Capitol Hill staffers ask Congress for 32-hour work week
Members of the Congressional Progressive Staff Association are asking their bosses for a 32-hour work week. They contend it would increase retention on Capitol Hill and set an example for work load at a national level.
“The intensive nature of these roles often causes staffers to seek new positions earlier than they would in a more predictable and sustainable work environment,” the letter stated. “Hiring new staff members can disrupt the flow of work, alter the office culture, and deprive the team and the member of important institutional knowledge an experienced staffer takes with them.”
The request was shot down immediately by Rep. Ritchie Torres, D-N.Y.
“Why not be bold and ask for a 0-hour workweek? I wonder how blue-collar Americans would feel about white-collar workers demanding a 32-hour workweek,” Torres wrote on X.
Why not be bold and ask for a 0-hour workweek?
I wonder how blue-collar Americans would feel about white-collar workers demanding a 32-hour workweek. pic.twitter.com/2Je1Zf6FHC
There are many members who believe Congress doesn’t work enough already. The legislative branch is typically only in session three to four days a week.
“Let’s get back to work. These two hour work weeks we’re having up here are ridiculous. I’m tired of them saying we don’t have enough time,” Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., said. “Let’s get to work. America works, Congress doesn’t.”
If the staffers don’t have the support of moderate Democrats or Republicans, this will not happen. But they could gain the support of progressives like Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., who introduced a bill last year to shorten the standard work week under federal law to 32 hours.
“It’s vital that health, well-being, and basic human dignity are valued over employers’ bottom lines,” Jayapal stated at the time. “Establishing a 32-hour work week would go a long way toward finally righting that balance.”
Biden warns of ‘oligarchy’ and ‘tech-industrial complex’ in farewell speech
President Joe Biden’s farewell speech to America on Wednesday included several warnings. And a ceasefire deal to end more than a year of fighting in the Middle East between Israel and Hamas hit a snag. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025.
Biden warns of ‘oligarchy,’ ‘tech-industrial complex’ in farewell speech
Speaking from the Oval Office one last time, President Joe Biden delivered his farewell address Wednesday night, Jan. 15. Biden spoke on reforms he would like to see in Washington and issued a stark warning detailing his concerns about what he sees as a concentration of power among the ultra-wealthy and the risks of technology.
In what is likely his final address to the nation after a political career spanning five decades, Biden opened his speech with the ceasefire deal in Gaza announced earlier in the day. He said he kept the incoming administration fully informed during the process.
He said some of his top accomplishments in office include job growth following the pandemic, infrastructure modernization and Medicare reform, telling Americans it will take time to feel the full impact of what has been achieved.
With the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump just days away, Biden said he would ensure a peaceful transfer of power, but he did have a warning.
“Today, an oligarchy is taking shape in America of extreme wealth, power and influence that literally threatens our entire democracy, our basic rights and freedoms, and a fair shot for everyone to get ahead,” Biden said. “We see the consequences all across America, and we’ve seen it before. More than a century ago, the American people stood up to the robber barons back then and busted the trusts. They didn’t punish the wealthy. They just made the wealthy play by the rules everybody else had. Workers want rights to earn their fair share.”
Referencing former President Dwight Eisenhower’s concerns about a military-industrial complex six decades ago, Biden said he’s equally concerned about the dangers of a potential rise of a tech-industrial complex.
“Americans are being buried under an avalanche of misinformation and disinformation enabling the abuse of power,” he said. “The free press is crumbling. Editors are disappearing. Social media is giving up on fact-checking. The truth is smothered by lies told for power and for profit. We must hold the social platforms accountable to protect our children, our families and our very democracy from the abuse of power.”
Biden remarked on the rise of artificial intelligence, calling it the most consequential technology of our time. He emphasized that the U.S., not China, must lead the race.
The president also spoke of his hopes for change in the nation’s capital, calling for an end of hidden funding called “dark money” from campaign contributions, a ban on stock trading from members of Congress and for the U.S. to enact an 18-year term limit on Supreme Court justices. He also called for the U.S. Constitution to be amended.
