Hegseth defends second strike on alleged drug boat

Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) announced that she secured a provision in the annual defense bill mandating congressional notification of counterintelligence investigations into federal candidates following a conversation with President Trump and Speaker Mike Johnson. This development highlights her influence within the party and her proactive approach to legislative matters.

Judge Andrew Napolitano, a senior judicial analyst at Newsmax, has called for the prosecution of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over allegations of war crimes. This follows reports that Hegseth allegedly ordered military strikes in the Caribbean that resulted in the deaths of all individuals aboard suspected drug-trafficking boats, with claims that he directed the military to 'kill everybody.'

Cracks have emerged in the Maga coalition as Donald Trump's influence appears to be waning, with his approval ratings dropping and signs of discontent among his supporters. This shift follows a series of scandals, including the Epstein affair, which have alienated key segments of his base. The Republican party is grappling with internal fractures as it heads into future elections.

In a recent speech, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth emphasized 'speed to delivery' as a crucial principle for enhancing U.S. military readiness, identifying bureaucratic inertia as a significant barrier. He warned that delays in providing necessary resources to warfighters could lead to dire consequences, including loss of life and national security failures.

The draw for the 2026 men's football World Cup will take place at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., featuring performances by Robbie Williams, Andrea Bocelli, and the Village People, with the latter expected to perform their iconic song YMCA. The event is co-hosted by Heidi Klum, Kevin Hart, and Danny Ramirez, and is set for December 5, 2025.

A five-hour meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, along with Jared Kushner, concluded without a breakthrough in peace negotiations regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine. Despite discussions, key territorial disputes remain unresolved, highlighting the challenges in reaching a consensus.

Republican Matt Van Epps won the special election for Tennessee's 7th Congressional District, defeating Democrat Aftyn Behn by a margin of 52% to 46%. This election, held on December 2, 2025, was marked by significant financial backing from both parties, reflecting its high stakes in a traditionally Republican stronghold.

President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth are facing bipartisan scrutiny following a military strike in September that resulted in the deaths of survivors from an initial attack on a drug boat in Venezuela. Hegseth stated he was unaware of the second strike, which occurred after he left a meeting, leading to questions about the decision-making process within the administration.