By Hannah Parry, Amanda Castro, and Robert Birsel
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President Donald Trump addressed the nation for 18 minutes from 9 p.m. ET on Wednesday night in a live speech from the White House.
He spent much of the speech criticizing the previous administration and touting his achievements since taking over.
“For the last four years, the United States was ruled by politicians who fought only for insiders, illegal aliens, career criminals, corporate lobbyists, prisoners, terrorists and above all foreign nations which took advantage of us at levels never seen before,” he said.
"Over the past 11 months, we have brought more positive change to Washington than any administration in American history. There has never been anything like it. I think most would agree," he said.
The address came as Trump has ratcheted up the tension with Venezuela in recent weeks. On Tuesday, he announced a naval blockade on all sanctioned tankers, just days after the U.S. seized an oil tanker of the South American nation's coast - a move the Maduro regime branded an act of piracy. Last week, Trump even suggested that land strikes on Venezuela could be coming "soon."
But in his speech, Trump did not mention Venezuela.
Watch Trump's address here.
What To Know
- National addresses are typically broadcast live across television, radio, and online platforms to reach a broad audience.
- The address comes as a series of national polls show President Trump's approval rating has dropped significantly, with voters signaling their disapproval over the administration's handling of the economy.
- Trump's address comes less than 24 hours after he announced a naval blockage of Venezuela.
Newsweek's live blog is closed.
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Dec 18, 2025 at 03:35 AM EST
Trump made ‘misleading’ use of statistics to tout economic success, analyst says
President Donald Trump made misleading use of statistics in his Wednesday night address to the nation when he seemed intent on convincing Americans that they are actually better off than many of them feel, political and security analyst David Sanger told CNN.
Trump spent much of the nearly 20-minute speech criticizing the previous administration and proclaiming his achievements in a broad range of areas, particularly on the economy.
“He made selective use of statistics and in some cases some quite misleading statistics. He tried to argue that he brought inflation down. It's actually, as of the last numbers we saw…exactly where it was on Inauguration Day,” said Sanger, a journalist with the New York Times.
“He argued that unemployment is headed in the right direction. In fact it was 4 percent when he came in, it’s 4.6 percent now.”
“He argued that prices had actually declined, seeming to confuse slowing inflation with actual deflation, and he made some claims about gas prices that weren’t supported by statistics issued by his own Energy Department,” Sanger said.
“He was delivering the speech so rapidly, and nearly shouting at some moments, that he seemed almost angry that he needed to explain these concepts to the American people…He was almost trying to convince Americans that they should feel good even if they don’t.”
Dec 18, 2025 at 12:10 AM EST
Representative Crockett says Trump is ‘selling lemons’
Representative Jasmine Crockett, a Texas Democrat, said there was no truth to Trump’s accusations in his address to the nation on Wednesday that the administration of his predecessor, Joe Biden, was responsible for the problems facing America today.
“There’s no truth,” Crockett told CNN in an interview when asked about Trump’s blame of Biden’s administration for today’s problems.
“As he stood up today in front of the American people, he sounded like a used car salesman. Like, ‘let me just shout it out. Buy what I'm selling. Yes. This is a lemon.’ Yes. He is selling nothing but lemons,” she said.
Trump spent much of the speech criticizing the Biden administration and touting his achievements across a broad range of areas.
Dec 17, 2025 at 11:43 PM EST
Trump says new Fed chair ‘early in the new year’
President Donald Trump said a new Federal Reserve chair would be announced early in the new year to succeed Jerome Powell.
“I will soon announce our newest chairman of the Federal Reserve. Someone who believes in lower interest rates by a lot and mortgage payments will be coming down even further,” Trump said in his address to the nation.
“Early in the new year you will see this,” he said.
Trump has found himself at odds with Powell over interest rates and has leveled significant criticism against Powell for his reluctance to cut rates faster.
The president has repeatedly argued it is a necessary to cut rates quickly to help alleviate the financial pressures on the American market and taxpayers but Powell has been cautious in bringing down the cost of borrowing.
Dec 17, 2025 at 11:34 PM EST
Trump touts $18 trillion of inward investment
President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he had secured $18 trillion of foreign investment but that sum is at variance with one issued by the White House.
“Already I have secured a record-breaking $18 trillion of investment into the United States, which means jobs, wage increases, factory openings and far greater national security,” Trump said in his address to the nation.
The White House on its website puts total U.S. and foreign investment at $9.6 trillion.
Dec 17, 2025 at 11:17 PM EST
Gingrich likens Trump to Ronald Reagan
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich said President Donald Trump’s address to the nation on Wednesday will be rated as one of his most important ever speeches and it was worthy of Ronald Reagan.