“We need to amend the Constitution to make clear that no president, no president is immune from crimes that he or she commits while in office,” Biden asserted. “The president’s power is not limit[less] — it is not absolute. And it shouldn’t be.”
In closing, Biden called on Americans to stay engaged in democracy. Telling the story of a veteran who worked at the Statue of Liberty, known as the Keeper of the Flame, he said America will always be defined by one word: “possibilities.”
“My eternal thanks to you, the American people,” Biden said. “After 50 years of public service, I give you my word, I still believe in the idea for which this nation stands [for] — a nation where the strength of our institutions and the character of our people matter and must endure. Now it’s your turn to stand guard. May you all be the keeper of the flame. May you keep the faith. I love America. You love it, too.”
Republicans, Democrats react to Biden’s farewell address
Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., wrote on X, “Joe Biden discussing democracy, a free press, institutions and the abuse of power in his final farewell speech is rich.”
Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., also weighed in, writing, “Joe Biden’s going out of office the same way he went in: petty, partisan and frankly not telling the truth.”
“President Biden’s ‘farewell address’ should have been a formal apology for the endless lawfare, inflation-fueling policies and reckless decisions made during his administration,” Republican Sen. Rick Scott of Florida added.
Democrats responded differently.
“Tonight, President Biden delivered his farewell address to a nation that is stronger because of his leadership,” former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said. “In doing so, he honored the vision of founders, the sacrifice of our men and women in uniform and the aspirations of our children.”
Former President Barack Obama also responded to his former vice president.
“Four years ago, in the middle of a pandemic, we needed a leader with the character to put politics aside and do what was right. That’s what Joe Biden did… I’m grateful to Joe for his leadership, his friendship and his lifetime of service to this country we love,” Obama said.
Netanyahu says cabinet won’t meet over ceasefire deal with Hamas yet
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said his cabinet will not meet to approve the deal for a ceasefire in Gaza until Hamas ends a “last-minute crisis.” The decision comes after Netanyahu’s office said Hamas retracted on some of the terms of the agreement but did not specify which.
Even as a deal seems close or even imminent, Israeli strikes continued in the Gaza Strip, with the territory’s health ministry reporting at least 48 people killed over the past day.
Under the three-phase ceasefire agreement, fighting will stop in Gaza for 42 days. Thirty-three Israeli hostages, including two Americans, and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners will be freed during the first phase. It is set to go into effect Sunday, Jan. 19.
The remainder of the hostages, including Israeli male soldiers, are to be released during the second phase. Hamas said it will not release the remaining captives without a lasting ceasefire and a full Israeli withdrawal.
Israeli troops will pull back to the edges of Gaza and many Palestinians will be able to return to what remains of their homes — something many people took to the streets to celebrate. Israel is also set to allow a flood of humanitarian aid into the region.
The Associated Press reported Thursday morning that mediators from Egypt, Qatar and the U.S. will meet in Cairo on Thursday for talks on implementing the deal.
On Truth Social, Trump said his administration will continue to work closely with Israel to make sure Gaza never again becomes what he called a “terrorist safe haven.”
Crews work to control Los Angeles area wildfires as winds die down
The National Weather Service lifted the red flag warning for the Los Angeles area Wednesday night as winds died down. Strong winds have made it harder for fire crews to battle the flames.
However, dangerous fire and weather conditions are expected to return next week.
Good news: We are expecting a much-needed break from the fire weather concerns to close this week. Bad News: Next week is a concern. While confident that we will NOT see a repeat of last week, dangerous fire weather conditions are expected. #cawx#PalisadesFire#EatonFirepic.twitter.com/zhXmHUWtgp
This comes as firefighters still work to contain the two biggest, deadliest and most destructive fires in Southern California. The Palisades and Eaton fires continue to rage in the Los Angeles area.
Plus, a new vegetation fire broke out in the San Bernardino area Wednesday afternoon.
The Eaton and Palisades fires have not grown much over the past few days, but they are both still largely uncontained. Fire officials reported some progress in the desperate fight to extinguish the flames.
Meanwhile, the Little Mountain fire in San Bernardino spans over 30 acres at 0% containment. Police arrested a man in connection with that fire on two felony charges, including one of reckless burning.
