Ukraine-Russia Talks Yield Major POW Swap as U.S. Pushes for Path to Peace 
Marco Rubio Steps Down as Acting U.S. Archivist Amid Federal Law Limits 
China Warns US Arms Sales to Taiwan Could Disrupt Trump’s Planned Visit 
Newly Released DOJ Epstein Files Expose High-Profile Connections Across Politics and Business 
Nvidia, ByteDance, and the U.S.-China AI Chip Standoff Over H200 Exports 
Federal Judge Restores Funding for Gateway Rail Tunnel Project 
New York Legalizes Medical Aid in Dying for Terminally Ill Patients 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
Illinois Joins WHO Global Outbreak Network After U.S. Exit, Following California’s Lead 
U.S. to Begin Paying UN Dues as Financial Crisis Spurs Push for Reforms 
Pentagon Ends Military Education Programs With Harvard University 
Trump Administration Expands Global Gag Rule, Restricting U.S. Foreign Aid to Diversity and Gender Programs 
Trump Orders DHS to Avoid Protests in Democratic Cities Unless Federal Assets Are Threatened 
Trump to Announce New Federal Reserve Chair Pick as Powell Replacement Looms 
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
Trump Appoints Colin McDonald as Assistant Attorney General for National Fraud Enforcement 
Trump Family Files $10 Billion Lawsuit Over IRS Tax Disclosure 
Senator Marco Rubio, President-elect Donald Trump's pick for Secretary of State, emphasized a robust foreign policy to counter growing reliance on China. In a Senate hearing, Rubio highlighted the need to boost U.S. industrial capacity, warning against dependence on China for essentials, including medicine and entertainment. He vowed to strengthen Taiwan’s defense with a "porcupine strategy" to deter Chinese aggression and called for decisive changes to avoid potential military conflict in the Indo-Pacific.
Rubio, 53, known for his firm stance on China, faced sanctions from Beijing in 2020 due to his support for Hong Kong democracy. His nomination is expected to be confirmed by the Senate on January 20, coinciding with Trump’s second-term inauguration.
Addressing the Ukraine war, Rubio suggested that an end would require concessions from both sides, including Ukraine relinquishing some territory. He criticized President Biden’s decision to relax sanctions on Cuba and Venezuelan oil, signaling stricter enforcement under his leadership.
Rubio expressed strong support for Israel, reinforcing the Trump administration’s pro-Israel stance. He described the world as being in chaos, requiring confident U.S. leadership to restore stability. As the first Hispanic Secretary of State nominee, Rubio received bipartisan praise for his qualifications.
Despite past disagreements with Trump’s "America First" policies, Rubio's views now align closely with the administration. He recently opposed a large Ukraine aid package, citing a lack of funding for immigration concerns. Rubio’s focus on U.S. interests and global stability sets the stage for a significant shift in American foreign policy under Trump’s leadership.
