USA under Donald Trump US forces attack IS targets in Syria +++ Kennedy Jr. criticizes Germany over corona proceedings

Donald Trump has been President of the United States again since January 20, 2025. All developments in his second presidency can be found here in the ticker.

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22:22

USA and allies attack IS targets in Syria

The USA and allied armed forces have flown "large-scale" attacks against the jihadist militia Islamic State (IS) in Syria. "Today's strikes were directed against IS throughout Syria" and are part of the "Hawkeye Strike" operation, the US regional command Centcom announced on the X online service.

This was a "direct response" to a "deadly IS attack" last month, in which two US soldiers and their translator were killed in Palmyra.

https://t.co/cfTSJ2Nety

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) January 10, 2026

7.48 pm

Kennedy Jr. criticizes Germany over corona proceedings

US Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has criticized the German government for criminal proceedings in connection with the corona pandemic and accused it of disregarding the autonomy of patients. For this reason, he sent a letter to German Health Minister Nina Warken on Friday, he announced on the X platform. He incorrectly gave the minister's surname as "Workin".

In a video attached to the post, he said that he had learned that "more than 1000 German doctors and thousands of their patients" were currently being prosecuted and punished because they had granted exemptions from wearing masks and vaccinations against Covid-19 during the coronavirus pandemic. "The reports from Germany show that the government is sidelining patient autonomy and restricting people's ability to act on their own beliefs when making medical decisions."

Reports coming out of Germany show a government sidelining patient autonomy and limiting people's abilities to act on their own convictions when they face medical decisions. That is why Friday, I sent a letter to Germany's Federal Minister of Health, Nina Workin.

In my letter, I… pic.twitter.com/eUgdsMWpPb

— Secretary Kennedy (@SecKennedy) January 10, 2026

In Germany, numerous cases have ended up in court in various federal states, involving allegations of falsification of vaccination certificates or false certificates for exemption from the mask requirement, for example. However, it was not clear from his post exactly which reports the US minister relied on for his accusations and, in particular, where he got the figures quoted from.

Kennedy Jr. is considered a particularly controversial figure in US President Donald Trump's cabinet. In recent years, the nephew of former US President John F. Kennedy has frequently cast doubt on vaccinations, spread conspiracy theories and made a name for himself with strident statements.

5.33 pm

US court stops blockade of childcare benefits for the time being

US President Donald Trump's administration may not withhold federal funds for childcare subsidies and other programs to support needy families for the time being, according to a court ruling. This was decided by Judge Arun Subramanian on Friday (local time). Five states - California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota and New York - had argued that a government-announced blockade of funds for three subsidy programs would have an immediate impact on them and cause "operational chaos." In court briefs and at a hearing on Friday, the states said the government had no legal basis to withhold the funds for those states.

The US Department of Health and Human Services said the funding should be suspended because it had "reason to believe" the states were providing benefits to people who were in the country illegally. However, the Ministry did not provide any evidence of this and did not explain why these states in particular and not others were being targeted.

The programs are the Child Care and Development Fund, which subsidizes child care for children from low-income families, the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, which provides financial assistance and job skills training, and the Social Services Block Grant, a smaller fund that provides resources for a variety of programs. The five states claim to receive more than $10 billion annually from these programs combined. Subramanian's ruling stands until the court hears further arguments.

4 p.m.

"We don't want to be Americans"

While US President Donald Trump is once again threatening to take Greenland by force, the parties there are demonstratively united in rejecting his territorial claim.

Greenland puts up a fight"We don't want to be Americans"

11.52 am

"You should be ashamed": Vance attacks media - and betrays Minneapolis shooters

Vice President JD Vance has involuntarily contributed to revealing the identity of the Minneapolis shooter. The 41-year-old was actually in Washington yesterday to complain about the media misreporting the incident.

JD VANCE GOES SCORCHED EARTH ON MEDIA — AND HE’S RIGHT

“You should be ASHAMED of yourselves. Every single one of you.”

Vice President @JDVance unloaded on corporate media for deliberately misrepresenting the ICE-related shooting in Minnesota — and for endangering law… pic.twitter.com/88Sc0Bw4jJ

— Evelio Silvera (@eveliosilvera) January 8, 2026

"What [the media] is leaving out is that this very ICE agent almost lost his life when he was dragged by a car six months ago. He has 33 stitches in his leg. So you can imagine he's a little sensitive when someone rams him with their car," Vance told the press - accusing the victim of being part of a "left-wing network" without providing any evidence.

37-year-old woman killed in MinneapolisThis new video should exonerate ICE agent, but causes further turmoil

Vance accused the media of spreading left-wing propaganda. And: "They should be ashamed of themselves! Every single one of them!" And: "I've seen a lot of dishonest reporting in the media in my time in politics, but the last 24 hours may have set a new low."

I've seen a lot of dishonest coverage from the media during my time in politics, but the last 24 hours may have set a new low. pic.twitter.com/V8q4mcSCtS

— JD Vance (@JDVance) January 8, 2026

Thanks to Vance's information about the ICE officer's previous deployment, US media have been able to uncover the identity of the shooter. The man had been working for the agency for ten years.

10:12 a.m.

Protests continue in Minneapolis

Following the fatal shooting of a woman in Minneapolis, protests against the operations of the US immigration authorities ICE continue. An ICE operation has been underway in Minneapolis and St. Paul for several days, involving more than 2,000 federal agents, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

NOW: Minnesota Conservation Officers, Minnesota State Patrol and Minneapolis Police pushing out hundreds of protesters after declaring an unlawful assembly. Protesters had been holding a noise demo at a downtown hotel they believe ICE agents are staying at.

[image or embed]

— daviss (@chaddavis.photography) 10. Januar 2026 um 06:50

According to US media, the US government is expected to significantly increase the presence of federal officials in Minnesota in response to the protests. Solidarity rallies were held in several states.

In the large city of Minneapolis in the state of Minnesota in the north of the USA, dozens of schoolchildren, among others, demonstrated yesterday against the presence of immigration authorities, according to US media.

Minneapolis tonight protest. #ReneeNicoleGood

[image or embed]

— it's Candy Love (@candylovely.bsky.social) 10. Januar 2026 um 04:56

According to CNN, there were also protests outside at least two hotels in Minneapolis, where demonstrators apparently suspected ICE officials.

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety said on X that a state police mobile response team, among others, assisted local forces in arresting protesters who had unlawfully gathered at a downtown hotel.

Anti-ICE protesters are having a rolling noise demo and protest in downtown Minneapolis targeting hotels where federal agents are reportedly staying -- starting at the Canopy by Hilton and going to the Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel. Police have just arrived as we are posting this.

[image or embed]

— Unicorn Riot (@unicornriot.bsky.social) 10. Januar 2026 um 04:17

Information had been received that the protests were no longer peaceful and that there had been damage to property. Before the arrests, people had been asked to disperse the gathering.

10.12 a.m.

Further nationwide demonstrations this weekend

According to media reports, hundreds of protests and rallies under the slogan "ICE Out For Good" have been announced across the country for this weekend.

In fewer than 24 hours after announcing the ICE OUT for GOOD, we can report that we expect 1000+ events across the nation To find your nearest ICE Out For Good Protest, go to www.mobilize.us?tag\_ids=291... To host an ICE Out For Good Protest, go to bit.ly/iceoutforgood

[image or embed]

— 50501: The People’s Movement ❌👑 (@50501movement.bsky.social) 10. Januar 2026 um 02:18

An alliance of civil rights and migrant organizations had called for this. According to the organizers, the actions are to be peaceful and directed against increasing violence by immigration authorities and operations in local communities and schools.

7.13am

"You want to discuss something": Trump reads note aloud, which Rubio quietly slips to him

Donald Trump met the big names of the oil business at the White House yesterday, Friday. At the subsequent press conference, the 79-year-old made a faux pas when Secretary of State Marco Rubio slipped him a note, which the President read out loud.

Marco Rubio hands Trump a note that was meant to be private and then Trump reads it aloud

[image or embed]

— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar.com) 9. Januar 2026 um 21:41

"Marco just gave me a note," Trump said affably: "'Get back to Chevron. They want to discuss something. Get back to Chevorn,'" Trump said aloud. Rubio smiled wryly. Trump realized his mistake: "Moving on - I'll get back to Chevron."

Trump then patted his minister on the back. "Thank you, Marco," he said. "Marco, what are you saying here?" At that moment, Trump's people intervened - and steered the conversation in the direction it was supposed to go.

6:45 a.m.

Trump promotes "Happy Trump" badge

US President Donald Trump is now wearing a "Happy Trump" pin with his own likeness - but insists that he himself is never happy. At an event in the East Room of the White House, he presented reporters with the pin, which shows him with a cartoonishly large head and open mouth.

"Someone gave me this. Do you know what that is? It's called a Happy Trump," the president said when asked about the accessory. "Given the fact that I'm never happy, never satisfied," he was given the pin, the president continued.

