Days before U.S. forces entered Venezuela to capture Nicolás Maduro, then-U.S. Sen. Markwayne Mullin purchased shares in Chevron, ConocoPhillips, RTX, and Caterpillar, companies that stood to benefit from the regime change. These transactions, totaling between $15,000 and $50,000 per stock, were declared 18 days after the trades were made on December 29, 2025. The U.S. operation in Venezuela commenced on January 3, 2026, after which stocks for Chevron, ConocoPhillips, RTX, and Caterpillar all saw a notable increase on January 5, 2026.
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In a departure from tradition, some senior officials in the Trump administration have opted for secure military housing over conventional residences in affluent Washington, D.C., suburbs. This shift is attributed to heightened safety concerns fueled by a surge in online threats against public figures. However, the article posits that this choice reflects a broader pattern of authoritarian tendencies, where leaders isolate themselves and their inner circles, mirroring practices seen in historical and contemporary authoritarian regimes. This move away from living among the general populace, the article suggests, indicates a growing disconnect between the administration and the American people, and a consolidation of power through controlled environments.
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Newly surfaced footage has reignited scrutiny over the temperament of former MMA fighter Markwayne Mullin, the new Secretary of Homeland Security, following a resurfaced video where he threatened to drag a teenager’s face over asphalt. Mullin made these comments to a church group espousing a mission for evangelical Christians to take over government as divinely anointed “elders.” This incident follows a contentious Senate confirmation hearing where Mullin faced accusations of applauding violence and promoting fighting, raising concerns about his suitability for a leadership role overseeing border patrol and ICE agents. His ties to the “City Elders” group and espoused Christian Nationalist views have further fueled anxieties that his personal beliefs may improperly shape his administration of the Department of Homeland Security.
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Due to operational strain from the ongoing partial government shutdown and its impact on staffing and resources, Delta Air Lines is temporarily suspending special airport services for members of Congress. Lawmakers will now be treated like any other passenger, with access to perks determined by their SkyMiles loyalty status rather than their elected office. This decision follows increasing scrutiny over Congressional airport advantages and recent Senate action to formally eliminate preferential TSA screening access. While Delta’s change specifically affects airline-provided services and not TSA procedures, it removes a historical layer of travel convenience for elected officials.
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The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts has approved a design for a new commemorative gold coin featuring President Trump’s portrait on one side, a move that departs from a long-standing federal law prohibiting living individuals from appearing on U.S. coinage. This decision also breaks a tradition dating back to the nation’s founding. The Trump administration asserts the Treasury Department possesses the necessary authority for this exception.
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The article highlights President Trump’s apparent miscalculation regarding Iran’s potential to expand regional conflict, a development many experts had foreseen. This admission reveals a broader pattern of inadequate foresight on multiple fronts, leading to reactive and contradictory policy shifts. Foreign policy expert Matt Duss discusses how Trump’s personal and ideological limitations are contributing to this unfolding situation and what his surprising admission truly signifies.
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Traders made substantial bets on falling oil prices just minutes before President Trump announced postponed strikes on Iran, a move that subsequently caused oil prices to drop. These unusually large trades, totaling approximately $580 million, occurred in the minutes leading up to Trump’s statement on Truth Social. The timing of these transactions has raised questions about potential insider information, although White House officials deny any such misconduct. Iran’s foreign ministry, meanwhile, dismissed the idea of negotiations, suggesting the announcement was aimed at lowering energy prices.
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As incoming Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin faces confirmation, resurfaced comments reveal his endorsement of physical discipline for his children. In a video from October 2023, Mullin, a father of six and former MMA fighter, spoke to a group aiming to elect “Godly people” to local office. He recounted spanking his children and threatening his daughter’s boyfriend, stating, “If I ever see you kiss her in front of me, I’m dragging your face across the asphalt.” Mullin also shared anecdotes about physically disciplining his daughters, noting they would forgive him shortly after, and described his son’s self-punishing reactions to discipline.
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President Trump has characterized news coverage of the Iran war as “criminal” and “unpatriotic,” and the FCC chairman has threatened broadcast licenses. In response, it is urged that readers support journalism that provides accountability for those in power by becoming a HuffPost member.
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President Donald Trump has reportedly blocked a proposed plan to fund the Department of Homeland Security and pay Transportation Security Administration agents. The plan, suggested by Republican Senators John Kennedy and Ted Cruz, would have funded DHS while excluding ICE, with a subsequent reconciliation bill to address ICE funding. This approach aimed to bypass Democratic opposition by utilizing a simple majority vote for the ICE bill. President Trump has indicated a preference for a deal that includes the “SAVE AMERICA ACT,” a bill focused on election reform, and has expressed strong opposition to any deal with Democrats that does not align with his priorities.
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John Q. Hosedrinker