This story was originally published by the WND News Center.
In a time when Americans face mounting student debt, stagnant wages and increasing job competition, a little-known government program continues to certify hundreds of thousands of permanent jobs for foreign workers, even when qualified U.S. citizens are available, willing and able.
The labor certification process known as "PERM" (Program Electronic Review Management) allows employers to sponsor foreign nationals for green cards only if no qualified U.S. worker is available. According to federal law, employers must first complete a good-faith test of the U.S. labor market, which includes specific recruitment steps such as two Sunday newspaper ads, internal postings and three additional recruitment methods from a Department of Labor-approved list.
But in practice, employers can exploit the outdated list of approved recruitment methods by avoiding major online platforms and even their own company career sites. Instead, they often use limited-access alternatives such as obscure job boards, local or ethnic newspapers, or short-duration radio ads that technically satisfy the rules on paper, but drastically reduce the chances that qualified U.S. workers will ever see or apply for the position.
In 2024, the Department of Labor processed 116,427 PERM applications to hire foreign workers, approving nearly 88% of them. Only 5.4% (6,364) were denied. This means tens of thousands of U.S. jobs were certified for foreign workers without a transparent or fair recruitment process. The Department of Labor publishes quarterly data on employer applications to sponsor foreign workers, including both H-1B and PERM filings, which offers insight into the hiring and immigration practices of U.S. employers and their immigration attorneys.
An analysis of PERM filings from 2020 to 2024 reveals how major U.S. technology companies use the green card sponsorship process to secure foreign labor for high-paying roles, often without conducting genuine or competitive hiring searches. The data show consistent reliance on minimal recruitment efforts, including outdated tactics like requiring U.S. applicants to submit paper resumes by mail.
These methods, previously flagged by the Department of Justice as barriers to American workers, were often used even by large tech companies like Amazon, Apple, Google and Workday.
For example, PERM-required job ads published in the May 9, 2021, print edition of the Mercury News instructed jobseekers to apply via postal mail, despite the fact that these companies already had digital hiring systems in place.
Similar tactics triggered a high-profile federal investigation involving Facebook – now Meta. In 2021, the Department of Justice and the Department of Labor reached a settlement with Facebook after alleging it had intentionally implemented PERM recruitment in a way to deter U.S. applicants. According to the complaint, Facebook did not post PERM roles on its public careers page and it required submission of resumes by physical mail, methods the DOJ concluded discouraged American workers from applying:
"Facebook created a separate hiring process for PERM positions that intentionally discouraged U.S. workers from applying. For example, while Facebook typically accepts applications online, it required that applications for PERM positions be submitted by mail only."
"Facebook used recruitment methods for PERM positions that were less effective than those it used for other positions, intentionally deterring U.S. workers from applying to positions that the company sought to fill with temporary visa holders."
As part of its settlement, Facebook was required to change its PERM practices, posting jobs on its public website, accepting electronic applications and using the same hiring processes for PERM roles as for other jobs. The company also agreed to federal oversight, employee training and regular reporting on its hiring activity.
Since then, industry reports on the platform Blind show that Meta has seen a rise in PERM denials, suggesting that when forced to conduct fair recruitment, companies do in fact encounter qualified American candidates.
The evidence is overwhelming that companies like Meta, Apple, Microsoft, Google and others, despite consistently lobbying for more foreign-worker visas on the basis of a so-called "talent shortage," are fully capable of finding qualified Americans when they are actually required to recruit them.
Indeed, when employers go to such lengths to avoid recruiting qualified U.S. workers, even under a program like PERM that explicitly requires a good-faith labor market test, their own actions contradict claims of a shortage. The evidence suggests it is not that they can't find qualified Americans, it's that they are deliberately avoiding them.
If this is happening in a program like PERM, which includes at least some legal safeguards and penalties, the risks are far greater under programs like H-1B and STEM OPT, which contain no such protections for U.S. workers. Without enforcement or accountability, these visa channels allow companies to bypass the domestic workforce entirely, undermining both the integrity of the labor market and the future of American employment.
President Donald Trump promised a UFC fight on White House grounds as part of the 250th anniversary of America's independence, the Daily Caller reported. The president said this to a crowd Friday at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.
