The ACTUAL NEWS: Monday, January 6th 2025 Recap
Donald Trump is Certified as the Next POTUS, Biden Signed Social Security Fairness Act, Canadian PM Trudeau to Step Down , and Other National and Global News
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In his op-ed, President Joe Biden reflected on the significance of January 6, stressing that while the peaceful certification of the presidential election was then a routine event, it should never have been taken for granted. He recalled the violent insurrection that took place on January 6, 2021, when rioters stormed the Capitol, threatening elected officials and law enforcement officers. Biden called on Americans to remember the gravity of that day and to resist efforts to downplay or rewrite the history of the attack. He underscored that the nation had to honor the sacrifices of those who fought for democracy and commit to defending it for future generations. The op-ed concluded with Biden's pledge to uphold the peaceful transfer of power and a reminder that democracy, even in America, was not guaranteed.
US Congress has certified the Presidential Election results.
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump asked a New York judge on Monday to delay his Jan. 10 sentencing on his criminal conviction on charges stemming from hush money paid to a porn star, citing presidential immunity.
Idaho’s abortion ban laws appear set to remain unchanged by state lawmakers this year, as legislators await the result of lawsuits challenging the bans.
Federal Reserve Vice Chair for Supervision Michael Barr announced on Monday that he will step down from his regulatory role effective February 28, though he will remain on the Fed board as a governor. The central bank stated that no major rulemakings would proceed until a successor is confirmed. Barr, a Democrat, was reportedly facing a potential legal dispute with President-elect Donald Trump, who may have sought to remove him from the position before his term was set to end in July 2026.
Jay Bratt, a senior national security official at the U.S. Justice Department and lead prosecutor in the case accusing Donald Trump of illegally retaining classified documents, has retired from the department, a spokesperson confirmed on Monday. Bratt had been detailed to Special Counsel Jack Smith's office and stepped down on Friday. The retirement comes as Trump, set to return to the presidency on January 20, has vowed to investigate political opponents and others who have accused him of misconduct.
A group of up to 300 Afghan nationals eligible for resettlement in the United States has arrived in the Philippines for temporary hosting while their U.S. visas are processed. Many of them worked for the U.S. government in Afghanistan before the American withdrawal in 2021. Washington is funding their stay in Manila as part of a bilateral agreement announced last August.
Pope Francis on Monday named a Catholic cardinal who has criticized Donald Trump's political agenda as the new leader for the Catholic Church in Washington, D.C., days before Trump is set to be inaugurated as U.S. president.
Amazon Prime will release a documentary about Melania Trump later this year. Filming started in December, with Melania serving as an executive producer.
Iran said on Monday the detention of an Iranian national in Italy at the request of the U.S. amounted to hostage-taking. Iranian businessman Mohammad Abedini was detained in Milan last month. He is wanted by the United States on suspicion of involvement in a drone strike against U.S. forces in Jordan. Iran has denied involvement.
The Syrian government plans to increase salaries for many public sector jobs by 400 percent next month as part of initial efforts to address the country’s economic crisis, according to the caretaker finance minister. The funding will come from a combination of state resources, regional aid, and the unfreezing of Syrian assets abroad.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will also visit Chad, the Republic of Congo, and Nigeria as part of his annual start-of-year tour of the continent. This follows a recent uptick in Chinese lending; research published last August showed that 2023 marked the first annual increase in Chinese loans to the continent since 2016.
French President Macron confirms Elon Musk is directly intervening in elections, including Germany.
Japan's Nippon Steel may need to look at a revamp of its growth strategy after U.S. President Joe Biden blocked its proposed $14.9 billion acquisition of U.S. Steel, but its share price could bounce back in the near-term, analysts said.
A traffic jam is forming at U.S. rocket launch sites. Elon Musk’s SpaceX and other rocket companies are planning to increase flights in the coming years as they ferry their own satellites or payloads for other customers into space. The problem: only three sites in Florida and California handle most U.S. rocket launches, and these locations are expected to become increasingly congested as companies and regulators schedule more missions.
