A keen political strategist I know was concerned after the election that a new presidency would undermine America’s soft power around the globe.
Decades of being the superpower willing to invest in health, food, and military protection globally would be dismantled in a second Trump administration. They were right. Within weeks, America’s ability to persuade and coax was evaporating.
The U.S. became the first nation to boycott an entire G20 summit this past weekend. Canadian PM Mark Carney responded that the gathering was “a reminder that the center of gravity in the global economy is shifting.”
That followed news that the Trump-Musk DOGE group had already folded, with its big accomplishment being the near abolition of USAID. The former head of the aid agency’s global health efforts blames 600,000 deaths this year (two-thirds of them children) on canceling more than 80% of its programs. And meanwhile, U.S. forces are massing around Venezuela, including a carrier strike group, dozens of aircraft, and thousands of troops.
The facts aren’t in dispute. The world has said they’re moving on. The UN has told America to stop attacking ships in the Caribbean. And the deaths from abruptly canceled programs are easy enough to count. When the subject comes up at your Thanksgiving tables, don’t talk about culture war issues. Talk about America’s fast-vanishing soft power and the deaths we’ve caused just this year.
Want to stop missing what matters? Get every brief in your inbox, 7 nights a week. You’ll get data, images, quotes, and links to help you get engaged. Sign up free at govbrief.today.
#GovBriefToday #Resist
🚨176|🟠112|🟢72|🟢64|🟢81
Bondi files to unseal Epstein grand jury transcripts in Florida after New York denial, citing Transparency Act passed by Congress days after claiming "new information" reversed case closure.
Today’s GovBrief News
U.S. threatens complete Ukraine aid cutoff including air defense missiles if Kyiv rejects 28-point peace plan that Rubio said was drafted with Kremlin input.
Source: ABC News
November 23, 2025
White House to propose two-year Obamacare subsidy extension with income caps at 700% of poverty level and minimum premium payments as credits expire next month.
Source: Politico
November 23, 2025
International airlines from Europe and Latin America suspend Venezuela flights after FAA warns of military activity as U.S. attacks have killed 83 since September.
Source: Newsweek
November 23, 2025
D.C. U.S. Attorney Pirro wins ruling allowing local grand jury indictments after federal grand juries reject charges, a precedent extending to sedition and treason.
Source: The Washington Post
November 23, 2025
Trump revives Chicago crackdown calls after shooting kills 14-year-old, days after Pentagon withdrew some National Guard troops sent under Operation Midway Blitz.
Source: USA Today
November 23, 2025
DOGE quietly disbanded with eight months left on charter after Musk claimed $214 billion in savings while researchers estimate 600,000 deaths from USAID cuts alone.
Source: Time
November 23, 2025
FBI Director Kash Patel assigns Nashville SWAT team members to protect his country singer girlfriend who lives in a different city, drawing criticism for abuse of resources.
Source: People
November 23, 2025
Trump pardons nursing home magnate three months into sentence for $38 million fraud after convict paid $960,000 to lobbyists previously convicted of voter suppression.
Source: The Washington Post
November 23, 2025
G20 nations representing three-quarters of world population release joint declaration despite U.S. boycott, as Carney says global economic center of gravity is shifting.
Source: Bloomberg
November 23, 2025