Tensions between China and Taiwan have escalated after Beijing conducted military drills near the island, prompting a response from the United States. US officials said they are closely monitoring the situation and urged restraint, as concerns grow over regional stability in the Taiwan Strait. This video breaks down what the drills involve, how Taiwan and the US are responding, and why the developments matter geopolitically.

China-Taiwan Tensions: US Reacts To Chinese Drills Near Taiwan

Several people have been killed in widespread protests across Iran over economic hardships, falling currency and rising prices, Iranian media and rights groups report. Clashes between demonstrators and security forces, including the Basij, have left several dead and injured. Authorities plan dialogue with unions and merchants while the rial loses about half its value in 2025.


Iran Protests: Massive Street Protests Spread to 32 Cities Across Iran, 7 Killed

<p>California Governor Gavin Newsom slammed US President and his extravagant New Year's Eve party at Mar-a-Lago, Florida, as millions of Americans face a significant price hike in health insurance due to the expiration of subsidies under the Affordable Care Act. The videos from Trump's New Year's Eve party were circulated across social media with the president's caviar station, ice sculptures, and a performance from Vanilla Ice, as conservative figures like Stephen Miller and Kristi Noem danced to the tune of "Ice Ice Baby"&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">Vanilla Ice, <a href="https://twitter.com/KristiNoem?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KristiNoem</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/StephenM?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@StephenM</a> <br><br>ICE ICE Baby 🧊 <a href="https://t.co/QskZUehP1I">pic.twitter.com/QskZUehP1I</a></p>&mdash; Katie Miller (@KatieMiller) <a href="https://twitter.com/KatieMiller/status/2006599579471696174?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>In a social media post, Gavin Newsom's press team mocked Trump by sharing the clip. “Don’t worry, 17 million Americans begin to get kicked off their health care this year”. X user responded to the post, “Guess the party never stops when it’s not your neck on the line”. Another pointed out, “While you dine at the French Laundry! It’s good to be king, isn't it, Hairgel boy?” While one MAGA supporter said, "You mean kickbacks stop?"</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Don’t worry, 17 million Americans begin to get kicked off their health care this year 🥳 <a href="https://t.co/QrCntyQWDB">https://t.co/QrCntyQWDB</a></p>&mdash; Governor Newsom Press Office (@GovPressOffice) <a href="https://twitter.com/GovPressOffice/status/2006790163566047606?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>The pandemic-era subsidies, put in place by the Biden administration, expired at midnight on December 31, 2025. Despite months of back and forth between the Democrats and Republican, there was no agreement and led to the historic 41 days Government Shutdown, which ended in mid-Novemeber. Both Democratic and Republic healthcare bills fail to pass in the following pass in mid- December. The health insurance premiums are expected to more than double or even triple, Elisabeth Benjamin, vice president of health initiatives at the Community Service Society of New York. “We’ve done nothing as a country to control healthcare costs,” said Elisabeth. Those who bought healthcare plans through Federal and State insuarance plans, there premium could reach as high as $2,050 per month.&nbsp;</p>

California Governor Gavin Newsom criticises Donald Trump as enhanced health insurance subsidies expire, raising healthcare costs for millions of Americans.

California Governor Gavin Newsom slammed US President and his extravagant New Year's Eve party at Mar-a-Lago, Florida, as millions of Americans face a significant price hike in health insurance due to the expiration of subsidies under the Affordable Care Act. The videos from Trump's New Year's Eve party were circulated across social media with the president's caviar station, ice sculptures, and a performance from Vanilla Ice, as conservative figures like Stephen Miller and Kristi Noem danced to the tune of "Ice Ice Baby"

<p>California Governor Gavin Newsom criticises Donald Trump as enhanced health insurance subsidies expire, raising healthcare costs for millions of Americans.</p>

Gavin Newsom slams Trump's extravagant New Year's Eve party as millions face higher healthcare costs

While Tariffs Dominated Headlines in 2025, Reversals Could Be the Theme in 2026. President Donald Trump Has Postponed Planned Tariff Hikes on Imported Furniture for a Year, Keeping Rates for Upholstered Furniture, Kitchen Cabinets, and Vanities at 25 Percent. At the Same Time, the Administration Sharply Reduced Planned Anti-dumping Duties on Italian Pasta, According to Italy’s Foreign Minister.


Trump Delays Furniture Tariffs, Cuts Pasta Duties

US President Donald Trump revealed that he is taking a “high dose” of aspirin daily, saying he wants his blood to be “nice and thin.” The disclosure has sparked discussions on presidential health routines, medical opinions on high-dose aspirin use, and its potential risks and benefits.

US President Donald Trump Taking 'High Dose' of Aspirin; Says He Wants 'Nice & Thin' Blood

<p>US President Donald Trump, in an interview, insisted that he has "very good genetics" while fielding questions about his health issues, including the widely spotted bruising on his hands, the MRI he underwent and his propensity to fall asleep during on-camera meetings. During an interview with the Wall Street Journal, the POTUS undercut the narrative of his White House, and offered unusually candid details about his medical routine that he admitted has hints of "superstition". And in doing so, he contradicted months of carefully worded reassurances from his press secretary, Karoline Leavitt.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/donald-trump-ends-2025-with-hateful-late-night-truth-social-tirade-tells-rivals-to-rot-in-hell-in-ny26-1767235319298"><strong>Trump ends 2025 with hateful Truth Social tirade, tells rivals to 'rot in hell'</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Make Aspirin Superstitious Again</strong></h2><p>Since returning to the office last January, questions about Trump's health have followed him closely. Photographs showing dark bruises on the backs of his hands, sometimes covered with makeup or bandages, have prompted speculation that Leavitt has repeatedly tried to dismiss. Her most common explanation was that the marks came from constant handshaking, describing Trump as someone who meets and greets more people than any president before him. She has also pointed to his routine use of aspirin.</p><p>However, Trump told a different story. He said he takes 325 milligrams of aspirin every day, four times the low dose commonly recommended, despite doctors urging him to cut back. The reason, he said, is superstition. He has been on the same regimen for decades and does not want to change it. "I’m a little superstitious," he said, adding, "They say aspirin is good for thinning out the blood, and I don’t want thick blood pouring through my heart".</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/no-nobel-benjamin-netanyahu-creates-israel-peace-prize-just-for-donald-trump-1767076085565"><strong>No Nobel? Benjamin Netanyahu creates Israel Peace Prize just for Donald Trump</strong></a></p><p>"I want nice, thin blood pouring through my heart. Does that make sense?". The higher dose, he acknowledged, makes him bruise easily, especially as his skin has become thinner with age.</p><p>He also confirmed he uses makeup to cover marks after his hands get "whacked," including one incident involving Attorney General Pam Bondi, whose ring nicked him during a high five.</p><h2><strong>So, did Trump get an MRI or give "ammunition" to rivals?</strong></h2><p>Trump also revisited the mystery surrounding a scan he underwent at Walter Reed last October. For weeks, Leavitt referred to the procedure only as "advanced imaging," declining to say whether it was an MRI, but that was the running commentary. Trump told the Journal he had described it as an MRI himself, then corrected the record. It was, he said, a CT scan done to rule out cardiovascular issues. Nothing abnormal was found.</p><p>The president expressed regret about taking the test at all, saying it gave critics "ammunition" to question his health. "In retrospect, it’s too bad I took it because it gave them a little ammunition," he said.</p><h2><strong>'DOZY DON'</strong></h2><p>Trump also denied struggling with hearing or sleep, brushing off footage showing him with his eyes closed during meetings. He said he has always slept little and still keeps a packed schedule. "I’ve never been a big sleeper," he said, insisting, "Sometimes they’ll take a picture of me blinking, blinking, and they’ll catch me with the blink".</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark" data-dnt="true" align="center"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">DOZY DON IS BACK! <a href="https://t.co/TQHaMi9YaF">pic.twitter.com/TQHaMi9YaF</a></p>&mdash; Governor Newsom Press Office (@GovPressOffice) <a href="https://twitter.com/GovPressOffice/status/1986611487843229908?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>At 79, Trump is the oldest person to assume the presidency. Rejecting the idea that age is slowing him down, he said his energy comes down to one thing: “Genetics are very important...And I have very good genetics.”</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-president-donald-trump-taking-high-dose-of-aspirin-says-he-wants-nice-thin-blood-1767324052394/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-president-donald-trump-taking-high-dose-of-aspirin-says-he-wants-nice-thin-blood-1767324052394/embed</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Donald Trump has broken from his own White House script, admitting he takes high-dose aspirin out of superstition, bruises easily, and regrets a medical scan that became “ammunition” for health doubts. Brushing off age concerns, he insisted he has, “very good genetics.”

