Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado said after meeting President Trump that Venezuela will eventually hold “free and fair” elections, but emphasized that dismantling the country’s repression apparatus must come first. Machado did not give a timeline for the transitional government, led in part by former Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, but stressed that security, rule of law, and the release of political prisoners are prerequisites … Continue reading Venezuelan opposition leader says country will hold ‘free and fair’ elections ‘eventually’

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro claims in his forthcoming memoir that during vetting for Vice President Kamala Harris’ 2024 running mate, he was asked if he had ever been an agent of Israel, a question he found offensive, ABC News confirmed. According to excerpts, Shapiro, who is Jewish and outspoken about his support for Israel, was also asked if he had spoken with undercover Israeli agents … Continue reading Gov. Josh Shapiro alleges that Kamala Harris’ team asked if he had ever been an Israeli agent

European leaders are cautiously managing tensions with the U.S. after President Donald Trump threatened tariffs on several EU countries, the U.K., and Norway over their opposition to a potential Greenland sale. Ahead of Trump’s speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, EU diplomats and officials are seeking a diplomatic solution to avoid further straining transatlantic relations. While some European voices support using the EU’s … Continue reading EU clings to hope it can defuse Trump at Davos

The Kremlin said Russian President Vladimir Putin has received an invitation to join the U.S.-led “Board of Peace” for Gaza and is reviewing the proposal. The board, created by President Donald Trump, aims to oversee the Israel-Hamas ceasefire and Gaza’s reconstruction. Several countries have confirmed invitations, though reports say permanent membership may require a $1 billion payment. Putin’s potential inclusion has drawn attention given Russia’s … Continue reading Putin invited to join Trump’s ‘Board of Peace,’ Kremlin says

French President Emmanuel Macron plans to ask the EU to activate its trade “bazooka,” the Anti-Coercion Instrument, in response to President Trump’s tariff threats over Greenland. The mechanism allows the EU to impose punitive trade measures—including restrictions on investment, public procurement, and intellectual property—against countries that attempt to coerce the bloc. Macron emphasized that Europe will respond in a united, coordinated way to defend its … Continue reading Macron to urge EU to use trade ‘bazooka’ in response to Trump’s tariffs

Republican Rep. Michael McCaul warned that any U.S. military intervention to seize Greenland would put America at odds with its NATO allies and could effectively end the alliance. McCaul, speaking on This Week, acknowledged Greenland’s strategic importance but said the U.S. already has full military access there under existing treaties, so an invasion isn’t necessary. He said a forced takeover would undermine NATO’s Article 5 … Continue reading GOP Rep. McCaul says a US invasion of Greenland would mean ‘war with NATO itself’

The Trump administration is proposing a $1 billion payment for permanent membership on the newly established Board of Peace, a UN-backed body overseeing the Israel-Hamas ceasefire. President Trump is expected to serve as the board’s inaugural chairman, with authority to invite members and approve decisions, while member states would otherwise serve three-year terms. The board’s mandate is to rebuild Gaza, with “virtually every dollar” raised … Continue reading Trump wants nations to pay $1 billion for permanent Board of Peace seats

European leaders pushed back against President Trump’s threat of tariffs over their opposition to his Greenland plans, with Italian leader Giorgia Meloni calling it a “mistake.” Trump threatened 10–25% tariffs on goods from eight European countries unless Greenland is “purchased” by the U.S., escalating tensions over the Arctic island. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the threat, with Macron urging … Continue reading EU scrambles to avert Trump Greenland tariffs, prepares retaliation

The Justice Department is investigating Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey over an alleged conspiracy to impede federal immigration agents. The probe stems from statements Walz and Frey made criticizing the recent deployment of nearly 3,000 ICE and Border Patrol officers to Minneapolis, following the killing of Renee Good by an ICE officer. Subpoenas are expected, and the investigation focuses on 18 … Continue reading DOJ investigating Gov. Tim Walz, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey over alleged conspiracy to impede immigration agents

Former U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema is being sued by the ex-wife of her former security detail member, alleging that Sinema’s romantic relationship with him led to the breakup of their marriage. The lawsuit claims Sinema pursued Matthew Ammel while he was married, exchanged “romantic and lascivious” messages with him, and provided him with jobs and support, including psychedelic treatment for PTSD and other issues. Ammel … Continue reading Ex-Sen. Kyrsten Sinema sued for allegedly breaking up bodyguard’s marriage

Sen. Lindsey Graham announced he is traveling to Israel to meet again with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, citing a critical moment for the Middle East and strong ties forged under President Donald Trump. Graham praised the Trump–Netanyahu alliance as one of the strongest in U.S.-Israel history and said it could yield major developments soon. His visit comes less than a month after a previous meeting … Continue reading Lindsey Graham returns to Israel for talks with Netanyahu amid Middle East tensions

Republican senators are expressing alarm over President Trump’s threats to use military force to seize Greenland, warning it could damage NATO and strengthen Russia in its war against Ukraine. Senators Thom Tillis and Lisa Murkowski plan to travel to Copenhagen to reassure Danish leaders of strong Congressional opposition to any such action. Murkowski and Senator Jeanne Shaheen are sponsoring a bill to block U.S. funds … Continue reading Senate Republicans don’t want Trump to take Greenland by force

