Matzav

President Trump announced Friday that Harvard University will be losing its tax-exempt designation.

“We are going to be taking away Harvard’s Tax Exempt Status. It’s what they deserve!” he posted on Truth Social.

This development follows the Trump administration’s recent decision to suspend $2.2 billion in federal grant money that had been allocated over several years. The suspension was in response to Harvard’s alleged failure to adequately address antisemitism and hate-related activity on its campus.

Earlier, Trump had suggested that Harvard’s continued promotion of “political, ideological, and terrorist inspired/supporting ‘Sickness?’” could place its tax-exempt status in jeopardy.

“Remember, Tax Exempt Status is totally contingent on acting in the PUBLIC INTEREST!” he warned.

Being tax-exempt allows universities like Harvard to attract substantial donations from wealthy benefactors looking for tax deductions, and ensures that the institution doesn’t pay income tax on its net earnings.

However, current federal law bars the president and other top government officials from ordering or halting any IRS audits or investigations.

The administration has yet to explain the legal justification it plans to use in order to revoke Harvard’s tax exemption.

Harvard has long benefited from its tax-exempt designation, helping it accumulate the country’s largest university endowment, now estimated at $53 billion. In the 2024 fiscal year alone, the school reportedly generated $2.4 billion in earnings from that endowment.

That endowment is crucial to the school’s financial operations, reportedly covering nearly 38% of its $6.4 billion annual budget. Additionally, $686 million in yearly federal funds comprise about 16% of its total budget.

Should Harvard’s tax-exempt status be revoked and its endowment earnings be taxed at the corporate rate of 21% instead of the current 1.4%, the school could face a $525 million annual loss in available funds.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump revealed Thursday that he plans to rebrand Veterans Day, calling it “Victory Day for World War I” as a tribute to what he described as America’s decisive military triumphs.

In a message posted late at night on Truth Social, Trump said the renaming effort is intended to spotlight America’s unmatched contributions in both global conflicts. He also proposed replacing the name “Victory in Europe Day,” observed on May 8, with “Victory in World War II Day,” asserting, “we did more than any other Country, by far, in producing a victorious result on World War II.”

“We won both Wars, nobody was close to us in terms of strength, bravery, or military brilliance, but we never celebrate anything,” Trump wrote. “That’s because we don’t have leaders anymore, that know how to do so! We are going to start celebrating our victories again!”

The suggestion to change the name of Veterans Day comes as a surprise, considering the holiday’s origins. It was first introduced as Armistice Day after the end of World War I to honor the American soldiers who had served in that devastating war. During the 1950s, its scope was expanded to include all U.S. military veterans, encompassing those who had fought in World War II and the Korean War. It became an official federal holiday in 1968, and over time has come to commemorate veterans of numerous other conflicts, including those in Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

May 8 is recognized as the date when Nazi Germany surrendered, marking the end of fighting in Europe. However, the war against Japan continued for several more months, concluding in September 1945 after the U.S. dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Unlike Veterans Day, Victory in Europe Day is not an official federal holiday in the United States.

Trump’s assertion that the United States played the most significant role in winning World War II is likely to provoke pushback, particularly from Russia, which highlights its immense wartime losses during what it calls the “Great Patriotic War.” Approximately 9 million Soviet soldiers and 19 million civilians were killed in battles against the Nazi regime on the Eastern Front. Britain also endured severe destruction during Germany’s prolonged bombing campaigns.

{Matzav.com}

Cybersecurity professionals are urgently advising Apple users to update their devices without delay following the discovery of a major security loophole in the company’s AirPlay technology, according to the New York Post. Researchers say the flaw could open the door for hackers to steal sensitive information, install malicious software, and even listen in on private conversations.

The vulnerability, dubbed “AirBorne,” exposes millions of Apple devices to potential threats. Experts explain that the issue allows cyber attackers to penetrate devices sharing the same Wi-Fi network — making places like coffee shops, office spaces, and airports particularly vulnerable.

AirPlay, which allows wireless media sharing across Apple products, relies on a software development kit (SDK) used in a wide array of electronics. Analysts warn that this exploit could provide intruders with access to various devices, such as iPhones, smart TVs, and infotainment systems in vehicles.

“Because AirPlay is supported in such a wide variety of devices, there are a lot that will take years to patch — or they will never be patched,” said Gal Elbaz, chief technology officer and co-founder of Israeli cybersecurity company Oligo, during an interview with Wired. “And it’s all because of vulnerabilities in one piece of software that affects everything.”

Security investigators identified 23 distinct flaws within the AirPlay system. Worryingly, the affected hardware could include older or idle devices that are still connected to a network — such as obsolete streaming boxes or Bluetooth speakers — which could serve as entry points for attackers.

“If a hacker can get on the same network as one of these devices, they can gain control and use it as a stepping stone to reach everything else,” Elbaz warned.

