Elon Musk to Co-Lead Trump's Department of Government Efficiency, Targets CFPB
Elon Musk, set to co-lead President-elect Donald Trump's new Department of Government Efficiency, voiced support for abolishing the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), which oversees financial institutions. On social media, Musk described regulatory agencies as duplicative, including the IRS. The CFPB, established post-2007 financial crisis, faces criticism from Republicans and Musk's comments suggest possible cutbacks under the Trump administration.
NewsNight Panel Reflects on Thanksgiving Priorities
On Thanksgiving Eve, NewsNight panelists pondered the holiday's significance, while Geoff Duncan shared that a certain popular dish will be absent from his family's table.
Gov. DeSantis to Appoint New Florida Senator by Early January
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is set to appoint a successor to Sen. Marco Rubio's seat by early January, following Rubio's nomination for secretary of state by President-elect Trump. Amidst speculation, DeSantis rules out a placeholder or seeking the seat himself, while facing pressure to consider Lara Trump. A thorough vetting process is underway, with several state-level candidates in contention and no members of Congress considered, to maintain the GOP's House majority.
China Suspends Military Official Miao Hua Amid Corruption Crackdown
China has suspended Miao Hua, a high-ranking military official on its Central Military Commission, for suspected disciplinary violations, signaling ongoing anticorruption efforts within the military. Defence Ministry spokesperson Wu Qian announced the investigation without elaborating on the charges. This action continues President Xi Jinping’s campaign targeting corruption in the armed forces, which has seen the removal of nearly 20 officials since 2023.
Renewed Interest in 'YMCA' After Trump's Rallies and Sporting Events Celebrations
The Village People's 1978 hit 'YMCA' has seen a surge in popularity, topping a Billboard sales chart for the first time after being used by then-President Trump at rallies and adopted by athletes for on-field celebrations. Despite initial resistance, co-writer Victor Willis embraced the renewed interest, noting positive outcomes from the continued use of the song.
U.S.-China Relations Face Tariff Tensions as Trump Prepares for Office
President-elect Donald Trump, set to take office next year, has announced a plan to impose a 10% tariff on Chinese goods, which could escalate to 60%. This move risks triggering a trade war and broader national security implications. China has expressed desire for a stable relationship, warning against the damaging effects of a trade conflict. The first half of the next year is considered crucial for defining the future of U.S.-China relations.
US Official Urges Ukraine to Boost Military Ranks amid Russian Advances
A senior US official suggests Ukraine should recruit younger soldiers, lowering the service age from 25 to 18 years to replenish its forces. As Russia gains ground, the outgoing Biden administration prepares a $725m weapons package for Ukraine before Trump takes office. Ukraine, lacking resources to equip additional troops, is wary of increasing mobilization without sufficient support.
Escalating Tensions as Ukraine and Russia Exchange Long-Range Strikes
The U.S. confirmed Ukraine's use of American long-range ATACMS in Russia, while Moscow admitted to retaliatory strikes with a new ballistic missile capable of reaching any part of Europe. Russia's continued advance in Ukraine's Donetsk region and President Putin's implied nuclear menace with the Oreshnik missile escalate the conflict. Putin also claims the capability for mass-production, despite Ukrainian intelligence suggesting otherwise.
Key Developments in the Russia-Ukraine War on Day 1008
On November 28, Russian forces seized Nova Illinka near Donetsk in eastern Ukraine and a drone attack wounded three in Kyiv. Ukraine downed 36 Russian drones, as debates on military service ages and Western reactions to Russian aggression, including potential NATO Article 5 invocation, continue. Trump named Keith Kellogg as a special envoy for the conflict. The US prepares a $725m military aid package for Ukraine, and several European nations pledged more support.