At a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, U.S. President Donald Trump sparked discussion by making personal remarks about White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt. While promoting his administration’s economic record, Trump digressed to praise the 28-year-old official’s appearance, calling her a ‘superstar’ and comparing her lips to a ‘small machine gun’ when she speaks on television.

The comments drew mixed reactions, with supporters cheering during the event while critics accused Trump of objectifying a female staff member. Trump also used the occasion to highlight his administration’s stance on gender and immigration, contrasting his policies with those of his political opponents. This is not the first time Trump has made similar remarks about Leavitt; he previously used comparable language in a 2023 interview with Newsmax.

Leavitt, who served as assistant press secretary during Trump’s first term, has not publicly commented on the latest remarks. Observers note that such statements may reignite debates over Trump’s rhetoric and treatment of women as he seeks to consolidate support ahead of the upcoming election season.

Russia has accused Ukraine of deliberately sabotaging ongoing peace talks by presenting conditions that Moscow deems unacceptable. Rodion Miroshnik, Russia’s special envoy to the Foreign Ministry, told Izvestia that Kyiv is intentionally setting terms designed to collapse the dialogue and then blame Russia for the failure. He described Ukraine’s approach as a waste of time and a political bluff aimed at reshaping proposals linked to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s peace framework.

The accusation follows the conclusion of three days of U.S.-mediated discussions in Florida between Ukrainian and American officials, which ended without tangible results. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he held a constructive phone conversation with U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, emphasizing that real progress toward peace depends on Moscow’s willingness to engage sincerely. Analysts note that both sides continue to trade blame, underscoring the deep mistrust that has stalled diplomatic efforts since the start of the conflict.

Observers suggest that without renewed commitment from both Kyiv and Moscow, future negotiations may remain symbolic, prolonging uncertainty in the region.

U.S. President Donald Trump has introduced a new ‘Gold Card’ visa program aimed at wealthy foreign investors willing to contribute at least $1 million. Announced via his Truth Social account and later confirmed to reporters, the initiative promises expedited U.S. residency and a direct path to citizenship for qualified applicants. The program is being managed through the website TrumpCard.gov, where applicants must first pay a $15,000 processing fee before submitting their forms.

According to U.S. officials, applicants approved under the scheme will be required to make a $1 million “contribution,” described as a gift on the official site. Holders of the Gold Card visa will enjoy rights similar to those of Green Card holders, including permanent residence and work authorization. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told Reuters that roughly 10,000 people have already pre-registered for the visa, with expectations of significant revenue generation.

Analysts say the program could attract global investors but may also spark debate over the ethics of selling citizenship. Further details on implementation and oversight are expected in the coming weeks.

Oscar-winning actress Kate Winslet has sharply criticized Hollywood’s growing dependence on plastic surgery, expressing concern that young performers are chasing unrealistic beauty ideals for social media approval. In a recent interview, the 'Titanic' star said she finds it alarming that many actors and ordinary women are resorting to cosmetic procedures, often without understanding the health risks involved.

Winslet argued that self-worth should not depend solely on appearance, noting that she admires women who embrace aging naturally. She recalled facing harsh body-shaming after 'Titanic’s' success, including cruel remarks from television hosts and industry figures. The actress said such experiences shaped her determination to speak out against beauty-related bullying and the toxic standards imposed on women in entertainment.

Her comments have reignited debate about body image, ageism, and the influence of social media on self-perception. Industry observers say Winslet’s stance could encourage more open discussions about authenticity and mental health in Hollywood.

A Russian military cargo aircraft crashed near Moscow on Tuesday, killing all seven people on board, including the pilot. The incident occurred in the Ivanovo region, about 200 kilometers from the capital, according to Russia’s Defense Ministry. The aircraft, identified as an AN-22 military transport plane, went down shortly after takeoff during a test flight following engine repairs.

The Defense Ministry stated that the plane crashed in an uninhabited area, preventing further casualties or damage on the ground. Preliminary reports suggest the aircraft experienced technical difficulties before the crash. A special commission has been formed to investigate the cause of the accident, and recovery operations are underway at the crash site.

The AN-22 model, one of the largest turboprop transport aircraft in the Russian military fleet, has been in service for decades. The incident raises renewed concerns about the aging condition of Russia’s military transport fleet and the safety of its maintenance procedures.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced Monday that he reached an agreement with Chinese President Xi Jinping allowing Nvidia to export its H200 artificial intelligence chips to China. The decision marks a major shift from the Biden administration’s strict export controls, which had limited advanced chip sales over national security concerns and potential military use by China.

