Susie Wiles, Chief of Staff to President Donald Trump, criticized Attorney General Pam Bondi’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case during an interview with Vanity Fair. She defended President Trump’s agenda and addressed various issues, including his tariffs and deportation plan. The interview drew significant attention and response from the West Wing, with Wiles maintaining her loyalty to President Trump.
Key Facts
Susie Wiles is President Trump's Chief of Staff and managed his 2024 campaign.
Wiles criticized Pam Bondi’s management of the Jeffrey Epstein case.
Wiles described President Trump as having “an alcoholic’s personality.”
She acknowledged some issues with Trump’s mass deportation program.
Wiles defended Trump’s aggressive agenda, including actions against Venezuela.
She and others in the West Wing disputed the portrayal of the interview in Vanity Fair but did not deny specific comments.
Wiles said Trump wants to continue actions against alleged drug boats near Venezuela.
The Justice Department faces a deadline to release files on Jeffrey Epstein.
A statue of Barbara Rose Johns, a civil rights activist, will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol starting Tuesday. The statue replaces one of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee and recognizes Johns' role in challenging school segregation in Virginia in 1951.
Key Facts
Barbara Rose Johns was a teenager when she led a protest against school segregation in 1951.
Her actions contributed to the Brown v. Board of Education case, which ended segregation in public schools.
The statue of Johns replaces the statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee in the U.S. Capitol.
The unveiling ceremony will include House Speaker Mike Johnson and other political figures.
Johns' statue shows her holding a book and features quotes emphasizing leadership and change.
Steven Weitzman, a Maryland artist, sculpted the statue.
The statue is part of the National Statuary Hall Collection, representing Virginia.
President Donald Trump posted updates about a shooting at Brown University. Initially, he said the suspect was in custody, but later corrected it, stating the suspect was not caught.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump posted about a shooting at Brown University on Truth Social.
The shooting at Brown University resulted in two deaths and nine injuries.
Initially, Trump said the FBI had the suspect in custody.
Later, Trump corrected his post, saying the suspect was still at large.
The incident occurred on December 13.
The information was later clarified by Brown University Police.
JD Vance defended White House chief of staff Susie Wiles after a Vanity Fair article described tensions within the Trump administration. Wiles criticized the article, saying it misrepresented her comments and painted a negative picture of the team.
Key Facts
JD Vance is the Vice President of the United States.
Susie Wiles is the White House chief of staff.
A Vanity Fair article highlighted internal tensions in the Trump administration.
Wiles reportedly called President Trump "an alcoholic’s personality" in the article.
Wiles criticized Attorney General Pam Bondi's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein investigation files.
Vance stated Wiles has always been loyal to President Trump.
Wiles described the Vanity Fair article as misleading and omitting context.
The article resulted from months of conversations with Wiles.
The United States Postal Service (USPS) will release two Forever stamps celebrating boxer and humanitarian Muhammad Ali on January 15, 2026. The stamps will be launched with a public event in Louisville, Kentucky, Ali's hometown.
Key Facts
USPS will issue two Forever stamps to honor Muhammad Ali on January 15, 2026.
The stamp release will occur at a public event in Louisville, Kentucky.
The event will happen at the University of Louisville's L & N Federal Credit Union Stadium.
Muhammad Ali was a three-time heavyweight boxing champion and civil rights advocate.
One stamp design is based on a 1974 photograph of Ali.
Customers can preorder the stamps online through the USPS Postal Store.
The stamps will also be available for purchase by phone, mail order, and in Post Offices nationwide starting January 15, 2026.
Democrats in Congress are concerned that the Department of Justice (DOJ) might be favoring cases involving Attorney General Pam Bondi's brother, Brad Bondi. They have written to the DOJ asking for more information to ensure there are no conflicts of interest in these cases. The Democrats want the DOJ to provide documents related to these cases by January 2, 2026.
Key Facts
The DOJ is supposed to prevent family members from benefiting due to their relative's position.