“To watch President Trump give a 19-minute disciplined speech, that covered that many facts, was worthy of Ronald Reagan,” Gingrich, a Republican, told Fox News in an interview.
“That was a good speech, it was an important speech. Some day, people will say it was one of the most important speeches of his career because it set the table for the entire debate over the next year and laid out what Biden did made the country a disaster, what Trump has already done, and where we’re going in general, and why that’s the right direction,” he said.
“I think it was a very, very important speech,” Gingrich said.
Dec 17, 2025 at 11:04 PM EST
Democratic Representative Raskin dismisses ‘meaningless rhetoric’
Democratic Representative Jamie Raskin criticized President Donald Trump’s address to the nation on Wednesday saying it offered no plans or policy proposals, just “meaningless rhetoric.”
Trump spent much of the speech criticizing the previous administration and touting his achievements in a broad range of areas including tackling illegal immigration.
But Raskin told CNN in an interview that Trump’s comments on immigration were “the exact opposite of the truth.”
“If he and Stephen Miller really had their way… and really got rid of 12 million undocumented people in the country we would see a collapse of a whole bunch of sectors, including the farm sector, including seafood, including construction, including landscaping, and there are already serious labor shortages that have broken out all around the country and yet he always goes back to the well of stereotyping and demonizing people,” Raskin said.
Miller is White House deputy chief of staff and plays a leading role in shaping immigration policy.
“There were no plans,” Raskin said of the speech. “There were no programs. There were no policy proposals. There's nothing out there. It was just a bunch of meaningless rhetoric.”
Dec 17, 2025 at 10:44 PM EST
Trump again singles out Somali immigrants for criticism
President Donald Trump again criticized Somali immigrants in Minnesota in his address to the nation as he contrasted “productive, patriotic, hardworking” Americans with “those who break the laws, cheat the system, and seek power and profit at the expense of our nation.”
“Look at Minnesota, where Somalians have taken over the economics of the state and have stolen billions and billions of dollars from Minnesota, and indeed from the United States of America. And we’re going to put an end to it,” he said.
Trump has railed against Somali immigrants in Minnesota since the shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, DC on November 26 even though there has been no apparent connection between Somali immigrants and the shooting.
Dec 17, 2025 at 10:23 PM EST
Trump hails his immigration crackdown
President Donald Trump hailed his administration’s efforts to stem the flow of illegal migration.
“For the past seven months, zero illegal aliens have been allowed into our country, a feat which everyone said was absolutely impossible. Do you remember when Joe Biden said that he needed Congress to pass legislation to help close the border?” Trump said in his address to the nation.
“As it turned out, we didn’t need legislation. We just needed a new president. We inherited the worst border anywhere in the world, and we quickly turned it into the strongest border in the history of our country.”
“For the first time in 50 years, we are now seeing reverse migration as migrants go back home, leaving more housing and more jobs for Americans.” he said.
“In the year before my election, all net creation of jobs was going to foreign migrants. Since I took office, 100 percent of all net job creation has gone to American born citizens.”
“In the end, government either serves the productive, patriotic hard-working American citizen or it serves those who break the laws, cheat the system and seek power and profit at the expense of our nation.”
Dec 17, 2025 at 10:15 PM EST
Democrats say Trump’s speech was aimed at explaining his ‘failure’
Democrats said Trump’s address to the nation was “an attempt to explain his failure to tackle the issues facing Americans,” as he and Republicans were “terrified” of the 2026 midterm elections and he is “scrambling to clean up his mess.”
“Donald Trump has lost the economy, is losing his mind, and is going to lose the midterms. Tonight, Americans watched him and asked themselves: This is the guy in charge?” Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin .
“Let's summarize Trump's first year back in office: He skyrocketed prices with his chaotic trade war, triggered mass layoffs, and priced millions out of health care — all while digging through the pockets of taxpayers to give massive tax cuts to CEOs and billionaires,” Martin said.
“Trump is in hot water, and he knows it,” Martin said, referring to recent polls showing lower Trump’s approval ratings.
“Trump’s economy has been a failure,” he said. “Despite promising to lower prices on 'Day One,' CPO and PCE inflation are rising at a faster pace than when Trump took office, and two-thirds of analysts in a recent survey predicted even higher prices.”
“To make matters worse, Trump’s so-called 'One Big Beautiful Bill' gave billionaires massive tax cuts while making the largest cuts to health care and food assistance in history,” Martin said.
Dec 17, 2025 at 10:01 PM EST
Trump reiterates call for Americans to get money for their health insurance
President Donald Trump repeated his demand that the federal government should give money directly to Americans to buy health coverage instead of to insurers.
