U.S. Defense Chief Pete Hegseth Defends Controversial Second Strike on Suspected Drug-Smuggling Vessel 
Honduras Election Turmoil Deepens as Nasralla Alleges Fraud in Tight Presidential Race 
Trump and Lula Discuss Trade, Sanctions, and Security in “Productive” Phone Call 
China’s Expanding Maritime Military Presence Alarms Taiwan and Japan 
Pentagon Probe Finds Hegseth’s Use of Signal Risked Exposing Sensitive Yemen Strike Details 
Hong Kong Faces Low Turnout in “Patriots-Only” Election Amid Public Grief After Deadly Fire 
Israel Receives Body of Deceased Hostage as Rafah Crossing Reopening Hinges on Final Returns 
Michael Dell Pledges $6.25 Billion to Boost Children’s Investment Accounts Under Trump Initiative 
Cuba Reaffirms Anti-Drug Cooperation as Tensions Rise in the Caribbean 
Taiwan Opposition Criticizes Plan to Block Chinese App Rednote Over Security Concerns 
Trump Administration Halts Immigration, Green Card, and Citizenship Processing for 19 Countries 
U.S. Expected to Expand Travel Ban to More Than 30 Countries 
U.S.-Russia Talks Leave Ukraine Peace Efforts Uncertain 
California Launches Portal for Reporting Alleged Misconduct by Federal Immigration Agents 
UN General Assembly Demands Russia Return Ukrainian Children Amid Ongoing Conflict 
Honduras Election Turmoil Intensifies as Nasralla Blames Trump for Shift in Results 
Maduro Confirms “Respectful” Call With Trump, Signals Openness to Diplomatic Dialogue 
Joe Biden has shown himself to be a stark contrast to his predecessor Donald Trump from the first day he moved into the Oval Office. With the impeachment trials of the former president already underway, Biden remains focused on his administration’s agenda and COVID-19 relief.
Speaking with the press before he met with executives and shortly after the trial started, Biden made clear that he was not going to tune in to watch the trial occur. Instead, Biden said that he was more focused on getting the COVID-19 relief aid to Americans rather than what was happening at the Senate. Trump is facing trial before the upper chamber this week after he was impeached by the House on his last days in office.
“The Senate has their job,” said Biden. “They’re about to begin it. I’m sure they’re going to conduct themselves well. And that’s all I have to say about impeachment.”
Prior to Biden’s comments, White House press secretary Jen Psaki already stressed that Biden was not going to further comment or engage in a trial against his predecessor. “Joe Biden is the president. He is not a pundit. He’s not going to opine on the back and forth arguments, nor is he watching them, that are taking place in the Senate.” Psaki also noted that Biden remains in touch with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer about his COVID-19 relief plan.
On Wednesday, Biden unveiled a task force under the Defense Department that would focus on the assessment of the military’s approach towards China. The group would be made up of 15 experts who will provide recommendations to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on matters related to China. Their findings and recommendations are due in four months. The Pentagon announced through a statement that final public reports from the task force are not anticipated. However, the group will discuss its recommendations with Congress and other stakeholders.
Tensions between the US and China have risen during the Trump administration, and Biden plans on taking a different approach. Having yet to speak with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Biden said last week during his visit to the State Department that he plans on working closely with US allies in order to effectively engage with China.
