What we covered here
• Tanker seized: President Donald Trump said the US has taken control of an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela. The seizure was denounced by Venezuela as an “act of international piracy.”
• Defense bill: The House advanced the National Defense Authorization Act for the next fiscal year, sending the massive defense policy bill to the Senate for final passage. The bill includes a provision that increases pressure on the Pentagon to release videos of strikes against alleged drug boats.
• Health care: GOP lawmakers are still unclear on a unified plan to tackle health care costs as Affordable Care Act subsidies are set to expire. The Senate will vote tomorrow on both Republican and Democratic proposals, which are expected to fail.
Our live coverage of the Trump administration has ended for the day. Get the latest here.
Seized tanker concealed location while docked at Venezuelan oil terminal, satellite image and shipping data show
The tanker seized off the coast of Venezuela by US officials hid its true location while it was docked at a Venezuelan oil terminal last month, according to satellite imagery and shipping data reviewed by CNN.
On November 18, the Skipper was seen on satellite imagery docked around seven miles from the coastal Venezuelan city of Barcelona, according to a satellite image provided by Planet Labs. But at the same time, the ship’s Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponder was indicating it was located around 560 miles away, off the coast of Georgetown, Guyana.
Analysts say oil tankers sometimes “spoof” their AIS location to hide questionable or illegal activities. The Skipper broadcast the same coordinates, placing it off the coast of Guyana for nearly the entire month of November, before it stopped broadcasting its location altogether.
In the satellite image, the Skipper can be seen docked at the Jose Oil Terminal, which is located around 7 miles from Barcelona city and is operated by Venezuela’s state-owned oil and gas company, PDVSA.
Before arriving in Venezuela, the Skipper appeared to dock in Port Said, Egypt in November 2024, according to shipping data. It appeared to have docked in Khor Fakkan in the United Arab Emirates in June 2025, according to shipping data.
From the UAE, the Skipper then travelled towards the coast of Iran. At one point in early July, it loitered less than 15 miles off Iran’s coast for several days.
Outside of the Middle East, the Skipper made an anchorage off Hong Kong in August. It also transited the Strait of Malacca two times between July and September, according to shipping data.
The Skipper, previously named the Adisa, was sanctioned by the US in 2022 for supporting facilitating oil trades for Hezbollah and the Iran Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force, according to the US Treasury.
Correction: An earlier version of this post included the wrong year for the Skipper’s docking in Port Said.
Venezuela says US seizure of oil tanker off its coast is an “act of international piracy”
Venezuela this evening strongly denounced the US seizure of an oil tanker off its Caribbean coast, describing the move as an “act of international piracy.”
A statement from the Venezuelan government said the move, along with previous comments from US President Donald Trump, made it clear that Washington’s policy toward Caracas is part of a “deliberate plan to plunder our energy resources.”
Venezuela said it would appeal the seizure to “all existing international bodies.”
Bondi releases video of US seizure of oil tanker off Venezuelan coast
Attorney General Pam Bondi released video of the US seizing an oil tanker off the Venezuelan coast.
Earlier today, President Donald Trump confirmed that the US took control of the oil tanker.
The president did not offer any detailed explanation for the move, saying only that it was seized “for very good reason” and signaling that the administration would soon release additional information. Asked what would happen to the oil the tanker was transporting, Trump said, “We keep it, I guess.”
CNN’s Adam Cancryn contributed reporting.
House advances massive defense policy bill that includes key provision on boat strikes. It's now up to Senate
The House has advanced the National Defense Authorization Act for the next fiscal year, sending the massive defense policy bill to the Senate for final passage.
Some key context: The bill includes a provision that increases pressure on the Pentagon to provide Congress with videos of its strikes against suspected drug boats in the Caribbean. The inclusion of the provision in the must-pass legislation, which was negotiated by top House and Senate Democrats and Republicans, reflects lawmakers’ continued desire for the Trump administration to disclose more information about the military’s controversial September 2 “double-tap” strike on a suspected Venezuelan drug boat.
Gold cards, the Fed and Venezuela. Here's some of what Trump talked about at a roundtable discussion today
President Donald Trump just answered media questions on a range of topics at a roundtable discussion with business leaders at the White House today.
Here’s some of what he said:
Gold cards: The president announced that his “gold card” immigration policy, which he said would fast-track visas for certain immigrants in exchange for a hefty fee, is officially launching today.