“I'm also taking on the gigantic health insurance companies that have gotten rich on billions of dollars of money that should go directly to the people — the money should go to the people, that is you — so they can buy their own health insurance, which will give far better benefits at much lower cost,” he said.
“I want the money to go to the people so you can buy your own health care. You will get much better health care at the lower prices,” he said. “The only losers will be insurance companies and have gotten rich, and the Democrat Party controlled by those same insurance companies.”
Dec 17, 2025 at 09:54 PM EST
Trump promises tax cut benefits next year
President Donald Trump promised Americans that they would see the benefits of hit tax cuts next year.
“Next year you will also see the results of the largest tax cuts in American history that were really accomplished through our great big beautiful bill — perhaps the most sweeping legislation ever passed in Congress,” he said in his address to the nation.
“We wrapped 12 different bills into one beautiful bill. That includes no tax on tips, no tax on overtime and no tax on tips Social Security for our great seniors,” he said.
“Under these cuts, many families will be saving between $11,000 and $20,000 a year. Next spring is projected to be the largest tax refund season of all-time.”
Dec 17, 2025 at 09:45 PM EST
Trump says tariffs helped with his success
President Donald Trump said his tariffs were responsible for much of the success that he hailed in his address to the nation.
“Much of this success has been accomplished by tariffs — my favorite word — tariffs, which for many decades have been used successfully by other countries against us, but not anymore,” he said.
“Companies know that if they build in America, there are no tariffs, and that is why they are coming home to the USA in record numbers. They are building factories and plants at levels we have never seen,” he said.
Dec 17, 2025 at 09:35 PM EST
Every soldier to get $1,776 in honor of nation’s founding
President Donald Trump announced in his address that 1.45 million military service members would get a “warrior dividend” of $1,776 before Christmas.
“In honor of our nation’s founding in 1776, we are sending every soldier 1,776 dollars, think of that,” he said.
“And the checks are already on the way.”
He did not say how the payments would be funded but he credited his tariffs for bringing in money to the country.
“We made a lot more money than anybody thought because of tariffs, and the bill helped us along. Nobody deserves it more than our military, and I say congratulations to everybody,” Trump said.
Dec 17, 2025 at 09:21 PM EST
Trump touts huge improvements since taking office
President Donald Trump touted his achievements on a broad range of issues since taking office.
"Over the past 11 months, we have brought more positive change to Washington than any administration in American history. There has never been anything like it. I think most would agree," he said.
He listed the problems he said inherited from Biden including “open” borders, transgender men playing in women’s sports, crime, the “worst trade deals ever made,” and a “sick and corrupt” federal government.
“For the last four years, the United States was ruled by politicians who fought only for insiders, illegal aliens, career criminals, corporate lobbyists, prisoners, terrorists and above all foreign nations which took advantage of us at levels never seen before,” he said.
"They flooded your cities and towns with illegal aliens. They decimated your hard earned savings. They indoctrinated your children with hate for America. Really, they just released a level of violent felons we had never seen to prey on innocents. They caused war, mayhem, a horrible situation all over the globe."
He said countries were laughing at the U.S. “but not any more."
“In a few short months, we went from worst to best,” he said.
“We are putting America first and making America great again.”
Dec 17, 2025 at 09:17 PM EST
Trump announces ‘warrior dividend’ for service members
President Donald Trump said 1.45 million military service members would get a “warrior dividend” before Christmas.
Dec 17, 2025 at 09:10 PM EST
Trump says he’s bringing down prices
Trump says he is making “record breaking” economic progress.
“I am bringing those prices and bringing them down very fast,” he said
“Boy are we making progress.”
Dec 17, 2025 at 09:06 PM EST
Trump says he’s fixing the economic mess
President Donald Trump said he’s fixing an economic mess left by the Biden administration.
“Eleven months ago inherited a mess, and I am fixing it," he said.
Dec 17, 2025 at 09:02 PM EST
President Trump begins address to the nation from the White House
President Donald Trump told reporters earlier he would tout his "accomplishments over the past 11 months" and share his plans to "continue delivering for the American people over the next three years."
Dec 17, 2025 at 08:01 PM EST
Trump set to address the nation in less than an hour
President Donald Trump is set to deliver his address to the nation from the White House in just under an hour.
”It has been a great year for our Country, and THE BEST IS YET TO COME,” Trump said in a Truth Social post as he announced the address. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt added more details about the speech on Wednesday, telling reporters Trump would tout his "accomplishments over the past 11 months" and would share his plans to "continue delivering for the American people over the next three years."
