Trump tells airlines Venezuela's airspace is 'closed in its entirety' in latest escalation

President Donald Trump has invited the families of two National Guard members involved in a shooting incident near the White House to the White House, following the death of 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom and the critical injury of 24-year-old Andrew Wolfe. The shooting occurred on November 26, 2025, and has prompted widespread mourning and vigils in West Virginia.

The United States has deployed 11 warships and approximately 15,000 troops to the Caribbean amid escalating tensions with Venezuela. The Secretary of the Navy emphasized the importance of utilizing the nation's best assets to protect the homeland. This military buildup is seen as a significant response to ongoing concerns regarding Venezuela's activities, particularly accusations against its government related to drug trafficking.

On November 26, 2025, a shooting incident in Washington, D.C., resulted in the death of National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom and critical injuries to another Guardsman, Andrew Wolfe. The suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, was granted asylum under the Trump administration and has been described by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem as having been 'radicalized' in the U.S.

Donald Trump has granted clemency to David Gentile, the founder and former CEO of GPB Capital, who was recently sentenced to seven years in prison for his involvement in a $1.6 billion fraud scheme that defrauded numerous investors. This decision comes as Gentile had just begun serving his sentence, raising questions about the implications of such clemency actions.

John McAuliff, a 33-year-old small business owner, won a seat in Virginia's legislature by focusing his campaign on the rising costs of energy, defeating a Republican opponent. His victory is part of a broader trend, with 13 Democrats winning seats in the recent elections, which strengthens the party's control in the state government.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has requested a formal pardon amid an ongoing corruption trial, following support from former President Donald Trump, who suggested Netanyahu should be pardoned. In a video address, Netanyahu expressed that the trial is causing significant internal divisions within the country.

President Trump has announced the complete closure of airspace above and surrounding Venezuela, citing a deteriorating security situation and increased military activity in the region. This decision follows warnings from the Federal Aviation Administration regarding safety concerns for airlines operating in the area.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro's strategy of balancing loyalty and punishment appears increasingly desperate as international pressures mount. His regime faces accusations of drug trafficking and human rights violations, leading to heightened scrutiny and military presence from the United States in the Caribbean region.