This screengrab of a video posted to Donald Trump’s Truth Social account on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, shows what Trump described as a Tren de Aragua boat carrying drugs from Venezuela, against which Trump ordered a strike. Donald Trump/Truth Social
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| This screengrab of a video posted to Donald Trump’s Truth Social account on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, shows what Trump described as a Tren de Aragua boat carrying drugs from Venezuela, against which Trump ordered a strike. Donald Trump/Truth Social |
December 5, 2025 — Today is a day of significant developments for the Trump administration, spanning military policy, a major sporting event, a longstanding criminal investigation, and an impactful Supreme Court ruling.
Scrutiny Intensifies Over Military Strikes on Alleged Drug Boats
New details have emerged about a controversial U.S. military strike, raising serious legal and ethical questions.
- The "Double-Tap" Incident: On September 2, the U.S. conducted its first airstrike on an alleged drug-smuggling boat in the Caribbean. After an initial strike damaged the vessel, a second strike targeted and killed two survivors. This has led some lawmakers and experts to question whether the action constitutes a war crime.
- Contradictory Justifications: Defense officials initially argued the survivors were “legitimate targets” because they appeared to be radioing for help. But in a briefing to lawmakers, Admiral Frank “Mitch” Bradley stated the men did not appear to have communication devices. Senator Tom Cotton confirmed he saw no evidence of a radio.
- Divided Response: Democrats called the strike video “one of the most troubling things” they've seen. Republicans like Senator Cotton defended the action, claiming the men were trying to salvage drugs and “stay in the fight”.
- Broader Campaign: This strike is part of a larger U.S. campaign that has conducted over 20 strikes, killing at least 83 people. The Trump administration argues it is in a “non-international armed conflict” with cartels designated as terrorist groups — a legal claim many experts dispute.
President Trump Highlights 2026 World Cup Draw
Amid controversies, President Trump is participating in a high-profile cultural and diplomatic event.
- Event Details: The draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is being held at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. The tournament will be co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
- Trump’s Personal Stamp: The event features Andrea Bocelli performing and will close with the Village People's “Y.M.C.A.”. FIFA is also debuting a new “Peace Prize,” with reports hinting Trump may receive it.
- Diplomatic Meetings: Trump will meet Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on the sidelines.
Major Breakthrough in 2021 Pipe Bomb Investigation
After nearly five years, federal authorities have made an arrest in a case long frustrating investigators.
- The Arrest: Brian Cole Jr., 30, has been arrested and charged with planting viable pipe bombs outside the Democratic and Republican National Committee headquarters on January 5, 2021.
- Alleged Motive: Cole told investigators he believed conspiracy theories claiming the 2020 election was stolen. Attorney General Pam Bondi said more charges are expected.
- Investigation Breakthrough: Fresh analysis of old evidence led to progress, including:
- Purchase History: Tracing hardware components like pipes and end caps.
- Cell Phone Data: Placing Cole’s phone near the bombing sites.
- Vehicle Data: License plate reader images placed his car at the scene.
- Political Claims: Some Trump administration officials claimed Biden’s administration didn’t prioritize the case — a characterization current and former officials reject.
Supreme Court Rules for Texas in Redistricting Battle
A major Supreme Court decision has significant implications for the 2026 midterm elections.
- The Ruling: The Court allowed Texas to use its new congressional map — favoring Republicans — while legal challenges continue. This means the map will likely be used for 2026 elections.
- Political Impact: The map is designed to give Republicans control of 30 out of 38 congressional districts — a gain of five seats — which could help the GOP maintain its narrow House majority.
- Legal Argument: Texas argued the map was for “pure partisan advantage,” which is permissible, not racial discrimination. The Court’s order suggests Texas is likely to win the case.
- Strong Dissent: Justice Elena Kagan wrote that the ruling “disserves millions of Texans,” noting that a lower court found racial gerrymandering in the new map.