The 9 p.m. ET address comes as Trump has ratcheted up the tension with Venezuela in recent weeks. On Tuesday, he announced a naval blockade on all sanctioned tankers, just days after the U.S. seized an oil tanker of the South American nation's coast - a move the Maduro regime branded an act of piracy. Last week, Trump even suggested that land strikes on Venezuela could be coming "soon."
Dec 17, 2025 at 07:49 PM EST
Democrat attempt to limit Trump’s power to strike Venezuela fails in Congress
A Democratic attempt to limit President Donald Trump's authority to launch military strikes against boats off the coast of Venezuela, and potentially against the country itself, failed in Congress on Wednesday.
House Democrats forced votes on two war powers resolutions, including one introduced by New York Democrat Rep. Gregory Meeks aimed at removing U.S. forces "from hostilities with any presidentially designated terrorist organization in the Western Hemisphere," unless Congress has declared war or authorized the use of military force. The motion failed 210 to 216 along party lines.
The second motion, filed by Democrat Rep. Jim McGovern, also proposed removing U.S. military "from hostilities within or against Venezuela that have not been authorized by Congress." It was defeated 213 to 211.
The votes were held ahead of Trump's address to the nation on Wednesday evening, in which he is expected to address America's increasing hostilities towards Venezuela and the escalating tension between the two nations.
It also follows Trump's comments that land strikes against the country could commence "soon."
Dec 17, 2025 at 07:36 PM EST
Trump to discuss military actions in Venezuela during address: Report
President Donald Trump is expected to discuss his administration's military actions against Venezuela, a senior administration official told NBC News.
The official said they don't expect Trump to lay out specific new policies for Venezuela in the much-anticipated speech at 9 p.m. ET tonight. But he will lay out the reasons why his government is targeting the South American nation.
Dec 17, 2025 at 07:25 PM EST
WATCH: Trump teases upcoming address to the nation
Dec 17, 2025 at 07:13 PM EST
Donald Trump reacts to Dan Bongino announcing FBI departure
President Donald Trump suggested Wednesday that FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino plans to leave his post soon.
Then just after 5:15 p.m., Bongino posted on X, "I will be leaving my position with the FBI in January. I want to thank President Trump, AG Bondi, and Director Patel for the opportunity to serve with purpose. Most importantly, I want to thank you, my fellow Americans, for the privilege to serve you. God bless America, and all those who defend Her."
Asked about the earlier reports, Trump praised Bongino’s tenure and indicated the move would be voluntary.
“Dan did a great job. I think he wants to go back to his show,” Trump said, referring to Bongino’s previous career as a conservative podcaster.
Read in full: Donald Trump Reacts to Dan Bongino Announcing FBI Departure
Dec 17, 2025 at 07:07 PM EST
‘We’ll see you tonight!’ Trump skips typical Q&A with reporters as he returns to White House
President Donald Trump skipped his usual back-and-forth with reporters waiting for him as he returned to the White House on Wednesday evening.
Instead, he told the press, "We'll see you tonight," referring to his address to the nation at 9 p.m. ET.
Dec 17, 2025 at 06:58 PM EST
Senate approves $901 billion defense bill
The Senate on Wednesday gave final passage to a $901 billion military policy bill that authorizes defense programs and raises troop pay by 3.8%, while pressing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to release video of U.S. strikes on alleged drug boats near Venezuela.
The National Defense Authorization Act, spanning more than 3,000 pages, won bipartisan support and aligns with President Donald Trump’s national security priorities. Still, the measure highlights tensions between Congress and the Pentagon as the administration shifts focus from Europe to Central and South America.
Lawmakers included provisions requiring the Pentagon to maintain current troop levels in Europe, provide military aid to Ukraine, and deliver more information on maritime strikes in the Caribbean.
Dec 17, 2025 at 06:45 PM EST
U.S., Qatar hold strategic dialogue amid Gaza peace push
The United States and Qatar held their annual strategic dialogue Wednesday as President Donald Trump continues pressing for full implementation of his peace plan to end the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani led the talks at the State Department. Qatar has taken on a growing role in organizing Trump’s proposed “Board of Peace” for Gaza and an international security force for the territory.
In a statement, the State Department said the two officials “reaffirmed the strategic partnership between the United States and Qatar, and discussed opportunities to deepen cooperation on shared economic and security goals.” Rubio also praised Qatar’s support for U.S. objectives across the Middle East, Africa, and the Western Hemisphere.
The dialogue followed Trump’s September executive order pledging broad U.S. security guarantees for Qatar’s sovereignty, issued after Israeli strikes in Doha targeting Hamas operatives drew sharp criticism from Arab nations.
