Incoming Trump administration officials have been questioning career civil servants at the White House National Security Council about their political affiliations and social media activity, prompting some employees to pack up their belongings. Trump's pick for national security adviser, Mike Waltz, aims to replace nonpolitical appointees with Trump loyalists by Inauguration Day, potentially impacting US expertise on key global issues.
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The US state department has updated its travel advisory for Trinidad and Tobago to Level 3, urging Americans to reconsider travel due to increased terrorism and kidnapping risks. The advisory follows the country's nationwide state of emergency over gang-related violence. Americans are advised to take precautionary measures, including purchasing travel insurance and avoiding displays of wealth.
The Taliban rejected the ICC's arrest warrant request for two top officials, including Hibatullah Akhundzada, accusing the court of making baseless allegations. The move comes as the Taliban continue to restrict women's rights, barring them from jobs, public spaces, and education beyond sixth grade.
President-elect Donald Trump criticized the 2023 budget deal that extended the debt ceiling, calling it a major political error. He argued that Democrats should address the issue during the Biden administration rather than deferring to June 2025. Trump emphasized the need for a vote now, suggesting Democrats should be held accountable for any potential consequences.
Prominent conservative voices have been quick to link the challenges faced by the Los Angeles Fire Department during the ongoing wildfires to Crowley’s DEI focus: Donald Trump Jr. tweeted: “Can we rename DEI to DIE since that’s what seems to happen to the people downstream of those who place woke virtue signaling far above competency?!â€
A strike by paramilitaries on El-Fasher, the last city in Sudan's Darfur region not under their control, has killed at least 12 people, both the army and local activists said. "The militia bombarded the city of El-Fasher with heavy artillery, killing 12 people and wounding 17," the army's Sixth Infantry Division in El-Fasher said Wednesday.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick is causing frustration within the Trump administration as President Donald Trump prepares to implement the 'Liberation Day' strategy with reciprocal tariffs. Lutnick’s public statements and promotion of certain stocks have raised concerns. Internal discontent is rising, despite the White House defending Lutnick's business experience and importance to the administration's economic and trade efforts.
Frenchman Serge Atlaoui, on Indonesia's death row since 2007 for drug offenses, was released and transferred to France on humanitarian grounds due to illness. Arrested in 2005, he denied being a trafficker, claiming he was installing machinery in a suspected acrylic factory. Initially sentenced to life, it was later changed to death. His return follows a France-Indonesia agreement, amid Jakarta’s recent releases of high-profile detainees.
During the 2025 Oscars, Conan O’Brien made a subtle joke about Donald Trump and Russia. Other celebrities also made political statements. Daryl Hannah said 'Slava Ukraine' while presenting. Zoe Saldaña mentioned her immigrant background. The Best Documentary Feature winner criticised Israeli demolitions and US foreign policy. These moments added political undertones to the event.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol resisted arrest after his failed martial law decree led to his impeachment and suspension. Investigators halted their attempt at the presidential residence due to safety concerns. The arrest warrant for insurrection charges expires soon, prompting potential legal action and political instability.
Former football star Herschel Walker has been nominated by Donald Trump as US ambassador to the Bahamas. Trump lauded Walker's work with youth sports and military mental health advocacy. Walker's illustrious football career spanned the USFL and NFL, including time playing for Trump's Generals.