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President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly considering Florida Governor Ron DeSantis as a potential nominee for Secretary of Defense, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal. The move comes as Pete Hegseth, Trump’s original pick for the role, faces mounting resistance in the Senate over personal and professional controversies. The Journal, citing unnamed sources close to the discussions, described the potential selection of DeSantis—a one-time GOP presidential rival—as a dramatic shift. However, the report noted that DeSantis’ conservative credentials and military background align with Trump’s vision for reshaping the Pentagon, including addressing what they perceive as “woke” policies within the armed forces. Hegseth, a former U.S.

Senior Trump spokesman Jason Miller doubled down on President-elect Donald Trump’s firm warning to Hamas regarding the release of hostages in Gaza. In an appearance on Fox News, Miller was asked about Trump’s strong statement issued on Monday, in which the President-elect demanded the hostages’ release before his inauguration on January 20, 2025, or face severe consequences. When Fox News asked, *“What happens if the hostages in Gaza aren’t released by January 20th?”* Miller responded, “I would take President Trump literally at his word — ‘they will have hell to pay.’” Trump’s initial statement, made via social media, issued a stark ultimatum to Hamas.

The upcoming Torah U’Mesorah Presidents Conference, set to take place December 19-22 at the Trump Doral Golf Resort in Miami, is expected to host Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman as special speakers, Torah U’Mesorah officials tell YWN. “Both have not been 100% confirmed, but it’s looking really good that both will attend,” YWN was told by TU. Governor DeSantis has gained widespread recognition among Orthodox Jewish communities for his steadfast support of educational initiatives that align with religious values and his advocacy for Israel. His strong ties with the Jewish community have been further cemented following the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led massacre that claimed the lives of 1,200 people and saw 251 taken hostage.

An investigation is underway after a Secret Service agent working on protective assignment outside Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen’s house fired a weapon following a confrontation between the agent and occupants of a sedan, early Tuesday. At roughly 1:30 a.m. Tuesday, the agent assigned to Yellen’s protective detail outside of her home, observed a sedan with multiple people attempting to open car doors along the street, according to Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi. A confrontation between the agent and the car’s occupants led to gunfire. It was unclear how many shots were fired by the agent. The Secret Service said there is no evidence that anyone was harmed. The suspects fled the scene in the sedan, and a lookout was issued to local law enforcement, Guglielmi said. The D.C.

Defense Minister Yisrael Katz on Tuesday warned Lebanon that if it doesn’t enforce the ceasefire with Hezbollah, the IDF would no longer differentiate between Hezbollah and the state of Lebanon. Speaking on a visit to the northern border, Katz said: “The main message I came to convey here: our policy, together with the IDF, is clear and unequivocal – we will act with all our might to enforce all the understandings of the ceasefire agreement, and we will have maximum response and zero tolerance.” “Yesterday was the first test. Shots were fired toward Har Dov as if it were outside the usual discourse or subject to interpretation. For us, it is not subject to any interpretation.

A federal judge dismissed the gun case against Hunter Biden on Tuesday after President Joe Biden issued a sweeping pardon for his son. U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika closed the case the week before Hunter Biden was to be sentenced. He could have faced up to 25 years in prison, though as a first-time offender he likely would have gotten far less time or avoided prison entirely. Prosecutors opposed dismissing the case, arguing in court documents that a pardon shouldn’t wipe away the case “as if it never occurred.” Hunter Biden was convicted on three felonies after he lied on a federal form to purchase a gun in Delaware by saying he wasn’t a drug user in 2018, a period when he has acknowledged being addicted.

President-elect Donald Trump is underscoring his intention to block the purchase of U.S. Steel by Japanese steelmaker Nippon Steel Corp., and he’s pledging to use tax incentives and tariffs to strengthen the iconic American steelmaker. Trump had vowed early in the presidential campaign that he would “instantaneously” block the deal, and he reiterated that sentiment in a post on his Truth Social platform on Monday night. “I am totally against the once great and powerful U.S. Steel being bought by a foreign company” and will use tax incentives and tariffs to make U.S. Steel “Strong and Great Again, and it will happen FAST!” he wrote. “As President,” he continued, “I will block this deal from happening.

Small businesses are bracing for stiff tariffs that President-elect Donald Trump has proposed as one of his first actions when he takes office. Trump has proposed importers pay a 25% tax on all products entering the country from Canada and Mexico, and an additional 10% tariff on goods from China, as one of his first executive orders. He previously floated a tariff of up to 20% on everything else the United States imports. This means small businesses may end up paying more for goods and services. Small business owners say they’re waiting to see what final form the tariffs take, but are bracing for higher costs that they may in turn need to pass on to consumers.

Mayor Eric Adams announced Tuesday a shift in his stance on deporting migrants, expressing openness to deport those charged with crimes from New York City before convictions are secured. This marks a departure from his earlier position of waiting for legal outcomes before deporting immigrants involved in criminal activity. Adams revealed plans to meet with Tom Homan, President-elect Donald Trump’s newly appointed “border czar,” to discuss strategies for addressing the issue. “My position is people who commit crimes in our city, you have abdicated your right to be in our city and I am open to figure out the best way to address that,” he said.