Trump News for Friday, December 5, 2025

Trump official signals potential rollback of changes to census racial categories

Hansi Lo Wang, NPR

Trump officials are reviewing changes to racial and ethnic categories that the Biden administration approved for the 2030 census and other federal government forms, a White House agency official says.

Netflix To Buy Warner Bros For $82.7 Billion, But Trump FCC, DOJ Could Intervene For All The Wong Reasons

Karl Bode, Techdirt

So Netflix has announced that it’s buying Warner Brothers Discovery (including HBO) for a whopping $82.7 billion. As we’ve well covered, it’s the latest in a long series of pointless Warner mergers stretching back to the 2001 AOL acquisition, which all result…

Trump Campaigned on Affordability. Now He’s Calling the Idea a ‘Con Job.’

Will Gottsegen, The Atlantic

His messaging on the cost of living contradicts itself.

‘We Are Looking at a Massive Crisis’

Toluse Olorunnipa, The Atlantic

Health-care costs are about to spike in a way that Americans can’t afford.

HHS changed the name of transgender health leader on her official portrait

Selena Simmons-Duffin, NPR

Admiral Rachel Levine was the first transgender person to be confirmed by the Senate to serve in the federal government. Her official portrait at HHS headquarters has been altered.

Pipe bomb suspect was 'disappointed' in 2020 election results, US attorney says

Pierre Thomas, Jack Date, Luke Barr, ABC News

Brian Cole Jr., the suspect in the Jan. 6 pipe bomb case, told investigators he was "disappointed" in the 2020 election results, the U.S. attorney told ABC News.

Haaland v Mbappe, dream ties and YMCA - the best of the World Cup draw

Brendon Mitchell, BBC News

YMCA, Donald Trump and Kylian Mbappe v Erling Haaland - BBC Sport runs through the best bits from the World Cup draw.

US Supreme Court to consider Trump’s bid to end birthright citizenship

Al Jazeera, Al Jazeera English

The Supreme Court is likely to hear oral arguments early next year, with a ruling in June.

Egypt’s economy stabilises, but poverty challenges persist

Eduard Cousin, Al Jazeera English

Investments boost Egypt's economy, but rural poverty highlights unequal benefits from economic recovery efforts.

Experts say US boat strikes are illegal killings. Can they be stopped?

Brian Osgood, Al Jazeera English

At least 86 people have been killed in strikes on alleged drug trafficking boats that experts call illegal killings.

The National Security Strategy Is Incoherent Babble

Eliot A. Cohen, The Atlantic

But mixed in with the ranting are three valuable points.

Starbucks, union workers face off as old tensions over wages spill over

Andy Hirschfeld, Al Jazeera English

Hundreds of baristas launched an an open ended strike across the United States, some joined by politicians.

WATCH: Netflix set to buy Warner Bros. in deal valued at $83 billion

ABC News

Netflix has announced it has entered a "definitive agreement" to acquire Warner Bros., including its film and television studios, HBO Max and HBO.

Did 'South Park' Torpedo Paramount’s Plan to Acquire Warner Bros.?

JM McNab, Cracked.com

“Oh my God, they killed the Warner Bros. deal!”

Scotland's World Cup draw: Key questions answered

Sahil Jaidka, Sky Sports

It FINALLY feels real. Scotland ARE going to the World Cup.

Xenophobia runs the world

Somdeep Sen, Al Jazeera English

From Washington to Copenhagen and Pretoria, blaming migrants has become the easiest governing strategy of our time.

Meta’s Chatbot Will Provide AI-Powered Live News via CNN, Fox News

AJ Dellinger, Gizmodo.com

Meet your new news anchor, Meta AI.

Why Netflix buying Warner Bros. is an apocalyptic disaster for movie fans

Dan Selcke, MakeUseOf

Netflix will use this consolidated power to gut movie theaters, eliminate access to physical media, homogenize TV, and generally make me miserable.

