Category: Donald Trump

Trump Ties His Failed Nobel Peace Prize Bid to His Greenland Quest

US President Donald Trump told Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre that he no longer feels the need to focus on peace. He feels this way because the Norwegian Nobel Committee did not give him the Nobel Peace Prize.

In a surprising text message to Støre, which PBS first reported and an official from the Prime Minister’s office confirmed, Trump linked his threats to take control of Greenland to not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, something he has wanted for a long time.

“Since your country chose not to give me the Nobel Peace Prize for stopping eight wars, I no longer feel obligated to think only about peace. While peace will always be important, I can now consider what is best for the United States,” Trump wrote.

Støre said he received this message after he and Finnish President Alexander Stubb texted Trump. In their message, the Nordic leaders expressed their opposition to Trump’s planned tariff increases against Norway, Finland, and some other countries.

Støre explained to President Trump that the Nobel Prize is awarded by an independent committee, not the Norwegian government.

Trump’s message came after he threatened to add a 10 percent tariff on goods from several European countries because they oppose his plan to acquire Greenland. Greenland is part of Denmark and a fellow NATO member. His threats have raised concerns within NATO about a possible conflict between members.

“Denmark cannot protect that land from Russia or China. Why do they have a ‘right of ownership’? There are no written documents. It’s only that a boat landed there hundreds of years ago, and we also had boats landing there,” Trump said in his message.

Greenland’s Brief History

Greenland is a large island in the Arctic. In 1953, it became part of Denmark during global efforts to decolonize after World War II. Greenland has its own government, but Denmark still handles its defense, security, and money.

In a note to Støre, Trump said, “I have done more for NATO than anyone else since it started, and now NATO should do something for the United States. The world is not secure unless we have complete and total control of Greenland.”

The United States has been a key part of Euro-Atlantic security for many years and has spent much more on defense than any other NATO member. However, many NATO allies have joined the US in recent wars. After the 2001 invasion of Afghanistan, 43 Danish soldiers died while fighting there.

Denmark is a Close Ally to the UK and the US

At a news conference in London, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that Denmark is a close ally of the United Kingdom and the United States. He praised Denmark as a proud NATO member that has stood with us, even at a great human cost.

Trump’s comments came after Nordic leaders Støre and Stubb reached out to him about the extra tariffs he had threatened over Greenland. They wrote, “We believe we should all work to reduce tensions and de-escalate. There is so much happening around us that we need to stand together,” according to an official from Støre’s office.

The Nobel Committee announced that María Corina Machado, the leader of Venezuela’s democratic opposition, will receive the 2025 Peace Prize. Last week, she gave her medal to Trump during their meeting in Washington. Trump called it “a wonderful gesture of mutual respect.”

However, the Nobel Committee later clarified that while the physical medal can change hands, the honor itself cannot be passed on.

January 19, 2026
Trump has Suspended Immigrant Visas for 75 Countries

The U.S. government will stop processing immigrant visas for applicants from 75 countries starting January 21. This change affects people wanting to move to the U.S. permanently. It does not impact visitors or those with short-term visas.

This decision comes five months before the U.S. hosts the FIFA World Cup with Canada and Mexico. It also follows a series of crackdowns on immigrants, refugees, foreign students, and visa applicants, raising concerns about how the U.S. views visitors.

What announcement has been made by the U.S. administration?

The State Department has told U.S. consulates to stop processing immigrant visa applications from certain countries. This decision comes after an order to increase checks on potential immigrants who might financially burden the U.S.

“The Trump administration is ending the misuse of America’s immigration system by those who take advantage of American resources,” the department said.

Processing of immigrant visas from these 75 countries will be paused while the State Department reviews its procedures to prevent foreign nationals from relying on welfare and public benefits.

How does it work?

According to the State Department, people from the affected countries can still apply for immigrant visas. However, no visas will be approved or issued while the pause is in place. The U.S. government has not said when this suspension might end.

Dual nationals can apply using a valid passport from a country not included in the suspension. This pause does not affect non-immigrant visas, such as temporary, tourist, or business visas.

Other Immigration Restrictions Under the Trump Administration

Recently, the Trump administration has tightened immigration rules for people from countries with weak vetting processes. The State Department has set new limits on migration from these nations.

In January 2025, the White House stated that the U.S. could not accept large numbers of migrants, especially refugees. They said this could strain public resources, create security issues, and make it harder for newcomers to adjust.

