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December 30, 2024
Jack Montgomery
Lawfare

J6 Prosecutor Matthew Graves Resigns Abruptly.

Sources claim Matthew Graves, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, has resigned. Graves, who Joe Biden appointed in November 2021, is responsible for prosecuting hundreds of January 6 Capitol riot defendants.

Graves had refused to pause prosecutions against January 6 defendants ahead of President-elect Donald J. Trump’s inauguration on January 20. He also bragged about the scale of the Biden-Harris Department of Justice’s (DOJ) legal actions against the protesters in May, declaring, “More than 1,424 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol.” The federal prosecutor also indicated that investigations into the Capitol incident were ongoing, with plans to possibly increase the number of defendants to over 2,000 before the statute of limitations runs out.

Graves is known for his aggressive approach, targeting not only those who entered the Capitol but also individuals who were merely in the vicinity on January 6. He threatened that “thousands” of protestors who remained outside the Capitol were liable for prosecution and that whether or not they would be charged was a matter of “prosecutorial discretion.”

However, the Supreme Court has ruled that prosecutors overstepped their authority in their zeal to convict January 6 protestors. For instance, charges of obstructing an official proceeding—intended to target white-collar criminals such as those who destroyed documents to thwart investigations into the Enron scandal—were used against many January 6 defendants because their protest delayed the certification of the 2020 election. Justices ruled this abused the relevant statute and threw the charges out.

Graves’s resignation may mark a significant turning point in the legal aftermath of the January 6 Capitol breach. President-elect Donald J. Trump has indicated he intends to pardon many protestors once he takes office.

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19 minutes ago
War
World

Iran Signals Openness to Ending Conflict with Israel, With Conditions on U.S. Non-Involvement.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Iranian officials reportedly signaled to Arab states that they are open to negotiations with the U.S. if it avoids joining the Israeli assault.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Iran, Arab states, U.S., Israel, and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Israel and Iran, amid ongoing air strikes and missile assaults between the two countries.

💬KEY QUOTE: “The current regime is at stake in this conflict.” – Vladimir Putin

🎯IMPACT: The situation raises concerns about U.S. involvement and the possibility of escalating tensions in the Middle East.

IN FULL

Iranian officials have reportedly signaled to Arab states that they would be willing to negotiate with the U.S. if it refrains from joining the Israeli assault. The Islamic Republic is believed to be using the Arab states to pass along the message to the U.S. and Middle Eastern officials amid ongoing air strikes and missile assaults between Iran and Israel.

“The Iranians know the U.S. is supporting Israel in its defense, and they are sure the U.S. is supporting Israel logistically,” an anonymous Arab official told the Wall Street Journal on Monday, June 15. They added: “But they want guarantees the U.S. won’t join the attacks.”

Israel, last week, launched an air campaign against the Iranian nuclear program and key regime officials, leading to the current hostilities. Subsequently, Iran has responded with several waves of ballistic missile barrages, targeting predominantly residential areas and causing a number of casualties. Several of the missiles are believed to have struck critical energy infrastructure in Israel.

Following a conversation with U.S. President Donald J. Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly warned the Iranians that “the current regime is at stake in this conflict.” Putin appeared to heavily imply that unless Iran comes back to the negotiating table, the air campaign against their nuclear program would continue to escalate.

President Trump has repeatedly urged Tehran to resume negotiations, while hinting that the U.S. could become involved in the hostilities. The prospect of U.S. intervention, however, appears unpopular with Trump’s own supporters, many of whom backed him on his promise to end regime change wars in the Middle East.

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By Popular Demand.
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31 minutes ago
Crime
News

Suspect in Minnesota Lawmaker’s Assassination Captured.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: A man suspected of killing a Minnesota lawmaker and wounding another surrendered to police after a massive two-day manhunt.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Suspect Vance Luther Boelter, victims Melissa and Mark Hortman, and John and Yvette Hoffman.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The shootings occurred early Saturday in the northern Minneapolis suburbs, with the suspect apprehended Sunday near his home in rural Sibley County.

💬KEY QUOTE: “This cannot be the norm. It cannot be the way that we deal with our political differences.” – Gov. Tim Walz.

