Wed Dec 17 18:10:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summarized version of the text, rewritten as a news article:

Headline: Trump Administration Faces Rebellions and Scrutiny on Multiple Fronts

Washington D.C. – The Trump administration is facing headwinds on several fronts, from healthcare policy to military actions and international relations.

In a stunning move, four House Republicans broke ranks with party leadership to join Democrats in forcing a vote on extending Affordable Care Act subsidies. The move comes as the House debated a Republican healthcare bill that fails to address the expiring subsidies. The defecting Republicans, representing swing districts, accused Speaker Mike Johnson of blocking a compromise.

Meanwhile, Chairman Mike Rogers of the House Armed Services Committee announced that his committee would end its inquiry into a controversial military strike in the Caribbean. While Rogers stated that he was satisfied the Pentagon was following lawful process, Democrat Jason Crow reiterated his belief that the strike, which killed survivors of an initial attack on a suspected drug smuggling boat, was unlawful.

Former Special Counsel Jack Smith testified behind closed doors to the House Judiciary Committee, reportedly stating that he has “proof beyond a reasonable doubt” that President Trump engaged in a criminal scheme to overturn the 2020 election.

On the international stage, tensions are escalating between the U.S. and Venezuela. President Trump announced a “complete blockade” on sanctioned oil tankers going to and from Venezuela, a move designed to intensify pressure on the Maduro regime. However, the practical implications of this blockade remain unclear, and Venezuela has denounced it as a violation of international law.

South Africa also saw rising tensions with the U.S. when authorities arrested and would deport seven Kenyan nationals working illegally at a refugee application center for the U.S.. This has come amid rising tensions over the U.S. prioritizing white Afrikaners as refugees.

Meanwhile, The Senate approved a $900 billion defense policy bill, sending it to President Trump for his signature. The bill authorizes significant military spending, provides a pay raise for military personnel, and includes provisions to increase congressional oversight of military actions. While the bill largely aligns with the administration’s national security agenda, it also includes measures to counter certain Trump administration policies, such as troop withdrawals from Europe.

Finally, the Trump administration faces criticism for its decision to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Colorado. Critics say the move is an attack on critical scientific research, while the administration claims the center is a source of “climate alarmism”.

Also, a federal appeals court ruled that national guardsmen stationed in Washington D.C. would remain while the court considered the legality of the deployment.

The White House has yet to comment on many of the issues presented in this article.

Read More