President Trump criticized The New York Times for its reporting on his health, calling it "treasonous." He claimed to have passed several medical exams with perfect results and described any reports of his health issues as false. The White House confirmed that recent MRI scans of the president were normal.
Key Facts
President Trump criticized The New York Times for reporting on his health.
He used social media to call the reporting "treasonous" and "fake."
Trump stated he had passed cognitive and medical tests with "PERFECT Marks."
Trump recently underwent an MRI scan at Walter Reed Medical Center.
The White House described the MRI results as normal and routine for his age.
The president is said to have chronic venous insufficiency, which is not serious.
Concerns about his health include bruising and signs of fatigue.
A survey shows that most Americans want to keep the 14th Amendment's guarantee of birthright citizenship. The survey indicates that President Trump's strict immigration policies are unpopular with many voters. The Supreme Court is reviewing a challenge to Trump's executive order to end birthright citizenship.
Key Facts
Most Americans support keeping birthright citizenship as promised by the 14th Amendment.
The survey noted that even many Republicans and independents back birthright citizenship.
8 in 10 Black Protestants and majorities of Hispanic Catholics and Protestants support birthright citizenship.
White evangelical Protestants, although a key support group for Trump, are divided on the issue.
ICE has increased arrests in cities like Los Angeles and Chicago, leading to public protests.
Only 3 in 10 Americans agree with Trump's overall immigration approach.
The Supreme Court is set to decide on the legality of Trump's order to end birthright citizenship.
The American Values Survey consulted 5,543 adults in the U.S. with a margin of error of ±1.79 percentage points.
More than 200 former employees of the U.S. Department of Justice have signed a letter criticizing what they see as damage to the Civil Rights Division under President Donald Trump. They claim the division's focus has changed under his administration, causing many staff members to leave. The letter highlights concerns about the shift in priorities and the departure from traditional civil rights objectives.
Key Facts
Over 200 former Justice Department employees signed an open letter.
The letter claims the Civil Rights Division's mission has changed under President Trump.
Many employees, including 75% of attorneys, have reportedly left the division.
The Civil Rights Division was created in 1957 to fight segregation and discrimination.
The letter accuses the current administration of aligning the division's focus with Trump's priorities.
It mentions the dropping of lawsuits related to voting rights and migrant children's abuse.
Attorney General Pam Bondi and Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon have defended their approach, citing different enforcement priorities.
President Donald Trump praised North Korea's border as being very strong and described it as having "seven walls of wire" with high voltage electricity. He compared this to the current U.S. border, which he claims is the most secure America has ever had. Trump has focused on border security as a key issue during his presidency.
Key Facts
President Trump spoke to supporters in Pennsylvania about border security.
He described North Korea's border as having "seven walls of wire" with electricity.
Trump believes the U.S. now has its most secure border ever under his leadership.
He criticized former President Joe Biden's immigration record, claiming many entered the U.S. unchecked.
Trump aims to renew diplomatic talks with South Korea to engage North Korea.
Satellite images show new defenses along North Korea's border.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection data showed a decrease in border crossings but not zero crossings, as Trump claimed.
Elon Musk stated in an interview that the cost-cutting department DOGE, which he led, was only "somewhat successful." Musk mentioned that he wouldn't want to take on the project again. The DOGE initiative focused on reducing federal spending and government jobs.
Key Facts
Elon Musk led a cost-cutting department in the Trump administration called DOGE.
Musk described DOGE as "somewhat successful" but wouldn't want to do it again.
The focus of DOGE was cutting federal spending and government jobs.
Katie Miller, who interviewed Musk, worked with him as a spokesperson for DOGE.
Miller is married to Stephen Miller, a top policy adviser to President Trump.
Musk left the Trump administration in May following disagreements with President Trump.
Katie Miller also left the Trump administration and began her podcast in August.
A Democrat named Eric Gisler won a special election in Georgia for a state house seat that was previously held by Republicans. This victory reflects a trend of Democrats gaining political ground in Georgia, a state with political significance nationally. The election results might indicate shifting voter priorities ahead of upcoming elections.
Key Facts
Eric Gisler, a Democrat, won a special election in Georgia for a state house seat.
The seat was previously held by a Republican and covers parts of Oconee County and Athens.
Gisler secured 51% of the vote against Republican Mack "Dutch" Guest IV, who got 49.2%.
Georgia is considered an important state for national political trends.
This win fits into a series of Democratic victories in Georgia and other areas.
Democratic gains highlight potential changes in voter concerns such as costs and energy policy.
