Matzav

Senator Ted Cruz told Newsmax that the results of President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown have been so impactful, they’ve thrown the Democratic Party into complete disarray. “They are lunatics,” Cruz said during an appearance on Carl Higbie FRONTLINE. “The Democrats have decided let’s go down to El Salvador and say if you elect Democrats, we will bring in more illegal aliens who are MS-13 gang members.”

Cruz was referencing a recent trip by several Democratic lawmakers to El Salvador, where they advocated for the return of a deported individual the Trump administration has linked to MS-13, a notoriously violent gang.

The senator also criticized two Democrat-affiliated judges who, he claims, went to extreme lengths to interfere with immigration enforcement and protect illegal immigrants from federal authorities.

“You have a judge in New Mexico – I talked about this on my podcast Verdict with Ted Cruz – who was hiding a Tren de Aragua gang member, a Venezuelan gang member, in his home, who took the gang member’s cell phone, destroyed it with a hammer and threw it in a dumpster so there would be no evidence of this guy,” Cruz said. “This guy’s cell phone had pictures of two decapitated victims on it, and Democrats are actively hiding the gang members.”

He continued, “It is utterly bizarre, but it is because Trump has caused their brains to melt. Today, Democrats are very honest. You elect Democrats, you get more illegals, more gang members, more murderers, more criminals.”

Earlier that same day, President Trump declared that border security under his administration was operating at peak effectiveness, reporting a near-total halt of illegal crossings. “The border is in great shape,” Trump said, touting a “99.9% success rate” in stopping unlawful entry.

Cruz celebrated the dramatic improvement, calling it “a massive victory” and underscoring that Trump had kept a major campaign pledge. “It is exactly what he promised the American people,” the Texas senator said.

“In November, we had a clear mandate from the American people,” Cruz continued. “It was unequivocal. You look at President Trump, he was reelected, he won the popular vote. Of the seven swing states across the country, President Trump won all seven. That was clear and unambiguous. The voters likewise gave us a Republican House and a Republican Senate.”

Cruz emphasized that even the Rio Grande Valley, traditionally a Democratic stronghold for generations, shifted its support to the GOP. “The Rio Grande Valley, which has been bright blue for 100 years, flipped red,” he said. “Trump carried the valley, and I carried the valley, and the open borders of the last four years was a huge part of the reason. The American people said enough already with open borders, with 12 million illegals invading this country, with murderers and rapists and gang bangers being released. In the first 100 days, Donald Trump has delivered on that promise and we’ve seen, as he just said, illegal border crossings drop over 99.9%. That’s staggering.”

{Matzav.com}

During a Cabinet gathering on Wednesday, President Donald Trump applauded Elon Musk for his dedication and efforts in his government role, offering him the opportunity to continue as long as he wishes. “You really have sacrificed a lot,” Trump told Musk, during remarks broadcast live on Newsmax. “You’ve been treated very unfairly … the vast majority of people in this country really respect and appreciate you, and this whole room can say that very strongly. You’ve really been a tremendous help.”

With a smile, Musk lightened the mood by putting on two red MAGA hats that were placed in front of the Cabinet members, quipping to Trump that many say he wears “a lot of hats.” He then joked, “That’s true. Even my hat has a hat,” before taking both hats off.

Turning serious, Musk spoke about the policies voters wanted—and received. “Americans voted for secure borders, safe cities and sensible spending,” he said. “And that’s what they got from Trump.”

He went on to praise the early accomplishments of the administration. “A tremendous amount has been accomplished in the first 100 days,” Musk said. “As everyone has said, it’s more than has been accomplished in any administration before, ever, period. So this portends very well for what happens for the rest of the administration.”

Looking to the future, Musk added, “I think this could be the greatest administration since the founding of the country.”

Referring to incidents of property damage at Tesla facilities, Musk noted, “Well, they did like to burn my cars, which is not great.” His comments referenced the backlash faced by his company amidst his public alignment with Trump.

President Trump acknowledged Musk’s sacrifices and voiced his continued backing, while joking about Musk’s eagerness to return to his automotive ventures. “You’ve done an incredible job,” Trump said, before mentioning a savings estimate. “$150 billion…” Musk quickly corrected him, saying the total amounted to $169 billion in federal spending cuts.

Trump suggested those savings may be just the beginning. “A lot of stuff is being worked on,” he said. “That number could be doubled and even tripled. A lot of things are being worked on that we don’t count yet because it’s not quite there.”

Musk also addressed the Cabinet directly, expressing appreciation for his time working alongside them and calling it an honor.

Recently, Musk has scaled back his direct involvement in Washington. He is expected to step away from his government role, with contributing factors including his limited availability under his special government employee designation and a significant decline in Tesla sales amid public criticism tied to his association with Trump’s administration.

{Matzav.com}

During a sit-down interview marking his 100th day in office, President Donald Trump addressed the controversy surrounding Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was deported to El Salvador. While acknowledging he could facilitate Abrego Garcia’s return, Trump made it clear he doesn’t believe the man deserves the sympathetic media treatment he’s received. “The person that you’re talking about, you know, you’re making this person sound — this is an MS-13 gang member, a tough cookie, been in lots of skirmishes, beat the hell out of his wife, and the wife was petrified to even talk about him, OK?” Trump told ABC News’ Terry Moran. “This is not an innocent, wonderful gentleman from Maryland.”

