Trump talks strikes on alleged drug boats and immigration at Cabinet meeting

The Trump administration, led by Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, has threatened to withhold Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits from several Democratic-led states unless they provide requested immigration data. This comes after a judge ruled against the administration's ability to condition food assistance on such data.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended a second military strike on a suspected drug boat, citing the 'fog of war' as a reason for the decision. Hegseth stated he did not remain for the entirety of the mission on September 2, but supported the admiral's call for a follow-up strike after the initial attack.

The Capitol Christmas tree was officially lit in Washington, D.C., marking the beginning of the holiday season in the nation's capital. This annual event draws attention from locals and visitors alike, celebrating the spirit of the holidays with a beautifully adorned tree.

The Trump administration has canceled interviews with finalists for the position of Federal Reserve chair, indicating that President Trump has likely made a decision regarding the leadership of the central bank. This move comes as Trump publicly endorses Kevin Hassett, a longtime adviser, as a leading candidate for the role.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced backlash after stating he did not remain to observe a second military strike on an alleged drug-trafficking boat, which resulted in significant casualties. This incident has drawn criticism from Democrats, who labeled Hegseth as 'spineless' and a 'national embarrassment.' The White House has been accused of shielding Hegseth amid growing scrutiny over the legality of these military operations.

President Trump criticized Representative Ilhan Omar, labeling her a 'terrible person' and suggesting that Somali immigrants should leave the U.S., referencing a significant fraud scandal in Minnesota. This statement was made during a recent media event, where he continued his pattern of derogatory remarks.

A shooting incident near the White House on November 26, 2025, resulted in the death of 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom, a member of the West Virginia National Guard, and critically injured another Guardsman. In response, President Trump announced a crackdown on immigration, halting many legal pathways to the U.S., particularly affecting Afghan nationals.

Former President Donald Trump granted a pardon to Juan Orlando Hernández, the former president of Honduras, who was serving a 45-year sentence in the U.S. for drug trafficking and weapons charges. This decision has sparked significant outrage and criticism across Latin America, undermining Trump's narrative of a strong stance against drug trafficking.