In response to the findings, Apple has released software updates to patch the vulnerabilities, and users are strongly urged to download the latest versions. However, products made by outside companies that rely on AirPlay integration have yet to be uniformly updated — a gap in protection that cybersecurity experts say could put users at continued risk.

“When third-party manufacturers integrate Apple technologies like AirPlay via an SDK, obviously Apple no longer has direct control over the hardware or the patching process,” said Patrick Wardle, CEO of Apple-centric security company DoubleYou. “If third-party vendors drag their feet — or skip updates entirely — it could leave users exposed and might chip away at consumer trust in the entire ‘Apple ecosystem.'”

To mitigate potential breaches, security specialists recommend Apple users update their iPhones and other Apple hardware as soon as possible and turn off AirPlay if it is not currently needed. Doing so could block a major vector for cyberattacks.

While Apple has worked swiftly to correct these issues within its own devices, analysts stress that the wider concern is the sheer number of non-Apple products that depend on AirPlay and may remain unprotected.

{Matzav.com}

The White House has rolled out a new online hub highlighting a surge of announced investments pouring into the U.S. economy since President Donald Trump began his second term in office.

The website showcases 49 significant investment commitments from a broad spectrum of industries—ranging from technology and pharmaceuticals to energy and real estate.

In the tech world, Apple and Nvidia each unveiled plans to pour $500 billion into U.S. operations. A separate $500 billion commitment is being made through Stargate, a collaborative initiative between OpenAI, SoftBank, and Oracle. Meanwhile, IBM has pledged a $150 billion investment of its own.

The pharmaceutical industry also figures prominently in the list, with several major players committing tens of billions of dollars in investment. Among them:

• Johnson & Johnson: $55 billion
• Genentech (Roche): $50 billion
• Eli Lilly & Company: $27 billion
• Novartis: $23 billion
• AbbVie: $10 billion
• Merck: $9 billion

Major investments from other sectors include $21 billion from automotive powerhouse Hyundai, $20 billion from DAMAC Properties in real estate, and $25 billion jointly announced by ADQ and Energy Capital Partners.

While addressing a gathering of business leaders on Wednesday, Trump said he expects total investments during his second term to cross the $8 trillion mark within a matter of weeks.
“We have a total of close to $8 trillion all told,” he continued. “And there’s never been anything like that in this country; we’ve never had anything close. I would say, if you looked at the last administration, probably for four years, they did maybe less than $1 [trillion], and we’ve done almost $8 [trillion].”

Trump’s signature economic policies—tariff enforcement, sweeping deregulation, and major tax cuts—are widely seen as key drivers behind the tidal wave of new capital since January.

During remarks at the White House on Wednesday, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang directly credited Trump’s role in bringing advanced manufacturing back to U.S. soil, as the company prepares to roll out a next-generation 70-pound processor.

“We’re going to build NVIDIA’s technology, the next generation of that, all here in the United States,” he said.

“Without the president’s leadership, his policies, his support, and, very importantly, his strong encouragement… frankly, manufacturing in the United States wouldn’t have accelerated to this pace,” Jensen added.

{Matzav.com}

The U.S. Army has developed detailed proposals for a large-scale military parade on June 14, President Donald Trump’s birthday, featuring a display of military power that includes more than 6,600 troops, over 150 military vehicles, 50 helicopters, seven Army bands, and potentially thousands of civilians, according to documents reviewed by The Associated Press.

These internal planning files, dated April 29 and 30, have not yet been made public. They provide the Army’s latest draft for celebrating its 250th anniversary on the National Mall—an event that now may include a military parade, a vision long championed by Trump but still under discussion.

Coincidentally, the Army’s milestone falls on the same day as Trump’s 79th birthday, June 14.

Although the slides don’t specify a budget, a parade of this scale would require tens of millions of dollars to coordinate. Those expenses would cover transporting equipment, vehicles, personnel, and aircraft to Washington, as well as providing meals and lodging for thousands of service members.

Trump had pushed for a military parade during his presidency, but those efforts were shelved due to high costs. Officials are again raising concerns that heavy military hardware could damage the capital’s streets.

Army spokesman Steve Warren addressed the potential event on Thursday, saying no final decisions have been made.

Col. Dave Butler, another spokesperson for the Army, emphasized enthusiasm for the anniversary plans.

“We want to make it into an event that the entire nation can celebrate with us,” said Butler. “We want Americans to know their Army and their soldiers. A parade might become part of that, and we think that will be an excellent addition to what we already have planned.”

Sources familiar with the plans, speaking anonymously since no final approval has been granted, confirmed the documents reflect preparations in the event the White House gives the green light. A request for comment sent to the White House received no immediate response.

So far, there has been no official authorization for the parade. The plans remain fluid and have already undergone revisions in recent weeks.

Without specifically referencing the June 14 event, Trump posted on Truth Social Thursday night, “We are going to start celebrating our victories again!” He announced his intent to rename May 8, currently recognized as Victory in Europe Day, to “Victory Day for World War II,” and to change Veterans Day on November 11 to “Victory Day for World War I.”

