Trump News for Wednesday, November 26, 2025

Epstein alleged victims lawyer sends scathing letter over DOJ document release

Peter Charalambous, James Hill, ABC News

A lawyer for alleged victims of Jeffrey Epstein asked a judge to order the Justice Department to take more care to protect alleged victims' identities in files releases.

Contextualizing claims State Department declared abortion, DEI and LGBTQ+ rights 'human rights violations'

Joey Esposito, Snopes.com

Outlets reported U.S. diplomats are now required "to scrutinize the prevalence of abortion and gender-transition surgery among children."

Thailand’s pork industry fears influx of cheap US imports under Trump

Vijitra Duangdee, Al Jazeera English

Thai pork producers are bracing for intense competition as the US seeks duty-free access to a $3bn market.

Oaths Of Office, And How Everyone Not Moving To Impeach Trump Is Violating Their Own

Cathy Gellis, Techdirt

Until very recently the only member of Congress excused from not having moved to impeach Trump was Rep. Grijalva, because until someone swore her in there was nothing she could officially do. But for everyone else already sworn into this 119th Congress, there…

Canada announces new support for lumber, steel industries hit by tariffs

Al Jazeera, Al Jazeera English

The new plan comes amid stalled trade talks between Ottawa and Washington.

Miss Universe pageant co-owners face separate charges

Allen Cone, UPI.com

The co-owners of the Miss Universe Organization are facing charges: Rocha Cantu of Mexico and Jakkaphong "Anne" Jakrajutatip of Thailand.

Trump yanks G20 invitation from South Africa over false genocide claims

Allison Griner, Al Jazeera English

The US president has repeatedly accused South Africa of perpetrating human rights abuses against white Afrikaners.

The National Guard shooting in DC, briefly explained

Cameron Peters, Vox

This story appeared in The Logoff, a daily newsletter that helps you stay informed about the Trump administration without letting political news take over your life. Subscribe here. Welcome to The Logoff: Two National Guard members were shot in downtown Washi…

‘BLKNWS’: How a Cable News Alternative Became 2025’s Most Groundbreaking Film

Alisa Sultan, IndieWire

From dreaming up a Black alternative to CNN with Ryan Coogler to Steven Soderbergh saving the ending after A24 abandoned ship, Kahlil Joseph takes us inside “BLKNWS: Terms & Conditions.”

Trump administration's effort to end 1960s school desegregation cases faces a hurdle

COLLIN BINKLEY, Yahoo Entertainment

The Trump administration’s effort to overturn decades-old school desegregation orders is facing pushback from a federal judge in Louisiana. After the judge ...

WATCH: 2 National Guardsmen shot near White House, officials say

ABC News

One suspect is in custody, police said.

Bungie admit to Destiny 2 having an audience problem, as they try to figure out how to not make a "dead live game"

Oisin Kuhnke, Rock Paper Shotgun

It is not exactly a secret that, in recent years, Destiny 2 hasn't been doing so hot. Frequenters of the pseudo-MMO have found certain expansions and updates to be disappointing, and for a live service game a few too many disappointments can be devastating. N…

What Is Steve Witkoff Trying to Do?

Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic

Trump’s envoy isn’t promoting peace. His interventions are helping Vladimir Putin and prolonging the war.

Is there any peace deal that Putin would accept?

Joshua Keating, Vox

The 28-point peace plan is now a 19-point peace plan.  President Donald Trump says the plan for ending Russia’s war in Ukraine that was presented to Kyiv last week, and was so heavily tilted toward Russia’s demands that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called it…

Canada's prime minister announces supports for lumber, steel sectors hit by U.S. tariffs

ROB GILLIES, Yahoo Entertainment

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Wednesday new supports for the steel and lumber industries hit hard by U.S. tariffs. U.S. President Donald...

Tribal colleges in the U.S. are under threat

Dalia Mortada, NPR

At tribal colleges and universities, students can get degrees while steeped in Indigenous traditions and learning techniques. Under the Trump administration, funding for them has been precarious.

The Biggest Problem With Air Travel: Pajamas?

Alexandra Petri, The Atlantic

The transportation secretary seems to think that fashion will solve flying’s problems.

Russia says talks to end Ukraine war ‘serious’ but rules out concessions

Al Jazeera Staff, Al Jazeera English

Kremlin spokesman says talks ongoing as US President Donald Trump pushes for an end to the conflict.

Two National Guard members reportedly shot in Washington DC

Al Jazeera English

Two National Guard members have been shot near the White House in Washington, DC. Police said a suspect is in custody.