Ukrainian forces have launched a major new offensive in Russia’s Kursk region, a region that Ukraine captured parts of over the summer but has in the past few months struggled to hold amid pressure from Russian and North Korean forces.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said security guarantees for Kyiv to end Russia's war would only be effective if the United States provides them, and that he hoped to meet U.S. President-elect Donald Trump soon after his inauguration.
The State Department has informally notified Congress of a planned $8 billion weapons sale to support Israel’s long-term security by resupplying stocks of critical munitions and air defense capabilities, a U.S. official familiar with the details confirmed to CBS News on January 4.
The Taliban are looking to Afghanistan’s gemstone resources to revive the nation’s economy.
Settlers in the occupied West Bank are hopeful that a Trump administration will support their desire to annex parts, or all, of the territory.
The Israeli military has conducted raids in Syria in recent weeks, which it stated are intended to strengthen the defense of Israel’s citizens.
Biden Welcomes New Members of Democratic Congress to the White House
The President offered a warm welcome and shared some fond reflections on his early days in Congress. He told stories about Senator Mike Mansfield and others taking him under their wing.“My advice to you is: embrace the institution you serve. I really mean it—improve it, don’t tear it down.”
He spoke about the January 6 anniversary, describing democracy as being “literally put to the test” and emphasized the challenge of protecting it, drawing many nods around the room.
The President reflected on the world entering a truly new era, distinct from the post-Cold War period, and highlighted the importance of alliances and partnerships. He also shared insights from his 40+ years of knowing President Putin of Russia, noting the evolution he had observed in Putin personally and in Russia’s posture toward the United States.
He began wrapping up by lamenting the decline in civility in Congress, which he said became especially evident during his time as vice president. He specifically mentioned the “gigantic loss” of bipartisan lunches and other gestures of camaraderie.
“The single greatest loss we’ve had is that we don’t know each other anymore,” he said.
Earlier on Sunday, he engaged briefly with the press:
On New Orleans: “There’s nothing you can really say to somebody who has had such a tragic loss, and my message is going to be personal.”
On immigration: “When I became president, the numbers came way down, number one. Number two, we had a circumstance where I pushed very hard for bipartisan agreement to put more people on the border—and he’s on the phone saying, ‘Don’t do it, don’t do it,’ making me look bad.”
On the transition: “There’s no problem with us; I think there’s a problem internally with them. We’ve made ourselves available.”
On Trump/democracy: “I think what he did was a genuine threat to democracy, and I’m hopeful that we’re beyond it.”
Donald J. Trump Certified as the Next President of the United States
President Biden Signed Social Security Fairness Act
The president entered with Bette Marafino, the president of the Connecticut Alliance for Retired Americans, who introduced him. Biden thanked Senator Susan Collins, who received a standing ovation, for supporting the legislation. He also expressed gratitude to Senator Chuck Schumer, who was not present.
He announced that 2.5 million Americans would receive a lump sum payment to compensate for benefits not received in 2024:
"I said repeatedly, if anyone tried to cut these programs, I'd stop it."
President Biden Signed Women's Suffrage National Monument Location Act
Yesterday, President Biden signed into law the Women's Suffrage National Monument Location Act, authorizing the placement of a monument honoring the women's suffrage movement on the National Mall.
"In addition to commemorating the ratification of the 19th Amendment, the Women's Suffrage National Monument will recognize the generations of women who fought to ensure an equal voice for women in our democracy and honor the leaders who fought for the enfranchisement of all women long after the 19th Amendment was ratified."
