Federal Reserve Holds Rates As Inflation Persists at 2.7% — Despite Trump’s Demand to Cut: What It Means for Your Retirement
Experts warn sustained price pressures could erode purchasing power for years
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Do Democrats Even Hear the ‘Stupid Things That Come Out of Their Mouths’: Mike Lawler
A Fox News segment featuring comments from House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and an exchange between Tomi Lahren and Rep. Mike Lawler highlighted sharp divisions over Venezuela, President Donald Trump’s record, and broader economic and health care policy.
The discussion followed remarks from Jeffries criticizing the idea that the United States president could improve conditions in Venezuela.
In a video clip aired during the segment, Jeffries questioned the premise that American leadership could positively influence Venezuela’s future, tying the issue to domestic policy disputes.
“To address the Republican health care crisis. So the notion that he’s going to run Venezuela and make life better for the Venezuelan people, of course, is belied by the facts as to what he’s done as president here in the United States of America,” Jeffries said.
Lahren responded by challenging Jeffries’ assessment and pointing to reactions from Venezuelans themselves. Turning to Lawler, she raised the issue of public sentiment in Venezuela and asked for his response.
“Congressman, really interesting, because the Venezuelan people seem to be pretty excited about the possibility of freedom in their country. But what do you make of Hakeem Jeffries there and his assessment?” Lahren asked.
Lawler rejected Jeffries’ criticism and forcefully defended President Trump’s record while condemning Venezuela’s former leadership.
He began by dismissing what he described as Democratic rhetoric surrounding the issue.
“I don’t even know if they hear themselves talk half the time with the stupid things that come out of their mouths. I mean, I’m sorry,” Lawler said.
He then turned directly to Venezuela’s former president.
“Nicolás Maduro was a despot, a dictator, a brutal murderer, a Marxist who has run his country into the ground.”
Lawler cited Venezuela’s economic collapse as evidence of failed leadership.
“Poverty rates have skyrocketed. You want to talk about health care, you want to talk about food insecurity. This is a man who is sitting on oil, who is sitting on minerals, and has destroyed his economy,” he said.
He added that criticism of President Trump in that context was misplaced.
“And they’re criticizing President Trump.”
Lawler contrasted the current economy under President Trump with the prior administration, arguing the difference was significant.
“Look, when you look at Joe Biden’s economy versus President Trump’s economy, it’s night and day,” he said.
He credited Trump-era policies with economic growth.
“The fact is, the economy is growing. We have job creation. Costs are coming down.”
He also pointed to tax policy as a central achievement.
“We delivered the largest tax cut in American history, that when people go to file their taxes this April, they will see significant reduction in their tax burden because of what we have done,” Lawler said.
“The economy is booming, and this year it is going to really prove fruitful with the policies that we’ve enacted.”
While acknowledging ongoing challenges, Lawler placed responsibility for health care costs squarely on Democrats and the Affordable Care Act.
“Yes, there are issues to deal with, like health care, but by the way, that is because of Obamacare, because Obamacare has failed to actually reduce health care costs,” he said.
Lawler continued by citing long-term trends since the law’s passage.
“That’s their policy. That is their chief policy that they put in place, that they said would reduce health care costs in America, they have skyrocketed over 15 years by 96% meanwhile, insurance company profits are up 2,000%,” he said.
He concluded by accusing Democrats of avoiding accountability.
“Because Obamacare was written by the insurance companies for the insurance companies, but Democrats never seem to want to be honest about how to deal with these problems,” Lawler said.
“They just want to point the finger, blame President Trump and kick and scream.”
WATCH:
Stephen Miller Steamrolls Right Over CNN’s Jake Tapper: ‘Damn Straight We Did’
A tense exchange unfolded between CNN anchor Jake Tapper and White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Stephen Miller during a discussion about U.S. actions in Venezuela, future elections, and the Trump administration’s foreign policy posture.
Tapper opened the exchange by directly referencing U.S. military involvement in Venezuela.
“You invaded the country. We took, went into the country and we seized the leader of Venezuela,” Tapper said.
Miller did not dispute the characterization. “Damn straight we did,” he responded.
Tapper then pressed Miller on what comes next for Venezuela, asking whether democratic processes would follow the intervention.
“So is the U.S. going to have more elections?” Tapper asked.
Miller shifted the focus to U.S. security and border enforcement, emphasizing what he described as the administration’s red lines.
“We’re not going to let tin pot communist dictators send rapists into our country, send drugs into our country, send weapons into our country,” Miller said.