US President Donald Trump, in an interview, insisted that he has "very good genetics" while fielding questions about his health issues, including the widely spotted bruising on his hands, the MRI he underwent and his propensity to fall asleep during on-camera meetings. During an interview with the Wall Street Journal, the POTUS undercut the narrative of his White House, and offered unusually candid details about his medical routine that he admitted has hints of "superstition". And in doing so, he contradicted months of carefully worded reassurances from his press secretary, Karoline Leavitt. Also read | Trump ends 2025 with hateful Truth Social tirade, tells rivals to 'rot in hell' Make Aspirin Superstitious Again Since returning to the office last January, questions about Trump's health have followed him closely. Photographs showing dark bruises on the backs of his hands, sometimes covered with makeup or bandages, have prompted speculation that Leavitt has repeatedly tried to dismiss. Her most common explanation was that the marks came from constant handshaking, describing Trump as someone who meets and greets more people than any president before him. She has also pointed to his routine use of aspirin. However, Trump told a different story. He said he takes 325 milligrams of aspirin every day, four times the low dose commonly recommended, despite doctors urging him to cut back. The reason, he said, is superstition. He has been on the same regimen for decades and does not want to change it. "I’m a little superstitious," he said, adding, "They say aspirin is good for thinning out the blood, and I don’t want thick blood pouring through my heart". Also read | No Nobel? Benjamin Netanyahu creates Israel Peace Prize just for Donald Trump "I want nice, thin blood pouring through my heart. Does that make sense?". The higher dose, he acknowledged, makes him bruise easily, especially as his skin has become thinner with age. He also confirmed he uses makeup to cover marks after his hands get "whacked," including one incident involving Attorney General Pam Bondi, whose ring nicked him during a high five. So, did Trump get an MRI or give "ammunition" to rivals? Trump also revisited the mystery surrounding a scan he underwent at Walter Reed last October. For weeks, Leavitt referred to the procedure only as "advanced imaging," declining to say whether it was an MRI, but that was the running commentary. Trump told the Journal he had described it as an MRI himself, then corrected the record. It was, he said, a CT scan done to rule out cardiovascular issues. Nothing abnormal was found. The president expressed regret about taking the test at all, saying it gave critics "ammunition" to question his health. "In retrospect, it’s too bad I took it because it gave them a little ammunition," he said. 'DOZY DON' Trump also denied struggling with hearing or sleep, brushing off footage showing him with his eyes closed during meetings. He said he has always slept little and still keeps a packed schedule. "I’ve never been a big sleeper," he said, insisting, "Sometimes they’ll take a picture of me blinking, blinking, and they’ll catch me with the blink".

<p>Donald Trump has broken from his own White House script, admitting he takes high-dose aspirin out of superstition, bruises easily, and regrets a medical scan that became “ammunition” for health doubts. Brushing off age concerns, he insisted he has, “very good genetics.”</p>

Make Aspirin 'Superstitious' Again? Trump contradicts White House, reveals shocking truth about bruises and MRI scans. Here's what he said

<p>US President Donald Trump hosted a New Year's Eve party at his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, on December 31, 2025. In the event, artist Vanessa Horabuena created a “speed painting” of Jesus of Nazareth. Trump, 79, a former TV Show host, is very familiar with entertaining a crowd. He stood next to Vanessa as he was seen humouring the crowd. The painting was reportedly sold at $2.75 mn, and half the proceeds from the painting will go to St. Jude's Children Research Hospital, while the other half will go to the local sheriff's office.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🚨 NOW: President Trump just had an artist paint Jesus Christ at Mar-a-Lago on New Year&#39;s Eve<br><br>America is a CHRISTIAN nation. 🇺🇸🙏🏻<br><br>TRUMP: &quot;Was that AMAZING!&quot; <a href="https://t.co/WDUIvwTDrD">pic.twitter.com/WDUIvwTDrD</a></p>&mdash; Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) <a href="https://twitter.com/EricLDaugh/status/2006546347109871798?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🚨 JUST IN: AUCTIONEER President Trump at Mar-a-Lago for the painting of Jesus Christ, for charity and the sheriff<br><br>&quot;$2 million, whoa! $2 million. I&#39;ll sign it, if you&#39;ll give MORE!&quot; 🤣<br><br>&quot;Any other bids? $2.5 million! Going once? $2.75 million!&quot;<br><br>&quot;$2.75M. Do I hear a $3M?&quot;<br><br>&quot;Yes?… <a href="https://t.co/uCMYKjV5fi">pic.twitter.com/uCMYKjV5fi</a></p>&mdash; Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) <a href="https://twitter.com/EricLDaugh/status/2006548985033433517?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>Trump reportedly began the bidding at “one million dollars” and then encouraged attendees to go higher. Soon enough, another attendee raised it to “two million dollars”.“You see what I mean when I tell you these people? And yet that’s peanuts,” Encouraging further bids, he added, “Anybody, I’ll sign it if you give more. Okay? Any other bids?” said Trump. Then someone bid two million, five hundred thousand dollars; Trump joked it was "five million".&nbsp;</p><p>"Uh, Eddie, we have two million, five. Two million, five. Anybody up here? You see what happens here, John? How about that for entertainment? How is that as entertainment? We can have great musicians, everything else.’” The bidding continued, and Trump heaped praises on the artist, &nbsp;“She did something for us last night. She created a work of art. It was so incredible. I said, 'Could you come and do it again?' Right, John? And she was a hit. Do you notice? I said, 'No, let him stand on the floor.' Not one person left the floor.”&nbsp;</p><p>He then invited the artist Vabessa to stay and joked that these attendees have a lot of cash. The painting was then sold for $2.75 mn. He then invited the winning bidder to come up to the stage. Trump then spoke to the reporter with First Lady Melania Trump by his side. When asked about what his New Year's resolution is, he replied, “Peace on earth.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Donald Trump auctioned a live painting of Jesus at his Mar-a-Lago New Year’s Eve party, raising $2.75 million for charity, including St. Jude’s.