Transporting the equipment would require logistical operations involving rail and air transport to bring military assets to the capital.

Some of the personnel and machinery were already slated to appear as part of the Army’s planned birthday festivities, which have been under development for over a year. The scheduled events on the National Mall include demonstrations, physical challenges, climbing walls, Humvees, helicopters, and other military displays.

Adding a parade would significantly boost the number of participating troops and the amount of equipment. According to the outline, approximately 6,300 service members would march, while others would handle logistics and support.

The Army initially didn’t plan for a parade, but officials confirmed last month that discussions about adding one had begun.

The draft plan envisions a showcase of the Army’s 250-year legacy, with soldiers from at least 11 corps and divisions expected to take part. This could include a Stryker battalion with two companies of Stryker vehicles, a tank battalion with two companies of tanks, and an infantry battalion featuring Bradley vehicles, Paladin artillery, Howitzers, and other mechanized units.

Seven official Army bands would perform, and the Golden Knights parachute team is expected to participate. Civilian contributors could include historic military vehicles and planes, additional bands, reenactors, and representatives of veterans organizations and military academies.

The draft indicates the parade would be designated a national special security event, pending approval—a request already submitted by the National Park Service and currently under review.

Plans also include a concert and fireworks following the evening parade.

One planning document highlights logistical hurdles, such as identifying housing for incoming troops and resolving “significant concerns regarding security requirements” associated with moving large volumes of equipment into the city. The biggest outstanding question, the documents note, is finalizing which specific units will be assigned to participate.

Trump first expressed interest in hosting a U.S. military parade after attending the Bastille Day celebrations in France in 2017. Impressed by the parade down the Champs-Élysées, Trump declared he wanted an even larger display along Pennsylvania Avenue.

That initial plan was ultimately dropped due to the projected $92 million cost and logistical headaches, including pushback from city leaders who feared damage to local streets from tanks and heavy armor.

In 2018, Trump wrote on social media that he canceled the parade due to the excessive costs and blamed local officials for inflating the price.

This year, as the Army’s celebration took shape in Washington, conversations about incorporating a parade resurfaced.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser confirmed in April that the federal government had reached out about organizing a parade on June 14, with a proposed route stretching from Arlington, Virginia—home to the Pentagon and Arlington National Cemetery—across the Potomac River into downtown Washington.

{Matzav.com}

The Israel Defense Forces emphasized that their foremost mission in the ongoing Gaza conflict is the safe recovery of the 59 hostages still in Hamas captivity.

This assertion stands in stark contrast to Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu’s remarks yesterday in which he stated that achieving “victory” over Hamas is the war’s overriding objective, rather than securing the hostages’ return.

“The supreme mission that the IDF is dealing with is our moral duty to return the hostages. The second mission is defeating Hamas. We are working to advance both goals, with the return of the hostages being at the top [of the list of priorities],” the military says.

{Matzav.com Israel}

Republican lawmakers representing blue states are engaged in intense private negotiations over potential changes to the state and local tax (SALT) deduction, with proposals ranging from $30,000 to as high as $100,000. Their aim is to secure inclusion of the provision in President Trump’s sweeping new tax legislation, sources told The Post.

On Wednesday, GOP representatives from states like New York, New Jersey, and California met with House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana and House Ways and Means Committee Chair Jason Smith of Missouri. The group discussed potential figures to propose as a new cap on SALT deductions as part of a massive tax reform bill expected to total several trillion dollars.

According to three individuals briefed on the meeting, lawmakers floated multiple figures — $30,000, $40,000, and $60,000 were discussed — while some pushed aggressively for a $100,000 threshold, insisting on “$100,000 or bust.”

Representative Jeff Van Drew of New Jersey has previously voiced support for a $30,000 limit per filer, calling it “a good number” and “still reasonable.”

One Republican from California, who was not named, is said to have proposed a $60,000 cap, which mirrors a past proposal by Long Island Representative Nick LaLota. LaLota’s bill would have allowed single filers to deduct up to $60,000 and joint filers up to $120,000.

Congressman Mike Lawler of Rockland County is backing an even more generous proposal — $100,000 for individual filers and $200,000 for married couples. His plan would also eliminate what’s been referred to as the “marriage penalty,” where the cap was previously the same for both single and joint filers.

The SALT deduction is currently capped at $10,000 for both individuals and couples, a limit put in place by the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act signed by President Trump. That cap is due to expire at the end of this year unless Congress acts.

Representative Nicole Malliotakis of Staten Island and other colleagues have criticized the current cap as being insufficient, saying even a $20,000 limit wouldn’t adequately support the middle class.

“We’re working on identifying a number that will cover the middle-class families we represent,” Malliotakis said.

“It’s going to come down to what provides relief for the middle-class, what can we get consensus on in the committee and what is palatable for the entire conference,” she added.