Democratic lawmakers sharply criticized the move, warning it could strengthen China’s military and economic capabilities. Trump said the exports would proceed under conditions ensuring U.S. national security and that 25% of the chip sales revenue from China would return to the United States, though he provided no details on enforcement. Nvidia welcomed the decision, calling it a boost for high-paying jobs and U.S. competitiveness.

The deal excludes Nvidia’s most advanced Blackwell and Rubin chips, which remain restricted to U.S. customers. Analysts say the policy shift could reshape the global AI chip market and reignite debates over balancing innovation with security risks.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has officially designated the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and the Muslim Brotherhood as foreign terrorist organizations, according to an executive order announced on December 8. The order directs all state agencies to avoid contracts, funding, or employment ties with either group or their affiliates. The move mirrors a similar declaration made by Texas last month.

CAIR, a prominent U.S. Muslim civil rights organization founded in 1994 with 25 chapters nationwide, denounced the decision as unconstitutional and defamatory, vowing to challenge it in court. The federal government has not listed either CAIR or the Muslim Brotherhood as terrorist entities. The Muslim Brotherhood, founded nearly a century ago in Egypt, claims to have renounced violence and supports democratic participation.

The designation underscores growing tensions between state-level policies and federal standards on terrorism classifications. Legal experts expect the issue to test the boundaries of state authority in defining foreign threats, with potential implications for interfaith relations and civil rights advocacy in the United States.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has warned Mexico of a potential 5% tariff, accusing the country of breaching a long-standing water-sharing agreement. In a statement posted Monday on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump claimed Mexico has failed to deliver the agreed water volumes to the United States, causing severe agricultural damage in Texas.

Trump alleged that Mexico owes more than 800,000 acre-feet of water accumulated over the past five years, despite repeated U.S. requests for compliance. He demanded that Mexico release at least 700,000 acre-feet by December 31 and settle the remainder soon after. According to Trump, the lack of action constitutes a serious injustice to American farmers.

He added that he has already approved the necessary documentation to impose the 5% tariff if Mexico does not act immediately. The warning revives trade tensions between the two neighbors and could complicate cross-border relations ahead of the upcoming U.S. election season.

U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to impose new tariffs on rice imports from India and fertilizer from Canada, citing stalled trade negotiations with both countries. Speaking at a White House meeting on Monday, Trump said his administration could act soon if talks fail to progress. He also announced a $12 billion agricultural relief package aimed at supporting American farmers struggling with inflation and low commodity prices.

According to Indian media reports, Trump criticized agricultural imports from Asia, arguing that foreign products were harming U.S. producers. He accused India of dumping rice in the American market and suggested tariffs would quickly resolve the issue. A Louisiana rice producer described Indian rice imports as “devastating” for southern farmers, while Trump emphasized tariffs as his main tool to protect domestic agriculture.

The move comes amid growing U.S.–India agricultural trade, which includes rice, spices, and seafood exports from India and nut, cotton, and pulse imports from the U.S. Analysts warn that new tariffs could strain bilateral trade and complicate ongoing WTO disputes over subsidies and market access.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated a shift in Washington’s stance on the Russia-Ukraine issue, suggesting that Europe should take primary responsibility for managing the conflict. In a newly released national security strategy document, Trump warned European nations that they risk losing their ‘Western identity’ if they fail to correct course. His comments follow continued criticism of Europe’s immigration and clean energy policies.

Former U.S. ambassador to the European Union Gordon Sondland told BBC Radio 4 that Trump views the Ukraine crisis as a European problem, with the U.S. serving only a supportive role. Sondland added that Trump wants to avoid repeating decades of direct U.S. engagement with Russia, which often left Washington bearing the burden of confrontation. Trump also expressed disappointment that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has not yet reviewed a U.S.-drafted peace proposal.

Analysts say Trump’s stance could reshape transatlantic security cooperation, potentially weakening NATO’s unified approach to Russia. European leaders are expected to discuss the evolving U.S. position during Zelensky’s ongoing diplomatic tour of London, Paris, and Berlin.