Senate confirmation hearings continue as Inauguration Day nears
Senate confirmation hearings continue Thursday, Jan. 16, as President-elect Donald Trump’s picks for interior secretary, EPA administrator, housing and urban development secretary and treasury secretary answer questions from lawmakers.
“To my knowledge, Donald Trump has never acknowledged the legal results of the 2020 election,” Democratic Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin said to Bondi. “Are you prepared to say today, under oath without reservation, that Donald Trump lost the presidential contest to Joe Biden in 2020?”
Bondi replied, “Ranking Member Durbin, President Biden is the president of the United States. He was duly sworn in, and he is the President of the United States. There was a peaceful transition of power. President Trump left office and was overwhelmingly elected in 2024.”
Republican Sen. Marco Rubio, Trump’s pick for secretary of state, also had his hearing Wednesday. Straight Arrow News political correspondent Ray Bogan has a complete breakdown of what happened here.
Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket lifts off on first space flight
Thursday morning saw a big win for billionaire Jeff Bezos’ space company, Blue Origin, as its New Glenn rocket blasted off into orbit.
The company’s first rocket powerful enough to launch satellites into space took off just after 2 a.m. ET from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. All seven of its engines fired successfully.
Blue Origin marked the mission a success after demonstration technology on board, called the Blue Ring Pathfinder, was safely carried to orbit.
However, the company did not reach its bonus goal of guiding part of the New Glenn rocket back to a safe landing on a platform in the middle of the ocean after takeoff.
It took rival SpaceX four tries to get a similar maneuver right.
Still, Blue Origin stressed its most important goal was for the test satellite to reach orbit. NASA intends to use the New Glenn rocket to launch two orbiters to Mars in the future.
FDA bans Red No. 3 in food and drinks due to potential cancer risk
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is taking steps to remove the synthetic dye Red No. 3 from food and beverages, decades after it was linked to cancer risks. Originally approved in 1907, the additive has been a staple in many popular foods, including candy, cereal, cherries and dietary supplements.
In 1980, studies raised alarms about its potential to cause cancer, specifically after high doses of the dye were shown to induce tumors in male rats.
Though the research prompted concern, the FDA did not take immediate action, citing the effects on humans were not shown. However, in recent years, advocacy groups and lawmakers have pressed for stronger action against the dye, prompting the FDA to revisit its stance.
On Wednesday, Jan. 15, the FDA announced plans to remove Red No. 3 from the list of approved color additives, citing the Delaney clause, a law banning any food additives known to cause cancer in both people and animals.
The Center for Science in the Public Interest, which led a petition in 2022 urging the FDA to take action, applauded the move, but called it long overdue. The group pointed to the fact that the dye had already been banned in cosmetics, but remained legal in food and drinks, until now.
“At long last, the FDA is ending the regulatory paradox of Red 3 being illegal for use in lipstick, but perfectly legal to feed to children in the form of candy,” the group said in a statement.
In addition to pressure from advocacy groups, nearly two dozen lawmakers recently called on the FDA to take action for the sake of children’s safety, with their letter stating, “No aesthetic reason could justify the use of a carcinogen in our food supply.”
Other countries, including Japan, Australia and New Zealand, have already restricted or banned the use of Red No. 3 in food products. Now, the U.S. is moving to follow suit.
The FDA is giving manufacturers until 2027 to remove the dye from their products, with an additional year for drug makers to comply with the new regulations.
US House bill OKs Trump talks with Denmark over Greenland purchase
President-elect Donald Trump’s allies in Congress are working to deliver on his vow to make Greenland part of the United States. Republican Rep. Andy Ogles of Tennessee introduced a bill on Monday, Jan. 13, to allow Trump to enter into talks with Denmark over purchasing the arctic island on his first day in office.
The bill, titled the “Make Greenland Great Again Act,” would allow Trump to enter into negotiations with the Danish government, just after noon on Inauguration Day.
The bill would give Congress the ability to block any agreement within 60 days, but it would need a two-thirds majority in both the House and Senate to do so.
Danish officials have repeatedly said the island is not for sale, but are reportedly open to more dialogue with the United States on an increased military presence in the region, which is vital to European and North American national security.