“The president, the speaker, Chairman Jason Smith and my colleagues on the [Ways and Means] committee — they understand the dilemma facing New York members.”

The committee is aiming to finalize the details of the tax overhaul next week, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent targeting July 4 as the deadline for passage.

Bessent warned reporters on Tuesday that failure to pass what he called the “big, beautiful” legislation — which also allocates funds for defense and border protection — could have dire consequences: “If it doesn’t pass, we’ll have the largest tax hike in history.”

If the $10,000 SALT cap remains permanent, the nonpartisan Tax Foundation estimates that more than $1 trillion could be added to the federal deficit over the next decade.

Meanwhile, the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget projected that Lawler’s proposal of $100,000 for single filers and $200,000 for couples could cut an additional $1 trillion in revenue by 2035.

Several elements of the tax bill still need review by the Joint Committee on Taxation and the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to ensure that it can be approved through reconciliation, a process that allows it to pass the Senate with a simple majority of 51 votes.

“Our final bill will not only extend the 2017 tax relief for hardworking Americans, it will make it permanent,” said Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota during remarks on the Senate floor Tuesday.

Speaker Johnson remains hopeful that the full legislation can be sent to the president before Memorial Day.

{Matzav.com}

[COMMUNICATED]

By: Dovid Gold

Over the past decade or so, a wave of lawsuits targeting the lifestyle of the religious communities in Eretz Yisroel has been brought before the powerful and left-leaning Israeli Supreme Court. While not all of these cases have succeeded, they’ve complicated life for hundreds of thousands of religious people. Moreover, these petitions have deepened the divisions among Israeli society. But who is spending time and money to bring these cases? And why do they care how the frum community chooses to live? 

A close look into each of these cases reveals a fascinating pattern. The fingerprints of the Jewish American woke left, organized into the Reform movement, are present each time. Desperate for relevance, Reform leaders in America have merged their anti-our Torah ideology with the woke left agenda, launching a systematic campaign against the Torah communities of Eretz Yisroel. In doing so, they have created a cause célèbre to rally their dwindling membership. 

While the Israeli court system leans strongly to the left and is widely viewed as unkind to religion, by law, courts do not initiate actions against Israeli citizens. Courts intervene only when a petition is filed before them. Successfully bringing a case before the Supreme Court requires expert legal representation and significant financial resources. Litigation is expensive, and many cases drag on for years, racking up large legal fees. Without the backing of a well-funded institution, these petitions or lawsuits hardly stand a chance of gaining any traction. For these reasons, the status quo understanding between the state and the religious communities in Israel has mostly held. Only in more recent years have so many rulings been handed down by the courts targeting religious practices. 

This new reality is due to the emergence of a new force on the Israeli scene: The Reform Center for Religion and State. This legal arm of the Reform movement in Israel has taken the lead in each of these petitions and the lawyers they retain have fought these battles. 

The Reform Center was established approximately 35 years ago. Officially, it was founded to advocate for the rights of Reform communities and promote the recognition of pluralistic and Reform values. However, in practice, the Center has led campaigns against virtually every area in which the Torah communities of Israel operate.

Key Legal Battles 

Since the advent of cell phones, the Charedi public in Eretz Yisroel has embraced the use of kosher-filtered cell phones, which safeguard the purity and wholesomeness of their chosen way of life. But in 2016, a lawsuit claimed these phones don’t allow access to hotlines for people with alternative lifestyles. This sparked a years-long legal saga to protect what the Charedi community views as a basic right. While this case continues to work through the legal system, the courts have already ordered the Knesset to pass laws that satisfy these pluralistic goals. 

A review of the official court documents shows that the petition was jointly brought by organizations advocating for those who practice alternative lifestyles along with the Reform Center and the Movement for Progressive Judaism, another Reform arm. And that all the petitioners were represented by lawyers who are members of the Center’s legal staff. It is obvious that the Reform movement has no direct stake in the type of cell phones used by the frum community, nevertheless, they exploited this issue to advance their broader agenda of gaining relevance by generating coverage in Israel’s media outlets sympathetic to their cause. 

Thousands of working parents in Eretz Yisroel rely on government-subsidized childcare during work hours. For decades, based on the understanding that an avreich has the legal status of a “studying spouse,” families where the husband learns in kollel and the wife works have also benefited from these subsidies. To strip kollel families of this badly needed assistance, a petition was filed arguing that full-time Torah study does not meet legitimate standards of “studying”.

Court documents again reveal that the Reform Center for Religion and State led this petition, along with five other leftist organizations, and that the Center’s legal team represented all petitioners. Ultimately, this baseless petition was dismissed because the subsidies are intended to encourage female participation in the workforce, regardless of their spouse’s employment status. 

It’s hard to believe the petitioners truly opposed subsidies for working women, a cause they often champion. Instead, it appears that it was all about delegitimizing the kollel system by painting them as unfairly benefiting from government funds. 