Trump was in Des Moines, Iowa, on July 4 to jump-start this year's celebration of America's independence. He took the opportunity to discuss upcoming events for next year's festivities, which will mark a quarter of a millennium for the U.S.
There are many plans already made, but Trump said one of those "special events" would include a UFC fight at the White House. Trump said it would not be ceremonial but rather a "championship fight."
The president laid out his plans to the crowd, whose reaction was a mix of amusement and applause. "So every one of our national parks, battlefields, and historic sites are going to have special events in honor of America 250," Trump said.
"I even think we’re going to have a UFC fight. We’re going to have — does anybody watch UFC? The great Dana White?" Trump said of the CEO. "We’re going to have a UFC fight," Trump continued.
"We’re going to have a UFC fight — think of this — on the grounds of the White House. We have a lot of land there. We’re going to build a little — we’re not — Dana is going to do it," Trump explained.
"Dana is great, one of a kind. We’re going to have a UFC fight, championship fight, full fight, like 20-25,000 people. And we’re going to do that as part of 250 also," the president went on.
"We’re going to have some incredible events, some professional events, some amateur events. But the UFC fight is going to be a big deal too," Trump added.
With such a significant milestone for the nation coming up during his term, Trump is eager to commemorate it in a special way. A UFC fight might sound like a joke, but White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the president is "dead serious" about it.
Not only does the UFC represent a deeply American sport, but Trump also owes a great deal of gratitude to the organization's CEO. White campaigned with Trump during the 2024 presidential election, and Trump has been welcomed by fans at the events.
Crowds greeted Trump with chants of "USA, USA" the few times he's made an appearance at an event. Following his election to a second term in November, Trump appeared at UFC 309, along with popular members of his administration, including Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard.
Joe Rogan, the legendary podcaster hosting the event, was impressed by the reception Trump received. "The sound in this room — it is so loud. It’s always loud when he comes here, but now that he’s won, now that he’s president — oh my God," Rogan said.
If there's anything Trump is uniquely skilled at, it's putting on a show. With Trump in the White House during this momentous anniversary, the celebration of America's 250th birthday promises to be a year-long spectacle worthy of this great nation.
House Speaker Mike Johnson said there is more legislation in the pipeline after President Donald Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act passed this week, Newsmax reported. Johnson stated that additional budget reconciliation bills are expected to be introduced in the fall and spring of next year.
The president's signature legislation passed the House this week after nearly all House Republicans eventually agreed to sign on despite several misgivings about spending. Trump signed the bill into law in a spectacular ceremony on July 4.
Johnson was instrumental in pulling together support for the legislation from Republicans. On Thursday, the House Speaker promised more legislation, including two additional reconciliation bills that will help implement the Trump agenda.
Johnson appeared on Fox News's The Ingraham Angle on Thursday to take a victory lap and share his plans for the future. Speaking to Raymond Arroyo, who was filling in for host Laura Ingraham, Johnson laid out his plans.
"This is the first of a five-step process to get us back to fiscal stability. The reconciliation bill today was a big, giant leap forward," Johnson told Arroyo.
"But we're going to do this again. We're going to have a second reconciliation package in the fall and a third in the spring of next year for the next two fiscal years," Johnson said.
"And we're going to have rescission packages. The White House is sending us collections of items to claw back the spending that was wasted," Johnson promised, keeping in line with Trump's goal of streamlining the federal government.
"And we're going to appropriate at lower levels. The Republican Party is the party to get us back to fiscal responsibility. We can't do it overnight, though. But we are on the right track and the president is committed to it as well," Johnson said.
Trump was likely stunned that Johnson was able to pass this legislation and thanked him and others for their efforts, CNN reported. Trump signed the bill into law with a ceremony that included fireworks and a flyover of B-2 bombers on Independence Day.
"We made promises, and it’s really promises made, promises kept, and we’ve kept them. There’s a triumph of democracy on the birthday of democracy, and I have to say that the people are happy," Trump said from the White House.
Democrats had dug their heels in against this legislation and a few Republicans balked, but Trump promised that they would come to regret that. "We are going to have something where people are going to realize the level of success and popularity of this bill," Trump said.
