Lawmakers voice support for congressional reviews of Trump’s military strikes on boats

Lawmakers from both parties said they support investigations into U.S. military strikes on suspected drug-smuggling vessels after reports that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth verbally ordered all survivors of a Sept. 2 strike to be killed. Members of Congress stressed they do not yet know whether the allegation is true, but warned that such an order would be illegal and potentially a war crime. The bipartisan … Continue reading Lawmakers voice support for congressional reviews of Trump’s military strikes on boats

Maduro resurfaces in Caracas, as Trump says he has spoken to Venezuelan president

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro reappeared publicly on Sunday after days of speculation that he had fled amid rising tensions with the U.S. He attended a specialty-coffee awards event in Caracas, handing out medals and praising Venezuela’s resilience without directly addressing the crisis. His return coincided with Donald Trump confirming he had recently spoken with Maduro by phone, though neither government has commented on the call’s … Continue reading Maduro resurfaces in Caracas, as Trump says he has spoken to Venezuelan president

Kristi Noem claims suspect in national guard shooting was ‘radicalized’ in US

Homeland security secretary Kristi Noem claimed the suspect in the Washington DC national guard shooting was radicalized in the U.S. and blamed the Biden administration’s vetting, even though the suspect’s asylum was approved under Donald Trump. The suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, had worked with CIA-backed Afghan units and entered the U.S. in 2021 through Operation Allies Welcome before receiving asylum in 2025. Trump used the shooting … Continue reading Kristi Noem claims suspect in national guard shooting was ‘radicalized’ in US

U.S. and Ukraine “made additional progress” on Trump’s peace plan, Rubio says

U.S. and Ukrainian officials reported progress in Miami talks on President Trump’s revised peace plan, though key issues remain unresolved. The meeting followed a turbulent week in Kyiv, where lead negotiator Andriy Yermak resigned amid a major corruption probe. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Ukraine’s Rustem Umerov called the five-hour session “productive,” while noting that further negotiations with Russia are still required. U.S. envoy … Continue reading U.S. and Ukraine “made additional progress” on Trump’s peace plan, Rubio says

ICC judges reject request to release former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte will remain in detention at the International Criminal Court after appeals judges rejected his request for release on health grounds. He faces charges of crimes against humanity for alleged killings linked to his war on drugs, spanning his time as mayor of Davao and as president. Judges ruled that his lawyers failed to show that earlier decisions keeping him in … Continue reading ICC judges reject request to release former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte

Zuma’s daughter quits South Africa parliament over Russia recruitment allegations

Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma, has resigned from parliament amid allegations she recruited 17 South Africans to fight for Russia in Ukraine. She stepped down voluntarily from her role in the Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) opposition party, with her resignation effective immediately. MK officials denied any involvement in the alleged recruitment and emphasized her resignation does not imply guilt, though they … Continue reading Zuma’s daughter quits South Africa parliament over Russia recruitment allegations

Hungary’s Orbán seeks more Russian oil and gas at Kremlin talks with Putin

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, defying EU efforts to isolate Russia over its nearly four-year war in Ukraine. This visit, Orbán’s second in two years, highlights his status as the EU leader most closely aligned with Putin. Hungary continues to rely heavily on Russian fossil fuels, and Orbán reiterated that Russian energy will remain central to Hungary’s supply … Continue reading Hungary’s Orbán seeks more Russian oil and gas at Kremlin talks with Putin

Trump says the U.S. will ‘very soon’ take action on land to stop Venezuelan drug traffickers

President Donald Trump suggested that the U.S. may soon expand operations against Venezuelan drug traffickers from the Caribbean Sea to land. Speaking to troops on Thanksgiving, he praised the Air Force for its efforts to intercept traffickers at sea, claiming about 85% have been stopped. The remarks come amid heightened U.S. military activity in the region, including nearly two dozen strikes on suspected drug vessels … Continue reading Trump says the U.S. will ‘very soon’ take action on land to stop Venezuelan drug traffickers

Trump says he will pardon former Honduran president serving sentence in drug-trafficking case