Tapper briefly interjected. “Okay,” he said.
Miller continued by outlining broader strategic goals for the region and the administration’s priorities moving forward.
“And we’re not going to let a country fall into the hands of our adversaries,” Miller said.
“The future of Venezuela, working with America is going to be so bright and so incredible and so positive, and we’ll have a conversation about everything that you raised.”
He stressed that immediate focus remains on stability rather than political timelines.
“But the priority right now, as the President has made clear, is a judicious, thoughtful, careful transition process to secure a great future for Venezuela and to secure a great future for America,” Miller said.
Tapper responded briefly. “All right,” he said.
Miller concluded the exchange by praising President Donald Trump’s recent actions on the global stage, framing them as historically significant.
“Let’s just take a moment and just acknowledge, Jake, that what we’ve witnessed under President Trump’s leadership this last week is one of the greatest foreign policy and military victories this country has ever had,” Miller said.
WATCH:
Man Opens Fire on LAPD Helicopter, Taken Down by Police K9
A Los Angeles Police Department K-9 helped bring a violent confrontation to an end after a suspect fired multiple rounds at a police helicopter during a prolonged standoff that unfolded in broad daylight last month, according to department footage released Sunday.
The incident occurred on Nov. 20 after officers responded to a call reporting an assault with a deadly weapon.
Once on scene, officers deployed an LAPD helicopter to assist with locating and monitoring the suspect.
Police identified the man as Anthony Whitsey, 57, who was seen outside his residence armed with a handgun.
According to LAPD, Whitsey fired “approximately three to five” rounds from a 9mm handgun at the helicopter as it hovered overhead.
Video released by the department shows Whitsey standing in front of his home, gesturing and shouting before raising the firearm and discharging it into the air toward the aircraft.
After the shots were fired, officers on the ground returned fire.
Whitsey was not struck by gunfire, but he eventually dropped the weapon onto his front lawn and retreated back into the house.
The incident then developed into a standoff that lasted nearly four hours as officers attempted to bring the situation to a peaceful conclusion.
During the standoff, SWAT officers established a perimeter around the home.
Negotiators attempted to communicate with Whitsey while aerial units continued to monitor the scene.
Police said the suspect remained inside the residence for an extended period before briefly stepping back outside.
Footage shows Whitsey opening his front door and stepping onto his porch, where officers were positioned nearby.
At that point, officers released a police dog toward the suspect.
The K-9 quickly engaged Whitsey, bringing him to the ground on the porch area.
The video shows the dog securing the suspect while officers moved in to take him into custody.
Whitsey was then restrained and removed from the scene without further gunfire.
Police said Whitsey was transported to a local hospital for treatment of injuries sustained during the arrest.
According to LAPD, Whitsey suffered dog bite injuries to his shoulders, arms, and legs.
He was treated and later booked on charges of assault with a deadly weapon on a police officer.
LAPD confirmed that Whitsey was not struck by bullets at any point during the standoff.
No officers were reported injured during the incident, and the police helicopter was not hit despite being fired upon.
Trump’s Venezuela Moves Bigger Than Reported: Taiwan, AI, BRICS, Iran, China, and Russia
Glenn Beck argued that recent U.S. actions involving Venezuela are not about securing oil for Americans, but about strategically cutting off China’s access to energy and weakening adversarial powers across the globe.
In detailed remarks, Beck laid out what he described as an interconnected strategy involving Venezuela, China, Iran, and global energy dominance.
“Okay, so I want to go over. I put a chalkboard up. And if you’re watching us at Glenn, beck.com you’ll see Venezuela, China, Iran. They’re all connected. All of these things are connected,” Beck said.
He acknowledged that oil is central to the issue, but said the public debate often misses the real point.
“And if one, if somebody tells you this is all about the oil, listen to them, because it is. But I don’t know if they understand what they’re even saying about that.”
Beck explained that while oil, drugs, terrorism, and military concerns are all factors, they must be separated to understand the broader strategy.
“If they’re saying, well, it’s about drugs, okay? This about terror, this about the hemisphere, this about the US military in the war machine, yes to all of those things,” he said.
He emphasized Venezuela’s resource wealth, noting, “Right, now, Venezuela has the largest proven oil reserves on Earth, 303 billion barrels. That’s 17 plus trillion dollars at the current market value.” Beck also referenced gold reserves, saying Venezuela “claim about 8,000 to 10,000 tons of gold that is still in ground.”
However, Beck argued the United States does not need Venezuelan oil.
