Hegseth defends lethal strikes against alleged drug traffickers: 'Biden coddled terrorists, we kill them'

In a recent interview, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem criticized the Biden administration for its handling of the Operation Allies Welcome program, which allowed Afghan nationals to resettle in the U.S. after the Taliban takeover in 2021. This criticism follows a shooting incident near the White House where two National Guard members were critically injured by Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national who entered the U.S. under this program.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff met with Ukrainian officials in Florida to finalize a peace deal following the resignation of President Zelenskyy's top negotiator. This meeting is part of ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine, which has seen significant violence and casualties recently.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has significantly weakened its oversight system that addresses civil rights violations, particularly concerning immigration detention, raising concerns among former officials about potential human rights abuses under the Trump administration. This dismantling coincides with an increase in aggressive immigration enforcement operations across the country.

U.S. District Judge William Young, appointed by Reagan, ruled that the Trump administration's cancellation of research grants related to gender identity and diversity was illegal, characterizing the action as racial and LGBTQ discrimination. This decision not only reinstates the grants but also underscores the judiciary's role in holding the administration accountable for its policies.

The House Armed Services Committee is demanding a comprehensive investigation into a U.S. military strike on a suspected drug-trafficking boat in the Caribbean, following allegations that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered troops to 'kill everybody' on board. This incident, which occurred in early September, has raised serious concerns regarding military engagement rules and accountability.

A report from Axios has resurfaced, indicating that top aides in the Biden administration expressed concerns regarding President Biden's use of an autopen for signing documents. This discussion gained renewed attention following former President Trump's announcement that he is canceling executive orders signed by Biden using the autopen, claiming they lack proper authorization.

The Fresno Unified School District has restructured its Black student achievement department in response to threats from the Trump administration to cut federal funding for race-based programs and a related discrimination lawsuit. This restructuring aims to safeguard academic support for Black students amidst a challenging political climate.

A shooting incident in Washington D.C. on November 26, 2025, critically injured two members of the National Guard, prompting the Trump administration to impose tighter immigration restrictions, including a halt on immigration from Afghanistan. The suspected shooter, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, is an Afghan national, raising concerns about the implications for Afghan refugees and immigration policy.