Dec 17, 2025 at 06:29 PM EST
Senate confirms Jared Isaacman as NASA administrator
The Senate voted 67‑30 on Wednesday to confirm Jared Isaacman as NASA administrator, giving final approval to President Donald Trump’s nominee.
Isaacman, founder and CEO of the payment processing company Shift4, has no prior experience working for NASA or in government. Trump first nominated him in May but abruptly withdrew the nomination, citing “a thorough review of prior associations.” The president re‑submitted Isaacman’s name in November.
Dec 17, 2025 at 06:14 PM EST
U.N. urges restraint after Trump’s Venezuela blockade order
U.N. Secretary‑General Antonio Guterres is focused on preventing escalation following President Donald Trump’s order to block “sanctioned oil tankers” entering or leaving Venezuela, deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said Wednesday.
“We are looking at what the applicable laws are … but certainly the parties have to abide by the U.N. Charter,” Haq told reporters, noting that the Charter requires all 193 member states to refrain from the use of force and resolve disputes peacefully.
Haq emphasized the need for continued diplomatic engagement, saying, “We want any escalatory steps to be avoided. At this stage, it’s critical to continue dialogue.” He added that Guterres is monitoring developments closely and remains in contact with “relevant parties.”
Dec 17, 2025 at 05:58 PM EST
McCarthy joins Trump on flight to Dover
Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy accompanied President Donald Trump aboard Air Force One on Wednesday as the two traveled to Dover Air Force Base for the dignified transfer of U.S. service members killed in Syria.
McCarthy, a California Republican who served as speaker for nearly 10 months in 2023, had been scheduled to meet Trump at the White House to discuss preparations for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Instead, Trump invited him to join the trip and conduct their meeting in flight, according to a White House official who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Casey Wasserman, chair of the Los Angeles Olympic organizing committee, also joined the president and McCarthy on the trip.
Dec 17, 2025 at 05:43 PM EST
No change to terror list after Trump’s Venezuela remarks
Despite President Donald Trump’s claim that the “Venezuelan Regime” had been designated a foreign terrorist organization, officials confirmed Wednesday that the State Department’s list remains unchanged.
Trump remarked while announcing a blockade on “sanctioned oil tankers” moving in and out of Venezuela. But national security officials later advised agencies not to interpret his words literally, describing them instead as a figure of speech.
One U.S. official, speaking anonymously, said the blockade applies only to vessels already under sanctions, such as a ship seized last week.
The State Department, which manages the foreign terror list, did not respond to requests for clarification. The list was most recently updated to include Colombia’s Clan del Golfo cartel.
Dec 17, 2025 at 05:29 PM EST
Judge denies Trump admin attempt to pause Medicaid case amid shutdown
A district court judge on Wednesday denied the Trump administration's request to halt a lawsuit over its proposed Medicaid cuts to Planned Parenthood during the current shutdown of the federal government.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services sought a stay of the proceedings because the Appropriations Act funding the Department of Justice and the majority of other executive agencies lapsed when the government shut down on September 30.
The administration said that without the appropriations, DOJ attorneys and other federal government employees are prohibited from working, even voluntarily, except in limited circumstances. They wanted a stay of proceedings until DOJ attorneys are "permitted to resume their usual civil litigation functions."
In the order, Judge Indira Talwani said, "the lapse in appropriations does not justify a stay of these proceedings."
Continue reading: Judge Denies Trump Admin Attempt to Pause Medicaid Case Amid Shutdown
Dec 17, 2025 at 05:13 PM EST
WATCH: Video shows new Saudi Warship built at US shipyard
Dec 17, 2025 at 04:57 PM EST
Trump attends dignified transfer at Dover
President Donald Trump traveled to Dover Air Force Base on Wednesday to witness the dignified transfer of three U.S. service members killed in Syria over the weekend.
Standing alongside Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Trump saluted as the transfer cases were carried from a C‑17 aircraft to waiting vans. Sgt. William Howard and Edgar Torres Tovar, both of Iowa, and Ayad Mansoor Sakat of Michigan were honored in succession.
According to the Air Force Mortuary Affairs website, a dignified transfer is “not a ceremony; rather, it is a solemn movement” conducted for every service member who dies in combat.
Dec 17, 2025 at 04:44 PM EST
Khanna presses DOJ on Epstein files release
Rep. Ro Khanna (D‑Calif.), a sponsor of the Epstein Files Transparency Act, said he is giving the Justice Department the “benefit of the doubt” that it will comply with the law requiring release of investigative files on Jeffrey Epstein by Friday.
The measure, signed into law last month by President Trump, mandates that the DOJ make the records public by Dec. 19. Khanna told NBC News that while officials have not responded to inquiries about the timeline, he views the department’s move to unseal grand jury records as a sign it intends to follow through.