US President Donald Trump hosted a New Year's Eve party at his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, on December 31, 2025. In the event, artist Vanessa Horabuena created a “speed painting” of Jesus of Nazareth. Trump, 79, a former TV Show host, is very familiar with entertaining a crowd. He stood next to Vanessa as he was seen humouring the crowd. The painting was reportedly sold at $2.75 mn, and half the proceeds from the painting will go to St. Jude's Children Research Hospital, while the other half will go to the local sheriff's office.

<p>Donald Trump auctioned a live painting of Jesus at his Mar-a-Lago New Year’s Eve party, raising $2.75 million for charity, including St. Jude’s.</p>

Trump auctions painting of Jesus at Mar-a-Lago New Year’s Eve party, raises millions for charity

<p>US President Donald Trump spent the final hours of 2025 in a hateful spiral, airing grievances rather than ringing in a 'happy' new year. From Mar-a-Lago, where he's spending the holiday, Trump used Truth Social to lash out at political opponents, telling a Republican district attorney and Colorado's Democratic governor that they could both "rot in hell". He wrote: “I wish them only the worst,” he wrote. “May they rot in Hell.”</p><h2><strong>Who does Trump hate now?</strong></h2><p>The bizarre post slamming Colorado Gov. Jared Polis and Mesa County District Attorney Dan Rubinstein was centred on Tina Peters. The 70-year-old MAGA superfan, a former Colorado county clerk, is serving a nine-year prison sentence for allowing unauthorised access to election systems after an attempt to overturn Joe Biden's 2020 win. Peters was convicted for letting a man linked to MyPillow founder Mike Lindell view confidential election data. Trump has been pushing for her release. But his post was riddled with basic errors.</p><p>He claimed Peters was 73, said she was being held in a maximum-security prison, and suggested she had already served two years. In reality, she is 15 months into her sentence at a medium-security women’s facility.</p>

<p>Polis and Rubinstein both responded sharply to Trump's hate. In a statement to Daily Beast, Polis said he hoped Trump’s new year resolution would be to "to spend less time online talking about me and more on making America more affordable by stopping his disastrous tariffs and fixing rising health care costs".</p><p>Rubinstein was more blunt, saying Trump had "no facts and no law" on his side, leaving him with little more than anger. "There’s a saying in the law: If the facts are on your side, pound the facts; if the law is on your side, pound the law; if neither is on your side, pound the table. President Trump has no facts and no law here. After trying and failing to invent both, he’s left with nothing but pounding the table."</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/no-nobel-benjamin-netanyahu-creates-israel-peace-prize-just-for-donald-trump-1767076085565"><strong>No Nobel? Benjamin Netanyahu creates Israel Peace Prize just for Donald Trump</strong></a></p><h2><i><strong>Trump's hateful tirade BELOW</strong></i></h2><h2><strong>'Worst political prognosticators of all time' George and Amal Clooney</strong></h2><p>The attacks did not stop there. Trump also turned his attention to actor George Clooney and human rights lawyer Amal Clooney, claiming they had become citizens of France and mocking Clooney's political views and film career. His post wandered through immigration, crime in France, and a string of insults aimed at Democratic leaders.</p>

<h2><strong>'Crooked' Walz</strong></h2><p>In another post, Trump misspelled Minnesota Governor Tim Walz's name in repeated posts and revived unproven claims about fraud in Minnesota, calling him "Tim Waltz of Minnesota is a Crooked Governor!!!". He also alleged without evidence that "90 per cent" of those involved were undocumented migrants from Somalia.</p>

<p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/viral-maga-influencer-video-triggers-trump-funding-freeze-minnesota-somali-childcare-fraud-controversy-explained-1767169841087"><strong>Viral MAGA influencer video triggers Trump funding freeze: Minnesota 'Somali childcare fraud' controversy | EXPLAINED</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Ilhan Omar: 'Did she really marry her brother?'</strong></h2><p>He also repeated a long-debunked falsehood about Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar, suggesting she had married her brother, and called for Somali immigrants to be sent back.</p><p>Some posts were less targeted, casting Democrats broadly as "cheaters and thieves" and accusing them of opposing voter identification to rig elections.</p><p>It undoubtedly was a striking way to close out the year, Trump-style.</p>

Donald Trump bid farewell to 2025 not with cheer but with rage, unloading a late-night tirade against governors, prosecutors, celebrities and Democrats. From “rot in hell” posts to recycled falsehoods, this was the POTUS' New Year message.

US President Donald Trump spent the final hours of 2025 in a hateful spiral, airing grievances rather than ringing in a 'happy' new year. From Mar-a-Lago, where he's spending the holiday, Trump used Truth Social to lash out at political opponents, telling a Republican district attorney and Colorado's Democratic governor that they could both "rot in hell". He wrote: “I wish them only the worst,” he wrote. “May they rot in Hell.” Who does Trump hate now? The bizarre post slamming Colorado Gov. Jared Polis and Mesa County District Attorney Dan Rubinstein was centred on Tina Peters. The 70-year-old MAGA superfan, a former Colorado county clerk, is serving a nine-year prison sentence for allowing unauthorised access to election systems after an attempt to overturn Joe Biden's 2020 win. Peters was convicted for letting a man linked to MyPillow founder Mike Lindell view confidential election data. Trump has been pushing for her release. But his post was riddled with basic errors. He claimed Peters was 73, said she was being held in a maximum-security prison, and suggested she had already served two years. In reality, she is 15 months into her sentence at a medium-security women’s facility.

<p>Donald Trump bid farewell to 2025 not with cheer but with rage, unloading a late-night tirade against governors, prosecutors, celebrities and Democrats. From “rot in hell” posts to recycled falsehoods, this was the POTUS' New Year message.</p>

Donald Trump ends 2025 with hateful late night Truth Social tirade, tells rivals to 'rot in hell' in NY26