Another staple of organized life in Eretz Yisroel targeted by legal petition is the Mehadrin bus lines, which maintain separation between men and women per the community’s societal norms. In yet another case arguing that this longstanding practice violates laws of equality, the Reform Center and its lawyers are listed as petitioners. This time, the courts ruled in favor of the petitioners, forcing an end to Mehadrin seating arrangements. The result? A massive disruption for thousands of frum commuters, whose cultural norms were ironically disregarded under the guise of “equality.”

Also targeted by the Reform Center and its lawyers is the curriculum being taught in the vast network of chadorim serving the Torah communities. Since Tanach is part of the core curriculum taught in every school in Israel, a case has been brought to block the legitimacy of chadorim who refuse to teach Tanach in the politically correct manner acceptable to the woke left in Israel. While this is an obvious non-starter for frum schools, this litigation resulted in a disparity in funding for the religious sector in Israel and became yet another talking point with which to disparage communities committed to following authentic Jewish traditions.  

The Effect on Israeli Society

Besides these high-profile cases, many other petitions were brought in at all levels of the Israeli court system but were thwarted along the legal maze. Nevertheless, the mere threat of judicial intervention is enough to make the politicians sympathetic to traditional Jewish values think twice before crafting any new legislation. This dynamic is true at every level of government, from the Knesset, where laws are passed that apply to every citizen of the country, to local municipalities, which are responsible for scores of regulations that affect everyday life. Moreover, these petitions worsen the longstanding tension between the government and the courts. This rift recently boiled over in the well-known judicial reform drama that caused upheaval across Israel. 

Media coverage of these lawsuits confuses the question of who truly represents Judaism. Since the founding of the State, only Orthodox Judaism has been recognized as authentic Judaism. This aligns with the perspective of the overwhelming majority of Israelis who identify with religious traditions. In fact, until a relatively short time ago, there was no official Reform presence in Israel. 

However, the Reform movement has recently fought to change this perception and be recognized as representatives of the Jewish faith. A notable example of this push is evident from yet another petition filed by both the Reform and Conservative movements against the popular religious media outlet, Channel 14. The petitioners argued that Reform and Conservative clergypeople should be given equal time to present their views whenever a religion-related issue is discussed on air. 

As a result, Reform has made significant inroads in establishing itself in many parts of Israel’s national character. Given that the non-orthodox streams of Judaism have become largely irrelevant in the United States, establishing a foothold in Israel has become a priority for them. This affects every aspect of religious life in Israel, including marriage and conversion, and even the management of holy sites such as the Kosel. These changes threaten to reshape the very identity of the Jewish people as these pluralistic versions of Judaism gain legal and cultural influence.  

Countering Them

The Reform movement’s decades-long involvement in the World Zionist Congress directly funds these legal petitions. Through its advocacy efforts in the Congress, the Reform movement has successfully managed to advocate for the direct funding of diverse streams of Judaism. Tens of millions of Shekels are allocated each year to fund the growth of the Reform movement in Israel, with official Reform organizations in Israel proudly listing the National Institutions as sponsors on their respective websites. 

A noteworthy portion of this money is funneled to the Reform Center for Religion and State under the guise of furthering Reform interests. However, as demonstrated by its legal history, the Center is largely used to fight legal battles against established religious communities and to arouse animosity toward the religious sector.

 In the 2020 Congress elections, the Reform and Conservative parties collectively received approximately 45,000 votes out of the 120,000 votes cast by American Jews. The Reform movement has intensified its efforts to gain even more votes in the upcoming elections in March 2025. To counter their influence, American Jews who support traditional Torah values must participate in these elections and vote for delegates who will oppose the Reform movement’s attempts to reshape Israeli society.

The outcome of these elections will determine who controls billions of dollars and who shapes the future of religious life in Israel. By voting for delegates with our true Torah values, American Jews can help ensure that Eretz Yisroel remains a place where authentic Judaism thrives.

VOTE HERE!

Voting ends this Sunday night.

Make your voice heard and count!
EretzHaKodesh.org

President Trump has enacted a long-anticipated initiative that ties future American military support for Ukraine to a new bilateral investment arrangement based on Ukraine’s natural resources — effectively shifting the financial burden away from U.S. taxpayers.

After prolonged discussions, Washington and Kyiv finalized the agreement on Wednesday. The deal sets up a jointly managed investment fund backed in part by revenue from Ukraine’s sale of oil, gas, and mineral rights licenses. Both nations will share the profits equally.

Instead of contributing cash, the United States can apply the dollar value of any military hardware, advanced systems, or tactical training it provides to Ukraine as a credit toward its share of the investment, as laid out in the agreement.

“If, after the effective date, the Government of the United States of America delivers new military assistance to the Government of Ukraine in any form — including the donation of weapons systems, ammunition, technology or training — the capital contribution of the U.S. Partner will be deemed to be increased by the assessed value of such military assistance,” the mineral deal said.

