US pursuing third oil tanker linked to Venezuela, official says

Prosecutors have revealed that former President Donald Trump traveled on Jeffrey Epstein's private plane more frequently than previously acknowledged, intensifying scrutiny over Trump's past associations with the convicted sex offender. This revelation comes amid ongoing investigations into Epstein's network and the implications of his connections with high-profile individuals.

The Trump administration has expressed a desire for U.S. oil companies to return to Venezuela, a country rich in oil reserves. However, many companies are hesitant to reinvest due to the ongoing political instability and economic challenges that have plagued the nation, leading to a significant decline in oil production.

Venezuela has enacted a law imposing severe penalties on individuals supporting the U.S. blockade, a move that reflects the government's strong opposition to what it describes as illegal acts of piracy by the U.S. This legislation comes amid escalating tensions following the recent seizure of Venezuelan oil tankers by U.S. forces.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled against former President Donald Trump on December 23, 2025, blocking his attempt to deploy National Guard troops to Chicago, citing a lack of necessity for such action. This decision follows a lower court's ruling that had already halted the deployment, marking a significant legal setback for Trump.

In 2025, gold prices surged by 70%, reaching record highs, while Bitcoin experienced a decline of 6% following a rapid sell-off in October. This stark contrast highlights the diminishing appeal of Bitcoin as a store of value amid rising geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties.

Newly released files related to Jeffrey Epstein indicate that former President Donald Trump flew on Epstein's private jet eight times during the 1990s, with some flights reportedly including Ghislaine Maxwell. This revelation comes from a prosecutor's email, intensifying scrutiny over Trump's past associations with Epstein, a convicted sex offender.

In Caracas, motorcyclists dressed as pirates protested against U.S. President Donald Trump's recent actions targeting Venezuelan oil tankers, reflecting widespread discontent over the U.S. blockade and seizures of vessels linked to the Maduro government.

The US economy has shown significant growth, expanding at its fastest pace in two years, driven primarily by strong consumer spending. This unexpected surge indicates a robust economic recovery, suggesting that consumers are increasingly confident in their financial situations.