The exchange followed a question from Moran about how Trump plans to comply with a Supreme Court ruling that requires the administration to help return the Salvadoran national, whose deportation an administration attorney had admitted was a mistake. Trump pushed back, challenging the legitimacy of the statement made in court. “Well, the lawyer that said it was a mistake was here a long time, was not appointed by us, should not have said that,” he said.

Trump emphasized that in his view, Abrego Garcia is connected to the violent MS-13 gang, something lawyers representing him deny. “He is not an innocent, wonderful gentleman from Maryland,” the president said again for emphasis.

Moran countered by reminding Trump that this is ultimately about adherence to the law. “I’m not saying he’s a good guy,” Moran said. “It’s about the rule of law. The order from the Supreme Court stands, sir.”

Trump shot back, reiterating that Abrego Garcia entered the country unlawfully. “He came into our country illegally,” he said.

When Moran pointed toward the phone on the Resolute Desk and said, “You could get him back. There’s a phone on this desk,” Trump replied, “I could. And if he were the gentleman that you say he is, I would do that. I’m not the one making this decision… You want me to follow the law. If I were the president that just wanted to do anything, I’d probably keep him right where he is.”

As the conversation grew tense, Trump turned the focus to his broader immigration policy, contrasting it with the previous administration. “Listen. I was elected to take care of a problem,” Trump said. “It was an unforced error that was made by a very incompetent man, a man that turned out to be incompetent, that you always said was wonderful, a great genius, right? And now you find out, all of the media, now they’re saying what a mistake they made. A man who was grossly incompetent allowed us to have open borders where millions of people flowed in.”

Trump reiterated his campaign commitment to closing the borders and removing violent criminals. “When we have criminals, murderers, criminals in this country, we have to get them out and we’re doing it,” he declared.

At one point, the president defended evidence that Abrego Garcia was a gang member by referencing photos he had shown depicting tattoos. “On his knuckles, he had MS-13,” Trump insisted.

Moran noted that the authenticity of the photographs has been challenged, with some accusing the administration of doctoring the images. Trump, clearly irritated, turned the criticism toward the media. “They’re giving you the big break of a lifetime,” he told Moran. “You know, you’re doing the interview. I picked you because, frankly, I never heard of you, but that’s OK. But I picked you, Terry, but you’re not being very nice… he had MS as clear as you can be. Not ‘interpreted.’ This is why people no longer believe the news, because it’s fake news.”

{Matzav.com}

China on Wednesday aimed harsh criticism at the United States, accusing Washington of being the true source of the COVID-19 pandemic and of trying to deflect responsibility. The allegation followed President Trump’s remarks asserting that the virus originated from a laboratory in Wuhan.

In a strongly worded white paper, the Chinese government asserted that there was “substantial evidence” pointing to the virus emerging in the United States prior to its appearance in China. At the same time, it dismissed the theory of a lab leak in Wuhan as “extremely unlikely.”

“The US government, instead of facing squarely its failure in response to Covid-19 and reflecting on its shortcomings, has tried to shift the blame and divert people’s attention by shamelessly politicizing SARS-CoV-2 origins tracing,” Chinese officials complained.

The document put forth claims that the virus had been spreading in America before it was officially identified there, suggesting a possible alternative timeline.

These claims came in the wake of a revamped COVID-19 section on the White House’s official site, where the administration promoted the theory that the virus had escaped from the Wuhan Institute of Virology.

“A lab-related incident involving gain-of-function research is the most likely the origin of COVID-19,” according to a section on the new White House webpage.

“Current government mechanisms for overseeing this dangerous gain-of-function research are incomplete, severely convoluted, and lack global applicability.”

Back in January, the CIA shifted its stance, saying a lab-based origin of the virus seemed more probable than a natural spillover, though the agency acknowledged it held only “low confidence” in that assessment and that both scenarios were still on the table.

That view was echoed by several U.S. government entities, including the FBI and a congressional committee, which also leaned toward the lab origin theory while not completely ruling out a natural source.

China countered with references to a previous investigation carried out jointly with the World Health Organization, which concluded that the virus most likely made its way to humans via bats, through an intermediate animal host.

The white paper also criticized the United States’ pandemic response, accusing it of weakening global cooperation in tackling the health crisis.

“It has severely undermined joint international efforts in the fight against the pandemic and become a weak link in global public health governance,” China said — despite widespread international accusations that Beijing itself had concealed early information about the outbreak.

“The US cannot continue to turn a deaf ear to the numerous questions over its conduct,” Chinese officials wrote in part of the report.

{Matzav.com}

The FBI has reassigned a number of its personnel who were seen kneeling during a protest in 2020 following the death of George Floyd. These moves are part of President Donald Trump’s broader initiative to eliminate what he views as ideological bias and political activism within the country’s intelligence agencies.

