Trump vows to retaliate after US citizens killed in Syria

Donald Trump announced that his domestic policy chief, Vince Haley, is prioritizing the construction of a triumphal arch in Washington DC, amidst rising concerns over an affordability crisis affecting millions of Americans. This revelation came during a White House holiday party, where Trump praised Haley's efforts despite criticism regarding the administration's focus on such projects over pressing economic issues.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed a willingness to abandon Ukraine's aspirations to join NATO during five hours of talks with U.S. envoys in Berlin, aiming to facilitate peace negotiations with Russia. This marks a significant shift for Ukraine, which has long sought NATO membership as a safeguard against Russian aggression.

President Donald Trump addressed the recent tragic events involving fatal shootings at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, and Bondi Beach in Australia, as well as deadly attacks on U.S. soldiers in Syria. These incidents have raised significant concerns about public safety and military engagement abroad.

The Syrian interior ministry confirmed that the gunman responsible for the deaths of three Americans in Palmyra was a member of the security forces, who was reportedly to be dismissed for extremism. The attack, described by the Syrian government as a terrorist act, resulted in the deaths of two U.S. troops and a civilian interpreter, with the assailant identified as an Islamic State militant who was subsequently killed.

Celebrities, including athletes like Tristan Thompson and artists such as Iggy Azalea, are increasingly promoting cryptocurrency as they pivot from traditional careers. Thompson, nearing the end of his basketball career, has embraced a new role as a crypto investor and consultant, launching a podcast and developing a crypto startup set to debut in 2026.

In a recent statement, former President Donald Trump suggested that the border between the United States and Canada is an artificial line that could be more aesthetically pleasing if redrawn. This remark highlights the complexities of historical borders, particularly the straight lines that define much of North America's geography, which were established with limited local knowledge.

U.S. envoys, including Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, have arrived in Berlin to engage in peace talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, amid growing frustrations from President Donald Trump regarding delays in negotiations. This meeting aims to address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and explore potential resolutions.

A Syrian gunman, identified as a member of the security forces, killed three Americans in Palmyra, including two U.S. Army soldiers and a civilian interpreter. The Syrian government stated that the assailant was scheduled to be dismissed due to extremist views, raising questions about the vetting processes within security agencies.