President-elect Donald Trump has nominated South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem to serve as the next secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. Trump highlighted Noem’s strong stance on border security, noting she was the first governor to send National Guard troops to assist Texas in addressing the border crisis. Noem, who is serving her second term as governor, gained national recognition for her refusal to … Continue reading Trump selects South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem to run Department of Homeland Security

President-elect Donald Trump has nominated John Ratcliffe, former congressman from Texas and former director of national intelligence, to serve as CIA director. Trump praised Ratcliffe for his commitment to national security and protecting constitutional rights. Ratcliffe, who faced controversy during his first nomination for director of national intelligence, is expected to be confirmed by the Republican-controlled Senate. While he has been seen as more supportive … Continue reading Trump picks former Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe to lead the CIA

President-elect Donald Trump has named Pete Hegseth, a Fox News host and Army veteran, as his choice for secretary of defense. In a statement, Trump praised Hegseth as “tough, smart, and a true believer in America First,” adding that under his leadership, the military would be “great again” and America would “never back down.” Hegseth, who served in Afghanistan and Iraq, has also been an … Continue reading Trump picks Army veteran Pete Hegseth to serve as secretary of defense

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte urged Western allies to provide Ukraine with more support to change the course of its war with Russia. Speaking before a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, Rutte stressed the need to raise the cost for Russian President Putin and his allies by giving Ukraine the necessary aid. He expressed concern over Russia’s growing ties with China, Iran, and North Korea, … Continue reading NATO’s Rutte calls for more Western support for Ukraine, warns of Russian alliances

Germany is set to hold a federal election on February 23, 2024, earlier than initially proposed by Chancellor Olaf Scholz after his ruling coalition collapsed last week. Scholz had previously suggested a March election, contingent on a confidence vote in January. However, the vote is now scheduled for December 16. If the Bundestag votes to dismiss Scholz, the president will dissolve parliament, triggering the election. … Continue reading Germany sets early election date for February after collapse of the ruling coalition

Tom Homan, incoming “border czar” under President-elect Trump, announced plans to increase workplace raids as part of an immigration crackdown, targeting labor and sex trafficking. Homan argued that trafficking victims are often found at worksites, but critics, including Heidi Altman from the National Immigration Law Center, argue that this approach conflates traffickers with the victims. Homan also stated that deportation priorities would focus on individuals … Continue reading Trump ‘border czar’ says administration will conduct workplace immigration raids

President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Rep. Elise Stefanik, a New York Republican and House Republican Conference chair, to serve as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations in his second term. Stefanik, 40, is a staunch defender of Israel and has been outspoken on issues like antisemitism and the defunding of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees. Her appointment marks Trump’s first … Continue reading Trump chooses Rep. Elise Stefanik to serve as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations

Keir Starmer became the first British prime minister since WWII to attend Armistice commemorations in France, joining French President Emmanuel Macron and veterans in Paris to honor World War I casualties. The visit reflects closer UK-France ties, with Starmer aiming to strengthen relations with Europe post-Brexit. Ahead of the event, Starmer and Macron discussed Ukraine, European security, and the situation in Gaza, reaffirming their commitment … Continue reading Keir Starmer attends Paris Armistice ceremony, as UK and France forge closer links ahead of Trump presidency