An ex-FBI official shared with CNN that these reassignments are troubling, particularly because they appear to bypass the agency’s established disciplinary protocols, which normally involve lengthy investigations. “This notion that the bureau would go after these people, it’s just disgusting,” the former official explained.

According to CNN, “After quickly ousting senior FBI leaders, the Justice Department has said it is reviewing the conduct of more than 1,500 agents associated with cases that have found disfavor in the new Trump era, including investigations of the president and his allies. FBI agents who executed the search warrant on Trump’s Mar-a-Lago home and who worked on January 6, 2021-related cases have been bracing for possible retribution, current and former agents said.”

The kneeling incident in Washington, DC, took place when agents were sent to guard national monuments and government buildings and found themselves face-to-face with demonstrators. As bureau veterans pointed out, these agents aren’t typically trained for riot control, which led to concerns that the situation could have escalated into a deadly clash.

Following the circulation of the kneeling images, FBI leadership at the time evaluated the matter and determined that no bureau policies had been broken.

FBI Director Kash Patel made it clear in February that a major shift was underway, declaring the end of preferential treatment in justice. “There will be accountability within the FBI and outside of the FBI, and we will do it through rigorous Constitutional oversight starting this weekend,” Patel concluded. “I promise you the following — there will be accountability within the FBI and outside of the FBI, and we will do it through rigorous Constitutional oversight starting this weekend.”

The Trump administration and officials from Ukraine have officially signed off on a plan to create a shared investment fund aimed at supporting Ukraine’s recovery, with an emphasis on developing its energy and mineral sectors, including oil, gas, and rare earth resources.

Ukraine’s Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko announced the new initiative on X, explaining that the fund would be evenly co-managed by both nations. She also noted that any upcoming military assistance from the U.S. could potentially be counted as part of America’s investment.

Initial drafts of the agreement had been circulating for at least eight weeks and appeared ready for final approval by February 28. However, on that date, a heated exchange reportedly broke out in the Oval Office between President Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, leading to Zelensky’s departure without signing the deal.

{Matzav.com}

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth provided an upbeat assessment of the military’s progress during a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, emphasizing a surge in recruitment and the administration’s firm efforts to eliminate woke culture from the armed forces.

The meeting followed a milestone for President Trump, who just marked his 100th day back in office the day before.

“Well, Mr. President, I think we’re controversial because we’re over the target,” Hegseth said. “And like so many things, Mr. President, you inherited a demoralized military that couldn’t recruit, that was perceived as weak after what happened in Afghanistan and elsewhere because of Joe Biden.”

Hegseth outlined recent improvements in enlistment numbers, pointing to what he described as a dramatic turnaround since Trump resumed leadership.

“What we have seen since your election and the inauguration has been nothing short of a recruiting renaissance,” Hegseth detailed. “It has been decades since we’ve seen this kind of recruiting in the Army, the Navy, the Marine Corps, the Air Force.”

“The men and women of America want to join the United States military led by President Donald Trump,” he added.

Backing up Hegseth’s remarks, Military.com reported on May 21 that the Army had already signed up 51,837 new recruits, amounting to 85% of its annual target of 61,000 for fiscal year 2025.

President Trump also noted a broader trend in public service recruitment, stating that police and fire departments across the country are also seeing a flood of interest.

“I mean, they have waiting lists now, and six months ago it was a disaster,” the president said.

Hegseth went on to describe the cultural overhaul taking place within the Department of Defense since Trump returned to the White House and appointed him to lead the Pentagon. He highlighted the reversal of several policies implemented under Joe Biden’s administration.

“We’re going to be fit, not fat, in our formations. We welcome back all…the folks who were forced out because of the COVID mandate. We ripped wokeness out of the military, sir—DEI, trans—and it’s Fort Benning and Fort Bragg again at the DoD,” he said.

While Hegseth discussed the military’s progress, he is also facing renewed scrutiny from legacy media outlets. The New York Times recently published claims—based on anonymous sources—that he was involved in sharing military operational discussions in a private Signal chat, paralleling an earlier controversy known as “Signal-gate.”

Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell issued a scathing response to the report:

“Another day, another old story—back from the dead. The Trump-hating media continues to be obsessed with destroying anyone committed to President Trump’s agenda. This time, the New York Times — and all other Fake News that repeat their garbage — are enthusiastically taking the grievances of disgruntled former employees as the sole sources for their article. They relied only on the words of people who were fired this week and appear to have a motive to sabotage the Secretary and the President’s agenda.”

Parnell also insisted there was no breach of national security, stating:

“There was no classified information in any Signal chat, no matter how many ways they try to write the story.”

He concluded by reaffirming the department’s focus and priorities: “What is true is that the Office of the Secretary of Defense is continuing to become stronger and more efficient in executing President Trump’s agenda.”

{Matzav.com}

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has unveiled a sweeping initiative as part of the new state budget that would prohibit students from using cellphones throughout the entire school day. The move aligns New York with a broader national effort to limit student screen time and reduce dependence on social media and other digital distractions.

