Obama wanted shutdown pain to be felt by Americans, while Trump kept focus on Washington, experts argue

Former President Donald Trump granted Saudi Arabia major non-NATO ally status as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman pledged nearly $1 trillion in U.S. investments, establishing new defense partnerships. This move has reignited discussions about the U.S.-Saudi relationship, particularly in light of past controversies surrounding the crown prince.

The Trump administration's proposal to open new offshore drilling sites in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico has sparked significant backlash from Florida Republicans, who are voicing strong opposition to the plan. Local political leaders are particularly concerned about the environmental implications of increased drilling in the region.

Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) reported an increase in security measures following accusations from former President Donald Trump, who claimed that she and other Democratic lawmakers engaged in 'seditious behavior' for encouraging military personnel to defy unlawful orders. This escalation in threats against her and her colleagues underscores the volatile political climate surrounding military conduct and accountability.

New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani met with President Donald Trump at the White House, where he reiterated his belief that Trump is a 'fascist' despite describing the meeting as cordial. The discussion focused on affordability and public safety for New Yorkers, highlighting the need for collaboration amid political tensions.

Trump's trade representative stated that the $2,000 tariff revenue payments to American families will not contribute to inflation, addressing concerns surrounding these one-time checks. This assertion comes as revenues from tariffs continue to rise.

In an exclusive interview with Meet the Press, Senator Amy Klobuchar criticized former President Trump's proposed 28-point peace plan for Ukraine, asserting that it is excessively favorable to Russia and lacks accountability for Russian actions in the ongoing conflict. Klobuchar's remarks reflect growing concerns among U.S. lawmakers regarding the implications of the plan for Ukraine's sovereignty.

New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani met with President Donald Trump at the White House, where he reiterated his belief that Trump is a 'fascist' and 'despot.' Despite this, Mamdani viewed the meeting as an opportunity to collaborate on issues affecting New Yorkers.

Former President Donald Trump has proposed a peace plan aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, while Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene announced her resignation from Congress effective January 5, 2026, following a breakdown in her relationship with Trump and the Republican Party.