Trump News for Saturday, January 3, 2026
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Trump says Venezuelan opposition leader doesn't have the 'respect' to govern
Mary Kekatos, ABC News
Venezuelans are reacting to the U.S. operation early Saturday that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife.
Jan 3, 2026, 11:46 PM
What are the implications of the US ‘capture’ of Nicolas Maduro?
Al Jazeera English
US special forces have seized Venezuela's president and his wife.
Jan 3, 2026, 11:10 PM
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro Arrives in United States After Capture
TMZ Staff, TMZ
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has landed in the United States after his capture by U.S. forces ... though we haven't seen a clear image of him yet since touching down. A plane carrying the deposed Latin American leader and his wife Cilia…
Jan 3, 2026, 11:07 PM
‘Act of war’: Expert rejects Trump rationale for Venezuela attack
Al Jazeera Staff, Al Jazeera English
Professor slams US attacks and removal of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro from power as 'illegal use of force'.
Jan 3, 2026, 10:54 PM
The Return of the American Protectorate
Karl, Karlsnotes.com
In a midnight raid on Caracas on 3rd January, the US quickly deposed Nicolas Maduro as President of Venezuela by kidnapping him and the First Lady, and bombing several locations. At a press conference the following morning, President Trump remarked that follo…
Jan 3, 2026, 10:11 PM
What Happens Next in Venezuela—and the Rest of Latin America?
Fernanda González, Wired
Donald Trump says that Venezuela's governance will remain in the hands of senior US officials until a "proper and judicious transition" can take place. The rest of the region is on notice.
Jan 3, 2026, 10:10 PM
Internet disruption, several arrests made as Iran protests continue
Maziar Motamedi, Al Jazeera English
Cybersecurity company Cloudflare shows an average 35 percent lower traffic volume in Iran compared with previous days.
Jan 3, 2026, 10:00 PM
Six questions about the capture of Maduro
Steve Inskeep, NPR
On a day when most reporters are chasing facts, NPR's Morning Edition host Steve Inskeep has a few questions.
Jan 3, 2026, 9:52 PM
The US in Venezuela: Latest stories and updates
Vox Staff, Vox
After months of escalating US pressure on Venezuela, the crisis reached a dramatic turning point on Saturday with the US capture of President Nicolás Maduro. According to President Donald Trump, Maduro was seized in a late night military operation and transfe…
Jan 3, 2026, 9:43 PM
Venezuela could now define Trump's legacy - and America's place in the world
BBC News
Removing a leader and pledging to rebuild a country represents a major shift in Trump's America First vision, writes Anthony Zurcher.
Jan 3, 2026, 9:11 PM
Trump says the US is going to “run” Venezuela. What does that mean?
Joshua Keating, Vox
For months, as the US has built up military forces around Venezuela, attacking alleged drug boats and seizing sanctioned oil tankers, the big question was whether the US would escalate to a campaign of regime change against the government of Venezuelan dictat…
Jan 3, 2026, 8:59 PM
Family of UK couple held in Iran take petition to No 10
BBC News
Lindsay and Craig Foreman were taken into custody a year ago during a world motorcycle tour.
Jan 3, 2026, 8:56 PM
It’s Painfully Clear What Trump’s Attack on Venezuela Is All About
Fred Kaplan, Slate Magazine
Rarely has an American president been so blatant about his motives.
Jan 3, 2026, 8:32 PM
Satellite images taken before and after US strikes show damage at a key Venezuelan military site
Jake Epstein, Business Insider
New imagery obtained by Business Insider shows widespread damage at a military complex in the southern part of Caracas.
Jan 3, 2026, 8:17 PM
The Messiness of a Post-Maduro World
Graeme Wood, The Atlantic
Trump’s apparent violation of international law will almost certainly go unpunished, but the rules and norms will be missed.
Jan 3, 2026, 8:14 PM
Trump takes huge political gamble in Venezuela regime change
Sebastian Smith, Yahoo Entertainment
Donald Trump crowed over the US military triumph in Venezuela on Saturday, but his sudden enthusiasm for intervention abroad puts him in a political...
