Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has ordered the introduction of tariff and non-tariff measures in response to new US tariffs. She aims for cooperation, rejecting claims of cartel alliances, and highlighting efforts against fentanyl trafficking and drug-related crime.
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Elon Musk plans to buy the Line Hotel in Washington, turning it into a private social club to stay close to the power center with the Trump family. As co-chief of the Department of Government Efficiency, he will have an office in the Eisenhower Executive Building across from the White House. It is not known whether Elon Musk plans to stay in Washington from now on.
Tulsi Gabbard, nominated by Donald Trump for Director of National Intelligence, aims to address Havana syndrome during her confirmation hearing. Havana syndrome consists of unexplained health issues affecting American diplomatic personnel and their families stationed globally. Some intelligence agencies suggest a foreign entity might be responsible.
Israel's ultranationalist security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, visited the Al-Aqsa mosque compound, challenging longstanding rules about non-Muslim prayer at the sensitive site. This visit comes amid heightened tensions following Hamas' recent attack and the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Ben-Gvir's actions have previously ignited violence and drawn criticism, yet the official Israeli stance maintains the traditional restrictions.
A pivotal ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas was brokered, stemming from an unusual collaboration between Biden and Trump. The agreement was driven by Biden’s desire for a final vindication and Trump’s interest in clearing the issue before his inauguration. Despite political discord, both presidents' efforts were crucial in achieving the truce.
The Biden administration ordered the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to halt activities, effectively shutting down the organisation created after the 2008 crisis. Russell Vought directed the CFPB to stop work on regulations, suspend rule implementations, and cease investigations. The directive also ended the bureau's Federal Reserve funding to reduce what the administration views as excessive agency operations.
The House Ethics Committee unexpectedly voted to release findings from its investigation into sexual misconduct allegations against former Rep. Matt Gaetz. Gaetz, who recently withdrew after being nominated as Attorney General, denied the allegations, which involve paying for sex with a minor. Gatez also reacted to the news of the secret vote to release the report.
President Donald Trump is expected to find a middle ground on the recently imposed 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico. US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick indicated that negotiations are ongoing. The tariff measures have raised fears of a trade conflict, with both nations warning of possible retaliatory actions.
The Balochistan Liberation Army claims to have hijacked a Pakistani train carrying over 100 soldiers. They are negotiating with Pakistani authorities and have released children and elderly women. The Jaffar Express, carrying 450 passengers, came under attack in Balochistan, causing severe injuries to the train's driver. Emergency measures have been imposed.
Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody will replace Marco Rubio in the US Senate after Rubio resigns to become Secretary of State under President-elect Donald Trump. Governor Ron DeSantis chose Moody to back Trump's immigration and spending policies. She will face a special election in 2026 and could run for a full term in 2028.
Independent Senator Bernie Sanders voted against Tulsi Gabbard's confirmation as the Director of National Intelligence. Elon Musk called Sanders a fraud as the old video of 2016 when Tulsi Gabbard stepped down from her DNC vice chair position to support Sanders as the presidential candidate against Hillary Clinton went viral.