President Biden Protects U.S. Oceans from Offshore Oil and Gas Drilling, Capping Historic Conservation Efforts
President Biden has taken significant action to protect over 625 million acres of U.S. oceans from future offshore oil and gas drilling. This includes safeguarding the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, the Eastern Gulf of Mexico, and the Northern Bering Sea in Alaska. This move aims to protect coastal communities, marine ecosystems, and local economies from the environmental risks of offshore drilling. Biden’s decision is backed by nearly 400 municipalities, over 2,300 elected officials, and more than 70 coastal Tribes, all of whom have raised concerns over the environmental, economic, and health threats posed by drilling.
This historic action builds on Biden’s broader conservation agenda, which has now protected more than 670 million acres of U.S. land and waters, making him the most conservation-focused president in U.S. history. The move is aligned with the Biden-Harris Administration’s climate priorities and commitment to resilient oceans, as well as honoring Indigenous rights. Biden has also advanced other significant conservation efforts, including offshore wind projects, national marine sanctuaries, and support for Tribal communities, as part of a broader plan to protect 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030.
Venezuelan Opposition Leader Edmundo Gonzalez Meets with Biden, Discusses Ties with Trump
Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez, who claims to have won the July presidential election and is recognized by several countries as president-elect, met with U.S. President Joe Biden on Monday during a regional tour. Gonzalez stated that the meeting was "fruitful" and emphasized ongoing contact with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's team. His visit comes just days before Nicolas Maduro, recognized by Venezuela's top court and electoral authority as the legitimate winner, is set to be inaugurated for a third term. Gonzalez expressed hope for a close relationship with the Trump administration moving forward.
U.S. Defense Department Adds Tencent, CATL, and Other Chinese Firms to Military Links List
The U.S. Defense Department announced on Monday that it had added Chinese tech giants, including Tencent Holdings, CATL, and several others, to a list of companies it claims are linked to China’s military. This list, updated annually under U.S. law as the "Section 1260H list," now includes 134 companies. Tencent, the parent company of WeChat, and CATL, a major battery maker, are among the new additions. Other companies listed are chip maker Changxin Memory Technologies, Quectel Wireless, and drone-maker Autel Robotics.
A Quectel spokesperson denied any military ties and plans to appeal the designation. While the list doesn't impose immediate bans, it serves as a warning and could increase pressure on U.S. entities to avoid business with these companies. This move is part of a broader strategy by Washington to limit Chinese companies it deems a security risk amid escalating tensions between the U.S. and China. Several companies previously designated, including DJI and Hesai Technologies, remain on the list despite legal challenges. The Pentagon also removed six companies it determined no longer met the criteria for the designation.
U.S. House China Select Committee to Continue in New Congress
The U.S. House of Representatives' bipartisan select committee on China will continue into the new Congress, according to the panel's leaders on Monday. Established in 2023 and led by Republicans, the committee aims to address security and economic challenges posed by China, the U.S.'s primary geopolitical rival. Its continuation comes ahead of President-elect Donald Trump's second-term inauguration on January 20. While Trump has expressed admiration for Chinese leader Xi Jinping, his first term saw a trade war with China that disrupted global supply chains and contributed to economic challenges.
The committee, which operates without legislative powers, has promoted bills to counter Chinese threats, some of which have become law. It has also criticized U.S. companies and academic institutions for insufficiently addressing risks from Beijing. The panel is led by Republican Chairman John Moolenaar and Democratic ranking member Raja Krishnamoorthi, who have emphasized their bipartisan cooperation amid growing tensions with China.
Trump Predicts Positive Relations with Xi Jinping Amid Tough Stance on China
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump said on Monday that he and Chinese leader Xi Jinping have been communicating through representatives and he anticipates a positive relationship between the two leaders. Trump described Xi as a powerful figure respected in China and expressed hope they would "get along very well." However, Trump reiterated his stance that economic relations must be fair, accusing China of "ripping off" the U.S. economically. He invited Xi and other foreign leaders to his inauguration, though experts doubt Xi will attend. Trump has appointed several China hawks to key positions in his administration and has threatened new tariffs on Chinese goods unless Beijing takes stronger action against fentanyl trafficking.