Five key takeaways from Trump’s National Security Strategy

Ali Harb, Al Jazeera English

Government document on US foreign policy priorities says Washington no longer needs to prioritise the Middle East.

EU hits Musk’s X with $140m fine for ‘deceptive’ blue tick, ad transparency

Al Jazeera, Al Jazeera English

Landmark penalty triggers US fury as Brussels enforces first digital transparency sanction.

Trump takes the spotlight, Peace Prize at FIFA World Cup Draw

Al Jazeera English

Donald Trump was centre stage accepting the first-ever FIFA Peace Prize.

SCOTUS takes up Trump birthright citizenship case

Devin Dwyer, ABC News

This is the second time Trump's order will come before the court.

We Predict Two Things Are Very Likely To Happen On This Week's ‘SNL’

Matt Solomon, Cracked.com

By Matt Solomon Published: December 05th, 2025

Florida judge grants DOJ motion to unseal Epstein grand jury transcripts

James Hill, ABC News

A Florida judge has granted a motion to unseal grand jury transcripts from the initial investigation into Jeffrey Epstein.

The Supreme Court takes up the most unconstitutional thing Trump has done

Ian Millhiser, Vox

Last January, when Reagan-appointed Judge John Coughenour became the first federal judge to block President Donald Trump’s attack on birthright citizenship, he did not mince words. “I’ve been on the bench for over four decades,” Coughenour said. “I can’t reme…

Putin and Modi expand India-Russia economic ties in talks in New Delhi

Diaa Hadid, NPR

India gave Russia's leader a warm welcome in his first visit since his country invaded Ukraine. The visit in part signaled India's defiance of the U.S., which has punished New Delhi for buying Russian oil.

US Supreme Court agrees to hear case challenging birthright citizenship

BBC News

Donald Trump's controversial executive order to end birthright citizenship had been rejected by lower courts.

Conservative Commentators Cheer for Bloodshed in the Caribbean

Nikkimccannramirez, Rolling Stone

Megyn Kelly, Greg Gutfeld, and other conservatives are defending deadly air strikes against boats alleged to be running drugs in the Caribbean.

America has a new clash of civilizations — with European liberals

Joshua Keating, Vox

America is out of the business of giving patronizing lectures to other governments about how to run their countries and trying to mold other societies in its own image… except for the countries of Western Europe.  With little fanfare, the Trump administration…

Fox News AI Newsletter: ChatGPT 'code red'

Fox News

The Fox News AI Newsletter gives readers the latest AI technology advancements, covering the challenges and opportunities AI presents.

Softbank CEO Wants to Build ‘Trump Industrial Parks’ on Federal Land to Boost AI: Report

Matt Novak, Gizmodo.com

The idea sounds similar to Trump's "freedom cities" first pitched in 2023.

The Supreme Court will decide whether Trump's birthright citizenship order violates the Constitution

MARK SHERMAN, Yahoo Entertainment

The Supreme Court agreed on Friday to take up the constitutionality of President Donald Trump's order on birthright citizenship declaring that children born ...

Colorado Judge Says ICE Can’t Arrest People Without A Warrant

Tim Cushing, Techdirt

The Trump administration is so sure it can get away with anything that it’s willing to try anything. That misapprehension of the situation has resulted in at least 200 rulings against the administration’s anti-immigrant efforts. Still, the regime persists wit…

Appeals court hands Trump a victory, OK'ing firing of two independent agency heads

Andrea Hsu, NPR

The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 2 to 1 that President Trump's firings of Democratic members of the Merit Systems Protection Board and the National Labor Relations Board were lawful.

President Trump wins inaugural Fifa Peace Prize

Emma Smith, BBC News

President of the United States Donald Trump has been awarded the inaugural Fifa Peace Prize ahead of the draw for the 2026 Fifa World Cup.

