Originally published at: https://peakprosperity.com/daily-digest/tariffs-hit-gold-a-census-for-citizens-and-satire-is-legal-again/
US Politics
A federal judge overturned California’s deepfake law, which addressed political parodies, ruling it unconstitutional for violating free speech protections under the First Amendment. Critics of the ruling, including the California Secretary of State, expressed disappointment, citing the ongoing threat of deceptive content in elections.
In another development, President Trump announced a new census via the Department of Commerce to count only American citizens, citing concerns about the 2020 Census data. The proposal has drawn criticism from the ACLU, which called it discriminatory and a potential undermining of democratic fairness.
Additionally, Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) stated that FBI Director Kash Patel has agreed to assist in locating Texas Democratic lawmakers who left the state to break quorum over a redistricting vote, prompting discussion about federal involvement in state legislative matters. The Texas House Democrats defended their actions, stating they aim to protect voting rights, while critics argue federal involvement may be inappropriate in a state political issue.
Finally, key sections of the U.S. Constitution, including parts of Article 1 addressing Congressional powers and habeas corpus protections, were reportedly removed from an official government website due to what the Library of Congress described as a “coding error.” This incident does not affect U.S. law. However, civil liberties groups have expressed concern over the timing and nature of the deletions, calling for an independent review, while a senior Trump administration official dismissed speculation of ulterior motives as “baseless conspiracy theories.”
Economy
New tariffs on Swiss one-kilo gold bars could impact the U.S. gold market, given Switzerland’s role in refining 90% of mined gold globally. This may affect U.S. gold prices and funding markets, with potential implications for London’s bullion banking system. While some industry experts warn of a funding crisis, others, as reported by Reuters, suggest the market may adapt with alternative refining hubs emerging.
Separately, President Trump signed an executive order directing regulatory bodies to review restrictions on cryptocurrencies and alternative assets like real estate in 401(k) plans, potentially expanding access to a $12.5 trillion market for these investments. Financial experts, however, caution about the volatility and risks associated with cryptocurrencies in retirement plans, as noted by Reuters.
Health
A new CDC report indicates that over half of daily calories consumed by Americans come from ultra-processed foods, with children aged 6-11 showing the highest intake at 64.8%. These foods are associated with increased risks of cardiovascular disease and mortality, according to the report. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has called for revised dietary guidelines and state-level restrictions on junk food in assistance programs in response to these findings. However, the food industry, via the American Processed Foods Association, defended the role of processed foods, arguing they provide essential nutrients and that healthier options are in development.
Technology
The European Union’s “Chat Control” proposal, which would require scanning of private messages on platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram for content such as child sexual abuse material, has gained support from 19 of 27 member states. The plan involves client-side scanning before encryption, drawing criticism from digital freedom advocates who have raised concerns about privacy and potential mass surveillance. Privacy advocates have further warned that the measure could infringe on fundamental rights, labeling it a step toward mass surveillance.
Relatedly, WhatsApp has introduced a new AI feature that, according to reports, accesses group chats and personal data like phone numbers unless users enable an “advanced privacy” option. This has led to recommendations from some users and privacy advocates to adjust settings to protect personal information. Meta, WhatsApp’s parent company, clarified that the AI feature is designed to enhance user experience and does not access data without consent, urging users to review privacy settings.
Energy
General Matter, a startup backed by Peter Thiel, announced a $1.5 billion uranium enrichment facility in Kentucky, set to produce materials for advanced nuclear reactors by 2030. This marks the first U.S.-owned, privately developed project of its kind and aligns with efforts to enhance energy independence and reduce reliance on foreign critical minerals, particularly from China, which leads in the global rare earth supply chain. Environmental groups like Greenpeace USA, however, criticize the project, advocating for renewable energy over nuclear power due to safety and sustainability concerns.
Sources
Key Sections of U.S. Constitution Vanish from Government Website Amid Controversy
Several sections of Article 1 of the U.S. Constitution have reportedly been removed from the official U.S. government website.
Source | Submitted by bcoop
CDC Report: Children Lead in Ultra-Processed Food Consumption as Health Crisis Looms
Ultra-processed foods tend to be hyperpalatable, energy-dense, low in dietary fiber, and contain little or no whole foods, while having high amounts of salt, sweeteners, and unhealthy fats.
Gold Market Chaos: US Tariffs on Swiss Bullion Spark Funding Crisis Fears
“If shorts can’t source those bars easily, they’re forced to close out or roll positions, which cascades into a funding squeeze in London’s bullion banking system.”
Source (Paywalled)
Peter Thiel-Backed Startup Launches $1.5 Billion Uranium Facility to Boost U.S. Energy Independence
General Matter is bringing uranium enrichment back to the United States, starting at the site where the U.S. enrichment industry was born.
Federal Judge Overturns California’s Deepfake Law, Defending Free Speech
“No parts of this statute are severable because the whole statute is preempted. No parts of A.B. 2655 can be salvaged.”
Trump Demands New Census to Correct 2020’s Alleged Bias Toward Democrats
People who are in our Country illegally WILL NOT BE COUNTED IN THE CENSUS.
FBI Joins Hunt for Texas Democrats as Cornyn Enlists Federal Help in Lawmaker Manhunt
I am proud to announce that Director Kash Patel has approved my request for the FBI to assist state and local law enforcement in locating runaway Texas House Democrats.
Trump Opens Door for Crypto and Alternative Assets in $12.5 Trillion 401(k) Market with New Executive Order
“No decisions should be deemed official, however, unless they come from President Trump himself.”
EU’s “Chat Control” Proposal to Scan Private Messages Gains Traction Among Member States
“A bit like if the Post Office came to read all your letters in your living room before you put them in the envelope.”
WhatsApp’s New AI Feature Sparks Privacy Concerns Over Chat Access
As of today, AI is available on WhatsApp and therefore has access to all chats.
In addition to sources submitted by community members, the following were also used in the creation of this report: The Washington Post, CNN, Fox News, The Sacramento Bee, California Secretary of State, American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Texas House Democrats, The Texas Observer, American Processed Foods Association, Reuters, Greenpeace USA, Privacy Advocate, and Meta.