Turkish-backed militias, operating under the Syrian National Army (SNA), have advanced into northern Syria, displacing tens of thousands of Kurdish civilians. The SNA captured Manbij, a Kurdish-controlled city, on Tuesday. This followed last week’s seizure of Shahba, where Kurdish officials reported over 120,000 people were forced to flee. The SNA’s offensive is part of “Operation Dawn of Freedom,” aimed at removing Kurdish forces from northern Syria.
Contrasting views on U.S. immigration policy came into sharp focus on Tuesday during separate congressional hearings addressing the incoming Trump administration’s stance on deportations and border security.
President-elect Donald Trump announced that prominent D.C. attorney Mark Paoletta will return to the White House as General Counsel of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under Director Russ Vought. Paoletta, known for his strategic legal prowess, will be instrumental in reversing the course of federal regulations, reducing spending, and implementing reforms recommended by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Israel has announced plans to create a “sterile defense zone” in southern Syria following significant military operations and the collapse of President Bashar al-Assad's regime.
The Supreme Court ruled unanimously on Tuesday that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) secretary holds broad authority to revoke visa petitions without judicial review.
During a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Tuesday, Republican Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri confronted American Immigration Council senior fellow Aaron Reichlin-Melnick over the economic impact of illegal immigration on the American workforce.
FBI Director Christopher Wray is weighing whether he should resign before President-elect Donald Trump is inaugurated, according to a report from The Washington Times.
Incoming Deputy Chief of Policy Stephen Miller confirmed on Sunday that comprehensive tax reform will be a top priority for President-elect Donald Trump’s administration, dispelling rumors of any potential delays. Miller stated that Congress will begin addressing tax reform immediately after tackling the border crisis, with a proposed timeline starting in January or early February.
The U.S. House is poised to vote on the final version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2025, authorizing $895.2 billion for the military, with $849.9 billion allocated directly to the Department of Defense. The 1,813-page bipartisan bill supports service members, defense infrastructure, and U.S. military capabilities.
