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Secretary of State Marco Rubio Announces VISA Restrictions for Foreign Nationals Who Censor American Speech

We have discussed the possibility of President Trump linking liberty and freedom initiatives to trade agreement policy; indeed, there are indications this approach is underway.  Now we see the same approach being applied by Secretary of State Marco Rubio as it pertains to visa entry and censorship.

Rubio announces that entities who participate in the censorship of Americans will not be granted entry visas to enter the United States.

The most important aspect to this shift and affirmation is that it’s not our enemies censoring American speech, it’s our allies.  Individuals, entities, organizations and government officials in Great Britain, Europe and even Canada have put restrictions on American speech and threatened legal action therein.

Here’s the official State Dept announcement:

“Free speech is among the most cherished rights we enjoy as Americans. This right, legally enshrined in our constitution, has set us apart as a beacon of freedom around the world.  Even as we take action to reject censorship at home, we see troubling instances of foreign governments and foreign officials picking up the slack.  In some instances, foreign officials have taken flagrant censorship actions against U.S. tech companies and U.S. citizens and residents when they have no authority to do so.

Today, I am announcing a new visa restriction policy that will apply to foreign nationals who are responsible for censorship of protected expression in the United States.  It is unacceptable for foreign officials to issue or threaten arrest warrants on U.S. citizens or U.S. residents for social media posts on American platforms while physically present on U.S. soil.  It is similarly unacceptable for foreign officials to demand that American tech platforms adopt global content moderation policies or engage in censorship activity that reaches beyond their authority and into the United States.  We will not tolerate encroachments upon American sovereignty, especially when such encroachments undermine the exercise of our fundamental right to free speech.

This visa restriction policy is pursuant to Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which authorizes the Secretary of State to render inadmissible any alien whose entry into the Unites States “would have potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences for the United States.”  Certain family members may also be covered by these restrictions.” [SOURCE LINK]

Go Rubio!

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Texas AG Ken Paxton Announces $1.375 Billion Settlement from Google for Privacy Violations

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has won a $1.375 billion settlement from Google as a result of the state suing the tech company for continued privacy violations. [Press Release Here]

TEXAS – […] In 2022, Attorney General Paxton sued Google for unlawfully tracking and collecting users’ private data regarding geolocation, incognito searches, and biometric data. After years of aggressive litigation, Attorney General Paxton agreed to settle Texas’s data-privacy claims against Google for an amount that far surpasses any other state’s claims for similar violations.

To date, no state has attained a settlement against Google for similar data-privacy violations greater than $93 million. Even a multistate coalition that included forty states secured just $391 million—almost a billion dollars less than Texas’s recovery.

“In Texas, Big Tech is not above the law. For years, Google secretly tracked people’s movements, private searches, and even their voiceprints and facial geometry through their products and services. I fought back and won,” said Attorney General Paxton. “This $1.375 billion settlement is a major win for Texans’ privacy and tells companies that they will pay for abusing our trust. I will always protect Texans by stopping Big Tech’s attempts to make a profit by selling away our rights and freedoms.” (more)

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Good Stuff – British Officials Worry President Trump Tariffs are Being Leveraged to Support Free Speech

An interesting report from the U.K reflects British government officials who feel their legal position against ‘free speech’ in Great Britain is now part of the negotiations for President Trump’s tariffs.  Essentially, the tariff discussion is encompassing more than just tariffs; if the nation does not support traditional freedoms and liberty, they could face stronger tariffs from the USA.

The messenger for this dynamic is not coincidentally Vice President JD Vance, who aligns closely with the tech platforms.  The tech control agents are bitterly opposed to President Trump’s tariff position, and this nuance is quite possibly a way to give the tech platforms an ancillary benefit, vis-a-vis free speech support.

The tech industry is facing pressure from the EU and British government to censor and control information content on their platforms.  By adding the importance of free speech to the leverage of tariff pressure, President Trump gives both Main Street companies and American Tech Titans something important to their business interests.  This is both a smart and righteous approach.

(Via The UK Independent) Sir Keir Starmer must embrace Donald Trump’s agenda by repealing hate speech laws in order to get a trade deal over the line, a Washington source has told The Independent.

The warning came after the US vice-president suggested a UK-US agreement may be close, with the White House “working very hard” on it.

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Biometrics Active – A Weird Thing Happened Returning Through Airport

As most of you know I have been traveling extensively. However, a strange thing happened today upon return through the airport.

Apparently, all of the test pilots for biometrics, real ID etc. are now linked and active.  As I approached the passport control kiosk with my passport in hand, the gentleman said “welcome back, enjoy the rest of your day,” and that was it.

I stood there for a second, asked if he needed my passport and he said, “no, you’re good. Go on through.”  It seems the facial recognition software is live.  You no longer need to show your U.S. passport or any ID when arriving through U.S. international passport control.

