Dan Bongino announced he will leave his job as FBI Deputy Director in January. His time in this role included disagreements with the Justice Department about the handling of Jeffrey Epstein's files.
Key Facts
Dan Bongino plans to resign as FBI Deputy Director next month.
Bongino had a brief and eventful time in his role at the FBI.
He disagreed with the Justice Department on issues related to Jeffrey Epstein's files.
Before this role, Bongino was known as a podcast host and a former Secret Service agent.
His resignation is one of the major ones in President Trump's administration.
The FBI has faced criticism over its leadership and handling of investigations.
FBI Director Kash Patel used a government plane for personal reasons, contributing to the criticism.
President Donald Trump confirmed that Dan Bongino, the FBI Deputy Director, plans to leave his position in January. Bongino announced his departure on social media, and Trump praised his work, suggesting Bongino would return to his previous career as a podcaster. The FBI did not comment on Bongino's departure, and Trump expressed confidence in the current FBI Director, Kash Patel.
Key Facts
President Trump confirmed Dan Bongino is leaving his FBI position in January.
Bongino shared his resignation announcement on a social media platform.
Trump praised Bongino's work at the FBI.
Trump suggested Bongino might return to podcasting.
The FBI did not comment on Bongino's announcement.
Trump voiced support for FBI Director Kash Patel despite recent criticisms.
A recent poll by The Economist and YouGov shows an increase in President Donald Trump's approval rating among Generation Z, those born between 1997 and 2012. As the 2026 midterm elections approach, this shift could impact party strategies due to Gen Z's voting influence.
Key Facts
President Trump's approval rating with 18 to 29-year-olds is now 37 percent.
The poll was conducted from December 12 to December 15 with 1,632 respondents.
The margin of error for the poll is 3.2 percent.
Last week, a similar poll showed a 31 percent approval rating among this age group.
The highest recorded approval rating for Trump with Gen Z was 52 percent in February.
Gen Z's approval of Trump remains below the peak from his second term.
Concerns about affordability, inflation, and employment influence Gen Z's views.
Gen Z's voting patterns could be significant in the 2026 elections.
President Donald Trump is scheduled to speak live from the White House on Wednesday night. He plans to discuss his future agenda during this address to the nation at 9 p.m. EST.
Key Facts
President Trump will speak from the White House at 9 p.m. EST on December 17.
The speech aims to share his plans for the upcoming year and beyond.
The White House has not provided detailed topics of the speech.
Polls show many Americans are unhappy with how Trump has handled the economy, including issues with inflation and job growth.
Some of Trump's actions, like mass deportations, are unpopular, but he is credited for reducing illegal border crossings.
Public response to Trump's tax cuts and international efforts has been mixed.
A group of moderate Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives forced a vote on extending healthcare subsidies that are set to expire soon. This vote aims to prevent a significant rise in insurance premiums for millions of Americans who would be affected by the loss of these subsidies. The decision to vote comes despite previous disagreements among Republicans on how to extend the subsidies.
Key Facts
A group of moderate Republicans initiated a vote to extend healthcare subsidies set to expire at the end of the year.
The vote will take place in the House of Representatives and, if passed, will move to the Senate.
These healthcare subsidies help reduce the cost of insurance premiums under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare.
Without the subsidies, insurance premiums could more than double for millions of Americans.
Some moderate Republicans used a method called a discharge petition to force the vote.
Four Republican representatives from Pennsylvania and New York joined all Democrats in signing the petition.
The proposed measure seeks to extend Covid-era subsidies for an additional three years.
The Congressional Budget Office predicts that if the subsidies expire, 3.8 million more people could be uninsured each year.
The U.S. Coast Guard faced criticism after implementing a workplace harassment policy that labels swastikas as "potentially divisive" symbols instead of hate symbols. This policy has sparked backlash amidst concerns over rising antisemitism. Officials, including some U.S. senators, voiced strong opposition to the change, arguing it downplays the swastika's association with hate.