The bill's signing comes after Trump's successful takedown of Iran's nuclear program as well as several Supreme Court victories. "This had to be the best two weeks. Has anybody ever had a better two weeks?" Trump said at the signing.
Republicans have to prove themselves by the time the 2026 midterms roll around, and it looks like they're on their way. They now have momentum, thanks to Trump's bold moves and Johnson's backing with promises of future legislation.
In a move aimed at prioritizing domestic access to America’s national parks, President Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday that will hike entry fees for foreign visitors, the Washington Times reported.
The order, intended to support maintenance and conservation efforts, comes alongside the formation of a federal commission on environmental policy and follows the administration's proposal to cut $1 billion from the National Park Service budget in 2026.
The order did not specify the amount of the fee increase or when the changes would take effect. Currently, entrance fees range from $20 to $35 per vehicle, depending on the park. The change applies only to international tourists visiting federally managed parks.
The White House stated the initiative is designed to make park access more affordable for Americans, who already contribute through federal taxes. Officials described the shift as a matter of fairness and resource prioritization.
Under the order, U.S. citizens will also receive preference in park reservation and permitting systems. No further implementation details have been provided about how this prioritization will work within current systems.
Revenue from the increased fees is expected to total hundreds of millions of dollars. That money will support conservation projects, infrastructure improvements, and the reduction of long-standing maintenance deficits across national parks.
Charging higher fees to foreign tourists is common in other parts of the world, and U.S. officials noted the policy aligns with global standards. They claim it allows taxpayers to enjoy increased benefits from public resources they support financially.
While the policy may help raise funds, it also raises questions about potential declines in international visitation. Critics warn this could affect local economies near major parks, especially those that rely heavily on overseas tourism.
The administration has stated that operational changes from the fee increase will ultimately improve park conditions and visitor experiences, without requiring additional funds from domestic taxpayers.
On the same day, President Trump signed a second executive order establishing the Make America Beautiful Commission. The commission aims to conserve lands and waters, reduce federal regulatory barriers, and stimulate job creation through environmental stewardship.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum will lead the panel, which will coordinate federal efforts to advance conservation while promoting sustainable growth. The group will also serve as an advisory body for future land management strategies.
The commission is meant to complement the funding changes by ensuring long-term oversight of federal park resources. Officials described it as part of a broader plan to balance environmental and economic priorities.
The executive actions came shortly after the White House proposed a $1 billion cut to the National Park Service budget for 2026. Conservation groups responded swiftly, expressing deep concern about the potential impact of such reductions.
Theresa Pierno, president and CEO of the National Parks Conservation Association, said the cuts could force the closure of more than 75% of all park sites. That could mean as many as 350 sites nationwide losing public access.
President Donald Trump promised during the 2024 presidential cycle that he would dedicate everything possible to squashing former President Joe Biden's chaotic border situation.
That's exactly what has happened so far, and according to Breitbart, even some Democrats, like Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-TX), believe that Trump is doing a good job because he's using the "right policy" to help control the border situation.
Cuellar, being a native Texan, has often angered his own party for his stance on the immigration crisis. It's understandable that he would be on the side of most Americans since he represents a sector of Texas that has been devastated by the illegal immigration crisis.
While most Democrats are blindly against Trump's border policies, there are a few reasonable ones that are willing to speak up on behalf of their constituents.
The Texas Democrat admitted that the numbers at the border are dropping, and unlike most people in his party, Cuellar said that it's a direct result of Trump's border policies.
Cuellar said, “President Trump is using the right policy, no catch and release," when describing why he thinks the numbers at the border have drastically dropped.
That's night and day compared to former President Joe Biden, whose "catch and release" strategy led to some of the highest border crossing numbers in U.S. history.
Cuellar also talked about the various border and immigration provisions in President Trump's "Big, Beautiful Bill," noting that disagreed with
Biden's approach to the border, which led to a sustained spike in border crossings for years.
“Look, the numbers have gone down without building any more border wall. … Because you’ve got to look at a confluence of things. You’ve got to have the right policies.
He added, "And President Trump is using the right policy, no catch and release, that Biden, I disagreed, because he did catch and release. You’ve got to get Mexico and other countries to stop people before they come over. So, the numbers have gone down."
