Donald Trump is challenging the federal criminal charges brought against him in connection with the 2020 presidential election, claiming in court filings that his actions are protected by the First Amendment and that he cannot be tried again after being acquitted by the Senate in his impeachment trial. His defense team argued that the prosecution is politically motivated and asked the federal judge to dismiss the charges. The judge has yet to issue a ruling on the matter.
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Jenna Ellis, a senior legal adviser to former President Donald Trump's 2020 campaign, has pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and abetting false statements and writings. In exchange for her plea, Ellis will receive five years of probation and have to pay $5,000 in restitution to the state. Former President Trump has distanced himself from Ellis, with his campaign releasing a statement saying she was never a part of the campaign's legal team. This plea agreement is the latest development in the ongoing investigation into alleged efforts to reverse the outcome of the 2020 election.
Washington State Senator Jeff Wilson was arrested at Hong Kong International Airport on Friday night for possession of an unregistered firearm. Wilson, a Republican from Longview, was traveling with his wife for a five-week vacation in Southeast Asia when he reported the unloaded gun to customs officials. His office has not commented on the incident beyond a statement released on Monday, and it is unclear if Wilson will face any further charges or penalties. The incident has raised questions about the security measures at the Portland, Oregon airport, and sparked debate among Washington state residents.
Hamas released two hostages, Nurit Cooper and Yocheved Lifshitz, for "compelling humanitarian" reasons, bringing joy to their families but leaving over 200 people still held captive. Donald Trump has filed motions in the Jan. 6 case against him, while seven people have died in a Louisiana highway crash and House Republicans are narrowing down speaker candidates.
China has replaced its Defense Minister, General Li Shangfu, who had been in office since June 2023. This is the second senior Chinese official to disappear this year, following the removal of former Foreign Minister Qin Gang in July. The removal of these two officials has raised questions about the stability of the Chinese government and the future of President Xi Jinping's leadership.
House Republicans are attempting to move past the divisions that have marked their search for a new House Speaker, and will meet on Tuesday to narrow the field of eight candidates to one. The chosen candidate must secure at least 217 votes in order to win, and the outcome of Tuesday's meeting will determine whether the GOP can set aside their differences and move forward.
The United Nations Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA) is struggling to comprehend the loss of 35 staff members in Gaza since October 7th, as the death toll in Gaza rises rapidly due to Israeli airstrikes. In response, French President Emmanuel Macron has proposed an international coalition against Hamas and the larger existential threat of terrorism. The United States has advised Israel to delay an expected ground invasion to allow time to negotiate the release of more hostages.
Former President Donald Trump has declared he will remain neutral in the race to replace House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, with nine candidates in the running and no clear consensus. Trump has suggested that Jesus Christ may be the best candidate for the position, and has filed to appear on the state's Republican presidential primary ballot next year. It is unclear if Trump will eventually endorse a candidate for speaker, but for now he is staying out of the race.