President Donald Trump addressed the nation on December 17, 2025, from the White House, detailing his administration's achievements and agenda for 2026. The speech focused heavily on the economy, immigration, and healthcare, while also announcing a 'Warrior Dividend' for military members. The address came as Trump sought to boost his popularity ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
President Trump delivered a national address from the White House on December 17, 2025, discussing the US economy, defending his tariff policies, and announcing $1,776 'warrior dividends' for approximately 1.45 million military service members, funded by tariff revenue.
Former US President Donald Trump stated on December 15, 2025, that a deal to end the Ukraine war is 'closer than ever' after high-level talks in Berlin. Discussions involved US and European officials, along with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, focusing on robust security guarantees and post-war recovery, though territorial issues remain a key challenge.
Donald Trump has initiated a $10 billion defamation lawsuit against the BBC in a Florida federal court. The suit alleges the broadcaster 'intentionally, maliciously, and deceptively' edited his January 6, 2021, speech in a 'Panorama' documentary, creating a false impression he incited violence and aiming to influence the 2024 US Presidential Election. The BBC has apologized for the edit but denies a legal basis for the claim.
President Donald Trump has appointed Thomas Emanuel Dans to lead the United States Arctic Research Commission (USARC), an independent federal agency advising on Arctic research. Dans, a finance and policy expert, previously served as a Commissioner and at the U.S. Treasury.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order on December 11, 2025, aiming to curb state-level artificial intelligence regulations. The order seeks to establish a uniform national framework for AI governance, citing concerns that a 'patchwork' of state laws could stifle innovation and hinder U.S. competitiveness. It includes provisions for a federal task force to challenge state laws and potential funding restrictions.
Former President Donald Trump's recent immigration remarks, including renewed comments about 'shithole countries' and direct criticisms of Representative Ilhan Omar, have intensified accusations that his policies and rhetoric advocate for 'ethnic cleansing' and a 'white Christian nationalist' vision for the United States.
Mexico has agreed to release 202,000 acre-feet of water to the United States, fulfilling obligations under the 1944 Water Treaty and averting threatened tariffs from President Donald Trump. Deliveries are expected to begin mid-December 2025, with a broader plan to be finalized by January 2026.
House Democrats on the Oversight Committee released 19 photographs from Jeffrey Epstein's estate, including images of Donald Trump, Bill Clinton, Prince Andrew, and other notable individuals. This initial release is part of a larger trove of over 95,000 images and precedes a December 19 deadline for the Trump administration to release Epstein-related files.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order on December 11, 2025, aimed at preventing individual U.S. states from enacting their own artificial intelligence regulations. The order seeks to establish a unified national framework, citing concerns that a 'patchwork' of state laws could stifle innovation and hinder American competitiveness in the global AI landscape. It includes provisions for a new AI Litigation Task Force and potential federal funding restrictions for non-compliant states.
Hungary's government spokesman, Zoltán Kovács, has denied a Bloomberg report alleging Prime Minister Viktor Orban plans to introduce a presidential system to retain power beyond the 2026 elections. Kovács dismissed the claims as 'leftist fake-news routine,' reaffirming Hungary's parliamentary republic status amidst ongoing political discussions.
Former President Donald Trump announced a pardon for Tina Peters, the former Mesa County Clerk convicted of election system breaches in Colorado. However, state officials, including Governor Jared Polis and Secretary of State Jena Griswold, have rejected the pardon, asserting that presidential clemency does not extend to state-level convictions.
The U.S. has officially launched the 'Trump Gold Card' visa program, offering expedited residency for a US$1 million contribution from individuals or US$2 million from companies sponsoring workers. This initiative aims to attract wealthy foreign nationals and generate revenue, replacing aspects of the traditional EB-5 visa.
US House Speaker Mike Johnson and Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana have initiated a global campaign to nominate former President Donald Trump for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize, citing his diplomatic achievements including the Abraham Accords and a Gaza peace plan.
A federal judge in New York has ordered the unsealing of extensive investigative materials from the sex trafficking case against Ghislaine Maxwell. The decision, made on December 9, 2025, follows the recently enacted 'Epstein Files Transparency Act,' mandating the public disclosure of records related to Maxwell and Jeffrey Epstein's crimes, with provisions for victim privacy.
President Donald Trump announced the US will permit Nvidia to sell its H200 AI chips to approved Chinese customers, subject to a 25% fee. This move partially reverses previous restrictions, aiming to balance national security with market access for advanced AI technology. The Department of Commerce is finalizing details, with similar policies expected for other chipmakers.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent appeared on 'Face the Nation' to provide an update on the U.S. economy, projecting 3% GDP growth for 2025 and addressing inflation. He also detailed the newly launched 'Trump Accounts,' tax-deferred investment vehicles for children, set to begin contributions in July 2026.
The National Park Service, under the Trump administration, has announced significant changes to its fee-free admission calendar for 2026. The new policy eliminates free entry on Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth, while adding President Donald Trump's birthday on June 14. These changes, effective January 1, 2026, also introduce new fees for international visitors.
FIFA presented its first 'FIFA Peace Prize – Football Unites the World' to former U.S. President Donald Trump during the 2026 World Cup draw ceremony in Washington D.C. The new annual award recognizes individuals for 'exceptional and extraordinary actions for peace' and unity. The decision has drawn both praise and controversy.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, U.S. President Donald Trump, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney held a significant meeting in Washington D.C. during the FIFA World Cup 2026 draw. The trilateral discussion focused on the collaborative efforts for co-hosting the upcoming global football tournament, emphasizing strong coordination among the three North American nations.