<p>US Attorney General Pam Bondi posted a chart on Social Media claiming it shows the Trump administration's success in in drug overdose deaths after she was embarrassed for taking credit for the Biden administration. The graph was reflecting overdose deaths dropping during Joe Biden’s presidency. Users on the social media platform were quick to correct Trump's mistake. AG Pam Bondi soon figured out the blunder and deleted the post, but not before screenshots were circulated.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The chart covered overdose deaths from October 2015 to October 2024. It showed the nationwide death surge began in 2015 with the advent of fentanyl. The overdose death spike happened at the beginning of the Trump administration in 2017. It started to peak again during the coronavirus pandemic during Trump's administration. It began declining sharply during Biden’s term — contrary to Bondi’s claim.&nbsp;</p><p>Critics, including Democratic Rep. Ted Lieu, mocked the error, thanking Bondi for giving “unintentional credit” to Biden’s policies. “Lol, the truth hurts,” Lieu wrote alongside a screenshot. “@AGPamBondi was glazing Trump again with another lying sycophantic tweet, but the chart she attached stopped in Oct 2024, thus showing the great work done by Joe Biden.”</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">JUST IN: AG Pam Bondi deletes a post touting a chart as proof of the Trump administration&#39;s success in reducing drug overdoses—after being informed the data actually reflected the *Biden* administration’s record. <a href="https://t.co/k1EmHYCRUv">pic.twitter.com/k1EmHYCRUv</a></p>&mdash; MeidasTouch (@MeidasTouch) <a href="https://twitter.com/MeidasTouch/status/2006155914244510162?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>The deceleration during Biden's term was nearly twice the amount during Trump's. However, health care workers have warned that the recent progress of a roughly 27% decline in drug overdose-related death can plummet due to the budget cut of drug treatment agencies. The country's main mental health agency, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration, commonly known as SAMHSA, is about to lose more than a third of its staff of about 900 due to Trump's budget bill cuts of $1 billion.</p>

US Attorney General Pam Bondi deleted a social media post after users noted her chart credited Biden, not Trum,p for the drop in drug overdose deaths.

US Attorney General Pam Bondi posted a chart on Social Media claiming it shows the Trump administration's success in in drug overdose deaths after she was embarrassed for taking credit for the Biden administration. The graph was reflecting overdose deaths dropping during Joe Biden’s presidency. Users on the social media platform were quick to correct Trump's mistake. AG Pam Bondi soon figured out the blunder and deleted the post, but not before screenshots were circulated. The chart covered overdose deaths from October 2015 to October 2024. It showed the nationwide death surge began in 2015 with the advent of fentanyl. The overdose death spike happened at the beginning of the Trump administration in 2017. It started to peak again during the coronavirus pandemic during Trump's administration. It began declining sharply during Biden’s term — contrary to Bondi’s claim. Critics, including Democratic Rep. Ted Lieu, mocked the error, thanking Bondi for giving “unintentional credit” to Biden’s policies. “Lol, the truth hurts,” Lieu wrote alongside a screenshot. “@AGPamBondi was glazing Trump again with another lying sycophantic tweet, but the chart she attached stopped in Oct 2024, thus showing the great work done by Joe Biden.”

<p>US Attorney General Pam Bondi deleted a social media post after users noted her chart credited Biden, not Trump for the drop in drug overdose deaths.</p>

Pam Bondi deletes post after internet notices her ‘Trump Win’ chart actually praises Biden

Federal officials halted child care payments to Minnesota, ordered audits and stricter documentation, and launched a fraud hotline following investigations into alleged misuse of billions in taxpayer-funded programmes.


Minnesota: Donald Trump Freezes Child Care Funds to Minnesota Over Fraud

US President Donald Trump dismissed differences with Israel over the Gaza ceasefire on Dec. 29, saying he was unconcerned by Israeli actions. Standing with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump warned Hamas must disarm quickly or face consequences. Reports say Israeli strikes have killed hundreds since the truce was declared.

Israel-Gaza War: Trump 'Not Concerned' About Israeli Strikes in Gaza

<p>US President Donald Trump's heartfelt desire for a Nobel Peace Prize may have stayed unattainable in 2025, but his friend Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stepped up with a prize for the "peacemaker". Following his bilateral meeting with the POTUS, Netanyahu on Monday (Dec 29) announced that Israel will bestow upon Trump the 'Israel Prize for Peace'. The US president, responding to the announcement, said it was "really surprising and very much appreciated."</p><h2><strong>Why does it matter?</strong></h2><p>Apart from Trump's obvious push for a "peacemaker" legacy, this happens to be the first time in 80 years that a non-Israeli would be honoured with the Israel Prize, regarded as the state's highest cultural honour.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/trump-mamdani-epstein-hasina-pope-leo-xiv-elon-musk-luigi-mangione-shubhanshu-shukla-global-headlines-2025-most-talked-about-people-1766740930763"><strong>Trump, Epstein, Mamdani and more: 2025’s most talked-about people</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Israel tailors a peace prize for Trump</strong></h2><p>Notably, Israel has tailored the award to fulfil Trump's ambitions. This is the first time Israel will be awarding the 'Israel Prize' in the peace category.</p><p>Acknowledging this, Netanyahu, in a statement, said that Israel was breaking the "convention" to honour Trump for his "immense contribution to the Israeli and the Jewish people".</p><p>"President Trump has broken so many conventions to surprise people, so we decided to break a convention or create a new one, that is to award the Israel Prize, which in 80 years, we have never awarded to a non-Israeli, to President Trump. This was announced formally over lunch by our Minister of Education, that President Donald J Trump should be awarded this prize for his immense contribution to the Israeli and the Jewish people," he told reporters.</p><p>He added that the award "reflects the overwhelming sentiment of Israelis across the spectrum, they appreciate what you've done to help Israel and our common battle against the terrorists."</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/-2025-redacted-newsom-goes-full-troll-mode-on-trump-over-epstein-files-redactions-watch-viral-video-1766730541310"><strong>'2025: REDACTED': Newsom goes full troll mode on Trump over Epstein files redactions. Watch viral video</strong></a></p><h2><strong>FIFA did it first</strong></h2><p>Before Israel, FIFA, earlier this year, created a peace prize especially for Trump. At the 2026 World Cup draw, FIFA President Gianni Infantino presented his “close friend” Donald Trump with the first-ever FIFA Peace Prize, which was created without approval from the governing FIFA Council.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p>

Donald Trump may have missed out on a Nobel, but Israel has stepped in with a custom-made peace prize. Benjamin Netanyahu announced the first-ever Israel Prize for Peace, breaking an 80-year rule to honour Trump’s legacy.

US President Donald Trump's heartfelt desire for a Nobel Peace Prize may have stayed unattainable in 2025, but his friend Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stepped up with a prize for the "peacemaker". Following his bilateral meeting with the POTUS, Netanyahu on Monday (Dec 29) announced that Israel will bestow upon Trump the 'Israel Prize for Peace'. The US president, responding to the announcement, said it was "really surprising and very much appreciated." Why does it matter? Apart from Trump's obvious push for a "peacemaker" legacy, this happens to be the first time in 80 years that a non-Israeli would be honoured with the Israel Prize, regarded as the state's highest cultural honour. Also read | Trump, Epstein, Mamdani and more: 2025’s most talked-about people Israel tailors a peace prize for Trump Notably, Israel has tailored the award to fulfil Trump's ambitions. This is the first time Israel will be awarding the 'Israel Prize' in the peace category. Acknowledging this, Netanyahu, in a statement, said that Israel was breaking the "convention" to honour Trump for his "immense contribution to the Israeli and the Jewish people". "President Trump has broken so many conventions to surprise people, so we decided to break a convention or create a new one, that is to award the Israel Prize, which in 80 years, we have never awarded to a non-Israeli, to President Trump. This was announced formally over lunch by our Minister of Education, that President Donald J Trump should be awarded this prize for his immense contribution to the Israeli and the Jewish people," he told reporters. He added that the award "reflects the overwhelming sentiment of Israelis across the spectrum, they appreciate what you've done to help Israel and our common battle against the terrorists." Also read | '2025: REDACTED': Newsom goes full troll mode on Trump over Epstein files redactions. Watch viral video FIFA did it first Before Israel, FIFA, earlier this year, created a peace prize especially for Trump. At the 2026 World Cup draw, FIFA President Gianni Infantino presented his “close friend” Donald Trump with the first-ever FIFA Peace Prize, which was created without approval from the governing FIFA Council.

