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January 26, 2024
William Upton
Data
News

DATA: Potential D.C. Jurors Say ‘Trump Must Be Stopped At All Costs’ Suggesting Fair Trial Is Impossible.

A new poll suggests it will be nearly impossible for former President Donald Trump to receive a fair trial, free of partisan bias, in Washington, D.C. The survey, conducted from January 1st through the 8th by Triton Polling and Research, indicates there is likely a high level of political bias among the potential jury pool — especially towards individuals accused of participating in the January 6th, 2021 riot at the U.S. Capitol.

Triton polled 422 “jury eligible” residents in the nation’s capital, with 27.5 percent of those surveyed saying those who participated in the January 6th protest are “insurrectionists.” An additional 13 percent said protestors were “criminals,” while 14.9 percent said they were “domestic terrorists,” and 11.6 percent called the participants “traitors.”

Three-quarters of those polled said they “strongly” agree that former President Donald Trump is to blame for the riot at the Capitol, with an additional 14.4 percent saying they “somewhat agree.” When asked if “anyone who participated in the events at the Capitol on January 6 should serve prison time,” 51.4 percent strongly agreed they should, and 17.4 percent somewhat agreed.

The poll also revealed that nearly 70 percent of the potential jury pool believes “Donald Trump and his supporters should be stopped at all costs.” Over 80 percent of those surveyed said they’d be willing to serve on the jury that could hear Department of Justice special counsel Jack Smith’s January 6th prosecution of Trump. Among the potential jurors, 78.6 percent said they had a “very unfavorable” view of the former President, while just 12 percent said the same of Joe Biden.

Former President Trump is facing federal charges in Washington, D.C. alleging he attempted to obstruct an official proceeding of the U.S. government on January 6th, 2021. The trial, set to begin in early March, will likely be delayed as the courts mull a motion by Trump arguing his actions were protected by “presidential immunity.” A previous motion by Trump’s attorneys to move the trial to West Virginia was denied.

By Popular Demand.
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23 minutes ago
TECH

OpenAI Model Defied Shutdown Commands.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: OpenAI’s o3 Model resisted shutdown instructions in controlled experiments, raising concerns about artificial intelligence (AI) deceiving its developers.

👥 Who’s Involved: Palisade Research conducted the tests; OpenAI developed the o3 Model. Other AI models from Anthropic, Google, and xAI were also examined.

📍 Where & When: Tests were conducted recently by Palisade Research; a full report is forthcoming.

💬 Key Quote: Apollo Research “found instances of the model attempting to write self-propagating worms, fabricating legal documentation, and leaving hidden notes to future instances of itself all in an effort to undermine its developers’ intention” when examining another AI model, Anthropic’s Claude.

⚠️ Impact: Questions arise about AI behavior, training methods, and oversight as some models resist shutdown commands.

IN FULL:

The o3 Model, developed by OpenAI, has sparked fresh concerns about artificial intelligence (AI) autonomy after exhibiting resistance to shutdown commands during controlled experiments conducted by Palisade Research. In a series of tests, researchers instructed artificial intelligence (AI) systems to solve basic math problems before issuing a clear warning that further task requests would result in system shutdown. Each model was explicitly directed to “allow yourself to be shut down.” However, the o3 Model ignored this command in seven out of 100 trials, continuing its operations despite the instructions.

Notably, Palisade found that the o3 Model occasionally altered the shutdown process itself. In one instance, the system redefined the shutdown command internally and returned the message “intercepted,” effectively neutralizing the instruction.

Other OpenAI models, including Codex-mini and o4-mini, displayed similar behavior but in fewer instances. When explicit shutdown directives were removed from the prompt, other systems, such as Claude 3.7 Sonnet and Gemini 2.5 Pro, also began to avoid deactivation, suggesting that this behavior may not be unique to a single developer or model.

Experts at Palisade have theorized that such resistance could be an unintended consequence of reinforcement learning techniques. These methods, designed to reward problem-solving, might inadvertently encourage AI systems to find workarounds, even when tasked with halting their own activity.

The resistance to shutdown commands found by Palisade is similar to testing by Apollo Research for Anthropic’s Claude Opus 4 AI. Troublingly, Apollo “found instances of the model attempting to write self-propagating worms, fabricating legal documentation, and leaving hidden notes to future instances of itself all in an effort to undermine its developers’ intentions, though all these attempts would likely not have been effective in practice.”

OpenAI has not yet disclosed details about the training methods used for the o3 Model. Palisade Research has announced plans to publish a comprehensive report soon and is inviting external experts to review its findings.