🎯IMPACT: The attacks have heightened concerns over political violence and left the state mourning the loss of prominent leaders.

IN FULL

Vance Luther Boelter, the suspect in a series of shootings that left former Minnesota Democratic House Speaker Melissa Hortman (D) and her husband, Mark, dead, and injured Senator John Hoffman (D) and his wife, Yvette, was arrested Sunday, June 15. The arrest followed an extensive manhunt involving 20 tactical teams, helicopters, and officers on foot.

Authorities say Boelter posed as a police officer, using a vehicle altered to resemble a police car. He allegedly targeted the Hoffmans first, shooting them at their home in Champlin early Saturday. Hours later, he fatally shot the Hortmans at their home in Brooklyn Park as police arrived on the scene, prompting him to flee.

Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley described the operation to capture Boelter as “the largest manhunt in the state’s history.” Officers eventually located Boelter in the woods near his abandoned vehicle. He surrendered without incident, crawling to officers before being taken into custody.

Drew Evans, superintendent of the state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, credited officers’ quick response at the Hortman residence with preventing further violence.

The attacks have drawn nationwide attention, with Gov. Tim Walz (D) condemning the violence and calling for unity, saying, “This cannot be the norm. It cannot be the way that we deal with our political differences.”

U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D) shared a statement from Yvette Hoffman, who expressed gratitude for public support, adding that both she and her husband are recovering from multiple gunshot wounds. “We are gutted and devastated by the loss of Melissa and Mark,” Hoffman wrote.

The motivation for the attack remains unclear. Officials found “No Kings” fliers in the seat of the suspect’s vehicle, but a list of Democrat lawmakers and pro-abortion activists was also reportedly found. Writings, possibly some sort of manifesto, have also been reported, but investigators have released no details.

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Image via Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office.

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By Popular Demand.
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1 hour ago
News
War

Car Bombs Took Out Iranian Nuclear Scientists in Tehran.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Iran has blamed Israel for multiple car bombs, which reportedly killed several Iranian nuclear scientists..

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Iranian nuclear scientists.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The bombings were reported on Sunday, June 15, by Iranian media.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Iran is pursuing nuclear weapons that make the bombs dropped on Nagasaki and Hiroshima look tiny in comparison. We could not remain passive. This is truly an existential war.” – Benjamin Netanyahu

🎯IMPACT: The killings suggest that Israel still has agents operating covertly in Iran, adding another layer to the ongoing conflict.

IN FULL

Iranian authorities have blamed Israel for at least five car bombings that took place on June 15, with Iranian media additionally claiming that several nuclear scientists were killed as a result. The apparent killings come after Israel has specifically targeted nuclear scientists and senior Iranian military officials in recent days.

Since Friday, June 13, around 15 nuclear scientists have reportedly been killed in Israeli attacks as both Israel and Iran continue to trade blows. Israeli officials have denied being behind the car bombs in Tehran, however.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu explained why he gave the green light for strikes on Iran, which began last week, saying, “Iran is pursuing nuclear weapons that make the bombs dropped on Nagasaki and Hiroshima look tiny in comparison. We could not remain passive. This is truly an existential war.”

The death toll on both sides has continued to rise since Friday, with reports in Iran claiming at least 224 deaths and 1,200 injured, while Israel has reported 24 people killed since the conflict between the two countries began. However, some activists claim as many as 406 people in Iran may have been killed in Israeli strikes.

Israel now claims to have air superiority over Tehran, Iran’s capital, with Israeli military spokesman Effie Defrin stating that Israel has struck over 120 launch pads for missiles, destroying a third of them overall. Despite this, Iran has been able to attack Israeli targets and at times penetrate Israel’s multi-layered drone and missile defence systems.

So far, the United States is not offensively involved in the conflict, but President Donald J. Trump has warned Iran that the U.S. could become involved if Iran strikes U.S. targets in the region. President Trump said, “[If] we are attacked in any way, shape or form by Iran, the full strength and might of the U.S. Armed Forces will come down on you at levels never seen before.” Additionally, the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier and its carrier strike force are en route to the region.