Key Facts
The U.S. Coast Guard introduced a policy labeling swastikas as "potentially divisive."
The Washington Post reported on this policy, which faced immediate backlash.
Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security Tricia McLaughlin defended the policy, calling criticism "false."
The policy aims to prohibit divisive and hate symbols and improve reporting and investigation processes.
Critics, including Senator Chuck Schumer, argue the policy normalizes symbols of hate like swastikas.
The policy comes amid increasing antisemitism, with the FBI reporting a rise in anti-Jewish hate crimes.
Some Jewish organizations and politicians strongly condemned the policy change, urging the Coast Guard to maintain these as symbols of hate.
The article discusses the impact of President Trump's immigration policies on foreign-born teachers in the U.S. Susanna, a pre-school teacher and immigrant, lost her job due to her work permit being denied. Many schools, reliant on foreign teachers, face uncertainty due to changes in immigration policies.
Key Facts
Susanna, a pre-school teacher, had to stop working after her work permit renewal was denied.
She is part of the 10% of teachers in the U.S. who are immigrants.
President Trump's immigration policies are causing uncertainty for foreign-born teachers.
In the 2023-2024 school year, the U.S. brought 6,716 teachers on temporary visas to fill school vacancies.
A school called CommuniKids in Washington, DC, employs many foreign-born staff and is affected by these policy changes.
Changes to the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) have impacted teachers from countries like Venezuela.
CommuniKids focuses on teaching children through language immersion in French, Mandarin, and Spanish.
Teacher shortages in the U.S. have led to reliance on foreign teachers, but changes in immigration policy pose challenges.
ICE agents in South Minneapolis were recorded kneeling on and dragging a pregnant woman during an enforcement operation. Onlookers shouted for the woman to be released, while ICE stated that the woman had attempted to damage a vehicle. The incident has sparked criticism and debate about the use of force in ICE operations.
Key Facts
ICE agents were in South Minneapolis on a targeted operation when the incident occurred.
A video showed agents kneeling on a pregnant woman and dragging her by one arm.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara criticized the tactics used.
DHS claims the woman tried to vandalize an ICE vehicle before agents detained her.
Onlookers yelled that the woman was pregnant and criticized the agents' actions.
Local law enforcement was called to assist due to a large crowd.
ICE reported injuries to their agents, while DHS claimed they acted professionally.
The situation has been widely discussed and criticized on social media.
President Trump has signed 221 executive orders in less than a year since taking office for a second term. This number surpasses the 220 orders he signed during his entire first term and is higher than other recent presidents like Joe Biden. Some of Trump's actions have faced legal challenges and opposition in Congress.
Key Facts
President Trump signed 221 executive orders in under a year.
This is more than the 220 orders he signed from 2017 to 2021.
Joe Biden signed 162 executive orders over four years.
Trump's executive orders have included measures on trade, immigration, and civil service changes.
One recent order classifies illicit fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction.
Trump's actions have led to lawsuits and a House of Representatives bill to restore union rights for federal workers.
The data is from the Pew Research Center and the Federal Register.
Jack Smith, former Special Counsel, testified in a closed-door congressional hearing about his past investigations into President Donald Trump. Smith stated that he had strong evidence of Trump's involvement in trying to overturn the 2020 election and mishandling classified documents, although Trump was not convicted as proceedings ended after his re-election. The hearing focused on the legitimacy and motivations of Smith's investigations, with Republicans criticizing them as politically biased.
Key Facts
Jack Smith was the former Special Counsel investigating President Donald Trump.
Smith's investigations focused on Trump’s actions in the 2020 election and the handling of classified documents.
Trump pleaded not guilty to the charges, and the cases ended after his re-election.
Smith asserted there was strong evidence against Trump regarding the charges.
Smith's testimony was closed to the public, though he wanted an open hearing.
Republicans, led by Jim Jordan, criticized Smith’s investigations as politically motivated.