Two US National Guard troops have been shot in Washington, DC

Al Jazeera, Al Jazeera English

Local police in Washington, DC, say they have one suspect in custody and that the scene near White House is secure.

There’s an AI Industry Civil War Brewing in D.C.

Ece Yildirim, Gizmodo.com

A tale of two AI super PACs.

Black Friday 2025 could be your last chance for cheap PC deals, experts warn

Mark Hachman, PCWorld

This year, Black Friday tech shoppers should heed one important message: Don’t wait, buy now. Why? Because certain components are skyrocketing in price—and it’s expected to get even worse. DRAM prices, for example, have doubled in little more than a month. …

This Level Of Corruption Requires Stupidity

Mike Brock, Techdirt

The abyss. The darkness. The meaningless void that life rebels against. It stares at us. Nietzsche warned about this moment—when you gaze long into the abyss, the abyss gazes also into you. When the frameworks that make meaning possible collapse, when the pri…

Can the US get all sides to end the Russia-Ukraine war?

Al Jazeera English

Transatlantic diplomatic efforts intensify over Trump peace plan.

Two National Guard members shot in D.C., suspect is in custody, authorities say

Juliana Kim, NPR

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said President Trump has been briefed and actively monitoring the situation.

U.S. Bank Calls Ability to Freeze Stablecoins ‘Appealing’ as Crypto Has Completely Lost the Plot

Kyle Torpey, Gizmodo.com

Dark days for the bros.

Trump says he's barring South Africa from participating in next year's G20 summit in Miami

JOSH BOAK, Yahoo Entertainment

President Donald Trump said Wednesday that he is barring South Africa from participating in the Group of 20 summit next year at his Miami-area club and will ...

Two West Virginia National Guard members shot in DC have died, the state's governor says

ALANNA DURKIN RICHER and GARY FIELDS, Yahoo Entertainment

Two West Virginia National Guard members shot Wednesday near the White House have died, the state’s governor said. Governor Patrick Morrisey confirmed their...

The Will Stancil Show Could Be the Future

Tyler Austin Harper, The Atlantic

A racist TV series that makes fun of a minor social-media celebrity has attracted millions of viewers—and demonstrates the alarming possibilities of AI.

Trump administration nixes temporary immigration protections for Haitians

Allison Griner, Al Jazeera English

Homeland Security Secretary Noem determines it is safe for Haitians to return home, despite widespread gang violence.

Pentagon Cited Alibaba on China Military Aid in Oct. 7 Letter

msmash, Slashdot.org

An anonymous reader shares a report: The Pentagon concluded that Alibaba Group, Baidu and BYD should be added to a list of companies that aid the Chinese military, according to a letter to Congress sent roughly three weeks before Donald Trump and Xi Jinping a…

The DOJ’s Cartels Memo Is Legal Quicksand

Paul Rosenzweig, The Atlantic

Factually bankrupt analysis doesn’t make unlawful orders lawful.

10 Datapoints for Thanksgiving

Barry Ritholtz, Ritholtz.com

It’s that time of year again when families gather to feast on bountiful harvests and to give thanks for all of our blessings. This year, skip the “Vibes” and instead focus on market data. Don’t lose sight of nuances and shades of grey; they don’t make for gre…

BBC Pre-Edits Lecture Calling Trump ‘Most Openly Corrupt President’

Mike Masnick, Techdirt

The BBC is now voluntarily suppressing criticism of Donald Trump before it airs—and the reason is obvious: Trump threatened to sue them into oblivion, and they blinked. Historian Rutger Bregman revealed this week that the BBC commissioned a public lecture fro…

Poll: By a 2-to-1 margin, Americans say Trump has done more to raise prices than lower them

Andrew Romano, Yahoo Entertainment

A new Yahoo/YouGov survey finds that a greater number of U.S. adults now blame Trump for inflation than blamed Joe Biden in 2022.

Trump-Backed Crypto Company Promotes ‘Shit Piss Skin Can’ Coin

Matt Novak, Gizmodo.com

"Stop this boring insider trading," one X user complained.

Medicare negotiated lower prices for 15 drugs, including 71% off Ozempic and Wegovy

Sydney Lupkin, NPR

Medicare announced 15 lower drugs after a second round of negotiations with pharmaceutical companies. The drugs include Ozempic and also drugs to treat asthma, breast cancer and leukemia.

WATCH: Storms disrupting Thanksgiving travel plans

ABC News

Millions of Americans are on the move for Thanksgiving, with rough weather already causing turbulence as two storm systems sweep across the country.

‘Get off YOUR a--’: Marjorie Taylor Greene explodes at MAGA loyalist demanding she stays in Congress

Rachel Cohen, nj.com

The Georgia congresswoman opted to not just seek reelection.