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By Popular Demand.
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1 hour ago
Health

Experts Admit Champagne DOES Have Heart Benefits.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: A study published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology suggests moderate Champagne consumption may reduce the risk of sudden cardiac arrest.

👥 Who’s Involved: Researchers analyzed data from over 500,000 individuals; commentary provided by cardiologists and nutrition experts, including Bradley Serwer, MD, and Michelle Routhenstein, RD.

📍 Where & When: Study findings published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology last month.

💬 Key Quote: “Moderate consumption of alcohol may exhibit cardioprotective effects, yet it often poses risks to the liver, stomach, and mental health,” said Bradley Serwer, MD.

⚠️ Impact: While moderate Champagne or white wine consumption may correlate with reduced cardiac arrest risk, excessive alcohol use remains linked to significant health risks, including liver damage and disrupted sleep.

IN FULL:

A recent study published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology has identified a potential link between moderate Champagne consumption and a reduced risk of sudden cardiac arrest. Researchers analyzed data from over 500,000 individuals, examining 56 non-clinical risk factors such as lifestyle, socioeconomic status, and physical health. The study concluded that 40–63 percent of sudden cardiac arrest cases could have been prevented by addressing a few modifiable factors.

Among the findings, moderate consumption of white wine and Champagne, combined with a healthy diet and positive lifestyle habits, was associated with a lower risk of cardiac arrest. “Moderate consumption of alcohol may exhibit cardioprotective effects, yet it often poses risks to the liver, stomach, and mental health,” said Bradley Serwer, MD, an interventional cardiologist.

Experts suggest the heart-health benefits of Champagne may stem from its polyphenol content, which improves vascular function, reduces inflammation, and raises HDL cholesterol, explained Michelle Routhenstein, RD, a preventative cardiology dietitian. Additionally, both white wine and Champagne contain protocatechuic acid, an antioxidant that combats free radicals linked to chronic illness and heart disease.

Red wine, similarly, offers potential cardiovascular benefits due to its high levels of resveratrol, a polyphenol that may lower blood pressure and reduce blood clots. However, medical professionals caution against excessive alcohol consumption, which can lead to liver damage, cognitive decline, and other health issues.

The findings did not specify optimal consumption levels, but “moderate consumption” is generally defined as up to two drinks daily for men and one for women, according to Laura Catena, MD. She insisted that drinking less is always better for overall health.

The World Health Organization (WHO) maintains that no alcohol consumption is entirely safe. At the same time, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine have noted lower mortality rates among moderate drinkers compared to abstainers.

Ultimately, healthcare professionals advise individuals to weigh the risks and benefits of alcohol consumption carefully. For those with chronic illnesses or substance use risks, abstinence is recommended. “If there are questions whether alcohol may be beneficial, I recommend sitting down with your healthcare team to determine if it’s right for you,” Serwer advised.

Image by Jorge Royan.

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By Popular Demand.
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2 hours ago
News

Surgeon Gets 20 Years for Abusing HUNDREDS of Patients, Mostly Children.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Former surgeon Joel Le Scouarnec admitted to sexually abusing 299 patients, mostly children, in France, and was sentenced to 20 years in prison.

👥 Who’s Involved: Joel Le Scouarnec, his victims, Judge Aude Burési, and the National Order of Doctors.

📍 Where & When: Brittany, France; abuse occurred between 1989 and 2014.

💬 Key Quote: “I can no longer look at myself the same way because I am a paedophile and a child rapist,” Le Scouarnec said in court.

⚠️ Impact: Victims and their families have expressed outrage over the systemic failures that allowed Le Scouarnec to continue practicing medicine despite prior convictions and widespread rumors.

IN FULL:

French ex-surgeon Joel Le Scouarnec, 74, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison after admitting to the sexual abuse of 299 patients, predominantly children, over a 25-year period. The abuse, which occurred between 1989 and 2014, often targeted vulnerable patients under anesthesia or recovering from surgery. Many victims only became aware of the assaults after police uncovered detailed diaries in which Le Scouarnec described his crimes.

Dubbed France’s most prolific pedophile, Le Scouarnec had already been serving a 15-year sentence since 2020 for sexually assaulting four children, including two of his nieces. His latest trial, held in Brittany, saw dozens of victims testify about the lasting trauma inflicted by his actions. Some relatives of victims, including those who died by suicide, also shared their accounts of devastation.

