President Donald Trump’s administration announced sanctions on the president of Colombia, intensifying a clash with the Latin American country over alleged drug trafficking https://t.co/IVPzcW0tEt ...

Government Shutdown & Healthcare Crisis - The document expresses concern over a potential year-long continuing resolution (C R) and the impact of government shutdowns on healthcare affordability [1][3][5] - Democrats are pushing for reopening the government and extending Affordable Care Act premium subsidies to prevent healthcare cost increases, citing examples of families facing significant premium hikes, such as a $1200 monthly increase for a family of five [5][11] - The debate includes a potential trade-off: Democratic votes on a continuing resolution in exchange for Republican negotiations on extending Obamacare premiums [7][8] - The core issue is a lack of trust, with Democrats hesitant to believe Republicans will follow through on promises regarding healthcare negotiations [8][12] Venezuela & Drug Trafficking - The document criticizes the current administration's strategy of addressing drug trafficking by "blowing up" boats, arguing it doesn't lead to arrests or stop the drug trade effectively [15] - The main drug route into the United States is identified as being through Mexico, not Venezuela [16][22] - The administration's actions in Venezuela are described as a "distraction" that ultimately benefits Maduro's regime by allowing oil proceeds to flow into his coffers [17][18] - Lifting sanctions on Venezuela allows oil sales, which financially supports Maduro, who is considered an illegitimate president [18][19] - Instead of alienating Latin American leaders, the U S should engage them to establish democracy in Venezuela [21] White House Construction & Priorities - The document raises concerns about the construction of a ballroom at the White House, questioning whether proper permissions were obtained [24] - The president is accused of focusing on raising millions of dollars from billionaires for the ballroom and seeking reimbursement for personal legal expenses, rather than addressing critical issues like reopening the government and the healthcare crisis [26] - Leaving the country during a government shutdown is described as unprecedented, suggesting a misplaced priority on foreign policy over domestic issues [27]

Drug trafficking is now a fluid network of subcontractors and service-providers, including chemists, hitmen and money-launderers. For the traffickers the new way of doing things has big benefits https://t.co/4azWt5Ll2R ...

US-Colombia Relations - Colombia recalled its ambassador from the US due to a feud between President Trump and President Petro, stemming from the US military strike that killed a Colombian fisherman [1] - The US administration prioritizes homeland security, focusing on combating drug trafficking and illegal migration, potentially leading to further actions against Colombia and Venezuela [4][5] - Trump cancelled foreign aid to Colombia and criticized its president, indicating a strained relationship between the two countries [3] US Foreign Policy & Military Actions - The US military conducted at least seven strikes on boats allegedly carrying narcotics, resulting in at least 32 deaths [1] - The legality of the US military actions in international waters is questioned by those outside the White House, but political blowback is expected to be minimal [6][7] - There are concerns about potential regime change operations in Venezuela, which could lead to increased risks for US soldiers and contradict the "MAGA America first" policy [7][8] Domestic Political Implications - The administration's actions in the Western Hemisphere contrast with Trump's desire to play peacemaker overseas [9] - The White House team shows more unity behind the president's actions so far, but alignment on the endgame remains uncertain [5]

President Trump has authorized military strikes against suspected drug boats in the Caribbean. As you know, so far more than 20 people, Senator, have been killed in six different strikes. Do you believe that these strikes against these suspected drug boats are legal.>> No. They go against all of our tradition. You know, when you kill someone, you should know if you're not in at war, not in a declared war, you really need to know someone's name.At least you have to accuse them of something. you have to prese ...

We are also tracking developments in the United States conflict with Venezuela. NBC News has learned at least two people survived the latest US military strike on an alleged drug vessel. Those survivors are now in US custody.President Trump spoke about the strike earlier today from the White House. That was a drugcarrying submarine built specifically for the transportation of massive amounts of drugs. >> President Trump was also asked about possible talks with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.The preside ...

NBC News has learned at least two people survived the latest US military strike on an alleged drug vessel. Those survivors are now in US custody. President Trump spoke about the strike earlier today from the White House.>> That was a drug carrying submarine built specifically for the transportation of massive amounts of drugs. >> What more do we know. The notion that this was a a semi-submersible or even a submarine makes it even more astounding that two people were able to survive that the blast.As we've s ...

The US Navy is detaining two survivors of Thursday's strike on an alleged drug boat in the Caribbean, officials say. https://t.co/mQDn9hgeto ...

The US Navy is detaining two survivors of Thursday's strike on an alleged drug boat in the Caribbean, officials say. https://t.co/SXgLH9oAw2 ...

And turning now to some developing news we are watching out of the Caribbean tonight. We are learning about this new strike off the coast of Venezuela. Another one.And according to US officials, the US military carried out a strike against an alleged Venezuelan drug cartel boat earlier today in international waters in the Caribbean somewhere near Venezuela. And according to our Pentagon team, for the first time, uh there might actually be survivors of this air strike. All of this coming against the backdrop ...