The new structure does not interfere with the remaining military aid previously approved by Congress under Joe Biden, which is expected to run out in the coming weeks. It also does not compel the United States to sell any specific defense systems to Ukraine.

At this stage, the exact financial commitments from both sides remain unresolved. Ukrainian Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko explained that logistical negotiations are still underway.

When those negotiations conclude, a secondary agreement — outlining the detailed framework for how the initiative will be executed — will be submitted to Ukraine’s parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, for official approval. Hanna Shelest, a senior fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis, said that this ratification could take about a month.

“What I heard from a few diplomats in Ukraine is that the US wanted us to sign it immediately,” Shelest said, “so I understand that a draft is available, but [the] Ukrainian side said that we cannot sign it without ratification.”

There is cautious optimism among Ukrainian leaders that this agreement could change President Trump’s current policy of denying sales of key missile defense systems, even as Ukraine continues to face intense attacks from Russian drones and missile barrages.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed last month that he requested permission to purchase up to 10 Patriot missile batteries — a U.S.-exclusive defense system — for $15 billion, but that President Trump declined the proposal.

Some Ukrainian insiders believe the deal reflects a growing realization that Trump views international aid as a business transaction.

“The Ukrainians’ mistake was thinking that Trump wanted this so badly that they could leverage it,” one source familiar with Kyiv’s internal negotiations told The Post, adding that the deal was temporarily stalled after a heated Oval Office exchange on February 28 involving Trump, Zelensky, and Vice President JD Vance.

Lieutenant Denis Yaroslavsky, who leads a Ukrainian special reconnaissance unit, told The Post that Ukraine must align with Trump’s worldview, which he described as largely unaffected by moral appeals.

“Only pragmatic economic proposals matter,” Yaroslavsky said. “… Today, Ukraine has a small but real chance to leverage this approach to achieve a swift cease-fire.

“This is the first step, hopefully it will entail a merger in the great alliance of our countries.”

Observers note that although the agreement does not obligate the U.S. to supply more weapons, the clause permitting further contributions sends a strategic message to Moscow that American support remains an option.

Russia appeared to take note. On Thursday, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev lashed out at Trump, ridiculing the arrangement and mocking Ukraine’s future viability.

“Trump has finally pressured the Kyiv regime to pay for US aid with mineral resources,” he posted to Telegram. “Now, the country that is about to disappear will have to use its national wealth to pay for military supplies.”

{Matzav.com}

President Trump issued an executive order late Thursday evening that cuts off all federal financial support to National Public Radio (NPR) and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS).

Both NPR and PBS, which have often come under criticism from conservatives for perceived political bias, receive part of their funding through the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). Trump argued that this support is no longer justified in today’s expansive media landscape.

“Government funding of news media in this environment is not only outdated and unnecessary but corrosive to the appearance of journalistic independence,” Trump wrote in the order.

He further instructed, “The CPB Board shall cease direct funding to NPR and PBS, consistent with my Administration’s policy to ensure that Federal funding does not support biased and partisan news coverage.” Trump also directed the CPB to cancel any current direct funding agreements as far as the law permits and to withhold any future allocations.

{Matzav.com}

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Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yisroel Katz declared early Friday that Israel had carried out an airstrike near the Syrian presidential palace in Damascus.

“This is a clear message to the Syrian regime. We will not permit Syrian troops to move south of Damascus or any threat to the Druze community,” they said together in a statement released to the public.

Shortly after, the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit confirmed the operation, stating, “A short while ago, IDF fighter jets struck adjacent to the area of the Palace of Ahmed Hussein al-Sharaa in Damascus.”

The timing of the strike came shortly after a series of fierce protests broke out in northern Israel, led by members of the Druze community outraged over reported assaults against their fellow Druze in Syria by the forces of President Ahmed al-Sharaa.

The demonstrations paralyzed several major thoroughfares, including Highway 6 at the Eliakim interchange and the Kabri and Amiad junctions. Protesters lit tires on fire and created significant traffic delays. Eventually, some demonstrators marched toward Netanyahu’s home in Caesarea.

At the same time, a group of Druze reservists sent an urgent appeal to Netanyahu, titled: “Immediate IDF intervention to stop the massacre against the Druze community in Syria.”

In the letter, the reservists stated: “Hundreds of Druze fighters are ready to immediately volunteer and fight alongside our brothers to save them, even at the cost of taking responsibility for ourselves, including all the risks involved to our safety and lives.”

Prior to the strike, Defense Minister Katz had issued a stern caution to the Syrian government. “I reiterate my warning to the head of the Syrian regime, Julani – if the attacks on the Druze in Syria do not stop, we will respond with great severity.” Katz further noted that Israel remains “committed to their protection and is closely monitoring the situation.”

On a diplomatic front, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar weighed in during a gathering with international diplomats at the President’s Residence. He called on other nations to act.

“Fulfill your role in protecting the minorities in Syria, and specifically the Druze, from the regime and its terrorist gangs,” Sa’ar urged.

