US announces massive package of arms sales to Taiwan valued at more than $10 billion
JOSH BOAK
Associated Press
Updated
President Donald Trump waves after stepping off Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House, Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump delivered a politically charged speech Wednesday carried live in prime time on network television, seeking to pin the blame for economic challenges on Democrats while announcing he is sending a $1,776 bonus check to U.S. troops for Christmas.
Four Republicans signed onto a Democratic-led petition that will force a House vote on extending an enhanced pandemic-era subsidy that lowers health insurance costs for millions of Americans.
The legislation is attempting an overhaul of how the Pentagon purchases weapons and pressures Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to provide video of strikes on alleged drug boats near Venezuela.
Susie Wiles, Trump's chief of staff, criticized Attorney General Pam Bondi's handling of the Epstein case and defended the president's aggressive second administration in a series of interviews published Tuesday.
President Donald Trump waves after stepping off Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House, Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
