The death toll from the US raid to kidnap President Nicolas Maduro has risen to at least 80, which includes both soldiers and civilians, the New York Times reported on Sunday, citing a senior Venezuelan official. Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez confirmed that US forces had killed a "large part" of Maduro's security detail in the operation, without giving a figure. Venezuelan officials also accused the US of hitting civilian areas but have not released an official death toll yet.

Greetings everyone, and Happy New Year. I am starting this new year with a new right hip. Surgery was back in December, and recovery has gone exceptionally well. I know that many of you have resolutions; I hope you can fulfill them. As we enter into 2026, the year that will welcome America's 250th celebration of Independence, and a critical midterm election, there is a simple question. What do Democrats prioritize?

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth moved on Monday to demote Sen. Mark Kelly's (D-Ariz.) military rank over his participation in a recent video with five other Democrats, in which they reminded U.S. service members that they can refuse illegal orders from higher-ups. Hegseth said in a statement that the Pentagon has initiated retirement grade determination proceedings, also called officer grade determinations, with "reduction in his retired grade resulting in a corresponding reduction in retired pay."

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced Monday that the Pentagon is taking administrative action to punish Sen. Mark Kelly, a retired Navy captain, by cutting his retirement pay for participating in a video where he and other Democratic lawmakers reminded US service members of their duty to refuse illegal orders. Hegseth said in a post on X that the US military will reduce the amount of retirement pay Kelly receives and has issued a secretarial letter of censure, which would stand as a written reprimand but have no practical consequences for the Arizona Democrat. "In response to Senator Mark Kelly's seditious statements — and his pattern of reckless misconduct — the Department of War is taking administrative action against Captain Mark E. Kelly, USN (Ret)," Hegseth posted on X. "The department has initiated retirement grade determination proceedings under 10 U.S.C. § 1370(f), with reduction in his retired grade resulting in a corresponding reduction in retired pay."

The Justice Department has requested a weeklong delay in returning a group of Venezuelan nationals deported under the Alien Enemies Act to the United States, citing the recent U.S. military operation in Venezuela. Defendants for the Trump administration have been facing a Monday deadline imposed by U.S. District Judge James Boasberg to either "facilitate the return" of the Venezuelan nationals to the U.S. or "otherwise provide them with hearings that satisfy the requirements of due process." The Venezuelans in question were deported in March 2025 to a megaprison in El Salvador due to their alleged ties to the Tren de Aragua gang, before being transferred to Venezuela under a prisoner exchange.

JD Vance said Monday that an intruder attempted to break into his Cincinnati home, calling the suspect "a crazy person" and thanking law enforcement for their swift response. In a post on X, the vice president said "as far as I can tell" the individual tried to smash windows with a hammer. He expressed gratitude to the Secret Service and local police and urged media outlets not to publish photos of the damaged property, citing concerns about protecting his children's privacy.

At the emergency meeting of the UN security council, António Guterres, the UN secretary general, issued a statement that was read out by diplomat Rosemary DiCarlo. "I am deeply concerned about the possible intensification of instability in the country, the potential impact on the region, and the precedent it may set for how relations between and among states are conducted," Guterres said. "The latest developments follow a period of heightened tensions, beginning in mid August, as discussed in this council on two previous occasions, I have consistently stressed the imperative of full respect by all for international law, including the Charter of the United Nations, which provides the foundation for the maintenance of international peace and security. I remain deeply concerned that rules of international law have not been respected."

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