Today’s Fed rate cut: Trump dismissed the quarter-point cut as “rather small,” going after outgoing Fed chairman Jerome Powell. The president echoed his handpicked Federal Reserve governor Stephen Miran, who was one of three dissenting votes, and said he wanted more of a rate cut.
The battle over Warner Bros. Discovery: Trump says he will “probably” be involved in regulatory decisions around the battle to purchase Warner Bros. Discovery (the parent of CNN) after Netflix announced a $72 billion deal to buy a large part of the company last week and rival Paramount launched a hostile takeover bid.
His Cabinet: Trump defended members amid reports that some of those high-level officials could be leaving the administration.
Tensions with Venezuela: Trump confirmed that the US has taken control of an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela. The president did not offer any detailed explanation for the move, saying only that it was seized “for very good reason.”
The “double-tap” strike: He dismissed calls to release footage of the military’s second strike on survivors of an attack on an alleged drug boat in September, insisting it was a “dead” issue. Trump initially supported publicizing the video, but he has backpedaled in recent weeks.
Ukraine: The president said he discussed Ukraine in “pretty strong words” with European leaders during a phone call today.
Fresh fighting: The president said he’s expecting to hold a phone call tomorrow to address the fighting between Thailand and Cambodia.
Gaza: Trump said the Board of Peace for Gaza will be unveiled next year, saying “the heads of the most important countries” want to be on it.
CNN’s Samantha Waldenberg, Betsy Klein and Adam Cancryn contributed reporting.
Ukraine has sent an updated peace proposal to the US, source says
Ukraine has sent the United States an updated peace proposal to end Russia’s war, a Ukrainian official with knowledge of the negotiations told CNN on Wednesday.
The development comes just days after US President Donald Trump told Politico that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky needed to “get on the ball” and “start accepting things,” arguing that Russia has the upper hand and a stronger negotiating position.
Board of Peace for Gaza will be unveiled next year, Trump says
President Donald Trump said the Board of Peace for Gaza will be unveiled next year, saying “the heads of the most important countries” want to be on it.
“It’ll be one of the most legendary boards ever. Everybody wants to be on it,” he said. “We thought we’d get very distinguished people that do that kind of thing for a living. But really it looks like it’s turning out to be, they want to be on — the heads, the kings and the presidents, prime ministers.”
What to know about this board: Suggested in Trump’s 20-point Gaza plan and endorsed by the UN Security Council in a resolution, the Board of Peace is envisioned to run Gaza for a two-year period, supported by international forces and Palestinian police trained by Egypt. The Board would oversee the disarmament of Hamas and other factions – a key Israeli demand – and the reconstruction of Gaza, according to a draft of the resolution seen by CNN.
Ahead of the vote last month, CNN reported that it was yet unclear who would serve on the BoP and just what its powers would be, according to diplomats familiar with the process. There is also existing opposition from stakeholders on different parts of this governance plan. It has faced scrutiny for lacking a clear timeline for the transitional authorities to hand over to the Palestinian Authority, saying only that it will do so once the PA “has satisfactorily completed its reform program.”
Trump dismisses calls to release footage of "double-tap" strike on alleged drug boat
President Donald Trump on Wednesday dismissed calls to release footage of the military’s second strike on survivors of an attack on an alleged drug boat in September, insisting it was a “dead” issue.
“I thought that issue was dead,” he said in response to a question from CNN’s Kristen Holmes. “I’m surprised you bring it up.”
Trump initially supported publicizing the video, but he has backpedaled in recent weeks, leaving it up to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to make the decision.
Hegseth has not yet committed to releasing the footage from the follow-up strike in the Caribbean, despite intensifying pressure from Capitol Hill.
“I don’t know about lawmakers,” Trump said in response to the push from Congress.
Trump defends his Cabinet amid reports that some officials could be leaving
President Donald Trump defended members of his Cabinet on Wednesday amid reports from CNN and other outlets that some of those high-level officials could be leaving the administration.
“I think the Cabinet’s done a great job. I read a story that I was unhappy with Pete because he was attacking drug dealers. I said, that’s not exactly right. I would say very much the opposite. Pete Hegseth has been phenomenal,” the president said of his defense seceretary.
