WATCH: White House says Biden administration 'recklessly released' nearly 100,000 Afghans into U.S.

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.

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.

President Trump has emphasized the need to combat drug trafficking from Latin America, outlining the administration's strategy to address this ongoing issue. The White House's approach includes military actions against alleged drug boats and a broader crackdown on immigration from regions considered high risk.

The suspect in the shooting of two members of the West Virginia National Guard near the White House has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him. The incident, which occurred on November 26, 2025, resulted in one Guardsman dead and another critically injured, prompting significant legal action against the accused, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national.

President Trump revealed that First Lady Melania Trump is dissatisfied with the ongoing construction noise from the new ballroom being built on the White House grounds, which has disrupted their daily life. He noted that she often hears pile drivers throughout the day and night, indicating her frustration with the situation.

President Donald Trump announced that National Guard troops will be deployed to New Orleans as part of a federal surge in response to ongoing security concerns, coinciding with an immigration crackdown operation known as 'Swamp Sweep' set to begin this week.

Pop star Sabrina Carpenter publicly condemned the White House for using her song 'Juno' in a video that accompanied immigration raids conducted by ICE in Chicago, labeling the video as 'evil and disgusting.' This criticism has sparked a heated exchange between Carpenter and the White House, highlighting the contentious nature of immigration enforcement in the U.S.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended a follow-up military strike on an alleged drug boat in September, claiming he did not see survivors due to 'the fog of war.' This statement comes amid controversy regarding the initial attack that reportedly resulted in the deaths of individuals on board. Hegseth's comments were made during a Cabinet meeting at the White House, where he faced scrutiny over the military operations.