The White House has dismissed a report suggesting President Donald Trump is thinking about replacing Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem. A White House spokesperson called it "fake news," stating Noem is successfully implementing Trump's policies.
Key Facts
A report claimed President Trump might replace Kristi Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security.
The report came from The Bulwark and cited three unnamed former DHS officials.
The White House denied the report and criticized its credibility.
White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson stated that the report is "fake news."
Jackson affirmed that Secretary Noem is effectively carrying out the President’s agenda.
The current discussion around this topic is ongoing and considered a developing story.
The Trump administration has removed Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Day and Juneteenth from the list of National Parks fee-free days for 2026. This decision has led to backlash from the public and several lawmakers who argue that these holidays are important for recognizing civil rights achievements.
Key Facts
MLK Day and Juneteenth were removed from the 2026 National Parks fee-free days list.
These days were replaced with additional former presidents' birthdays and Flag Day, which is President Donald Trump's birthday.
The decision is part of broader changes to National Parks policies, including new entrance fees for foreign visitors and digital passes featuring Trump.
Kristen Brengel from the National Parks Conservation Association expressed concern over the removal, noting MLK Day is popular for community service.
Democratic lawmakers criticized the move, emphasizing the significance of MLK Day and Juneteenth for civil rights.
President Trump’s administration said the changes ensure affordable access for U.S. taxpayers while asking international visitors to pay more.
Some members of the public have described the decision as "racist" and "narcissistic" on social media platforms.
Democratic governors met in Arizona to create a plan to compete in the 2026 midterm elections against President Donald Trump and his MAGA movement. The Democratic Governors Association (DGA) leads this effort and wants to focus on making things more affordable for Americans. Andy Beshear of Kentucky, the new chair of the DGA, plans to prioritize certain states in upcoming governor races.
Key Facts
Democratic governors attended a meeting in Arizona to plan for the 2026 midterm elections.
The focus is to create a strategy against President Donald Trump and the MAGA movement.
The Democratic Governors Association (DGA) is leading the party's nationwide plan.
Andy Beshear of Kentucky is now the chair of the DGA.
Beshear aims to prioritize governor races in Iowa, Georgia, and Nevada.
Democrats currently control 24 of the 50 U.S. governorships.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer is the new vice chair of the DGA.
The plan includes working closely with other Democratic groups to boost local election success.
A 65-year-old U.S. Army veteran named Godfrey Wade, originally from Jamaica, is facing deportation after being detained by immigration officials in Georgia. Wade was taken into custody after a traffic stop for driving without a valid license. He remains in detention while his immigration case is processed.
Key Facts
Godfrey Wade is a 65-year-old veteran born in Jamaica who moved to the U.S. at age 15.
He was detained by ICE after a traffic violation in September 2025.
Wade is held at the Stewart Detention Center in Georgia.
Stewart Detention Center has been criticized for its conditions.
Wade served in the U.S. Army and earned commendations for his service.
His family, including his fiancée, is advocating for his release.
He has six children and three grandchildren who are U.S. citizens.
Wade is currently awaiting immigration proceedings while in ICE custody.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued winter storm warnings for parts of the United States, with up to 14 inches of snow expected in some areas from December 8 to December 10. States like Wyoming, Montana, Virginia, and Alaska are among those expected to be hardest hit, which could make travel conditions hazardous.
Key Facts
Winter storm warnings are in effect from December 8 to December 10.
Areas in Wyoming, Montana, Virginia, Alaska, Michigan, Tennessee, Kentucky, Washington, North Carolina, and Illinois are expected to be heavily affected.
Some regions could see up to 14 inches of snow; parts of Wyoming and Montana might experience up to 2 feet of snow and 70 mph winds.
In Virginia, central and southeastern areas might receive between 2 and 5 inches of snow.
Alaska's City of Hyder may get up to 7 inches of snow, with difficult travel conditions expected.
Michigan might see up to 8 inches of localized lake effect snow.
Tennessee and Kentucky could receive up to 3 inches of snow, especially in elevated areas.
Washington's coastal and central counties might have between 3 and 5 inches of snow.
