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What Happened Today – December 29, 2025

The lies are getting more brazen because they’ve stopped caring if you believe them.

Trump stood next to Netanyahu and said “none” of the hostages were released under Biden. 138 of 178 came home under Biden-brokered deals. Trump also announced $50 billion for rural hospitals under a bill that cuts $50 billion from rural hospitals. The point is to exhaust you into giving up on facts.

The CIA attacked Venezuelan soil for the first time. On the same day we announced our 30th boat attack since September (107 dead, no evidence released) the administration confirmed it’s now attacking land. That’s a prelude to war.

The resistance still has teeth. ICE agents shot a TikTok streamer documenting immigration enforcement, then prosecutors charged him with assault. A federal judge permanently dismissed the case after footage showed his hands raised and car stopped. Kennedy Center subscriptions are down 50% as artists cancel New Year’s Eve shows and beyond.

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Today's Quote
I’m doing a magnificent, big, beautiful ballroom that the country has wanted, the White House has wanted for 150 years. It’s a massive job, and it’s a tiny fraction of that number. And we’re under budget and ahead of schedule. Now, it’s bigger than I told you. It’s, you know, after realizing we’re gonna do the inauguration in that building. It’s got all bulletproof glass, it’s got all drone, they call it drone-free roof, so drones won’t touch it. It’s a big, it’s a big, beautiful, safe building.
Trump talking with reporters on December 29, 2025, after learning that Putin alleged a drone attack by Ukraine at his home.
Yesterday's Most Read

Justice Department is using False Claims Act, traditionally for billing fraud, to investigate Google, Verizon and other federal contractors for maintaining diversity hiring programs.

Today’s GovBrief News


Foreign Relations 1 of 15

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.

80% of Gaza buildings destroyed

Source: EuroNews

December 29, 2025

Foreign Relations 2 of 15

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.

90% of 20-point plan ready

Source: RTE

December 29, 2025

Health 3 of 15

Kennedy announces $50 billion for rural hospitals under bill whose Medicaid cuts are projected to cost rural providers $50 billion in lost revenue.

60 million Americans

Source: UPI

December 29, 2025

Environment 4 of 15

Michigan loses $540 million in climate grants and $3 billion in canceled clean energy investments since January as automakers shift back to gas vehicles.

$23.8 billion invested 2022-2024

Source: ABC 12 Flint

December 29, 2025

Economy 5 of 15

Trump threatens to sue Fed Chair Powell for "gross incompetence" over headquarters renovation project, says he will announce replacement in January.

Powell's term ends May 2026

Source: CNBC

December 29, 2025

Military 6 of 15

National Guard begins patrolling New Orleans Tuesday for New Year's and Mardi Gras, second federal deployment alongside ongoing immigration crackdown despite double-digit crime drop.

Source: Red River Radio

December 29, 2025

Military 7 of 15

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.

No images released, unlock boat attacks

Source: BBC

December 29, 2025

Military 8 of 15

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.

Campaign began September 2

Source: CBS News

December 29, 2025

Courts 9 of 15

Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-NJ) appeals partial denial of motion to dismiss assault charges from May ICE detention facility visit, citing selective prosecution and legislative immunity.

Charges against Newark mayor dropped

Source: Politico

December 29, 2025

Immigration 10 of 15

Justice Department sues Virginia over in-state tuition for unauthorized immigrants, third such lawsuit after California and Illinois cases this fall.

14 states have similar policies

Source: The New York Times [gift link]

December 29, 2025

Education 11 of 15

Duke cuts $299 million through buyouts and building closures in response to federal funding cuts, with 599 staff taking buyouts and 45 laid off.

5% of full-time staff departed

Source: The Associated Press

December 29, 2025

Federal Personnel 12 of 15

Office of Special Counsel resumes Hatch Act enforcement against former federal employees after Merit Systems Protection Board affirms jurisdiction, following April pause.

694 complaints filed in FY2025

Source: GovExec

December 29, 2025

Propaganda 13 of 15

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 deals released 40

Source: Mediaite

December 29, 2025

Arts 14 of 15

Jazz supergroup The Cookers cancels Kennedy Center New Year's Eve shows, with saxophonist citing "overt racism" as subscription rates fall 50% below projections.

Doug Varone & Dancers cancel April shows

Source: Newsweek

December 29, 2025

Fighting Back 15 of 15

Federal judge dismisses with prejudice assault charges against TikTok streamer shot by ICE agent, citing constitutional violations including denied access to counsel and late release of body camera footage.

Footage shows hands raised, car stopped

Source: USA Today

December 29, 2025