Democrats claim the DOJ made unusual decisions in cases involving Brad Bondi, suggesting possible favoritism.
In August 2025, the DOJ intervened in a case where Bondi was representing a plaintiff.
Some cases had charges dropped under the Biden administration, which involved Bondi's clients.
President Trump pardoned one of Bondi’s clients, Trevor Milton, who was convicted of fraud.
Democrats are asking for all documents and communications related to these cases from the DOJ.
They have set a deadline of January 2, 2026, for the DOJ to provide the requested information.
A new map shows which states in the United States had the most people moving in and out in 2025. The data reveals that people moved due to factors like housing prices, jobs, and lifestyle choices. Arkansas, Idaho, and North Carolina saw the most incoming moves, while Louisiana, West Virginia, and Wyoming had the most people leaving.
Key Facts
Americans moved at historically low rates in 2025.
The main reasons for moving were affordability, job opportunities, lifestyle changes, and family.
Arkansas, Idaho, and North Carolina had the highest inbound moves.
Louisiana, West Virginia, and Wyoming had the most outbound moves.
High housing prices and interest rates discouraged many from moving, except for wealthier individuals.
Bentonville, Arkansas, attracted many movers due to Walmart's headquarters.
South Carolina, Idaho, and Alaska had the best in-to-out move ratios.
Future moves may focus more on lifestyle and family decisions.
Zohran Mamdani has been elected as the Mayor of New York City, and his popularity has grown since the election. A recent poll shows that more people in New York have a positive view of him and support his policies. Mamdani is connected with the Democratic Socialists of America and aims to push more progressive policies.
Key Facts
Zohran Mamdani was elected as New York City's Mayor last month.
He defeated Andrew Cuomo, an independent, and Curtis Sliwa, a Republican.
Mamdani is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America.
A new poll shows his favorability rating in New York is +15.
61% of New York City residents view him favorably; 23% do not.
Support for his policies includes 65% backing for free childcare and 50% support for free bus rides.
The poll surveyed 801 registered voters with a margin of error of ±4.1 percentage points.
President Donald Trump expressed confidence in Mamdani's capabilities after meeting him.
A new survey shows that while many Americans still like Social Security, younger people, especially from Gen Z, are worried about its future. They are open to changes because they don't believe it will benefit them as much. The Social Security program might face financial trouble by 2034 unless actions are taken.
Key Facts
Social Security is popular with 83% of Americans, according to a survey by the Cato Institute and YouGov.
Social Security faces a possible shortfall by 2034 if changes aren't made.
61% of Gen Z and 64% of seniors are okay with raising payroll taxes to help Social Security.
60% of Gen Z would oppose a tax increase if they receive back less than they paid in later.
Only 34% of people under 30 believe Social Security will last until they retire.
78% of Gen Z expects to receive less than their full Social Security benefits in the future.
70% of all Americans expect future benefit cuts, and many think Social Security might not exist later.
Congress is considering solutions, like increasing Social Security taxes for high earners to fix the financial issues.
The Pulitzer Prize Board has asked a Florida court to require President Donald Trump to provide medical, financial, and tax records in relation to his defamation lawsuit against them. The lawsuit, filed by Trump, challenges the board's defense of reporting awards related to the 2016 election. Trump has 30 days to respond to the request for documents.
Key Facts
The lawsuit involves President Trump's claims of reputational and emotional harm.
Trump filed the lawsuit in 2022 against the Pulitzer Prize Board.
The board asks for Trump's tax, financial, and medical records starting from 2015.
The legal request aims to test Trump's claims of damage from the board's actions.
Trump's legal team states the lawsuit is about correcting false narratives.
The Pulitzer Board defended the contested reporting awards given in 2018.
Trump has a 30-day window to respond to the document requests.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has introduced new guidelines for photo submissions on immigration-related documents like Green Cards and citizenship forms. The new rules require photos to be taken by USCIS or authorized providers and must not be older than three years, reversing previous COVID-era flexibility.
