GovBriefToday Header
.S. Coast Guard helicopter approaches oil tanker Centuries during seizure in international waters near Venezuela, December 2025

A U.S. helicopter approached the oil tanker Centuries in international waters Saturday, seizing the unsanctioned vessel days after Trump declared a blockade of sanctioned ships. (Screenshot via @Sec_Noem/X)

What Happened Today – December 20, 2025

by

Congress passed a law demanding the Epstein files.

The deadline was Friday. The Justice Department released some, then files started vanishing by Saturday, including an image showing Trump’s photo on Epstein’s desk. House Democrats want to know what else is being covered up.

The Coast Guard seized another Venezuelan oil tanker. They boarded the ship in international waters despite it not being on the Treasury’s sanctions list.

That’s the pattern. They make the rules and break the rules. They delete the evidence. They treat us, the law, and this country with impunity.

We’ve emailed 5,200+ stories over 324 straight nights. Stop hoping the algorithm shows them to you. govbrief.today

#GovBriefToday #Resist

🟢 GovBrief Intensity Score 49
Low activity. Things are quieter than usual.
Previous 5 Days
🟡90|🟢49|🟠124|🟠119|🚨178
This is an indexed score based on news activity. 100 = our permanent historical baseline that is adjusted for weekdays and weekend days. Scores above 100 mean a busier-than-normal news day.
📈 What's Trending This Week
Based on analysis of the past 7 days of headlines, these are the most frequently covered topics and categories.
Story Categories
CourtsMilitaryCongress
Specific Topics
Pete HegsethVenezuelaICEFBIPentagonNicolas Maduro
Analysis covers Dec 14 - Dec 20, 2025 • Historical data
Today's Quote
This photo, file 468, from the Epstein files that includes Donald Trump has apparently now been removed from the DOJ release. @AGPamBondi is this true? What else is being covered up? We need transparency for the American public.
House Oversight Committee Democrats post on X.com on December 20, 2025.
Yesterday's Most Read

Disabled man detained by ICE for three months thinks he's on vacation; Delaware governor calls arrest "ridiculously egregious" and demands immediate release.

Catch Up

Today’s GovBrief News

Foreign Relations 1 of 6

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.

Not on Treasury's sanctioned list

Source: BBC

December 20, 2025

Censorship 2 of 6

Trump threatens to withhold Smithsonian funding unless it surrenders internal records and presents a "positive view of American history," third escalation since March.

Two-thirds of $1.25 billion budget federally funded

Source: Newsweek

December 20, 2025

Justice Dept 3 of 6

Newly released Epstein files reveal 1996 FBI complaint accusing him of stealing child photos and threatening to burn down the victim's house.

12 years before first charges

Source: CNN

December 20, 2025

Criminal Justice 4 of 6

At least 15 Epstein files vanish from Justice Department website one day after release, including photo showing Trump with Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.

Released Friday, gone by Saturday

Source: CBS News

December 20, 2025

Immigration 5 of 6

Immigrants in remote Alaska fishing town face deportation after state DMV erroneously registered them to vote, despite state admitting fault and apologizing.

Never voted, canceled registration immediately

Source: The Alaskan Beacon

December 20, 2025

Fighting Back 6 of 6

Columbus, Ohio, protesters blast music for hours outside hotel hosting ICE agents while police look on, hours after mayor said city won't help federal enforcement.

Dozens in below freezing temperatures

Source: Mediaite

December 20, 2025