Trump all smiles as he wins FIFA's new peace prize

Danny KEMP, Yahoo Entertainment

US President Donald Trump became the first ever recipient of FIFA's new peace prize at the 2026 World Cup draw Friday -- a compensation gift for a leader...

Did Joe Rogan Wait to Fire Back at Marc Maron Only After His Podcast Ended?

Matt Solomon, Cracked.com

Rogan's rants about Maron started the day after 'WTF' ended

2025.49: Conflicts, Consternation, and Code Red

Ben Thompson, Stratechery.com

The best Stratechery content from the week of December 1, 2025, including what the Times missed in its David Sacks story, Atlassian's history and near future, and Code Red at OpenAI.

Trump receives inaugural Fifa Peace Prize

BBC News

Watch the moment US president receives the first ever Fifa Peace Prize at the 2026 World Cup draw.

What are the implications of Trump’s Somali ‘garbage’ comments?

Al Jazeera English

Critics say remarks cross a line in public debate.

Fighting flares in DR Congo within hours of Trump’s peace deal ceremony

Al Jazeera, Al Jazeera English

The Rwandan-backed M23 rebel group and government forces have traded blame for the renewed fighting.

Treasure trove found in Egyptian tomb solves ancient mystery

CBSNews, CBS News

The royal symbol on the newly discovered figurines solves a long-standing mystery by identifying who was buried in the sarcophagus.

Netflix to acquire Warner Bros Discovery, raising antitrust concerns

Andy Hirschfeld, Al Jazeera English

Critics say the deal would create less competition in Hollywood and limit choice for consumers.

The AI Backlash Is Here: Why Public Patience with Tech Giants Is Running Out

Jesus Mesa, Newsweek

Welcome to the slop era.

'We have lost a lot of time.' Former NASA chief says US needs to start over with moon landing plans or risk losing to China

brett.tingley@futurenet.com (Brett Tingley) , Brett Tingley, Space.com

Former NASA chief Michael Griffin told the U.S. Congress that while China is making great strides in its plan to reach the moon, the United States has "stuck to a plan that does not make sense."

Sudan’s Khartoum needs ‘urgent’ help due to severe food shortages: Report

Faisal Ali, Al Jazeera English

Report by NGOs also finds healthcare system largely not functioning in Khartoum, months after city recaptured by army.

Trump sweeps Ding aside to reach UK semi-finals

Steve Sutcliffe, BBC News

Defending champion Judd Trump moves into the semi-finals of the UK Championship with a comfortable 6-2 victory over three-time winner Ding Junhui.

WATCH: 2026 World Cup draw at the Kennedy Center, explained

ABC News

The draw for the 2026 World Cup will take place at the Kennedy Center on Friday, determining matchups for next summer's tournament.

Tesla launches cheaper Standard EVs in Europe to blunt sales drop, Musk backlash

Pras Subramanian, Yahoo Entertainment

Tesla launched the cheaper Standard versions of the Model 3 and Model Y in Europe as sales lag in the region due to competition and the political antics of...

RFK Jr.’s anti-vax committee is recklessly overhauling childhood vaccine policy

Dylan Scott, Vox

The federal government is ending its recommendation that every infant receive a hepatitis B vaccination at birth, the most substantive change to the childhood immunization schedule yet under US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Instead, the Trump adminis…

WATCH: CDC vaccine panel votes to remove universal hepatitis B birth dose recommendation

ABC News

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's vaccine advisory committee voted 8-3 on Friday to remove the universal recommendation for the hepatitis B vaccine at birth.

WATCH: Coldest temperatures of the season hit Midwest, Northeast

ABC News

The coldest air of the season is invading the Midwest and Northeast as the Mid-Atlantic sees its first snow of the season, with record low temperatures in multiple cities.

Republican Secretly Gives Mike Johnson Bombshell Warning as MAGA Mutiny Spirals

Janna Brancolini, Daily Beast

House Republicans are privately fuming at Speaker Mike Johnson over his failure to lead on issues such as the cost-of-living crisis and skyrocketing...

