Tries to Criminalize Citizen Journalism.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: Mayor Katie Wilson (D) condemned independent journalists investigating allegations of fraud in Somali-run daycares, labeling them as “extremist influencers” and accusing them of harassment.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson, independent journalists, Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon, and Mike Davis.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The controversy centers on Somali daycare providers in Seattle, Washington, and allegations of fraud that have been exposed in recent investigations.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Asking questions/citizen journalism are NOT HATE CRIMES in America — they are protected speech, and if Seattle tries to chill that speech, [DOJ Civil Rights Division] will step in to protect it and set them straight!” – Harmeet Dhillon

🎯IMPACT: The situation has sparked national attention, with federal officials warning against threats to First Amendment rights and independent journalists continuing to uncover questionable practices.

IN FULL

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson (D) has condemned independent journalists investigating allegations of fraud in Somali-run daycares, describing them as “extremist influencers” engaged in harassment. “I stand with the Somali childcare providers who have experienced targeted harassment, and condemn the surveillance campaign promoted by extremist influencers,” Wilson—a self-described socialist—wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter) late Thursday.

The far-left socialist mayor encouraged individuals who believe they are victims of hate crimes to contact Washington’s Hate Crimes and Bias Incident Hotline. She further asserted, “In Seattle, we believe in solidarity, and our city will not tolerate anyone who is trying to intimidate, harass, or film Somali childcare providers. Such behavior is unacceptable and puts children and families at risk.”

Her comments follow investigations by independent journalists Nick Shirley, as well as Cam Higby and Jonathan Choe, the latter of whom reported on local Seattle Somali daycare facilities receiving government subsidies despite discrepancies suggesting potential fraudulent activity. One case involved a daycare listed as receiving over $210,000 in taxpayer funds, but when questioned, the occupant of what appears to actually be a residential property denied operating any childcare business.

Additional reports highlighted daycares with no children present and threats to journalists attempting to verify the legality of their operations.

Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon, who oversees the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Civil Rights Division, responded to Wilson’s accusations, warning, “Asking questions/citizen journalism are NOT HATE CRIMES in America — they are protected speech, and if Seattle tries to chill that speech, [DOJ Civil Rights Division] will step in to protect it and set them straight!” Dhillon also criticized Washington Attorney General Nick Brown (D) for similar comments, emphasizing that state officials cannot infringe on First Amendment rights.

Image by Jonathan Thorne

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Trump’s DHS Arrests 500 Illegals in Minnesota.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: Federal agents have arrested 500 illegal immigrants and investigated 1,000 immigration-fraud cases in Minnesota over the past two months, according to Homeland Security.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Homeland Security, ICE, Somali nationals, and Minnesota officials, including Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Investigations have escalated in Minnesota over the past two months, with updates provided on December 30, 2025.

💬KEY QUOTE: “These suspected perpetrators are really trying to cover their tracks,” said Tricia McLaughlin, Homeland Security assistant secretary.

🎯IMPACT: Federal funding to Minnesota’s childcare program has been cut off, and stricter documentation is now required for daycare providers nationwide.

IN FULL

Federal immigration enforcement agents have already arrested an estimated 500 illegal immigrants and investigated over 1,000 cases of immigration fraud in Minnesota over the past two months, according to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. According to DHS, nearly 100 individuals were also arrested and federally charged over defrauding the government, with most of them being Somali nationals.

McLaughlin revealed that “hundreds” of federal investigators were on the ground in Minnesota over the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, investigating a number of daycare centers, assisted living facilities, and “other organizations that take taxpayer dollars.” She continued, “These suspected perpetrators are really trying to cover their tracks.” The fraudulent businesses, McLaughlin notes, have taken steps to disguise their criminal operations as legitimate enterprises.

The federal immigration crackdown in Minnesota predates the viral video posted by YouTuber Nick Shirley on December 26, claiming to have found over $110 million in alleged childcare fraud. Federal prosecutors earlier in December estimated the total cost of fraud in the state could easily top $9 billion. “The fraud is not small. It isn’t isolated. The magnitude cannot be overstated. What we see in Minnesota is not a handful of bad actors committing crimes. It’s staggering industrial-scale fraud. It’s swamping Minnesota and calling into question everything we know about our state,” First Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson said at the time.