“Now, do we need to have more Border Patrol agents? Yes. More technology? Yes. River roads, carrizo cane eliminations," he added.
While most Democrats aren't interested in telling the truth about the border situation, Cuellar has proven otherwise.
Much like Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA), Cuellar isn't afraid to break ranks with his party, no matter the cost.
Trump's border policies are working, and it's becoming more difficult for Democrats and the media to deny that.
This story was originally published by the WND News Center.
"President Trump's One Big, Beautiful Bill delivers on the commonsense agenda that nearly 80 million Americans voted for – the largest middle-class tax cut in history, permanent border security, massive military funding, and restoring fiscal sanity," explained White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
"The pro-growth policies within this historic legislation are going to fuel an economic boom like we've never seen before. President Trump looks forward to signing the One Big, Beautiful Bill into law to officially usher in the Golden Age of America."
Her comments came minutes after the House of Representatives passed 218-214 the "One Big Beautiful Bill."
"Again and again, Democrats tried to block historic tax relief, increased border security, higher wages, an expanded Child Tax Credit, No Tax on Tips, No Tax on Overtime, No Tax on Social Security, savings accounts for newborns, and so much more — but again and again, President Trump and Republicans fought and won for the American people," the statement said.
Signing is scheduled for Friday.
A major provision is one that strips "forced taxpayer funding of the Big Abortion industry."
"Defunding the abortion industry, led by Planned Parenthood, marks the greatest pro-life victory since the Dobbs decision. For the first time in history, Congress is halting forced taxpayer funding of Big Abortion in the Medicaid program for one year. This will save lives and strip over $500 million from Big Abortion's coffers. Combined with last week's Supreme Court decision empowering states to do the same, this represents tremendous progress toward achieving a decades-long goal that has long proved elusive," said SBA Pro-Life America chief Marjorie Dannenfelser.
""For decades, Big Abortion has siphoned off billions in tax dollars to prop up a scandal-ridden industry built on abortion and partisan politics. Planned Parenthood alone commits over 400,000 abortions a year while services like cancer screenings continue to plummet — all while pocketing over $2 million every day from taxpayers."
"The American people should not have to continue subsidizing the abortion industry – and now, thanks to the One Big Beautiful Bill, they won't be," said Jennie Bradley Lichter, president of March for Life Action. "We joyfully anticipate President Trump signing this landmark legislation, which ensures that Americans' hard-earned tax dollars are not being used to prop up an industry whose business model is built on ending human lives, misleading pregnant women into thinking that abortion is their only option, and delivering substandard healthcare that they then charge to the government.
"For years the majority of Americans have said they reject this status quo. Women deserve better – America deserves better – and we thank President Trump, Speaker of the House Johnson, and Senate Majority Leader Thune, as well as all of the other pro-life champions in Congress who brought this bill across the finish line."
Carol Tobias, of National Right to Life, added, "We applaud pro-life members in Congress and pro-life leadership, including House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune, for keeping their promises to the American people and delivering a bill that prevents taxpayer funds from subsidizing the abortion industry. For decades, Americans have made it clear that they do not want their tax dollars funding abortion. Today, Congress delivered.:"
Other organizations and groups had specific comments about how they are affected.
Consumer Energy Alliance President David Holt said, "This legislation unleashes affordable, reliable and cleaner energy for families and small businesses across the country, and gives the U.S. the edge in the global AI race by ensuring that always-on, reliable baseload power like nuclear and natural gas can be developed at speed and scale.
"Critically, this bill ensures offshore lease sales for Gulf of America and Alaska, which were intentionally delayed and drowned in red tape under the Biden Administration. That kept money out of the U.S. Treasury and Gulf States, and impeded the ability for companies to appropriately plan future energy development."
Rep. Barry Loudermilk, R-Ga., said, of the "huge victory, "This legislation addresses many of the legislative priorities that President Trump promised to Americans during his campaign for President. Although the bill is not perfect, as none are, nor does it include several provisions of the original House version, I voted in favor of the largest tax cut in history, ending the Biden-era invasion of our southern border, and reducing wasteful and abusive spending of taxpayer dollars.
