White House says U.S. intends to seize oil from tanker captured near Venezuela

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has escalated tensions with the United States by vowing to 'smash the teeth' of the 'North American empire' following the U.S. seizure of an oil tanker off Venezuela's coast. This incident marks a significant diplomatic crisis between the two nations, with Maduro's remarks reflecting a defiant stance against U.S. actions.

Speaker Johnson defended the recent military strikes on a Venezuelan drug boat, labeling the actions as 'entirely appropriate' after reviewing classified video evidence. This statement follows the controversial second strike that has drawn significant scrutiny and debate regarding its legality and ethical implications.

Indiana Republicans have blocked a redistricting effort that would have favored their party, prompting former President Trump to express his disapproval, stating he hopes the Senate leader responsible loses in future elections. This rejection signifies a notable shift in the state's political landscape, distancing local Republicans from Trump's influence.

A highly anticipated meeting to discuss reforms for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) was abruptly canceled by the Trump administration, raising concerns about the future of disaster management policies. The meeting was expected to outline significant changes to the agency's operations and effectiveness in responding to emergencies.

Georgia has been awarded $1 billion in funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to support recovery efforts from storms and pandemic-related challenges, as announced by Governor Kristi Noem. This funding is part of a broader initiative by the Trump administration to address disaster recovery and emergency management needs across the state.

The White House has launched a TikTok account for the Trump administration Cabinet, as announced in a post on the social platform X. This initiative aims to engage with a younger audience through social media, with the first post featuring video clips highlighting the Cabinet's activities.

The Trump administration has approved six additional states, including Hawaii, Missouri, and North Dakota, to implement bans on using food stamps for purchasing sugary sodas and unhealthy foods, as announced by Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins. This decision expands the restrictions on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) spending aimed at promoting healthier food choices among beneficiaries.

The U.S. Coast Guard, in coordination with the Departments of Defense and Justice, seized a Venezuelan oil tanker, a move that has raised alarms among Democrats regarding potential escalation in U.S.-Venezuela relations. This action is part of the Trump administration's ongoing pressure campaign against President Nicolás Maduro's regime, which has been characterized by increasing military operations in the region.