In June, the administration imposed a full travel ban on people from 12 countries: Afghanistan, Chad, the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Myanmar, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.

By October, the White House announced the lowest refugee admissions limit in U.S. history: just 7,500 refugees for the 2026 fiscal year. Most of this cap is for white Afrikaners from South Africa. Trump has spread false claims about a genocide against white South Africans, despite data showing that violence affects people of all races in that country.

At the same time, the Trump administration has cut foreign aid programs that help refugees living abroad.

The administration has also worked to limit skilled immigration. They claim this protects jobs for U.S. citizens. In September, they raised the application fee for H-1B visas, which companies use to hire foreign workers, to $100,000.

After an Afghan national linked to the shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., the government added more travel restrictions. They expanded the ban to include six more countries: Palestine, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, and Syria.

Immigration officials have also paused asylum cases and stopped processing citizenship and green card applications for people from the countries affected by the bans.

Is the Trump administration deporting people at record rates?

By early December, Trump’s Department of Homeland Security said it had deported over 605,000 people, while about 1.9 million people had left the country on their own.

As a result, the United States saw more people leaving than entering in 2025. This was the first time in 50 years that net negative immigration happened, according to the Brookings Institution. Their researchers estimated that the net loss of immigrants that year was between 10,000 and 295,000 people.

January 16, 2026
Trump Cancels Iran Meetings, Urges Protesters to Seize Institutions

US President Donald Trump has canceled all meetings with Iranian officials. He urged protesters in Iran to “take over your institutions” after a government crackdown.

On Tuesday, Trump posted on social media that “help is on the way” but did not elaborate. He has been considering military action against Iran recently.

“Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING-TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS! Save the names of the killers and abusers. They will pay a big price,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

“I have canceled all meetings with Iranian officials until the senseless killing of protesters stops. HELP IS ON ITS WAY. MIGA!!! [MAGA].”

Trump has threatened military strikes against Iran to pressure the country to meet US demands. He suggested that a harsh response from Iranian authorities to the protests could lead to US military action. On Monday, he announced a 25% tariff on any country doing business with Iran.

Analysts have warned that US strikes could break international law and lead to unexpected problems, especially with the large protests happening in Iran.

Human rights groups outside Iran say hundreds of protesters have died, while state media report that over 100 security personnel have also died.

Trump Announced to Invade Iran

Trump has suggested that the US may intervene in Iran. His national security team will meet today to discuss options.

Thousands of people are feared dead after a strong crackdown on weeks of protests against the government in Iran. Many Iranians are reporting high levels of death and destruction when they manage to call family abroad.

An Iranian security official told Reuters that the death toll could be around 2,000 people, which includes security personnel.

One protester, Erfan Soltani, is set to be executed tomorrow. A human rights group mentioned that they have never seen a case move so quickly.

Although some people in Iran can now make calls outside the country, an ongoing internet blackout makes it hard to confirm information from inside.

Top Iranian Official Attributes Iranian Deaths to Trump

Iran’s security forces have increased their crackdown in recent days. The Human Rights Activists News Agency, based in the US, reports that at least 1,847 protesters have been killed since the demonstrations began on December 28. They warn that the actual death toll could be much higher.

In response to former President Trump’s comments on X (formerly Twitter), Ali Larijani, Secretary of the National Security Council and adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said, “We announce the names of the main murderers of the Iranian people: 1- Trump 2- Netanyahu.”

This is not the first time Larijani has responded to Trump on social media.

Earlier, on January 2, Trump wrote on Truth Social: “If Iran shoots and violently kills peaceful protesters, which is their custom, the United States of America will come to their rescue.”

Larijani replied, “Trump should know that US interference in this internal matter would mean destabilizing the entire region and harming America’s interests.”

January 13, 2026
US Classified Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan as ‘Terrorists’

The United States has labeled Muslim Brotherhood organizations in Egypt, Lebanon, and Jordan as “terrorist” groups. This announcement comes from President Donald Trump’s administration as it increases efforts to target groups that oppose Israel globally.

This decision was made on Tuesday, following an executive order from Trump issued weeks earlier to start the process of blacklisting these groups.

The US Department of the Treasury identified the organizations in Jordan and Egypt as “specially designated global terrorists.” Meanwhile, the State Department classified the Lebanese group as a “foreign terrorist organization” (FTO).