DOOCY: I see the American flag lapel pin. What's the other pin TRUMP: That's called the happy Trump

[image or embed]

— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar.com) 9. Januar 2026 um 22:09

He did not say who the gift came from. "I will never be satisfied until we make America great again, but we're pretty close, I can tell you that." Trump had worn a pin with the same motif at least once before - but he did not comment on it at the time.

An online search revealed that a Trump lapel pin with what appears to be the same design - along with another pin showing an American flag over the outline map of the U.S. - is for sale on online mail order company Amazon for $9.99.

Saturday, January 10, 6:30 a.m.

Washington National Opera pulls out of the Kennedy Center

The Washington National Opera plans to withdraw its performances from the Kennedy Center. Yesterday's announcement marks another prominent departure following President Donald Trump's takeover of the premier cultural center. The opera said it wanted to end its association with the Kennedy Center as part of an "amicable transition" and return to operating independently.

The reason given was financial restrictions that were introduced after Trump dismissed the Kennedy Center's board of directors and put trusted people in charge. However, Trump was not explicitly mentioned in the statement.

Ric Grenell, a Trump adviser and current acting executive director of the center, said the institution has spent millions to support the Washington National Opera, yet it continues to operate at a deficit.

A separation will "create the flexibility and funding to bring opera from around the world and across the U.S.," Grenell wrote on X. After Trump fired the Kennedy Center's board and appointed himself chairman in February, some artists canceled scheduled performances at the facility.

Grenell then accused the artists of making their decisions for political reasons. The Kennedy Center was later renamed The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts, prompting more artist cancellations.

11:44 p.m.

Trump insists on Greenland and warns against Russia and China

US President Donald Trump has reaffirmed his territorial claim to Greenland and justified it with a threat from China and Russia. The US would do something about Greenland whether it liked it or not, the Republican said in the White House. "Because if we don't, Russia or China will take Greenland, and we don't want Russia or China as neighbors," Trump emphasized.

He would like to make a deal, "but if we don't do it the easy way, we'll do it the hard way". The USA must defend Greenland, Trump said.

9:28 p.m.

"Melania" documentary premieres on January 29

The documentary about the American president's wife Melania Trump will premiere on January 29 at the Kennedy Center in Washington. This was announced by the president of the cultural institution, Richard Grenell, on Friday on the X platform and published a trailer for the film "Melania". Last year, as the Trump couple prepared for their return to the White House, Amazon Prime Video had already acquired the exclusive licensing rights for a streaming and theatrical release of the Brett Ratner-directed film.

🚨🚨🚨
The premier of “Melania” the movie will be January 29 at the Trump Kennedy Center.
🚨🚨🚨https://t.co/2SuVwEUw8u

— Richard Grenell (@RichardGrenell) January 9, 2026

20.5

Minneapolis prosecutor wants to investigate ICE shooting

Following the fatal shooting of a woman in Minneapolis by a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent, the prosecutor in charge does not want to leave the investigation to the FBI alone. Prosecutor Mary Moriarty on Friday called on the public to send video footage and other tips in connection with the woman's death directly to her agency. The US government of President Donald Trump had announced that only the FBI would investigate.

Moriarty said in a press conference that while her agency had worked successfully with the FBI in the past, she was concerned about the government's decision to exclude other agencies from the investigation into the woman's death in Minneapolis on Wednesday. Specifically, she expressed concern that the FBI might not share evidence with Minnesota state investigators. The prosecutor added that the officer who fired the fatal shot does not have complete immunity, despite the Trump administration's claims.

5:50 p.m.

US military seizes oil tanker "Olina" in the Caribbean

More from the departmentThe US military says it has seized another oil tanker in the Caribbean. US marines and the navy were involved in the operation against the ship "Olina" early on Friday morning, the US Southern Command announced. "There is no safe haven for criminals," the command explained. The Coast Guard then took control of the ship, according to US sources.

A spokesman for the Southern Command told the AP news agency that the Department of Homeland Security was in charge of the operation. The military and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem posted video footage on social media purporting to show a US helicopter landing on the ship and searches by US soldiers.

In her social media post, Noem explained that the ship was part of the so-called ghost fleet and was suspected of transporting embargoed oil. It had left Venezuela and tried to escape the US forces.

US government documents show that the "Olina" was sanctioned for transporting Russian oil when it still bore its former name "Minerva M" and sailed under the Panamanian flag. Although the "Olina" currently sails under the flag of East Timor, it is registered in the international shipping register as a "false flag vessel", which means that the stated registration is invalid. In July, the owner and operator of the vessel was changed in the registration to a Hong Kong company.

❗️The U.S. Coast Guard has seized the tanker Olina in the Caribbean, which was reportedly transporting Russian oil in violation of sanctions. The vessel had recently departed from China. This marks the third such tanker intercepted by the U.S. in several days. pic.twitter.com/JhuFEQPqca

— NOELREPORTS 🇪🇺 🇺🇦 (@NOELreports) January 9, 2026

3.26 a.m.

Border Patrol fires on two people in Portland

Following fatal shootings by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minneapolis, a similar incident involving two injured people is causing tensions in Portland. According to the US Department of Homeland Security, members of the Border Patrol (CBP) stopped a vehicle for a targeted inspection in the new case. The person behind the wheel attempted to run over the officers, according to a post on Platform X. One of the officers reportedly fired a shot in self-defense as the vehicle drove away.

According to Portland police, two people in the car - a man and a woman - were subsequently taken to hospital with gunshot wounds. There was initially no information on their condition. The FBI office in Portland also announced that it was investigating a "use of firearms by officers" that occurred on Thursday afternoon (local time). Customs and Border Protection officers were involved in the incident.

The Department of Homeland Security spoke of a connection between the two and the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. US President Donald Trump often refers to the group as a justification for his large-scale deportation operations. There was initially no information from other sources about the injured. Local television stations showed isolated protests in Portland.

Portland Mayor Keith Wilson and Police Chief Bob Day were unable to provide further details about the incident in the city at a press conference. The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Wilson also questioned the account given by the Department of Homeland Security. The days of taking information from federal authorities at face value are over, he said. The mayor called for a halt to all ICE activity in the city until the incident is resolved.

ICE officer shoots woman in MinneapolisMayor is beside himself - Trump defends the shooter

1:46 p.m.

Trump: Sean "Diddy" Combs asked me for a pardon

US rapper Sean "Diddy" Combs, who has been convicted of sexual offenses, has asked Donald Trump for a pardon, according to the US president. He does not intend to comply with the request, Trump said in an interview with the New York Times. The request had reached him in a letter. Combs was sentenced to four years and two months in prison and a fine in October in connection with prostitution. His lawyers have filed an appeal.

Combs - who has used the pseudonyms "Puff Daddy", "P. Diddy" and "Diddy" during his career - was arrested in New York in September 2024 for alleged sexual offenses. He has been in custody ever since. The public prosecutor's office has accused him of abusing, threatening and coercing women to fulfill his sexual desires over a period of years.

Trump's pardons in recent months have included nearly all of the Capitol attackers, several businessmen convicted of white-collar crimes and former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández, who was sentenced to 45 years in prison in the US for large-scale cocaine smuggling.

0:50

Trump: Only my sense of morality can stop me

US President Donald Trump considers himself bound only by his own conscience when it comes to foreign policy. "I don't need international law," he said in an interview with the New York Times. He has no intention of harming people. Journalists from the newspaper asked Trump whether there were any restrictions on his global power. According to the New York Times, the US president replied that there was only one thing: "My own sense of morality. My own mind. That's the only thing that can stop me."

When questioned by journalists, Trump also said that the US government had to comply with international law. But: "It depends on what the definition of international law is," he qualified.

Fact Check: 10 Falsehoods From Trump’s Interview With The Times https://t.co/sp6eduYAEC

— NYT Politics (@nytpolitics) December 30, 2017

Following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by the US military, members of Congress in the USA, among others, are questioning the legality of the action in Venezuela. Trump is also showing increased interest in Greenland, which belongs to the Kingdom of Denmark - and the White House caused a stir by stating that, as commander-in-chief, the deployment of the US military is "always an option" for him.

In the "New York Times" interview, Trump reiterated that he believes the USA must own Greenland - because this is "psychologically necessary for success". Trump justifies his interest in Greenland with the national security of the USA and the island's natural resources.

Friday, January 9, 2026, 0:01 a.m.

UN: USA committed to financial contributions for UN organizations

Following the withdrawal of the USA from dozens of global organizations and initiatives, the United Nations has reminded the US government of its obligation to continue paying its contributions to fund UN agencies. As the UN has repeatedly emphasized, mandatory contributions to the regular budget of the United Nations and to the budget for peacekeeping missions, as adopted by the General Assembly, are a legal obligation for all member states, including the United States, according to the UN Charter, said Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for UN Secretary-General António Guterres.

Guterres said he regretted the decision by US President Donald Trump's administration to withdraw from 31 UN-related agencies, including the UN Population Fund and the UN agreement that forms the basis for international climate negotiations. The US is also withdrawing from dozens of other global organizations or initiatives that are not affiliated with the United Nations.