Key Facts
USCIS announced updated photo guidelines on December 12, 2025.
Photos must not be more than three years old at the time of application.
Photos can no longer be self-submitted and must be taken by authorized entities.
The rule change affects multiple forms including Green Card applications and naturalization processes.
The policy is in line with the Department of Homeland Security's focus on improving security and preventing identity fraud.
The updated guidelines apply to all current and future applications from December 12, 2025.
A Vanity Fair article features comments from Susie Wiles, the White House Chief of Staff, on various issues concerning President Trump's administration. Wiles shared insights on topics including Trump's personality traits, disagreements over tariffs, White House renovations, and handling of the Epstein investigation files. Wiles criticized the article's portrayal, claiming it lacked context and omitted important details.
Key Facts
Susie Wiles is the White House Chief of Staff under President Donald Trump.
The article in Vanity Fair includes Wiles's opinions on Trump's personality, describing it as having traits similar to a "high-functioning alcoholic."
Wiles mentioned a disagreement within the White House over tariffs, which are part of Trump's policies but have faced criticism for potential negative effects.
President Trump has undertaken the renovation of the White House's East Wing, creating a new ballroom funded by private donors.
Attorney General Pam Bondi was criticized by Wiles for mishandling the release of Jeffrey Epstein investigation files.
Wiles confirmed that Trump appeared in Epstein's files but noted there was nothing negative about his inclusion.
President Trump has criticized former President Bill Clinton's connections to Epstein, while Wiles acknowledged Trump's name in the files.
Flu season in the United States has started, and a new variant called "subclade K" is responsible for many of the cases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says this variant could affect how well flu vaccines work this year. Health experts are watching closely as the season progresses.
Key Facts
Subclade K is a new variant of the influenza virus causing flu cases in the U.S.
In the week ending December 6, confirmed flu cases increased from 348 to 547.
Subclade K made up 89% of the 163 flu samples studied since September 28.
The CDC says the flu season is just starting and not above expected levels.
Experts say that subclade K is potentially resistant to current flu vaccines.
The CDC advises continued vaccination for protection against severe symptoms.
Flu activity levels are high in at least five public health regions in the U.S.
Scientists will keep monitoring the flu season and vaccine effectiveness.
Susie Wiles, the White House Chief of Staff, criticized a Vanity Fair article that included her comments about the Trump administration. She claimed the article left out important context and painted a negative picture of President Trump and his team.
Key Facts
Susie Wiles is the White House Chief of Staff.
Vanity Fair published an article based on conversations with Susie Wiles.
Wiles said that President Trump had "an alcoholic's personality."
The article also included Wiles's comments about Attorney General Pam Bondi's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files.
Wiles called the article a "hit piece" and claimed it misrepresented her words.
She said the article left out much of the positive information about the President and his team.
A personal finance website named Atlanta the best city to celebrate Christmas in the U.S. in 2025. The ranking by WalletHub compared 100 major cities based on factors like holiday traditions, costs, and generosity. San Francisco and Seattle ranked second and third, respectively.
Key Facts
Atlanta was ranked the best U.S. city for celebrating Christmas in 2025.
WalletHub conducted the analysis, reviewing 100 of the most-populated U.S. cities.
Cities were scored based on traditions, observance, generosity, shopping, and costs.
Atlanta scored high in holiday shopping and dining options.
San Francisco ranked second, excelling in shopping and dining.
Seattle placed third, noted for its charitable giving and community involvement.
New York City and Chicago ranked lower due to high costs.
Cities with the lowest scores included Hialeah, Florida; North Las Vegas, Nevada; and Laredo, Texas.
President Donald Trump was unhappy after learning that Ghislaine Maxwell, a convicted child sex trafficker and associate of Jeffrey Epstein, was moved to a minimum-security prison. Trump's Chief of Staff, Susie Wiles, shared that neither she nor Trump knew about the transfer beforehand and that it surprised them. Wiles also noted that Trump's claims regarding Bill Clinton's visits to Epstein's island lacked evidence.