President Donald Trump announced he intends to grant a “full and complete pardon” to former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández, who is serving a 45-year U.S. federal sentence for drug-trafficking crimes. Hernández was convicted of conspiring with cartels to move hundreds of tons of cocaine to the United States in exchange for millions in bribes that supported his political rise. Trump claimed Hernández was treated … Continue reading Trump says he will pardon former Honduran president serving sentence in drug-trafficking case

Trump says he’s canceling all Biden orders that were signed using an autopen

President Trump announced that he is canceling all executive orders and documents signed by former President Biden using an autopen, claiming such signatures were illegal. He asserted on Truth Social that any document not directly signed by Biden is now void and even suggested Biden could face perjury charges if he disputes this. Biden signed 162 executive orders during his presidency, though it is unknown … Continue reading Trump says he’s canceling all Biden orders that were signed using an autopen

Trump signals plan to designate Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist organization

President Donald Trump said he plans to designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization, claiming the move will be issued “in the strongest and most powerful terms.” His statement follows Texas’s recent designation of the group and a new 200-page ISGAP report alleging the Brotherhood has expanded its influence in U.S. government agencies, education, and social media. ISGAP leaders praised Trump’s stance, arguing that … Continue reading Trump signals plan to designate Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist organization

Australian senator wears burqa after move to block her face-covering ban bill

Australian Senator Pauline Hanson sparked chaos in Parliament by wearing a burqa after being blocked from introducing a bill to ban face coverings in public. The stunt prompted outrage from Muslim lawmakers and other senators, leading to the suspension of the session. Labor and opposition leaders condemned Hanson’s actions, while Green and independent senators denounced it as racist and disgraceful. Hanson defended her act, claiming … Continue reading Australian senator wears burqa after move to block her face-covering ban bill

Trump administration moves to reinterview refugees admitted to US under Biden

The Trump administration plans to reinterview tens of thousands of refugees admitted under President Biden, an unprecedented move in its broader immigration crackdown. An internal memo says the review aims to confirm that refugees still meet admission criteria and pose no security threat. Critics, including major refugee organizations, call the plan cruel, unnecessary, and politically motivated, noting that the administration is simultaneously prioritizing admissions of … Continue reading Trump administration moves to reinterview refugees admitted to US under Biden

White House formally designates Venezuela’s Maduro as member of a foreign terrorist organization

The Trump administration has designated “Cartel de los Soles,” a term often used to describe allegedly corrupt Venezuelan officials rather than a formal organization, as a foreign terrorist organization, giving the U.S. expanded authority to impose new sanctions. While the designation does not explicitly allow lethal force, officials argue it could broaden military options as the U.S. deploys significant naval and troop presence for “Operation … Continue reading White House formally designates Venezuela’s Maduro as member of a foreign terrorist organization

China’s Xi tells Trump Taiwan’s ‘return’ key to post-war order

Chinese President Xi Jinping told U.S. President Donald Trump that Taiwan’s “return to China” is a key element of the post-World War II international order, according to state media. Xi emphasized that the U.S. and China once fought together in WWII and should now cooperate to preserve its outcomes. The call came amid China’s heightened tensions with Japan following comments suggesting Tokyo could respond militarily … Continue reading China’s Xi tells Trump Taiwan’s ‘return’ key to post-war order

Pentagon says it’s investigating Sen. Mark Kelly for breach of military law

The Pentagon is investigating Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona after he co-released a video urging service members and intelligence personnel to refuse illegal orders. The review cites federal laws prohibiting actions that could undermine loyalty, morale, or discipline in the military, and may lead to court-martial or administrative action. Kelly, a former Navy captain, said he learned of the investigation via social media and … Continue reading Pentagon says it’s investigating Sen. Mark Kelly for breach of military law

Marjorie Taylor Greene refutes reports that she’s considering running for president

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia denied reports that she plans to run for president, saying she has only laughed at such suggestions. Greene recently announced she will resign from Congress in January, citing frustration with her party and a break with former President Trump after he withdrew his support. She criticized the demands and challenges of a presidential campaign, saying it would prevent her … Continue reading Marjorie Taylor Greene refutes reports that she’s considering running for president