Now, I should say I have never signed up for TSA pre-check, Fast Track, or any other kind of Global Travel authentication.  I have always opted to just be a grey traveler with as little a footprint as possible.  I reentered the U.S. the same way in February and needed to show the traditional passport, etc. However, this time in April it was totally different. There is no longer any paperwork or documentation needed.  It actually, seemed a little weird.

I should also note the U.S. “opt-out” for facial scans is a little bit of a ruse; the reason is when you depart from a foreign country, destined to the USA, the facial recognition is mandatory.  The U.S. Dept of Homeland Security, TSA and Border Control, require all countries to authenticate the U.S. destined traveler at the point of exit.  It’s not optional in other countries, you either comply or you don’t get to come home to the USA.

Because it’s not optional in other countries, and because the database is connected to the U.S. border entry system, the fact you can opt-out of having your picture taken inside the USA is moot; your facial impression is already captured at your point of departure from the foreign country and shared with U.S. homeland security.

This appears to be how the interconnected systems are now recording travel.  By the time you reach the U.S. entry point, they already have a database of your biometrics to match your entry.  Cameras located facing toward the traveler as they approach the kiosk, cross reference the data and the passport control officer knows exactly what authorities for entry you carry as you approach.  Showing documentation such as your passport is no longer needed.

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Elon Musk is Doing What Eric Holder Dreamed of Doing

HAT TIP to Elon Musk sycophant, Mario Nawfal, who gleefully writes:

“Elon’s DOGE just teamed up with Palantir — the AI data company co-founded by Peter Thiel — to help the IRS build a massive “mega API.”

What’s a mega API? Think of it like a giant, turbo-charged plug that lets computers talk to each other. This one would let the IRS finally access all of its scattered, ancient tax data in one place.

For 3 days straight, Palantir’s tech geniuses, DOGE officials, and IRS engineers have been locked in a digital war room, trying to modernize a system that still faxes things like it’s 1997.

It’s like giving a flip phone the powers of ChatGPT — if ChatGPT worked for the IRS and wanted your W-2s. Yes, it’s weird. Yes, it’s real.” (LINK)

Yes, Elon Musk and Palantir (CEO Alex Carp) are going to create the IRS interface that links your tax identification to all other government monitoring databases.  The sourcing is HERE and HERE.

Against enormous backlash from those who believe Elon Musk, Peter Theil, Palantir and JD Vance are the saviors of our nation; while facing anger from those who define the telling of truth as a black pill – while shouting that failing to support Elon Musk is akin to attacking President Trump; CTH Previously warned about the most likely end game extensively. [HERE] and [HERE] and [HERE]

To all those voices who refuse to see what is becoming increasingly obvious, understand the core CTH baseline, we don’t care if information is uncomfortable, because the Truth has No Agenda.  Here’s the explanation from WIRED:

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President Trump Exempts Most Chinese Consumer Electronics, Tech Products and Components from Reciprocal Tariffs

The baseline tariffs remain, specifically as they pertain to China.  However, in a move to diminish public backlash President Trump has now exempted the majority of consumer electronics from the 125% reciprocal tariff levy.

The types of electronic and computer systems exempted, as announced by U.S Customs & Border Protection, Cargo Systems Messaging Service [DATA HERE], is extensive.  The machines used to make semiconductors will also be exempt.

All of the following products are now exempt from the larger global tariffs, including the tariffs in place against China:

•Computers (laptops, desktops, servers) •Workstations •Computer systems •Keyboards •Mice •Hard drives •Memory modules (RAM) •Power supplies •Computer motherboards •Graphic cards •Semiconductor manufacturing equipment: •Photolithography machines •Etching and doping machines •Wafer handling robots •Cleanroom systems used in chip fabrication Used by companies like TSMC, Intel, and Samsung in chip production. •Smartphones •Mobile phones with data transmission capabilities •Devices like iPhones, Android phones, and similar mobile communication devices •Wireless routers •Network switches •Modems (cable, DSL, etc.) •VoIP equipment •Communication hubs •Internet gateway devices •USB flash drives •SSDs (solid-state drives) •Memory cards (like SD, microSD) •Other flash storage devices used in everything from laptops to cameras and game consoles. •Individual solar cells, unassembled •Photovoltaic cells assembled into modules or panels, with or without bypass diodes •Custom or specialty solar panels •Microprocessors (CPUs, SoCs) •Memory chips (RAM, Flash, etc.) •Logic ICs, analog ICs, mixed-signal ICs •Specialized application chips (ASICs, GPUs, AI chips) •Widely used in all electronics: smartphones, laptops, vehicles, appliances, industrial controls •All types of LEDs [SOURCE]

The exemption announced April 11th is retroactive back to April 5th.  According to the announcement, companies who imported during the window of tariffs may request a refund due to changes in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS).

This is a major appeasement move to both the Communist Party of China (Beijing) and corporate tech titans like Apple.

There is no other honest framework to view this, other than President Trump retreated fearing backlash from corporate donors, Silicon Valley allies and the broader system of adverse politics.  The administration will try to spin this, but it is a really bad look.