The plan introduces a strict “bell-to-bell” cellphone restriction, meaning students won’t be allowed to use mobile devices from the start of the school day until dismissal. The restriction applies not just during lessons but extends to lunchtime and study hall as well.

CBS News reported that the policy is embedded in a newly agreed-upon $254 billion state budget deal. Governor Hochul explained that the upcoming measure, set to be implemented in the next academic year, is designed to limit exposure to what she calls harmful, addictive digital habits.

“Protecting our communities requires more than streets where people feel safe,” Hochul said. “We need classrooms where young minds can flourish, and that means eliminating once and for all the digital distractions that steal our kids’ attention.”

“We protected our kids before from cigarettes, alcohol and drunk driving, and now, we’re protecting them from addictive technology designed to hijack their attention,” the governor added.

The initiative has garnered backing from the New York State United Teachers union, which called the situation urgent and voiced support for the classroom crackdown. “We are at a crisis point,” the union reportedly stated.

Back in January, Hochul previewed the plan during a CBS News interview, where she emphasized its benefits. “A bell-to-bell ban, morning until the day is over, is not going to hurt your kids. It’s going to help them emerge with stronger mental health and resiliency,” she said.

The proposed ban will include not only smartphones but also smartwatches and other wearable tech, with the restrictions covering all parts of the school day—including times typically seen as less structured, such as lunch periods and breaks.

Still, the policy will allow exceptions in specific cases, such as students needing a smart device to monitor a medical issue or to assist with language translation, according to Hochul.

To address parental concerns, schools will be required to ensure that there remains a reliable way for parents to contact their children during school hours. As the governor pointed out, this was standard practice before the era of personal devices—parents simply phoned the school office.

{Matzav.com}

A federal judge has issued a sweeping order that bars Border Patrol agents in much of California from arresting individuals suspected of being in the country illegally—unless certain legal conditions are met. Judge Jennifer Thurston of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California, who was appointed by President Joe Biden, handed down the ruling this week, placing sharp limitations on how immigration enforcement is carried out in the region.

Thurston’s preliminary injunction specifically restricts Border Patrol agents in the state’s eastern district—the largest of California’s judicial jurisdictions—from apprehending individuals without a warrant unless they have a solid legal basis to suspect the person is in the U.S. unlawfully.

“Indeed, the evidence before the Court is that Border Patrol agents under DHS authority engaged in conduct that violated well-established constitutional rights,” Thurston wrote.

“Border Patrol is enjoined from conducting detentive stops in this District unless, pre-stop, the detaining agent has reasonable suspicion that the person to be stopped is a noncitizen who is present within the United States in violation of U.S. immigration law, as required by the Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution.

“Border Patrol is enjoined from effecting warrantless arrests in this District unless, pre-arrest, the arresting agent has probable cause to believe that the noncitizen being arrested is likely to escape before a warrant can be obtained, as required by 8 U.S.C. § 1357(a)(2).”

The court’s decision also mandates new procedural requirements for agents. When Border Patrol arrests someone without a warrant, they will now need to provide a written narrative justifying the stop, clearly outlining the specific facts that led to the agent’s suspicion—formed before the encounter began.

Thurston further ordered that the agency must submit ongoing records of these encounters. Every 60 days, beginning two months from the date of her order, Border Patrol will need to turn over detailed documentation describing all warrantless arrests and detentions made in the district.

This legal battle stems from a lawsuit filed by the United Farm Workers and the American Civil Liberties Union. They brought the case against President Donald Trump’s Department of Homeland Security after a series of arrests in California targeted individuals thought to be undocumented.

The suit alleged that federal agents carried out “a nearly weeklong sweep through predominantly Latino areas of Kern County and the surrounding region to stop, detain, and arrest people of color who appeared to be farm workers or day laborers, regardless of their actual immigration status or individual circumstances.”

{Matzav.com}

Authorities arrested a man on Wednesday as part of an ongoing investigation into the large-scale brush fires that broke out west of Yerushalayim. While speculation grew—especially on Palestinian social media—that the fires may have been deliberately set, officials stated by Wednesday evening that it was still too soon to determine whether arson had indeed caused the outbreaks.

The suspect, a 50-year-old man from the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Umm Tuba, was apprehended after allegedly attempting to ignite dry brush in southern Yerushalayim, according to police.

Police said the arrest followed a tip from someone who reportedly saw an individual trying to set a fire. Officers from the Oz station in East Jerusalem brought the suspect in for questioning.

According to police, the suspect tried to escape when approached but was captured shortly after a brief chase. Officers said they found a lighter, cotton wool, and additional combustible items in his possession.

The arrest came at the same time as a wave of incitement online, with Palestinian social media accounts urging individuals to ignite fires across Israel during its Independence Day celebrations. The holiday coincided with extreme weather—scorching temperatures and high winds—that quickly turned any spark into a dangerous blaze, forcing the evacuation of several communities and leading to the cancellation of many public events.

One such post appeared on Shehab, a channel linked to Hamas, which read: “There are popular calls to set fire to forests near the settlements.” Hamas refers to all Jewish population centers—within both pre- and post-1967 lines—as settlements.

