Trump declares ‘American dominance in the Western Hemisphere will never be questioned again,’ rebrands Monroe Doctrine with his own name hours after seizing Maduro.
Rubio warns Cuba’s leaders “I’d be concerned” hours after US forces seize Maduro, accuses Havana of colonizing Venezuela’s security apparatus.
Maduro indicted on narco-terrorism, machine gun, and cocaine conspiracy charges, jailed in Brooklyn after staged “perp walk” at DEA headquarters, court appearance possible Monday.
Trump announces US will “run” Venezuela, promises American oil companies will “fix infrastructure” and “start making money for the country.”
Danish energy company Ørsted files legal challenge over Trump’s suspension of Revolution Wind project that is 85% complete with all federal permits secured since 2023.
Trump threatens to intervene in Iran’s domestic protests with “locked and loaded” warning, seven months after US strikes on nuclear sites prompted Iranian missile attack on US base in Qatar.
Trump orders HieFo Corp. to divest $2.9 million defense chip technology within 180 days, citing owner’s Chinese citizenship in deal that closed during Biden administration.
Russia asks White House to end Coast Guard pursuit of oil tanker whose crew painted Russian flag on hull after U.S. military tried to board it in Caribbean.
Trump signs last-minute proclamation delaying his own tariff increases on furniture and kitchen cabinets for one year, hours before rates were set to rise to 50% and 30%.
Oil tanker fleeing U.S. Coast Guard for nearly two weeks painted a Russian flag on its hull in apparent attempt to claim Russian protection and complicate seizure.
U.S. military kills 8 more people in strikes on 5 alleged drug boats, bringing total to at least 115 dead since September across 35 attacks.
US and partner forces kill or capture nearly 25 ISIS operatives in Syria since December 19 retaliatory strikes, as hundreds of American troops continue mission after two soldiers killed.
Treasury sanctions 10 individuals and firms in Iran and Venezuela over weapons trade, including drone sales and ballistic missile chemical procurement.
FOIA emails reveal Trump’s DEI orders prompted removal of panels honoring Black WWII soldiers at Netherlands American Cemetery, including story of 23-year-old who died saving a comrade.
Trump falsely claims “none” of Israeli hostages “were released in the Biden administration,” though 138 of 178 hostages freed through negotiated deals came under Biden.
Trump confirms U.S. destroyed Venezuelan “dock area” used to load drug boats, which CNN and New York Times report was first known CIA operation inside Venezuela.
Trump warns Hamas faces “hell to pay” if militants don’t disarm quickly, says he and Netanyahu “don’t agree 100%” on West Bank after sixth meeting this year.
Zelenskyy says U.S. offered 15-year security guarantees after Mar-a-Lago talks, but Ukraine seeks longer commitment as territorial issues and nuclear plant control remain unresolved.
U.S. military kills two in 30th strike on alleged drug boat since September, bringing total death toll to 107 as critics question legal authority.
Trump claims US “knocked out” drug facility in Venezuela last week, which would be first land attack in military campaign that has killed at least 105 people at sea since September.
State Department announces $2 billion for UN humanitarian aid, down from $17 billion historically, warns agencies to “adapt, shrink, or die” and excludes Afghanistan and Gaza from initial funding.
Trump says he “understands” Russia’s opposition to ceasefire that would let Ukraine hold referendum, calls Mar-a-Lago talks with Zelenskyy progress toward peace deal.
Niger, with population matching 17 smallest US states combined, permanently bans American visas in retaliation for Trump’s travel ban expansion.
Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) calls on British royal family to personally compensate Epstein’s victims after new photos show former Prince Andrew lying across women’s laps at royal estate.
Trump tells Politico that Zelenskyy “doesn’t have anything until I approve it” ahead of Sunday meeting, adding “They’re all coming. They all come,” as Netanyahu also visits this weekend.
Coast Guard deploys elite boarding team to intercept fleeing oil tanker Bella 1 after five-day chase, third vessel targeted in Venezuelan blockade this month.
US forces bomb ISIS targets in northwestern Nigeria on Christmas Day at Trump’s orders, marking sixth country American military has attacked this year.
Palau agrees to accept 75 migrants from U.S. in exchange for $7.5 million, adding to existing military and financial dependency on Washington.
U.S. deploys special operations aircraft and troops to Caribbean this week, bringing military force near Venezuela to more than 15,000 personnel as Trump promises land operations “soon.”
Trump appoints Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry as Greenland envoy with explicit mission “to make Greenland a part of the U.S.,” drawing sharp rebukes from Denmark and Sweden.
Senator Lindsey Graham calls from Tel Aviv for US to “unleash Israel” on Hamas and join air strikes against Hezbollah, says no Republican can win 2028 without strong Israel support.
Six CISA career staffers suspended after acting director failed polygraph he pushed to take despite being told he didn’t need the access.
Trump recalls two dozen career ambassadors appointed by Biden, giving them until mid-January to leave posts typically held regardless of party.
Trump appoints Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as unpaid special envoy to Greenland months after covert influence operations and Vance visit to island Trump hasn’t ruled out taking by force.
Coast Guard pursues third tanker near Venezuela after vessel refuses boarding, one day after seizing ship not on Treasury sanctions list.
U.S. Coast Guard seizes second Venezuelan oil tanker this month, boarding the unsanctioned Panamanian ship in international waters days after Trump declared a blockade.
Jared Kushner pitches $112 billion “Riviera” plan for Gaza that doesn’t specify where 2 million displaced Palestinians would live during decades of construction for beachside resorts.
Trump nominates special operations general to lead Southern Command after previous commander retired amid concerns about boat strikes that have killed over 100 people.
U.S. military attacks more than 70 ISIS targets in Syria with 100+ munitions after ambush killed three Americans, as Hegseth calls it “declaration of vengeance.”
TikTok signs deal creating U.S. joint venture valued at $14 billion, with Oracle, Silver Lake, and Abu Dhabi’s MGX taking 15% each while ByteDance retains nearly 20%.
Trump administration announces $11 billion arms sale to Taiwan, largest single package ever, as China warns of “dangerous and violent situation.”
Venezuelan Navy begins escorting oil tankers in defiance of Trump blockade as Pentagon scrambles to determine military’s role.
Trump demands Venezuela return oil assets nationalized decades ago, admitting blockade is motivated by disputes over seized U.S. investments.
House rejects two resolutions to limit Trump’s military campaign against Venezuela, 216-210 and 213-211, with three Republicans breaking ranks.
U.S. military kills four in 26th boat strike since September, hours after House rejects resolutions limiting Trump’s authority.
Trump donor Miriam Adelson offers $250 million for unconstitutional third term bid at White House Hanukkah event where guest Mark Levin called Trump “the greatest president.”
Trump doubles travel restrictions to 39 countries, adds full ban on Palestinian Authority travel documents and partial bans on 15 African and Caribbean nations.
Chief of Staff Susie Wiles told Vanity Fair boat attacks aim to pressure Maduro, contradicting administration claims they target drug trafficking.
Trump orders total blockade of Venezuelan oil tankers, demands Caracas return oil assets Venezuela nationalized in the 1970s.
Kushner withdraws Trump hotel project from Serbia after cabinet minister indicted in connection with deal, ending two years of controversy over NATO-bombed site.