The Trump administration's decision to withdraw funding from dozens of UN bodies resulted in the world organization telling the US to provide the funds it owes. https://t.co/VyllZN7io2

— DW News (@dwnews) January 9, 2026

22:40

Greenland meeting at the White House

Denmark's ambassador and Greenland's envoy to the US, Jesper Møller Sørensen and Jacob Isbosethsen, have launched a diplomatic offensive against US President Donald Trump's intention to invade Greenland. On Thursday, they met with representatives of the National Security Council at the White House to discuss Trump's latest move to take the strategically important and resource-rich island in the Arctic by military force if necessary, as the AP news agency learned from Danish government circles. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

9.13 pm

Trump threatens Iran with harsh punishment for killing protesters

US President Donald Trump has warned the state leadership in Tehran against killing protesters. "I've told them that if they start killing people, which they like to do during their riots, which are frequent, we will punish them severely," he said in an episode of "The Hugh Hewitt Show" podcast published on Thursday. The US government was following the situation closely. Trump praised the Iranians as "courageous people". It was initially unclear when the conversation was recorded.

20:24

Damper for US Attorney General in investigation against prosecutor

The US Department of Justice has once again been put in its place by a court over a controversial appointment. Prosecutor John Sarcone, who had taken over the investigation into New York Attorney General Letitia James, who has been widely criticized by US President Donald Trump, is no longer allowed to lead this investigation, US District Judge Lorna Schofield ruled on Thursday. He had exercised his interim post unlawfully because the Department of Justice had not complied with the legal requirements for an extension of his term of office.

7:47 p.m.

Minnesota investigators complain of obstruction of their work

Law enforcement officials in the US state of Minnesota are criticizing obstruction of their investigation following the fatal shooting of a woman by an ICE officer. The US Attorney's Office decided on Wednesday afternoon (local time), contrary to previous agreements, that only the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) should lead the investigation, the head of the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) announced. As recently as this morning, it had been planned to involve the state authorities in the investigation.

According to the statement, the agency has now been informed that it "no longer has access to case documents, evidence from the crime scene and investigative interviews necessary for a thorough and independent investigation". Agency Director Drew Evans criticized: "Without full access to the evidence, witnesses and information collected, we cannot meet the investigative standards required by Minnesota law and the public."

7:14 p.m.

US Senate wants congressional approval for troops in Venezuela

Senators want the US Congress to have a say in future US troop deployments in Venezuela. With a narrow majority, the Senate, one of the two chambers of Congress, voted in favor of a corresponding resolution. This stipulates that US President Donald Trump must ask parliament for approval for further military operations in the South American country. In addition to Democrats, a few Republicans had also spoken out in favor.

It is unlikely that the resolution will actually pass: it would first have to be approved by a majority in the Republican-dominated House of Representatives before US President Donald Trump himself would have to give his consent. In view of the already known plans for the reconstruction of the Venezuelan economy, from which the United States also wants to benefit, the resolution is likely to be a thorn in the Republican's side.

16:40

White House to unveil plans for Trump's new ballroom

In October, the East Wing of the White House was demolished to make way for Trump's ornate new ballroom. Only now is the official process for a building permit beginning.

Months after the demolition of the East Wing of the White House, President Donald Trump's administration wants to present more detailed plans for the huge ballroom that is to be built there instead.

The ballroom is on the agenda at Thursday's monthly meeting of the National Capital Planning Commission, which is responsible for construction work on government buildings. Such a hearing is usually held before construction work begins on government buildings.

2.32 pm

Denmark sees Greenland talks with USA as an opportunity

The Danish government welcomes plans for a meeting with the US over President Donald Trump's threat to invade Greenland. "This is the dialogue we need, as the government has requested together with the Greenlandic government," Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen told broadcaster DR.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Wednesday that there would be a meeting on Greenland next week. He did not provide any details on the exact time, location or discussion partners.

The government of semi-autonomous Greenland told DR that representatives from the island would be attending the meeting announced by Rubio. "Nothing about Greenland without Greenland," said Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt. "Of course we will be there. We are the ones who requested the meeting."

Trump has repeatedly called for the strategically located, resource-rich island of Greenland, which is part of the Danish kingdom, to be brought under US control.

12.12 pm

Trump expects years of US oversight over Venezuela

Donald Trump expects the US to run Venezuela for years and to extract the huge oil reserves there, reports the New York Times, citing a conversation with the US president.

The Venezuelan government under Acting President Delcy Rodríguez is prepared to do whatever the US government deems necessary, Trump added.

"We're going to rebuild it in a very profitable way," Trump said about Venezuela. "We're going to use oil, and we're going to take oil. We're going to lower oil prices, and we're going to give Venezuela money that they desperately need," Trump said, admitting, according to the New York Times, that the revival of the Venezuelan oil industry could take years.

According to the newspaper, Trump did not comment on how exactly this idea would be put into practice on the ground, when elections could be held in Venezuela and why he is not backing opposition leader and Nobel Prize winner María Corina Machado.

09.13 am

Trump calls for a massive increase in the US military budget

US President Donald Trump has called for dramatically higher defense spending for the 2027 financial year. The military budget should rise from around one to 1.5 trillion dollars, he wrote on Truth Social. Trump justified the request with "very anxious and dangerous times". He wants to use the higher budget to build a "dream military".

In Congress, such an increase is considered almost impossible to implement. Although the Republicans have a narrow majority, there is resistance even within Trump's party - partly due to the upcoming mid-term elections in November.

Trump has stated that the additional expenditure should be financed from customs revenue. Experts consider this calculation to be unrealistic. The President also announced restrictions on arms companies and manager salaries in order to boost arms production.

5.50 a.m.

US senator: Attack on Greenland would be "stupid as a rocket"

In the US Congress, several Republican party colleagues of President Donald Trump have expressed criticism of a possible military operation to annex Greenland. Senator John Curtis wrote on Platform X that it is important to strengthen the partnership with Denmark and Greenland, but "the use of the military is not appropriate, not necessary and not something I will support". The huge Arctic island of Greenland, with a population of around 56,000, is largely autonomous but officially part of the Kingdom of Denmark.

Strengthening our partnership with Denmark and Greenland and working with our allies to secure the Arctic is in America’s national interest. Military force is not appropriate, not necessary, and not something I will support. Full stop.

— Senator John Curtis (@SenJohnCurtis) January 7, 2026

Don Bacon, a member of the House of Representatives, criticized that the government's thinking about Greenland was harmful and would only cause trouble for NATO allies. He also told CNN that the proposal to annex Greenland was one of the "stupidest" things he had heard from the White House in a year. He hoped that other Republicans would also tell the government clearly that it was on the wrong track here.

Greenland is a strong NATO ally willing to work with us to build more American bases and pursue mining agreements. Most in Greenland want to remain independent with Denmark & NATO providing protection. This approach is demeaning, creates distrust, and has no upside. pic.twitter.com/1IpWqohHBm

— Rep. Don Bacon 🇺🇸✈️🏍️⭐️🎖️ (@RepDonBacon) January 7, 2026

Senator John Kennedy said after a congressional briefing by Secretary of State Marco Rubio that even a "moderately intelligent ninth grader" would know that an invasion of Greenland would be "rocket science stupid". Neither President Trump nor Foreign Minister Rubio are stupid, he emphasized. "They are not planning an invasion of Greenland," he told CNN. This does not rule out seeking a new legal basis for the defense of the USA and Greenland.

Kennedy's party colleague Thom Tillis also criticized Trump's influential deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, who had caused a stir with particularly harsh statements on Greenland. Miller should either know what he is talking about or find a new job, the Republican demanded. There is no more important alliance than NATO, even if Miller perhaps knows nothing about it, said Tillis. Denmark is an outstanding NATO member and the defense alliance is also of crucial importance for the USA, he emphasized. Most of his colleagues - "whether they say it out loud or not" - also agree with him, the senator emphasized.

Thursday, January 8, 2026, 2:36 a.m.

Trump announces meeting with Colombia's head of state Petro

Following his threats against Colombia, US President Donald Trump spoke on the phone with Colombian head of state Gustavo Petro and announced a meeting at the White House. Petro had called to explain "the drug situation and other differences of opinion", the Republican wrote on the Truth Social platform. It was a great honor for him to speak with Petro and he is looking forward to meeting him in the "near future", Trump continued. The meeting would take place at the White House in Washington. He did not give an exact time.

Petro said a little later that he had spoken to Trump for around an hour. "Without dialog, there is war," he told demonstrators at a rally for his country's sovereignty. Colombia can now sleep peacefully. His first conversation with the US President since he took office was about Venezuela and drug trafficking. Peace in Venezuela means peace in Colombia, said Petro.

🔴El Presidente @petrogustavo confirmó que habló por primera vez por teléfono con el Presidente de Estados Unidos, Donald Trump.