The Trump administration mentioned that these groups allegedly support Hamas and act against Israeli interests in the Middle East as reasons for the designations.

The US Treasury stated, “Chapters of the Muslim Brotherhood claim to be legitimate civic organizations, but they openly support terrorist groups like Hamas behind the scenes.”

On Tuesday, Egypt’s Foreign Ministry welcomed the US decision to label the Egyptian branch of the Muslim Brotherhood as global “terrorists.” They called it a significant step. The ministry explained that the decision shows the risks this group poses and its extremist ideology, which threatens regional and international security.

They also said this move matches Egypt’s long-standing view of the group, which it considers a “terrorist” organization due to its violence and incitement.

These US designations make it illegal to provide support to these groups and impose economic sanctions to disrupt their funding. The FTO label also bans members of these groups from entering the US.

The Muslim Brotherhood

The Muslim Brotherhood was founded in 1928 by Egyptian scholar Hassan al-Banna. It has branches across the Middle East, including political parties and social groups.

The group claims it is committed to peaceful political participation. In Lebanon, the Muslim Brotherhood chapter is called al-Jamaa al-Islamiya, and it has representatives in the Lebanese Parliament.

In Jordan, the group won 31 seats in the House of Representatives in the 2024 elections through its political arm, the Islamic Action Front. However, last year, the Jordanian government banned the group, accusing it of being involved in a sabotage plot.

In Egypt, the Muslim Brotherhood won the only democratically held presidential election in 2012. But after President Mohamed Morsi was overthrown in a military coup in 2013, he died in prison in 2019. Since then, Egypt has banned the Muslim Brotherhood and cracked down on its leaders and members, forcing the group underground and into exile.

Muslim Brotherhood organizations have criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza, calling them genocide. Al-Jamaa al-Islamiya showed support for Hezbollah as part of a solidarity effort for Gaza, which led to a war in September 2024.

After a decree by Trump in November, Lebanese Parliament member Imad al-Hout stated that al-Jamaa al-Islamiya is a licensed political organization in Lebanon and has no foreign ties. He said that the assessment of any Lebanese political group should be based on Lebanese laws, not external viewpoints tied to American interests that support Israel and do not reflect the situation in Lebanon.

The Group Rejected Trump’s Order

The Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood rejected Trump’s order to blacklist them, noting that previous US administrations did not take this step.

“The facts have not changed. What has changed is the foreign pressure on the United States, especially from the UAE and Israel, to adopt policies that serve outside interests instead of the American people,” the group stated in November.

“These outside interests contradict the ‘America First’ principle that President Trump often mentions and show the negative influence of foreign lobbying groups on U.S. national security decisions.”

Effects in the US

In the US and other Western countries, right-wing activists have tried to harm the reputation of Muslim immigrant communities and critics of Israel by linking them to the Muslim Brotherhood.

Some of Trump’s supporters in Congress have pushed for blacklisting the group for years.

After Trump’s order labeled the Muslim Brotherhood’s branches in Lebanon, Egypt, and Jordan as “terrorist” groups, the Republican governors of Texas and Florida acted against the leading Muslim civil rights group in the US.

Both states classified the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and the Muslim Brotherhood as “terrorist” groups.

CAIR, which denies any connection to the Muslim Brotherhood, has filed a lawsuit in response.

January 13, 2026
Trump Considers Possible Military Action Against Iran

President Donald Trump is looking at different military options in response to the protests in Iran that have turned deadly. Some U.S. officials told CNN that he is thinking about responding to recent threats to attack the Iranian government if it harms civilians.

Trump has been briefed recently on various plans for intervention as the violence in Iran has led to many deaths and arrests. Some options focus on targeting the security forces in Tehran that are suppressing the protests.

On Sunday, Trump stated that Iran contacted him to negotiate. He said, “The leaders of Iran want to negotiate. I think they’re tired of being beaten up by the United States.”

Trump is mainly concerned about the violence against protesters. He noted, “Some people seem to be killed who shouldn’t be. These leaders are violent, if you want to call them that. We are taking this very seriously.” He added, “The military is looking at it, and we are considering strong options. We will make a decision.”

However, some officials are worried that military strikes could have negative consequences and hurt the protests. They believe that strikes could rally the Iranian people behind their government or lead Iran to retaliate with military action.