“Now here’s the part you’re not being told. With all of that oil, we don’t need the oil. Have you noticed the gas prices? They keep coming down. We don’t need the oil,” he said.
Beck stated that U.S. domestic production and refining have reduced reliance on foreign sources.
“We need to pull the oil out of the ground ourselves. Which we are. We need to refine it ourselves. Which we are.”
According to Beck, China is the true target of the strategy. “China needs the oil,” he said.
“China buys 60 to 90% of all of Venezuela’s crude exports.”
He added that China also purchases “85 to 90% of all of the oil from Iran” and “nearly half of all Russian oil.”
Beck said recent developments have disrupted those supply lines.
“What’s happening right now? Well, 60 to 90% of all of the exports from Venezuela now not going to China,” he said.
He questioned how China could sustain its energy needs without Venezuelan oil.
“How is China going to be able to power all of their electricity needs? How are they going to do that if they don’t get oil from Venezuela.”
He also pointed to instability involving Iran.
“Oh, and what else has been destabilized this weekend, Iran,” Beck said, reiterating China’s dependence on Iranian oil.
He framed the debate over oil as misunderstood.
“No, it’s not about oil. We don’t need it. No, it absolutely is about oil, but not for us,” he said.
Beck described the strategy as part of what he called a long-term approach by President Trump.
“This is about Donald Trump again, playing to win the long game,” he said.
Beck argued that denying adversaries access to Western Hemisphere energy would limit their military and technological ambitions.
“We need the energy. The West needs the energy, and you’re not pulling it out of our hemisphere.”
He warned of major consequences for China if Venezuela and Iran were both cut off. “Okay, if Iran and Venezuela fall at the same time, China loses 70% of its non US regulated oil supply, 70%,” Beck said.
He linked that loss to broader strategic outcomes.
“Well, you can’t go into Taiwan. You certainly can’t have a war with Taiwan. You can’t have AI dominance. There’s no BRICS reserve currency.”
Beck dismissed claims that the strategy is about corporate profit.
“No, because if you shut down the oil, know what? War in Taiwan, because they don’t have the energy to do it,” he said.
“No. AI dominance, because they won’t have the energy to do it. And no BRICS currency. Game over for now.”
Beck referenced comments from Senator Marco Rubio supporting the position.
“Here’s what Marco Rubio said over the weekend, we don’t need Venezuelans oil,” Beck said, adding that Rubio emphasized preventing adversaries from controlling energy in the hemisphere.
He acknowledged debate over the legality of President Trump’s actions.
“We can argue about the constitutionality of what Donald Trump did. Does he have the right to do it? Well, I don’t know,” Beck said.
While noting disagreements among constitutional scholars, Beck concluded the policy aligns with an America-first approach.
“What you cannot argue about is if you say you’re America first. This isn’t America first. This is absolutely America first.”
Beck closed by arguing that the strategy extends beyond confrontation.
“Notice another thing, Trump is not just confronting our enemies. He’s stealing alliances,” he said, pointing to diplomatic outreach in the Middle East.
“Because power flows through relationships, not just weapons. This is all about blocking Iran, China and Russia.”
WATCH:
Trump’s capture of Maduro IS “America first.” Not because we get oil, but because we STARVE China of it. Without Venezuela’s oil (and hopefully soon, Iran’s), it’s game over for China:
No Taiwan invasion.
No AI dominance.
No BRICS reserve currency. pic.twitter.com/3b48AdVN7O— Glenn Beck (@glennbeck) January 5, 2026
HHS Sends Shockwaves Across the Medical Industrial Complex with New Vaccine Schedule
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced a major shift in federal health policy, saying it will recommend fewer vaccines for most American children, according to statements made during a live broadcast by Scott Jennings and HHS Deputy Secretary Jim O’Neill.
Jennings broke the news during his program, describing the announcement as it unfolded in real time.
“Scott Jennings is with you, and we begin this hour with breaking news, literal breaking news as we speak, the US, Department of Health and Human Services is announcing that it will recommend fewer vaccines for most American children,” Jennings said.
“This is breaking right now, the literal first interview on this topic is also happening right now on the Scott Jennings show.”
Jennings introduced O’Neill as the official who led the scientific review behind the decision.
“The man who did the scientific work on this is with us. The Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services joins us this hour.
Jim O’Neill is here,” Jennings said.
“Deputy Secretary O’Neill welcome into the Scott Jennings show here at the moment of breaking news, what can you tell us about this announcement coming out from HHS right now about the childhood vaccine schedule?”