US court says Trump can remove Democrats from two federal labor boards

By Daniel Wiessner, Yahoo Entertainment

By Daniel Wiessner Dec 5 (Reuters) - A U.S. appeals court on Friday said President Donald Trump had the power to fire Democratic members of two federal labor...

Hillary and Bill Clinton Alleged Divorce Bombshell Over Jeffrey Epstein — Report

Joel Lefevre, Reality Tea

Hillary and Bill's marriage is reportedly in danger. The post Hillary and Bill Clinton Alleged Divorce Bombshell Over Jeffrey Epstein — Report appeared first...

Logitech rejects AI gadgets: ‘A solution looking for a problem that doesn’t exist’

Michael Crider, PCWorld

From graphics cards to mid-sized cars, you can’t find any new electronics that don’t claim to be “AI-powered” in some way. That includes Logitech’s mice and keyboards, some of which are being loaded specifically with “AI” buttons. But the CEO of Logitech says…

Netflix wants to buy Warner Bros. Discovery. Larry Ellison could push Donald Trump to stand in the way.

Peter Kafka, Business Insider

Larry and David Ellison have a good relationship with Donald Trump. Is that enough to get him to kill Netflix's deal to buy Warner Bros. Discovery?

TIME’s Top 100 Photos of 2025 Tell Powerful Stories Through Incredible Images

Jeremy Gray, PetaPixel

At the end of each year, TIME selects its Top 100 photos of the year. As always, the 2025 edition is replete with superb photography, ranging from split-second action shots of important news events to powerful photos from longer-term projects, the collection …

Newest Trump Pardon Candidate? The Jan. 6 Pipe Bomb Suspect

Jim Vorel, Jezebel

Trump pardons drug lords and indicted lawmakers who speak ill of Joe Biden, so why not the conspiracy enthusiast Jan. 6 pipe bomb suspect?

Trump’s Tiny Car Wish Isn’t The Way to Make Americans Want Smaller Cars

Zac Estrada, Gizmodo.com

America is a big country that likes big vehicles, no matter how cute those kei cars can be.

Yep, Netflix is buying Warner Bros. What happens to HBO Max?

Ben Patterson, PCWorld

It’s a deal so staggering that it’s hard to wrap your head around it: Netflix is set to buy Warner Bros., in a deal that includes everything from Game of Thrones and Harry Potter to Superman and Citizen Kane.  Also included in the deal is a little stream…

Stephen Miller Is Such a Hack

Jacob Weindling, Jezebel

I will say one thing in defense of Miller’s horrific writing. That tryhard paragraph in “The Strategy” section is the most honest part of the document. Characterizing MAGA as a bunch of inherent contradictions sloppily and sweatily cobbled together under a fa…

7 tons of cocaine seized off Colombia, 11 arrested unharmed, navy says

Stephen Smith, CBS News

The seizures come as Colombian President Gustavo Petro is calling on the U.S. to end strikes in the region against apparent drug-carrying vessels.

Trump Fan Lashes Out At Trump Over Racist Rant: 'My Children Are Not Garbage!'

Mediaite, Yahoo Entertainment

A Trump supporter named Mohamed Ahmed lashed out at President Donald Trump over a shocking racist rant that has drawn widespread condemnation, delivering the...

Another line of attack: White House sets up a hall of shame for news outlets

DAVID BAUDER, Yahoo Entertainment

President Donald Trump's White House is taking on the role of media critic and asking for help from “everyday Americans." Over the Thanksgiving weekend, the...

Mike Johnson Doesn’t Want Military Members to Have Access to IVF

Danielle Han, Jezebel

“It’s disgraceful but not surprising that he is working behind the scenes to force servicemembers to suffer through infertility," Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wa.) said on Thursday.