Trump Urges Republicans to Unite on Massive Bill Covering Taxes, Border Security, and Energy
President-elect Donald Trump on Sunday called on his fellow Republicans in Congress to unite and pass a massive legislative package that combines his top priorities: tax cuts, border security, and increased domestic energy production. Trump suggested that Republicans could cover the cost—potentially in the trillions of dollars—by raising tariffs on imported goods.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump urged Republicans to “get smart, tough, and send the Bill to my desk to sign as soon as possible.” His call comes as Republicans control both chambers of Congress by narrow margins and have been debating whether to pass these measures separately or combine them into one package, as Trump advocates.
A single bill could allow Republicans to quickly fulfill Trump’s campaign promises, but it also risks alienating members with concerns over specific provisions. For instance, Republicans from high-tax states like New York and New Jersey have expressed interest in revising some elements of the 2017 tax cuts, which negatively impacted their constituents. Trump is also pushing for the elimination of taxes on tipped income, which could further increase the overall cost of the legislation.
Republicans plan to use complex budget rules that would enable them to pass the package with simple majorities, avoiding the need for Democratic support, but also limiting the scope of the package. The narrow Republican majority in the House—219-215—adds another layer of complexity, as unity will be crucial to passing such significant legislation.
Trump’s Aides Consider Tariff Plans Focused on Critical Imports
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's aides are exploring a new approach to tariffs, considering levies only on critical imports related to national or economic security, according to a report from The Washington Post. This plan marks a shift from Trump’s previous campaign promise to impose a broad 10% tariff on global imports and a 60% tariff on Chinese goods, which trade experts warned could disrupt trade and escalate costs. The new strategy would focus on specific sectors such as defense, critical medical supplies, and energy production, including items like steel, pharmaceuticals, and rare earth minerals. While discussions are ongoing and details are not finalized, this targeted tariff approach reflects Trump’s goal to revitalize key industries in the U.S.
Trump Denies Report on Tariff Policy, Calls It "Fake News"
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Monday rejected a Washington Post report that claimed his aides were considering a tariff plan targeting only critical imports. In a post on Truth Social, Trump dismissed the story as inaccurate, asserting that the report, based on anonymous sources, was false. He accused the newspaper of spreading "Fake News," emphasizing that his tariff policy would not be scaled back as suggested.
Seven Medal of Honor Recipients Inducted into Pentagon's Hall of Heroes
Following a Medal of Honor ceremony at the White House on Friday, seven soldiers were inducted into the Pentagon's Hall of Heroes during an off-site ceremony at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall in Arlington, Virginia. The honorees included five Korean War veterans—Pvt. Bruno R. Orig, Pfc. Wataru Nakamura, Cpl. Fred B. McGee, Pfc. Charles R. Johnson, and Gen. Richard E. Cavazos—and two Vietnam War veterans, Capt. Hugh R. Nelson Jr. (posthumously) and Pfc. Kenneth J. David (the only living recipient).
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, along with Army leadership, praised the soldiers' extraordinary bravery, noting that they came from diverse backgrounds but shared an unwavering commitment to duty and sacrifice. The ceremony underscored the long-awaited recognition of these heroes, who were honored decades after their courageous actions. Austin also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked tirelessly to bring their stories to light, including fellow soldiers, families, journalists, and members of Congress.
“These heroes risked everything for their country,” Austin said, urging others to draw inspiration from their selflessness and valor.
U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Sues Berkshire Hathaway’s Unit Over Risky Home Loans
The U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) filed a lawsuit on Monday against Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance, a unit of Clayton Homes, a manufactured housing business owned by Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway. The CFPB alleges that Vanderbilt pushed borrowers into risky and unaffordable loans for homes purchased through Clayton, contributing to financial hardship and, in some cases, the loss of homes.
