As the year ends, tensions rise between top advisers to Russian President Vladimir Putin and President-elect Trump. Trump’s special envoy pick for Ukraine, retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, condemned Russia’s Christmas missile and drone attacks on Ukraine, stressing the U.S. commitment to peace. Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov rejected proposals from Trump’s allies to end the war, including delaying Ukraine’s NATO membership and deploying … Continue reading Trump, Putin advisers trade barbs heading into new year

The Biden administration announced $5.9 billion in military and budget support for Ukraine, part of Biden’s pledge to boost aid before his presidency ends. The package includes $2.5 billion in security assistance, with $1.25 billion in military aid and $1.22 billion in the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative. Additionally, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen revealed $3.4 billion in direct budget support. Biden emphasized his commitment to rapidly … Continue reading Biden sending $5.9 billion in aid for Ukraine ahead of Trump inauguration

Senior Texas Republican Rep. Chip Roy stated that House Speaker Mike Johnson does not yet have enough votes for re-election, ahead of a vote later this week. Despite Donald Trump’s endorsement of Johnson, Roy expressed concerns about his ability to advance the president’s agenda, citing failures from last year. With a slim GOP majority, Johnson can afford only one defection, and Democrats are unlikely to … Continue reading Republican support wavers for Mike Johnson’s re-election as House speaker

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz subtly criticized billionaire Elon Musk’s influence on President-elect Trump, stating that Germany’s future would not be determined by “the owners of social media.” In his New Year’s Eve message, Scholz warned against extreme opinions gaining attention and stressed that Germany’s direction should be guided by the majority of reasonable people. His comments followed accusations that Musk had attempted to influence Germany’s … Continue reading Germany’s Scholz takes veiled swipe at Musk in New Year’s address

In his New Year’s speech, Chinese President Xi Jinping declared that no one can stop China’s “reunification” with Taiwan, sending a clear warning to pro-independence forces. Tensions have escalated as Beijing has increased military pressure near Taiwan, with frequent incursions by warships and planes. China considers Taiwan, a democratically governed island, part of its territory, while Taiwan rejects Beijing’s claims, asserting that only its people … Continue reading Xi says no one can stop China’s ‘reunification’ with Taiwan

President-elect Donald Trump expressed strong support for the H-1B visa program, stating he has “always been in favor” of it and has used it extensively in his businesses. His comments follow ongoing debates over the program, which critics argue displaces American workers with lower-paid foreign labor, primarily from India. While Trump has previously criticized abuses of the program, in 2020, he implemented reforms to prevent … Continue reading Trump: ‘I Have Always Been in Favor’ of H-1B Visas

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu underwent prostate removal surgery due to a urinary tract infection caused by benign prostate enlargement. The two-hour operation, performed under full anesthesia at Hadassah Medical Center, was successful, and Netanyahu is expected to remain hospitalized for several days. Justice Minister Yariv Levin temporarily served as caretaker prime minister, while Defense Minister Israel Katz chaired the political-security cabinet during the procedure. … Continue reading Netanyahu undergoes prostate removal operation, court testimony delayed

In his final weeks as president, Joe Biden reportedly regrets withdrawing from the 2024 presidential race, believing he could have defeated Donald Trump despite poor polling. Biden also expressed regret over appointing Merrick Garland as attorney general, criticizing Garland’s slow prosecution of Trump for the January 6th insurrection while aggressively pursuing cases against Biden’s son, Hunter. According to a Washington Post profile, Biden feels pressure from fellow … Continue reading Biden reportedly regrets ending re-election campaign and says he’d have defeated Trump

Justice Department lawyers involved in cases against Donald Trump and his allies are facing uncertainty and potential retribution as Trump prepares to take office again. Concerns stem from investigations into Trump’s election interference, the January 6 Capitol riot prosecutions, and contempt cases against Steve Bannon and Peter Navarro. Many lawyers are considering leaving government roles, with law firms seeing a surge in résumés, though not … Continue reading Justice Department Lawyers Look for Protection before Trump takes office