El mandatario colombiano solicitó restablecer las comunicaciones directas entre cancillerías y presidentes, para dialogar. Además, hablaron sobre… pic.twitter.com/b0NzMmIyxP

— Presidencia Colombia 🇨🇴 (@infopresidencia) January 8, 2026

The Colombian president, who had often clashed with Trump over X, said that he had presented the US president with data on his country's progress in the fight against drugs and advocated direct communication between Washington and Bogotá.

The US President had also threatened Colombia following the military action in Venezuela and the capture of Venezuelan head of state Nicolás Maduro. The Republican told journalists that Colombia was "very sick" and ruled by a "sick man" who loved to "produce cocaine and sell it to the United States". He would "not be doing that much longer", Trump said - without going into detail about what he specifically meant by that. When asked by a journalist whether there would be a military operation against Colombia, Trump replied: "That sounds good to me." Colombia is a neighboring state of Venezuela in South America and is considered an important production location for cocaine.

11.32 pm

USA withdraws from 66 international organizations

The USA is withdrawing from 66 international organizations. This is the result of an order issued by US President Donald Trump and published by the White House. The reason given for the withdrawal is that the organizations, agreements and treaties are not compatible with the interests of the United States. Many of the organizations mentioned are concerned with areas such as the environment and climate or gender equality.

According to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the Trump administration has determined that the institutions in question are "unnecessary" and "mismanaged", that their interests run counter to those of the US, or that they represent "a threat to the sovereignty, freedoms and general prosperity of our nation". The organizations are actively trying to "limit the sovereignty of the United States", it continues.

Today, President Trump announced the U.S. is leaving 66 anti-American, useless, or wasteful international organizations. Review of additional international organizations remains ongoing.

These withdrawals keep a key promise President Trump made to Americans - we will stop…

— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) January 8, 2026

On Platform X, Rubio spoke of "anti-American, useless or wasteful international organizations" from which to withdraw. The review of other international organizations is ongoing. The list also includes numerous United Nations organizations. According to the order, the withdrawal should take place as soon as possible. This could mean withdrawing funding from the organizations or no longer participating in them.

The Trump administration had already previously announced its withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the UN cultural organization Unesco.

11.03 pm

Donald Trump wants to massively increase military spending

US President Donald Trump has proposed a significant increase in US defense spending. He has called for military spending of 1.5 trillion US dollars for the year 2027. The military budget for this year is 901 billion dollars. Trump justified the request by saying that we are in "troubled, dangerous times".

This will enable the country to build the "dream military" that the country has long deserved and that will ensure its security, Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

22:40

Florida Governor DeSantis plans meeting for constituency redistricting

The race for favorable constituencies ahead of this year's U.S. midterm elections continues. The Republican Governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis, announced plans at a media conference for a special session of the state's Republican-dominated legislature in April to redraw constituency boundaries.

The regular legislative session in Florida begins next week. However, DeSantis explained that he wanted to wait for a possible ruling by the Supreme Court on election law. The decision in Louisiana v. Callais could clarify whether a section of election law that prohibits discrimination in voting systems is constitutional. At least one or two Florida voting districts could be affected by the decision, DeSantis said. The question is not so much whether a ruling will be made, but what the extent of it will be.

Currently, 20 of Florida's 28 electoral districts are held by Republicans. Florida constituencies redrawn to favor Republicans could have significant consequences for President Donald Trump's plan to redraw electoral maps in Republican-held states, gain seats in midterm elections and retain control of the U.S. House of Representatives.

The race between Republicans and Democrats to redraw electoral districts has so far resulted in nine additional seats that Republicans could win in Texas, Missouri, North Carolina and Ohio. Meanwhile, Democrats can hope to win six seats previously held by Republicans. In some states, the redistricting is being challenged in court. Should the new electoral district boundaries stand, there is still no guarantee that the parties will actually win the seats they are aiming for.

20:41

Trump expresses doubts about the reliability of Nato

US President Donald Trump has expressed doubts about the reliability of the NATO military alliance. He wonders whether the allies "would be there for us if we really needed them", Trump explained in his online service Truth Social. "We will always be there for NATO, even if it won't be there for us", he added at the same time. The Nato member states are "all my friends", the US President added, underlining the importance of the USA for the alliance.

At the same time, Trump repeated the claim he had already made on several occasions that some NATO states had not paid sufficient military expenditure before his term of office. "The US foolishly paid for them! I respectfully made them pay five percent of GDP, and they are paying," the US president said.

Trump had threatened the NATO allies that he would refuse to assist them in the event of an alliance conflict if they did not increase their defense spending to five percent of their gross domestic product (GDP).

According to the US President, Russia and China would also have "no fear of NATO" if the USA were not part of the alliance. "The only nation that China and Russia fear and respect is the USA rebuilt by DJT," Trump added, referring to his initials.

7:42 p.m.

ICE agent shoots woman in Minneapolis

An ICE agent has shot and killed a woman in her car in the city of Minneapolis. The victim had tried to ram agency officials with her vehicle during a raid on immigrants, according to Department of Homeland Security spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin. The city's mayor called the account "bullshit".

ICE officer shoots woman in MinneapolisMayor is beside himself - Trump defends the shooter

7:33 p.m.

Rubio: Meeting with Denmark on Greenland next week

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has announced a meeting with representatives of Denmark next week to discuss Greenland. He did not want to answer a question from journalists as to whether this would take military action off the table. It is not yet known exactly where and when the meeting will take place. Denmark and Greenland had previously requested a meeting with the US Secretary of State. Greenland's head of government Jens-Frederik Nielsen had said that he was fed up with communication with the USA taking place via the media.

In recent days, US President Donald Trump had once again threatened to annex Greenland, citing national security interests as the reason. Greenland, with a population of around 57,000, is largely autonomous but officially belongs to the Kingdom of Denmark.

Trump has been claiming ownership of Greenland for some time. He already caused irritation during his first term of office when he announced his interest in buying Greenland. He is going even further with the threatened annexation. The White House recently even explicitly did not rule out military action.

US government spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said on Wednesday that a purchase of the island is currently being actively discussed by the President and his team. When asked why the US would not rule out military action, she said: "The president's first option has always been diplomacy." The Danish government has firmly rejected Trump's claims of ownership with the support of numerous European partners. Head of government Mette Frederiksen warned of an end to Nato if the USA attacks Greenland.

6.16 am

Trump fears third impeachment trial if Republicans lose midterm elections

US President Donald Trump has warned Republican members of the House of Representatives at a party retreat in Washington that they must retain control of the chamber of Congress in the mid-term elections in November. Should the Democrats win back the majority, he said he expected a third impeachment trial. "They will find a reason to impeach me," Trump said on Tuesday, the fifth anniversary of the storming of the US Capitol by his supporters on January 6, 2021.

Trump went through two impeachment proceedings - in both of which he was acquitted. In the first impeachment trial, the Democrats accused him of obstructing congressional investigations and abuse of power. They accused Trump of pressuring Ukrainian President Volodymyr Selensky to investigate Trump's opponent Joe Biden in order to influence the 2020 US presidential election in his favor. The second impeachment proceedings against Trump began on February 9, 2021. He was accused of inciting his supporters to storm the Capitol on January 6.

5:28 p.m.

Rubio apparently sees Greenland purchase, not US military deployment

The US government wants to buy the autonomous island of Greenland, which belongs to Denmark, according to media reports. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly said in a confidential meeting with US congressmen that the latest threats should not signal a military invasion. The Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the matter, that the goal was a purchase.

The "New York Times" also reported this, citing officials, and also wrote that President Donald Trump had asked his staff to present an updated plan for an acquisition of the island. Trump had already brought such a plan into play during his first term in office.

The US government had recently stepped up its threats regarding a claim to ownership of the Arctic island. As recently as Tuesday, the White House even raised the option of military action. "The President and his team are discussing a range of options to achieve this important foreign policy objective, and of course the use of the US military is always an option available to the Commander-in-Chief," said government spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt on Greenland.

Wednesday, January 7, 2026, 2:43 a.m.

Speaker Johnson against military deployment in Greenland

The Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Mike Johnson, has spoken out clearly against a military operation to take over Greenland by the USA. "No, I don't think it's appropriate," the Republican told reporters on Tuesday (local time) when asked whether he could imagine using military force to conquer the territory. Johnson said he had not had any recent conversations with President Donald Trump about Greenland. He knows that many consider Greenland to be strategically important for the USA - "I don't know how that will develop," said Johnson.

Johnson had previously strongly defended the US attack on Venezuela and the capture of authoritarian President Nicolás Maduro. After the operation in Venezuela, Trump had said at the weekend: "Let's talk about Greenland in about 20 days." He justified this with national security interests.

Greenland, which is largely autonomous, belongs to Denmark and has natural resources such as oil, gas and rare earths. The USA operates a large military base there. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened to invade the world's largest island, which is home to less than 60,000 people, and has not ruled out military force.

23.3

Greenland: US government threatens Danes with military action

In the dispute with Denmark over Greenland, the US government under President Donald Trump is increasing the pressure and threatening military action. "The President and his team are discussing a range of options to achieve this important foreign policy objective, and of course the use of the US military is always an option available to the Commander-in-Chief," said government spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt. She was not more specific.

