December 13, 2025 – Short News

Justice Department seeks to halt “contempt investigation” and remove Judge Boasberg!!

The U.S. Department of Justice has asked a federal appeals court to block a contempt investigation against the Trump administration related to the deportation flights of Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador in March. At the center of the case is the allegation that government agencies ignored a judicial order requiring those deportations to be halted and already departed flights to be turned back. Judge James Boasberg is examining whether officials deliberately violated his March 15 order and should face criminal consequences. In a new filing, the Justice Department is not only demanding an end to the investigation but also calling for Boasberg’s removal from the case. At the same time, it is urging the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia to rule before Monday. That is the day a former government lawyer was scheduled to testify, after filing a whistleblower complaint. A three judge panel of the appeals court temporarily stayed Boasberg’s contempt related order. However, the court explicitly stressed that this administrative stay does not constitute a ruling on the merits. Even so, it raises doubts about whether the planned hearing will go forward. The case touches on fundamental questions about whether the executive branch is bound by court orders. It shows how far a government may go to evade judicial oversight.

Thailand and Cambodia: Trump once again announces a return to a ceasefire

Donald Trump says Thailand and Cambodia have once again agreed to a ceasefire after several days of deadly clashes. The commitment followed phone calls with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet. Trump presents the step as a personal diplomatic success. He also highlights the role of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The original ceasefire had already been brokered in Malaysia in July. Trump had then threatened to withdraw trade privileges to apply pressure. In October, the agreement was further specified at a regional meeting. Nevertheless, both countries continued propaganda campaigns and smaller border skirmishes. The conflict dates back to colonial border demarcations from 1907. A 1962 ruling by the International Court of Justice further intensified tensions. Whether the renewed ceasefire will hold remains uncertain.

The reporting today may be delayed. Even over the weekend, we are involved in several urgent ICE cases where the priority is securing people’s release from detention and taking immediate legal action. For that reason, it is not possible to say exactly when the next articles will be published. We will report as soon as we are able.

Indiana rejects Trump: Republicans block redistricting offensive

Republican senators in Indiana have rejected Trump’s demand for a redrawing of congressional districts. Twenty one senators from his own party voted against the plan. Trump thus suffered one of the clearest defeats of his second term. Several lawmakers cited strong resistance in their districts. Trump’s public tone also fueled resentment. He had insulted critics as stupid or disloyal. Some senators openly said that this language reinforced their opposition. The plan was part of a national strategy to secure Republican majorities in 2026. Its failure weakens Trump’s influence within the party. Even in conservative states, limits to his authority are becoming visible. The defeat resonates far beyond Indiana.

Monarch butterfly delayed: conservation stalled under Trump

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service had planned to list the monarch butterfly as a threatened species by the end of 2025. Under the Trump administration, the process is now classified as a long term action. It is therefore clear that no decision will be made this year. No justification has been given. Conservationists warn of further lost time. The monarch butterfly is considered a symbol of North American ecosystems. Habitat loss, pesticides and climate change have dramatically reduced its population. Without protected status, there are no binding requirements for agriculture and land use. The delay fits Trump’s broader line of regulatory restraint. Critics describe it as a de facto administrative blockade. For the species, it is an existential question.

The Clintons in the crosshairs: Republicans threaten contempt of Congress

Oversight Committee Chair James Comer is threatening Bill and Hillary Clinton with contempt proceedings. The background is an investigation into how authorities handled Jeffrey Epstein. The Clintons are expected to testify. Comer accuses them of delays and obstruction. Subpoenas have already been issued. Voluntary testimony has not materialized. Coercive measures against former presidents are historically rare. The move escalates the political confrontation. At the same time, Trump himself is under pressure over the Epstein files. Accountability and power struggle are increasingly intertwined. The case remains highly toxic.

Trump and the Federal Reserve: claiming a right to influence

Trump says he should have a role in interest rate decisions by the U.S. Federal Reserve. He speaks of making recommendations to the Fed chair. Formally, he says he does not want to make decisions himself. He cites his economic success as justification. At the same time, he names two favorites for the chairmanship. Kevin Warsh is seen as an advocate of lower interest rates. Kevin Hassett also remains in contention. Public pressure on the central bank breaks with decades of practice. The independence of monetary policy is being called into question. Markets react sensitively to such signals. The conflict is sharpening.