O’Neill said the decision followed growing concerns over the expansion of the childhood vaccination schedule over the past several decades.
“Scott, thank you so much for having me. It’s an honor to be on your show and pleasure,” O’Neill said.
“So you know many people have noticed that the United States has recommended more and more vaccines for children every year.”
O’Neill detailed how federal recommendations have increased substantially since 1980.
“They’ve gone from 23 doses for seven diseases in 1980 to more than 80 doses for 18 diseases,” he said.
“Now that’s a huge number of vaccines.”
According to O’Neill, the growing number of recommended doses has raised concerns among parents about safety and necessity.
“Many parents are concerned that they’re injecting their young, innocent children with a lot of medicines,” O’Neill said.
“They’re not sure about the risks and benefits of all these and many people have been asking questions.”
O’Neill said the department has been reviewing the issue throughout the year, including a formal evaluation by federal advisory bodies.
“We’ve been looking at this all year,” he said.
“We’ve had the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices do deep considerations of the safety record for certain vaccines.”
He added that the review expanded following a directive from the President to examine how U.S. vaccine recommendations compare internationally.
“And the President last month, asked me to consider what other countries are doing,” O’Neill said.
“He noticed that some other very developed countries recommend fewer vaccines for a lot of their children, and it seemed worth talking to them and seeing what their logic was.”
O’Neill said he consulted directly with foreign governments and U.S. health agencies as part of the review.
“So I had the pleasure of having good conversations with health ministries, my counterparts in Germany and Denmark and Japan,” he said.
“Also talked with our career vaccine scientists at FDA and CDC.”
Those discussions resulted in a formal recommendation to align U.S. policy with international standards.
“And a lot of our scientists wrote a long formal assessment recommending that we converge United States recommendations on the consensus recommendation vaccines of other countries,” O’Neill said.
He confirmed that the policy shift is now official.
“And I just signed a decision memo today doing that,” O’Neill said.
WATCH:
BREAKING NEWS ON SCOTT JENNINGS SHOW – @HHSGov scales back child vaccine recommendations. EXCLUSIVE 1st interview with the man who wrote it – @HHS_Jim O’Neill pic.twitter.com/X8G2c6pspd
— Scott Jennings (@ScottJenningsKY) January 5, 2026
Arizona Supreme Court Evacuated After Suspicious Package Tests Positive for Explosives
The Arizona Supreme Court and several nearby government offices in downtown Phoenix were evacuated Monday morning after a suspicious package discovered in a courthouse mailroom tested positive for explosive material, according to state authorities, as reported by The New York Post.
The package was found at approximately 8 a.m. inside the Arizona Supreme Court building.
The Arizona Department of Public Safety said in a statement that the package contained multiple vials, two of which tested positive for what officials described as an “unspecified homemade explosive substance.”
BREAKING: ARIZONA SUPREME COURT EVACUATED AFTER EXPLOSIVE PACKAGE FOUND
The Arizona Supreme Court building was evacuated following a “hazardous situation” after a suspicious package was discovered in the mailroom.
Court staff were told the package tested positive for… pic.twitter.com/g9bziqyJxP
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) January 5, 2026
As a precaution, DPS ordered the evacuation of multiple state offices in the area, including the Arizona State Courts building, the Arizona Department of Education, the Arizona Attorney General’s Office, and the Arizona Department of Administration.
Officials confirmed that the Supreme Court was not in session at the time the package was discovered.
Following the evacuation, authorities closed the courthouse and began extensive security sweeps of the building. The package remained inside the facility for several hours as bomb technicians assessed the threat and prepared it for removal.
According to AZ Family, a trained technician wearing full protective gear was later seen carrying the package out of the Supreme Court building.
The device was placed into a spherical containment unit designed to safely transport explosive materials. A police motorcade then escorted the container to a secure location, where authorities planned to detonate it safely, the outlet reported.
Officials worked through the afternoon to ensure the building was secure. DPS said the courthouse and surrounding offices were cleared for reentry at approximately 3:30 p.m. Employees were told they could return to work in the building on Tuesday.
Alberto Rodriguez, a communications director for the Arizona Supreme Court, described the evacuation process and the uncertainty employees faced as the situation unfolded.
“When they notified all staff that we needed to evacuate, I think there was a lot of questions that we didn’t necessarily know about, speaking as a general employee of the Supreme Court. We’re just following directions,” Rodriguez told AZ Family.
He added that the incident hit close to home for court employees.