G20 summit closes in South Africa after U.S. absence

The G20 Leaders’ Summit in South Africa was the first held on the African continent and marked an unusual U.S. boycott. The Trump administration skipped the event after making claims about land confiscations and killings in South Africa and objecting to the summit’s diversity, equity, and inclusion agenda. The summit also broke tradition by issuing a declaration at the start rather than the end and … Continue reading G20 summit closes in South Africa after U.S. absence

Bolsonaro arrested to prevent ‘attempted escape’

Brazil’s federal police arrested former president Jair Bolsonaro on Saturday over suspicion he attempted to evade a 27-year prison sentence for leading a coup attempt. The arrest followed a Supreme Court order after reports that Bolsonaro’s ankle monitor, worn during house arrest, had been tampered with, which he later admitted in court footage. Bolsonaro’s supporters staged a religious act in his favor outside the prison, … Continue reading Bolsonaro arrested to prevent ‘attempted escape’

US Hails ‘Significant Step Forward’ In Ukraine ‘Peace Framework’ Talks

The White House said peace talks in Switzerland represented a “significant step forward” and stressed that any agreement must protect Ukraine’s sovereignty. A joint US-Ukraine statement confirmed that negotiators produced an updated and refined peace framework. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Ukrainian and European officials in Geneva to advance discussions on ending the war. Despite President Trump’s deadline for Kyiv to approve … Continue reading US Hails ‘Significant Step Forward’ In Ukraine ‘Peace Framework’ Talks

Putin, Zelenskyy respond to Trump’s peace plan

President Donald Trump is pressuring Ukraine and Russia to accept a 28-point peace plan before Thanksgiving, but both President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President Vladimir Putin expressed skepticism about its viability. The plan requires Ukraine to make major concessions—including cutting its military in half and ceding additional territory—sparking fears in Kyiv that accepting it would amount to capitulation. Zelenskyy warned Ukrainians that the country faces an … Continue reading Putin, Zelenskyy respond to Trump’s peace plan

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene says she will resign, after fallout with Trump

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene announced Friday night that she will resign from Congress effective Jan. 5, citing a dramatic breakdown in her relationship with President Donald Trump. Once one of Trump’s strongest allies, Greene said the president turned on her—calling her a “traitor” and “lunatic”—after she supported releasing DOJ files related to Jeffrey Epstein and criticized his priorities. Trump withdrew his endorsement and signaled support … Continue reading Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene says she will resign, after fallout with Trump

Vance says Americans need patience on prices but says ‘We hear you’

Vice President JD Vance offered a direct message on Thursday about Americans’ cost-of-living concerns, telling citizens, “We hear you” and urging “a little bit of patience.” He emphasized that the Trump administration has made significant progress undoing Biden-era policies but acknowledged it will take time for all Americans to feel the economic benefits. Vance’s remarks come as the White House struggles to address affordability, which … Continue reading Vance says Americans need patience on prices but says ‘We hear you’

Former GOP staffer charged with fabricating anti-MAGA assault

Former congressional staffer Natalie Greene, 26, has been charged with conspiracy and making false statements after allegedly staging a politically motivated attack against herself. Prosecutors say Greene and a co-conspirator fabricated a story that three men assaulted her, bound her with zip ties, and carved derogatory political messages into her skin. Investigators later found that Greene had paid a scarification artist for the cuts and … Continue reading Former GOP staffer charged with fabricating anti-MAGA assault

Indicted House Dem will step down from committee leadership position

Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, a Florida Democrat, is stepping down from her leadership role on a House Foreign Affairs subcommittee after being indicted, as required by House Democratic Caucus rules. She faces charges of stealing federal disaster relief funds, funneling the money into her congressional campaign through straw donors, and conspiring to file a false tax return. Cherfilus-McCormick called the indictment a “baseless” and “unjust sham,” … Continue reading Indicted House Dem will step down from committee leadership position