North Carolina counties could see up to 4 inches of snow in the highest peaks by Tuesday morning.
The NWS advises travelers to be cautious and prepared for hazardous conditions.
U.S. lawmakers are asking for the release of a video showing a military strike on a boat in the Caribbean. The strike has caused debate over whether it was legal. Some lawmakers believe releasing the video will help the public understand the situation better.
Key Facts
The video shows a September 2nd military operation targeting a suspected drug-smuggling boat.
The U.S. military conducted a second strike, killing two survivors of the first attack.
Lawmakers saw the video in a private meeting and have different views on its content.
Democrats are concerned about the legality of the attack, while some Republicans defend it.
President Trump has indicated he is open to releasing the footage.
Some Republicans also support releasing the video for transparency.
The debate highlights differing opinions on anti-drug trafficking operations.
Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene claimed that some Republicans in Congress mocked President Donald Trump privately but supported him publicly after he won the 2024 GOP presidential nomination. Greene's comments came during a 60 Minutes interview following her announcement to resign from Congress in January due to conflicts with Trump on various issues.
Key Facts
Marjorie Taylor Greene is a Republican Representative from Georgia.
She stated that some Republicans initially mocked President Trump but then supported him after he became the GOP nominee.
Greene has announced her resignation from Congress in January.
She cited wanting to avoid a harmful primary campaign against her supported by Trump as a reason for stepping down.
Greene's resignation follows a split with Trump over issues like the release of government files and policy disagreements.
The information was shared during an interview on the television program 60 Minutes.
President Donald Trump hosted the Kennedy Center Honors, marking the first time a U.S. President actively participated in the event on stage. The 2025 honorees include actor Sylvester Stallone, singers Gloria Gaynor and George Strait, the rock band KISS, and actor-singer Michael Crawford. The show will air on December 23 on CBS and Paramount+.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump hosted the Kennedy Center Honors event.
This was the first time a President took part on stage at the Kennedy Center Honors.
The 2025 honorees included Sylvester Stallone, Gloria Gaynor, George Strait, KISS, and Michael Crawford.
President Trump awarded the medals during a ceremony at the Oval Office.
President Donald Trump criticized Democratic Congressman Henry Cuellar for not switching to the Republican party after Trump pardoned him. Cuellar was charged with bribery and money laundering, but he and his wife claim they are innocent. Cuellar plans to run for re-election as a Democrat, despite Trump's expectations of loyalty.
Key Facts
President Trump pardoned Democrat Henry Cuellar, who faced bribery and money laundering charges.
Trump criticized Cuellar for not changing political parties to become a Republican after the pardon.
Cuellar and his wife were accused of accepting $600,000 from Azerbaijan's state-owned oil company and a Mexican bank.
They face 14 charges, including conspiracy, bribery, and wire fraud, from the Biden administration's Justice Department.
Cuellar plans to seek re-election as a Democrat, stating he is first an American and a Texan, but also a Democrat.
Trump expressed disappointment in Cuellar's decision to remain in the Democratic party.
Trump emphasized loyalty as a key personal value, and his administration has been linked to a "loyalty question" in federal job applications.
New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani shared a video online explaining the rights of immigrants when approached by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. This follows ICE raids in Manhattan, prompting protests. Mamdani promised to protect the city's immigrant population and highlighted legal protections against ICE actions.
Key Facts
Zohran Mamdani will become New York City's mayor on January 1.
Mamdani released a video explaining rights when dealing with ICE, such as the right to remain silent and to refuse entry into private spaces without a judicial warrant.
The video was posted after ICE conducted raids in Manhattan, causing demonstrations near Chinatown.
Mamdani emphasized that ICE agents need a judge-signed warrant to enter private spaces legally.
Mamdani is the first Muslim mayor of New York City and defeated former Governor Andrew Cuomo in elections.
President Trump plans to cut federal funding for sanctuary cities, which do not comply with federal immigration enforcement.
Mamdani has criticized ICE, calling it as having "no interest in laws" and plans to use his position to oppose deportations in New York.