The lawsuit claims that Vanderbilt Mortgage ignored “clear and obvious” signs that borrowers could not afford the loans they were being offered. The company is also accused of charging borrowers additional fees and penalties when they fell behind on payments, further exacerbating their financial struggles.
“Vanderbilt knowingly traps people in risky loans in order to close the deal on selling a manufactured home,” said CFPB Director Rohit Chopra in a statement. The agency’s action seeks to hold the company accountable for what it described as unfair and deceptive practices that ultimately harmed borrowers.
Clayton Homes, which is the largest manufactured home builder in the U.S., has not yet responded to requests for comment. The lawsuit highlights ongoing concerns over lending practices in the manufactured housing market and could have significant implications for how such loans are regulated in the future.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to Step Down as Liberal Leader Amid Growing Pressure
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on Monday that he will step down as leader of the Liberal Party, though he will remain in office until a successor is chosen. This decision comes after growing pressure from within his party, with an increasing number of Liberal legislators publicly urging him to resign.
The move follows a period of mounting discontent among Liberal parliamentarians, who have expressed concern that the party is unlikely to secure victory in the upcoming election, which must be held by late October. Polls suggest that after nearly a decade in power, the Liberals face an uphill battle against the official opposition, the Conservatives.
Trudeau’s leadership has been marked by both successes and controversies, with his handling of issues like climate change, economic inequality, and relations with Indigenous communities drawing both praise and criticism. However, a series of dismal polls and internal dissent have led many to question his ability to lead the party to another victory.
With Trudeau's resignation looming, the Liberal Party now faces the difficult task of selecting a new leader who can restore its fortunes and mount a credible challenge to the Conservatives.
Keir Starmer Defends Record as Top Prosecutor Amid Elon Musk’s Criticism
Keir Starmer, the UK's Prime Minister, defended his tenure as Britain’s Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on Monday, responding to accusations from U.S. billionaire Elon Musk about his handling of sexual abuse cases involving grooming gangs. Musk, a supporter of President-elect Donald Trump, criticized Starmer for failing to prosecute these gangs during his time as DPP between 2008 and 2013, particularly gangs of men, often of South Asian descent, who sexually exploited young girls.
Although Starmer did not directly name Musk, he strongly rebuked the accusations, asserting that he had taken decisive action, including reopening cases that had been closed and launching the first major prosecution of an Asian grooming gang. Starmer described his critics as more focused on self-interest than on supporting victims.
Starmer also defended his colleague, Minister for Safeguarding Jess Phillips, against Musk's inflammatory remarks. He expressed frustration at the far-right rhetoric surrounding the issue, condemning threats against Phillips and other public figures.
While Starmer aimed to shift the conversation toward his government’s health policies, including reforming the National Health Service (NHS), Musk’s remarks and calls for further inquiries into the grooming gang cases continued to dominate headlines. Additionally, Musk's recent comments on other political figures, such as Nigel Farage, added to the controversy.
Norway's Prime Minister Criticizes Elon Musk's Involvement in Foreign Politics
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre expressed concern on Monday about Elon Musk's direct involvement in the domestic politics of countries outside the United States. Speaking to Norwegian public broadcaster NRK, Støre criticized Musk for using his significant social media influence and vast economic resources to interfere in other nations' political affairs. He emphasized that this behavior was inappropriate for relations between democracies and allies, and suggested that if Musk continues to engage in Norwegian politics, the country's politicians should collectively distance themselves from such efforts.
Herbert Kickl's Rise: Austria's Far-Right Leader Poised to Become Chancellor Amid Controversy
Herbert Kickl, leader of Austria's far-right, eurosceptic, and Russia-friendly Freedom Party (FPO), is poised to become the country’s next chancellor after President Alexander Van der Bellen tasked him with forming a coalition government. Kickl's party emerged as the largest in the September election, securing 29% of the vote. Despite his abrasive style and deeply controversial views on issues like immigration and gender politics, Kickl has strategically positioned himself as a serious leader, appealing to voters frustrated with the country’s economic challenges. His reputation as a skilled strategist was evident in his ability to moderate his tone and rally support before the election, despite his controversial past, including conspiracy theories and opposition to sanctions on Russia.