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By Popular Demand.
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2 hours ago
News
UK

Prince Harry Celebrates German Veterans.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Prince Harry delivered a video message to mark Germany’s first-ever Veterans’ Day.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, and Germany’s defense minister, alongside members of the Bundeswehr (German military) and veterans.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The message was delivered via video on Germany’s inaugural Veterans’ Day, June 2025.

💬KEY QUOTE: “It is a profound privilege to be asked by your defence minister to deliver a message to you on this sacred Veterans Day.” – Prince Harry

🎯IMPACT: The message highlighted themes of service, unity, and Germany’s role in maintaining peace and stability in Europe.

IN FULL

Prince Harry delivered a video message to commemorate Germany’s inaugural Veterans’ Day, describing it as a “profound privilege” to address the nation on this “sacred day.” Beginning his speech in German with “Guten Tag Deutschland,” the controversial, California-based royal then transitioned to English to share his remarks.

With Harry being a “non-working” royal after abandoning his public duties to pursue moneymaking ventures with his wife, Meghan, in the United States, he adhered to restrictions preventing him from wearing a military uniform at official state events. However, he wore his Afghanistan Campaign Medal and various Jubilee medals.

Reflecting on his visit to Düsseldorf in 2023 for the Invictus Games, Harry said, “The warmth, the enthusiasm, and the unwavering support shown by the German people for our global community of wounded service personnel was truly humbling.” He added, “That spirit of camaraderie, forged on the sports field, mirrors the unbreakable bond that connects veterans of all nations.”

He continued: “Veterans are more than warriors—they are leaders. Living testaments to resilience and moral courage, they understand that loyalty must never lie with power alone, but with the people. With truth.”

Concluding his message, he made an oblique reference to Germany’s infamous military history, saying, “Germany has shown the world how memory, accountability, and unity can be turned into strength.” Addressing the Bundeswehr (German military), he said, “To the brave men and women of the Bundeswehr, a heartfelt thank you for your steadfast service to your country, to your people, and to one another.” He ended with a German farewell, “Vielen dank und einen schönen tag,” expressing warm thanks and best wishes.

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By Popular Demand.
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June 15, 2025
Immigration
News

RFK Sends Immigration Status of Millions on Medicaid to DHS.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has facilitated the transfer of foreign Medicaid enrollees’ personal data to deportation officials.

👥 Who’s Involved: Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and Medicaid officials.

📍 Where & When: California, Illinois, Washington State, Washington, D.C.; data transfer directive issued on a Tuesday.

⚠️ Impact: Potential exposure of federal funding being misused to assist illegal aliens, possible deportation raids.

IN FULL:

Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has reportedly handed over personal information of foreign Medicaid enrollees to immigration enforcement authorities. The data transfer reportedly includes names, addresses, and Social Security numbers of individuals enrolled in Medicaid programs in sanctuary states such as California, Illinois, and Washington State, as well as Washington, D.C.

Emails and an internal memo obtained by the Associated Press (AP) reveal that Medicaid officials attempted to block the transfer, citing legal and ethical objections. However, two senior advisers to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. overruled their concerns, ordering the data to be sent to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office has complained, stating, “This potential data transfer brought to our attention by the AP is extremely concerning, and if true, potentially unlawful.” The Democrat governor’s office emphasized the state’s commitment to protecting the privacy of its residents, apparently including illegal aliens liable for deportation.

The data handover has raised concerns among leftists that it could be used to assist immigration raids, particularly in Los Angeles, California, where previous Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations have led to pro-illegal immigrant riots. It could also be used to stop Medicaid coverage from being extended to illegals unlawfully.

Andrew Nixon, a spokesman for the Department of Health and Human Services, defended the move, stating the data sharing was lawful and aimed at ensuring Medicaid benefits are provided only to those legally eligible.

Officials at the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) were reportedly given less than an hour to comply with the directive.

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By Popular Demand.
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June 14, 2025
Lauren Gallagher
Crime
Immigration

Congress Investigating Role of Paid Agitators in Pro-Illegal Immigrant Riots.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: An investigation is underway into agitators allegedly being requested or even paid to participate in pro-illegal immigrant riots.

