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DOJ Launches Investigation Into Russiagate Actions by Federal Officials
What's happening
DOJ Launches Investigation Into Russiagate Actions by Federal Officials — The Trump administration announced Tuesday it would halt immigration applications from 19 countries, citing national security concerns. Following a suspected terrorist attack in Washington D.C. allegedly involving an Afghan national, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has placed a hold on asylum applications from these nations. The countries identified include Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. Explainer Trump Administration Reassesses Approach to Sanctuary Officials Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized the need for strict immigration controls, stating, "Our forefathers built this nation on blood, sweat, and the unyielding love of freedom—not for foreign invaders to slaughter our heroes." The administration's criteria for these countries is rooted in security concerns, particularly the inability to confirm proper vetting of immigrants. In addition to the 19 countries, some analysts argue that Mexico, China, and India should also be considered for travel restrictions. According to a 2023 report from CNN, Mexicans represent the largest group of immigrants in the U.S., followed by India and China. The report highlights that a significant portion of these individuals may be living in the country without authorization. Critics of immigration from Mexico point to incidents of civil unrest, where demonstrators displayed Mexican flags during protests against deportations. The recent agreement between the Trump administration and pharmaceutical companies Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk aims to expand affordable coverage for obesity drugs, a move that has been met with both praise and skepticism.
What's at stake
While the initiative is expected to lower the prices of popular drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, critics argue that the deal may ultimately benefit the pharmaceutical companies more than consumers. Explainer Trump Administration Reassesses Approach to Sanctuary Officials What the Trump obesity drug deal promises The announced that prices for Ozempic and Wegovy would decrease significantly, from $1,000 and $1,350 per month to $350 through a new direct-to-consumer platform called TrumpRx, set to launch next year. Additionally, Medicare prices for these drugs are projected to be $245, which is less than half of the prices proposed by the Biden administration. Supporters of the agreement argue that it could give uninsured or underinsured patients access to treatments that were previously out of reach, potentially improving for millions of Americans struggling with obesity. Why analysts say Big Pharma still comes out ahead However, a Wall Street Journal analysis suggests that these advertised discounts may not reflect the true cost dynamics in the pharmaceutical market. The effective prices that pharmaceutical companies receive after accounting for rebates and discounts are reportedly only 20% to 35% lower than current Medicare payments for Mounjaro, a drug used for diabetes. The direct-to-consumer model is expected to benefit those without insurance coverage for GLP-1 drugs, who currently face inflated prices. Yet, the pharmaceutical companies may only experience a modest reduction in net revenue. Analysts note that the companies are shifting their profit strategy from high margins on fewer customers to lower margins on a larger customer base, which could ultimately enhance their market position.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has initiated a federal grand jury investigation into the actions of federal officials related to the alleged Russian collusion narrative, commonly referred to as Russiagate. This investigation aims to hold accountable any individuals involved in conspiring against former President Donald Trump before and after the 2016 election. Explainer DOJ Launches Investigation Into Russiagate Actions by Federal Officials This development follows the recent declassification of documents from late 2016 and 2017, which reveal that high-ranking intelligence and law enforcement officials, including former FBI Director and former CIA Director John Brennan, were involved in creating a narrative that Russia interfered in the 2016 election to benefit Trump. Critics argue that these actions undermined the integrity of the electoral process. "When laws are not enforced and there are no penalties for violations, we get more law-breaking," ( ) said Scott Powell, a senior fellow at the Discovery Institute. He emphasized the need for accountability to restore public trust in the justice system. What to watch next is whether new filings, agency actions, votes, or court decisions change the timeline—and how officials respond in the weeks ahead.
Why it matters
The coverage highlights: 3 Countries That Should Be Next On Trump's Travel Ban List. The coverage highlights: House Subpoenas Jack Smith Over Arctic Frost Fishing Expedition. The coverage highlights: Jack Smith Ignored Constitutional Standards In Arctic Frost Lawfare. The coverage highlights: Comey, James Escape Justice For Now Thanks To 'Partisan Judge'. The coverage highlights: Why Trump's Obesity Drug 'Deal' Will Help Big Pharma Most Of All. The coverage highlights: Judge: Halligan Can't Prosecute Comey Since Trump Appointed Her.
Key facts & context
2025-12-04: 3 Countries That Should Be Next On Trump's Travel Ban List. 2025-12-03: House Subpoenas Jack Smith Over Arctic Frost Fishing Expedition. 2025-11-25: Jack Smith Ignored Constitutional Standards In Arctic Frost Lawfare. 2025-11-25: Comey, James Escape Justice For Now Thanks To 'Partisan Judge'. 2025-11-25: Why Trump's Obesity Drug 'Deal' Will Help Big Pharma Most Of All. 2025-11-24: Judge: Halligan Can't Prosecute Comey Since Trump Appointed Her. 2025-11-14: Grassley: DOJ Partisans Killed Probe Into Clinton, DNC. 2025-09-30: James Comey Indicted on Two Counts by Grand Jury. 2025-09-29: James Comey Indicted Amid Political Tensions. 2025-09-26: James Comey Indicted for Obstruction and False Statements.
Timeline & key developments
2025-12-04: 3 Countries That Should Be Next On Trump's Travel Ban List. 2025-12-03: House Subpoenas Jack Smith Over Arctic Frost Fishing Expedition. 2025-11-25: Jack Smith Ignored Constitutional Standards In Arctic Frost Lawfare. 2025-11-25: Comey, James Escape Justice For Now Thanks To 'Partisan Judge'. 2025-11-25: Why Trump's Obesity Drug 'Deal' Will Help Big Pharma Most Of All. 2025-11-24: Judge: Halligan Can't Prosecute Comey Since Trump Appointed Her. 2025-11-14: Grassley: DOJ Partisans Killed Probe Into Clinton, DNC. 2025-09-30: James Comey Indicted on Two Counts by Grand Jury. 2025-09-29: James Comey Indicted Amid Political Tensions.
Primary sources
Further reading & references
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