Trump has made it clear that it is "a national security priority of the United States" to bring Greenland under US control, Leavitt continued. Control of Greenland is crucial "to deter our adversaries in the Arctic".

7:05 p.m.

Republican majority in the US House of Representatives becomes even tighter

The Republicans' already narrow majority in the US House of Representatives has shrunk even further. Californian MP Doug LaMalfa died at the age of 65, the parliamentary group announced on Tuesday. This leaves the Republicans with 218 of 435 seats. The Democrats have 213 seats. The remaining seats are vacant.

Californian Governor Gavin Newsom must now call a by-election. The entire House of Representatives will be re-elected in November anyway. LaMalfa represented a constituency that is no longer a safe bet for his fellow Republicans following the redrawing of voting districts in California.

6:56 p.m.

Canadian Prime Minister Carney sends foreign minister to Greenland

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has backed Denmark over the US government's claims to ownership of Greenland. "The future of Greenland and Denmark will be decided by the people of Denmark alone," said Carney on Tuesday in the presence of Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen at the Canadian embassy in Paris. He also announced that Canadian Governor General Mary Simon and his Foreign Minister Anita Anand would be visiting Greenland in February.

5:38 p.m.

The US Department of Justice has released less than 1 percent of the Epstein files

Court documents show that the US Department of Justice has so far released less than one percent of the so-called Epstein files - only 12,285 documents with a total of 125,575 pages, reports theGuardian. The majority of the files should have been released by December 19.

Justice Minister Pam Bondi explained in a five-page report to the responsible federal judge Paul Engelmayer in New York that protecting the identity of Epstein's victims has top priority and is delaying the process. In total, there are more than two million potentially relevant documents that are in various stages of review. Around 400 lawyers from the Department of Justice and around 100 specially trained FBI analysts are involved in the review.

Democrats are unimpressed. They accuse the ministry of deliberately withholding information. The Democratic majority leader in the Senate, Chuck Schumer, publicly asked: "What are they trying to hide?" He criticized the fact that Congress has not yet been presented with an unredacted list of all government representatives and politically exposed persons named in the files. The actions of the Ministry of Justice were unlawful and must be stopped.

The Ministry pointed out that over a million more documents had subsequently been discovered, which was further delaying the timetable.

2.53 pm

Greenland's head of government warns against panic

Against the background of the US claims to Greenland, Greenland's Prime Minister Jens Frederik Nielsen has called on his countrymen to remain calm.

He understands that some Greenlanders are worried about the latest statements by US President Donald Trump in view of the situation in Venezuela, Nielsen said at a press conference in the Greenlandic capital Nuuk, according to Danish radio. "But Venezuela and Greenland are not comparable."

Trump recently reiterated to journalists: "We need Greenland for national security." Greenland is an autonomously administered territory in the Arctic that belongs to Denmark. Nielsen has now called for a direct line to Washington. He is fed up with communication with the USA taking place via the media.

Greenland and the USA had always worked well together in the past. An annexation of Greenland overnight would not happen. "We are open to a dialog," said Nielsen. "But international rules and laws are based on peace, cooperation and agreements."

"These times call for cohesion," Nielsen continued, according to broadcaster DR. "We must show that we stand together as a society, but we must also demonstrate unity among allied countries."

1 p.m.

These six EU countries are backing Denmark

The major European partners have declared their support for the Arctic island and Denmark in the dispute over Greenland fueled by US President Donald Trump. Only Denmark and Greenland would decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland, according to a statement. "Greenland belongs to its people."

The signatories, including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen in addition to Merz, emphasized the great importance of the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and inviolability of borders set out in the UN Charter.

The European states Germany, France, Italy, Poland, Spain, Great Britain and Denmark emphasized in their statement that the Kingdom of Denmark, including Greenland, is "part of NATO".

Joint Statement of major EU/NATO countries on Greenland, together with Denmark:

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— Nicolai von Ondarza (@nvondarza.bsky.social) 6. Januar 2026 um 12:53

Security in the Arctic must therefore be achieved together. The USA is "an essential partner", both as a NATO ally and as part of the 1951 defense agreement between Denmark and the United States.

Denmark's head of government Frederiksen had previously stated: "If the USA attacks another NATO country, then everything stops." That would be the end of the Western defense alliance and thus also the security architecture that has existed since the end of the Second World War.

The Danish parties have called a crisis meeting in parliament.

12.30 pm

Trump critic Conway runs for seat in Congress

The well-known Trump critic George Conway has announced his candidacy for a seat in the US House of Representatives for the state of New York.

Conway announced his candidacy for the Democratic Party today, saying that he was motivated by a conversation with a friend. The friend had reported her anger that some Democrats had voted to end the shutdown last year.

Conway was once married to former advisor to President Donald Trump, Kellyanne Conway. In 2016, George Conway supported Trump's first presidential candidacy. He has since become a prominent opponent of the Republican. His marriage to Kellyanne Conway, a staunch supporter of Trump, broke up - the couple announced their divorce in 2023.

Kellyanne Conway tells Rosie O’Donnell, a lesbian, to ‘find a husband’ https://www.thepinknews.com/2026/01/01/kellyanne-conway-rosie-odonnell-donald-trump/?utm_content=1767352800&utm_medium=social&utm_source=bluesky

[image or embed]

— PinkNews (@pinknews.bsky.social) 2. Januar 2026 um 12:20

The ex-Republican Conway worked for years as a lawyer in New York City, but most recently lived in Bethesda in the US state of Maryland. However, he did not want to run for a congressional seat for Maryland because he did not want to run against US Congressman Jamie Raskin, who he said he held in high regard.

The aforementioned girlfriend had suggested that he run for a seat for the New York borough of Manhattan instead. A few weeks ago he moved back to Manhattan, George Conway announced.

George Conway, a former Republican once married to Trump's 2016 campaign manager Kellyanne Conway, says his decision to run as a Democrat in New York is no laughing matter. https://cnn.it/3N6bVxw

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— CNN (@cnn.com) 6. Januar 2026 um 12:00

Conway is one of numerous Democratic candidates for the seat of Congressman Jerry Nadler, who is retiring. Among them is a grandson of assassinated ex-President John F. Kennedy, Jack Schlossberg.

In a video at the start of his election campaign, 62-year-old Conway portrayed himself as a Trump opponent whose extensive experience as a lawyer would help him to continue the fight against the US president from Congress.

"These are not ordinary times," he said. "And I'm not going to be an ordinary member of Congress." You need people "who can fight Trump the way he needs to be fought," he said.

11:38 a.m.

Sweden newspaper asks: "What will we do if Trump takes Greenland?"

Sweden's liberal daily "Dagens Nyheter" comments on US President Donald Trump's claims to ownership of Greenland:

"An American annexation of Greenland would change everything - also for Sweden. The US would no longer be our ally. The question we have to ask ourselves is not whether it can happen - but what we do if the US annexes Greenland.

Will Article 5 of the NATO treaty be activated? Do we go to war - against the strongest military power in the world? Should we impose sanctions on the USA and demand that its troops withdraw from the continent? What security policy consequences would that have?

Every new question only raises more questions. In the certain belief of further success, Trump now wants to erect an arch of triumph - yes, really! - while he continues to push the boundaries of what is possible. And what about us?"

5.48 pm

Trump adviser: No one will attack USA over Greenland claim

A senior White House official has described the US claim to control Greenland, which belongs to Denmark, as the "official position of the US government".

When asked repeatedly by a CNN presenter whether the government was ruling out military action to seize Greenland, US President Donald Trump's deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller said: "Nobody is going to fight the United States militarily over the future of Greenland. That makes no sense."

TAPPER: Can you rule out the US is going to take Greenland by force? MILLER: Greenland should be part of the US. By what right does Denmark assert control over Greenland? The US is the power of NATO T: So force is on the table? M: Nobody is gonna fight the US militarily over future of Greenland

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— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar.com) 6. Januar 2026 um 00:26

The USA should "have" Greenland as part of the United States, emphasized Miller. The President had made this very clear since the beginning of his term of office almost a year ago. There is absolutely no need to think about military action, Miller told CNN.

The USA is the most important military power in NATO and therefore needs control over Greenland in order to secure the Arctic region and thus guarantee the security of the defense alliance, he argued.

Miller also questioned why autonomously administered Greenland officially belongs to Nato partner Denmark at all. "By what right does Denmark have control over Greenland? What is the basis of its territorial claim? What is the basis for having Greenland as a colony of Denmark?" he asked in the CNN interview.

Miller's wife Katie Miller had caused irritation on Saturday with a post on the online service X. The post, which showed a map of Greenland in the colors of the US flag, called the Danish government into action on Sunday. "Soon" was written in capital letters above the image.

SOON pic.twitter.com/XU6VmZxph3

— Katie Miller (@KatieMiller) January 3, 2026

Tuesday, January 6, 2026, 2:15 a.m.