Options to Target the Iranian Regime

Trump is looking at several ways to help protesters in Iran without using military force.

The U.S. is considering cyber operations to target the Iranian military and government. This could disrupt their ability to manage protests. Trump is also thinking about new sanctions on important officials and key parts of Iran’s economy, like energy and banking.

In addition, the administration may provide technology, such as Starlink, to help improve internet access in Iran. This would help protesters get around information blackouts. Trump mentioned he might call Elon Musk, the owner of Starlink, after returning to Washington from Florida. President Joe Biden had previously offered similar internet support during protests in 2022.

Different government agencies are working on these options for the president. Formal briefings are planned soon, including one on Tuesday when Trump will meet with senior national security officials to discuss what to do next.

Tehran has warned that if the U.S. takes military action against Iran, it will target U.S. military and commercial bases. Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, the parliamentary speaker, said, “If the U.S. attacks Iran or the occupied territories, we will consider U.S. military and shipping centers legitimate targets. We will not just wait and react after an attack.”

When asked how the U.S. would respond if Iran attacked American military bases, Trump said, “We will hit them at levels that they’ve never been hit before.”

The president has not made a final decision about intervention yet, but he is seriously considering options as the death toll in Iran rises. However, the choices under consideration do not include sending ground troops to Iran, according to a senior official at the White House.

Consequences of Anti-regime Protests

Over the past 15 days, at least 10,675 people have been arrested in Iran during anti-government protests. This number includes 169 children, according to Skylar Thompson, the deputy director of Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRA).

HRA also reports that at least 490 protesters have been killed during this time. CNN cannot verify these numbers independently.

U.S. President Trump commented on the situation on social media, saying, “Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!”

On Friday, Trump told reporters that if the Iranian government uses deadly violence against protesters, the U.S. will “get involved.” He emphasized that this would not necessarily mean sending troops, but that the U.S. would respond strongly.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke on Saturday about the protests. They also discussed the situations in Syria and Gaza.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Sunday that they are watching the developments in Iran as the country enters its third week of protests.

January 12, 2026
US Seized a Sanctioned Oil Tanker Off Venezuela – Trump

President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that the U.S. has taken control of an oil tanker near Venezuela. This action has raised oil prices and increased tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela.

“We have just seized a very large tanker, the largest ever, off the coast of Venezuela, and other things are happening,” Trump said. He has been calling for Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to step down.

When asked about the oil, Trump replied, “We keep it, I guess.”

This is the first known action against an oil tanker since Trump ordered a military buildup in the region. He has often suggested U.S. military intervention in Venezuela. Meanwhile, the U.S. has targeted vessels suspected of drug trafficking, which has raised concerns among lawmakers and legal experts.

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi posted on X that the FBI, Homeland Security, and the Coast Guard, with help from the U.S. military, executed a seizure warrant for the tanker carrying oil from Venezuela and Iran that was under sanctions.

Bondi also shared a 45-second video showing two helicopters approaching the tanker, with armed individuals in camouflage descending onto it.

The Trump administration did not reveal the name of a seized vessel. However, a British maritime group called Vanguard reported that a tanker named Skipper was believed to have been taken near Venezuela early on Wednesday. The U.S. has placed sanctions on this tanker because of its alleged involvement in trading Iranian oil when it was known as the Adisa.

The Skipper left Venezuela’s main oil port, Jose, between December 4 and 5 after loading about 1.1 million barrels of heavy crude oil called Merey, according to satellite data from TankerTrackers.com and information from the Venezuelan state oil company, PDVSA.

Oil prices went up after the news of the seizure. After starting off low, Brent crude futures rose by 27 cents (0.4%) to settle at $62.21 per barrel. At the same time, U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures gained 21 cents (0.4%) to close at $58.46 per barrel.

On Wednesday, President Maduro spoke at a march to honor a military battle but did not talk about the tanker’s seizure.

Impact on Oil Prices

Venezuela exported over 900,000 barrels of oil per day last month, making it the third-highest monthly average this year. PDVSA brought in more naphtha to mix with its extra-heavy oil output. While the U.S. has increased pressure on Maduro, it has not disrupted oil shipments.

Venezuela has to sell its crude oil at lower prices to China because of rising competition from sanctioned oil from Russia and Iran.