Smith's team subpoenaed phone records of Republican lawmakers during the election investigation.
Smith’s testimony came amid heightened tensions over political and legal accountability for the investigations.
Susie Wiles, President Donald Trump's chief of staff, has gained media attention after interviews with Vanity Fair magazine. In the interviews, she shared her views on figures such as Trump, Elon Musk, and Vice President JD Vance. Wiles criticized the Vanity Fair article as misleading, while President Trump and his administration expressed their full support for her.
Key Facts
Susie Wiles is President Donald Trump's chief of staff at the White House.
She is the first woman to hold this position.
Vanity Fair published a two-part article based on interviews with Wiles conducted over the past year.
In the interviews, Wiles referred to Trump as having an "alcoholic's personality."
She also called Elon Musk an "odd, odd duck" and Vice President JD Vance a "conspiracy theorist."
President Trump defended Wiles, affirming his support for her.
Wiles has a long history in politics, starting as an intern in the 1970s and later working for President Reagan.
Wiles believes Trump will present a calmer image in his second term.
Christina Chambers and her husband, Johnny Rimes Jr., were found dead in their Alabama home. The Hoover Police Department suspects a murder-suicide and said a child found at the scene was unharmed. Police are investigating the incident.
Key Facts
Christina Chambers and Johnny Rimes Jr. were found dead in their home.
The police suspect their deaths were a murder-suicide.
A 3-year-old child was found at the home unharmed.
Christina Chambers worked as a sports reporter and was involved with Alabaster City Schools.
Johnny Rimes worked at AMERICAN Cast Iron Pipe Company until October 2022.
The couple married in 2021 and had a son together.
The Hoover Police Department is investigating the case.
Alabaster City Schools and public figures expressed condolences over Chambers' death.
A mass shooting at Brown University led to two deaths and nine injuries. Police are actively searching for the suspect, who fled the scene. The investigation involves multiple law enforcement agencies, and officials are seeking public assistance in locating the suspect.
Key Facts
The shooting happened inside an engineering building classroom at Brown University.
The shooter used a 9 mm handgun, firing more than 40 rounds.
Two students, MukhammadAziz Umurzokov and Ella Cook, were killed.
The suspect remains unidentified and is still at large.
Authorities have released video footage showing the suspect.
Police described the suspect as stocky, about 5 feet, 8 inches tall.
Law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and other federal bodies, are involved in the investigation.
A reward of up to $50,000 is offered for information leading to the suspect's capture.
President Donald Trump added new plaques to his "Presidential Walk of Fame" at the White House. These plaques criticize former Presidents Joe Biden, Barack Obama, and George W. Bush. The plaques make strong negative statements about their presidencies and decisions.
Key Facts
President Trump revealed new plaques at the White House, targeting past presidents.
The plaques are located along the West Colonnade of the White House.
Joe Biden's plaque accuses him of having a corrupt election and causing high inflation.
Barack Obama's plaque criticizes his health care act and international agreements.
Both plaques contain strong language against these former presidents' policies and actions.
The exhibit was showcased during a media preview event at the White House.
President Donald Trump will give a national address at 9 p.m. ET to discuss his achievements from the past 11 months and his plans for the next three years. This comes amid low approval ratings regarding his economic management and follows recent actions like announcing a naval blockade of Venezuela. Trump also participated in a ceremony in Delaware for two National Guard members killed in Syria.
Key Facts
President Trump will speak live from the White House at 9 p.m. ET.
He plans to highlight accomplishments and discuss future plans.
The address comes as Trump's economic approval ratings have fallen.
National polls indicate voter dissatisfaction with his economic handling.
Trump recently ordered a naval blockade of Venezuela.
He attended a transfer ceremony for two U.S. soldiers killed in Syria.
The speech will be available on TV, radio, online, and government websites.
The U.S. government has sued the U.S. Virgin Islands, accusing them of making it too difficult for people to get gun permits, thus violating the Second Amendment. The lawsuit claims the territory's rules on gun ownership are too strict and require unnecessary steps. The local government says it will handle the allegations in court while also focusing on public safety.