U.S. President Donald Trump has voiced concerns over Netflix’s proposed $72 billion merger with Warner Bros. Discovery, which would bring major franchises like *Harry Potter* and *Game of Thrones* under one streaming platform. Speaking in Washington, Trump warned that the combined market share of the two media giants could create competition issues and indicated that he might personally be involved in the approval process.

The deal, announced on December 5, is pending review by the Justice Department’s competition division. Former FTC Chair Bill Kovacic told the BBC that Trump’s remarks suggest the merger could face unusual presidential oversight, shifting what is typically a technical antitrust review into a politically sensitive process. The Writers Guild of America’s East and West branches have urged regulators to block the merger, citing risks to jobs, wages, and creative diversity.

If approved, the merger is expected to close in the second half of 2026 following Warner Bros.’ planned corporate restructuring, potentially reshaping the global entertainment landscape.

Netflix has agreed to acquire Warner Bros Discovery’s film, television, and streaming divisions in a landmark $72 billion deal, marking one of the largest mergers in entertainment history. The acquisition will transfer ownership of globally renowned franchises such as Game of Thrones, Harry Potter, DC Comics, and HBO Max to Netflix, significantly expanding its content portfolio and influence across the global media landscape.

Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos stated that the merger aligns with the company’s mission to entertain the world, combining Warner Bros’ century-old classics—from Casablanca to Friends—with Netflix’s modern hits like Squid Game and Stranger Things. Analysts, however, warn that the deal could face intense antitrust scrutiny in the United States and Europe, as it consolidates two major streaming players and may reduce market competition.

Despite regulatory hurdles, Netflix expects to save between $2 and $3 billion annually within three years. The company also confirmed that Warner Bros films will continue to receive theatrical releases, signaling a hybrid distribution approach amid industry transformation.

U.S. President Donald Trump has voiced disappointment with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for not yet reviewing Washington’s draft peace proposal aimed at resolving the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Speaking to reporters at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Trump said he was 'a bit disappointed' that Zelensky had not read the document, though he noted that some of Zelensky’s close aides had responded positively to it.

The peace plan, initially a 28-point proposal introduced last November, faced criticism from Kyiv and European partners, prompting revisions that reduced it to 22 points. Trump said the updated version considers both Moscow’s and Kyiv’s positions, leaving only a few unresolved issues. Recent discussions in Florida between U.S. and Ukrainian officials concluded with follow-up calls to Zelensky by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s adviser Jared Kushner. The U.S. is reportedly exploring new approaches to territorial disputes as part of ongoing negotiations.

Analysts suggest Zelensky’s hesitation may reflect domestic political pressures and skepticism over U.S.-Russia compromises, potentially delaying progress toward a ceasefire framework.

England head coach Brendon McCullum admitted that his team’s heavy defeat to Australia in the Brisbane pink-ball Test was partly due to overtraining. Following the eight-wicket loss, McCullum said the players may have practiced too much instead of focusing on mental freshness. England had skipped a warm-up match before the Test, a decision that drew criticism, but McCullum argued the real issue was excessive preparation.

He explained that the game is played as much in the mind as on the field, emphasizing the need to stay physically ready yet mentally fresh to make sound decisions under pressure. England’s batting faltered despite a 96-run stand between Ben Stokes and Will Jacks, and the team was bowled out for 241 in the second innings. Australia chased 65 runs in just 10 overs to secure a 2–0 series lead.

Critics, including former captain Michael Vaughan, had earlier questioned England’s preparation strategy. The team’s poor record in pink-ball Tests—two wins in eight matches—adds to the scrutiny over their training and planning approach.

The Trump administration’s newly released 33-page national security strategy has drawn contrasting global reactions, with Moscow praising it as aligned with Russia’s worldview while European leaders express deep concern. The document downplays Russia as a major threat to the United States, instead emphasizing curbing foreign influence, reducing immigration, and opposing EU censorship and regulatory controls.

European Union officials have criticized the strategy’s tone, warning that it echoes Kremlin narratives and could weaken Washington’s stance on the Ukraine war. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul argued that issues like freedom of expression should not be part of a security doctrine, while Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk reminded that “Europe is your closest ally, not a problem.”

In Washington, Democratic lawmakers cautioned that the plan could destabilize US foreign policy. The strategy also calls for increased defense spending by Japan, South Korea, Australia, and Taiwan, and even contemplates military action in Venezuela, signaling a broader “America First” reorientation of US global engagement.