Trump’s Judge Pick Is The Guy Who First Suggested The Administration Start Murdering People In Boats

Tim Cushing, Techdirt

This isn’t as surprising as it should be. After all, we’re talking about Emil Bove, who was elevated from being Trump’s personal lawyer to a spot in the Third Circuit Appeals Court for his loyalty to the MAGA Cause. Emil Bove did at least spend some time as a…

WATCH: Georgia prosecutor drops election interference case against President Trump

ABC News

Georgia's citizens are "not served by pursuing this case," the prosecutor said.

China blocks Bytedance from Nvidia chip use: Report

Al Jazeera, Al Jazeera English

ByteDance had bought more Nvidia chips than any other Chinese firm in 2025 as it raced to secure computing power.

Pentagon Investigating Former Astronaut Mark Kelly Over ‘Illegal Orders’ Video

Passant Rabie, Gizmodo.com

"If this is meant to intimidate me...it won’t work."

Britain eases opposition to new oil, gas permits, holds firm on taxes

By Shadia Nasralla, Muvija M and Stephanie Kelly, Yahoo Entertainment

LONDON (Reuters) -Britain will allow some new oil and gas production on or near existing fields, the government said on Wednesday, easing its stance on new...

Georgia judge drops election interference case against Trump

Al Jazeera, Al Jazeera English

A judge in the southern state of Georgia ruled that the case against Trump 'is hereby dismissed in its entirety'.

Trump Flexes His Power to Bring Back Brett Ratner and the ‘Rush Hour’ Franchise

Miles Klee, Rolling Stone

Exiled from Hollywood after sexual assault allegations, the producer entered MAGA-world by helming a documentary about First Lady Melania Trump

Georgia prosecutor drops 2020 election interference case against Trump

BBC News

The state charges were part of the last remaining criminal case against the US president stemming from the 2020 election.

The Georgia election interference case against Trump and others has been dropped

NPR Washington Desk, NPR

The historic Georgia election interference case against President Trump and allies for their efforts to overturn the 2020 election is no more.

US ranchers whiplashed by Trump’s beef policies

Cy Neff, Al Jazeera English

Ranchers find themselves caught between the president's desires to appease both them and the US consumer.

These Episodes Of 'Veep' Predicted The Future

Opheli Garcia Lawler, Cracked.com

By making fictional politicians act their worst, the show managed to act as a crystal ball for our current timeline

Trump, 79, Feuds With His White House Ballroom Architect Over Bonkers Demand

Yahoo Entertainment

What the leaked AI executive order tells us about the Big Tech power grab

Tina Nguyen, The Verge

Hello and welcome back to Regulator. It's been a very long two weeks away from your inboxes, but luckily for us, Big Tech and Big Government did not stop fighting. In fact, it's gotten even spicier. Let's get into it. Last week, I was following up on several …

Where peace stands in Ukraine after frantic diplomacy

BBC News

The Trump administration seems serious about reaching a deal despite all the apparent chaos around its efforts.

Dem Chances of Flipping Republican Seat in Tennessee Get Huge Boost...

Daniel Orton, Jordan King, Newsweek

Dem Chances of Flipping Republican Seat in Tennessee Get Huge Boost... (First column, 15th story, link)

Abrupt Exit of GM’s AI Chief Latest in Tough Times for Automakers

Zac Estrada, Gizmodo.com

“Physical AI is just as exciting as LLMs,” Turovsky said while announcing that he's going to work on some new ideas.

Karoline 'Pro-Family' Leavitt's Been Real Quiet About ICE Detaining Her Nephew's Mother

Lauren Tousignant, Jezebel

Our press propagandist has nothing to say about her brother's ex-fiancée, who's being held by ICE in Louisiana despite being in the final stages of getting her green card.

Russia-Ukraine ‘peace plan’: What’s the latest version after US-Kyiv talks?

Al Jazeera Staff, Al Jazeera English

Moscow is reportedly unhappy with changes to a controversial US draft plan which leaked earlier.

A Photo Appreciation of America’s National Wildlife Refuges

Alan Taylor, The Atlantic

Since 1903, the United States has established more than 580 National Wildlife Refuges, designating a diverse array of lands and waters as protected areas for plants and wildlife.

Marc Shaiman Talks Co-Writing the Songs with Trey Parker for 'South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut'

Brian VanHooker, Cracked.com

Plus, how he feels about losing the Oscar to Phil Collins

India-China in new spat over Arunachal Pradesh: What’s it all about?