👥 Who’s Involved: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), Crowds on Demand.

📍Where & When: Los Angeles, California, and other U.S. cities impacted by pro-migrant riots, June 2025.

💬 Key Quote: “We’re not here to negotiate with criminals. Break the law, attack our agents—you will be arrested, prosecuted, and held accountable. No exceptions,” said CBP.

⚠️ Impact: Suspect organizations will be investigated for their involvement in the riots.

IN FULL:

The pro-illegal immigrant riots in California and other states have sparked an ongoing investigation after the involvement of paid agitators was alleged. Crowds on Demand, a California-based advocacy group that provides crowds for protests, has received “numerous high-budget requests” to get involved with the demonstrations in Los Angeles and other cities, but has supposedly declined participation.

The company refused to intervene in the riots in Los Angeles and stated they did “not want to get close to any form of illegal activity, including violence, vandalism, or blocking off roads without a permit.”

Law enforcement is currently trying to determine who is responsible for organizing the attacks. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has warned that anyone who does not uphold the law will be held accountable: “We’re not here to negotiate with criminals. Break the law, attack our agents—you will be arrested, prosecuted, and held accountable. No exceptions.”

Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO), chairman of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Terrorism, has revealed that the committee has been sending letters to organizations suspected of being involved in the riots. The letters demand records from November 5, 2024, onwards. Organizations that fail to comply will face further action.

“Let me be clear: bankrolling civil unrest is not protected speech. It is aiding and abetting criminal conduct. Accordingly, you must immediately cease and desist any further involvement in the organization, funding or promotion of these unlawful activities,” the letter states.

Sen. Hawley and Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-CA) have raised particular concerns about the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) and its role in organizing and funding pro-illegal immigrant disorder. Whether CHIRLA provided financial or logistical support to protestors, including those allegedly involved in violence or illegal activity, is under investigation.

Kiley has questioned CHIRLA’s funding, noting, “The ‘nonprofit’ behind the LA riots donated almost $500,000 to support Newsom’s campaign. It then received $34 million in state funding,” adding: “I’m sure this is all a coincidence.”

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By Popular Demand.
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June 13, 2025
Christopher Tomlinson
Corruption
Crime

USAID Official Pleads Guilty After $550m Bribery Scheme Uncovered.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: A former United States Agency for International Development (USAID) official and others have pleaded guilty to a bribery scheme that spanned over a decade and involved over $550 million.

👥 Who’s Involved: USAID, Roderick Watson, Walter Barnes, Darryl Britt, Paul Young, Justice Department Criminal Division Chief Matthew Galeotti, U.S. Attorney Kelly Hayes.

📍 Where & When: According to a Department of Justice (DOJ) press release, the four men pled guilty to the scheme on June 12.

💬 Key Quote: “Watson was entrusted to serve the interests of the American people—not his own.” — U.S. Attorney Kelly Hayes.

⚠️ Impact: The four men face lengthy sentences, including up to 15 years in prison for the former USAID official.

IN FULL:

A former U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) official and three corporate executives have pleaded guilty in a decade-long bribery scheme involving more than $550 million in government contracts. Two contractors—Apprio, Inc. and PM Consulting Group LLC (d/b/a Vistant)—admitted criminal liability and agreed Thursday to deferred prosecution deals with the Justice Department.

Roderick Watson, a former USAID contracting officer based in Maryland, admitted to accepting bribes from corporate executives in exchange for steering contracts to Apprio and Vistant. He was bribed with cash, electronics, luxury suite basketball tickets, mortgage payments, and favors for relatives. The bribes were often funneled through Paul Young, president of a subcontractor working with both companies.

Walter Barnes, president of Vistant, and Darryl Britt, president of Apprio, also pleaded guilty. Barnes admitted to both bribery and securities fraud. In 2022, he and Watson misled a small business investment company into issuing a $14 million loan to Vistant, enabling Barnes to pay himself a $10 million dividend. In 2023, Britt fraudulently induced a private equity firm to invest $4 million in Apprio while concealing years of bribery.

“Watson was entrusted to serve the interests of the American people—not his own,” said U.S. Attorney Kelly Hayes. “His criminal actions for his own personal gain undermine the integrity of our public institutions.”