Another message, shared widely on X, called for widespread arson: “Your role is to set fire to gardens, vehicles and everything around the settlements.”

In response to these online provocations, Religious Zionism MK Zvi Sukkot issued a formal appeal to Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu. In his letter, he urged the imposition of curfews and lockdowns on Palestinian villages throughout the West Bank.

“There is a real concern, based on past experience, that Palestinians will try to ignite more fires in Judea and Samaria and throughout Israel… To prevent such occurrences, a curfew must be imposed immediately on Judea and Samaria, and a blockade must be imposed on the Palestinian villages,” Sukkot wrote, using the biblical term for the region.

Echoing these concerns, settler leader Yossi Dagan, head of the Samaria Regional Council, and Likud Member of Knesset Dan Illouz also called for immediate action.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Netanyahu was actively monitoring the situation, receiving constant updates, conducting security assessments, and staying in contact with National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and senior firefighting and security officials.

The Shin Bet domestic security service, usually responsible for thwarting terror threats, confirmed it was participating in the investigation.

The agency said it was assisting police efforts to identify and locate any additional individuals suspected of deliberately starting fires.

In a provocative social media post, Yair Netanyahu, the son of Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, stirred controversy by implying that the Israeli left may have had a hand in the wildfires that were spreading across parts of the country.

“Something here is suspicious,” he wrote on X. “The Kaplanist left has been frantically trying in recent weeks to cancel Independence Day celebrations and the torch-lighting ceremony.”

His comment appeared to target anti-government protesters, commonly associated with demonstrations along Kaplan Street in Tel Aviv.

“I really hope the arson was only carried out by Arabs, without any collaboration from our own people,” he added.

At the time of his remarks, the exact origins of the fires remained uncertain. Authorities had not ruled out arson as a possible cause, and one resident of East Jerusalem had been taken into custody earlier in the day on suspicion of attempted arson.

{Matzav.com Israel}

As Israel began its 77th Independence Day under extraordinary and harrowing conditions, wildfires fueled by fierce winds raged across parts of the country. Amid the chaos, the traditional live Independence Day opening ceremony was canceled due to the extreme weather, and instead, a prerecorded version of the event was aired. In it, Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu delivered a pre-taped address meant for the original ceremony, sharing messages of resilience and unity while firefighters battled some of the most devastating fires the nation had seen.

In his address, Netanyahu praised Israel’s accomplishments and honored the soldiers who had given their lives defending the country. Reflecting on the uncertainty of the previous year, he remarked, “This year, nobody doubts it… because Israel has changed the face of the Middle East.”

He emphasized the government’s unyielding commitment to defeating its enemies and rescuing all hostages still held in Gaza. Netanyahu underscored that Israel, unlike generations past, now possessed a formidable military and courageous fighters. “This is a generation of lions,” he stated, pointing to the strength and reputation of Israeli soldiers around the globe.

Despite societal divisions, Netanyahu stressed a common bond that united the nation. “We all stand together… We will continue to fight and ensure our freedom. We will continue to struggle and to defend our homeland… We will continue to build the land, because we have only one home,” he declared with determination.

While the ceremony proceeded on a delay, the broadcast was repeatedly cut on Channels 12 and 13 to provide breaking coverage of the advancing fires. These interruptions delivered updates on evacuations, firefighting efforts, and emergency responses aimed at containing the infernos and protecting lives and property.

{Matzav.com Israel}

Over a five-year span ending in 2022, around 30,000 people left New York City for Florida’s Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties, bringing with them a staggering $9.2 billion in earnings, according to a new study.

The Citizens Budget Commission, a nonpartisan organization that monitors fiscal policy, reported Wednesday that these Florida destinations saw an influx of affluent households. Palm Beach attracted nearly 20,000 individuals with average incomes of roughly $190,000, while Miami-Dade welcomed over 26,000 people whose average income was around $266,000.

Several factors—ranging from the financial burden of living in New York to pandemic-driven lifestyle changes—have motivated many to seek out more affordable or appealing alternatives. The report shows population gains in states such as New Jersey, Florida, California, and Pennsylvania, all of which benefited from New York City’s out-migration during that period.

“Our competitiveness depends in part on quality of life and public safety,” CBC President Andrew Rein told reporters ahead of the report’s publication. “That’s the value proposition. If you feel safe and you enjoy your life, you’re going to want to be here.”

Of course, not all those who exited the five boroughs went far. Nearly 138,000 New Yorkers moved to Long Island, resulting in a loss of $11.1 billion in adjusted gross income for the city. Westchester County, just beyond the city’s northern edge, gained close to 60,000 residents during the same timeframe, reducing the city’s taxable income base by another $5 billion.

Although New York saw its millionaire population nearly double from 36,000 in 2010 to close to 70,000 by 2022, its share of the nation’s millionaires actually shrank. Twelve years ago, the Empire State was home to 12.7% of the country’s wealthiest individuals, a proportion that dropped to 8.7% by 2022. Meanwhile, states like Texas, California, and Florida expanded their share of millionaire residents.