“This situation is another challenge from geopolitical issues and sanctions that affects the availability of oil,” said Rory Johnston, an analyst with Commodity Context.

“Seizing this tanker raises immediate supply concerns, but it doesn’t change the overall situation because those barrels were already scheduled to be shipped,” Johnston added.

Chevron, which works with PDVSA, stated that its operations in Venezuela are running smoothly. Last month, the company increased crude oil exports to the U.S. to about 150,000 barrels per day, up from 128,000 barrels per day in October.

Rising Pressure on Maduro

Maduro claims that the U.S. military buildup aims to overthrow him and take control of Venezuela’s oil reserves.

Since early September, the Trump administration has carried out more than 20 strikes against suspected drug vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific, killing over 80 people.

Experts say these strikes might be illegal because there is little public evidence showing that the boats were carrying drugs. They argue it was not necessary to blow up the boats instead of stopping them, seizing their cargo, and questioning the crews.

Concerns grew this month after reports that the commander leading the operation ordered a second strike that resulted in the deaths of two survivors.

A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll found that many Americans, including about one-fifth of Trump’s Republican supporters, oppose the military’s campaign of deadly strikes on these boats.

In a strategy document released last week, Trump stated that his administration’s foreign policy would focus on reasserting U.S. power in the Western Hemisphere.

December 11, 2025
Trump will Engage in Sudan Peace Efforts During Ongoing Civil War – Rubio

United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated that President Donald Trump is personally overseeing efforts to end the war in Sudan, which is now in its third year and has caused severe suffering for the civilian population. During a cabinet meeting at the White House on Wednesday, Rubio emphasized that Trump is “the only leader in the world capable of resolving the Sudan crisis.”

Last month, Trump announced plans for the U.S. to collaborate with other members of the Quad, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, along with additional regional partners, to put an end to the brutal 30-month conflict.

At a conference in the U.S., Trump said that the Saudi prince asked him for help to stop the fighting in Sudan. He called Sudan a very dangerous place and said many people there need help. Trump also said that other world leaders want him to take action to end the violence.

The civil war in Sudan began in April 2023, when the government-controlled Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) clashed with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) over control of areas, including the capital, Khartoum.

Peace negotiations have been complicated by recent advances made by the RSF. Earlier this week, the RSF claimed to have taken control of Babnusa, a key city in the central Sudanese region of West Kordofan, although the SAF disputed this claim.

Babnusa is a crucial gateway to the western Darfur region, which the RSF fully controlled last month, as well as to the entirety of western Sudan. The RSF’s assault on Babnusa builds on its momentum following the capture of the city of el-Fasher, the army’s last stronghold in Darfur, after an 18-month siege. The RSF has faced accusations of committing widespread atrocities in el-Fasher.

Recent War Efforts Violate Unilateral Ceasefire

The latest fighting appears to violate a unilateral ceasefire announced by the RSF after mediation efforts by the Quad. The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) turned down the ceasefire terms suggested by the Quad, saying they favor the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) too much. The SAF also accused the RSF of continuing attacks even though they declared a truce. The SAF claims that the involvement of the United Arab Emirates in the Quad is unfair and that the proposal is meant to weaken the army.

While the UAE has been widely accused of supporting the RSF with funding and weapons, it has consistently denied any involvement.

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk expressed his concerns on Thursday about the possibility of new atrocities occurring amidst the intense fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

The UN Human Rights Council has already initiated one inquiry into reported atrocities, which include systematic mass murder, rape, torture, and the forced displacement of non-Arab ethnic groups since the RSF took control of el-Fasher.

According to UN estimates, the ongoing war in Sudan has resulted in over 40,000 deaths. The reported number of affected individuals is underestimated, with the actual figure likely much higher. The UN has called this the largest humanitarian crisis in the world, as millions have been displaced and some regions are facing famine.

December 4, 2025
Trump Designated Nicolás Maduro as a Member of a Foreign Terrorist Organization

The Trump administration is set to expand its ability to take action against Venezuela starting Monday, as the U.S. labels Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his government allies as members of a foreign terrorist organization.

This designation of “Cartel de los Soles,” a term experts believe describes corrupt government officials rather than an organized crime group, will allow President Donald Trump to impose new sanctions on Maduro’s assets and infrastructure. However, it does not clearly give permission to use lethal force, according to legal experts.

Despite this, administration officials say the designation will give the U.S. more military options for actions within Venezuela.