Khanna added that the files could reveal how influential men claimed ties to law enforcement and federal agencies to discourage survivors from reporting abuse. “That needs to come out,” he said.
The looming deadline has raised pressure on the Justice Department, with Khanna warning there would be consequences if the agency fails to act.
Dec 17, 2025 at 04:35 PM EST
Trump says Venezuela ‘took all of our oil’
President Donald Trump was asked about the U.S. naval blockade on Venezuela on Wednesday,.
Speaking on the tarmac from Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, Trump told reporters that Venezuela had seized America's "energy rights, all of our oil" after he was asked about the blockade.
It is believed that Trump is referencing the 2007 nationalization of the Venezuelan oil industry under former President Hugo Chávez. The Venezuelan government seized majority stakes from major U.S. firms like ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips as part of the nationalization, although those companies were never U.S.-state owned.
"They took all of our oil and we want it back. They illegally took it," Trump said.
Dec 17, 2025 at 04:28 PM EST
Trump approval at 39% amid economic concerns
President Donald Trump’s approval rating stands at 39% in CNN’s Poll of Polls average, with 58% of U.S. adults disapproving of his performance. The surveys highlight widespread dissatisfaction with the economy.
An NPR/PBS News/Marist poll released Wednesday found Trump’s approval at 38%, with just 36% approving of his handling of the economy. A majority of respondents said the economy is not working well for them personally, and 70% described the cost of living as unaffordable.
A Quinnipiac University survey showed Trump at 40% approval among registered voters, with 57% blaming him for the state of the economy. Nearly two‑thirds rated conditions as poor or “not so good.”
Meanwhile, an NBC/Survey Monkey poll found Democrats holding a slight edge over Republicans, 53% to 47%, on trust to manage rising prices. Quinnipiac’s poll, however, showed voters narrowly favoring Republicans on economic issues, 46% to 41%.
Dec 17, 2025 at 04:14 PM EST
Trump planning to announce war with Venezuela at tonight’s address to nation: Tucker
Tucker Carlson said that President Donald Trump is planning to announce that the U.S. is at war with Venezuela, during his address to the nation on Wednesday.
The former Fox News host, who was speaking on Andrew Napolitano's Judging Freedom podcast, said that he had been told the news by a member of Congress earlier on Wednesday.
"Here's what I know so far," Carlson said. "Members of Congress were briefed yesterday that a war is coming and it will be announced in the address to the nation tonight by the president."
"Who know if that will actually happen....But a member of Congress told me that this morning."
Dec 17, 2025 at 04:13 PM EST
House panel ends review of controversial Caribbean strike
The House Armed Services Committee has concluded its examination of a U.S. military strike in the Caribbean that killed two survivors in a follow‑up attack, Chairman Mike Rogers (R‑Ala.) said Wednesday after a classified briefing.
“I’m satisfied everybody answered all the questions and I’m also satisfied that this was a lawful process that was followed. My committee is done,” Rogers told reporters following a presentation by Adm. Frank Bradley.
Lawmakers remain divided after viewing the video of the Sept. 2 mission. Republicans largely backed the Pentagon’s legal rationale, while Democrats questioned its legality and pressed for transparency. Rep. Don Bacon (R‑Neb.) said he was confident in the Trump administration’s justification but joined calls for a redacted version of the video to be released publicly.
Rep. Jason Crow (D‑Colo.) argued the second strike was unlawful, saying he saw “no justification” for it. In the Senate, similar divisions emerged, with Sen. Dan Sullivan (R‑Alaska) defending the military’s process while Democrats demanded broader access to evidence.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has resisted releasing the footage to any but select committees, citing operational security, a decision that has fueled criticism from both parties over congressional oversight and war powers.
Dec 17, 2025 at 04:00 PM EST
WATCH: Maduro calls Trump’s blockade an act of piracy
Dec 17, 2025 at 03:41 PM EST
Senators split over legal basis for controversial strike
Members of the Senate Armed Services Committee emerged divided Wednesday after a classified briefing on the U.S. military’s follow‑up strike against survivors of an alleged drug boat attack.
Republican senators largely defended Admiral Frank Bradley’s explanation and the 40‑page legal justification presented. Sen. Eric Schmitt (R‑Mo.) called the strike “100% legally justified,” accusing Democrats of unfairly criticizing the military. Sen. Dan Sullivan (R‑Alaska) said he was satisfied with the process, noting that military lawyers review each decision before approving a strike. Sen. Tim Sheehy (R‑Mont.) acknowledged the video was “not pretty” but argued such operations reflect the “messy reality” of combat.
Other Republicans were more cautious. Sen. Mike Rounds (R‑S.D.) declined to say whether he agreed with the administration’s position, though he praised Bradley’s presentation.