The U.S. Supreme Court is hearing a case that could change how much power President Trump has to remove certain government officials. This case challenges a 1935 decision that says the president can't fire the heads of independent agencies without a reason.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court is reviewing a case related to presidential power over independent agencies.
Chief Justice John Roberts leads a conservative majority in the court.
The case could overturn a 1935 decision known as Humphrey’s Executor.
President Trump has been allowed to fire various government officials during his second term.
The case involves FTC official Rebecca Slaughter, whom Trump wants to remove.
Some officials, like Lisa Cook from the Federal Reserve, have not been removed.
The legal term "unitary executive" refers to an expansive view of presidential power.
The court's decision could impact how presidents interact with independent federal agencies.
President Trump hosted the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors ceremony, the first time a U.S. president has led the event. This year's honorees include Sylvester Stallone, Kiss, and Gloria Gaynor, who are celebrated for their contributions to arts and culture. The event is set to be broadcast on December 23, 2025, on CBS and Paramount+.
Key Facts
President Trump hosted the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors ceremony.
This is the first time a president has hosted the ceremony instead of observing from a box.
Honorees include Sylvester Stallone, Kiss, and Gloria Gaynor.
The ceremony is set to air on December 23, 2025.
Previous presidents did not host but sat with the honorees.
The Kennedy Center Honors began in 1978 to recognize contributions to American culture.
Ace Frehley, the original lead guitarist of Kiss, passed away recently, and there was a tribute for him.
The event was attended by various notable figures, including Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.
A federal judge has temporarily stopped the Justice Department from using certain evidence against former FBI Director James Comey in efforts to file new charges. This does not completely block future indictments, but the department may need to exclude specific communications in any new charge attempt.
Key Facts
A federal judge has stopped the Justice Department from using some evidence to indict James Comey.
The evidence includes communications between Comey and a law professor, Daniel Richman.
Comey was previously charged with lying to Congress about media interactions.
A different judge dismissed these charges because the prosecutor was not lawfully appointed.
The Justice Department can still try to charge Comey again in the future.
Comey has pleaded not guilty and denies the accusations.
The situation involves tensions between Comey and President Donald Trump.
President Trump criticized Representative Henry Cuellar after pardoning him recently. Trump expected Cuellar's loyalty in return, but was upset when Cuellar announced he is running for reelection as a Democrat. Cuellar, who was accused of taking bribes, said he remains a conservative Democrat.
Key Facts
President Trump pardoned Rep. Henry Cuellar and his wife, who were accused of taking about $600,000 in bribes.
Trump expressed disappointment that Cuellar chose to run for reelection as a Democrat despite the pardon.
On Truth Social, Trump criticized Cuellar for not showing loyalty after receiving the pardon.
Cuellar's daughters sent a letter that helped motivate Trump to pardon him, suggesting political reasons for his prosecution.
Cuellar criticized the Biden administration's border policies and claimed this might have led to his legal troubles.
The DOJ accused Cuellar and his wife of engaging in bribery and money laundering.
Cuellar describes himself as a "conservative Democrat" and remains committed to his political views.
The pardon is seen as potentially complicating Republican efforts to win Cuellar's congressional seat in Texas.
President Donald Trump criticized Representative Henry Cuellar for not switching from the Democratic Party to the Republican Party after Trump pardoned Cuellar in a bribery and conspiracy case. Cuellar, who identifies as a conservative Democrat, expressed a willingness to cooperate with the administration while maintaining his party affiliation.
Key Facts
President Trump pardoned Rep. Henry Cuellar and his wife in a federal bribery and conspiracy case.
Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Cuellar for not leaving the Democratic Party post-pardon.
Trump suggested the pardon could have helped the Republican Party's position in Congress.
Cuellar identifies as a conservative Democrat and plans to run for re-election as a Democrat.
Cuellar emphasized cooperation with the administration and said he prayed for Trump's success.
Cuellar highlighted his priorities as being an American, Texan, and then a Democrat.
Early voting in Miami's mayoral runoff shows strong Democratic turnout. This race features Democrat Eileen Higgins against Republican Emilio González, who has President Trump's endorsement. The election outcome could signal shifts in political trends before the 2026 midterms.
