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PULSE POINTS:
❓What Happened: The Justice Department has called on a federal judge to require Google to surrender control over its Chrome web browser due to antitrust concerns.
👥 Who’s Involved: Key figures include Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, Assistant Attorney General for Antitrust Gail Slater, Justice Department official David Dahlquist, and U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta.
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📍 Where & When: The remarks were made in court on Monday; the proceedings occurred in the United States.
💬 Key Quote: “As a monopolist, Google uses its market power against the American people.” — Deputy Attorney General Blanche.
⚠️ Impact: Potentially significant changes in control of Google’s Chrome web browser and broader implications for competition within the global search market.
IN FULL:
In a significant development in antitrust proceedings against Google, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) urged a district judge on Monday to compel Google to divest ownership of the Chrome web browser. The call comes as part of ongoing efforts to address Google’s dominant role in the global search market. Some allege the dominance is maintained through illegal agreements that hinder competition and negatively affect consumers and advertisers.
In court, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche cited Google’s monopolistic practices, emphasizing the company’s extensive influence over online data and alleged political bias through its search engine operations. Deputy Attorney General Blanche told U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta, “As a monopolist, Google uses its market power against the American people.”
He argued that Google’s control stems largely from its nearly $20 billion annual payment to Apple, securing Google’s search engine as the default on Apple’s Safari browser. This payment was highlighted during a trial last year focusing on liability.
U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta has previously recognized Google’s monopolistic behaviors. Mehta is now tasked with assessing the remedy phase of this case. Assistant Attorney General for Antitrust Gail Slater highlighted the bipartisan nature of the case. Slater noted the involvement of 49 states alongside federal authorities in challenging Google’s competitive practices.
DOJ official David Dahlquist referred to the current situation as a pivotal moment for restoring market competition. The Trump DOJ’s stance reflects a continued commitment to ensuring monopolistic behaviors do not compromise competition in the digital market.
PULSE POINTS:
❓ What Happened: Col. Ricky Buria, a former aide to Biden-era Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, has resigned from the Marine Corps and is reportedly transitioning into a senior civilian role under Trump-world Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, with consideration for the coveted chief of staff position. Buria, a recent Democrat donor, is the source of major concerns in Trump world.
👤 Who Was Involved: Ricky Buria, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, outgoing Chief of Staff Joe Kasper, former Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, Democratic congressional candidate Mike O’Brien, and former DoD official Anne Powers.
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🧾 Key Quote: “Ricky was only the [Senior Military Assistant] because he was the only guy standing,” a defense official told Defense News.
⚠️ Fallout: Officials inside the Department of Defense and the White House have raised concerns about Buria’s close ties to the previous administration.
📌 Significance: The personnel move highlights unresolved tensions surrounding staffing and loyalty inside the Pentagon’s top ranks.
IN FULL:
Col. Ricky Buria, a former junior military assistant (JMA) to Lloyd Austin, is reportedly in line for a senior civilian advisory position under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, according to multiple defense officials. Buria began terminal leave from the Marine Corps last week and is even under consideration for the role of chief of staff following the departure of Joe Kasper, according to numerous sources familiar with the matter.
But Buria was first appointed to the Pentagon in April 2024 under the Biden government. After Hegseth’s confirmation, Buria remained in place–a “holdover”–while other senior staff were dismissed. He temporarily filled the position of acting senior military assistant (SMA).
“Ricky was only the SMA because he was the only guy standing,” an official told Defense News.
In recent months, Buria has accompanied Hegseth on official travel and participated in high-level meetings. On a recent trip to Panama, Buria was present for discussions with the Panamanian government regarding canal access. He also joined a bilateral meeting in Washington with El Salvador’s Minister of Defense, seated two chairs away from the secretary.
Buria, far left, with Hegseth in Panama.Multiple officials say Buria has taken on expanded responsibilities beyond those typical of a junior military assistant, including personnel input and attendance at foreign policy briefings.
Additionally, campaign finance data uncovered by The National Pulse shows that Buria made a donation in 2023 via ActBlue to Democrat Mike O’Brien, a former Marine and candidate in Pennsylvania’s 10th Congressional District. O’Brien was endorsed by VoteVets–a left-wing group that claims President Trump “hates veterans,” and has attempted to destabilize his Department of Defense using the now-infamous “Signal group chat” story as a cudgel. The group even publicly called for Hegseth to be fired.
Buria has maintained relationships with former Biden-era Pentagon staffers. In a LinkedIn comment, former Department of Defense official Anne Powers publicly referred to Buria as her “partner in crime,” while he heaped praise on others and vice versa.
Buria’s messages to Biden-era staffers on LinkedIn.The White House personnel office is reviewing Buria’s transition to civilian service. Approval is required for senior advisory appointments.
Buria was promoted to colonel in fall 2024. Under standard requirements, officers must serve two years at a given rank to retire at that grade. Without a waiver, he is expected to retire as a lieutenant colonel.
Four top officials have departed Hegseth’s team in recent days. The staffing turnover has left a gap in senior leadership, which Buria is currently helping fill, much to the chagrin of many across the Trump administration.
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