WASHINGTON, Dec 31 (Reuters) - Jack Smith, the former Justice Department special counsel who brought two now-dropped criminal cases against U.S. President Donald Trump, said that the Republican had acknowledged to others that he lost the 2020 election against former President Joe Biden, according to a transcript of a testimony by Smith.

President Trump said Venezuela must be restored to “law and order” and economic discipline before any talk of elections, following the dramatic US operation that ended with the arrest of leader Nicholas Maduro.

Donald Trump’s actions were condemned even by far-right world leaders, despite him claiming that the ‘fake news’ will not cover the ‘TRUTH’

The president's comments aboard Air Force One contrasted with the diplomatic tone of Venezuela's Delcy Rodríguez, who extended an invitation to work with the U.S.

Former special counsel Jack Smith defended his decision to bring charges twice against President Donald Trump -- telling lawmakers in a closed-door deposition earlier this month that his team "had proof beyond reasonable doubt in both cases" that Trump was guilty of the charges in the 2020 election interference and classified documents cases.

If history is a guide, Republicans stand a good chance of losing control of the House of Representatives in 2026. They have just a slim majority in the chamber, and the incumbent party usually gives up seats in midterm elections.

The president faces the inevitable waning of power in a second term, but he also will begin the year with an erosion in political support.

President Trump claimed the U.S. is "in charge" of Venezuela after Maduro's arrest, outlining plans to rebuild economy and delay elections until recovery is complete.

President Donald Trump insisted Sunday the United States is "in charge" of Venezuela after the seizure of Nicolas Maduro, but was also dealing with the new leadership.Trump had earlier threatened that Rodriguez would pay a "big price" if she does not cooperate with the United States.

Saurabh Mukherjea, Founder & CIO of Marcellus Investment Managers says the downward pressure on Indian rupee persists unless the U.S. and India can reach a free trade agreement, which he doesn't think is likely to happen due to U.

Trump seized on Mamdani’s rise as one of the left’s leading figures to warn he spelled disaster for NYC. Then he won, and Trump changed his tune.