Senators from both parties will launch a joint investigation into allegations that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered no survivors in U.S. airstrikes targeting suspected drug-running vessels. The inquiry follows a Washington Post report alleging Hegseth instructed military personnel to kill everyone on board a vessel, resulting in the deaths of two survivors from an initial strike. These actions are part of a broader campaign of more than a dozen attacks that have killed over 80 people, sparking concerns about the legality and potential extrajudicial nature of the operations. Hegseth has dismissed the report as fabricated, defending the strikes as lawful and intended to combat drug trafficking and associated terrorist organizations.
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U.S. Representative Troy Nehls, representing Texas’ 22nd Congressional District, has announced he will not seek reelection. His twin brother, Trever Nehls, immediately declared his candidacy for the seat, signaling a continuation of the district’s conservative leanings. The announcement comes amidst uncertainty regarding the district’s boundaries, as the U.S. Supreme Court is set to rule on a contested redistricting map. This marks the sixth Republican in Texas’ congressional delegation to retire this cycle, highlighting shifts in the political landscape.
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Venezuela has strongly condemned Donald Trump’s warning to consider its airspace closed, labeling it a “colonialist threat.” The Venezuelan foreign ministry decried the comments as an illegal aggression against its people. While the US lacks the authority to unilaterally close another country’s airspace, Trump’s statement could disrupt travel and deter airlines. This follows a warning from the US Federal Aviation Administration and Venezuela’s subsequent ban on several international airlines for failing to resume flights.
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Donald Trump is utilizing his presidency to financially benefit himself, directing campaign funds towards his own businesses. In the ten months since retaking office, the Republican National Committee and MAGA Inc. have spent over $857,000 at Trump’s properties. These expenditures are a part of a larger pattern where various GOP committees and candidates direct funds towards Trump’s businesses. He is also raising substantial sums for his political committees, including $28.1 million for a leadership PAC and $176.9 million for a super PAC.
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Representative Maria Salazar told Fox Business that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro understands that the U.S. is preparing for intervention, citing economic and security reasons for potential involvement. Salazar emphasized the economic benefits for the U.S., particularly for American oil companies, given Venezuela’s vast oil reserves. The congresswoman also referenced the White House’s designation of Maduro’s regime as a foreign terrorist organization, potentially paving the way for further action. She drew parallels to the 1989 Panama invasion and suggested a similar outcome.
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During Donald Trump’s second term, crypto assets significantly impacted his family’s wealth. The value of the Trump-branded memecoin has decreased by about a quarter since August, while Eric Trump’s investment in a Bitcoin mining venture lost nearly half its peak value. Furthermore, shares of Trump’s social media company, which recently began accumulating Bitcoin, are currently trading near an all-time low. This illustrates the inherent volatility of digital currencies and their impact on the Trump family’s financial holdings.
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The U.S. government has instructed State Department employees and grant recipients to cease public promotion of World AIDS Day, ending an annual tradition that began in 1988. This directive prohibits public messaging, social media engagement, and the use of government funds for observances, although individuals may still attend events and discuss anti-HIV programs. The policy shift, which coincides with significant cuts to federal HIV prevention funding, including the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), has raised concerns. It remains uncertain whether the State Department will release its annual PEPFAR report on December 1st.
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The Pentagon’s investigation into Senator Mark Kelly, regarding a video advising troops to reject “illegal orders,” has sparked debate among legal experts. Some suggest the Pentagon is overstepping its authority by applying military law to a retired service member, while others question the jurisdiction given Kelly’s role as a senator. Critics argue that Kelly’s actions, which were made as a civilian, and his First Amendment rights should be protected, with some experts predicting the investigation will likely be dismissed. Furthermore, constitutional law experts suggest that the investigation may violate the separation of powers.
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Former President Donald Trump declared his intention to terminate all executive orders allegedly signed by Joe Biden using an autopen, claiming approximately 92% of Biden’s actions were executed in this manner. Legal experts dispute the validity of this claim, asserting that the method of signing has no bearing on the legitimacy of executive orders. Trump’s declaration comes after he previously ordered an investigation into Biden’s autopen use, which has been criticized by some as a major political scandal. While the exact implications of Trump’s announcement remain uncertain, it highlights a debate over the use of automated signature devices and their role in presidential actions.
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During a Thanksgiving press conference, former President Donald Trump confronted CBS News reporter Nancy Cordes after she questioned his claims about an Afghan national accused of shooting two National Guard members. Trump, who said the suspect was among unvetted Afghan nationals admitted to the U.S. by the Biden administration, was challenged by Cordes about the suspect’s thorough vetting. In response, Trump insulted Cordes, asking if she was “stupid,” which added to a pattern of lashing out at female journalists. The attacks have been defended by the White House, with officials attributing Trump’s remarks to his “frankness” and the public’s distrust of the media.
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John Q. Hosedrinker