"Americans are tired of having a government that they are afraid of, and want a government they can be proud of. This Reconciliation package scales back the size and scope of federal agencies, cuts red-tape, brings more accountability, and cuts fraud, waste, and abuse. This bill is a good start, but Congress still has a lot of work to do; as we must continue to move back to a government that is small in size, limited in scope, and dedicated to preserving the rights and liberties of the American people.
"Last November, voters gave the President and Congress an unprecedented mandate to govern, and to tackle the very challenges that this bill addresses. With this historic legislation, Americans will be keeping more of their hard-earned money and paying less for food and fuel, while enjoying a level of safety not seen in years, as our southern border becomes more secure. With President Trump's signature, the Big, Beautiful, Bill will usher in the Golden Age of America and put our great country back on the path to prosperity."
Article III Project founder Mike Davis said, "This is an historic and monumental victory for President Trump—and real Americans in real America. And a major loss for Trump's opponents and doubters. Trump sealed his standing as one of America's most consequential presidents. And his second term is just getting started."
Democrats and other leftists universally blasted it.
"This is a direct attack on the health and well-being of low-income individuals and families," said Mara Youdelman of the National Health Law Program. "The bill cuts nearly a trillion dollars from Medicaid. It will force states to slash eligibility and services, causing individuals to lose coverage and communities to lose the providers they depend on. And all of this is done to fund tax breaks for corporations and the ultrarich."
Joseph Geevarghese, of Our Revolution, organized originally by leftist Bernie Sanders, claimed, "Republicans have passed the most dangerous legislation of our lifetimes. This bill hands billionaires and corporations a trillion-dollar tax break, paid for by ripping health care from 17 million people, gutting funding for rural hospitals, slashing clean energy investments, and cutting food assistance for millions of children."
He charged it is the "largest transfer of wealth from working- and middle-class Americans to the ultra-wealthy in our nation's history."
The National Nurses United union went to extremes, claiming, "Lawmakers have effectively signed the death warrants for millions today. It will steal money from safety-net community hospitals and reproductive health care clinics, like Planned Parenthood. It will kick people off their health insurance. It will effectively punish people for getting sick or injured, making us all sicker and less healthy."
This story was originally published by the WND News Center.
A former Space Force officer's objection to the military's Biden-era COVID-19 vaccine mandate still haunts him over three years later.
WorldNetDaily spoke to Joshua Zermeno, a former officer who dedicated part of his career to space superiority, having served in the U.S. military for 13 years. In August 2021, Zermeno objected to then-Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin's military COVID-19 shot mandate, questioning both its "efficacy and legality." For this, he received two Letters of Reprimand (LORs) and a "Do Not Promote" recommendation that blocked his promotion to major. He was also banned from government buildings and required to work from home.
With his career collapsing in front of him, Zermeno attempted to voluntarily separate from the military in October 2021, but was told his separation was "not in the best interest of the Air Force and Space Force." In the week following this statement, he said base leadership initiated Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) action against him. Despite the rescission of the COVID-19 shot mandate in January 2023, he was passed over for promotion a second time. Seven months later, he was forced to separate from the military entirely.
Nevertheless, Zermeno would consider returning to Space Force, but has been offered "zero guidance" from the Department of Defense and the Air Force's Total Force Service Center, which manages Space Force matters.
The former Space Force officer said stories like his are among "the most censored topics globally." He pointed out, "Many service members and veterans have turned to social media to share their experiences, but censorship limits reach, and account deletions risk erasing these stories." Even his own X account has been "targeted and tagged with 'Visibility limited: this Post may violate X's rules against Hateful Conduct,' despite its professional content."
To counter the censorship, Zermeno published "DISOBEYING AN UNLAWFUL ORDER: A SPACE FORCE OFFICER'S FIGHT FOR FREEDOM" in June 2025. It was written "to preserve history of military's COVID-19 shot mandate permanently," he said, adding that his desire is for the book to reach current and future military leaders to "study, learn from, and prevent such mistakes from ever happening again."
He told WND, "Current and future military leaders must understand the mandate's impact on service members, families, force readiness, and national security to learn from these mistakes."