Justice Department Criminal Division Chief Matthew Galeotti added: “Their scheme violated the public trust by undermining the integrity of the federal government’s procurement process.”

Watson faces up to 15 years in prison at his October 6 sentencing. Barnes, Britt, and Young each face up to five years when sentenced later this year. Apprio will pay $500,000 and Vistant $100,000 under civil settlements.

The case comes after President Donald J. Trump gutted USAID, as the agency was spending vast sums of taxpayer cash on woke projects across the globe.

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By Popular Demand.
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Migrant Crime

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June 13, 2025
Immigration
News

ICE Arrests Surge: Rapists, Murderers, Pedophiles Targeted Amid Riots.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in Los Angeles, California, resulted in over 300 arrests of illegal aliens, including people convicted of violent and sexual crimes.

👥 Who’s Involved: ICE enforcement teams, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials, and migrants with criminal records.

📍 Where & When: Los Angeles, California; arrests conducted between June 9-12, 2025.

💬 Key Quote: “Murderers, pedophiles, and drug traffickers—these are the types of criminal illegal aliens that rioters are fighting to protect,” said DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin.

⚠️ Impact: The arrests highlight the Trump administration’s determination to enforce federal immigration laws amidst protests and riots opposing ICE arrests.

IN FULL:

Federal immigration authorities in Los Angeles, California, have arrested over 300 illegal aliens in a sweeping operation targeting individuals with serious criminal records. The arrests, carried out by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) between June 9 and June 12, included individuals convicted of crimes such as murder, child sexual abuse, and drug trafficking.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin confirmed the details in a statement, emphasizing the severity of the crimes committed by those detained. “Murderers, pedophiles, and drug traffickers—these are the types of criminal illegal aliens that rioters are fighting to protect,” McLaughlin stated, referencing ongoing protests by migrants and leftist groups opposing ICE operations in the area.

Among those arrested were Gerardo Antonio-Palacios, a previously deported Mexican national with convictions for homicide and burglary; Mab Khleb, a Cambodian national convicted of lewd acts with a child and drug-related offenses; Sang Louangprasert, a Laotian national with prior convictions for child sexual abuse and domestic violence; and Antonio Benitez-Ugarte, a Mexican national with a conviction for drug trafficking.

ICE teams also apprehended additional suspects with pending charges, including a Mexican national in Baldwin Park accused of rape, assault with a deadly weapon, and causing great bodily injury.

McLaughlin criticized California’s leadership, questioning Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass for what she described as prioritizing criminal illegal aliens over the safety of their citizens. “How much longer will Governor Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass continue to prioritize these criminal illegal aliens over their own citizens?” she asked.

The operation underscores the federal government’s commitment to enforcing immigration laws despite far-left opposition. “Secretary [Kristi] Noem has a message to the LA rioters: you will not stop us or slow us down. ICE will continue to enforce the law and arrest criminal illegal aliens,” McLaughlin declared.

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By Popular Demand.
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June 13, 2025
Crime
Immigration

Trump Can Maintain National Guard Presence in L.A., Appeals Court Rules.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals temporarily halted a federal judge’s order requiring President Donald J. Trump to return control of National Guard troops to California Governor Gavin Newsom (D).

👥 Who’s Involved: President Trump, Governor Newsom, U.S. District Court Judge Charles Breyer, and the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

📍 Where & When: San Francisco, California; ruling issued Thursday, with a hearing set for June 17.

💬 Key Quote: “The district court has no authority to usurp the President’s authority as Commander in Chief,” White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly stated.

⚠️ Impact: The decision delays the return of National Guard control to Newsom, leaving federalized troops in place amid ongoing pro-illegal immigrant riots.

IN FULL:

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Thursday temporarily blocked a federal judge’s order requiring President Donald J. Trump to relinquish control of California National Guard troops that are deployed to Los Angeles to protect federal property and personnel amid ongoing pro-illegal immigrant riots. The appellate court announced it would hold a hearing on the matter on June 17, just hours before the lower court’s order was set to take effect on Friday at noon.