{Matzav.com}

In the newest installment of her podcast, Michelle Obama reflected on her childhood, saying she was raised with a deep sense of appreciation — something she believes is missing in many of today’s youth.

Discussing the topic alongside her brother Craig Robinson on their podcast, IMO with Michelle Obama & Craig Robinson, she noted, “When I think about what our parents did or didn’t do, and maybe it’s a little bit different because we’re brother-sister, because that same gender dynamic may make it a little bit hard.”

She emphasized that a major reason for their peaceful sibling relationship stemmed from respect for their parents’ sacrifices. “But I know we got along for some of the same reasons,” she said. “Our parents worked hard enough without us fighting and causing havoc. We knew our parents were working as hard as they could. We knew that they were giving us as much as they could. I guess we grew up grateful.”

Obama pointed out that their upbringing gave them a strong sense of perspective, which helped them avoid unnecessary conflict. “What we had was a lot of gratitude for the little bit that we did have,” she continued. “So it was sort of like, well, what was there left for us to be fighting about?”

Contrasting that with current times, she suggested that many kids today take things for granted. She voiced this sentiment while also speaking with comedians and brothers Damon and Marlon Wayans, saying she sees a shift not just in children but in parenting styles.

“Perhaps sometimes in this generation, where kids have, I think, too much, parents are giving kids a lot of stuff, and they’re not giving them some guidance,” she said.

She also recalled a major difference in how emotional well-being was addressed in her household. “I don’t know about you, but my parents never asked me once whether I was happy. There was never even a question,” she added.

{Matzav.com}

U.S. intelligence efforts into the roots of the COVID-19 pandemic are moving forward through a special unit known as the Directors Initiative Group, which has been tasked with digging into a number of President Donald Trump’s high-priority national security concerns, according to Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard.

During an appearance on “The Megyn Kelly Show” on SiriusXM Wednesday, Gabbard revealed that this task force is working closely with NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Their investigation includes scrutiny of gain-of-function experiments, particularly those tied to China and other nations. She noted that findings from the inquiry may be disclosed shortly.

“In the case of the Wuhan lab, as well as many of these bio labs around the world, it was actually U.S.-funded and led to this dangerous kind of research that, in many examples, has resulted in a pandemic or some other major health crisis,” Gabbard told Kelly.

She said the probe is advancing quickly and could soon produce evidence connecting gain-of-function work with the outbreak. Kelly commented that if the link is proven, it would implicate “Anthony Fauci helped fund the pandemic.”

“[This is] the thing that he denied over and over and over to [Kentucky Republican] Sen. Rand Paul’s questioning,” said Gabbard. “And under oath. So is it any wonder that he sought a preemptive pardon for anything, during a certain period of time, by President [Joe] Biden before he left office?”

Gabbard emphasized that this investigation isn’t merely retrospective. It’s about current global threats, as dangerous gain-of-function studies continue to be conducted in labs across multiple countries.

She also recalled being criticized when she raised concerns about American-funded biological laboratories in Ukraine at the start of the conflict with Russia.

“Who knows what kinds of pathogens are in these labs, and if released, could create another COVID-like pandemic,” she said. “For that, I was called a Russian asset … we have to end this gain-of-function research and provide the evidence that shows exactly why and how it’s in our best interest — the American people’s best interest — to bring about an end to it.”

When asked about her future in public service, Gabbard, who once sought the Democratic presidential nomination, said she remains open to roles that serve the nation.

“If we had talked a year ago, the thought would not have crossed my mind that I would be here and that we would be having this conversation,” said Gabbard. “My decisions in my life have always been made around how can I best be of service to God? How can I best be of service to our country? And that is what has led me here. I’m grateful for this opportunity, and I will continue to chase those opportunities where I can make the most positive impact and be of service.”

{Matzav.com}

Demonstrators associated with the organization “Free Jerusalem” staged a provocative protest outside the Knesset on Thursday, lining the area near the iconic menorah with lifeless-looking effigies splattered in red to mimic blood. The action was meant to signal their opposition to Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza, the group said in a post on X.

“Independence celebrated on the blood of tens of thousands of people in is not independence,” the group stated.

The protest installation was accompanied by provocative placards bearing inflammatory messages, including “Celebrating 77 years of Jewish supremacy and ethnic cleansing” and “Isolate Israel! Stop the genocide.”

“Free Jerusalem” has been a vocal critic of Israel’s actions in Gaza, denouncing what it describes as collective punishment of Palestinians. The group has condemned policies such as demolishing homes of terrorists and restricting humanitarian assistance to the Strip.

Members of the group have frequently drawn police attention, with several arrests on charges of incitement. Before the atrocities of October 7, they held regular protests in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood, demanding an end to what they call the Israeli occupation and advocating to cut funding for the national police force.

Following the outbreak of the war, the group initially staged a silent protest backing a prisoner exchange deal. They later shifted their messaging to emphasize the need to “release the hostages.”