This shifting demographic of high earners is more than just a statistic—it’s a political flashpoint. In New York City, the top 1% of earners are responsible for contributing about 40% of total income tax revenue, making their departure particularly consequential.

The Citizens Budget Commission also examined migration trends by demographic categories, highlighting patterns based on race, ethnicity, age, and income. Since 2018, the groups leading the exodus from the city have been its wealthiest residents and millennials—those born in the 1980s and early 1990s.

Despite years of losses, New York City saw a population uptick in both 2023 and 2024, thanks to rising numbers of immigrants arriving from abroad, according to the CBC.

President Donald Trump urged Americans to remain calm and give his economic strategies time to take effect, emphasizing that the challenges currently facing the economy stem from the prior administration.

Posting on Truth Social Wednesday, Trump addressed concerns over financial turbulence during the early months of his presidency.

“This is Biden’s Stock Market, not Trump’s. I didn’t take over until January 20th. Tariffs will soon start kicking in, and companies are starting to move into the USA in record numbers,” he stated in his message.

Trump expressed optimism for the future, insisting that the current difficulties are unrelated to his trade policies and instead blamed the previous leadership for leaving behind economic instability.

“Our Country will boom, but we have to get rid of the Biden ‘Overhang.’ This will take a while, has NOTHING TO DO WITH TARIFFS, only that he left us with bad numbers, but when the boom begins, it will be like no other. BE PATIENT!!!”

Financial markets reflected concern on Wednesday morning, with major indexes sliding after new government data showed the U.S. economy had contracted during the first quarter of the year.

The report revealed that GDP dropped by 0.3% from January through March, marking the first downturn in three years. Analysts attributed the decline to a spike in imports, as American businesses rushed to stockpile goods ahead of Trump’s new tariffs.

Despite the economic pullback, consumer spending remained strong. The Commerce Department’s Bureau of Economic Analysis reported that personal consumption rose 0.7% in March, building on February’s revised growth figure of 0.5%.

In a notable policy shift, Trump moved Tuesday to ease some of the 25% tariffs targeting the auto industry. His new executive orders provide temporary relief for importers of cars and auto parts.

“We just wanted to help them during this little transition, short term,” Trump explained to members of the press. “We didn’t want to penalize them.”

Momentum in Washington suggested a softening stance on trade disputes, as officials hinted that selective agreements with individual nations might be on the horizon.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that several key allies had submitted “very good” trade offers, adding that an initial agreement could be finalized with India in the coming days.

{Matzav.com}

The moment headlines revealed that the Food and Drug Administration would be halting federal testing of commercial milk, the Orthodox Union’s kosher hotline was flooded with concerned inquiries, JTA reports.

“The flood of inquiries was off the hook … crazy: emails, calls, WhatsApp, everything,” Rabbi Avrohom Gordimer, who leads the dairy division at OU Kosher, told JTA.

People were reaching out to express fears that the change in federal policy might jeopardize the kosher status of standard supermarket milk. Since 1954, many frum Jews in America have relied on a ruling by Rav Moshe Feinstein zt”l that federal monitoring of the dairy industry suffices to ensure its kashrus.

Halacha dictates that milk can only be considered kosher if it originates from a kosher species. One way to ensure this is through direct Jewish supervision over the milking process—something that was once feasible but is impractical in modern industrial settings.

Rav Moshe, the posek hador, ruled that stringent government oversight could substitute for some elements of Jewish supervision. Given that U.S. law mandates that only cow’s milk can be labeled as milk, and that federal inspectors regularly visit dairies to enforce regulations, he concluded that this system was sufficient for Jews to rely on.

But the question now arises: if the federal framework changes or is rolled back, does Rav Moshe’s psak still stand?

According to Rabbi Gordimer, the answer is yes. After carefully examining what has and hasn’t changed at the FDA, the OU determined that the situation does not impact the kosher status of milk.

“This development has no impact whatsoever on the kosher status of ‘chalav stam’ that Rabbi Feinstein permitted in the US, as the primary oversight of farms and dairy factories is performed by state governments; the FDA is a mere secondary body for this purpose,” he said by email.

Furthermore, Rabbi Gordimer clarified that the testing recently suspended by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. pertains only to identifying certain banned substances or contaminants. The actual physical inspections of dairy plants—which are central to Rav Moshe’s ruling—are still taking place.

“There has been no change in inspections, which are ongoing,” Gordimer said.

Additionally, the regulation that prohibits labeling anything other than cow’s milk as “milk” remains firmly in effect.

Nevertheless, reports about the regulatory changes have triggered anxiety in the kosher community. One user on the Facebook group Great Kosher Restaurant Foodies posted: “Are we seeing the first step in the end of chalav stam…”

Some segments of the Jewish community have never relied on Rav Moshe’s ruling and consume only cholov Yisroel, milk that is supervised by Jews throughout the process. However, cholov Yisroel milk is less widely available outside the tri-state area.

While OU Kosher and health experts insist there’s no immediate risk, the decision to scale back milk testing could be a sign that kashrus agencies will need to stay vigilant as broader reforms take shape under the Trump administration. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who holds unconventional views on several issues, has signaled he intends to overhaul policies touching everything from vaccines and water fluoridation to food safety regulations.

