China Warns US Arms Sales to Taiwan Could Disrupt Trump’s Planned Visit 
India–U.S. Interim Trade Pact Cuts Auto Tariffs but Leaves Tesla Out 
New York Legalizes Medical Aid in Dying for Terminally Ill Patients 
Trump Allows Commercial Fishing in Protected New England Waters 
Trump Backs Nexstar–Tegna Merger Amid Shifting U.S. Media Landscape 
Iran–U.S. Nuclear Talks in Oman Face Major Hurdles Amid Rising Regional Tensions 
Federal Judge Restores Funding for Gateway Rail Tunnel Project 
Trump’s Inflation Claims Clash With Voters’ Cost-of-Living Reality 
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
Japan Election 2026: Sanae Takaichi Poised for Landslide Win Despite Record Snowfall 
Jack Lang Resigns as Head of Arab World Institute Amid Epstein Controversy 
Trump Says “Very Good Talks” Underway on Russia-Ukraine War as Peace Efforts Continue 
Trump Endorses Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Ahead of Crucial Election Amid Market and China Tensions 
Nighttime Shelling Causes Serious Damage in Russia’s Belgorod Region Near Ukraine Border 
Trump Signs “America First Arms Transfer Strategy” to Prioritize U.S. Weapons Sales 
Norway Opens Corruption Probe Into Former PM and Nobel Committee Chair Thorbjoern Jagland Over Epstein Links 
U.S. Lawmakers to Review Unredacted Jeffrey Epstein DOJ Files Starting Monday 
President-elect Joe Biden is already rounding up who he has chosen for key positions in his administration. Following the previous announcements, Biden has revealed that he has chosen former general Lloyd Austin for the post of Defense Secretary.
This week, Biden made his case for choosing Austin to head the Pentagon while urging Congress to override the legal prohibition that prevents serving military members to be the head of the Defense Department. The nomination of Austin came to be controversial as some members of Congress have raised concerns regarding the need for civilian control of the military. However, Biden wrote in his piece for The Atlantic that Austin should be confirmed by the Senate as soon as possible, noting the emerging national security threats.
Biden also wrote that Austin is aware of the difference between Austin’s potential duties as Defense Secretary and those of a military officer. The president-elect also wrote that he is aware of the frayed civil-military dynamic that was present during the Trump administration, referencing Donald Trump’s tendency to hire former generals as Defense Secretaries, such as former Marine general Jim Mattis. Nevertheless, Biden said that Austin is capable of restoring the civil-military dynamic that was once present.
Should Austin be confirmed by the Senate, he would also be the first Black man to head the Pentagon. His nomination also comes at a time where racial tensions were present in the country. His case was supported by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who said that Austin is in a good position to lead the Pentagon at this time. Michelle Flournoy, who was among the reported candidates for the post, released a statement congratulating Austin on being Biden’s choice for Pentagon chief.
In the midst of naming his picks for key Cabinet positions, Biden is also focused on trying to slow down the spread of COVID-19 in the country. The president-elect unveiled his plan to combat the pandemic as he announced his picks for health departments, including making top infectious diseases expert Dr. Anthony Fauci as his chief medical expert. The highlight in his announcement was his plan to implement a mask mandate for 100 days.