The organization has consistently rejected any military resolution to the conflict, maintaining, “Only a political vision can bring peace, equality, and justice to everyone between the river and the sea.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is making history by taking on an unprecedented dual role at the highest levels of American foreign policy. He will be the first individual since Henry Kissinger to simultaneously serve as both secretary of State and national security adviser.

While several notable figures, such as Colin Powell and Condoleezza Rice, have filled both positions at different points in their careers, none have held both posts at once—until now.

President Trump revealed on Thursday that Rubio would step in as national security adviser on a temporary basis. This announcement followed the dismissal of Mike Waltz from the position and his subsequent nomination by Trump to serve as the next U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.

The only other person to hold both titles at the same time was Kissinger, who passed away last December at the age of 100. He occupied both roles concurrently from September 1973 to November 1975 during the Nixon and Ford administrations.

Kissinger originally became national security adviser in 1969 under President Nixon and was later appointed secretary of State in 1973, remaining in that position until 1977.

Waltz’s exit from his national security post marks the most prominent reshuffling yet in Trump’s current administration.

Shortly after reports emerged about Waltz’s removal, President Trump confirmed that Waltz would instead be nominated for the U.N. ambassador role. That position has been vacant since Rep. Elise Stefanik’s nomination was withdrawn amid concerns about maintaining the GOP’s narrow House majority.

Rubio’s responsibilities continue to expand with this latest appointment.

Beyond his duties as secretary of State, he is also serving as the acting head of USAID and as the interim archivist overseeing the National Archives and Records Administration.

{Matzav.com}

Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana didn’t hold back in a Fox News interview, launching a scathing verbal attack against Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York. Kennedy took aim at her style and substance, using colorful language to express his disdain.

“As I’ve said before, she’s entitled to her opinions. You know, my personal opinion is that God gave her a billy goat brain and a mockingbird mouth, you know,” Kennedy remarked during his appearance on Fox.

The senator broadened his criticism to the Democratic Party in general, accusing them of lacking a substantive policy agenda. He suggested that their political platform revolves entirely around their opposition to one person. “Look, I believe in the power of ideas, and my Democratic colleagues have no ideas. All they have is hatred for one man, even when he’s right, and that is President Trump,” Kennedy said.

He went on to say, “And I don’t think that’s healthy for them. I don’t think that’s healthy for America.”

Meanwhile, Ocasio-Cortez has been traveling extensively, holding events aimed at rallying opposition to Trump-era proposals, especially those involving deep budget cuts.

Her office did not issue a response when asked to comment on Kennedy’s statements.

Ocasio-Cortez has been increasingly viewed as a possible contender for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028. That speculation grew stronger after she released a professionally produced video showcasing her tour alongside Senator Bernie Sanders, prompting comparisons to a campaign launch.

Despite the buzz, she hasn’t officially declared any plans to run, and has sidestepped inquiries about her political future.

“Listen, it’s a video. And frankly, I think what people should be most concerned about is the fact that Republicans are trying to cut Medicaid right now and people’s health care is in danger,” Ocasio-Cortez told Fox News Digital when asked directly about a presidential campaign.

She emphasized her immediate priorities, saying, “That’s really what my central focus is.”

Earlier this year, a March survey ranked Ocasio-Cortez as the Democratic figure most closely aligned with the party’s “core values,” fueling talk about her rising influence and possible future aspirations in national politics.

{Matzav.com}

The Kremlin has responded to the U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal.

According to a New York Post report, the Kremlin unloaded on the U.S. and Ukraine on Thursday after the two countries finalized a deal for Ukraine’s rare earth minerals.

A deal that gives the U.S. a vested interest in the war’s outcome.

“Trump has finally pressured the Kiev regime to pay for US aid with mineral resources,” Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev said on Telegram. “Now, the country that is about to disappear will have to use its national wealth to pay for military supplies.”

From The New York Post:

The State Department has already notified Congress of its intent to sell $50 million or more in military equipment to Ukraine in what would be the first deal of its kind under the Trump administration, according to reports.

Unlike military aid packages under the Biden administration, Ukraine would pay the United States for these weapons — benefiting both Kyiv’s defense and the US defense industry without the use of American taxpayer dollars.

The sale was reported hours after the US-Ukraine mineral deal was inked Wednesday night.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent spoke about the deal on Hannity Wednesday night.

“It’s a great deal,” Bessent told Hannity. “This is President Trump’s deal that he’s done. He’s done trade deals, tax deals, and now we have this Ukraine-American economic partnership deal, and it’s win-win. It shows that there is no daylight between Ukraine and the U.S. as President Trump presses to end this horrible war. He wants both sides to come to the table now by showing that the U.S. has an economic interest in Ukraine as a signal to the Russian leadership.”

Bessent continued: “It’s also a signal to the American people that we have a chance to participate and be compensated for some of the funding and the weapons and be partners with the success of the Ukrainian people and bring American know-how to the rebuilding of Ukraine.”

{Matzav.com}