“I read a story recently. I’m unhappy with Kristi. I’m so happy with her. I mean, we have a closed border. We have a border that’s the best border in the history of our country. Why would I be unhappy? She’s fantastic,” the president continued of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
The president then joked, in the presence of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, that “we have a fantastic Cabinet, really fantastic Cabinet, I mean Lutnick I’ll have to think about.”
“Can’t have everything,” Lutnick joked.
CNN has reported last month that the White House is preparing for possible turnover in the Cabinet after the president reaches the one-year mark of his term, potentially shaking up his otherwise stable team of secretaries, according to multiple people familiar with the discussions.
At least one of the federal agencies that could see change, CNN reported, is DHS.
Johnson says he "just can't get Republican votes" on extending enhanced ACA tax credits
House Speaker Mike Johnson pushed back on moderates in his caucus led by Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick filing a discharge petition for a bill to extend enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies, saying they “just can’t get Republican votes” to support that.
Johnson said he did not hold their decision against them personally and said he understood “the situation they’re in for their districts.”
“There’s a lot of people who are very concerned about Obamacare and the fact that the subsidies were created by Democrats for covid era limited use, and they want to be extended. We just can’t get Republican votes on that for lots of reasons, not enough of them,” he said.
Trump says he'll "probably" be involved in regulatory decisions around Warner Bros. Discovery deal
President Donald Trump says he will “probably” be involved in regulatory decisions around the battle to purchase Warner Bros. Discovery after Netflix announced a $72 billion deal to buy a large part of the company last week and rival Paramount launched a hostile takeover bid.
“I’m not involved in that. I will be probably involved, maybe involved in the decision. It depends. You have some good companies bidding on it,” Trump said when asked about the potential deals during a business roundtable.
Ordinarily, antitrust decisions about major deals are made after lengthy Justice Department reviews, without explicit political interference. But the president has previously made clear he is planning to be part of the decision-making.
The president is close with billionaire Larry Ellison, whose son, David, became the chief executive of Paramount this year, and has described Netflix co-chief Ted Sarandos as a “great person.”
Trump went on to lash out against CNN, which is owned by Warner Bros. Discovery, calling its leadership a “disgrace” as he called for the news organization to be sold.
“I think it’s imperative that CNN be sold,” he said.
Trump discussed Ukraine in “pretty strong words” with European leaders
President Donald Trump told reporters Wednesday that he discussed Ukraine in “pretty strong words” with European leaders during a phone call on Wednesday.
“The leaders of France, we spoke to, and Germany and UK, all very good leaders, very good friends of mine. And we discussed Ukraine in pretty strong words. And we’ll see what happens. I mean, we’re waiting to hear answers before we progress,” the president said.
The president also suggested that the European leaders have requested the United States attend a meeting over the weekend in Europe.
“They would like us to go to a meeting over the weekend in Europe. And we’ll make a determination, depending on what they come back with,” the president said.
Pressed by CNN’s Kristen Holmes if that meeting would include Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the president said the meeting would be “with Zelensky and us.”
Trump says he'll hold call tomorrow to address Thailand and Cambodia tensions
President Donald Trump said Wednesday he’s expecting to hold a phone call Thursday to address the fighting between Thailand and Cambodia after Thailand launched airstrikes against Cambodia earlier this week.
“I think we’re scheduling a phone call tomorrow with Thailand,” the US president told reporters during a business roundtable at the White House. “With Thailand and Cambodia, I think, I think I can get them to stop fighting. Who else can do that?”
Thailand launched airstrikes against Cambodia on Monday as a new wave of fighting erupted between the Southeast Asian neighbors, leaving a peace plan presided over by Trump just two months ago in danger of collapse.
“We’re going to put it out again. So I think I’m scheduled to speak to them tomorrow and see if I can,” Trump added.
CNN’s Kocha Olarn Rhea Mogul and Ally Barnard contributed to this post.
Conservative hardliners say Johnson and Rubio agreed to key concessions in exchange for moving defense bill
A handful of House GOP holdouts on a critical defense policy bill switched their votes at the eleventh hour after key concessions from senior party leaders – including one delivered in a phone call from Secretary of State Marco Rubio – and another potentially for a vote to crack down on stock trading by members of Congress.
Three hardliner Republicans – Reps. Tim Burchett of Tennessee, Anna Paulina Luna of Florida and Lauren Boebert of Colorado – told CNN that they spoke with Rubio on a private call about their concerns that federal funding was going to the Taliban.