Despite federal efforts, however, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have faced resistance from Minnesota state officials, including Governor Tim Walz (D-MN). The state’s sanctuary laws place limitations on cooperation with federal immigration authorities, and Minneapolis recently enacted provisions barring city employees from working with ICE officers. Late last month, ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons slammed the Democrat-enacted sanctuary policies, stating: “If sanctuary cities would change their policies, and turn these violent criminal aliens over to us … instead of releasing them into the public, we would not have to go out to the communities and do this.”

The National Pulse previously reported that state government whistleblowers accuse Gov. Walz of having uncovered evidence of the Somali immigrant community-connected fraud involving the Feeding Our Future nonprofit in 2019. However, they contend the Walz administration backed down from investigating the group after intense pushback from Feeding Our Future’s leaders, who accused state officials of discrimination against Minnesota’s Somali immigrant community.

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Kash Patel’s FBI Thwarts New Year’s Eve ISIS Terror Plot.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: Federal authorities stopped an ISIS-inspired terrorist attack planned for New Year’s Eve in Mint Hill, North Carolina.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Christian Sturdivant, 18, a U.S. citizen, along with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The attack was planned for New Year’s Eve at a grocery store and fast food restaurant in Mint Hill, North Carolina.

💬KEY QUOTE: “He was preparing for Jihad and innocent people were going to die.” – Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.

🎯IMPACT: The attack was thwarted, preventing a potential national tragedy.

IN FULL

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) on Friday announced that federal law enforcement prevented an Islamic State (ISIS) inspired terrorist attack against  New Year’s Eve revelers in Mint Hill, North Carolina. According to DOJ officials, Christian Sturdivant, an 18-year-old U.S. citizen, allegedly intended to carry out the attack using knives and hammers in the Charlotte suburb, after becoming radicalized online.

“He was preparing for Jihad and innocent people were going to die,” said Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina, during a press conference. Sturdivant reportedly intended to target Jews, Christians, and LGBTQ individuals, and aimed to become a “martyr” in the attack.

Additional details released by the DOJ indicate that Sturdivant first came to law enforcement’s attention in January 2022, at the age of 14, when he communicated with an overseas ISIS member who instructed him to attack people with a hammer. His family stopped him at the time, and he underwent psychological care without facing charges. Authorities later discovered he had resumed social media activity and began reading ISIS propaganda, creating TikTok videos, and pledging allegiance to ISIS.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and law enforcement agencies intervened after Sturdivant shared detailed plans with undercover agents, including locations for the attack and requests for firearms. A search of his residence revealed hammers, knives, and notes outlining his plans. Sturdivant was arrested on New Year’s Eve as he was being discharged from a medical facility.

“Without the swift action of the FBI, joint terrorism task force, New York City Police Department, the Mint Hill Police Department, and our partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina, we could be announcing a national tragedy,” said James Barnacle, FBI Special Agent in Charge in Charlotte.

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Will Smith, ‘Grooming,’ and a Hotel Intrusion Feature in Bizarre New Lawsuit Against ‘Fresh Prince.’

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: Will Smith has been sued by a former touring musician who accused him of “deliberately grooming” him and retaliating after an alleged “hotel intrusion” was reported.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Actor and musician Will Smith, violinist Brian King Joseph, and Smith’s management team.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The events reportedly occurred on or around March 20 in Las Vegas; the lawsuit was filed in the Los Angeles County Superior Court earlier this week.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Everyone is telling me that what happened to you is a lie, nothing happened, and you made the whole thing up. So, tell me, why did you lie and make this up?” – Alleged statement from Smith’s representative, according to the lawsuit.

🎯IMPACT: The lawsuit accuses Smith of misconduct and retaliation, raising significant questions about his conduct and management practices.

IN FULL

Violinist Brian King Joseph has sued actor and musician Will Smith in Los Angeles County Superior Court, alleging inappropriate conduct and retaliation during Smith’s most recent album tour. Joseph, who first joined the tour in December 2024, claims he worked closely with the actor and musician and that Smith told him they shared a “special connection,” which the lawsuit characterizes as “deliberately grooming and priming” him for exploitation.

