In a significant announcement, President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Kevin Hassett to lead the National Economic Council, a role he previously held during Trump's first term. This position does not require Senate confirmation. Additionally, Trump has selected Jameson Greer as the new U.S. Trade Representative; Greer served as chief of staff at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) during the previous administration.

Internationally, the Group of Seven (G7) foreign ministers reaffirmed their support for Ukraine following two days of discussions. This comes as Trump has indicated plans to reassess U.S. support for Ukraine once he takes office. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has committed to expediting aid to Ukraine, emphasizing the need for the country to be well-equipped to defend itself against escalating Russian aggression. Recent reports indicate that Russia launched a record 188 drones in a single attack on Ukraine, although most were intercepted without causing injuries.

In Pakistan, violent clashes have erupted between security forces and protesters demanding the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who has been imprisoned since last year. The unrest intensified following a rally led by Khan's wife, with officials accusing her of inciting violence. Khan, addressing supporters from jail, urged for peaceful protests.

On the domestic front, a new proposal from the Biden administration aims to cover the costs of popular weight loss medications through Medicare and Medicaid, potentially impacting millions of Americans. However, this initiative could cost taxpayers up to $35 billion over the next decade. The proposal awaits finalization after Trump assumes office, where his nominee for Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has expressed opposition to such drugs.

In corporate news, Walmart has announced a rollback of its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, ceasing participation in an index tracking workplace inclusion for LGBTQ+ employees and terminating a racial equity center established after George Floyd's death. This move aligns with a broader trend among corporations responding to pressure from conservative activists.