Jan 3, 2026, 7:57 PM
WATCH: Trump says U.S. is 'going to the run the country' after capture of Maduro
ABC News
"We can't take a chance that somebody else takes over Venezuela that doesn't have the good of the Venezuelan people in mind," Trump said.
Jan 3, 2026, 7:54 PM
MTG Calls Out Trump’s BS Reason For Attacking Venezuela
The Daily Beast, Daily Beast
Drugs aren’t the reason why Donald Trump bombed Venezuela and abducted its president, according to MAGA’s highest-profile defector. Marjorie Taylor Greene...
Jan 3, 2026, 7:33 PM
The most important things Trump said about the operation that captured Venezuela's Nicolás Maduro
Chris Panella, Business Insider
In the aftermath of the attack on Venezuela, the president said the US would be running the country and bringing in American oil companies.
Jan 3, 2026, 7:32 PM
WATCH: Secretary Rubio on US capture of Venezuelan President Maduro
ABC News
"He was provided multiple very, very, very generous offers, and chose instead to act like a wild man," Rubio said.
Jan 3, 2026, 7:10 PM
What the top US general revealed about how the surprise 'Absolute Resolve' raid to capture Maduro unfolded in Venezuela
Jake Epstein, Business Insider
The operation involved more than 150 military aircraft, including fighter jets, helicopters, drones, and bomber planes.
Jan 3, 2026, 6:50 PM
Power vacuum...
Matthew Robinson, Brendan Cole, Newsweek
Power vacuum... (Second column, 2nd story, link) Related stories:Shocked Venezuelans hunker down, unsure of what comes next...
Jan 3, 2026, 6:31 PM
Photos: Aftermath of strikes in Venezuela
NPR Staff, NPR
Pictures show the aftermath of the U.S. strikes in Venezuela and the reaction from around the world.
Jan 3, 2026, 6:28 PM
Bluesky is not the good place
Zeeshan Aleem, Ms.now
The social media site that many sought as an alternative to X fosters groupthink and pointless activism.
Jan 3, 2026, 6:27 PM
How Trump went from boat strikes to regime change in Venezuela
Cameron Peters, Vox
President Donald Trump called for the US to “run” Venezuela on Saturday, shortly after the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro amid US strikes on the country’s capital of Caracas. The attack is a major escalation in Trump’s months-long pressure camp…
Jan 3, 2026, 6:24 PM
Trump attacked Venezuela and arrested its president. Is that legal?
Analysis by Aaron Blake, CNN, CNN
On November 2, White House chief of staff Susie Wiles told Vanity Fair that land strikes in Venezuela would require the approval of Congress. She said that...
Jan 3, 2026, 6:21 PM
Trump, 79, Teeters on Brink of Sleep as General Speaks
Yahoo Entertainment
Jan 3, 2026, 6:17 PM
Disinformation Floods Social Media After Nicolás Maduro's Capture
David Gilbert, Wired
From seemingly AI-generated videos to the recirculation of old footage, TikTok, Instagram, and X did little to stop the onslaught of misleading posts in the wake of the US invasion of Venezuela.
Jan 3, 2026, 6:14 PM
‘Team’ from US to run Venezuela after ‘capture’ of Maduro
Al Jazeera English
US President Donald Trump says a ‘team’ from the US will be running Venezuela.
Jan 3, 2026, 6:08 PM
Top Republicans praise Venezuela operation as some lawmakers question legal authority
Sam Gringlas, NPR
Top Republicans in Congress praised President Trump for the operation in Venezuela amid calls for briefings in the days to come.
Jan 3, 2026, 6:01 PM
The US strikes and raid that captured Venezuela's leader raise some big questions. Here's what we know.
Chris Panella, Business Insider
Trump said the US would run Venezuela until a "safe, proper" election could occur, and that US oil companies would be entering Venezuela's industry.
Jan 3, 2026, 5:45 PM
WATCH: President Trump addresses nation after capture of Venezuelan President Maduro
ABC News
The announcement came a few hours after explosions rocked the Venezuelan capital, Caracas.
Jan 3, 2026, 5:41 PM
Trump on Venezuela: 'We are going to run the country'
BBC News
President Donald Trump announced that the US will run Venezuela until a 'proper transition can take place.'