The complaint centers on an alleged incident that occurred on or around March 20, 2025, during a tour stop in Las Vegas. Joseph says that when he returned to his hotel room late at night, he noticed signs suggesting someone had entered without permission. According to the lawsuit, items found in the room included wipes, a beer bottle, an earring, HIV medication, and a handwritten note that read: “Brian, I’ll be back no later [sic] 5:30, just us [drawn heart], Stone F.”

Joseph reported the situation to hotel security, police, and representatives for Smith—describing it as a “hotel intrusion.” He alleges that after making the report, he was removed from the tour. The lawsuit quotes a representative of Smith as saying, “Everyone is telling me that what happened to you is a lie, nothing happened, and you made the whole thing up. So, tell me, why did you lie and make this up?”

Although he was told the tour was “moving in a different direction,” Joseph says another violinist was hired soon after to replace him. The filing does not specify the amount of damages being sought.

Image by Gage Skidmore. 

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Thomas Massie’s Primary Opponent is Raising a LOT of Money.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: Ed Gallrein, a retired Navy SEAL and GOP challenger to Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY), raised $1.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2025, his campaign announced.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Ed Gallrein, Rep. Thomas Massie, President Donald J. Trump, and campaign spokesman Lance Trover.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The fundraising announcement came in December 2025, with the GOP primary for Kentucky’s fourth congressional district scheduled for May 19, 2026.

💬KEY QUOTE: “President Trump endorsed Ed because he knows Ed is fighting to put America First and will partner with him to unleash our economy, lower taxes, and stop the woke agenda.” – Lance Trover, Gallrein campaign spokesman

🎯IMPACT: Gallrein’s early fundraising success positions him as a serious challenger to Massie, with Trump’s endorsement amplifying his campaign.

IN FULL

Ed Gallrein, a retired Navy SEAL who served for three decades—including on SEAL Team Six—and is mounting a primary challenge against Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY), has raised $1.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2025, his campaign has announced. The campaign attributes this significant fundraising milestone to the overwhelming support Gallrein has received since entering the race in October.

“This fundraising number reflects the overwhelming support Ed’s campaign has received right out of the gate,” Gallrein campaign spokesman Lance Trover said, emphasizing that President Donald J. Trump’s endorsement has been pivotal. “President Trump endorsed Ed because he knows Ed is fighting to put America First and will partner with him to unleash our economy, lower taxes, and stop the woke agenda,” Tover added.

Gallrein launched his campaign to challenge Massie in Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District. According to Gallrein’s campaign, nearly all the money they’ve raised thus far is from contributions for the primary cycle, not the general election, suggesting growing Republican support for ousting Massie, who has held the seat since November 2012. Republican voters and other supporters of President Trump have become increasingly frustrated with Massie, who has too often sided with Congressional Democrats to block the White House’s America First agenda.

During the first year of President Trump’s second term, Massie voted against the One Big Beautiful Bill, which provides significant working-class tax relief and needed funding for immigration enforcement. Before the 2024 election, Massie emerged as an unlikely ally of former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), who was ousted by former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) after breaking an agreement with House conservatives over spending bills.

President Trump is publicly backing Gallrein’s primary campaign, calling him a “winner,” and writing on Truth Social before the primary bid, “I hope Ed gets into the Race against Massie… CAPTAIN ED GALLREIN IS A WINNER WHO WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN.” The Kentucky Republican primary is slated for May 2026.

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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Soviet-Era Putin Ally Drops Simpsons Meme on ‘Comrade Mamdani’ After ‘Collectivism’ Flub.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: Russian President Vladimir Putin’s political ally Kirill Dmitriev mocked New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s collectivist rhetoric using a Simpsons meme in a post on social media.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Kirill Dmitriev, Zohran Mamdani, and Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT).

📍WHEN & WHERE: Dmitriev’s response was posted on January 1, 2026, following Mamdani’s swearing-in ceremony in New York City.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Dear Comrade Mamdani — just a friendly reminder that this has been tried before.” – Kirill Dmitriev

🎯IMPACT: Mamdani’s rhetoric drew criticism from a number of political commentators, who labeled it as “chilling” and “horrific.”