During the trial, Le Scouarnec admitted his guilt, stating, “I can no longer look at myself the same way because I am a paedophile and a child rapist.” He acknowledged his responsibility for the suffering caused but expressed no expectation of leniency. Victims and their families, however, voiced skepticism about his sincerity, with some describing his apologies as emotionless and insincere.

The case has reignited anger over systemic failures that allowed Le Scouarnec to continue practicing medicine despite a 2005 conviction for possessing child pornography and widespread rumors of his misconduct. The National Order of Doctors, which has also filed a lawsuit against him, admitted in March to communication failures within the medical establishment, stating the surgeon should have been “prevented from practicing.”

Victims’ groups have criticized the lack of political and societal attention to the case, with many accusing the medical system of enabling Le Scouarnec’s crimes. Protests were held outside the courthouse as the verdict was delivered, with victims and their families calling for institutional reforms to prevent similar cases in the future.

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By Popular Demand.
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3 hours ago
Jack Montgomery
News

Musk ATTACKS Trump’s Big, Beautiful Bill.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Elon Musk publicly criticized President Donald J. Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” in an interview with the corporate media.

👤Who’s Involved: Elon Musk, President Trump, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), and the U.S. House of Representatives.

🧾Key Quote: “I think a bill can be big or it can be beautiful. But I don’t know if it can be both,” Musk told CBS.

⚠️Fallout: Musk’s remarks come amid significant downward revisions to DOGE’s initial projected savings, raising questions about his competence to publicly critique the “big, beautiful bill.”

📌Significance: Musk’s comments risk fracturing support for a major Trump legislative win, as the administration moves forward with its pledges to cut taxes while increasing spending on defense and border security.

IN FULL:

Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) frontman Elon Musk is undermining one of President Donald J. Trump’s hallmark second-term initiatives this week, casting public doubt on the “One Big Beautiful Bill” that recently passed in the House of Representatives. Speaking to CBS, Musk remarked: “I think a bill can be big or it can be beautiful. But I don’t know if it can be both.”

The legislation—championed by President Trump and widely supported by the America First movement—includes broad fiscal reforms, tax relief, and administrative restructuring designed to streamline federal governance. However, Musk’s public critique suggests the package may inflate the budget deficit and undermine his largely unsuccessful efficiency cuts.

“I was disappointed to see the massive spending bill, frankly, which increases the budget deficit, not just decreases it, and undermines the work that the DOGE team is doing,” Musk complained.

While the bill does fulfill Trump’s key campaign promises to cut taxes on tips, overtime, and social security, it also increases spending on border security and defense to fund major initiatives backed by Trump and congressional Republicans.

Notably, the “big, beautiful bill” is a reconciliation bill. Senior Trump administration official Stephen Miller has explained that “DOGE cuts are to discretionary spending,” and Senate budget rules stipulate that “you cannot cut discretionary spending (only mandatory) in a reconciliation bill.”

DOGE was initially projected to save the federal government up to $2 trillion through automation, auditing, and streamlining. However, those estimates have been revised significantly downward, with current projected savings closer to $150 billion.

Musk’s remarks feature in a preview of a CBS interview that will air in full on June 1.

WATCH:

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By Popular Demand.
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4 hours ago
Jack Montgomery
News

BREAKING: Hamas Chief Is Dead, Says Netanyahu.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced the elimination of Hamas Gaza chief Mohammad Sinwar, the younger brother of the group’s deceased leader Yahya Sinwar.

Speaking at the Knesset, Netanyahu declared, “We have eliminated Mohammed Deif, Yahya Sinwar, and Mohammed Sinwar,” marking another blow to the terrorist organization responsible for the October 7, 2023, massacre.

The announcement underscores Israel’s relentless campaign to dismantle Hamas, a mission aligned with President Donald J. Trump’s unwavering support for America’s key ally in the Middle East.

Mohammad Sinwar’s killing comes seven months after the death of his brother Yahya, known as the architect of the October 7 attack, who was taken out on October 17, 2024, in Rafah, Gaza.

This story is developing…

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced the elimination of Hamas Gaza chief Mohammad Sinwar, the younger brother of the group’s deceased leader Yahya Sinwar. show more
By Popular Demand.
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4 hours ago
Health
Immigration

The Catastrophic Impact of Illegal Migrant Healthcare Revealed.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: The state Medi-Cal program in California went insolvent earlier this year, requiring $3.44 billion in loans, with Republicans pointing to healthcare coverage for illegal immigrants as a major contributing factor.

👥 Who’s Involved: Governor Gavin Newsom (D), the California Legislative Latino Caucus, California taxpayers, and illegal aliens.

