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US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth announced mandatory annual testosterone screening for service members aged 30 and older, with voluntary replacement therapy for those diagnosed with low levels. The policy, framed as a readiness measure, has drawn criticism from Democrats and medical experts concerned about overprescription and disparities with the treatment of transgender troops.
Vice President JD Vance told podcaster Joe Rogan that Jeffrey Epstein had connections to the highest levels of American and Israeli intelligence, and acknowledged the Trump administration mishandled the release of Epstein files. Vance also theorized about Epstein's ties to the Israeli left, drawing criticism from the Jerusalem Post for embracing conspiracy theories.
US Vice President JD Vance told podcaster Joe Rogan that Jeffrey Epstein appeared connected to both American and Israeli intelligence, and admitted the Trump administration mishandled the release of Epstein-related files. Vance also commented on former Attorney General Pam Bondi's overstated claims about a client list.
Todd Blanche, Donald Trump's pick for attorney general, faced tense bipartisan questioning at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing. He apologised for mistakes in the handling of the Epstein files, addressed his relationship with Trump, and discussed a controversial IRS settlement that was quashed by a federal judge.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced a new annual testosterone screening program for service members aged 30 and older, with voluntary testing for younger troops. The initiative, part of a broader push to reshape the military's physical standards, has drawn criticism from Democratic lawmakers and medical professionals concerned about potential unnecessary treatment.
The United States fired on an oil tanker attempting to reach Kharg Island, part of its naval blockade on Iran, while strikes were reported in Tehran and other cities. Iran responded with attacks targeting Bahrain and Kuwait, and shipping in the Strait of Hormuz has plunged amid the escalating conflict.
The interim US-Iran ceasefire has collapsed, leading to renewed airstrikes, Iranian retaliation, and threats to close strategic straits. President Trump has escalated rhetoric, proposing and quickly abandoning a toll plan for the Strait of Hormuz, while global oil prices rise. The conflict has renewed discussions in Washington about regime change, with diplomatic efforts failing to secure concessions.
Senior House Democrats, including minority leader Hakeem Jeffries, have announced they will oppose an amendment that would halt $3.3 billion in US military aid to Israel, amid growing primary challenges over Israel policy. Jeffries called the measure overly broad, while a separate House resolution on the war in Lebanon exposed divisions among Democrats.
The Trump administration has announced a sweeping campaign against the International Criminal Court, accusing it of posing an 'intolerable threat to US sovereignty.' The EU has pushed back, defending the court's role in prosecuting war crimes and genocide.
Volkswagen has confirmed it is planning to cut up to 100,000 jobs globally as part of a cost-cutting programme, citing high costs and intense competition from Chinese carmakers. The company reported a steep fall in profits and cut its revenue forecast after a sales slump in China, with some reports also detailing a Russian company's offer to hire laid-off employees.
Israel is pushing to accelerate negotiations with the Trump administration on a new bilateral defense framework to replace the current Memorandum of Understanding, which expires in 2028. The talks aim to transition from 'aid' to 'partnership', with a proposed 10-year wind-down of US military aid. Time is tight as the current US Congress ends in January.
The Trump administration has announced a campaign to dismantle the International Criminal Court, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio accusing the tribunal of threatening American sovereignty. The effort includes potential sanctions, travel bans, and diplomatic pressure on allies, amid the ICC's investigations into Afghanistan and its arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has rejected DEA assertions of government-cartel ties and refused to arrest officials indicted in the United States on drug corruption charges, escalating a confrontation with the Trump administration over drug enforcement strategy.
Reports indicate that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has assumed a commanding role in Venezuela's governance, controlling finances and export revenue, with interim President Delcy Rodríguez deferring to his instructions. The situation follows the US military capture of Nicolás Maduro and has sparked debate over the extent of US influence, with some experts describing the arrangement as a colonial administration.
A lawsuit filed by the Iranian American Legal Defense Fund and Public Citizen Litigation Group alleges the Trump administration violated US law by providing Iran with confidential information about Iranian asylum seekers, including pro-democracy protesters, religious minorities, and LGBTQ individuals. The plaintiffs say the data could lead to persecution, torture, or death upon deportation, while ICE has denied the allegations. The suit also details a March 2025 meeting and ongoing information exchanges between US and Iranian officials.
Reports detail $2.7bn spent to block wind power and $1.125bn to boost coal, with critics saying it raises energy bills. Separately, analysis challenges Trump's portrayal of China's renewable energy progress.
The United States has announced it will remove Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, a designation in place since 1979. The decision, which will take effect in 45 days unless Congress blocks it, was announced by President Donald Trump after meeting Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at a NATO summit in Ankara. The move is seen as a significant boost to Syria's economic recovery and international reintegration.
Pakistan has called on the US and Iran to exercise restraint after a series of overnight strikes raised fears of a renewed Middle East conflict. The appeal came from both Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the Foreign Office, which also urged all sides to honor the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.
President Donald Trump declared the ceasefire with Iran effectively over, calling Iranian leaders 'scum' and 'vicious, violent people' as he arrived at a NATO summit in Ankara. The US launched strikes on over 80 Iranian targets after attacks on commercial vessels, while Trump also criticized NATO allies and reiterated his demand for Greenland.
Cuba's foreign minister accused the US of an 'act of war' over fuel restrictions amid a third nationwide blackout, while US Ambassador Mike Waltz blamed Cuba's government for the crisis. The exchange at the UN highlights deepening tensions between the two nations.