Some residents of the autonomous Danish island also say that it is not for sale, and told The New York Times that they do not want to become Americans, citing fears they will lose benefits such as “free education, free health care and free medicine.”
Democratic leaders in Congress have also dismissed Trump’s desires to acquire Greenland, and the bill would almost certainly need bipartisan support to pass.
Additionally, Trump would not be the first president to try to buy Greenland. In the 1860s, President Andrew Johnson considered buying the island, and decades later President Harry Truman secretly offered Denmark $100 million in gold to swap the island for parts of Alaska.
Trump’s cabinet picks, including Hegseth, have Senate hearings this week
President-elect Donald Trump’s cabinet nominees begin their confirmation hearings before the Senate on Tuesday, Jan. 14. Thirteen nominees will appear before 11 committees as the chamber fulfills its advice and consent role.
Here is a look at the most closely watched.
Tuesday
Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth will appear before the Senate Armed Services Committee. He will have to answer for allegations against him, including sexual and financial misconduct and alcohol abuse. Punchbowl News reports that the top Republican and Democrat on the committee reviewed his FBI file, which was described by those briefed on the matter as unremarkable.
Wednesday
Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., is scheduled to appear before the foreign relations committee. His confirmation as Secretary of State will likely be the fastest and smoothest of all. He could be on the job starting Inauguration Day.
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, R, is vying to become the next secretary for the Department of Homeland Security. Noem will be busy in her new role.
First, she will oversee both the Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement as President Trump seeks to carry out the biggest border enforcement and deportation operation in American history.
She could also be charged with downsizing her department which consists of 22 agencies. Some say it’s bloated and that agencies like FEMA and the Secret Service should be independent.
Attorney General nominee Pam Bondi will sit before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Bondi was Florida’s Attorney General from 2011 to 2019 and has since worked in private practice. Democrats will want her to pledge her independence. Over the years, they have accused President Trump of treating the Justice Department like his personal law firm.
John Ratcliffe will appear before the Senate Intelligence Committee as he seeks to be the next director of the Central Intelligence Agency. Ratcliffe was the director of national intelligence during Trump’s first term and served in Congress for five years before that.
Thursday
Treasury Secretary nominee Scott Bessent will wrap up the busy week. Bessent will have to hit the ground running.
The Treasury Department is currently working to prevent the United States from defaulting on its debt. The country hit the debt ceiling on Jan. 1 and Congress has not yet given authorization to borrow more money.
Bessent would also be in charge of overseeing the implementation of any tariffs or sanctions the president-elect imposes on foreign adversaries.
Supreme Court justices express concern about ‘secret evidence’ in TikTok case
Two Supreme Court justices expressed concern about redacted evidence the government presented in the TikTok case, which attorneys for the app were not able to review. According to an attorney representing TikTok users, the evidence is classified and a lower court agreed to make its decision solely based on the public record.
“I’m concerned about the government’s attempt to lodge secret evidence in this case without providing any mechanism for opposing counsel to review it,” Justice Neil Gorsuch said. “I noted that there are mechanisms to read in counsel and that other countries, including our allies, often do that.”
The subject was first raised when Gorsuch asked the attorney representing TikTok a question that he could not answer.
“Well, Your Honor, the problem there is everything that follows what you just read is redacted, and so I don’t know what it says,” Noel Francisco of Jones Day, which represents TikTok, said.
Gorsuch later said the government has made an increased number of appeals to secret evidence in recent years and therefore it’s something Congress should pay attention to.
Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar made reference to a sealed appendix while she was making her case before the justices. She never said exactly what it contained, she gave a brief overview and urged the justices to read it.
“If you look at that information, it was a wealth of data about Americans that was going to have to go back to China in order for the platform to just continue its basic operations,” Prelogar said.
Prelogar went on to explain that there was factual evidence to show that even when the company said it walled off its U.S. data from China, employees at TikTok’s parent company in China surveilled U.S. journalists in an attempt to learn who was leaking information from inside the company.
“You get to look at it, but your friends on the other side don’t get to look at it,” Chief Justice John Roberts responded to Prelogar. “That doesn’t seem fair.”