{Matzav.com}

President Trump took ABC’s Terry Moran to task during a contentious interview marking Trump’s 100th day back in office, bluntly stating why he agreed to speak with him—and delivering a dose of personal humiliation in the process.

“Hey, they’re giving you the big break of a lifetime, you know you’re doing the interview,” Trump said. “I picked you because frankly, I never heard of you.”

As the interview grew more confrontational, Trump expressed his displeasure with Moran’s tone. “I picked you, but you’re not being very nice,” he complained.

The fiery exchange came as Moran questioned the president over the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, raising doubts about whether the man’s tattoos were legitimate proof of gang affiliation.

Abrego Garcia drew national attention after being removed from Maryland and sent back to El Salvador, where he has been in custody since March 15.

Trump pointed to Abrego Garcia’s hand tattoos, claiming they were an unmistakable sign of his ties to the notorious MS-13 gang.

“Wait a minute, he had ‘MS-13’ on his knuckles,” Trump said, referring to the markings seen on the man’s left hand.

Moran responded cautiously, saying, “Oh, he had some tattoos that were interpreted that way,” before attempting to pivot to another question.

Photos of the tattoos showed several images—among them a marijuana leaf, a smiley face, a cross, and a skull—etched across the back of Abrego Garcia’s hand.

Observers have claimed the combination of images visually represented the sequence “M S 1 3.”

Moran tried steering the discussion away from the subject, but Trump pushed back firmly.

“Wait a minute, Terry, Terry, don’t do that. It says MS-13,” Trump said, referencing an image shared by the White House that purportedly broke down the tattoo’s symbolism.

Moran countered that the image had been digitally altered. Trump dismissed the claim immediately.

“That was photoshopped? Terry, you can’t do that,” Trump said, slamming Moran once again by pointing out his lack of prominence.

Elsewhere in the sit-down, Moran pushed Trump on the broader policy of deporting alleged gang members without full court proceedings.

“The law is the law,” Moran insisted, pressing Trump on due process.

Trump held his ground, saying, “They get whatever my lawyers say,” when asked about the legal standards being applied.

Moran returned to the subject of Abrego Garcia, whom Trump described in blunt terms.

“This is an MS-13 gang member, a tough cookie, been in lots of skirmishes, beat the hell out of his wife,” Trump said.

Court records show that Abrego Garcia’s wife sought a protective order in 2021 following claims of domestic violence.

“OK? This is not an innocent, wonderful gentleman from Maryland,” Trump continued.

Moran responded by clarifying his stance. “I’m not saying [Abrego Garcia] is a good guy,” he said. “It’s about the rule of law.”

The interview took another heated turn when Moran questioned Trump’s stance on Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“I don’t trust you,” Trump shot back. “I don’t trust a lot of people.”

Israeli Housing and Construction Minister Yitzchok Goldknopf of United Torah Judaism announced on Wednesday morning that he would not be attending the Memorial Day ceremony scheduled in Kiryat Gat. His decision came after concerns were raised that his presence might provoke demonstrations, which he said could lead to a breach of the day’s solemn atmosphere.

Instead of appearing at the event, Goldknopf stated that he would head to Yerushalayim, where he planned to spend time reciting Tehillim in remembrance of those who died in Israel’s wars and in acts of terror.

Speaking to Maariv on Tuesday, Chaim Saadon, whose brother Avner was killed in Lebanon in 1972, and who was among the signatories of a letter urging Goldknopf to stay away from the ceremony, said: “I, as a bereaved brother for over 50 years, simply feel insulted by the way this is being done. People who preach not to enlist in the military come to speak about fallen soldiers, I’m not even talking about Goldknopf’s personal behavior.”

Saadon went on to say: “It’s not just him, it’s all the chareidi ministers who go; they insult us by the fact that they don’t enlist, and they insult us that on the holiest and most significant day of the year for us, they want to come and speak at the state ceremony. I think you can’t lend a hand to this.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

In a moving tribute on Memorial Day, Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu donned the tefillin that belonged to Maj. (res.) Yossi Hershkovitz, who was killed in battle. The gesture was meant to honor Hershkovitz’s legacy and the values he stood for.

“On this Memorial Day, I am honored to put on the tefillin of the Hero of Israel, Maj. (res.) Yossi Hershkovitz. Yossi, a wonderful educator, was imbued with true love of Israel. The moment he was called up, he said goodbye to his devoted wife Hadas, and to his children, Ari, Hillel, Tal, Shira and Neta, in order to protect the home of all of us,” Netanyahu wrote.

The prime minister emphasized that Hershkovitz remained deeply connected to his family and the nation even while serving on the front lines. “Even from within the Gaza Strip, he sent strengthening videos to his family, his students, and the people of Israel. Yossi combined a noble spirit with an uncompromising determination to defend our people and our country. In one hand he held a weapon, and in the other he held his violin. We will turn the grief over the fall of the late Yossi Hershkowitz and all our heroes into a melody – the melody of the power of the generation of victory.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

The Rebbe of Karlin-Stolin will spend the upcoming Shabbos, Tazria-Metzora, in Detroit, Michigan. The visit marks a rare and significant occasion, as the Rebbe will not only visit the kever of his great-uncle, the tzaddik Rav Yaakov Chaim of Stolin zt”l, whose resting place is in Detroit, but will also remain in the city for Shabbos.

