The Bulletin

• Trump attacks Zelensky: President Donald Trump has said that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is "no angel" and suggested that he shares the blame for the start of the Russia-Ukraine war. Read his full remarks.

• LA wildfires: As of Friday morning, there are nine active wildfires burning in California, which have killed 28 people and left thousands without homes.

• Texas wants $11 billion back: Texas Governor Greg Abbott has written to congressional leaders asking that the federal government reimburse his state for the $11 billion it spent on border security under Operation Lone Star. Learn more.

• Russian coal miners face bankruptcy: Russia's coal industry is in crisis as mines face bankruptcy against the backdrop of low world prices, it has been reported.

• Trump declassifies John F. Kennedy files: President Donald Trump has signed an order to declassify government records relating to the assassinations of former President John F. Kennedy Jr., civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. and Senator Robert F. Kennedy. Here's what we know.

The rundown: Pete Hegseth, President Donald Trump's nominee for defense secretary, disclosed during his confirmation process that he paid $50,000 to a woman who accused him of sexual assault in 2017. Here's what else was revealed during the confirmation hearing.

Why it matters: Hegseth is among Trump's cabinet picks to face the most amount of scrutiny amid accusations of excessive drinking while being employed at Fox News and sexual assault. He admitted to the payment in response to questions from Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren during the confirmation hearing at the Senate, where he moved inches closer to becoming Secretary of Defense. A 22-page police report detailed allegations that Hegseth sexually assaulted a woman in a California hotel room in 2017. Hegseth told police at the time that the encounter had been consensual and denied any wrongdoing. No charges were filed.

Read more in-depth coverage:
Hegseth Nomination Advances Despite GOP's Murkowski, Collins Breaking Ranks

TL/DR: Hegseth's lawyer, Timothy Parlatore, previously confirmed a settlement was paid to the woman but declined to comment on the $50,000 amount reported by the AP on Thursday.

What happens now? The final hurdle to a confirmation vote is now expected on Friday evening. A simple majority of senators is required to confirm Hegseth's nomination, which appears likely. Most Republicans, who hold a 53-seat majority, have signaled their support for him.

Deeper reading Pete Hegseth Reveals How Much He Paid Accuser

The rundown: As Marco Rubio takes the helm at the State Department, he is facing a growing list of challenges. Find out what's at stake.

Why it matters: Rubio became the first of Trump's cabinet picks to be confirmed by the Senate on Monday. He faces tensions over the Panama Canal, with Trump's controversial claims about Panama's control and China's involvement. Rubio's first international trip focuses on Latin America, aiming to address migration, economic growth and security. In the Middle East, Rubio's strong support for Israel and opposition to a Gaza ceasefire present diplomatic hurdles. He also confronts the Russia-Ukraine war and strained U.S.-Canada relations. Additionally, Rubio is expected to maintain a hard stance on China, which he views as America's "biggest threat."

Read more in-depth coverage:
Marco Rubio Unanimously Confirmed as Secretary of State By Senate

TL/DR: The former Florida senator received overwhelming support from his former colleagues, with 99 senators backing his nomination.

What happens now? Several other Trump nominees are expected to get votes in the Senate in the coming days, including former Representative John Ratcliffe, Trump's pick for CIA director, and former Fox News host Pete Hegseth, nominated for Secretary of Defense.

Deeper reading Five Problems on Marco Rubio's Desk

The rundown: South Korea's military reported Friday that it suspects North Korea is preparing to send more troops to fight with Russian forces and a Ukrainian military chief supported this assertion, saying missiles and artillery could also be sent by North Korea to Russia. Find out more.

Why it matters: North Korea has been supplying large quantities of artillery and other conventional weapons to Russia, and according to U.S., South Korean and Ukrainian intelligence reports, it sent approximately 10,000 to 12,000 troops to Russia in October 2024. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff also assessed that Pyongyang is continuing preparations to test-fire an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of reaching the United States. The move signals Pyongyang's deepening military ties with Moscow amid growing international condemnation.

Read more in-depth coverage:
Zelensky's Videos Breach Geneva Conventions—Human Rights Watch

TL/DR: South Korea's intelligence agency reported last week that approximately 300 North Korean soldiers had been killed and another 2,700 injured while fighting in Russia's war against Ukraine.

What happens now? The growing military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow could strengthen Kim's position in dealings with the U.S. and South Korea. During a major political conference last month, Kim pledged to pursue the "toughest" anti-U. S. policy. However, many experts believe he may eventually seek negotiations with Trump if he perceives an opportunity to secure concessions from Washington.

Deeper reading North Korea's Kim Expected to Send More Troops, Weapons to Russia

The rundown: Elon Musk's controversial gesture at Donald Trump's inauguration was a Nazi salute, a watchdog in Germany that monitors anti-Semitism has told Newsweek. Here's why the controversy is growing.

Why it matters: Musk's gesture has sparked outrage among some Democratic lawmakers in the U.S, as well as politicians and media outlets in Europe. Debate rages in the country, where laws against such actions were passed after World War Two. Berlin-based Amadeu Antonio Foundation said that Musk had, in fact, made a 'Hitler salute' at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. Meanwhile, legal experts have told German media about the legal ramifications of determining whether the gesture would be deemed illegal in Germany, with one judge saying that intent had to be proven.

Read more in-depth coverage:
Elon Musk Ripped by ADL CEO for Nazi Jokes: 'Offensive'

TL/DR: German media have reacted strongly to the gesture, which many have said was like a "Nazi salute".

What happens now? Criticism of Musk over the gesture is likely to continue even if it can't be proven whether or not he intentionally made the Nazi salute. In the meantime, Musk has doubled down on his criticism of his accusers.

Deeper reading Would Elon Musk's Gesture Be Deemed a 'Nazi Salute' in Germany?

The rundown: As President Donald Trump prepares to tour wildfire damage in Los Angeles, he has repeatedly accused state officials of diverting excessive water to environmental causes instead of allocating it to Southern California cities and Central Valley farms. Find out what's driving the dispute.

Why it matters: California's water management has far-reaching implications for its economy, environment and public infrastructure. The state faces perennial challenges balancing agricultural demands, urban water needs and environmental protections. Trump's remarks, which link water policy to wildfire mitigation, spotlight these issues but also draw scrutiny for oversimplifying their complexities. While praised by farmers, his call to reroute water has sparked criticism from environmentalists, concerned about endangered species. The proposed shift may not directly benefit Los Angeles unless federal and state systems align.

Read more in-depth coverage:
Trump Blames the Delta Smelt for Worsening LA Fires

TL/DR: Experts point out that Trump's linking of water policy to fire mitigation is misleading.

What happens now? Trump's visit is likely to intensify debates over California's water policies and their environmental and economic impacts. As state leaders grapple with fire recovery, the potential clash between federal directives and local priorities will remain a critical focus.

Deeper reading Trump Pressures California to Reroute Water to Farms, Cities