In the book, Zermeno reveals:
"This memoir is my raw, unfiltered reckoning: an exposé that dismantles the military's false narratives, revealing a mandate that crushed free thinkers who dared to question right from wrong. Its brutal side effect was a purge of some of the military's sharpest minds, leaving shattered lives across every branch through coercion, public shaming and ruthless career destruction. I was one of tens of thousands of individuals purged from service – skilled professionals whose training, experience and institutional knowledge can't be replaced by new recruits, a loss that weakened our military's readiness at a time when global threats demand strength."
According to Zermeno, "The COVID-19 mandate ranks among the gravest errors in military history and must not be forgotten." He adds, "Service members, force readiness and national security continue to feel its negative impacts," adding that "the mandate negatively affected tens of thousands of service members – hundreds of thousands, including spouses and children."
Because he continues to advocate for righting the wrongs associated with the mandate, it appears the attacks against Zermeno have not ended. Ten days after publishing his book, his current employer was contacted by the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) to initiate a supplemental information request about his eligibility for Top Secret clearance.
He recently wrote about the ordeal on X:
For Zermeno, the inquiry from the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency is not a coincidence. He continues to wait to hear more from DCSA, as his second career – one that requires Top Secret clearance – hangs in the balance.
Republicans are attempting to prevent tax increases on the American people, Rep. Richard Hudson said in an exclusive interview with Breitbart. The North Carolina Republican said that Democrats are in favor of Americans paying more.
"If Democrats get their way, your taxes are going up a lot. That’s not speculation," Hudson told the news outlet.
He blamed the fact that the 2017 tax cuts passed with a Republican Congress during Trump's first term are set to expire. Hudson explained that they "gave relief to millions of middle-class families, small business owners, and working parents."
Regardless of how useful the cuts have been, Democrats don't want to extend them. "But unless we act, they will sunset in 2026, leading to the largest tax increase in a generation," Hudson warned.
Hudson went on to tout the recently passed One Big Beautiful Bill Act that House Republicans say will "extend the Trump tax cuts, protect middle-class families, and expand the Child Tax Credit so more parents can keep more of what they earn." Meanwhile, the Democrats are against it.
"If we don’t act, the average American family will see a $2,000 tax hike starting in 2026. Democrats call that 'fairness.' We call it theft," Hudson explained.
The lawmaker acknowledged that former President Joe Biden made things worse with "rising grocery bills, housing costs, and interest rates." Piling on more taxes would add insult to injury, but he believes Trump's signature bill "delivers" relief.
"It keeps taxes low, helps families thrive, and ensures Washington can no longer treat the American people like an ATM. It rewards hard work, supports families, and strengthens our economy from the bottom up. This isn’t a handout, it’s a hand-up for the working class," Hudson explained.
"We’ve also made it easier for small businesses to grow and hire. We’ve given entrepreneurs the certainty they need to plan, invest, and expand. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and this bill lets them breathe," Hudson added.
As GOP lawmakers work to make conditions better for Americans, Democrats resist. "Democrats want more of your money to fund more of their bloated bureaucracy. Democrats want to maintain the status quo. Republicans want you to keep more of what you earn," Hudson said.
"That’s the choice. And that’s the message we’ll be driving home across every battleground in America," he added. Hudson said it's not about "dollars and cents" but rather "values," and he believes the GOP has the upper hand.
"Do we believe in a government that helps people build a better life or one that takes more and more while delivering less and less? House Republicans believe that families, not Washington, know best how to spend their money," Hudson said.
"Democrats voted against this bill. They voted for higher taxes on families, small businesses, and job creators. Their priorities are crystal clear: more government, more spending, and more control. Republicans believe in empowering families, not punishing them," Hudson said before pledging to make the Democrats pay for this at the ballot box.
There has never been a tax that the Democratic Party didn't love. Hudson is correct that only one party is fighting against higher taxes even as Americans struggle to make ends meet, and the contrast between the GOP and Democrats has never been clearer.
A shakeup could be coming soon to the Federal Reserve if President Donald Trump gets his wish about a change in leadership.
Trump, who has a longstanding beef with Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, has called for Powell to resign after what was allegedly “deceptive” testimony before Congress given by the Fed leader, as Fox News reported.
Trump responded to an assertion by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) that Powell was untruthful. The claim seems to have increased Trump’s already mounting frustration, kicked off by Powell’s refusal to lower interest rates.