Kickl's rise comes after a failed attempt to form a coalition without the FPO, forcing the resignation of conservative Chancellor Karl Nehammer. Although Kickl is known for his divisive rhetoric and support for radical positions, including challenging Austria's neutrality on the war in Ukraine, his party's success is rooted in a populist campaign that capitalized on economic concerns and opposition to COVID-19 restrictions. His potential coalition with the center-right OVP remains uncertain, given their disagreements on key issues like the budget deficit and the war in Ukraine. Despite Kickl's controversial past and ties to conspiracy theories, his calculated political strategy has positioned him to potentially lead Austria’s next government.
U.S. Moves to Clear Hurdles for Civil Nuclear Partnership with India
The United States is finalizing steps to resolve longstanding obstacles preventing a civil nuclear partnership with India, U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan announced on Monday. The two countries have been discussing U.S. nuclear reactor sales to India since the mid-2000s, but Indian liability rules, which place the burden of accident compensation on operators rather than plant manufacturers, have hindered progress.
The deal, originally signed in 2007 under President George W. Bush, marked a significant step in allowing the U.S. to export civilian nuclear technology to India. However, India's stringent nuclear compensation laws have delayed the country's goal of adding 20,000 MW of nuclear power by 2030.
Sullivan's remarks in New Delhi come ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration, as the U.S. looks to strengthen ties with India. The two nations also plan to discuss a wide range of issues, including China's impact on regional infrastructure, artificial intelligence, space exploration, and military licensing during Sullivan's visit.
Biden Administration Plans Sanctions on Russian Oil Tankers Amid Ukraine Conflict
The Biden administration is preparing to impose new sanctions on Russia in response to its ongoing war in Ukraine, focusing on tankers transporting Russian oil sold above the $60 per barrel price cap. The move targets Russia's "shadow fleet" of aging ships that have been used to circumvent the cap, which is designed to reduce Moscow's oil revenue. These tankers are often considered less safe and more prone to environmental risks, according to shipping experts.
The sanctions are part of a broader strategy to undermine Russia’s financial capacity to sustain its invasion of Ukraine. Since Russia's invasion in February 2022, the U.S. has already sanctioned dozens of such vessels. The sanctions will likely extend to individuals and entities involved in oil trade networks that violate the price cap, with discussions also including possible penalties on Chinese banks supporting the transactions.
While the cap has prompted Russia to shift oil sales to countries like China and India, which buy Russian crude at a discount, the U.S. remains focused on curbing Russia’s ability to fund the war. U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen previously noted that further sanctions on tankers could be forthcoming. The sanctions are expected to be part of a large package, with more details anticipated in the coming days.
Blinken Calls for Final Push on Gaza Ceasefire as Hostage Negotiations Continue
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken made a final push for a Gaza ceasefire on Monday, urging for a truce deal before President Joe Biden leaves office. Blinken's remarks came after a Hamas official confirmed that the group had cleared a list of 34 hostages to be released as part of a potential ceasefire.
“We very much want to bring this over the finish line in the next two weeks, the time we have remaining,” Blinken said during a press conference in South Korea, addressing the possibility of a ceasefire agreement.
The ceasefire talks have entered a critical phase, with Israeli and Hamas negotiators meeting in Qatar, aided by Qatari and Egyptian mediators. Despite some indications of progress, key obstacles remain, with no breakthrough in resolving demands from both sides.
President-elect Donald Trump has set January 20 as an unofficial deadline for a ceasefire, warning that there would be serious consequences if Hamas hostages were not freed by his inauguration. His comments reflect growing urgency in the region regarding the situation.