Epstein photos: Trump calls release insignificant

“Today new Epstein photos were released showing you, as well as Bill Clinton and Steve Bannon. How did you react to these newly released photos?”

President Trump: “Well, I have not seen them, but everyone knew this man; he was all over Palm Beach. He has photos with everybody. There are hundreds and hundreds of people who have photos with him. So it is no big deal, I know nothing about it.”

Trump responds calmly to the publication of photos from Epstein’s estate. He says he has not seen them. Epstein, he says, was omnipresent in Palm Beach. Photos with many people were normal. Democrats released 19 images. They come from a collection of more than 95,000 photos. Faces were partially redacted. Context is missing. The White House speaks of political staging. The debate over meaning and proximity flares up again. Clarification remains fragmented.

Commemorative coin for Miracle on Ice: Trump signs law

Trump has signed a law authorizing the minting of a commemorative coin. It honors the 1980 victory of the U.S. men’s hockey team over the Soviet Union. The game is considered a symbol of the Cold War. Members of the team attended the ceremony. Trump praised the comeback as historic. He joked that he popularized the chant “USA.” The coin is meant to commemorate the cultural moment. Critics see symbolic politics. For many, the victory remains identity shaping. Sports and politics once again intertwine.

National Guard member moved to rehabilitation after attack

Twenty four year old Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe is being transferred to a rehabilitation facility after an attack near the White House. He suffered severe head injuries. Sarah Beckstrom died from her wounds. The suspected attacker, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, has been charged. He has pleaded not guilty. Doctors report significant progress. The rehabilitation location remains undisclosed. The attack shook security agencies. Questions about operational safety remain. Political debates followed immediately. Investigations are ongoing.

Boat strike in the Caribbean: Democrats demand transparency

Democrats are demanding the release of video footage of a deadly military strike. The attack hit a boat following a prior engagement. Two survivors later died. Defense Secretary Hegseth is reviewing whether to release the footage. He cites classification concerns. Democrats are calling for access for Congress and the public. So far, only edited recordings have been shown. The incident involves U.S. Southern Command. Legal questions remain unresolved. Pressure on the Pentagon is increasing. Transparency is being demanded.

Sign language at the White House: lawsuit against the administration

The National Association for the Deaf is suing the White House. The case centers on the absence of sign language interpreters. Government lawyers argue that interpreters interfere with Trump’s image control. Critics call it discrimination. They argue it is about equal access to information. The lawsuit was filed in May. The White House has not issued a statement. The case touches on fundamental rights. Inclusion is being politically contested. The decision could have broader implications. The conflict is heading to court.

Temporary protected status ends: Ethiopia affected

The Trump administration is ending temporary protected status for Ethiopians. More than 4,500 people will lose their legal status. The Department of Homeland Security says conditions in the country have improved. Critics dispute that assessment. The move fits a series of similar decisions. Those affected face deportation. Aid organizations warn of humanitarian consequences. The status had been in place for more than three years. The decision increases pressure on migrants. Legal challenges are possible. Immigration policy continues to harden.

Ballroom at the White House: preservationists sue

Historic preservation groups have sued Trump over the ballroom project. They accuse him of exceeding his authority. Required approval procedures were allegedly bypassed. They are demanding an environmental review and congressional approval. Trump has already ordered the demolition of the East Wing. The new plans envision a massive structure. Critics speak of abuse of power. Trump cites practical necessity. The legal battle begins. The symbolism is enormous. Architecture becomes political.

Prices rise: majority feels the strain

A new poll shows rising prices for food and gifts. Many Americans are tapping into their savings. Economic sentiment remains tense. Large segments see the economy at a dead end. Inflation shapes everyday life. It cuts across party lines. Consumption is becoming more cautious. Political responsibility is being debated. The findings weigh on the administration. The economy remains a central issue.