Sarah Shamim, Al Jazeera English

Tensions are reignited after Arunachal-born Prema Wangjom Thongdok is detained at a Chinese airport.

Sen. Kelly says Pete Hegseth 'unqualified' after being bashed over display of medals

Meghan Mistry, Jon Haworth, ABC News

In an appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz. blasted Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, calling him unqualified, saying he wants to please Trump.

Joy Reid said on a podcast that it is a MAGA dream for Vice President JD Vance to ditch his Indian-American wife.

The Daily Beast, Daily Beast

The wife of Trump henchman Stephen Miller lashed out at MSNBC veteran Joy Reid over comments Reid made about JD Vance’s marriage to second lady Usha. During ...

Bari Weiss Reportedly Has Ideas for CNN, Too

Drew Gillis, Jezebel

Should Paramount Skydance scoop up Warner Bros. Discover, the CBS News editor-in-chief could wind up running another major news operation.

Europe reimagines rearmament at sea, learning from Russia’s war on Ukraine

John T Psaropoulos, Al Jazeera English

Zelenskyy’s co-production agreements across the continent are kindling the fires of the naval defence industry.

Donald Trump Rages Against New York Times Over ‘Hit Piece’ That Said ‘I Am Perhaps Losing My Energy,’ Calls Female Reporter ‘Ugly Both Inside and Out’

Todd Spangler, Variety

As Americans get ready to celebrate Thanksgiving, President Donald Trump took to social media Wednesday morning to dispute an article published by the New York Times that said Trump is showing “signs of fatigue” as the 79-year-old “faces realities of aging in…

WATCH: Massive fire engulfs Hong Kong apartment complex

ABC News

At least 13 people have been killed and dozens injured in the blaze that has engulfed a residential apartment complex in Hong Kong.

WATCH: Pope Leo encourages Americans to focus on gratitude this Thanksgiving

ABC News

Pope Leo suggested that Americans should focus on gratitude as they celebrate Thanksgiving this year, encouraging "all people to try and promote peace and harmony."

Democrats Have a Chance to Flip Sen. Marsha Blackburn's Old District

Josh Jackson, Jezebel

Since 2007, Jezebel has been the Internet's most treasured source for everything celebrities, sex, and politics...with teeth.

ICE arrests woman with family connection to WH press secretary Karoline Leavitt

Armando Garcia, Hannah Demissie, ABC News

U.S. immigration authorities have detained a woman who is the mother of White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt's nephew, according to a source.

The Trump Administration’s Data Center Push Could Open the Door for New Forever Chemicals

Molly Taft, Wired

The EPA is prioritizing review of new chemicals to be used in data centers. Experts say this could lead to the fast approval of new types of forever chemicals—with limited oversight.

The Court Has an Easy Answer on the Fed

Caitlin B. Tully, The Atlantic

The Federal Reserve is best understood not as an administrative agency but as a federal corporation—and thus outside of Trump’s control over the executive branch.

Kremlin aide says 'preliminary agreement' in place for Witkoff Moscow visit next week

David Brennan, Patrick Reevell, ABC News

The Kremlin’s top foreign policy aide Yury Ushakov confirmed there is a “preliminary agreement” for U.S. President Donald Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff to visit Moscow.

Airlines expect a record 31 million flyers over Thanksgiving. Here's what to do if your flight gets delayed or canceled.

Taylor Rains, Business Insider

Weather has already caused flight problems in Texas, and more storms are expected through the weekend. Here's tips for when things don't go to plan.

So We're Just Letting Donald Trump Greenlight Major Motion Pictures Now, Huh

Jim Vorel, Jezebel

There's something powerfully absurd about wielding the supreme power of the executive branch with the goal of creating more Rush Hour movies.

‘A revolving door’: Last-minute scramble to fill Gavin Newsom’s shoes in California

Halle Troadec, Brittany Shepherd, ABC News

Ballooning field of Democratic candidates in California to succeed term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom has Democratic operatives stunned.

Pope Leo XIV to visit Turkey and Lebanon on first foreign trip

The Associated Press, NPR

Pope Leo XIV is embarking on his first foreign trip, a pilgrimage to Turkey and Lebanon, amid Mideast tensions and the media glare that will document history's first American pope on the road.

A timeline of CIA operations in Latin America

Al Jazeera, Al Jazeera English

The recent strikes on boats in the Caribbean are an extension of a long US tradition of interference in the region.

The new reality of study abroad: Higher costs, more politics, fewer Aperol spritzes

Emily Stewart, Business Insider

American students going abroad are facing higher tuition, more expenses, more awkward conversations, and fewer fun drinks.