Government lowers number of vaccinations recommended for children

US President Donald Trump's government is recommending significantly fewer vaccinations for children than before. The vaccination recommendation should only apply to the eleven "most serious and dangerous diseases", Trump announced on his Truth Social platform.

"Parents can continue to have all vaccinations administered to their children if they wish," Trump continued. The costs would continue to be covered by health insurance companies.

"This Schedule is rooted in the Gold Standard of Science, and widely agreed upon by Scientists and Experts all over the World... Many Americans, especially the “MAHA Moms,” have been praying for these COMMON SENSE reforms for many years." - President Donald J. Trump 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/pflNCF2oO7

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 5, 2026

According to the US health authority CDC, 17 immunizations were still planned for children by the end of 2024. Vaccinations that are no longer generally recommended include those for rotavirus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, RSV infections, meningococcal B and meningococcal ACWY. This emerged from an overview by the US health authority CDC.

Trump's Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is very skeptical about vaccinations. The revision of the vaccination recommendations for children had already been announced at the beginning of December. The recommendations were to be compared with those of other industrialized countries.

The reason given was that with vaccinations against so many diseases, the USA was in a "special position" compared to other industrialized nations. According to the report, Germany provides for vaccinations against 15 diseases, compared to only ten in Denmark.

The US Association of Pediatricians (AAP) criticized the new, reduced vaccination recommendations as "dangerous and unnecessary". It added: "The United States is not Denmark, and there is no reason to impose the Danish immunization schedule on American families."

23.35

Frederiksen: US attack on Greenland would be the end of Nato

According to Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, a US attack on Greenland would be tantamount to the end of Nato. "If the United States decides to attack another Nato country militarily, then everything stops," Frederiksen told TV2 on Monday. "That means our NATO too, and with it the security that has been guaranteed since the end of the Second World War."

Greenland, which is largely autonomous, belongs to Denmark and has natural resources such as oil, gas and rare earths. The USA maintains a large military base there. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly called for the world's largest island, which is home to less than 60,000 people, to be incorporated into the USA and has not ruled out military force. Frederiksen said that when Trump demands Greenland for the USA, it must be taken seriously. "We will not accept a situation where we and Greenland are threatened in this way," she added.

Following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a cloak-and-dagger operation by the US military, Trump followed up at the weekend. "We need Greenland from a national security standpoint," he said. Denmark could not guarantee security, but had only added "a dog sled" to its arsenal there. "Let's talk about Greenland in about 20 days," he said, claiming that the island was teeming with Russian and Chinese ships.

Global security expert from the Danish Institute for International Studies, Ulrik Pram Gad, on the other hand, wrote that there are Russian and Chinese ships in the Arctic, "but these ships are too far away to see from Greenland with or without binoculars".

10.14 p.m.

Proceedings against Senator Kelly after criticism of military operations

Following his criticism of US military operations, proceedings have been initiated against retired naval officer and Democratic Senator Mark Kelly to review his retirement status. The reason for this is Kelly's public statements in recent months in which he criticized deployments and called on soldiers to refuse orders, wrote Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in a post on social media.

The background to this is a video published by six Democratic members of Congress in which members of the US military are called upon to disobey what they consider to be illegal orders in connection with internationally controversial US military operations against suspected drug smugglers in the Caribbean. According to the US government, more than 100 people have been killed in these operations since September. Kelly is said to have been involved in the video. He had called for an investigation into the operations and publicly criticized Hegseth. US President Donald Trump initially accused the group of "insurgent behavior" and later qualified these statements.

Six weeks ago, Senator Mark Kelly — and five other members of Congress — released a reckless and seditious video that was clearly intended to undermine good order and military discipline. As a retired Navy Captain who is still receiving a military pension, Captain Kelly knows he…

— Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (@SecWar) January 5, 2026

According to Hegseth, the Department of Defense is now considering a reduction in Kelly's retired rank, which would entail a corresponding reduction in his retirement pay. In addition, a formal reprimand had been issued, which would be permanently noted in Kelly's military personnel file. Kelly has been informed of the allegations and has 30 days to respond.

Kelly rejected the allegations. In a post on social media, the senator spoke of a "politically motivated attack" and emphasized that he had never called for disobeying lawful orders. His intention was to remind soldiers of their duty to comply with international law. Criticism of military operations and the leadership of the Ministry of Defense is covered by the constitution, Kelly wrote. He announced that he would defend himself against accusations that the "most unqualified Secretary of Defense in the history of our country" could not intimidate him.

Over twenty-five years in the U.S. Navy, thirty-nine combat missions, and four missions to space, I risked my life for this country and to defend our Constitution – including the First Amendment rights of every American to speak out. I never expected that the President of the…

— Senator Mark Kelly (@SenMarkKelly) January 5, 2026

1.21 p.m.

Police operation at the home of US Vice President Vance

There was a police operation at the home of US Vice President JD Vance on Monday. According to media reports, at least one person was arrested, but the background is still unclear.

Person arrestedPolice operation at the home of US Vice President Vance

7.50 am

Trump also threatens Colombia

US President Donald Trump can imagine a military operation against the Colombian government. A military operation aimed at the Colombian government sounds good to him, says Trump.

7.48 am

"Cuba will fall - without our help"

Trump on Cuba: "I think it's just going to fall. I don't think we need any action. It looks like it's going down — it's going down for the count. You ever watch a fight? They go down for the count, and Cuba looks like it's going down." pic.twitter.com/DaBoVBnxUM

— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) January 5, 2026

Following the arrest of Venezuela's President Nicolás Maduro, US President Donald Trump has predicted that Cuba will soon fall from power. Speaking to the media on board Air Force One, Trump said that Cuba was "ready to fall". He did not believe military intervention by the USA was necessary: "I think it will just collapse. I don't think we have to do anything."

Trump compared the situation to a boxing match: Cuba looks "like it's going down - and staying there". He made a direct link between Maduro's arrest and Havana's stability and suggested that Cuba could hardly survive without support from Venezuela.

Monday, January 5, 2026, 3:11 a.m.

Trump follows up: Denmark rejects claim to Greenland

Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland have clearly rejected another territorial claim to Greenland made by US President Donald Trump. Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen declared that the United States had "absolutely no right" to annex a part of the Danish state community. She called on the USA to "stop making threats against a historically close ally and against another country and another people who have clearly stated that they are not for sale".

Trump was not deterred by this. During a flight to Washington a little later on Sunday evening (local time), he once again told journalists that "we need Greenland for national security". The island is of great strategic importance, but is currently surrounded by Russian and Chinese ships. "Denmark will not be able to do this, I can tell you that," said Trump. It was also clear to the European Union that the USA "should have" Greenland, Trump claimed.

Trump then explicitly made fun of Nato partner Denmark: "Do you know what Denmark did recently? To strengthen security in Greenland, they added a dog sled. It's true. They thought that was a great reinforcement." Trump has often threatened to incorporate Greenland into the USA. He has also not ruled out military means.

Just a friendly reminder about the US and the Kingdom of Denmark: We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security. Greenland is already part of NATO. The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work… https://t.co/CboKnlKgJL

— Jesper Møller Sørensen 🇩🇰 (@DKambUSA) January 4, 2026

The heads of government of Sweden and Norway as well as Finland's president publicly backed Frederiksen's statement. Norway's Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store wrote on Platform X: "Greenland is an integral part of the Kingdom of Denmark. Norway stands in full solidarity with the Kingdom of Denmark." Sweden's Ulf Kristersson stated: "Only Denmark and Greenland have the right to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland." He added: "Sweden is fully behind its neighboring country." Finland's President Alexander Stubb, who is said to have a special relationship with the US president, wrote: "No one decides for Greenland and Denmark except Greenland and Denmark itself."

No one decides for Greenland and Denmark but Greenland and Denmark themselves.

Our Nordic friend Denmark and @Statsmin have our full support.https://t.co/J4iVOSpn1J

— Alexander Stubb (@alexstubb) January 4, 2026

22.45

Fear of possible annexation of Greenland grows

Following the US military operation in Venezuela, fears of a possible annexation of Greenland by the USA are growing. The wife of one of US President Donald Trump's most important advisors published a picture of the island in the colors of the US flag at the weekend, and Trump himself reaffirmed his claim to the territory, which belongs to Denmark. The Danish head of government, Mette Frederiksen, called on the USA to refrain from its "threats".

Trump himself was asked in a telephone interview with the US magazine "The Atlantic" on Sunday what the military operation in Venezuela meant for Greenland. "They'll have to see for themselves. I really don't know," Trump said, adding, "But we need Greenland, absolutely. We need it for defense."

Frederiksen then called on the US to stop its "threats against a historic ally". "I must make this very clear to the US: it is absolutely absurd to say that the United States should take control of Greenland," the Danish Prime Minister explained.