The election result occurs as Democrats prepare for major elections in 2026, including a U.S. Senate race.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) plans to sue Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. The lawsuit is over DeSantis designating CAIR as a "foreign terrorist" organization. CAIR argues that this label is incorrect and could increase prejudice against Muslims in Florida and the U.S.
Key Facts
CAIR is filing a lawsuit against Governor Ron DeSantis.
DeSantis labeled CAIR a "foreign terrorist" organization.
Only the federal government can officially designate foreign terrorist groups.
CAIR is a domestic U.S. group with many American members.
DeSantis's decision might increase negative attitudes towards Muslims.
CAIR has participated in major lawsuits in defense of Muslim rights.
Governor DeSantis's action is similar to a move by Texas Governor Greg Abbott.
Police arrested Luigi Mangione at a McDonald's in Altoona, Pennsylvania, after a five-day search. The arrest relates to the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York City. Mangione has pleaded not guilty to murder charges, which could lead to the death penalty.
Key Facts
Luigi Mangione was arrested on December 9, 2024, at a McDonald's in Altoona, Pennsylvania.
Police body cam footage shows officers asking Mangione about his identity.
Mangione is 27 years old.
The arrest followed a five-day hunt for Mangione after the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
The shooting happened in New York City.
Mangione has been charged with both state and federal murder charges.
A person is in custody after a shooting at Kentucky State University in Frankfort. The campus was locked down, and officials reported injuries but did not confirm if there were any deaths.
Key Facts
A shooting happened at Kentucky State University in Frankfort.
The suspect is now in custody.
The campus was placed on lockdown after the incident.
Officials reported that people were injured, but it is not clear how many.
It is not confirmed if anyone was killed in the shooting.
The incident was described as involving an "active aggressor."
More details are expected as the situation develops.
President Donald Trump shared an update on a National Guard member wounded in a shooting near the White House. Specialist Sarah Beckstrom died in the attack, while Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe was critically injured but has shown signs of recovery. The suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, has been charged with multiple offenses.
Key Facts
President Trump spoke about the condition of Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, who was critically injured in a shooting.
The shooting occurred on November 26 near the White House in Washington, D.C.
Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, another National Guard member, was killed in the attack.
Staff Sergeant Wolfe got out of bed but has not yet spoken as he was hit in the head.
The suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, was apprehended at the scene and faces multiple charges, including murder and assault.
Lakanwal entered the U.S. under a program for Afghan evacuees after the Taliban's fall.
Miami elected Eileen Higgins as its new mayor, marking the first time in nearly 30 years the office has gone to a Democrat. Higgins defeated Republican Emilio González in the run-off election. The election results may impact strategies for the upcoming 2026 midterm elections.
Key Facts
Eileen Higgins, a Democrat, won the Miami mayoral race against Republican Emilio González.
This is the first time a Democrat has been elected mayor of Miami in almost 30 years.
President Donald Trump endorsed González in the election.
Miami has become more politically diverse, with significant immigrant communities.
In the initial election on November 4, Higgins received 36% of the vote, while González received 19%.
A betting platform, Polymarket, predicted Higgins had a 94% chance of winning the run-off election.
Polling before the election showed varied results, with some predicting a close race.
Miami is a significant city in Florida and is politically diverse, potentially influencing strategies for the 2026 midterms.
The U.S. Supreme Court is reviewing a case that might change rules about how much money political parties can spend. Some of the court's conservative justices seem open to letting parties spend more, while others worry about having no limits. This case is part of a broader discussion on political spending and free speech rights.
Key Facts
The U.S. Supreme Court is examining a case that could change limits on political party spending.
Conservative justices are considering a push to overturn a previous ruling from 2001 that supported spending limits.
The discussion follows a 2010 Supreme Court decision, Citizens United v Federal Election Commission, which lifted some political spending limits.
Since the Citizens United decision, political spending by groups that can raise unlimited funds rose significantly.
Some justices argue that spending limits protect the political process from being dominated by wealthy interests.
The case was started by two Republican committees and involves the Trump administration's support.
The decision could lead to fewer controls on how parties coordinate spending with candidates.
President Trump claims his administration deserves the highest grade for economic performance, but polls show many Americans disagree. While Trump cites successes like lower gasoline prices, many people feel the strain of rising costs for essentials such as groceries and utilities. Approval ratings for his handling of the economy are relatively low.
Key Facts
President Trump would grade his economic performance as an "A-plus-plus-plus-plus-plus-plus."
Polls show a low approval rating of 36% for Trump's economic management.