Jan 3, 2026, 5:20 PM
Trump: US ‘captures’ Maduro in ‘dead of night’
Al Jazeera English
US President Donald Trump said the US will run Venezuela until there is a “safe and judicious” transition of power.
Jan 3, 2026, 5:17 PM
Republicans largely back Trump on Venezuela action, Democrats decry it as unjustified
Rachel Scott, Allison Pecorin, Lauren Peller, John Parkinson, Jay O'Brien, ABC News
Democrats said he needed congressional authorization to use military force.
Jan 3, 2026, 5:17 PM
Over 300 flights canceled as Puerto Rico air travel is suspended
Josh Rivera, USA TODAY, USA Today
Flights to and from Puerto Rico were canceled after the FAA temporarily restricted Caribbean airspace over security concerns tied to Venezuela.
Jan 3, 2026, 5:14 PM
WATCH: Trump says US 'going to run the country' after Maduro capture
ABC News
"We can't take a chance that somebody else takes over Venezuela that doesn't have the good of the Venezuelan people in mind," President Donald Trump said.
Jan 3, 2026, 5:13 PM
Donald Trump Says U.S. Will “Run” Venezuela Until A “Safe, Proper And Judicious Transition”; POTUS Posts Picture Of Captured Nicolás Maduro
Ted Johnson, Deadline
Speaking at a press conference hours after the attacks on Venezuela, President Donald Trump said that the U.S. would be in charge of running the country after the toppling of leader Nicolás Maduro. “We are going to run the country until such time as we can do…
Jan 3, 2026, 5:02 PM
Trump says US will ‘run’ Venezuela after Nicolas Maduro seized
Al Jazeera, Al Jazeera English
This is a breaking news story.
Jan 3, 2026, 4:57 PM
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro Indicted on Drug, Weapons Charges
TMZ Staff, TMZ
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have been indicted on drug and weapons charges following their overnight capture by the United States military. As you know, President Donald Trump said Saturday the pair was taken by…
Jan 3, 2026, 4:44 PM
Venezuelan opposition leader releases letter after Maduro's capture
Kerry Breen, CBS News
María Corina Machado said Nicolás Maduro will "face international justice for the atrocious crimes" he has committed.
Jan 3, 2026, 4:38 PM
TRUMP NEWS CONFERENCE... DEVELOPING...
C-SPAN, C-span.org
TRUMP NEWS CONFERENCE... DEVELOPING... (Top headline, 1st story, link) Related stories:Venezuela Accuses USA Of Attacking Residential Areas... Claims innocent civilians killed... Chinese delegation caught in crossfire? Beijing Slams A…
Jan 3, 2026, 4:37 PM
Beijing Slams America's 'Hegemonic Acts'...
Bloomberg News, Yahoo Entertainment
Beijing Slams America's 'Hegemonic Acts'... (Top headline, 5th story, link) Related stories:TRUMP NEWS CONFERENCE... DEVELOPING... Venezuela Accuses USA Of Attacking Residential Areas... Claims innocent civilians killed... Chinese del…
Jan 3, 2026, 4:37 PM
US lawmakers react to attack on Venezuela, ‘capture’ of Nicolas Maduro
Al Jazeera Staff, Al Jazeera English
Donald Trump's allies defend actions against Venezuela as Democrats condemn lack of oversight from US Congress.
Jan 3, 2026, 4:36 PM
What are the charges against Venezuela's Nicolás Maduro?
Ryan Lucas, NPR
The U.S. Justice Department has unsealed a new indictment alleging "drug trafficking and narco-terrorism conspiracies" against Maduro, his wife and other defendants.
Jan 3, 2026, 4:23 PM
I woke to a huge bang - nothing has been normal since
BBC News
There is a great sense of uncertainty here over what might happen next, writes BBC producer in Caracas.
Jan 3, 2026, 4:17 PM
Wisconsin judge convicted of obstructing arrest of immigrant resigns as GOP threatens impeachment
JOSH FUNK, Yahoo Entertainment
Embattled Wisconsin Judge Hannah Dugan, who was convicted of obstruction last month for helping an immigrant evade federal officers, has sent her resignation...
