Tinsel, tradition and messaging: The politics behind White House holiday decorations

The White House has distanced itself from U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth regarding allegations that he ordered military strikes on alleged drug-trafficking boats in the Caribbean, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of all individuals on board. A spokesperson clarified that while Hegseth gave the order for strikes, he did not instruct to 'kill everybody.'

Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) criticized the White House for lacking 'moral clarity' regarding the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, urging the administration to take a stronger stance in support of Ukraine during peace negotiations. He expressed concerns that the current approach may undermine the democratic nation amidst the conflict.

An Afghan immigrant, identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, allegedly shot and critically injured two members of the West Virginia National Guard near the White House on November 26, 2025. Prior to this incident, advocates had raised concerns about Lakanwal's mental health, indicating he was 'not functional as a person' and that his mental health crisis had gone unaddressed for over a year.

A leaked phone call involving U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and a senior Russian official has raised significant concerns among U.S. lawmakers, particularly Rep. Mike Turner, who stated that the White House should be very concerned about the implications of this communication. The call reportedly involved discussions on how to present a peace proposal regarding Ukraine to President Trump.

The Trump administration has announced an indefinite halt on immigration from Afghanistan following a shooting incident near the White House that left one National Guard member dead and another critically injured. The suspected shooter, identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national, reportedly entered the U.S. during the 2021 airlift. This incident has raised significant concerns regarding security and immigration policies.

White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett reported a strong sales performance for retailers during the post-Thanksgiving weekend, describing it as a 'blockbuster' despite prevailing economic pessimism surrounding President Trump's administration. This positive sales trend contrasts with broader concerns about economic stability and consumer spending habits.

An Afghan man, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, has been accused of a shooting incident near the White House that critically injured two members of the West Virginia National Guard. This attack, which occurred on November 26, 2025, has raised significant concerns about the mental health and integration of Afghan nationals in the U.S., particularly those who were evacuated during the 2021 airlift.