The Consumer Price Index, which tracks inflation, shows a 3% rise over the past year.
Gasoline prices fell in some areas but utility prices rose nearly 12% over the past year.
65% of people surveyed think Trump's policies are increasing grocery costs.
Trump ordered an investigation into possible food price-fixing by foreign companies.
Incomes have grown slightly after adjusting for inflation, similar to early 2010s levels.
Republicans brought a case to the Supreme Court seeking to change current campaign finance laws. They want to remove some limits on how much money can be used in political campaigns.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court heard arguments about changing campaign finance laws.
Republicans are challenging existing limits on campaign donations.
The goal is to remove certain spending limits in political campaigns.
The case could impact the 2026 midterm elections.
These elections are expected to be very costly.
The Supreme Court's decision could alter how money is spent in future campaigns.
Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene is planning to resign from Congress in early January. She was known for strongly supporting President Trump, but they disagreed on health care subsidies and the release of the Epstein files. Greene recently gave an interview discussing her departure and her views.
Key Facts
Marjorie Taylor Greene is a representative from Georgia.
She became well-known for supporting President Donald Trump.
Greene and President Trump disagreed about some issues, including health care subsidies and the release of the Epstein files.
Greene plans to leave Congress in early January.
Greene gave a one-on-one interview about her departure.
The interview was conducted by Amna Nawaz.
The interview took place in Greene's office on Capitol Hill.
A U.S. federal judge has allowed the release of grand jury documents related to Ghislaine Maxwell and Jeffrey Epstein's sex trafficking case. The documents do not reveal new information about Epstein's clients or crimes. This decision follows a new law allowing for the release of such materials.
Key Facts
A judge approved the release of grand jury documents in the Epstein case.
The documents do not contain new information about Epstein’s or Maxwell's crimes.
The Epstein Files Transparency Act allows the release of these documents.
President Trump signed the law despite initial resistance.
The materials do not identify any other individuals involved in crimes.
Judge Engelmayer required a review to protect victims' privacy.
Ghislaine Maxwell’s legal team opposes the release, claiming it could harm her defense.
Many high school students are currently learning which colleges they have been accepted to. This process, impacting around 60% of students, can be challenging as they try to pick the right college for them.
Key Facts
High school students are receiving college acceptance letters.
About 60% of students are involved in this college selection process at the moment.
Choosing the right college is a difficult decision for many students.
Jeff Selingo, an author who writes about higher education, has a new book on the topic.
The book by Jeff Selingo is titled "Dream School: Finding the College That’s Right for You."
Jeff Selingo discussed the college selection process with William Brangham.
A man discusses his wrongful detention by U.S. immigration authorities during a series of immigration enforcement actions known as the "Portland Sweep." These actions are part of broader immigration policies under President Trump's administration.
Key Facts
President Trump's immigration policies include targeted enforcement actions in various cities.
The "Portland Sweep" is a specific set of actions targeting immigrants in Portland.
The operations in Portland have been ongoing for eight weeks.
The man interviewed was wrongfully detained during these enforcement activities.
These immigration sweeps have attracted national attention and debate.
President Donald Trump is visiting Pennsylvania to talk about his economic policies and address issues about the rising cost of living. He plans to explain how his actions are intended to lower prices for goods like gasoline and groceries. This visit is part of an effort to boost public confidence in his economic management as well as to support Republican candidates for the upcoming midterm elections.
Key Facts
President Trump blames the Democratic Party and Joe Biden for current economic issues.
He plans to speak at a rally in Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania, a key swing state.
Recent polls show a decline in public trust in Trump's handling of the economy.
The U.S. inflation rate reached 3% in September, affecting consumer confidence.
Trump is promoting his administration's initiatives to reduce costs, such as tariffs and regulatory changes.
The visit is seen as part of a larger strategy to support Republican candidates in the 2026 midterms.
Public concerns about the cost of living influenced recent elections, where Democrats saw gains.
President Trump's approval rating regarding the economy has dropped according to recent surveys.
Vice President JD Vance responded to an image on social media that showed him allegedly in a "fight" with his wife, Usha Vance. Vance commented humorously on the situation, and the post has attracted significant attention online.
Key Facts
An image on social media purportedly shows Vice President JD Vance in a "fight" with his wife, Usha Vance.
Vance responded to the image with a humorous comment on the platform X.
Vance's post has received over 7 million views and more than 26,000 likes.
Both Vance's office and the White House were contacted for confirmation of the image's authenticity.
The situation highlights challenges faced by public figures regarding their personal lives.
This is an ongoing story, and further updates are expected.