<p>Donald Trump may have missed out on a Nobel, but Israel has stepped in with a custom-made peace prize. Benjamin Netanyahu announced the first-ever Israel Prize for Peace, breaking an 80-year rule to honour Trump’s legacy.</p>

No Nobel? Benjamin Netanyahu creates Israel Peace Prize just for Donald Trump

U.S. President Donald Trump meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Mar-a-Lago as part of ongoing diplomatic engagement between the two leaders.

Trump-Netanyahu Meet: Trump Addresses Iran in Joint Presser With Netanyahu

<p>US President Donald Trump said he was "glad" his administration had not supplied Ukraine with long-range Tomahawk missiles, after Russian President Vladimir Putin told him Kyiv allegedly targeted one of his official residences in a drone attack. Ukraine has dismissed the claim as fabricated. According to a Kremlin readout of a phone call between the two leaders, Putin told Trump that Ukraine had carried out what he described as a "terrorist attack" using drones against a residence linked to the Russian presidency. Moscow claimed Trump was "shocked" and "literally outraged" by the account.</p><h2><strong>US relieved it didn't give Tomahawks to Ukraine?</strong></h2><p>The Kremlin statement claims that when told about the alleged attack on Putin's residence, Trump remarked that he "couldn’t even imagine such crazy actions" and added that the alleged incident would inevitably affect Washington's approach toward Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. It also quoted Trump as saying, "thank God, the current administration hasn’t given ‘Tomahawks’".</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/trump-mamdani-epstein-hasina-pope-leo-xiv-elon-musk-luigi-mangione-shubhanshu-shukla-global-headlines-2025-most-talked-about-people-1766740930763"><strong>Trump, Epstein, Mamdani and more: 2025’s most talked-about people</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Is Trump angry at Zelensky?</strong></h2><p>Trump later confirmed the call, describing it as "a very good talk," while acknowledging that several "thorny issues" remained unresolved. Speaking to reporters, he said he was "very angry" when Putin raised the alleged attack, arguing that targeting a leader's residence crossed a different line than battlefield operations. He said it was one thing to "be offensive" and another "to attack his (Putin's) house".</p><p>At the same time, Trump conceded that the Russian claim might not be accurate. Asked whether US intelligence had verified the incident, he said it was "possible" the attack did not happen as described.</p><h2><strong>Putin's residence attacked?</strong></h2><p>Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov asserted that Russian air defences intercepted drones aimed at a presidential retreat in the Novgorod region, though no evidence has been made public. The location is not Putin's primary residence and is typically used as a retreat.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-warns-us-of-harsh-response-after-trump-vows-to-eradicate-nuclear-programme-1767055651432"><strong>Iran warns US of ‘harsh response’ after Trump vows to ‘eradicate’ nuclear programme</strong></a></p><p>Ukraine categorically denied the accusation. Zelensky said Moscow was spreading falsehoods to derail diplomatic momentum between Kyiv and Washington, especially after his recent meeting with Trump at Mar-a-Lago. Calling the allegation "Another round of lies from the Russian Federation," Zelensky told reporters that Russia views improving US-Ukraine relations as a setback to its war aims.</p><p>"It is clear that we had a meeting with Trump yesterday, and it is clear that for the Russians, if there is no scandal between us and America, and we are making progress—for them it is a failure, because they do not want to end this war".</p>

Donald Trump says he is glad the US never gave Ukraine Tomahawk missiles after Vladimir Putin claimed Kyiv targeted a Russian presidential residence. Ukraine denies the charge, calling it a lie to sabotage diplomacy, as Trump admits the attack may never have happened.

US President Donald Trump said he was "glad" his administration had not supplied Ukraine with long-range Tomahawk missiles, after Russian President Vladimir Putin told him Kyiv allegedly targeted one of his official residences in a drone attack. Ukraine has dismissed the claim as fabricated. According to a Kremlin readout of a phone call between the two leaders, Putin told Trump that Ukraine had carried out what he described as a "terrorist attack" using drones against a residence linked to the Russian presidency. Moscow claimed Trump was "shocked" and "literally outraged" by the account. US relieved it didn't give Tomahawks to Ukraine? The Kremlin statement claims that when told about the alleged attack on Putin's residence, Trump remarked that he "couldn’t even imagine such crazy actions" and added that the alleged incident would inevitably affect Washington's approach toward Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. It also quoted Trump as saying, "thank God, the current administration hasn’t given ‘Tomahawks’". Also read | Trump, Epstein, Mamdani and more: 2025’s most talked-about people Is Trump angry at Zelensky? Trump later confirmed the call, describing it as "a very good talk," while acknowledging that several "thorny issues" remained unresolved. Speaking to reporters, he said he was "very angry" when Putin raised the alleged attack, arguing that targeting a leader's residence crossed a different line than battlefield operations. He said it was one thing to "be offensive" and another "to attack his (Putin's) house". At the same time, Trump conceded that the Russian claim might not be accurate. Asked whether US intelligence had verified the incident, he said it was "possible" the attack did not happen as described. Putin's residence attacked? Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov asserted that Russian air defences intercepted drones aimed at a presidential retreat in the Novgorod region, though no evidence has been made public. The location is not Putin's primary residence and is typically used as a retreat. Also read | Iran warns US of ‘harsh response’ after Trump vows to ‘eradicate’ nuclear programme Ukraine categorically denied the accusation. Zelensky said Moscow was spreading falsehoods to derail diplomatic momentum between Kyiv and Washington, especially after his recent meeting with Trump at Mar-a-Lago. Calling the allegation "Another round of lies from the Russian Federation," Zelensky told reporters that Russia views improving US-Ukraine relations as a setback to its war aims. "It is clear that we had a meeting with Trump yesterday, and it is clear that for the Russians, if there is no scandal between us and America, and we are making progress—for them it is a failure, because they do not want to end this war".

<p>Donald Trump says he is glad the US never gave Ukraine Tomahawk missiles after Vladimir Putin claimed Kyiv targeted a Russian presidential residence. Ukraine denies the charge, calling it a lie to sabotage diplomacy, as Trump admits the attack may never have happened.</p>

Did Trump say he’s ‘glad’ US didn’t give Ukraine Tomahawks after Putin alleged drone attack on residence?