While the Rebbe traditionally travels to Detroit annually for the yahrtzeit of Rav Yaakov Chaim, this year’s visit is different: he will be spending the entire Shabbos with his chassidim in the city—something he last did fifteen years ago.

The visit is expected to draw hundreds of Karlin-Stolin chassidim from around the world, and preparations on the ground are already underway. A team of community organizers is working tirelessly to erect large tents that will serve as temporary batei midrash for tefillos and tishen, while lodging accommodations are being secured to house the influx of visitors.

On Sunday, the Rebbe is scheduled to visit the kever of Rav Yaakov Chaim, joined by many chassidim, to daven for yeshuos for both individuals and the broader klal.

The baal haHillula, Rav Yaakov Chaim of Stolin zt”l, was the third son of Rav Yisroel Perlow of Stolin, known as the “Yanuka.” He married Rebbetzin Chanah Chaya a”h, daughter of Rav Avraham Yehoshua Heshel Twersky. The couple was not blessed with children.

After his father’s passing in 1922, Rav Yaakov Chaim immigrated to the United States in 1924, leading the Karlin chassidim primarily in New York. He established additional shuls in Williamsburg, and—together with the Karlin-Kobrin faction—in Chicago and Detroit.

At the time, the Karlin-Stolin presence in America numbered in the hundreds. Rav Yaakov Chaim devoted himself to kiruv, reaching out to unaffiliated Jewish youth and students during a time when many were drifting from Yiddishkeit. He founded Torah institutions and held inspiring tishen in his home every Shabbos, attracting large crowds.

On the 6th of Iyar in 1946, while visiting his community in Detroit, Rav Yaakov Chaim suddenly collapsed and passed away. He was buried in Detroit and came to be known affectionately among his chassidim as “the Detroiter.”

Two years after his passing, his brother, the rebbe Rav Yochanan, arrived in America and settled in Williamsburg, where he opened a yeshiva and built new institutions. Later in life, he relocated the center of Karlin-Stolin chassidus to Boro Park.

{Matzav.com}

Dear Matzav Inbox,

Why do we allow the shidduch process to consume us? Anyone in the parshah—whether for themselves or for their children—knows the crushing anxiety that accompanies the research phase of a potential match. How are we expected to determine compatibility from a resume? Is he like this or like that? Will her personality align with our expectations?

With every new profile, our minds race through endless possibilities—and anxiety, ever the pessimist, convinces us to assume the worst. Maybe they have this issue… Maybe they won’t understand that part of me… The doubts pile up, and all too often, we talk ourselves out of even considering the shidduch.

But it doesn’t have to be this way.

I recently adopted a new approach—one that has been nothing short of transformative. I recognized a pattern in myself: when all I have is a piece of paper, my imagination takes over. Anxiety flourishes in the unknown, creating obstacles that may not even exist. But once I speak to the person? Everything changes. That abstract profile becomes a real, dynamic, multifaceted human being. The fears that loomed so large? Often unfounded. The concerns? Frequently irrelevant. The clarity? Remarkable.

So here’s what I do now: If a suggestion seems even remotely plausible, I ask the shadchan to arrange a brief phone call—right away. No commitments, no pressure to continue—just a short, informal conversation. The goal? To replace the paper with a person.

The difference is night and day.

Deciding whether to move forward becomes infinitely easier—and far less stressful—when I’m interacting with a real human being instead of dissecting a checklist of traits. People are always better than papers.

Granted, some shadchanim are hesitant (though the truly helpful ones are usually open to it). Sometimes the other side needs reassurance. But honestly—what do you have to lose? Every single person who’s tried this approach has told me it changed the way they view the process. One parent even reached out to thank me, saying it gave their child renewed hope. For them, shidduchim no longer felt like a burdensome ordeal.

The idea is simple: Turn the paper into a person.

A short, pressure-free conversation resets the dynamic entirely. And afterward, you’re exactly where you started—free to say, “Thanks, I’ll let you know if I’m interested.” But now, you’re making that decision based on a real interaction, not just speculation.

If you’re in the parshah—or guiding someone who is—try this once. Just once. You may feel the weight begin to lift, and the dread replaced by a new sense of hope and clarity.

Wishing you tremendous siyatta diShmaya. May Hashem guide you quickly and peacefully to your zivug hagun.

Hatzlacha,
A Friend 

To submit a letter to appear on Matzav.com, email MatzavInbox@gmail.com

DON’T MISS OUT! Join the Matzav Status by CLICKING HERE. Join the Matzav WhatsApp Groups by CLICKING HERE.

The opinions expressed in letters on Matzav.com do not necessarily reflect the stance of the Matzav Media Network.

{Matzav.com}