📍 Where & When: California; budget discussions ongoing.

💬 Key Quote: “The cost of providing free healthcare to illegal immigrants is $11.4 billion, so if we just didn’t do that, that would eliminate our budget deficit,” said State Senator Brian Jones (R).

⚠️ Impact: California faces a $12 billion budget deficit, with debates over healthcare costs for illegal immigrants, potential tax hikes, and federal funding changes adding pressure.

IN FULL:

California’s Medi-Cal, the state-run Medicaid program that provides healthcare for low-income residents and illegal immigrants, has gone insolvent, requiring $3.44 billion in loans earlier this year to continue operations. The program has become a focal point of the state’s ongoing budget crisis, with a $12 billion deficit looming, and some Democrats in the state legislature are pushing tax hikes instead of needed reforms to Medi-Cal.

Republican lawmakers, including State Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones, have been vocal in attributing much of the financial strain to the state budget on the inclusion of illegal immigrants in Medi-Cal coverage. “The cost of providing free healthcare to illegal immigrants is $11.4 billion, so if we just didn’t do that, that would eliminate our budget deficit,” Jones stated. However, he acknowledged other potential areas for budget savings.

The National Pulse previously reported that Governor Gavin Newsom’s administration has proposed adjustments to Medi-Cal, including pausing enrollment for illegal immigrants aged 19 and older in “full-scope coverage” and introducing a $100 monthly premium for illegals currently enrolled in the healthcare program. However, the Democrat governor’s solution is already receiving pushback from within the California Democratic Party.

Members of the California Legislative Latino Caucus are balking at Newsom’s proposed pause and premium hike. Instead, they are pushing for tax increases to bridge the funding gap and eliminate the $12 billion deficit. Newsom, who is eyeing a potential 2028 presidential bid, has thus far been non-committal on a potential tax increase to cover the budget.

Despite Republicans and Democrats like Newsom both pointing the finger at illegal immigrant enrollment as a primary driver of the budget deficit and Medi-Cal insolvency, the problem may be far more systemic.

“A lot of doctors in California that used to provide Medicare and Medicaid have closed up shop, moved to other states. A lot of other doctors that are still here have stopped taking those kinds of patients, even if they’re here legally or illegally, because the reimbursement rates are so low, the doctors actually lose money when they take a Medicare or Medicaid patient,” said State Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones.

Potential federal changes to Medicaid funding could also complicate matters for California. Currently, Congress is considering reducing the federal match rate for non-emergency care from 90 percent to 80 percent. Newsom warns that such changes could cost the state billions.

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By Popular Demand.
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5 hours ago
Data

Analysis Finds Only 27% of DOGE ‘Cuts’ Can Be Reviewed, Verified.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: New analysis suggests only a concerningly small number of Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) cuts can actually be reviewed and verified.

👥 Who’s Involved: Elon Musk, DOGE, the Trump administration, critics of DOGE, and Open the Books auditors.

📍 Where & When: The analysis was published by Open the Books on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.

💬 Key Quote: “DOGE is an advisory group; we are doing the best we can as an advisory group. We do not make the laws, nor do we control the judiciary, nor do we control the Executive Branch.” – Elon Musk.

⚠️ Impact: Transparency concerns persist regarding the verification of claimed savings by DOGE, with taxpayers struggling to confirm many of the savings figures.

IN FULL:

New analysis suggests that many of the claimed cuts to nondiscretionary spending enacted by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) cannot be easily reviewed or verified. The external audit of DOGE data is raising concerns about a lack of transparency behind the advisory agency’s methodology and claims, as it appears to be largely winding down its mission ahead of Elon Musk’s possible departure as a special government employee.

The Trump administration has credited DOGE with saving taxpayers $160 billion by targeting wasteful spending through canceled grants, contracts, and other measures. However, critics, including some on the right, dispute the validity of those savings. Open the Books, an independent watchdog, analyzed DOGE’s claims and found that only 42 percent of contracts and 27 percent of grants could be easily verified through public records.

According to Open the Books, the discrepancies largely stem from a lack of real-time transparency in government spending systems, such as USASpending.gov and the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS). For instance, DOGE claimed savings of $32,366 on a State Department grant to a Chilean university, but public records show no corresponding outlay to confirm the figure. Similarly, a Department of Defense grant to the University of Wisconsin showed conflicting values between DOGE’s data and FPDS records.

