Trump Admin Live Updates: Admiral Bradley Ordered Second Drug Boat Strike

Congressional Activities and Ongoing Negotiations

Both chambers of Congress have returned to Washington, D.C., following the Thanksgiving recess, with a focus on government funding bills for the remainder of the year. The Senate continues its negotiations on the Affordable Care Act tax credits, which are set to expire by the end of the year. Meanwhile, the House is preparing to vote on several education-related bills as well as two pieces of legislation concerning the Small Business Administration.

White House Optimistic About Ukraine Peace Deal

On Monday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt expressed optimism about the possibility of a Russia-Ukraine peace agreement during a press briefing. She highlighted that Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff had productive discussions with a Ukrainian delegation in Florida. Leavitt noted that Witkoff is scheduled to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow early this week.

Leavitt emphasized the administration's commitment to ending the war and maintaining diplomatic efforts with both sides. However, she did not provide specific details about the ongoing negotiations, deferring to the negotiators involved.

White House Avoids Questions on Drug Boat Strike

During a press briefing, Leavitt avoided answering questions regarding the deaths of survivors from a second strike on a drug boat in the Caribbean Sea in September. When asked about the incident, she referred the question to the Department of Defense. Leavitt stated that Admiral Bradley acted within his authority and the law to ensure the boat was destroyed and the threat eliminated.

A source familiar with the incident confirmed to ABC News that there were survivors from the initial strike who were later killed in subsequent strikes. Leavitt declined to comment on any potential changes in policy regarding such attacks.

Trump’s MRI Results Highlight Excellent Health

Leavitt announced that President Donald Trump’s MRI results, conducted in October, confirmed he remains in excellent overall health. The imaging was performed to identify any potential issues early and ensure long-term vitality. Trump’s cardiovascular and abdominal imaging were described as "perfectly normal."

White House Defends Trump’s Pardon of Former Honduran President

Leavitt responded to questions about Trump’s pardon of former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez, who was sentenced to 45 years in prison for aiding drug traffickers. She claimed that Hernandez was "set up" and accused the previous administration of over-prosecuting him due to political differences.

White House Supports Continued Mass Deportation Efforts

In the wake of a shooting involving a National Guardsman in Washington, D.C., Leavitt emphasized the importance of completing the president's mass-deportation operation. She stated that the White House is "praying" for the injured Guardsman and called for the prosecution of the suspect.

Leavitt also stressed the need to address "massive fraud and corruption" that has persisted for decades.

Senator Kelly Addresses Allegations of Intimidation

Democratic Senator Mark Kelly is set to hold a news conference to address what he describes as efforts by former President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to intimidate him. Kelly was among six lawmakers who appeared in a video urging military members to refuse illegal orders.

The Department of Defense recently launched a review into Kelly, citing "serious allegations of misconduct." In the video, the lawmakers emphasized the importance of refusing orders that violate the law or the Constitution.

Trump Vows to Release MRI Results

During a gathering with reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump stated he would release the results of his MRI if requested. He admitted he was unsure of the body part being scanned but claimed he "aced" a cognitive test.

Trump Praises Syria and Warns Israel

In a social media post, Trump praised the progress in Syria under new leadership and urged Israel not to interfere with Syria’s development. He called for strong relations between the two nations and expressed hope for a prosperous future.

U.S.-U.K. Pharmaceutical Tariff Agreement

The United States and the United Kingdom reached an agreement on pharmaceutical tariffs, exempting U.K. pharmaceuticals from Section 232 duties. In exchange, the U.K.'s National Health Service will pay 25% more for new medicines. This deal is part of broader trade negotiations initiated in May.