“Cartel de los Soles” refers to a loose network of Venezuelan military groups involved in drug trafficking. President Maduro denies any involvement in drug trafficking, and his government disputes the existence of the alleged cartel, which some experts claim does not exist in a conventional way.

This designation was announced on November 16 and comes as the U.S. military has brought together more than a dozen warships and 15,000 troops in the region under what the Pentagon calls “Operation Southern Spear.” The U.S. military has carried out boat strikes against drug traffickers, resulting in the deaths of many people.

Trump has received updates from top officials about different ways to act in Venezuela. Options include military strikes on key government or military targets and special operations raids, but doing nothing is also an option.

On Monday, General Dan Caine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and his senior adviser, David Isom, will visit Puerto Rico. They want to thank service members for their support of missions in the Caribbean Sea.

Trump Administration to Cut Illegal Migration

Many people in the U.S. are against military involvement in Venezuela. A CBS News/YouGov poll released on Sunday shows that 70% of Americans oppose military action, while 30% support it. Additionally, 76% of those surveyed feel that the Trump administration has not clearly explained its position on military actions.

The Trump administration says it is working to reduce illegal migration and drug trafficking, but achieving regime change in Venezuela may be a side effect. A U.S. official stated that Trump hopes pressure will make Maduro step down without any direct military action.

In response, the Venezuelan government rejected the classification of the cartel as a foreign terrorist organization, calling it a “ridiculous fabrication.”

They added, “This new move will end up like all previous aggressions against our country: it will fail.”

Trump has indicated that he might be open to talking with Maduro. Last week, he mentioned that Maduro “would like to talk” and later said he could speak with him “at a certain time.”

Tensions are rising, and on Thursday, the U.S. showed a strong military presence near Venezuela. During several hours, at least six U.S. aircraft were seen off the coast, including a supersonic F/A-18E fighter jet, a B-52 bomber, and reconnaissance planes, according to flight data reviewed by CNN.

Over the weekend, three international airlines canceled flights from Venezuela after the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration warned airlines about a “potentially hazardous situation” when flying over the country, according to Reuters.

November 24, 2025
Trump Plans to Reveal a New Plan to Lower Health Care Costs

President Donald Trump plans to announce a new proposal to lower health care costs as soon as Monday. This proposal aims to prevent a large increase in insurance premiums due to the end of important Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, according to three sources.

The plan promises a better option for nearly 22 million people who depend on these enhanced ACA subsidies. This comes after Democrats refused to reopen the government for over a month because they wanted a straightforward extension of those payments.

Senate Republicans have agreed to vote in mid-December to extend the enhanced subsidies, which are set to expire at the end of the year. In return, they will extend government funding through January. This agreement has pushed Trump and his team to create their own competing plan. The enhanced assistance was originally included in the Biden administration’s COVID-19 relief package in 2021 and has resulted in a record 24 million people signing up for coverage this year.

How Many People Could be Uninsured in 2026?

If the subsidies end, premiums are expected to more than double next year, according to KFF, a health policy research group. Additionally, the Congressional Budget Office estimates that about 2 million more people could be uninsured next year.

Democrats plan to use these potential issues against the GOP in the upcoming midterm elections. They hope this strategy will be as effective as it was in 2018, when Republicans lost control of the House partly due to their attempts to repeal the Affordable Care Act.

The administration’s proposal is not final, and its timing and details could change. A White House official stated, “Until President Trump makes an announcement himself, any reporting about the administration’s health care positions is mere speculation.”

The deadline to sign up for health coverage is approaching. Americans must enroll by December 15 for their plans to start on January 1. Open enrollment ends on January 15. Advocates for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) warn that many people may be put off by high costs when considering plans for 2026.

Power to the People

The current administration is considering a plan to extend enhanced subsidies, a major shift from Trump’s recent remarks opposing federal funding for insurance companies. Trump stated on Truth Social, “The only healthcare I will support is sending the money directly to the people, not to the wealthy insurance companies that have made trillions and ripped off America. The people will be allowed to negotiate and buy their own, better insurance. Power to the People.”

The new plan aims to temporarily keep the ACA subsidies while also establishing rules to limit them. This may include new income limits and requiring everyone enrolled to pay part of their premiums.