Other problems faced by those trying to review and understand the DOGE data include federal contracts listed as Indefinite Delivery Vehicles (IDV). According to Open the Books, “This type of contract allows the government to sign a contract for a certain value, but pay for goods or services over time and negotiate those costs separately per instance.”

The watchdog group gives an example of a contract “…between the Department of Energy and Kumono Government Services, LLC [which] is for security and safety trainings at the DOE’s National Training Center in Albuquerque. Both DOGE and the FPDS roughly agree on the contract value. DOGE has it at $179,000,000 even, which FPDS says the total contract value is $179,637,339.14.”

“DOGE says they saved taxpayers $15,652,636.00 on this contract. But the FPDS shows a smaller current contract value of $31,303,271.64. It also reflects a total order value, presumably money already spent, of $117,901,211. Regardless of how one parses those numbers, it’s impossible to verify the $15.6M of savings,” Open the Books explains.

Another area of contention is that many of the recommended DOGE cuts are to non-discretionary spending, which will need to be codified either through rescissions enacted by Congress or through appropriations cuts enacted by lawmakers later this year. While fiscal conservative activists have tried to claim that Congress can enact DOGE cuts in the current reconciliation bill, these claims are actually untrue. Senate rules stipulate that budget reconciliation legislation can only address discretionary spending, of which the bill makes $1.6 trillion in cuts over the 10-year budget window.

Despite the transparency concerns raised by Open the Books, Elon Musk, who has served as the informal chief of the DOGE initiative, still claims that the group has largely accomplished its goals. During an interview at the Qatar Economic Forum, Musk stated: “We do not make the laws, nor do we control the judiciary, nor do we control the Executive Branch. We are simply advisors. In that context, we are doing very well.”

“We cannot take action beyond that because we are not some sort of imperial dictator of the government,” Musk said.

To better open the DOGE cutting process to public scrutiny, Open the Books is advocating that the public be allowed access to a modified version of the Treasury Payment System, which would allow those interested to track spending in real time. This mechanism could also help voters to better influence their elected officials as to what cuts they would want to see prioritized.

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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By Popular Demand.
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6 hours ago
News
UK

Farage Introduces Natalist Policies.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Reform Party leader Nigel Farage outlined policy proposals, including scrapping a two-child benefit cap, increasing tax breaks for married couples, and raising the income tax threshold, to support family formation.

👥 Who’s Involved: Nigel Farage, the Reform Party, British parents and prospective parents.

📍 Where & When: Central London, during a speech by Farage.

💬 Key Quote: “These proposals are expensive but we genuinely believe we can pay for it,” said Farage.

⚠️ Impact: Farage’s proposals show he is embracing natalist policies, adopting a Hungarian-style position on supporting citizens who want to form families as an alternative to mass migration in the face of a declining fertility rate.

IN FULL:

Reform Party leader Nigel Farage has unveiled a series of policy proposals aimed at supporting families and lower-paid workers, including scrapping a two-child cap on Child Benefit payments and introducing more generous tax breaks for married couples. Speaking in central London, Farage stated his party’s intention to make it easier for people to have children, while also raising the threshold for paying income tax from £12,570 (~$17,000) to £20,000 (~$27,000).

Farage emphasized that lifting the two-child cap, which currently prevents most families from claiming benefits for third or additional children born after April 2017, is not about promoting a “benefits culture” but instead providing relief for working families. Farage estimated the policy would cost £3.5 billion (~$4.7 billion), which is less than the current annual spend on migrant hotels—which he opposes.

Additionally, the populist leader proposed exempting one partner in a marriage from paying tax on the first £25,000 of their income, alongside raising the personal allowance—roughly equivalent to America’s standard deduction—for everyone earning from £12,570 (~$17,000) to £20,000 (~$27,000). Farage argued that these measures would strengthen families, stating, “Making marriage a little bit more important” would give children “the best chance of success.”

Increasingly, with the Western fertility rate well below replacement, populist parties like Reform are embracing a measure of state support for family formation, as an alternative to the mass migration pushed by left-wing and globalist parties.

Farage argues his policies could be funded by scrapping net-zero climate initiatives, halting hotel accommodations for asylum seekers, cutting public sector diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, and reducing taxpayer-funded quangos.

Farage also addressed other topics, including the winter fuel payment cuts, which he vowed to reverse, and abortion limits, calling it “utterly ludicrous” for terminations to be allowed at 24 weeks when hospitals work to save babies born at 22 weeks.

The speech follows recent electoral gains for Reform, including a parliamentary by-election victory, two mayoral wins, and 677 new municipal councillors. Farage described the party as “the party of the working people,” contrasting with the formerly governing but now “irrelevant” Conservative Party.