“Greenland is not for sale.”
With calm clarity, Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen @demokraatit_gl responds to the renewed threats and insinuations coming from Donald Trump and his administration. No panic, just facts: democracy, self-government and international… pic.twitter.com/1Anlum4ppZ

— European Democrats (@democrats_eu) January 4, 2026

Greenland's head of government Jens-Frederik Nielsen had previously criticized Miller's contribution as "disrespectful". "Relations between nations and their populations are based on mutual respect and international law - not on symbolic gestures that disregard our status and rights," explained Nielsen.

16.31

Greenland map in US colors: Trump adviser's wife causes irritation in Denmark

Following the US military operation in Venezuela, a provocative online post about Greenland has caused irritation in Denmark. The post by Katie Miller, the wife of Trump's Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, on the online service X, which showed a map of Greenland in the colors of the US flag, called the Danish government into action on Sunday. "Soon" was written in capital letters above the image.

SOON pic.twitter.com/XU6VmZxph3

— Katie Miller (@KatieMiller) January 3, 2026

His country demands "full respect for the territorial integrity" of Denmark, commented the Danish ambassador to the USA, Jesper Möller Sörensen, on Miller's X post on Sunday. Denmark and the USA are "close allies and must continue to work together as such".

Just a friendly reminder about the US and the Kingdom of Denmark: We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security. Greenland is already part of NATO. The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work… https://t.co/CboKnlKgJL

— Jesper Møller Sørensen 🇩🇰 (@DKambUSA) January 4, 2026

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened to take over Greenland from the US in recent months and has not ruled out the use of force. Most recently, he caused outrage on the island itself, in Copenhagen and in the EU by appointing a special envoy for Greenland.

With regard to the takeover of Greenland that he is seeking, Trump argues with the security interests of the USA and refers to the alleged presence of Moscow and Beijing around the geostrategically favorably located island. Greenland belongs to the Kingdom of Denmark, but is largely autonomous.

Greenland's soil contains valuable raw materials that have hardly been exploited to date. Due to newly opened sea routes as a result of climate change, geostrategic interest in the Arctic from the USA, China and Russia has recently grown significantly.

Sunday, January 4, 2026 -

Trump: "Nobody can stop us"

In a phone-in with Fox News, US President Donald Trump commented on the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro - and indirectly issued a threat. Trump hinted that such an action need not remain an isolated case.

USA attacks VenezuelaState oil company PDVSA negotiates oil sale with USA

"We did this unbelievable thing last night, letting somebody else take over. We have to do it again," said Trump. At the same time, he emphasized the military strength of the USA: "We can do it again. Nobody can stop us. There's nobody that has the capabilities that we have."

21.02

Trump wants to renovate golf courses at Andrews military base

US President Donald Trump has his sights set on a new construction project. The golf courses on the grounds of the Andrews military base in Maryland, around 25 kilometers from the White House, have piqued the interest of the passionate golfer. However, he has never played on the "President's Golf Course", as the golf courses are known.

Trump prefers his own courses and has spent around one in four days on one of them since the start of his second term in office. Now he has hired golf legend Jack Nicklaus as architect for the redesign of the "Courses at Andrews". The courses - two 18-hole courses and another with nine holes - have long been a popular retreat for presidents who want to escape the stress of government business for a few hours. Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, George Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Joe Biden have all spent time there, and Barack Obama played there more often than any other president -
around 110 times in eight years.

The grounds of the Andrews base, better known as the home of the presidential aircraft Air Force One, have been remodeled in the past, including in 2018 when Congress approved funds to replace the aging presidential aircraft and build a new hangar and outbuildings. This project was so close to the golf courses that they also had to be adapted.

Trump toured the site by helicopter before Thanksgiving with Nicklaus, who has designed top golf courses around the world. The president called Andrews "a great place that has been neglected over the years due to lack of care."

6:39 p.m.

FBI foils New Year's Eve terrorist attack

The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has foiled a terrorist attack planned for New Year's Eve in the US state of North Carolina, according to its own statements and information from the public prosecutor's office. An 18-year-old intended to use knives and hammers to attack people in a supermarket and a fast food restaurant in the town of Mint Hill, said prosecutor Russ Ferguson of the Western District in North Carolina. According to preliminary findings, the man acted alone. The US-American had been arrested.

The suspect had declared his loyalty to the so-called Islamic State (IS) and confessed that he had wanted to kill Americans at the turn of the year, said FBI Special Agent James Barnacle Jr. The notes found on the man suggested that he had targeted Jews, Christians and people from the LGBTQ+ community - including lesbians, gays and trans people. The young man, who was still a teenager at the time, had already been radicalized via social media several years ago. The suspect only came of age in December.

According to Justice Minister Pam Bondi, the FBI had already foiled planned terrorist attacks with targets in California from New Year's Eve in mid-December. These had been planned in Los Angeles and nearby Orange County in the US state, Bondi said at the time. A "far-left, pro-Palestinian, anti-government and anti-capitalist" group had prepared a "series of bombings against various targets in California".

1 p.m.

"Kind of shocking": These are Mamdani's first decrees

Zohran Mamdani has signed a series of decrees on his first day as mayor of New York. The first decree concerns tenant protection, while the second and third decrees set up working groups to speed up the construction of new housing, reports the New York Times.

Mayor Mamdani Launches Crackdown on Negligent NYC Landlords with Three New Executive Orders

He is ALREADY keeping his promises to the voters!

He is protecting tenants from bad landlords and is accelerating housing development while making it affordable to build. pic.twitter.com/xFizvxyYzp

— Ryan Rozbiani (@RyanRozbiani) January 2, 2026

Another executive order revokes all decrees issued by Mamdani's predecessor Eric Adams after he was charged with corruption and bribery in September 2024. However, Mamdani is also overturning decrees banning demonstrations in front of synagogues or boycotts of Israel, which has raised eyebrows in Israel's media.

On his first day as Mayor of NYC, Zohran Mamdani repealed the IHRA definition of antisemitism.

He also overturned an anti-BDS executive order, making it legal to boycott Israeli businesses and organizations.

NYC is home to the largest Jewish population outside of Israel. pic.twitter.com/zJov7H8WpS

— StopAntisemitism (@StopAntisemites) January 2, 2026

In a further decree, the Democrat has appointed five deputies for his administration and continued to fill other posts. Comment of the British "Times":"Zohran Mamdani's team is so little radical - 'it's kind of shocking'".

10.45 am

Clooney counters Trump

Hollywood star George Clooney (64) responds to insults from US President Donald Trump with a political challenge. "I completely agree with the current president. We have to make America great again. We'll start in November," the actor said yesterday in a statement made available to several US media outlets.

Trump had previously gushed about the Oscar-winning actor in an online post. Clooney was "not a movie star at all", but just an "average guy who constantly complained about common sense in politics", Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform on New Year's Eve.

He was prompted by the fact that Clooney now officially holds French citizenship. Trump's comments were also aimed at the political commitment of Clooney, who was born in the US state of Kentucky and supported Trump's Democratic opponent Kamala Harris as a prominent voice in Hollywood during the 2024 election campaign.

Clooney's reaction is likely to allude to the congressional elections in November: All 435 seats in the House of Representatives and around a third of the seats in the Senate are up for election in the so-called midterms. The Republicans currently have narrow majorities in both chambers of the US parliament, which gives the president great freedom to govern.

According to Clooney, he and Trump used to have a friendlier relationship. "I knew him very well," Clooney told the US magazine "Variety " for a recently published portrait. Trump called him often and even once tried to put him up with a back surgeon in a hospital. "I saw him a lot in clubs and restaurants. He's a big gobshite. Well, he was. That's all changed."

Friday, Jan. 2, 10 a.m.

"If they want oil, Venezuela is ready": Maduro waves the white flag

Venezuela is open to negotiations on an agreement with the United States to combat drug trafficking. President Nicolás Maduro said this in a pre-recorded interview broadcast on state television yesterday.

However, Maduro did not comment on an attack carried out by the CIA on a Venezuelan port facility last week, according to US government representatives. According to the US government, the facility was used by cartels for drug smuggling.

In the interview with Spanish journalist Ignacio Ramonet, Maduro said that the US had been trying to force a change of government and gain access to Venezuela's extensive oil reserves with a pressure campaign that had been going on for months.

"It is clear that they are trying to impose themselves through threats, intimidation and violence," said Maduro. He later added that it was time for both countries to "talk seriously with each other - with solid facts".

Venezuelan President Maduro exposes the Trump administration:

"America doesn't want democracy… it wants Venezuela's oil, its gold, and its rare elements.

I have an impenetrable fortress… God. I have entrusted Venezuela to Christ, and He is the king of this land." pic.twitter.com/lnPLA2b8T8

— Sprinter Press (@SprinterPress) January 2, 2026

The US government knows that Venezuela is willing to negotiate an agreement to combat drug trafficking, Maduro said. "If they want oil, Venezuela is ready for US investment, like with Chevron - whenever they want, wherever they want and however they want."

The US government knew Venezuela was ready to talk "seriously about an agreement to fight drug trafficking", Maduro said. Venezuela has the world's largest proven oil reserves. The interview was recorded on New Year's Eve, the same day that the US military reported attacks on five suspected drug boats.