Jan 3, 2026, 4:09 PM
Airlines slash Caribbean flights, travelers stranded after US military operation in Venezuela
Sean Cudahy, The Points Guy
Airlines have canceled flights to and from Puerto Rico and the Caribbean on Saturday after the overnight U.S. military operation in Venezuela.
Jan 3, 2026, 4:08 PM
Latest updates: Trump says the US has captured and indicted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife
Kaja Whitehouse, Business Insider
President Donald Trump said on Saturday that the US had captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro following a "large-scale strike" on Venezuela.
Jan 3, 2026, 3:46 PM
Why Trump sent in troops to capture Maduro, briefly explained
Joshua Keating, Vox
President Trump announced Saturday morning that the United States has captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, saying that the US had flown Maduro to a military ship off the country’s coast and will be taking him to New York. The capture of Maduro was pa…
Jan 3, 2026, 3:37 PM
CNN Military Analyst Calls BS on Trump’s Kidnapping Defense
The Daily Beast, Daily Beast
Even military personnel aren’t buying the Trump administration’s justification for yanking Nicolás Maduro out of office. CNN’s military analyst Cedric...
Jan 3, 2026, 3:26 PM
DRAGGED FROM BEDROOM
The-sun.com
DRAGGED FROM BEDROOM (Main headline, 2nd story, link) Related stories:MADURO CAPTURED TRUMP BOMBS CARACAS 'LARGE-SCALE STRIKE' LEGAL AUTHORITY UNCLEAR SKY: LIVE
Jan 3, 2026, 3:25 PM
The Race for Global Domination in AI
Michael Schuman, The Atlantic
The competition between China and the United States is about more than technology.
Jan 3, 2026, 3:15 PM
Trump to hold a press conference on operation to remove Venezuelan President Maduro
Washington Desk / NPR staff, NPR
Speaking on Fox and Friends Saturday morning, President Trump said some US injuries suffered during the operation to remove Venezuelan President Maduro, but no fatalities.
Jan 3, 2026, 3:14 PM
WATCH: Security concerns in the US after Venezuela strike
ABC News
The extraordinary nighttime operation is raising security concerns here at home.
Jan 3, 2026, 2:52 PM
U.S. Captures Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and Strikes Caracas, Trump Says
Noah Hurowitz, Nick Turse, The Intercept
The dramatic escalation in Trump's regime change efforts took place after months of strikes on boats in the waters near Venezuela. The post U.S. Captures Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and Strikes Caracas, Trump Says appeared first on The Intercept.
Jan 3, 2026, 2:42 PM
Why Venezuela? Trump's shifting explanations about military buildup
Anne Flaherty, ABC News
Trump and his aides have given shifting explanations about the military buildup.
Jan 3, 2026, 2:42 PM
Trump's move to topple Maduro is fraught with risk - what happens next is unclear
BBC News
Will the US push for elections or will it try to depose more members of the government, asks the BBC's Ione Wells.
Jan 3, 2026, 2:41 PM
Colombia braces with alarm after Maduro’s removal in Venezuela by US
Alfie Pannell, Jim Glade, Al Jazeera English
Colombia could face its own turmoil from the stunning turn of events both in violence and a mass influx of refugees.
Jan 3, 2026, 2:27 PM
Venezuela: American regime change with a Trumpian twist
Belén Fernández, Al Jazeera English
Trump has added a particular layer of dementedness to the latest unprovoked US aggression.
Jan 3, 2026, 2:01 PM
US Strikes Venezuela, Maduro Captured and Indicted
Bloomberg, Yahoo Entertainment
The US launches airstrikes against Venezuela and captures President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. They have both been flown back to the US. "The United States...
Jan 3, 2026, 1:38 PM
Trump bombs Venezuela, US ‘captures’ Maduro: All that we know
Al Jazeera Staff, Al Jazeera English
Venezuelan vice president says Maduro's whereabouts unknown after dramatic attacks capping months of tension.
Jan 3, 2026, 1:32 PM
Abduction shows new level of unrestrained world power...