John Oliver Auction Raises $1.5 Million For Public Broadcasting

Karl Bode, Techdirt

Not that long ago, John Oliver’s Last Week Tonight did a good bit on why public broadcasting is important. The segment features a lot of insight from Penn State media professor Victor Pickard, whose work on the (many) problems with modern consolidated U.S. co…

Floods and Storms Are Ravaging the Jersey Shore. Why Do We Keep Building It Back?

Maria Fontoura, Rolling Stone

The government has spent more than $3 billion on beach replenishment over the last four decades. But with worsening climate change, experts say more dramatic change is in order

Putin says Russia ready to supply 'uninterrupted' fuel to India

BBC News

Deals have been signed in civil nuclear energy and critical minerals during the Russian PM's stay in India.

‘Uninterrupted oil shipments’: Key takeaways from Putin-Modi talks in Delhi

Yashraj Sharma, Al Jazeera English

More than deals, analysts say, Putin-Modi's bonhomie sends a message that Western efforts to isolate Russia have failed.

Netflix Could Be About To Buy HBO, Warner, And Batman Himself

John Walker, Kotaku

If the deal goes through, Netflix could be the most powerful player in Hollywood The post Netflix Could Be About To Buy HBO, Warner, And Batman Himself appeared first on Kotaku.

X hit with $140 million EU fine for breaching content rules, TikTok settles

By Foo Yun Chee, Yahoo Entertainment

BRUSSELS, Dec 5 (Reuters) - Elon Musk's social media company X was fined 120 million euros ($140 million) by EU tech regulators on Friday for breaching EU...

Who is the Jan. 6 pipe bomb suspect? And, lawmakers see video of deadly boat strike

Brittney Melton, NPR

After a years-long investigation, the FBI has arrested a man accused of planting the Jan. 6 pipe bombs. And, lawmakers yesterday saw video of a deadly strike on an alleged drug boat in the Caribbean.

Trump is threatening to get rid of one of the biggest reasons prices have remained in check

Yahoo Entertainment

Opening ‘Pandora’s box’: What happens if the US attacks Venezuela?

Elizabeth Melimopoulos, Al Jazeera English

Experts warn a US strike on Venezuela could trigger instability rather than a peaceful transition.

'We're not trash' Minnesota Somalis fearful but defiant after Trump insults

By Heather Schlitz, Yahoo Entertainment

By Heather Schlitz MINNEAPOLIS, Dec 5 (Reuters) - Crowds usually press shoulder-to-shoulder at Karmel Mall, a sprawling Somali shopping center in Minneapolis...

GOP Senator Stresses Capsized Boat Crew Was 'Not Distressed' Before U.S. Killed Them With Missiles, So It's OK

Jim Vorel, Jezebel

After watching video of Venezuelan boat strikes, GOP Congressmen say that shooting missiles at guys clinging to a boat wreck is just fine.

Netflix Is One Step Closer to Buying Warner Bros.

James Whitbrook, Gizmodo.com

The streaming giant has emerged at the top of the pile after the bidding war for Warner Bros., in a deal that could change the balance of power in Hollywood forever.

NPR battles Trump executive order in court

David Folkenflik, NPR

NPR was in court for a pivotal hearing arguing that the Trump administration had broken the law with its treatment of public media.

The World Cup draw is here. Here's why it matters — and how it will work

Rafael Nam, NPR

FIFA is about to determine which teams all 48 participating countries in the FIFA World Cup 2026 will face in the group phase of the tournament, which the U.S., Canada and Mexico are co-hosting.

Donald Trump removes James McCrery as White House ballroom architect

Tom Ravenscroft, Dezeen

US president Donald Trump has dismissed James McCrery as lead architect for his White House ballroom, with Shalom Baranes Associates now leading the project. McCrery, who was announced as the architect for the expansion to the White House in July, was removed…

Who is Brian Cole, arrested for planting pipe bombs in Washington in 2021?

Sarah Shamim, Al Jazeera English

Cole, a resident of Woodbridge, Virginia, was identified following a long investigation.