IN FULL

Kirill Dmitriev, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin and the head of Russia’s sovereign wealth fund, mocked New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s embrace of collectivism on social media following Mamdani’s swearing-in ceremony. Mamdani, who identifies as a democratic socialist, declared during the event, “We will replace the frigidity of rugged individualism with the warmth of collectivism.”

Dmitriev responded directly to Mamdani on X (formerly Twitter), addressing him as “comrade” and posting a Simpsons meme depicting Russian revolutionary Vladimir Lenin as a zombie with the caption, “Must crush capitalism!” Alongside the image, Dmitriev wrote, “Dear Comrade Mamdani — just a friendly reminder that this has been tried before.” Dmitriev, who is a Harvard graduate, has frequently commented publicly on Western politics and economic policy.

Mamdani was publicly sworn into office on January 1, 2026, by U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), whom the new mayor praised as “the man whose leadership I seek most to emulate.” His remarks on collectivism drew criticism from conservative and MAGA-aligned commentators in the United States, some of whom described the language as “horrific” and “chilling.”

The exchange comes amid a history of Russian officials weighing in on U.S. political affairs. In 2024, Putin publicly indicated a preference for former Vice President Kamala Harris in the presidential race, citing dissatisfaction with sanctions imposed on Russia by President Donald J. Trump during his first term in office. The comments attracted attention after coinciding with former U.S. Representative Liz Cheney’s (R-WY) endorsement of Harris.

Even before being sworn in to office, Mamdani’s administration has drawn controversy. One of his appointees resigned just one day after being named to a senior role, following backlash over resurfaced past antisemitic statements. Mamdani has additionally faced criticism for staffing decisions during his transition period, including tapping a lawyer known for representing terrorism suspects to his transition team—and later naming him as the city’s Chief Counsel—and defending the inclusion of a convicted armed robber in a public safety role.

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Wicked Composer Cancels Trump-Kennedy Center Show.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: Composer Stephen Schwartz has canceled his performance at the Kennedy Center, citing objections to its renaming as the Trump-Kennedy Center.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Stephen Schwartz, President Donald J. Trump, and Trump-Kennedy Center President Richard Grenell

📍WHEN & WHERE: The announcement was made ahead of Schwartz’s planned May 16 performance at the Trump-Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

💬KEY QUOTE: “It no longer represents the apolitical place for free artistic expression it was founded to be. There’s no way I would set foot in it now.” – Stephen Schwartz

🎯IMPACT: Numerous artists have canceled performances at the Trump-Kennedy Center, though many actually appear to have withdrawn from scheduled shows due to almost no public interest in their work.

IN FULL

Stephen Schwartz, the composer of Broadway hits such as Wicked, Godspell, and Pippin, has withdrawn from a scheduled performance at the Trump-Kennedy Center. The decision comes in response to the venue’s renaming as the Trump-Kennedy Center, a move that has sparked protests from far-left activists in the arts community.

Schwartz, who was set to host the Washington National Opera Gala on May 16, stated via an email sent by his assistant, “It no longer represents the apolitical place for free artistic expression it was founded to be. There’s no way I would set foot in it now.” The Trump-Kennedy Center has been the target of leftist protests after President Donald J. Trump and the cultural institution’s president, Ric Grenell, moved to depoliticize its musical and artistic offerings.

The renaming has prompted a wave of artist cancellations. Jazz group The Cookers, the Doug Varone and Dancers troupe, and drummer Chuck Redd are among those who have withdrawn from scheduled performances. Redd’s cancellation of his Christmas Eve concert led to Trump-Kennedy Center leadership demanding $1 million from him, calling his decision a “political stunt.” However, The National Pulse reported late last week that leftist performers such as The Cookers, Kristy Lee, Chuck Redd, and Doug Varone and Dancers actually appear to have withdrawn from scheduled shows due to almost no public interest in their work.

Additionally, Grenell has accused media outlets like CNN and The Washington Post of encouraging artists to boycott the venue. He claimed on social media that “legacy media are left-wing activists—and they are open about it.” Meanwhile, the Trump administration has dismissed criticism of the renaming, arguing it saved the institution from financial ruin.

Notably, a number of leftwing activists and self-styled “arts defenders” have been revealed to be urging performers to cancel appearances, patrons to boycott events, and even cheering for Trump’s death, all in protest of the Center’s association with the current president.