U.S. District Court Judge Charles Breyer had earlier ruled that the deployment of the National Guard to Los Angeles violated the Tenth Amendment and exceeded the president’s statutory authority under Title 10 of the U.S. Code. His decision applied only to the National Guard, not the Marines, who were also stationed nearby but had not yet been deployed to the streets.

California Governor Gavin Newsom (D), who had sought an emergency halt to the Guard’s involvement in protecting ICE, praised Breyer’s initial ruling as a victory for state authority. “Today was really about a test of democracy, and today we passed the test,” Newsom said, shortly before the appellate court intervened.

The White House criticized the district court’s decision, calling it “unprecedented” and a threat to federal personnel. “The district court has no authority to usurp the President’s authority as Commander in Chief,” White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly stated. The administration pledged to appeal the decision and expressed confidence in ultimately prevailing.

The deployment of federalized National Guard troops was authorized by President Trump under Title 10, which allows such action in limited circumstances, including rebellion or threats to federal law enforcement. However, Judge Breyer claimed that the Los Angeles riots did not meet the legal definition of a rebellion.

Meanwhile, approximately 700 Marines have been undergoing civil disturbance training at a base in Orange County, with 140 expected to replace National Guard troops in Los Angeles within 24 hours.

California’s lawsuit against the federal government argues that the president improperly bypassed the state in issuing orders to the National Guard. The Justice Department (DOJ) maintains that Trump’s actions are not subject to judicial review, citing historical precedents where courts refrained from intervening in military deployments.

Riots over federal immigration raids have intensified in Los Angeles and spread to other cities, including Seattle and New York.

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By Popular Demand.
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June 13, 2025
Lauren Gallagher
Politics

House Votes to Slash $9.4B in ‘Woke’ Spending, Defund PBS, NPR, and Foreign Aid.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: The House of Representatives has passed a rescissions package, clawing back $9.4 billion in appropriations funding for foreign aid, services for illegal immigrants, and NPR and PBS.

👥 Who’s Involved: U.S. Congress, House Republicans, House Democrats, President Donald J. Trump, and the U.S. Senate.

📍 Where & When: The House passed legislation late Thursday, June 12, 2025.

💬 Key Quote: House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) praised the rescission package, calling it “a critical step towards a more responsible and transparent government that puts the interests of American taxpayers first.”

⚠️ Impact: The rescission package is being billed as a major step in a broader effort by the Trump administration to cut government waste and significantly reduce the U.S. budget deficit.

IN FULL:

A Trump White House-backed rescissions package has passed in the House of Representatives, with the legislation aiming to cancel unspent government funds for NPR, PBS, and foreign aid. Notably, the rescission process allows for Congress to cancel unspent government funds. The Thursday evening vote concluded 214 to 212, with four House Republicans joining Democrat lawmakers in opposition to the bill.

President Donald J. Trump pushed House Republicans to back the cuts, stating on Truth Social, “Every single Republican in Congress should vote ‘YES’.” If adopted by the Senate, the package would claw back $9.4 billion in appropriated funds by Congress, permanently reducing spending. This bill’s primary provisions reduce foreign aid for climate projects, funding for services offered to illegal immigrants, and funding for NPR and PBS.

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) praised the rescission package, calling it “a critical step towards a more responsible and transparent government that puts the interests of American taxpayers first.” The Speaker noted that the bill was a “manifestation of the DOGE effort,” referring to the Department of Government Efficiency formerly fronted by Elon Musk, and said it would “ensure greater accountability in government going forward.”

“There is no reason for any media organization to be singled out to receive federal funds,” said Johnson. “Especially those who appear to have so little regard for the truth.”

The package cuts $8.3 billion for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), among other international assistance programs. Additional cuts include slashing $1.1 billion from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which funds PBS and NPR. Defending the cuts, the Trump White House contends the public broadcasters have abused taxpayer dollars to “spread radical, woke propaganda disguised as news.”

Next, the rescissions package will head to the Senate, where it is expected to be adopted by the Republican majority in the chamber. Congress has 45 days to pass the cuts, with the clock having started on June 3, when the rescission request was sent from the White House.

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By Popular Demand.
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