Key Facts
The U.S. government is suing the U.S. Virgin Islands over alleged violations of the Second Amendment.
The lawsuit mentions that the territory's rules make it hard for people to get gun permits.
Applicants must show a “good reason” to fear for their safety and get support from two credible people.
A permit requires proof of “good moral character” but lacks a clear standard for judgment.
The lawsuit claims home searches are needed to get a gun permit, which can delay the process.
The U.S. Virgin Islands might deny permits if someone owns “too many” firearms.
Applicants must install a costly gun safe bolted to the floor or wall.
The local government plans to review the lawsuit and respond in court.
A federal appeals court in Washington, D.C., decided that the National Guard could continue to be deployed in the city for now. This decision temporarily blocks a lower court's ruling that aimed to stop the deployment. The decision supports President Trump’s view that he can use the Guard to protect federal interests in the capital.
Key Facts
A federal appeals court ruled that the National Guard's presence in Washington, D.C., could continue for now.
The court's decision temporarily halts a previous order from U.S. District Court Judge Jia Cobb, which had called for the troops' removal.
The ruling states that President Trump has a strong case for mobilizing the Guard in Washington, as it is a federal district.
The deployment was part of an executive order issued by President Trump in August, declaring a crime emergency in Washington, D.C.
More than 2,300 National Guard troops from eight states and the district have been deployed in the city.
The city’s attorney general, Brian Schwalb, challenged the deployment in court, arguing it bypassed local authority.
The court noted that the district had not shown ongoing harm to its interests.
Recent incidents of violence, including a fatal shooting of a National Guard member, have prompted calls for more troops.
Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino is reportedly preparing to leave his post early next year. He has informed close associates of his plans and has started removing personal belongings from his office. Neither Bongino nor the FBI has officially confirmed his resignation plans.
Key Facts
Dan Bongino is the Deputy Director of the FBI.
Reports suggest he plans to leave his job early next year.
Bongino mentioned a potential announcement date of December 19.
Some of his personal items have already been removed from his FBI office.
Neither Bongino nor the FBI has confirmed these plans.
Newsweek reached out to the FBI for comments but has not received a response.
Indianapolis City Council member Nick Roberts, a Democrat, used social media to clarify why people might confuse him for a Republican supporter wearing a MAGA hat. The confusion arises because he has an identical twin, Nate, who is involved in Republican politics.
Key Facts
Nick Roberts is on the Indianapolis city council and is one of the youngest elected officials in the U.S.
His identical twin brother, Nate Roberts, is active in Republican politics.
Nick Roberts made a video to explain to his supporters that Nate is the one attending Republican events.
The video of Nick Roberts has been viewed over 400,000 times on the social media platform X.
Nick clarified that any sightings of someone resembling him at Republican events are actually his brother.
There is a history of politicians having family members with opposing political views.
A poll showed that 48% of Americans mostly agree with their families on politics, while 12% mostly disagree.
Many Americans are experiencing delays in receiving their mail due to staffing shortages at the United States Postal Service (USPS). These delays are affecting mail delivery across several states, causing problems with holiday packages and essential items like medication.
Key Facts
Americans in multiple states, including Maine, Texas, Kentucky, and Alabama, face mail delays due to USPS staffing shortages.
Some areas have gone weeks without regular mail deliveries, affecting crucial items such as medication.
In Kentucky, Congressman Morgan McGarvey has become involved after receiving complaints and is seeking updates from the Postmaster General.
The holiday season is contributing to high demand, with USPS hiring over 14,000 seasonal employees to help.
The USPS is rotating mail delivery routes to ensure everyone gets their mail, despite the delays.
Residents report frustration with the delayed deliveries, affecting bill payments and trust in the postal system.
USPS claims they are making efforts to meet demand by using local management and additional staff from nearby areas.