The conflict, which erupted in October 2023 after Hamas launched an attack on Israel, has caused immense loss of life. Nearly 46,000 Palestinians have died due to Israel's airstrikes on Gaza, while over 1,200 Israelis were killed in the Hamas assault. More than 100 hostages are still held by Hamas, with the group stating it will only release them under an agreement that includes the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. Israel insists it will not cease its operations until Hamas is fully dismantled and all hostages are freed.
A Hamas official told Reuters that the group had cleared the initial list of 34 hostages for release, which includes female soldiers and elderly civilians, as well as minors. However, Israel remains skeptical, as the list had been submitted months ago, and there has been no confirmation of the hostages' conditions or whether they are alive.
The situation remains dire, with Israeli bombardments continuing, leaving Gaza in ruins. A 35-day-old baby died from exposure to harsh winter conditions, marking the eighth death from the cold in the past two weeks. In a separate incident, at least 40 people were wounded in an Israeli airstrike on a shelter in Gaza.
Meanwhile, rockets fired from Gaza continue to target Israeli cities, and violence is also escalating in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, where three Israelis were killed and several others injured in an attack near the settlement of Kedumim.
North Korea Launches Missile Amid U.S. Secretary of State Blinken’s Visit to South Korea
On Monday, North Korea fired a ballistic missile into the sea off its east coast, coinciding with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to Seoul during a period of political instability in South Korea. South Korea's military confirmed the launch, and Japan's coast guard reported that the missile had fallen into the sea.
Earlier, Blinken met with South Korea’s Acting President Choi Sang-mok, emphasizing the U.S.'s "unwavering" defense commitment to South Korea and calling for enhanced diplomatic and security cooperation to deter further North Korean provocations. Choi is currently serving as the acting president following the suspension of President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was impeached after declaring martial law on December 3.
This missile launch marked North Korea’s first since November 5, when it fired at least seven short-range ballistic missiles.
South Korea's Anti-Corruption Agency Seeks Police Help to Enforce Arrest Warrant for Impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol
South Korea's anti-corruption agency, the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO), requested police assistance on Monday to execute an arrest warrant for impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol. The move follows a failed attempt last Friday when a tense standoff with Yoon's presidential guards, who formed a human chain to block investigators, prevented the warrant's execution.
The joint team of CIO investigators and police are probing allegations that Yoon orchestrated insurrection during his brief imposition of martial law, which sparked significant political turmoil. The warrant, however, is set to expire at midnight Monday (1500 GMT), prompting increasing frustration from Yoon’s critics who have expressed dissatisfaction with the CIO’s handling of the case.
The police official told Yonhap news agency that they were "reviewing the law internally" in response to the CIO’s request. Yoon’s defense team has argued that the CIO lacks the authority to investigate insurrection-related charges under South Korean law.
Meanwhile, a Seoul court on Sunday dismissed a motion filed by Yoon’s legal team to invalidate the warrants for arrest and a search of his official residence. Despite the ongoing political chaos, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is visiting South Korea this week to reaffirm the alliance between the two nations. Blinken's visit comes in the wake of Yoon's martial law declaration, which drew rare criticism from U.S. officials.
While the CIO, an independent agency created in 2021 to investigate high-ranking officials, has the mandate to probe such cases, it lacks prosecutorial power. By law, it must refer the case to prosecutors for further action, including any potential indictment.
Chile’s President Gabriel Boric Makes Historic Visit to the South Pole
Chile's President Gabriel Boric became the first leader in the Americas to visit the South Pole, arriving at the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station on January 3, 2025. His visit underscores Chile's commitment to its territorial claims in Antarctica and its role in scientific research, particularly concerning climate change. Accompanied by scientists and cabinet members, Boric emphasized the importance of Chile's growing presence in Antarctic research, stating that the country is positioning itself as a gateway to the region. Only two other leaders, from New Zealand and Norway, had previously visited the South Pole. Despite competing territorial claims by various nations, Antarctica remains a scientific preserve under the 1961 Antarctic Treaty.
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