Taiwan unveils $40bn budget for defence spending to counter China

Al Jazeera, Al Jazeera English

If approved by Taiwan's parliament, the plan would raise defence spending to 5 percent of GDP by 2030.

Trump administration moves to roll back limits on deadly soot pollution

John Power, Al Jazeera English

Trump's Environmental Protection Agency says strict air quality standards were introduced without sufficient review.

X’s new location disclosure policy: What does it mean for safety?

Sarah Shamim, Al Jazeera English

The new 'transparency feature' on Elon Musk's social media platform has raised concern among users.

Trump says envoy to meet Putin amid efforts to end Russia-Ukraine war

Al Jazeera English

US President Donald Trump is sending senior negotiators to meet Vladimir Putin to push for a deal to end Russia’s war.

Stuck in Gaza’s limbo: Palestinians struggle to live amid Israel’s attacks

Maram Humaid, Al Jazeera English

Palestinians in Gaza stuck as they try to plan for peace, even as Israel refuses to fully end its violence against them.

National Parks to raise fees by $100 for international tourists to popular U.S. parks

The Associated Press, NPR

The National Park Service says it is going to start charging international tourists an extra $100 to enter popular parks. They will be left out of fee-free days, reserved for American residents.

US will charge non-residents $100 to visit its most popular national parks

Erin Hale, Al Jazeera English

The spike in fees for non-US residents comes as the National Park Service budget faces potential cuts next year.

Trump spares turkeys — but not his political opponents — at annual pardoning ceremony

The Associated Press, NPR

President Trump brought grievances to the Thanksgiving pardoning ceremony on Tuesday. He joked about sending the turkeys to a prison in El Salvador, and claimed that last year's turkey pardons were invalid.

Palestinian-US teen held by Israel for nine months without charge due in court

BBC News

Mohammed Ibrahim, 16, from Florida, was detained by Israeli soldiers while on holiday in the occupied West Bank.

Kristi Noem directed deportations to El Salvador after judge's order: DOJ

Laura Romero, Luke Barr, ABC News

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem directed that hundreds of Venezuelan men who were removed from the U.S. in March be transferred to El Salvador, according to a new court filing.

Trump says China’s Xi Jinping agreed to accelerate purchases of US goods

Kevin Doyle, Al Jazeera English

China's Foreign Ministry said Trump initiated call with Xi Jinping and communication was crucial for stable relations.

DOJ Would Like To Drop Charges Against Marimar Martinez, ICE Shooting Victim

Timothy Geigner, Techdirt

Trump’s war on Chicago appears destined to end in a whimper. While he kicked off his invasion of Chicago with memes and a call to arrest J.B. Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson, his out of control federal agents have reportedly begun to leave the area. That s…

Amazon to face growing boycott from angry consumers amid holidays

Patricia Battle, TheStreet

Amazon, the largest online retailer in the world, is currently benefiting from growing demand, despite increasing economic concerns among consumers...

Cuba condemns ‘aggressive’ US stance towards Venezuela as tensions rise

David D. Lee, Al Jazeera English

Cuba has accused the US of preparing a violent intervention in Venezuela as Washington expands its military presence.

Witkoff Advised Moscow on How to Pitch Plan to Trump...

Newsukraine.rbc.ua

Witkoff Advised Moscow on How to Pitch Plan to Trump... (Second column, 3rd story, link) Related stories:Ukraine agrees to peace proposal, with only 'minor details' to settle... No word from Russia... NATO scrambles jets after deepest …

Explainer: Can military members refuse orders?

Chris Boccia, ABC News

They can refuse orders but could face consequences if the order is lawful.

Foreign tourists to pay extra fee to visit US national parks

BBC News

Non-residents will soon have to pay a higher price to enter 11 of the United States' most popular parks.

FBI probes Democrats who urged US troops to defy illegal orders

Zaheena Rasheed, Al Jazeera English

US lawmakers who warned military against following illegal orders slam 'intimidation, harassment', face FBI interviews.

Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 1,371

Lyndal Rowlands, Al Jazeera English

Here are the key events from day 1,371 of Russia’s war on Ukraine.

Immigrants could be eligible for bond hearings, striking down DHS policy: Judge

Armando Garcia, Laura Romero, ABC News

The decision could potentially allow thousands of immigrants who have been subject to mandatory detention to be released.

The looming election Trump can't afford to lose

BBC News

In a Tennessee district Trump won by 22% last year, the result could prompt Republican panic at a time when Trump is vulnerable.

Why the world must wake up to China’s science leadership

Kerry Brown, Nature.com

The nation’s next generation of scientists and technologists will shape the coming decades.