Nick Paton Walsh, CNN
Abduction shows new level of unrestrained world power... (Top headline, 5th story, link) Related stories:Venezuela Accuses USA Of Attacking Residential Areas... Demands 'Proof Of Life'... Dictator and wife to stand trial in New York...…
Jan 3, 2026, 1:13 PM
Russia harshly criticizes US attack on Venezuela, capture of Maduro
Ian Swanson, The Hill
Russia is offering stark criticism of the U.S. military attack on Venezuela, which resulted in the capture of President Nicolas Maduro. In response, Russia...
Jan 3, 2026, 12:55 PM
Iran’s Khamenei says rioters ‘must be put in their place’ amid protests
Al Jazeera Staff, Al Jazeera English
Supreme leader says authorities should only 'talk to protesters', not rioters, as antigovernment demonstrations grow.
Jan 3, 2026, 12:54 PM
Trump Says He's Not Sleeping in Meetings, Just 'Blinking'
Susan Rinkunas, Jezebel
Barf Bag: This is just one of the revelations that 79-year-old Donald Trump provided in an interview with the Wall Street Journal for a story on his health.
Jan 3, 2026, 12:38 PM
Maduro joins Iraq’s Saddam, Panama’s Noriega as latest leader taken by US
Al Jazeera, Al Jazeera English
The reported capture of Venezuelan president evokes previous eras when other leaders were seized by US.
Jan 3, 2026, 12:10 PM
EV Makers Could Struggle in 2026, but Jeff Bezos Might Have a Great 2027
Zac Estrada, Gizmodo.com
For the auto industry, reality is about to set in.
Jan 3, 2026, 12:00 PM
Trump Books Aren’t Selling Anymore
Paul Farhi, The Atlantic
A decade into the Trump era, readers who were once hungry to learn about the man seem to have had their fill.
Jan 3, 2026, 12:00 PM
Maduro capture is raising the bar “against international norms”
Al Jazeera English
“[Trump] has framed Maduro as the evil in this scenario and is going to go for him.”
Jan 3, 2026, 11:59 AM
10 Weekend Reads
Barry Ritholtz, Ritholtz.com
The weekend is here! Pour yourself a mug of Danish Blend coffee, grab a seat outside, and get ready for our longer-form weekend reads: • The Era Of The Business Idiot: We live in the era of the symbolic executive, when “being good at stuff” matters far less t…
Jan 3, 2026, 11:30 AM
US says it has captured Venezuelan President Maduro
Al Jazeera English
Trump says the US carried out strikes on Venezuela and captured its leader, in a breach of international law.
Jan 3, 2026, 10:58 AM
Trump statement on ‘Maduro capture’ during US attack on Venezuela
Al Jazeera English
US President Donald Trump says that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has been captured.
Jan 3, 2026, 10:57 AM
The Latest: US strikes Venezuela, captures Maduro and his wife
The Associated Press, Yahoo Entertainment
The United States hit Venezuela with a “large-scale strike” early Saturday and said President Nicolás Maduro and his wife were captured and flown out of the ...
Jan 3, 2026, 10:24 AM
The job market's Great Freeze will probably break in 2026, one way or another
Madison Hoff, Business Insider
The US job market has been frozen in a low-hire, low-fire state thanks to economic uncertainty, tariffs, and more. That could end in 2026.
Jan 3, 2026, 10:17 AM
Reporter in Caracas describes hearing loud bangs and planes
BBC News
Ana Vanessa Herrero is in Caracas and says she began hearing planes at 02:00 local time.
Jan 3, 2026, 10:02 AM
Blackwater Successor Hunts Immigrants for ICE
Sam Biddle, The Intercept
Constellis Holdings, which traces its roots to Erik Prince’s mercenary firm Blackwater, landed an ICE contract as a bounty hunter. The post Blackwater Successor Hunts Immigrants for ICE appeared first on The Intercept.
Jan 3, 2026, 10:00 AM
A future without work? What Elon Musk, Bill Gates, and others in AI are saying about the future.
Brent D. Griffiths, Business Insider
Tesla CEO Elon Musk sees a potential future where AI has eliminated poverty.