Key Facts
President Trump was upset about Ghislaine Maxwell's transfer to a minimum-security prison.
Susie Wiles, Trump's Chief of Staff, revealed they were not informed of the transfer in advance.
The suggestion for a new Department of Justice interview with Maxwell came from Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche.
Ghislaine Maxwell was a friend and close associate of Jeffrey Epstein.
Trump previously claimed that Bill Clinton visited Epstein's private island, but Wiles said there is no evidence supporting this.
Trump's name appears in the Epstein files, but they do not show any wrongdoing by him.
Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, an 18-year-old freshman at Brown University, was killed in a shooting on the university's campus in Providence, Rhode Island. The family, originally from Uzbekistan and now U.S. citizens, shared that Umurzokov aspired to become a neurosurgeon. The shooting also claimed the life of another student and injured nine others, while a search for the shooter is ongoing.
Key Facts
Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov was an 18-year-old student at Brown University.
He was killed in a shooting that occurred in a classroom in the university's engineering building.
Another student, Ella Cook, also died, and nine others were injured.
Umurzokov's family moved to the U.S. from Uzbekistan in 2011 and became U.S. citizens.
He aspired to become a neurosurgeon after undergoing surgery for a neurological issue as a child.
Umurzokov was studying biochemistry and neuroscience at Brown University.
His sisters have set up a GoFundMe page, raising over $400,000 for their family.
The family plans to hold an Islamic funeral for Umurzokov in Virginia.
President Donald Trump repeated his criticism of Rob Reiner after the director and his wife were found dead, which led to backlash from Republicans. Trump blamed Reiner’s criticism of him, calling it "Trump derangement syndrome." Reiner's son was arrested on suspicion of murder, but there is no evidence linking the incident to political motives.
Key Facts
President Trump criticized Rob Reiner publicly after Reiner and his wife were found dead.
He suggested that Reiner's criticism of him led to what he called "Trump derangement syndrome."
Police arrested the couple’s son, Nick Reiner, on suspicion of their murder.
No evidence suggests Reiner’s political views or Trump criticism were involved in his death.
Trump’s comments faced criticism from some Republican figures who called them inappropriate.
Reiner was known for films like "This is Spinal Tap" and "A Few Good Men."
Trump has previously spoken critically about political opponents even after their deaths.
Nick Reiner, the son of well-known director Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner, was arrested after his parents were found dead at their home in Los Angeles. He is booked on suspicion of their murder and is due to appear in court. Investigators believe the couple was stabbed, and formal charges are expected soon.
Key Facts
Nick Reiner was arrested shortly after his parents’ bodies were found.
He is currently in jail without the possibility of bail.
Investigators suspect that Rob and Michele Reiner were stabbed to death.
The district attorney’s office has until Wednesday to file formal charges.
Rob Reiner was a famed director known for movies like "The Princess Bride."
Michele Singer Reiner was a photographer and had an influence on her husband's work.
Nick Reiner has publicly discussed his struggles with addiction and homelessness and has worked on a film with his father about these topics.
Legal experts say California law prevents anyone who intentionally kills from inheriting from the victim’s estate.
Hollandia Dairy in California recalled its 100% Appleberry Juice due to potential contamination with a cleaning fluid called peracetic acid. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a Class II risk classification, meaning the product might cause temporary health issues, but serious harm is unlikely. The recall affects over 22,000 half-pint units of juice distributed to schools in various California cities.
Key Facts
Hollandia Dairy issued a voluntary recall of its Appleberry Juice on October 5.
The FDA classified the recall as Class II, indicating possible temporary health effects.
The affected juice has a UPC code of 0 27495 03679 6.
Approximately 22,700 units of the juice were distributed to schools in California.
No illnesses from the juice have been reported as of December 12.
The cleaning fluid involved, peracetic acid, is highly corrosive and can irritate the respiratory system.
Schools with the affected juice should not serve it and need to dispose of it.