During his New Year's interview with writer and journalist Ignacio Ramonet, the president of the Bolivarian Republic of #Venezuela Nicolas Maduro, let the people of the #US know that they have a friendly government and a friendly people in Venezuela. pic.twitter.com/LxQfSJio3N

— teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) January 2, 2026

According to US President Donald Trump's administration, this brought the number of known boat attacks to 35 and the number of people killed to at least 115. Venezuelans are among the victims.

US President Donald Trump has justified the attacks as a necessary escalation to stem the flow of drugs into the United States, stating that the US is in an "armed conflict" with drug cartels.

The attacks began off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and were later extended to the eastern Pacific. Last week's drone attack on the jetty was the first operation on Venezuelan soil. Asked about this, Maduro said he wanted to "talk about it in a few days".

7.09 pm

Trump confirms high aspirin dose

US President Donald Trump has confirmed that he has been taking more aspirin than medically recommended for years. "They say aspirin is good for thinning the blood, and I don't want thick blood running through my heart," Trump told the Wall Street Journal. His doctors had recommended that he take a lower dose. But he was "a little superstitious". Trump explained that taking aspirin causes him to bruise easily. Trump had tried to hide these cosmetically several times in the past.

The US President also said that he had a computer tomography (CT) scan in October. According to the newspaper, one of his doctors carried out the scan to rule out possible cardiovascular disease. There were no abnormalities, the WSJ quoted the doctor as saying. The White House made a similar statement after the report was published.

In the current interview, the President said that he had once suffered a cut on his hand from a ring worn by Attorney General Pam Bondi when she gave him a "high five" greeting - i.e. a slap with his open hand in the raised and also open hand. He uses make-up or plasters when his hand is "bruised", Trump said.

He also denied falling asleep in public: "I've never been a big sleeper". If it sometimes looks like he is dozing off, he is merely relaxing. "I just close up," he said - apparently referring to his eyes. "That's very relaxing for me."

Speaking with the WSJ, Trump claimed he takes high doses of aspirin, which he says is why his hands bruise so easily. Despite doctors advising him to take less, he refused, citing “superstition.”

“They say aspirin is good for thinning out the blood, and I don’t want thick blood… pic.twitter.com/45KOUgHVas

— Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) January 1, 2026

7:02 p.m.

Health insurance will become more expensive for many US citizens

Millions of US citizens will have to expect significantly higher costs for their health insurance at the turn of the year: Certain government subsidies have expired at the end of 2025. Until recently, Democrats and Republicans in the US Congress had been unable to agree on a bill. In contrast to Germany, there is no general state health insurance in the USA.

The so-called extended tax credits were introduced in the United States during the coronavirus pandemic and later extended until the end of 2025 by another law. According to the non-partisan research institute Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, more than 20 million people are dependent on the subsidies.

For months, health insurance subsidies have been a major point of contention. In the most recent negotiations in the House of Representatives, the Republicans spoke out against continuing the current subsidy model. The Democrats, on the other hand, consider permanent subsidies to be appropriate in order to provide affordable health insurance for Americans.

New consultations on possible draft legislation are expected in January: whether and, if so, in what form the subsidies will then be paid - including retroactively - remains to be seen.

More than 20 million Americans are bracing for their health care costs to skyrocket after the enhanced ACA tax subsidies expire at midnight. Some premiums could double, triple or possibly quadruple for millions beginning tomorrow. @selinawangtv reports. https://t.co/tr8vDijrrW pic.twitter.com/QHxdEzXKOO

— World News Tonight (@ABCWorldNews) January 1, 2026

2.33 pm

Homeland Security wants to earmark 100 million

This post by the Department of Homeland Security has backfired: the US authority has published a picture of the artist Hiroshi Nagai on its official X account without the Japanese being aware of it.

"The peace of a nation no longer besieged by the Third World", it is written - and on the picture "Impender Beach" is added: "America after 100 million expulsions".

Nothing says authentic "America" like the art of Japanese pop artist Hiroshi Nagai.

— Rabbi Mordechai Lightstone (@Mottel) January 1, 2026

According to the Pew Research Center, there were 14 million illegal immigrants and almost 38 million foreigners with the right to stay or reside in the USA in 2023.

It’s absolutely insane that the DHS Twitter feed consistently and unabashedly puts out racist and white supremacist content.

Leaves no doubt at all that the motivation of Trump’s mass deportation is to rid the country of non-white people https://t.co/6aK5QkNoYX

— Michael A. Cohen (NOT TRUMP’S FORMER FIXER) (@speechboy71) December 31, 2025

Even if these were all deported, there would still be 48 million left to reach the Department of Homeland Security's "target". The publication was met with criticism online.

pic.twitter.com/1SzkbOFA29

— Anamika (@KottaRaani) January 1, 2026

1.48 pm

"Average guy": Trumps vs. Clooney

With his new French citizenship, Hollywood star George Clooney has drawn the ire of US President Donald Trump. In a post on his online mouthpiece Truth Social, Trump lashed out at the Oscar-winning actor on New Year's Eve.

"He wasn't a movie star at all, just an average guy who constantly complained about common sense in politics," said the 79-year-old. Clooney had attracted more attention with political affairs than with his "few and completely mediocre films".

Happy New Year from the president.🙃 Apparently George Clooney is not actually a movie star. Who knew? Also, who the hell could actually like this guy and think he's a good leader or a decent person?

[image or embed]

— Khashoggi's Ghost (@urocklive1.bsky.social) 31. Dezember 2025 um 23:17

Born in the US state of Kentucky, Clooney - who can currently be seen in the critically acclaimed road movie "Jay Kelly" - has been one of Hollywood's most important creators for years. Among the 64-year-old's many awards are two Oscars alone: as supporting actor in the thriller "Syriana" and as producer for "Argo" as Best Picture.

Clooney has also positioned himself politically and aggressively supported the Democratic presidential candidate, Kamala Harris, in the 2024 election campaign against Republican Trump.

George Clooney says CBS and ABC should have told Trump to ‘go f*** yourself’

[image or embed]

— The Independent (@the-independent.com) 30. Dezember 2025 um 21:56

According to a decree issued at the end of December, Clooney, his wife Amal and their twins Ella and Alexander were officially naturalized in France. The family spends a lot of time on their country estate in the municipality of Brignoles in the south of the country.

1.11 pm

Trump is said to have sent Epstein Spa employees

Donald Trump is said to have sent employees of his luxury club Mar-a-Lago to work at the neighboring estate of Jeffrey Epsein. This was reported by the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), without disclosing its sources.

"Epstein was not a dues-paying member of the club, but Trump instructed staff to treat him as one," the WSJ said. This continued even after the employees warned each other about the client.

The young women, who offered massages and manicures, "warned each other about Epstein, who was known for making sexual innuendos and exposing himself during appointments."

Trump: People were taken out of the spa, hired by Epstein… I told him we don’t want you taking our people, whether it’s spa or not spa. He did it again, I said out of here.

Reporter: Was one of the stolen people Virginia Giuffre?

Trump: I think so. He stole her. pic.twitter.com/70gE7V2fbP

— Acyn (@Acyn) July 29, 2025

Trump had stated on July 30 that Epstein had poached female employees from his spa, which led to the rift. About Epstein's victim Virgina Giuffre - she took her own life on April 25 - Trump says: "He stole her."

Karoline Leavitt counters that the WSJ has published "falsehoods and innuendo to smear President Trump": "No matter how many times this story is told, the truth remains: President Trump has done nothing wrong and he kicked Jeffrey Epstein out of Mar-a-Lago because he is a creep," the White House spokeswoman writes.

12 p.m.

Trump halts water pipeline - as "political retaliation" for Epstein vote?

Donakd Trump used his veto power for the first time on December 31 - and stopped two projects. One was about more rights for indigenous people in the Everglades in Florida and the other was about a water pipeline in Colorado.

What bothers the president about the latter project? Lauren Boebert, Republican MP from the state, is now asking aloud whether the 79-year-old is acting out of a desire for revenge: Is he seeking "political retribution" because the 39-year-old, along with three other Republicans, voted in favor of releasing the Epstein files?

"I sincerely hope this veto has nothing to do with political retribution for denouncing corruption and demanding accountability," she writes, "because nothing says 'America First' like denying clean drinking water to 50,000 people in southeastern Colorado, many of whom enthusiastically voted for him in all three elections."

The pipeline project is in GOP Rep Lauren Boebert's district. Boebert recently challenged Trump to force the release of the Epstein files. Boebert has issued a blistering statement reading, in part, "I sincerely hope this veto has nothing to do with political retribution." pic.twitter.com/cWjOg9RkFd

— Kyle Clark (@KyleClark) December 31, 2025

He continued, "I must have missed the rally where [Trump] appeared in Colorado and promised to personally derail major infrastructure projects. My mistake, I thought the campaign was about cutting costs and cutting red tape. But hey, if this administration wants to make a name for itself by blocking projects that provide water to rural communities, that's their business."

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