Democrats remained skeptical. Sen. Tim Kaine (D‑Va.) said the timeline showed those killed could not have known they were considered combatants, calling the legal basis “highly problematic.” Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D‑Conn.) raised concerns about potential criminal culpability and urged the issuance of subpoenas for records and videos. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D‑Mass.) said the administration’s accounts were “inconsistent and contradictory” and pressed for the strike footage to be made public.
Dec 17, 2025 at 03:29 PM EST
Trump’s ‘presidential Walk of Fame’ features provocative plaques
The White House has unveiled plaques along President Donald Trump’s newly installed “Presidential Walk of Fame,” a display outside the West Wing that offers descriptions of past presidents written in the style of Trump’s social media posts.
A front plaque declares the exhibit was “conceived, built, and dedicated” by Trump as a tribute to former leaders “good, bad and somewhere in the middle.”
Trump’s own plaque highlights his 2024 election win, claiming he overcame “unprecedented Weaponization of Law Enforcement” and “two assassination attempts.” It touts his first year back in office as the “Golden Age of America,” citing wars ended, borders secured and alleged gang members deported.
Other presidents are described in similarly politicized terms. Joe Biden’s plaque calls him “by far, the worst President in American History,” while Barack Obama’s entry criticizes the Affordable Care Act and the Paris Climate Agreement. Bill Clinton’s plaque references his wife, Hillary Clinton’s 2016 loss to Trump.
CNN reported it has asked the White House who is funding the installation.
Dec 17, 2025 at 03:28 PM EST
Senate passes defense bill with video disclosure provision
The Senate voted 77‑20 on Wednesday to approve the National Defense Authorization Act, the sweeping annual measure that sets military programs and policies ahead of the appropriations process.
The legislation includes a provision restricting the Defense Secretary’s travel budget to 75 percent until unedited video of strikes against designated terrorist organizations in the U.S. Southern Command region is provided to congressional Armed Services committees.
The bill, which cleared the House earlier this month, now heads to President Trump’s desk for his signature.
The vote came a day after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said he would not release footage of a Sept. 2 follow‑up strike on a boat in the Caribbean that has drawn accusations of possible war crimes. “Of course, we’re not going to release a top secret full, unedited video of that to the general public,” Hegseth said Tuesday.
While the administration has shared edited clips of other maritime strikes on social media, the refusal to release the contested video has fueled bipartisan calls for greater transparency.
Dec 17, 2025 at 03:15 PM EST
WATCH: Trump prepares to carry out dignified transfer of 3 Americans killed in Syria
Dec 17, 2025 at 03:03 PM EST
Moderates warn GOP on ACA subsidy extension
Moderate Republicans in both chambers are pressing party leaders to act on extending Affordable Care Act subsidies set to expire, warning of political and economic fallout if premiums spike.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R‑Alaska) told CNN she has cautioned colleagues for more than a year that failure to act would leave the GOP responsible for soaring health care costs. “There’s no family that I’m talking to in Alaska that can afford a tripling of the rates that they pay,” she said, adding that constituents have been sending her texts and letters about looming increases.
Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R‑Pa.), who joined Democrats in signing a discharge petition to force a vote, said Speaker Mike Johnson is “out of step” with swing‑district voters. He argued that while only 7 percent of Americans rely on the subsidies, “for that 7%, this is everything.”
Dec 17, 2025 at 03:03 PM EST
Trump meets with families of fallen National Guardsmen
President Donald Trump met with family members of two Iowa National Guard members and a U.S. civilian who were killed in an attack in the Syrian desert, according to the White House on Wednesday.
Trump joined the families, as well as top military and administration officials, at Delaware's Dover Air Force Base to watch the dignified transfer of remains of the men to their families.
National Guard members Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, 25, of Des Moines, and Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard, 29, of Marshalltown, both members of 1st Squadron, 113th Cavalry Regiment, have been hailed as heroes after they died during the attack.
A U.S. civilian working as an interpreter, Ayad Mansoor Sakat, of Macomb, Michigan, was also killed.
They were among hundreds of U.S. troops deployed in eastern Syria, fighting the Islamic State group (ISIS).
Trump, who did not speak as per tradition during the ceremony, arrived without first lady Melania Trump, who had been scheduled to accompany him according to his public schedule.
Her spokesperson Nick Clemens told AO P the first lady "was not able to attend today.”
Dec 17, 2025 at 02:49 PM EST
How much fentanyl comes from Venezuela?
President Donald Trump signed a new executive order Monday that classifies fentanyl as a "weapon of mass destruction."