According to Trump, Powell’s actions have cost the United States a “fortune” and he sent the chairman a strongly worded letter voicing his concerns.
Early this week Trump reached out to Powell, telling him in a Monday letter that other nations are lowering interest rates faster than the United States and questioning the Fed’s decision on the issue.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt read the president’s note to Powell on Monday where the president said, “"Jerome, you are, as usual, too late.
“‘You have cost the USA a fortune and continue to do so. You should lower the rate by a lot. Hundreds of billions of dollars are being lost and there is no inflation.'"
That came before Trump reposted an article by Bloomberg where the FHFA head called for an investigation. Trump said in his Truth Social post, "Too Late’ should resign immediately!!!”
The call by the U.S. Federal Housing Chair, Bill Pulte, to investigate Powell was due to his recent testimony, which came following questions about what some claim are artificially high interest rates.
At least one political commentator, Nick Sorter, took to X in a July 2 post to talk about the call to investigate Powell, and he went on to say he believes the rate levels were kept high to “spite President Trump.”
🚨 BREAKING: US Federal Housing Chair Bill @Pulte calls for Congress to INVESTIGATE Jerome Powell
Powell has kept rates artificially high to spite President Trump, causing MILLIONS of homeowners and buyers great harm.
DO YOUR JOB, CONGRESS! Investigate Powell! pic.twitter.com/H9dS7sNPkZ
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) July 2, 2025
The issue of money is, of course, at the forefront for Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who was asked about the call for resignation.
Bessent responded to questions about Powell during a July 3 interview, saying that the Trump administration has been consistent in its efforts to “get waste, fraud, and abuse out of the system."
"So, is it healthy for the Fed to get [its] spending under control, just like everybody else, in this time of belt-tightening and right-sizing the federal government? Sure," Bessent said Thursday during FOX Business’s “Mornings with Maria.”
When “asked by host Maria Bartiromo if Bessent wanted Powell to resign, the treasury secretary said, "I want to see the Fed right-size their budget.”
The White House is denying an anonymous report that Mark Zuckerberg waltzed into an Oval Office meeting unexpectedly.
According to liberal NBC News, the Facebook founder was asked to leave after he walked in unannounced.
The report, citing two anonymous officials, said there were concerns Zuckerberg didn't have a security clearance.
Americans are very familiar at this point with Trump's spontaneous, idiosyncratic approach to governing. A couple weeks ago, he discussed world politics with journalists while surveying construction on a new set of "beautiful" flagpoles on the White House lawn. When Trump made one of his semi-regular pilgrimages to UFC in June, he brought Secretary of State Marco Rubio to watch.
While some find Trump's loose, unfiltered style to be a refreshing change, especially after four years of the cloistered Biden presidency, some White House insiders complained to NBC about a lack of privacy.
One official described the winter meeting where Zuckerberg reportedly showed up as "bizarro world."
"A young aide also came in during the meeting, showed the president something on her laptop computer and left. Trump’s cellphone rang a couple of times," the report said.
The White House denied NBC's claim that Zuckerberg crashed the meeting, which was to discuss the next generation of fighter jets, the F-47.
While acknowledging that Zuckerberg made an appearance, an official said Trump had requested a separate meeting with the tech titan.
“He was not asked to leave,” the official said. “He popped in to say hello at the president’s request, and then left to wait for his meeting with POTUS to begin, which was scheduled to occur after the meeting with the pilots.”
The relationship between Trump and Zuckerberg has become much friendlier compared to Trump's first term, when Trump frequently complained about Facebook's left-wing bias.
Zuckerberg apologized last year for Facebook's role in censoring information on behalf of the Biden administration. Zuckerberg also praised Trump's courageous response to the assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, and Zuckerberg was later front and center at Trump's historic second inauguration in January.
Another tech billionaire, Elon Musk, was a recurring presence in the Oval Office during the early months of Trump's second term, with Musk's casual office wear becoming a subject of criticism and parody. Musk resigned his position as a "special government employee" in May.
When Musk's alliance with Trump dramatically unraveled days later, Trump confirmed that he asked Musk to leave, saying the Tesla CEO was "wearing thin."