Elon Musk won the argument, defeating Peter Navarro, Howard Lutnick, Scott Bessent and Stephen Miller.  I was wrong.  Obviously, Elon Musk has the most power and influence in the administration.

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EU Commision Komisar Ursula von der Leyen Reacts to U.S. Tariffs and Prepares Countermeasures Against American Interests

President Donald J Trump announcing the end of the 80-year-old Marshall Plan (aka The European Recovery Program) of one-way tariffs against American imports has triggered a very predictable response from the European Union.

While saying the EU is prepared to enter negations toward a zero-tariff trade reciprocity, Comrade Ursula von der Leyen simultaneously announced that Brussels is prepared to launch countermeasures against The United States, in an effort to retain economic control and access to a U.S. consumer market they must exploit for their economic survival.

Speaking in very deliberate terms, the EU Komisar states the U.S. decision to demand reciprocity, and fairness will deliver “immense” and “dire consequences” for the New World Order and “global trading system.”  von der Leyen proclaims that global citizens will be impacted with higher grocery bills, shortages of medication and increased costs for transportation.

The leader of the world’s largest bureaucracy stunningly proclaims President Trump’s tariffs will increase the “burdens of bureaucracy.” The one-sided benefits and “interests of the European Union” will be protected at all costs.   WATCH:

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Regarding “countermeasures.” Again, we repeat the predicable response.  Together with their unelected ally in Canada controlling the North American response, watch for the EU to target Big USA Tech companies and financial service sectors.

The goal of the EU will be to assemble a tariff countermeasure response that will deliver political pain, not economic consequences.  That’s just how they roll.  The EU will leverage disgruntled Wall Street, banking and Technocracy sectors in order to put political pressure on Donald Trump to back down.

Optically this is the worst possible type of pontificating EU spokesperson to generate internal American opposition.  Frankly comrade Ursula, MAGA don’t give a damn. [Pinky Finger Salute]

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Elon Musk Merges xAI with X (Twitter) to Combine Valuations of $113 Billion

In an announcement on his Twitter (X) account, Elon Musk announces that xAI is purchasing X (Twitter) in an internal stock swap.  Twitter was valued at $33 billion, and xAI at $80 billion.

The remaining $12 billion in debt attributed to Twitter, can now be removed and paid to the debt holders without worry of the financial instability a repayment would generate. IMHO this was the motive.

Those who followed my research on Twitter financials, clearly understand how the platform needed to restructure.  The same people who organized the Twitter financing are the same people who just organized the merger.

As noted by The Wall Street Journal, “The new valuations were determined during negotiations between the two Musk arms, which both had the same advisers.

The Twitter debt holders can now get repaid without impact to Twitter.  Note, by Musk’s own admission the debt within Twitter is the same today as it was on the original purchase date. No debt was paid down.

Elon Musk – “xAI has acquired X in an all-stock transaction. The combination values xAI at $80 billion and X at $33 billion ($45B less $12B debt).

Since it’s founding two years ago, xAI has rapidly become one of the leading AI labs in the world, building models and data centers at unprecedented speed and scale.

X is the digital town square where more than 600M active users go to find the real-time source of ground truth and, in the last two years, has been transformed into one of the most efficient companies in the world, positioning it to deliver scalable future growth.

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JD Vance Delivers Speech on Techno-Optimism vs Populism

When Vice-President JD Vance delivers prepared remarks about Artificial Intelligence, pay attention.

JD Vance is the 2028 presidential candidate of choice for the Technocrats; the current goal is to envelop the MAGA populist movement for the intents and purposes of the collective network of Technocrats.

This motive and intent baseline will not change as Vance positions to replace President Donald Trump.

During a speech to the American Dynamism Summit, JD Vance outlines his optimism for the future of the U.S. economy, as boosted by the technological advances in artificial intelligence.

Within his remarks, Vance correctly notes some voices are saying there is going to be a major fracture between the “Techno-optimists” and the “populists.” However, Vance defines that chasm, and then refutes that fear/concern around jobs, advanced AI, automation, innovation and the economy. He misses what will be the root cause of the fracture completely.

Vice-President Vance notes there is nothing to fear from innovation, artificial intelligence, robotics and advanced industrial application of emerging technology. Indeed, all facets of economic growth through the use of all the aforementioned enterprises are correctly framed by the vice president.

There is nothing to fear on the economic front from the technological advancements currently underway.

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Elon Musk Extensive Interview with Larry Kudlow

DOGE and government reform head, Elon Musk appears with Larry Kudlow to discuss ongoing events and challenges to both his private enterprises and Trump administration as a result of targeting the Deep State apparatus in Washington DC.

Beginning the interview, Musk notes the X-Platform faced a DDOS attack from Ukraine origin throughout the day on Monday, then the conversation moves to how DOGE is being opposed.

The interview is interesting from the scale and scope of the opposition forces that are attempting to derail the Trump administration, and in the larger picture shows just how extensive the previously hidden malevolent forces are that run the systems of our U.S. government.  Segment #1 Below:

The second segment is below.

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