Jan 3, 2026, 9:57 AM
Trump strikes Venezuela “to force Maduro out”
Al Jazeera English
The US strikes in Venezuela aim at removing president Nicolas Maduro, says analyst Elias Ferrer
Jan 3, 2026, 9:41 AM
Trump claims US has captured Venezuelan dictator and wife
Tom Phillips in Rio de Janeiro, Yahoo Entertainment
US president says on social media that operation to capture Nicolás Maduro carried out with US law enforcement
Jan 3, 2026, 9:39 AM
China to lead joint naval drills with Brics nations in South African waters
South China Morning Post, Yahoo Entertainment
China will lead a joint naval exercise with Brics nations in South African waters next week - the bloc's first such defence cooperation that is likely to...
Jan 3, 2026, 9:30 AM
World reacts to reported US bombing of Venezuela
Al Jazeera Staff, Al Jazeera English
Multiple US media outlets report the Donald Trump administration carried out early morning strikes in Venezuela.
Jan 3, 2026, 9:22 AM
Unnamed Source in Viral Minnesota Somali Fraud Video Is Right-Wing Lobbyist Who Called Muslims “Demons”
Jacqueline Sweet, The Intercept
David Hoch, identified only by first name in Nick Shirley’s video, got info for his anti-Somali campaign from a GOP state House staffer. The post Unnamed Source in Viral Minnesota Somali Fraud Video Is Right-Wing Lobbyist Who Called Muslims “Demons” appeared …
Jan 3, 2026, 9:00 AM
Venezuela says US carried out strikes on Caracas
Nathan Rennolds, Business Insider
In a statement, President Nicolás Maduro's government said the US had targeted both military and civilian areas.
Jan 3, 2026, 8:57 AM
Multiple explosions heard in Venezuela's Capital
Carrie Kahn, NPR
Multiple explosions and fires are being reported around Caracas. It is not immediately clear what is the cause of the blasts. The explosions began at around 2 am local time.
Jan 3, 2026, 8:11 AM
Multiple explosions in Venezuela's capital Caracas
Stefano Pozzebon, CNN
A CNN team witnessed several explosions on Saturday night in Caracas, and reported that some areas of the city were without electricity.
Jan 3, 2026, 6:49 AM
Venezuela's government accuses US of attacking civilian, military installations in multiple states
REGINA GARCIA CANO, Yahoo Entertainment
Venezuela’s government accused the United States of attacking civilian and military installations in multiple states after at least seven explosions and low-...
Jan 3, 2026, 6:33 AM
Japan joining growing global trend of declining democracy
Asahi.com
What is the current status of democracy in the world?
Jan 3, 2026, 6:01 AM
Trump threat to intervene over protests 'reckless', says Iran foreign minister
BBC News
Trump warned Iran's authorities against killing peaceful protesters, saying Washington "will come to their rescue".
Jan 3, 2026, 5:16 AM
US Coast Guard suspends search for survivors of Pacific boat strike
Lyndal Rowlands, Al Jazeera English
Search in undisclosed location followed the latest US military strike on alleged drug smuggling boats.
Jan 3, 2026, 4:54 AM
Trump blocks chips deal, cites security, China-related concerns
By Kanishka Singh, Yahoo Entertainment
WASHINGTON, Jan 2 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump on Friday blocked U. photonics firm HieFo Corp's $3 million acquisition of assets in New Jersey-based...
Jan 3, 2026, 2:45 AM
Iran urges UN to respond to Trump’s ‘reckless’ threats over protests
Lyndal Rowlands, Al Jazeera English
Letter to UN chief, UNSC comes after Trump says US will intervene if Tehran violently suppresses protests.
Jan 3, 2026, 1:26 AM
WATCH: America Strong: Bright moments that warm the heart to begin 2026
ABC News
As the holidays wrap up and the new year begins, remarkable acts of kindness happening across the nation including the Chobani yogurt company helping feed communities.
Jan 3, 2026, 1:19 AM
America on verge of losing measles elimination status, outbreak surges in SCarolina...
Reanna Smith, Themirror.com
America on verge of losing measles elimination status, outbreak surges in SCarolina... (First column, 3rd story, link) Related stories:New York reports record-breaking number of flu hospitalizations in single week... New variant 'subcla…
Jan 3, 2026, 1:10 AM
Four challenges facing New York City Mayor Mamdani
BBC News
Can the Democratic socialist deliver on the big cost-of-living promises that propelled him to victory?
Jan 3, 2026, 12:46 AM