Modi “strengthens his own position” with Putin meeting

Al Jazeera English

“[Modi is] not going to change the direction of Indian foreign policy because [the] Trump administration does not like i

Deep-sea mining tests impact over a third of seabed animals - scientists

BBC News

The findings contribute to a controversial debate that pits green technology against the environment.

Putin increasingly belligerent as truce talks flounder, Ukraine war rages

John T Psaropoulos, Al Jazeera English

As peace efforts fail to bear fruit, the Russian leader threatens Odesa and Mykolaiv - and warns of wider war on Europe.

Putin, Modi kick off India summit as trade, US sanctions loom large

Joseph Stepansky, Al Jazeera English

Meeting to boost ties comes as India seeks reprieve from US oil sanctions related to war in Ukraine.

Honduran presidential candidate says Trump interfered in election: Report

Erin Hale, Al Jazeera English

Centrist candidate Salvador Nasralla, 72, says the US president's remarks may have cost him votes.

‘The homeland is the homeland’: Venezuelans brace for possible US attack

Elizabeth Melimopoulos, Sleither Fernandez, Al Jazeera English

Residents of Caracas go about their routines amid growing anxiety over the deployment of US military assets offshore.

Netflix in exclusive talks to buy HBO

Brian Stelter, CNN

Netflix’s most recent offer, submitted on Thursday, valued the Warner Bros. studio, HBO Max streaming service and related parts of the company at around $28 per share, sources said.

Harvard professor arrested by US immigration agents after firing pellet gun near synagogue

By Nate Raymond, Yahoo Entertainment

By Nate Raymond BOSTON, Dec 4 (Reuters) - U.S. immigration authorities arrested a visiting professor at Harvard Law School this week after he pleaded guilty ...

US grand jury declines to re-charge New York Attorney General Letitia James

Alastair McCready, Al Jazeera English

James decries Trump's 'weaponisation' of the justice system after second failed attempt to federally prosecute her.

WATCH: Trumps attend National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

ABC News

President Trump wished the nation a "Merry Christmas" during Thursday night's National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony in Washington, D.C.

Grand jury rejects new mortgage fraud indictment against New York Attorney General Letitia James

The Associated Press, NPR

Thursday's failed indictment against James is the latest setback for the Justice Department in its bid to prosecute the frequent political target of the Republican president.

Fresh Pic Shows Donald Trump’s Troubled Hand Is Not Getting Better

The Daily Beast, Daily Beast

Donald Trump’s problematic right hand appeared battered and swollen during an appearance on Thursday, which saw the president wear a Band-Aid for the third...

‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’ Fans Say That Elon Musk Is Turning Into Mac’s Mom

Keegan Kelly, Cracked.com

By Keegan Kelly Published: December 04th, 2025

Somalis arrested in Minneapolis immigration operation, officials say

By Heather Schlitz and Andrew Hay, Yahoo Entertainment

By Heather Schlitz and Andrew Hay MINNEAPOLIS - People of Somali origin are among those arrested in an immigration crackdown in Minneapolis, federal...

Former USIP Lawyer on DOGE: ‘Brass Knuckles on an Authoritarian Fist’

Angela Watercutter, Wired

George Foote, who served as the outside general counsel to the US Institute of Peace, said at WIRED’s Big Interview event that DOGE operatives arrived like a “strike team.”

US Supreme Court allows Texas to use redrawn district map for 2026 midterms

Allison Griner, Al Jazeera English

The new Texas map, backed by Donald Trump, has sparked similar efforts for partisan redistricting across the US.

Trump can keep National Guard in Washington, DC, for now: Appeals court

Al Jazeera, Al Jazeera English

Court grants stay on previous order giving timeline for troop withdrawal as administration considers response.

US military kills four in latest strike on boat in the Caribbean

Joseph Stepansky, Al Jazeera English

Attack comes amid renewed scrutiny of Trump administration campaign against alleged drug smugglers.