These changes would address key concerns from Republicans about enhanced subsidies, including fraud linked to “zero premium” plans, and the need to restore an income cap on premium subsidies, which was previously set at 400% of the federal poverty level before 2021. Removing that cap made Obamacare plans more affordable for the middle class, who could face difficulties if these enhanced subsidies end this year.

Americans Got Coverage

The proposal also requires that everyone with a lower income pay at least a small monthly premium. This change aims to reduce fraudulent practices where some lower-income Americans got coverage without any cost. Brokers and agents had been enrolling people in Obamacare plans or switching them without their knowledge. Requiring a minimum premium would help limit these actions.

The proposal may also let some enrollees who pick lower-tier insurance plans use a portion of their federal aid for a health savings account.

In response to Trump’s idea to send money to individuals, GOP Senators Rick Scott of Florida and Bill Cassidy of Louisiana have put forward proposals to allow consumers to use some of their federal subsidies for health savings accounts. Scott’s plan would let enrollees use all their aid to buy coverage, which might include less comprehensive and cheaper plans outside the ACA. This could hurt the effectiveness of Obamacare.

November 24, 2025
Trump Announces New Pardons for Jan 6 Defendants

President Donald Trump has recently granted pardons to two defendants connected to the January 6 incident, who are also facing charges on unrelated matters. One of these defendants, Suzanne Kaye, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for allegedly threatening to shoot FBI agents in her social media posts.

According to the Department of Justice under the Biden administration, on January 31, 2021, the day before Kaye was scheduled to meet with FBI agents regarding a tip about her presence at the U.S. Capitol during the January 6 riot, she posted videos on social media claiming that she would “shoot” FBI agents if they came to her home. The FBI became aware of Kaye’s social media posts on February 8, 2021, and she was arrested at her home in Florida on February 17, 2021.

A White House official told Fox News Digital that Kaye is prone to stress-induced seizures and experienced one while the jury read its verdict in 2023. The official noted that this case involved disfavored political speech, which is protected under the First Amendment.

U.S. Special Attorney Ed Martin posted about the recent pardon on Saturday, expressing gratitude to Trump in a post on X. He stated, “The Biden DOJ targeted Suzanne Kaye for her social media posts, resulting in an 18-month federal prison sentence. President Trump is undoing the damage caused by Biden’s DOJ weaponization, allowing the healing process to begin.”

Wilson – January 6 Defendant Continued to Serve Time for the Firearms

Daniel Wilson, a defendant from January 6, remains imprisoned despite Trump’s pardons for several convicted rioters. This is because he had pleaded guilty to firearms charges. A White House official told Fox News Digital that President Trump decided to grant Wilson an additional pardon due to the firearms being discovered during a search of Wilson’s home in relation to the Capitol riot.

Although Wilson was included in the broad pardon granted to January 6 defendants by Trump on January 20, 2025, he continued to serve time for the firearms charge, set to be released in 2028. Before his sentencing on January 6-related charges, for which he received a five-year prison term, Wilson pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a banned person and possession of an unregistered firearm.

Initially, the Trump administration’s Justice Department said the firearms charge wouldn’t be part of the January 6 pardon. They later reversed this decision, citing “further clarity,” but did not explain the change.

In his original pardon, Trump stated that under his authority granted by Article II, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution, he was commuting the sentences of individuals “convicted of offenses related to events that happened at or near the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.” This pardon included Wilson’s charges from January 6, but did not cover those related to firearms.

A U.S. Judge Condemned the Phrase “Related to” in Trump’s Original Pardon

U.S. District Judge Dabney Friedrich, a Trump appointee involved in Wilson’s case, rejected the broad interpretation of what Trump was pardoning. She argued that it extended the bounds of the order too far. In her opinion, Friedrich criticized the use of the phrase “related to” in Trump’s original pardon, stating that it should indicate a specific factual link between the conduct underlying a particular offense and the events of January 6, 2021.

An appeals court later upheld her objections, requiring Wilson to remain in custody during the appeal process. Wilson has previously identified himself as a member of the Oath Keepers and the Gray Ghost Partisan Rangers militia, according to Politico.

“Dan Wilson is a good man. After being unjustly imprisoned for more than seven months, he is happy to be back home with his family,” said Wilson’s attorneys, George Pallas and Carol Stewart, in a statement to Politico. “This act of mercy restores his freedom and highlights the problems that have divided our nation.”

November 16, 2025