Trump torches Dems' 'fake affordability' pitch – but GOP panic in deep red state hints voters aren't buying it

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.

President Trump convened his Cabinet amid controversy surrounding Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's authorization of military strikes in the Caribbean that resulted in the deaths of two survivors from an initial attack on their boat. Hegseth defended the operations, asserting that the U.S. is committed to targeting drug traffickers.

A special election is taking place in Tennessee's 7th Congressional District, a seat traditionally held by Republicans, which has become unexpectedly competitive as polls close on December 2. Voters are deciding between Democrat Aftyn Behn and Republican Matt Van Epps, with significant implications for both parties.

A left-wing coalition is advocating for a significant minimum wage increase, proposing a rise to as high as $30 an hour, which is gaining traction in swing states and major cities. This push aims to energize Democratic voter turnout ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, following the successful campaign of Zohran Mamdani in New York City, where affordability was a central theme.