The phone call with Rubio took place in a private GOP room off the House floor, where party leaders huddled with their hardline holdouts in the middle of the stalled vote. As Speaker Mike Johnson and his team worked over the holdouts, the vote was open for roughly 80 minutes. In the end, GOP leaders flipped roughly a half-dozen votes.
This group said they suggested they secured a promise from Johnson’s team to bring a bill to block stock trading by members of Congress to the floor in the future, a nod to Luna’s months-long pressure campaign on the issue. It’s not clear exactly what bill would come to the floor, or when. (Pressed about the details of that agreement, Luna said: “We’ll let you ask the speaker on that.”)
Trump says he will meet with former Fed Gov. Kevin Warsh today
President Donald Trump said he will be meeting today with former Fed Gov. Kevin Warsh, who previously was under consideration to be Trump’s Treasury secretary for the president’s second term and was a candidate for the top job at the Fed during Trump’s first term.
Trump told reporters today that he will “maybe” announce his decision for the next Federal Reserve Chair within the next two weeks.
“I sort of have a very good idea of what I’m looking for,” the president said. “Again, I’m looking for somebody that will be honest with interest rates, that’s all. I just want honesty. Our rates should be much lower, our rates should be the lowest rates in the world.”
CNN’s Bryan Mena and Elisabeth Buchwald contributed reporting.
Trump says US seized oil tanker off Venezuelan coast
President Donald Trump on Wednesday confirmed that the US has taken control of an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela.
“As you probably know we’ve just seized a tanker on the coast of Venezuela,” Trump said. “Large tanker, very large, largest one ever seized, actually.”
The president did not offer any detailed explanation for the move, saying only that it was seized “for very good reason” and signaling that the administration would soon release additional information. Asked what would happen to the oil the tanker was transporting, Trump said, “We keep it, I guess.”
The move risks further escalating tensions with Venezuela, where Trump has intensified a pressure campaign aimed at forcing the nation’s leader, Nicolas Maduro, out of power.
In response to questions from CNN’s Kristen Holmes, Trump said he had not spoken to Maduro recently and declined to say who owns the seized tanker.
Trump says Fed rate cut is “rather small,” “could have been doubled"
President Donald Trump dismissed Wednesday’s Federal Reserve rate cut as “rather small,” going after outgoing Fed chairman Jerome Powell.
“He did a rather, I would say, a rather small number that could have been doubled, at least doubled,” Trump said during a business roundtable moments after the Fed’s decision was announced Wednesday, attacking Powell as a “stiff” and a “deadhead.”
The president echoed his handpicked Federal Reserve governor Stephen Miran, who was one of three dissenting votes on Wednesday, and said he wanted more of a rate cut — a half a percent, not a quarter.
In an interview with Politico earlier this week, Trump replied affirmatively when asked if a litmus test for a new Fed chair would be that they lower interest rates immediately. It comes as National Economic Council director Kevin Hassett, who is on the president’s short list for Fed chair, says he believes Trump will finalize his pick to replace Powell “in the next week or two.”
House will soon vote to pass the annual defense policy bill
Earlier today, the House cleared a critical procedural hurdle toward advancing the National Defense Authorization Act for the next fiscal year, setting the massive defense policy bill up for a floor vote.
Though GOP leaders scrambled and worked this afternoon to persuade their own members to advance the bill, the measure is expected to pass the House.
Once it clears the chamber, the Senate must take it up for final passage.
The inclusion of the provision in the must-pass legislation — which was negotiated by top House and Senate Democrats and Republicans — reflects lawmakers’ continued desire for the administration to disclose more information about the military’s controversial September 2 “double-tap” strike on a suspected Venezuelan drug boat.
Trump announces "gold card" visa is launching on Wednesday
President Donald Trump announced at a roundtable event that his “gold card” immigration policy, which the president said would fast-track visas for certain immigrants in exchange for a hefty fee, is officially launching on Wednesday.
“Very excitingly, for me and for the country, we’ve just launched the Trump gold card. About 30 minutes from now, the site goes up and all funds go to the United States government,” the president said.
The president previewed the gold card immigration program first in February and then signed an executive order in September calling on his administration to establish an application for the gold card.
The new pathway will allow foreigners to pay $1 million to expedite their visa application, or have companies pay $2 million to sponsor a foreign worker they want to bring into the US.