“That’s the sealed appendix, Mr. Chief Justice,” Pregolar responded. “So it’s their information. They can look at it. It’s just under seal to protect their proprietary business information.”
Supreme Court casts serious doubt on TikTok’s free speech arguments
Supreme Court justices cast serious doubt on TikTok’s free speech arguments in a case that will decide the future of an app that is used by 170 million Americans. TikTok is fighting a law passed by Congress last year that requires its parent company to sell the app or be prohibited from operating in the United States.
The justices were skeptical from the very beginning, when Justice Clarence Thomas asked the app’s lawyers, “What is TikTok’s speech?”
The attorneys argued their speech is their algorithm, which suggests content for users based on their personal traits, preferences and consumption habits. Thomas responded by saying they are converting the restriction on ByteDance’s ownership of the app as TikTok’s speech.
Chief Justice John Roberts pointed out that the free speech argument does not address Congress’ stated intention for passing the law.
“It seems to me that you’re ignoring the major concern here of Congress which was Chinese manipulation of the content and acquisition and harvesting of the content,” Roberts said.
“I don’t think you are supposed to ignore that at all, but I also don’t think that it changes the analysis,” said Noel John Francisco of Jones Day, which represents TikTok.
“I don’t know if it’s directly affecting the company’s speech or the speech of third parties,” Roberts said.
The law is often described as a TikTok ban, although that’s not technically accurate. The law prohibits distributing, maintaining or providing internet hosting services for an app that’s under the control of a foreign adversary. In this case, the app is TikTok, which is owned by ByteDance, a company based in China, the foreign adversary.
If ByteDance sold the app to an American company, TikTok would be allowed to operate in the United States exactly as it does today.
“TikTok can continue to operate on its own algorithm, on its own terms, as long as it’s not associated with ByteDance. So isn’t this really just all about association?” Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson proposed to TikTok’s attorneys.
Jackson then cited arguments from government attorneys who said the real problem is foreign adversaries manipulating content that is shown to Americans.
“Are you saying those are not compelling government interests?” Jackson asked.
“I am 100% saying that content manipulation is not just not a compelling governmental interest, it is an impermissible governmental interest,” Francisco said.
Arguing on behalf of the federal government, Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar said the law has a “laser-like focus” on the national security threat.
“No one disputes that the [People’s Republic of China] seeks to undermine U.S. interests by amassing vast quantities of sensitive data about Americans, and by engaging in covert influence operations,” Prelogar said. “And no one disputes that the PRC pursues those goals by compelling companies like ByteDance to secretly turn over data and carry out PRC directives.”
Those realities mean that the Chinese government could weaponize TikTok at any time to harm the United States.
Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar
The justices also pointed out holes in the government’s case, particularly the argument that content manipulation would be covert.
“If you just mean what’s covert is the fact that there’s China behind it, I mean, honestly, really, like everybody does know now that there’s China behind it,” Justice Elena Kagan said.
Justice Gorsuch questioned Prelogar’s reasoning that manipulated content could be harmful.
“If that’s true, then wouldn’t that be true for all social media companies for all content,” Justice Gorsuch asked.
If the TikTok ban takes effect Jan. 19, current users will still have the app on their phone and will likely be able to use it.
The law prohibits new downloads and updates. So it should keep working for current users until they update their phone, which will make it no longer compatible with the phone’s operating system, at which point it will stop working.
Millions enroll in Affordable Care Act, breaking records as Biden exits
As President Joe Biden prepares to leave office, the White House announced a new record: nearly 24 million Americans signed up for health insurance. Last month, the federal government opened the annual enrollment period on Healthcare.gov, providing millions of Americans the opportunity to secure coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
The law, originally passed under President Barack Obama, was designed to make health insurance more accessible and affordable.
In a statement, Biden reiterated his commitment to improving health care access. He said, “I made a promise to the American people that I would bring down the cost of health care and prescription drugs.” He added that expanding access to health care has been a key priority throughout his presidency.
Enrollment for 2025 increased by 9%, or about 3.2 million new enrollees. Biden said that these numbers reflect a significant achievement, with total enrollment having more than doubled since he took office.