Trump-Netanyahu Meet: Trump To 'Knock The Hell Out' of Iran If It Rebuilds Nuclear Programme

<p>Iran on Monday (Dec 29) warned the United States that any aggression against the country would bring "immediate harsh response". This comes as US President Donald Trump vowed to "eradicate" any attempt to reactivate Iran's nuclear capabilities.<br>Iran's top political advisor to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, Ali Shamkhani, in a post on X, stated that the nation's military strength will not be discussed or limited through talks. Writing on X, he emphasised that Tehran's "Missile Capability and defense are not containable or permission-based". Should any hostile act occur, he noted, the reaction would surpass the aggressor's "imagination".&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/trump-mamdani-epstein-hasina-pope-leo-xiv-elon-musk-luigi-mangione-shubhanshu-shukla-global-headlines-2025-most-talked-about-people-1766740930763"><strong>Trump, Epstein, Mamdani and more: 2025’s most talked-about people</strong></a></p><h2><strong>What did Trump say?</strong></h2><p>Trump, on Monday, threatened Iran against trying to rebuild its nuclear missile programme, saying he would "knock them down". Ahead of his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the POTUS said, “I hear that Iran is trying to build up again, and if they are, we’re going to have to knock them down".&nbsp;</p><p>“We’ll knock them down. We’ll knock the hell out of them,” he vowed, adding that he would support an attack on Iran “immediately” if it attempts to redevelop its nuclear capability. Advising the country instead to seek a “deal” with the US, he said, “That’s smarter ... They could have made a deal the last time before we went through, you know, a big attack on them”.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/-2025-redacted-newsom-goes-full-troll-mode-on-trump-over-epstein-files-redactions-watch-viral-video-1766730541310"><strong>'2025: REDACTED': Newsom goes full troll mode on Trump over Epstein files redactions. Watch viral video</strong></a></p><p>"I hope they're not trying to build up again because if they are, we're going have no choice but very quickly to eradicate that buildup," Trump said, adding that the US response "may be more powerful than the last time." However, Trump insisted that he believed Iran was still interested in a deal with Washington on its nuclear and missile programs. Tehran denies that it is seeking nuclear weapons.<br>&nbsp;</p>

Iran has issued a blunt warning to Washington, saying any attack will trigger an immediate and harsh response. The message follows Donald Trump’s threat to wipe out Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

Iran on Monday (Dec 29) warned the United States that any aggression against the country would bring "immediate harsh response". This comes as US President Donald Trump vowed to "eradicate" any attempt to reactivate Iran's nuclear capabilities. Iran's top political advisor to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, Ali Shamkhani, in a post on X, stated that the nation's military strength will not be discussed or limited through talks. Writing on X, he emphasised that Tehran's "Missile Capability and defense are not containable or permission-based". Should any hostile act occur, he noted, the reaction would surpass the aggressor's "imagination". Also read | Trump, Epstein, Mamdani and more: 2025’s most talked-about people What did Trump say? Trump, on Monday, threatened Iran against trying to rebuild its nuclear missile programme, saying he would "knock them down". Ahead of his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the POTUS said, “I hear that Iran is trying to build up again, and if they are, we’re going to have to knock them down". “We’ll knock them down. We’ll knock the hell out of them,” he vowed, adding that he would support an attack on Iran “immediately” if it attempts to redevelop its nuclear capability. Advising the country instead to seek a “deal” with the US, he said, “That’s smarter ... They could have made a deal the last time before we went through, you know, a big attack on them”. Also read | '2025: REDACTED': Newsom goes full troll mode on Trump over Epstein files redactions. Watch viral video "I hope they're not trying to build up again because if they are, we're going have no choice but very quickly to eradicate that buildup," Trump said, adding that the US response "may be more powerful than the last time." However, Trump insisted that he believed Iran was still interested in a deal with Washington on its nuclear and missile programs. Tehran denies that it is seeking nuclear weapons.

<p>Iran has issued a blunt warning to Washington, saying any attack will trigger an immediate and harsh response. The message follows Donald Trump’s threat to wipe out Iran’s nuclear ambitions.</p>

Iran warns US of ‘harsh response’ after Trump vows to ‘eradicate’ nuclear programme

Could a meeting in Florida pave the way for peace in the Russia–Ukraine war? With mounting casualties and ongoing missile and drone strikes, diplomatic efforts are once again in focus. As global leaders explore possible frameworks to end the conflict, questions remain over ceasefire terms, security guarantees, and territorial disputes. Watch for the latest updates, expert insights, and analysis on whether the Florida talks can deliver a breakthrough to end the war.

Will Florida Meeting Lead to a Peace Plan to End the War? 

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump welcomed the celebrations at Mar-A-Lago with a Christmas Eve party on December 24 after taking calls from kids contacting the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).

Melania to Trump: Don't Make a Fool of Yourself, Lip Reader Decodes First Couple's Awkward Exchange

Washington says it has carried out airstrikes against suspected Islamic State targets in northwest Nigeria. A move U.S. President Donald Trump described as 'powerful and deadly.'

US Launched Air Strikes in Nigeria Targeting I-S Camps on Christmas

<p>US President Donald Trump asserted in an interview with Politico that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's optimism about the 20-point peace plan is irrelevant without his approval. Trump also told the US media that he is going to speak to Russian President Vladimir Putin “soon, as much as I want.” Zelenskyy is set to meet Trump in his Palm Beach residence on Sunday to discuss the peace plan. Trump said that there's a "good shot" at the resolution of Ukraine's conflict during the meeting. &nbsp;</p><p>“He doesn’t have anything until I approve it. So we’ll see what he’s got," said Trump to Politico. Zelenskyy said earlier this week that there were some disagreements with Washington over territory issues and NATO-related provisions. However, he said there had been an agreement on freezing the frontline and keeping the door open for joining NATO, as reported by Kyiv Post.</p><p>“Every meeting and every conversation brings us closer to the desired result,” said Zelenskyy.</p><p>Apart from showing that it everything depends on his approval, Trump shared a positive outlook about Sunday's meeting,“I think it’s going to go good with him. I think it’s going to go good with (Russian President Vladimir) Putin,” said Trump.</p><p>Russia, on the other hand, accused Zelenskyy on Friday of trying to sabotage the US-brokered plan to end the war. It had clearly opposed the meeting and specifically called out Europe for not being in favour of the US brokered 28-point peace deal. Moscow has no desire to abandon its territorial and security demands, specifically withdrawal from Donbas and legal renunciation of NATO ambitions.</p><p>The 20-point peace deal is the only material acknowledgement made by Ukraine to end the 3-year-long war. Apart from territorial concession and creating a demilitarised buffer zone in the east, the deal also seeks bilateral security guarantees from the US.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Donald Trump says Zelenskyy’s 20-point Ukraine peace plan is meaningless without his approval, signals talks with Putin and a possible breakthrough

US President Donald Trump asserted in an interview with Politico that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's optimism about the 20-point peace plan is irrelevant without his approval. Trump also told the US media that he is going to speak to Russian President Vladimir Putin “soon, as much as I want.” Zelenskyy is set to meet Trump in his Palm Beach residence on Sunday to discuss the peace plan. Trump said that there's a "good shot" at the resolution of Ukraine's conflict during the meeting. “He doesn’t have anything until I approve it. So we’ll see what he’s got," said Trump to Politico. Zelenskyy said earlier this week that there were some disagreements with Washington over territory issues and NATO-related provisions. However, he said there had been an agreement on freezing the frontline and keeping the door open for joining NATO, as reported by Kyiv Post. “Every meeting and every conversation brings us closer to the desired result,” said Zelenskyy. Apart from showing that it everything depends on his approval, Trump shared a positive outlook about Sunday's meeting,“I think it’s going to go good with him. I think it’s going to go good with (Russian President Vladimir) Putin,” said Trump. Russia, on the other hand, accused Zelenskyy on Friday of trying to sabotage the US-brokered plan to end the war. It had clearly opposed the meeting and specifically called out Europe for not being in favour of the US brokered 28-point peace deal. Moscow has no desire to abandon its territorial and security demands, specifically withdrawal from Donbas and legal renunciation of NATO ambitions. The 20-point peace deal is the only material acknowledgement made by Ukraine to end the 3-year-long war. Apart from territorial concession and creating a demilitarised buffer zone in the east, the deal also seeks bilateral security guarantees from the US.