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Maduro Now Says He’s Willing to Talk.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro expressed willingness to negotiate a drug-trafficking agreement with the United States following recent military actions targeting his government.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Nicolás Maduro, the U.S. military, and U.S. President Donald J. Trump.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The remarks were made in an interview given by Maduro, which aired on Venezuelan state television on New Year’s Eve, following U.S. military strikes that have been ongoing since September 2025.

💬KEY QUOTE: “If they want to seriously discuss an agreement to combat drug trafficking, we’re ready.” – Nicolás Maduro

🎯IMPACT: While Maduro’s remarks could signal a potential shift in U.S.-Venezuelan relations, his regime’s integration with the Cartel de los Soles and involvement in the illegal drug trade likely mean new negotiations remain remote.

IN FULL

Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro is signaling that he is now open to negotiations with U.S. President Donald J. Trump on tackling his country’s involvement in drug trafficking, as well as oil-related leases and agreements. In a pre-taped interview that aired on Venezuelan state television, he said, “The U.S. government knows, because we’ve told many of their spokespeople, that if they want to seriously discuss an agreement to combat drug trafficking, we’re ready.”

The interview and call for negotiations follow a month of U.S. military strikes against Venezuelan-origin cartel drug boats and the seizure of several large oil tankers subject to sanctions by U.S. forces operating in the Caribbean. Notably, the Trump administration contends the drug trafficking operations are linked to the Maduro regime, which is believed to also operate as the Cartel de los Soles (Cartel of the Suns).

In addition, Maduro invited U.S. investment in Venezuela’s oil industry, emphasizing Chevron’s ongoing operations in the country. However, the communist strongman also accused President Trump and the U.S. government of pursuing regime change and seeking control over Venezuela’s oil reserves, citing a “pressure campaign” that included military deployments in the Caribbean. He claimed the U.S. aims to “impose themselves through threats, intimidation and force.”

Notably, Maduro’s interview coincided with the latest U.S. kinetic military strike against a cartel-operated drug boat, announced by the Pentagon. Additionally, just after the Christmas holiday, President Trump confirmed that U.S. forces had struck the Venezuelan mainland, targeting a port facility used by drug traffickers to launch illegal narcotic-laden vessels.

At least 114 individuals have reportedly been killed since the U.S. initiated strikes on drug boats in September.

Image by Eneas De Troya.

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Scott Bolger Faces 5-Years for Death Threat Text to Kennedy Center Chief Ric Grenell.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: A McLean man is facing federal charges after allegedly sending a death threat to a federal official and attempting to deceive agents upon their arrival.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Scott Allen Bolger, federal law enforcement, and Richard Grenell.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The threat was sent on December 23, and the investigation took place in McLean, Virginia.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Threats of violence are serious crimes with serious consequences,” said Lindsey Halligan, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia.

🎯IMPACT: Bolger faces up to five years in federal prison if convicted.

IN FULL

A 33-year-old Virginia man has been charged with transmitting threats in interstate commerce and making false statements after allegedly sending a graphic death threat to the Trump Kennedy Center President Ric Grenell, a current federal official, and attempting to deceive investigators.

Scott Allen Bolger, who lives in a 740 sq ft apartment in McLean, faces up to five years in federal prison if convicted. According to court records, the investigation began after a threatening text message was sent on December 23 using Google Voice, a service that masks the sender’s phone number.

According to prosecutors, the text read, “Step on U Street and get a bullet put between your eyes, loyalist pig skin pu**y.” The Department of Justice (DOJ) initially did not identify the recipient of the threat, but later reports stated that the message was sent to Grenell, who subsequently confirmed he was the target.

Grenell thanked law enforcement officials involved in the case, including Pam Bondi, Kash Patel, and U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan, saying, “I am grateful… for finding this deranged individual and locking him up. His name is Scott Bolger.”

When federal agents arrived at Bolger’s residence in McLean to question him, prosecutors allege he attempted to mislead them by claiming his name was “Brian Black” and denying any knowledge of Scott Bolger. Investigators had already identified him as the suspect before the encounter.

Bolger attended Marshall University in West Virginia and lists his employer as I.T. consultancy “Iben,” run by Beneil (Ben) Khoshabeh, based in San Jose, California.

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