Key Facts
Miami's mayoral election is seeing significant voter turnout from Democrats.
Early voting started on December 5 and ends on December 9, the official election day.
Over 8,700 Democrats, nearly 7,200 Republicans, and around 5,000 voters with no party affiliation have voted so far.
The majority of votes, about 14,000, have been cast by mail.
Miami has not elected a Democratic mayor in almost 30 years.
Eileen Higgins, a Democrat, received 36% of the vote in the previous election.
Emilio González, a Republican and Trump-endorsed candidate, got 19% of the vote in the earlier round.
President Trump has ordered an investigation into whether foreign businesses are causing food prices to rise in the United States. This investigation will involve looking into potential price-fixing and how foreign companies might impact American national or economic security. The administration aims to address public concerns about inflation and food costs.
Key Facts
President Trump ordered an investigation into food price-fixing, focusing on foreign companies.
The Justice Department and Federal Trade Commission will create task forces to study this issue.
The investigation will look at whether foreign control of food industries raises costs or poses security risks.
The task forces will report their findings to Congress within six months.
The order allows for criminal charges if price-fixing is found.
American food production relies heavily on foreign businesses, such as Brazil's Marfrig and China's WH Group.
Voter concerns about inflation and the cost of living, including groceries, have been increasing.
Similar investigations into price-fixing have been ordered by previous administrations in response to rising costs.
A federal judge blocked the Justice Department from using emails and files they took from James Comey's former lawyer, saying this likely violated constitutional rights. The judge ordered the DOJ to stop using the data until further notice, making it harder to pursue a case against Comey. The DOJ's attempts to reinstate charges against Comey face legal challenges and an approaching deadline.
Key Facts
A judge stopped the DOJ from using emails and files taken from Daniel Richman, James Comey's former lawyer.
The judge said the DOJ probably violated Richman's constitutional rights by keeping and searching his computer files without permission.
This decision makes it more complicated for the DOJ to restart a case against Comey.
The decision is temporary and the DOJ must confirm it follows the judge's order.
Another judge had described the seized files as key to the prosecution's case, which was dismissed a month earlier.
The earlier case against Comey was about lying to Congress and obstructing an investigation but was dismissed due to issues with the prosecutor's appointment.
There's pressure as the statute of limitations, the time limit to charge someone, approaches its end.
The DOJ has not yet appealed the dismissal of Comey's case.
Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Republican from Georgia, says she has filed reports about more than 700 death threats received by her office over the past five years. She mentioned these threats initially came from those on the "left" but are now also from the "right" after her disagreement with President Donald Trump regarding the Jeffrey Epstein files. Greene announced plans to retire early from her third term due to this situation.
Key Facts
Marjorie Taylor Greene is a Georgia Republican who has reported over 700 death threats to Capitol Police in the past five years.
These threats originally came from the political "left," but after her recent split with President Trump, threats are also coming from the political "right."
Greene and President Trump parted ways after she supported releasing government documents related to Jeffrey Epstein.
President Trump publicly criticized Greene on social media and withdrew his endorsement.
Greene has faced political violence threats, similar to other members of Congress from both parties.
Greene announced she would retire early from her third term due to the situation.
She claimed that her office lacked the resources to monitor all the threats online.
Greene noted specific threats like pizza deliveries intended to reveal her address and threats against her son.
Some Indiana Republican senators are facing threats as President Trump urges redrawing the state's congressional map to help the Republican party in upcoming elections. These lawmakers are dealing with fake emergencies and bomb scares linked to the redistricting efforts.
Key Facts
Spencer Deery, an Indiana senator, faced a fake emergency call meant to provoke police action at his home.
Linda Rogers, another senator, received threats at her home and family-owned golf course.
Jean Leising experienced a pipe bomb threat sent to local police via email.
President Trump is pushing for Indiana to change its congressional map to increase Republican influence in the 2026 midterm elections.
Redistricting, normally done every ten years following a census, is being accelerated by Trump for the benefit of the Republican Party.
Indiana's Governor Mike Braun and the House support the plan, but some state senators are resistant.
Senators opposing the proposal value traditional practices and fear the changes would only offer short-term gain.