<p>Donald Trump says Zelenskyy’s 20-point Ukraine peace plan is meaningless without his approval, signals talks with Putin and a possible breakthrough</p>

Trump downplays Zelenskyy's optimism, says Ukraine peace plan means nothing without his approval

<p>US President Donald Trump on Friday complained about the DOJ's focus on late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. He urged the department to release any documents naming the Democrats, to 'embarrass them'. He called the whole process a “Democrat inspired Hoax”, and it is turning attention away from the issues that are most important to them. In his Christmas Day Truth Social post, he alleged that “The Dems are the ones who worked with Epstein, not the Republicans.”</p><p>“Release all of their names, embarrass them,” said Trump.</p><p>The Justice Department trickled out some of the Epstein Files over the last week under the Epstein Transparency Act issued on November 19 by the President himself. Though did not provide any incriminating evidence on either Donald Trump or Bill Clinton, who have been repeatedly linked with the late sex trafficker. The release, however, gave an expansive view of the scale of the operations of Epstein.</p>

<p>"Now 1,000,000 more pages on Epstein have been found. DOJ is being forced to spend all of its time on this Democrat inspired Hoax. When do they say NO MORE, and work on Election Fraud etc." said Trump in a Truth Social post.</p><p>The released documents have some of the FBI reports alleging about Trump's activities at his Mar-a-Lago, like hosting parties with prostitutes, rape allegations, and witness of murdering a baby, some of which the DOJ referred to as scandalous, have not been proven. The new release also had flight logs which mentioned Trump had flown in Epstein's jet &nbsp;“many more times”. Former US President Bill Clinton has also been pictured with numerous underage women whose faces were redacted. Clinton's spokesperson last week urged to release of "any remaining records" that have mentions of him or pictures of him. He said that Clinton has nothing to hide. Trump on Monday called the release a “terrible thing” that many people, like lawyers, bankers who have met Epstein once, will have their reputation tarnished.</p><p>The legislation had set a deadline for thousands of documents to be made available by December 19. The DOJ's release was heavily redacted, underwhelming, and it had attracted bipartisan criticism. The DOJ is expected to release more over the coming weeks.</p>

Donald Trump, frustrated with the DOJ's focus the Epstein files, urges the release of documents naming Democrats as more pages are discovered under the Transparency Act.

US President Donald Trump on Friday complained about the DOJ's focus on late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. He urged the department to release any documents naming the Democrats, to 'embarrass them'. He called the whole process a “Democrat inspired Hoax”, and it is turning attention away from the issues that are most important to them. In his Christmas Day Truth Social post, he alleged that “The Dems are the ones who worked with Epstein, not the Republicans.” “Release all of their names, embarrass them,” said Trump. The Justice Department trickled out some of the Epstein Files over the last week under the Epstein Transparency Act issued on November 19 by the President himself. Though did not provide any incriminating evidence on either Donald Trump or Bill Clinton, who have been repeatedly linked with the late sex trafficker. The release, however, gave an expansive view of the scale of the operations of Epstein.

<p>Donald Trump, frustrated with the DOJ's focus on the Epstein files, urges the release of documents naming Democrats as more pages are discovered under the Transparency Act.</p>

Trump urges DOJ to release Epstein files naming Democrats: 'Embarrass them'

#Gravitas Washington says it has carried out airstrikes against suspected Islamic State targets in northwest Nigeria. A move U.S. President Donald Trump described as 'powerful and deadly.'

US Strikes ISIS in Nigeria After Trump Warning on Christian Attacks

The United States has launched strikes against Islamic State targets in Nigeria, according to the US military. Officials said the Nigerian government requested the strikes. U.S. President Donald Trump accused Islamic State of “viciously killing” Christians and warned that further action could follow.

US Strikes I-S in Nigeria: American Missiles Hit ISIS Camps in Sokoto

US Launches Fiery Blitz on Nigeria I-S, Trump Says More to Come

The United States has launched strikes against Islamic State targets in Nigeria, according to the US military. Officials said the Nigerian government requested the strikes. U.S. President Donald Trump accused Islamic State of “viciously killing” Christians and warned that further action could follow.


US- Nigeria: US Launches Military Strikes Against Islamic State Targets in Nigeria 

<p>US President Donald Trump's self-appointed troller-in-chief, Gavin Newsom, has dropped an end-of-the year message on the highly controversial Epstein files. Trolling Trump, the California governor has posted a short video on his X account, along with the caption, "2025: [REDACTED]," an apparent reference to the thousands of partially and in some cases fully redacted documents "dropped" by the Trump DOJ as part of the much-awaited Epstein Files release.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/sick-of-epstein-files-redactions-internet-sleuths-have-discovered-a-hack-to-read-everything-here-s-how-1766553752960"><strong>Sick of Epstein files redactions? Internet sleuths have discovered a hack to read almost EVERYTHING. Here's how</strong></a></p><h2><strong>What's in the video?</strong></h2><p>The video Newsom posted shines the spotlight on the Trump-Epstein friendship, which the POTUS claims ended with him kicking out the "creep" (Epstein) from his Mar-a-Lago resort. At the beginning of the video, a voice narrates, "And with that, the 2025 season comes to an end," as a headline appears "DOJ defends removing Trump photo from Epstein files". Behind the headline cutout is the Trump photo that was removed by the DOJ, triggering cover-up claims.</p><p>The rest of the clip has a video of Trump with Epstein as the background, and in the foreground runs a slideshow of both the completely blackened-out pages and those that were not redacted. All of this is set to Mumford &amp; Sons’ song, White Blank Page.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">2025: [REDACTED] <a href="https://t.co/5L1rOMcWmF">pic.twitter.com/5L1rOMcWmF</a></p>&mdash; Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) <a href="https://twitter.com/GavinNewsom/status/2003894328851419214?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 24, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>It then moves on to highlight damning quotes about Trump featured in the Epstein files, like the one the sex offender wrote in an email: "I have met some very bad people... none as bad as Trump."</p><p>The video also highlights, "Donald Trump travelled on Epstein's jet many more times than previously has been reported (or that we were aware)". This bit of info was included in one of the recent file drops. A 2020 emails from the Southern District of New York shows that Trump was on Epstein's plane multiple times, including one flight with "only three passengers" - Trump, Epstein and an unnamed 20-year-old woman.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-s-doj-receives-one-million-new-documents-when-can-we-expect-a-new-epstein-files-drop-1766634140302"><strong>Trump DOJ 'finds' million new Epstein files after January 19 release deadline. When will they be released?</strong></a></p><h2><strong>More Epstein files expected</strong></h2><p>In a post on X, the Donald Trump DOJ revealed that it has received around one million more documents "potentially related to the Jeffrey Epstein case" but stopped short of giving a timeline for when the public will see them.</p><p>In a brief statement posted Wednesday (Dec 24), the department said the files were handed over by the FBI and the US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York. Officials said teams were now working "around the clock" to review the material and apply redactions meant to protect victims before publication.</p><p>"We will release the documents as soon as possible," the Justice Department said, adding that the sheer volume of material meant the process could take "a few more weeks".</p>