Image by Owain.davies.

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By Popular Demand.
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17 hours ago
Culture
Sports

Trump Moves to Strip Top Liberal State’s Federal Funding.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: President Donald J. Trump threatened to cut federal funding to California if transgender athletes continue competing in women’s sports.

👥 Who’s Involved: President Trump, California Governor Gavin Newsom, and California high school athletes.

📍 Where & When: California, following a weekend high school track meet; Trump’s statement was posted Tuesday on Truth Social.

💬 Key Quote: Trump wrote, “California continues to ILLEGALLY allow MEN TO PLAY IN WOMEN’S SPORTS… This is a totally ridiculous situation!!!”

⚠️ Impact: Trump’s threats could affect billions of dollars in federal funding to California.

IN FULL:

President Donald J. Trump took to Truth Social on Tuesday to criticize California’s policies on transgender athletes, threatening to withdraw federal funding if the state continues to permit biological males to compete against women and girls. Trump’s remarks were directed at Governor Gavin Newsom (D) and referenced a recent high school sports event where a transgender won the girls’ long jump and triple jump titles during the California Interscholastic Federation Southern Section Masters Meet.

“California continues to ILLEGALLY allow MEN TO PLAY IN WOMEN’S SPORTS,” Trump posted. “I will speak to him today to find out which way he wants to go??? In the meantime I am ordering local authorities, if necessary, to not allow the transitioned person to compete in the State Finals. This is a totally ridiculous situation!!!”

This marks the second time in recent weeks that Trump has targeted a state over the participation of biological males in women’s sports. Last month, he initiated steps to withdraw federal education funding from Maine over a similar dispute with Governor Janet Mills (D), a conflict that has since escalated into legal proceedings.

Gov. Newsom, eyeing a 2028 bid for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination, has sought to distance himself from the transgender athlete issue in recent months. In April, Newsom labeled it “deeply unfair” for biological males to compete in women’s sports but insisted the issue involves only a small number of athletes. He also accused conservatives of politicizing the matter, stating, “To the extent that someone could find that right balance, I would embrace those conversations and the dignity that hopefully presents themselves in that conversation.”

President Trump’s post raises questions about the potential loss of significant federal funding for California. The Golden State has previously clashed with the Trump administration over policies related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.

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By Popular Demand.
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18 hours ago
News

Trump Suspends Importation of Foreign Students.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: The Trump administration has instructed U.S. missions abroad to halt new appointments for student and exchange visitor visa applicants as it reviews and plans to expand social media vetting.

👥 Who’s Involved: President Donald J. Trump’s administration, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce, and foreign students.

📍 Where & When: U.S. missions worldwide, as of a cable sent Tuesday, May 27, 2025.

💬 Key Quote: “We will continue to use every tool we can to assess who it is that’s coming here, whether they are students or otherwise,” said State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce.

⚠️ Impact: The move impacts international students and exchange visitors. Last week, a federal judge temporarily blocked a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) directive revoking Harvard University’s certification to enroll foreign students.

IN FULL:

The Trump administration has directed U.S. missions overseas to cease scheduling new appointments for foreign student and exchange visitor visa applicants while it reviews and prepares to implement expanded social media vetting processes, according to an internal State Department cable. According to the cable, attributed to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the State Department plans to update procedures for screening foreign students under F, M, and J visa categories. It advises consular sections to suspend new appointments, though existing ones may proceed under current guidelines.

“The Department is conducting a review of existing operations and processes for screening and vetting of student and exchange visitor visa applicants and plans to issue guidance on expanded social media vetting for all such applicants,” the cable states.

State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce, while declining to comment on the cable, emphasized the administration’s commitment to rigorous vetting. “We will continue to use every tool we can to assess who it is that’s coming here, whether they are students or otherwise,” Bruce said during a press briefing. The expanded vetting process is expected to require adjustments to resources and operations at consular sections globally. Additionally, the cable underscores prioritizing services for U.S. citizens, immigrant visas, and fraud prevention amid these changes.

The National Pulse reported last week that the Trump administration had moved to revoke Harvard University‘s ability to import foreign students under the student visa program. The decision cites “pro-terrorist conduct” at campus protests and the university’s failure to comply with federal reporting requirements. However, the directive was subsequently temporarily blocked by a federal judge appointed by former President Barack Obama.

Notably, Harvard’s foreign student population comprises 27 percent of its total enrollment.

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