Biden also emphasized his administration’s ongoing political challenges, particularly from Republican opposition. He noted the work that is still needed to protect programs like Medicare and Medicaid. Biden urged Congress to take action during the current legislative session.
“We must ensure Americans have access to quality, affordable healthcare by extending the ACA premium tax credit this year,” Biden said. The tax credit program helps lower the cost of premiums for many Americans.
According to the Congressional Budget Office, if the tax credits expire, nearly 4 million people could lose their coverage over the next eight years, resulting in a significant rise in the uninsured rate.
As President-elect Donald Trump prepares his return to the White House, the ACA’s future is uncertain. During his first term, Trump attempted to remake the ACA but was ultimately unsuccessful.
However, in a shift from previous positions, Trump says he no longer wants to end the program. Instead, he wants to make it more affordable.
The White House expects enrollment numbers to continue to rise. The deadline for Americans to sign up is still several weeks away.
US Department of Justice to release limited final report on Trump cases
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) says it will release volume one of special counsel Jack Smith’s report on President-elect Donald Trump’s election interference case. However, the department said that it will withhold volume two of the report that focuses on Trump’s possession of classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida from the public for now.
The filing by the DOJ on Wednesday, Jan. 8, was issued to a federal appeals court that is weighing a request from Trump’s lawyers to block the release of Smith’s report.
Two of Trump’s former co-defendants face charges in the classified documents case, and requested emergency motions to block the release of the final report this week.
The DOJ said on Wednesday that it will now release just the first of two volumes focusing on Trump’s alleged efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election, while only allowing chairmen and ranking members of the U.S. House and Senate Judiciary Committees to privately review the classified documents report.
The Justice Department said that volume two will not be released as long as the classified documents case against Trump’s valet Walt Nauta and Mar-a-Lago property manager Carlos De Oliveira is ongoing. Filings also stated that the “limited disclosure” will protect “the defendants’ interests” while informing U.S. Congress and “the public regarding this significant matter.”
The DOJ also requested, in its filing, for the appeals court to throw out Cannon’s order blocking the release of any portion of Smith’s report. Unless vacated, the temporary injunction remains in effect until three days after the appeals court announces its decision.
If the appeals court grants the DOJ’s request, volume one may be released any time after the ruling.
Sec. Austin to announce billions in Ukraine military aid in Germany
The Biden administration is preparing what could be one of its final major weapons packages for Ukraine. This comes as Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin heads to Germany this week for a critical meeting with international allies.
Austin is expected to announce the aid during the 25th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group at Ramstein Air Base on Thursday, Jan. 9. It remains unclear whether the coalition, established under Austin’s leadership, will continue under the incoming Trump administration.
Officials anticipate the new package will total several billion dollars and will be sourced from existing U.S. military stockpiles for rapid delivery. The aid is expected to include critical equipment such as air defense systems, artillery and armored vehicles.
While substantial, the package will not deplete the approximately $4 billion remaining in congressionally authorized funding for Ukraine. Defense officials have indicated that “more than a couple of billion dollars” will likely be left for the incoming administration to allocate as it deems appropriate.
In recent weeks, the Biden administration has expedited nearly $6 billion in military and economic aid to Ukraine. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen recently announced $3.4 billion in economic support to sustain Ukraine’s government operations, schools and emergency services, alongside $2.5 billion in security assistance to address immediate defense needs.
Since 2022, the U.S. has provided $66 billion of the $126 billion in total aid contributed by international allies. The Ukraine Defense Contact Group, comprising 50 nations, has played a pivotal role in coordinating this support.
Established by Austin after Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, the group has focused on delivering training, equipment and financial assistance to bolster Ukraine’s defenses.
As the conflict approaches its third year, both Ukraine and Russia are seeking strategic gains before the U.S. presidential transition on Jan. 20. Ukraine continues to face relentless missile strikes and aerial attacks from Russia, while simultaneously launching a second offensive in the Kursk region.
Transition discussions between the Biden administration and President-elect Donald Trump’s team have addressed the future of U.S. aid to Ukraine. While Trump has pledged to end the war, he has acknowledged that achieving such a goal will likely be complex.