Politics

President Donald Trump gave an address from the White House on Wednesday that praised his administration's accomplishments over the past 11 months. President Trump claimed inflation was down, employment was up, and the prices of everyday items were decreasing as we move into the year ahead. Trump said during his primetime address that lowering health care costs, including drug prices, will be a major focus for his administration. LiveNOW’s Shawna Khalafi is speaking with political analyst and historian, Rich Rubino, as reactions to the speech begin to come in.

Speaker Mike Johnson has now secured a significant victory as House Republicans passed a bill aimed at reducing healthcare costs. This comes as insurance premiums are set to rise in the coming weeks, providing a win for Johnson. The legislation passed 216 to 211. Just one Republican, Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, voted against it along with all House Democrats. LiveNOW’s Mike Pache has the latest as Speaker Johnson spoke to reporters after the bill cleared the House.

Four House Republicans in vulnerable swing districts broke with House Speaker Mike Johnson Wednesday to force a vote on the Affordable Care Act subsidies set to expire at the end of this year. LiveNOW's Mike Pache spoke about the developing news with Cami Mondeaux from Deseret News.

We are now learning that Dan Bongino, the FBI Deputy Director, will step aside and leave his current position next month. Bongino made the announcement on Wednesday, ending a brief tenure as the bureau's No. 2 official. President Donald Trump has indicated that he remains confident in FBI Director Kash Patel.

President Donald Trump spoke to members of the media at Joint Base Andrews after returning from Dover Air Force base where he attended the dignified transfer of two National Guardsmen who were killed in Syria. Trump was asked about the transfer, Venezuela, Dan Bongino, and more.

Susie Wiles accused Vanity Fair of publishing a "disingenuously framed hit piece" after it quoted her describing President Trump as having an "alcoholic’s personality" and critiquing members of the administration. The article also highlighted Wiles’ comments on Vice President JD Vance and immigration policy, which she later said lacked crucial context. The White House defended Wiles, praising her leadership and noting her key role in Trump’s successful 2024 campaign before becoming chief of staff. Politico's Sophia Cai joins LiveNOW's Shawna Khalafi to discuss the fallout from the two-part piece, which is the culmination of 11 interviews over the course of this past year.

Vice President JD Vance will travel to Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley on Tuesday to highlight the administration’s economic message.

The U.S. military just released new video shows the moments it attacked three boats accused of smuggling drugs in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing a total of eight people as scrutiny over the boat strikes is intensifying in Congress. This also comes as Sec. Rubio and Defense Sec. Hegseth are expected to go before the senate regaurding the strikes. The military said in a statement on social media that the strikes targeted “designated terrorist organizations,” killing three people in the first vessel, two in the second boat and three in the third boat. It didn’t provide evidence of their alleged drug trafficking but posted a video of a boat moving through water before exploding.

President Donald Trump delivered remarks on Monday in the Oval Office as he participated in a Mexican Border Defense Medal Presentation. He was joined by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who earlier this year established the medal to recognize service members deployed to the southern border for support.

President Trump told reporters that he has been "fully briefed" on the shooting at Brown University. "What a terrible thing it is," Trump said. "All we can do right now is pray for the victims and for those that were very badly hurt...just pray." As of Sunday evening, 2 people are confirmed dead and 8 others are in critical condition, according to authorities. There is currently no suspect in custody, and a shelter in place order remains in effect for those in the area.

According to the U.S. Central Command two U.S. service members and one U.S. civilian were killed, and three service members were injured, as a result of an ambush by a lone ISIS gunman in Syria. The gunman was also killed. In accordance with Department of War policy, the identities of the service members will be withheld until 24 hours after their next of kin have been notified.

According to our partners at Fox News serveral US-Syrian troops have been ambushed in Syria. A senior U.S. official is confirming the attack and says there has been multiple injuries.

President Trump said he is focusing on two candidates to chair the Federal Reserve next year, with former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh and National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett the leading contenders, according to The Wall Street Journal. LiveNOW's Austin Westfall spoke about Warsh and Hassett with economist Mike Walden.