CIA Director John Ratcliffe met with Venezuela’s acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, in Caracas on Thursday in what U.S. officials described as an effort to build trust and cooperation between the countries. Ratcliffe discussed potential economic collaboration and emphasized that Venezuela should no longer serve as a safe haven for U.S. adversaries, including narcotraffickers. The visit was directed by President Donald Trump and comes after U.S. forces captured former … Continue reading CIA director Ratcliffe meets with Venezuela’s Rodriguez in Caracas

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado presented her Nobel Peace Prize medal to U.S. President Donald Trump during a White House meeting Thursday as a symbolic gesture of gratitude for his role in supporting Venezuelan freedom. Trump confirmed on social media that he would keep the medal, calling Machado’s gift a “wonderful gesture of mutual respect.” The White House posted a photo of Trump and … Continue reading Trump accepts Nobel medal from Venezuelan opposition leader Machado

The Philippines and Japan signed two defense agreements, including an Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement allowing their forces to exchange supplies such as fuel, ammunition, and food during joint training. Japan also pledged $6 million in security assistance to build facilities for donated patrol boats, boosting Manila’s naval capabilities. The agreements deepen military ties amid regional tensions, with both countries emphasizing freedom of navigation and opposition … Continue reading Japan, Philippines sign new defence pacts amid surging China tensions

Three Democratic lawmakers said they are being investigated by federal prosecutors for participating in a video urging service members to refuse illegal orders. Reps. Jason Crow, Chrissy Houlahan, and Maggie Goodlander said they were contacted by the U.S. attorney in Washington seeking interviews related to the video. The November message, which included other Democratic lawmakers with military backgrounds, was released during debate over President Trump’s … Continue reading More Democrat reps involved in ‘refuse illegal orders’ video report receiving inquiry from US attorney

Democratic Rep. Robin Kelly introduced articles of impeachment against Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem following the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE officer in Minneapolis. Kelly alleges Noem obstructed Congress, violated public trust, and engaged in self‑dealing, and claims she has the support of 70 members of Congress. Noem and the Trump administration have defended the agency’s actions, calling the incident an … Continue reading Democratic lawmakers file articles of impeachment against Kristi Noem

Whole milk is returning to school cafeterias nationwide after President Trump signed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, overturning Obama-era limits on higher-fat milk. Schools in the National School Lunch Program can now offer whole, 2%, 1%, and skim milk, as well as nondairy alternatives that meet nutritional standards. The law allows parents to request nondairy milk for their children without a doctor’s note … Continue reading Trump signs a law returning whole milk to school lunches

The Senate blocked a war powers resolution that would have required President Trump to get congressional approval before further military actions in Venezuela, with Vice President JD Vance breaking a 51-50 tie. The measure was prompted by a recent U.S. operation that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro without prior congressional notice. Two Republicans who had initially supported the resolution, Josh Hawley and Todd Young, reversed … Continue reading Senate Republicans block Venezuela war powers resolution

U.S. President Donald Trump will attend next week’s World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, leading the largest-ever American delegation. He will be joined by five Cabinet secretaries and other top officials as the forum brings together around 3,000 participants from 130 countries. The meeting will feature about 850 CEOs, 64 heads of state or government, and leaders including six G7 members, Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and … Continue reading Trump set to lead largest-ever US delegation to World Economic Forum in Davos next week

Marine Le Pen appeared in court Tuesday to appeal her 2027 embezzlement conviction, denying any wrongdoing. She seeks to overturn a March ruling that found her guilty of misusing European Parliament funds to hire aides from 2004 to 2016, which resulted in a five-year ban from office, house arrest, a suspended sentence, and a €100,000 fine. Le Pen argued that neither she nor her party … Continue reading Marine Le Pen’s appeal trial opens in Paris

South Korea’s special prosecutor has requested the death penalty for former President Yoon Suk Yeol over his brief martial law declaration in 2024, charging him with leading an insurrection. Yoon claims the action was within his constitutional authority to protect freedom and sovereignty, while prosecutors allege it was a power grab targeting the judiciary and legislature. The martial law order, issued on Dec. 3, 2024, … Continue reading South Korea’s special prosecutor seeks death penalty for ex-President Yoon

Former President Bill Clinton did not appear for a scheduled deposition before the House Oversight Committee in its bipartisan investigation of Jeffrey Epstein, defying a congressional subpoena. Committee Chairman James Comer announced plans to move forward with contempt of Congress proceedings against Clinton, noting that no Democrats attended Tuesday’s deposition. Clinton’s attorneys argued the subpoenas were legally invalid, claiming they violated separation-of-powers principles and were … Continue reading Bill Clinton defies congressional subpoena, Comer says contempt charges moving ahead

President Donald Trump announced he is cutting off talks with Iranian officials amid a violent crackdown on nationwide protests, telling Iranians “help is on its way.” The move comes after Trump had indicated Iran was seeking negotiations following his threat of military action, with more than 1,850 protesters reportedly killed and over 16,700 detained. Trump urged citizens to continue protesting and record the names of … Continue reading Trump cancels meetings with Iranian officials and tells protesters ‘help is on its way’

Former special counsel Jack Smith will testify publicly before the House Judiciary Committee on January 22, giving lawmakers the chance to question him about his prosecutions of Donald Trump. Smith previously gave an eight-hour closed-door deposition and defended his decisions, emphasizing that he acted based on facts and law, not political considerations. He investigated Trump over the 2020 election and the retention of classified documents, … Continue reading Jack Smith to testify next week at a public House Judiciary Committee hearing