1. Rumors Circulate that a New Federal Reserve Chair May Be Appointed in Early January – CNBC: Sources familiar with the matter revealed that Trump may appoint a new Federal Reserve chair in the first week of January.
2. Claims Ukraine Talks Are Progressing Well – Trump: The Ukraine talks are underway and progressing well. Everyone is tired of Russia's war in Ukraine.
3. Announces Seizure or Resale of Seized Venezuelan Oil – Trump stated that the United States will seize crude oil and tankers seized near Venezuela. He also confirmed that the United States is pursuing a third Venezuelan oil tanker.
4. Reconnaissance Flights Conducted in Nigeria
Following Trump's November threat of military intervention in Nigeria, the United States has been conducting intelligence-gathering flights over much of Nigeria. This signifies increased security cooperation between the two countries.
5. Reiterates Desire to "annex" Greenland
Trump reiterated that the United States needs Greenland for national security, stating that his special envoy for the Arctic island, Jeff Landry, will "lead the charge." He also emphasized that this is not for acquiring key minerals, but for national security.
6. Preliminary Meeting Scheduled with Insurance Companies
—Trump: He will meet with health insurance companies this week, as well as other insurance companies, auto insurance companies, and home insurance companies. The meetings with insurance companies will be held in the first few days after the Christmas holidays when businesses reopen.
7. Admits to Wanting to Force Maduro Out of Office
—Trump again pressured Venezuelan President Maduro, saying his goal is to force him out of office; the US seizure of an oil tanker in waters near Venezuela may have worked. He also stated that if Maduro takes a hard line, this will be his last "bold move."
8. Plans to Hold Gaza Reconstruction Conference
—Sources revealed that the US and its allies are pushing for a renewed Gaza reconstruction conference. After a series of setbacks, the Trump administration is attempting to inject new momentum into the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The conference could be held as early as next month, with Washington considered a potential host city.
9. High-Profile Announcement of New Warship and Large Aircraft Carrier Construction Plans
—Trump held a press conference with the US Secretary of Defense, announcing approval of the Navy's plans to build two new warships. Trump also stated that the US will increase its aircraft carrier fleet, with three large carriers under construction, and the new ships will be "highly controlled by artificial intelligence."
10. Launching Operation to Crack Down on "Ghost Tankers"
—US Justice Department officials stated that the US operation to seize oil tankers around Venezuela is part of a new legal strategy by the Trump administration aimed at seizing ships transporting black market oil globally. While the US has previously targeted sanctioned oil, it is now increasingly focusing on seizing ships that form a "ghost fleet" and serve the global black market oil market.
11. Discussing Dividends and Other Issues with Defense Prime Contractors
—Trump: We will discuss capital expenditures, executive compensation, buybacks, and dividends with defense prime contractors. We want dividends used to build production facilities. We don't want executives to pay dividends and conduct stock buybacks only to say they don't have money to invest in factories. They need to spend money to build aircraft and other equipment. The defense industry needs to prioritize production spending.
