Latest Politics News
Trump's Chief of Staff Calls Him 'Alcoholic’s Personality' in Interview
Donald Trump’s chief of staff Susie Wiles described the US president as having an “alcoholic’s personality” in a Vanity Fair interview published Dec 16, which she later dismissed as a hit piece. She also labeled VP JD Vance a conspiracy theorist and Elon Musk an odd duck.
The comments highlight tensions within the Trump administration.
Trump to Deliver Televised Address on 'Historic' Achievements Tonight
US President Donald Trump will address the nation live from the White House at 9 PM EST on Dec 17, boasting of his year's achievements amid economic discontent. He plans to tease 2026 policies as Republicans eye midterms nervously.
Trump announced it on Truth Social on Dec 16.
Canada Imposes New Sanctions on Iranian Officials for Human Rights Violations
Canada announced additional sanctions on Dec 16 against four Iranian senior officials involved in gross human rights abuses and repressive policies. This follows Iran's execution of 252 individuals in three weeks to suppress protests over economic crisis.
The move underscores international pressure on Tehran's crackdowns.
Rallies in Europe Support Maryam Rajavi’s Plan and Condemn Iran Executions
Supporters of Iran’s PMOI/MEK held rallies in Gothenburg, Stuttgart, and Berlin on Dec 13, backing Maryam Rajavi’s Ten-Point Plan for democracy and protesting executions of political prisoners. Demonstrators decried the regime’s death penalty surge as human rights violations.
These events signal growing calls for regime change.
Russia and China Wage Shadow War to Weaken US and NATO in Europe
A CEPA report details Russia’s sub-threshold aggression in Europe, bolstered by China, aiming to fracture NATO and US leadership. Moscow views its Ukraine war and European shadow ops as linked fronts against the West.
The duo seeks strategic paralysis in democracies.
Iraq Faces Challenges to Maintain Stability Amid US Pressure on Iran Proxies
Iraq ended 2025 stably, holding elections and avoiding the Israel-Iran-US Twelve Day War, but 2026 brings Trump pressure to curb Iran-aligned militias. Leaders must navigate US maximum pressure on Iran while preserving national stability.
This follows landmark parliamentary elections.
Syria’s Post-Assad Transition Progresses; Iran Nuclear Talks Loom for 2026
US supports Syria’s stable transition after Assad’s fall, with Iran facing a pivotal year amid Trump’s calls for new nuclear deal post-Twelve Day War. Tensions persist with Israel targeting Iranian proxies; no formal ceasefire exists.
Trump invited Iran’s president to a Gaza summit.
African Transitions Stall: Coups in Guinea-Bissau, Madagascar; Guinea Leader Runs
Military coups expanded Africa’s transition countries to seven; AU lifted Gabon suspension despite election norm violations. Guinea’s junta leader Doumbouya entered presidential race, reneging on pledge, as PSC urges transition completion.
Security issues hinder progress in Mali and Sudan.
Sudan Crisis Deepens: SAF Rejects Ceasefire, UN Peacekeepers Killed in Drone Strike
Security Council holds informal dialogue on Sudan’s fragmentation; SAF rejected Quad’s humanitarian truce, accusing UAE bias. RSF agreed but continued attacks; Dec 13 drone strike killed six UN peacekeepers.
US pushes inclusive political transition.
2025 Marked by Escalating Ukraine, Gaza Conflicts Tied to US Policy Shifts
2025 saw armed escalations in Ukraine and Gaza due to erratic Washington relations, per analysis. This shapes global political memory of the year.
Ongoing conflicts highlight superpower influences.