Trump announced at the signing of the order, that the U.S. strikes on suspected drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean, had already led to a big drop in drugs being imported by sea, 94 percent. The strikes, and diplomatic talks with China, had also seen a 50 percent drop in the amount of fentanyl coming across the southern border.
However, a December 2024 report from the Congressional Research Service (CRS) said that most illicit fentanyl making its way into the U.S. was being made in Mexico using chemicals from China, which were often shipped legally without controls in place.
Meanwhile, John Walsh, a drug policy expert at the Washington Office of Latin America, told CBC News in a recent interview, that "0.00 per cent of fentanyl that arrives in the United States comes from Venezuela, the Caribbean or South America for that matter."
Dec 17, 2025 at 02:39 PM EST
Why did Trump issue a naval blockade on Venezuela?
President Donald Trump ordered a "total and complete blockade" of oil tankers going in and out of Venezuela on Tuesday.
"The illegitimate Maduro Regime is using Oil from these stolen Oil Fields to finance themselves, Drug Terrorism, Human Trafficking, Murder, and Kidnapping. For the theft of our Assets, and many other reasons, including Terrorism, Drug Smuggling, and Human Trafficking, the Venezuelan Regime has been designated a FOREIGN TERRORIST ORGANIZATION. Therefore, today, I am ordering A TOTAL AND COMPLETE BLOCKADE OF ALL SANCTIONED OIL TANKERS going into, and out of Venezuela," Trump said on Truth Social yesterday.
The president said that a large Armada has been assembled surrounding Venezuela, with more resources expected to arrive.
It was the latest move by the Trump administration as it ramps up economic and military pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to step down from office. The move follows U.S. forces' seizure of an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, accusing it of moving illicit oil tied to foreign terrorist groups.
Caracas described the action as a "theft" and an "act of international piracy," and formally filed a complaint to the United Nations Security Council on Tuesday, as it reportedly faces mounting pressure on its oil shipments.
Dec 17, 2025 at 02:35 PM EST
When is Trump addressing the nation tonight?
President Donald Trump is set to address the nation at 9 p.m. ET on Wednesday night in a live speech from the White House.
Dec 17, 2025 at 02:26 PM EST
Donald Trump’s economic approval rating sinks to new low
President Donald Trump’s economic approval rating is at its lowest point during his first and second terms in office, according to a new poll.
The White House maintains that Trump "inherited the worst inflation crisis in a generation from Joe Biden’s incompetence" and points to how the administration "rapidly cooled inflation to a 2.5 percent annualized rate."
A spokesman previously told Newsweek: "Turning the Biden economic disaster around has informed nearly every action the Trump administration has taken since Day One."
Newsweek has contacted the White House via email for further comment.
Read in full: Donald Trump’s Economic Approval Rating Sinks to New Low
Dec 17, 2025 at 02:23 PM EST
Trump arrives in Delaware for return of 2 National Guard members killed in Syria
President Trump traveled to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware on Wednesday to attend a dignified transfer for two Iowa National Guard members killed in an attack Saturday in the Syrian desert, an incident that has strained improving relations between Washington and Damascus.
The soldiers were identified by the U.S. Army as Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, 25, of Des Moines, and Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard, 29, of Marshalltown. Both served with the 1st Squadron, 113th Cavalry Regiment.
Trump landed at around 2 p.m. ET on Wednesday and exited Air Force One accompanied by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
He did not speak with reporters before his motorcade left the tarmac.
Dec 17, 2025 at 02:18 PM EST
Why is Trump addressing nation tonight? What we know
The address comes as a series of national polls show President Trump facing sustained disapproval over his handling of the U.S. economy, with warning signs even emerging among core Republican voters, and less than 24 hours after he announced a naval blockage of Venezuela.
From record-low approval ratings to cracks in his MAGA base, the numbers suggest that Trump’s economic brand is under strain heading into the 2026 midterms. The White House maintains that Trump "inherited the worst inflation crisis in a generation from Joe Biden’s incompetence" and points to how the administration "rapidly cooled inflation to a 2.5 percent annualized rate."
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told White House reporters Wednesday, "It's going to be a really good speech. He's going to talk a lot about the accomplishments over the past 11 months, all that he's done to bring our country back to greatness, and all he plans to deliver for the country over the next three years.
Dec 17, 2025 at 02:17 PM EST
Trump to address nation tonight from the White House: How to watch
National addresses are typically broadcast live across television, radio and online platforms to reach a broad audience.
Major broadcast and cable news networks often carry the speech in real time. The address is also streamed on official government websites and social media accounts, as well as on news organizations’ digital platforms. Transcripts are usually released shortly after the speech concludes.
C-span is also planning to run a livestream of the speech.
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