California Governor Gavin Newsom has trolled Donald Trump with a sharp video mocking redacted Epstein files, spotlighting Trump’s past ties with Jeffrey Epstein. Set to music and leaked quotes, the post fans cover-up claims as the DOJ admits more Epstein documents are coming.

US President Donald Trump's self-appointed troller-in-chief, Gavin Newsom, has dropped an end-of-the year message on the highly controversial Epstein files. Trolling Trump, the California governor has posted a short video on his X account, along with the caption, "2025: [REDACTED]," an apparent reference to the thousands of partially and in some cases fully redacted documents "dropped" by the Trump DOJ as part of the much-awaited Epstein Files release. Also read | Sick of Epstein files redactions? Internet sleuths have discovered a hack to read almost EVERYTHING. Here's how What's in the video? The video Newsom posted shines the spotlight on the Trump-Epstein friendship, which the POTUS claims ended with him kicking out the "creep" (Epstein) from his Mar-a-Lago resort. At the beginning of the video, a voice narrates, "And with that, the 2025 season comes to an end," as a headline appears "DOJ defends removing Trump photo from Epstein files". Behind the headline cutout is the Trump photo that was removed by the DOJ, triggering cover-up claims. The rest of the clip has a video of Trump with Epstein as the background, and in the foreground runs a slideshow of both the completely blackened-out pages and those that were not redacted. All of this is set to Mumford & Sons’ song, White Blank Page.

<p>California Governor Gavin Newsom has trolled Donald Trump with a sharp video mocking redacted Epstein files, spotlighting Trump’s past ties with Jeffrey Epstein. Set to music and leaked quotes, the post fans cover-up claims as the DOJ admits more Epstein documents are coming.</p>

'2025: REDACTED': Newsom goes full troll mode on Trump over Epstein files redactions. Watch viral video

The United States has launched deadly airstrikes against Islamic State (ISIS) militants in Nigeria, following President Donald Trump’s warning about threats to Christians in the region. 

US-Nigeria: Trump Warns of Christian Threat as US Hits ISIS in Nigeria

Donald Trump has said the US carried out airstrikes against Islamic State militants in north-west Nigeria on Thursday, after spending weeks decrying the group for targeting Christians.

US Carries Out Strikes on Nigeria Targeting Islamic State Militants, Trump Says 

<p>US President Donald Trump, on Christmas Eve, answered calls from children while vacationing in his home, asking what they were expecting for Christmas. First lady Melania Trump also joined in the calls. This was part of the 70-year-old tradition of NORAD Santa-tracking, a community outreach programme that relies on volunteers to simulate the tracking of a Santa sleigh and delivering presents.&nbsp;</p><p>During one call with a 10-year-old asked about tracking the movements of Santa. Trump responded that they track Santa all over the world. They want to make sure that Santa is a good person.&nbsp;</p><p>"We want to make sure that he's not infiltrated, that we're not infiltrating into our country a bad Santa. But we found out that Santa is good, Santa loves you, Santa loves Oklahoma, as I do. You know, Oklahoma was very good to me in the election, so I love Oklahoma. Don't ever leave Oklahoma, OK?" said Trump.</p><p>In another call with an 8-year-old from Kansas told her she doesn't want Santa to get her coal as a present. The US President Donald Trump, who is a climate change denier, pushed a lot of mining projects, and cancelled leases for offshore wind projects, said, “You mean clean, beautiful coal.” But soon he backtracked, apologised and said &nbsp;“had to do that.”</p><p>"Coal is clean and beautiful, please remember that at all costs. But you don't want clean, beautiful coal, right?" said Trump&nbsp;</p><p>The child replied no.&nbsp;</p><p>However, Trump was in a cheerful and jubilant mood; he expressed that he could do this whole day, but he had more pressing matters to attend to, like stopping the Russia-Ukraine war. He later posted on Truth Social, wishing a “Merry Christmas to all, including the Radical Left Scum.”</p>

US President Donald Trump fielded NORAD Santa-tracking calls on Christmas Eve, joking about a “bad Santa,” coal, and later attacking critics on Truth Social.

US President Donald Trump, on Christmas Eve, answered calls from children while vacationing in his home, asking what they were expecting for Christmas. First lady Melania Trump also joined in the calls. This was part of the 70-year-old tradition of NORAD Santa-tracking, a community outreach programme that relies on volunteers to simulate the tracking of a Santa sleigh and delivering presents. During one call with a 10-year-old asked about tracking the movements of Santa. Trump responded that they track Santa all over the world. They want to make sure that Santa is a good person. "We want to make sure that he's not infiltrated, that we're not infiltrating into our country a bad Santa. But we found out that Santa is good, Santa loves you, Santa loves Oklahoma, as I do. You know, Oklahoma was very good to me in the election, so I love Oklahoma. Don't ever leave Oklahoma, OK?" said Trump. In another call with an 8-year-old from Kansas told her she doesn't want Santa to get her coal as a present. The US President Donald Trump, who is a climate change denier, pushed a lot of mining projects, and cancelled leases for offshore wind projects, said, “You mean clean, beautiful coal.” But soon he backtracked, apologised and said “had to do that.” "Coal is clean and beautiful, please remember that at all costs. But you don't want clean, beautiful coal, right?" said Trump The child replied no. However, Trump was in a cheerful and jubilant mood; he expressed that he could do this whole day, but he had more pressing matters to attend to, like stopping the Russia-Ukraine war. He later posted on Truth Social, wishing a “Merry Christmas to all, including the Radical Left Scum.”

<p>US President Donald Trump fielded NORAD Santa-tracking calls on Christmas Eve, joking about a “bad Santa,” coal, and later attacking critics on Truth Social.</p>

Trump's Christmas eve call with children: 'Bad Santa' infiltration and pro-coal talk

The Epstein Files: Democrats are accusing President Trump of orchestrating a cover-up after the Justice Department revealed a large cache of Epstein-related documents, including grand jury transcripts and records that could implicate powerful individuals. Critics argue that the administration has downplayed or delayed the release of these files, raising concerns about transparency and the potential exposure of sensitive information. 


The Epstein Files: Democrats Claim Trump Cover-Up Over Epstein Documents 

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