President Trump is expected to announce during his upcoming Saudi Arabia trip that the US will now officially recognize the Persian Gulf as the Arabian Gulf or the Gulf of Arabia, according to US officials. This move follows pressure from Arab nations seeking a change to the waterway's name, while Iran maintains its historical ties to the Persian Gulf.
Related news
Senator Elizabeth Warren has criticized Elon Musk for allegedly having unchecked influence over government operations under President Trump. Musk's role in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has sparked controversy, with concerns about misuse of sensitive taxpayer data and calls for transparency and efficiency. Supporters and critics voiced strong opinions on social media.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and the SPD condemned a false assertion by CDU's Roderich Kiesewetter about a planned meeting between Scholz and Russian President Putin. The SPD called the claim vicious, demanding an apology. Scholz reaffirmed Germany's support for Ukraine, despite recent communications with Putin, stressing the importance of preventing escalation into a war involving NATO.
President Trump announced he will discuss tariffs on Canada and Mexico, acknowledging that Americans may experience economic pain but insisting it will be worth it. He also reiterated his call for Canada to become a US state amid escalating trade tensions, with Canada and Mexico planning retaliatory measures.
Kai Trump, granddaughter of Donald Trump, shared glimpses into her life in a recent YouTube Q&A. The teen revealed her celebrity crush, Drew Starkey from "Outer Banks", and discussed her grandfather's influence, cherishing memories from his 2024 campaign.
Comedian Whitney Cummings made provocative jokes targeting the Democratic Party and Kamala Harris during CNN's New Year's Eve Live special. She criticized Joe Biden's health and the lack of voter choice within the party, while also making bold claims and questioning mainstream media coverage. Cummings received mixed reactions on social media, with strong support from MAGA followers.
The CIA is offering buyouts to its entire workforce, making it the first intelligence agency to implement Donald Trump's voluntary redundancy program for federal employees. This includes halting the hiring of certain candidates. The initiative aims to align the CIA's workforce with national security priorities and Trump's government efficiency goals. This development follows Trump's proposal regarding the Gaza Strip.
Pope Francis inaugurated the Holy Year at Rome's main prison, spreading hope to inmates. He re-enacted the door-opening gesture performed at St. Peter's Basilica, marking the start of the Jubilee year, which occurs every 25 years and attracts millions of pilgrims. The 2025 Jubilee is dedicated to hope, with a special mass for inmates planned.
Lieutenant General Telita Crosland, the head of the US military’s health agency, retired under the Trump administration. Her retirement follows the ousting of six senior military officials. The Pentagon is phasing out diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, arguing they harm unit cohesion.
President Trump has appointed Sean Curran as the new director of the US Secret Service. Curran, who has protected Trump and his family, previously served as special agent in charge of Trump's security detail and was recently promoted to deputy special agent in charge of the Presidential Protective Detail.
The Trump administration has terminated several probationary employees from federal health agencies to downsize the government. Thousands received termination letters citing inadequate performance and lack of fit. Exemptions were made for certain CDC and FDA staff.