“I don’t want to speak on behalf of any of my colleagues, but personally, it’s just one of those things where it doesn’t feel good when it gets to your workplace. You hear about it all the time, but it’s unfortunate that it reached the Arizona Supreme Court, where we had to have this evacuation,” Rodriguez said.
Authorities have released limited information about the package. DPS has not said where the package originated, who may have sent it, or whether it was capable of detonating without intervention.
Investigators also have not announced whether the incident is being treated as a targeted threat against the court or a broader security concern.
No injuries were reported during the evacuation or the subsequent removal of the package. DPS said the investigation remains ongoing as officials work to determine the source and intent behind the suspicious delivery.
DeSantis Says Florida Arrested Over 10,400 Illegal Aliens in Statewide Crackdown
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Monday that Florida law enforcement has arrested more than 10,400 illegal aliens since launching a statewide immigration enforcement initiative last year in coordination with federal authorities, as reported by Fox News.
Speaking during a news conference, DeSantis said the arrests stem from “Operation Tidal Wave,” a joint effort between Florida and Immigration and Customs Enforcement that began in April 2025. The operation is described by state officials as the largest cooperative immigration enforcement action in ICE’s history.
“In April 2025, Florida partnered with federal law enforcement in the largest joint immigration enforcement operation in ICE’s history: Operation Tidal Wave,” DeSantis wrote in a post on X.
“Today, I was proud to announce a new milestone in our joint efforts to combat illegal immigration and restore order in our communities: Florida law enforcement have arrested more than 10,400 illegal immigrants across the state.”
In April 2025, Florida partnered with federal law enforcement in the largest joint immigration enforcement operation in ICE’s history: Operation Tidal Wave.
Today, I was proud to announce a new milestone in our joint efforts to combat illegal immigration and restore order in our… pic.twitter.com/X1vVafbMrN
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) January 5, 2026
State officials said the initiative involves coordinated enforcement actions across Florida aimed at identifying and arresting illegal aliens already in custody or encountered during routine law enforcement operations.
DeSantis has made immigration enforcement a central priority of his administration, repeatedly emphasizing cooperation with federal authorities under President Donald Trump.
In September, DeSantis appeared in Tallahassee alongside ICE Deputy Director Madison D. Sheahan and other officials to announce a major infusion of federal funding to expand Florida’s enforcement capacity.
According to Sheahan, Florida is receiving $28 million in federal funds, with an additional $10 million allocated directly to local law enforcement agencies.
The funding is part of a broader $1.7 billion national distribution authorized under President Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill.”
ICE said the funds are designated to support both transportation and equipment needs for participating agencies.
Of the total, $2.7 million is earmarked for transportation support for local law enforcement agencies, while $7.3 million will be used to purchase equipment for 974 local officers.
At the state level, $1 million is allocated for transportation costs, and $27.5 million is designated for equipment benefiting 3,676 state law enforcement officers.
The funding supports Florida’s extensive participation in the federal 287(g) program, which allows trained state and local officers to carry out certain immigration enforcement functions.
ICE officials said Florida currently has 325 active 287(g) agreements, more than any other state, and described Florida as having “set the standard” nationwide for participation in the program.
DeSantis has also issued warnings against interference with immigration enforcement operations in the state. During remarks in September, he made clear that threats or attacks against ICE agents would be met with swift consequences.
“Florida is not Portland,” DeSantis said.
“If you think you can go and launch attacks against ICE agents in this state, you’ve got another thing coming. We will hold you accountable very swiftly and very severely.”
State officials said Operation Tidal Wave remains ongoing, with additional enforcement actions expected as federal and state partnerships continue.
Hilton Blocks ICE Agents From Booking Hotels in Minnesota, DHS Claims
The Department of Homeland Security has accused the Hilton hotel chain of refusing service to Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents operating in Minnesota, raising concerns about what DHS described as a coordinated effort to block federal law enforcement officers from securing lodging while on duty.
The allegation surfaced after DHS posted on social media, sharing screenshots of email exchanges that appeared to show Hilton hotel staff denying bookings to ICE agents specifically because of their role in immigration enforcement.
According to DHS, the refusals were not isolated incidents but part of a broader pattern targeting ICE personnel in the state.
NO ROOM AT THE INN!@HiltonHotels has launched a coordinated campaign in Minneapolis to REFUSE service to DHS law enforcement.
When officers attempted to book rooms using official government emails and rates, Hilton Hotels maliciously CANCELLED their reservations.
This is… pic.twitter.com/qKMKypGtzi
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) January 5, 2026
Journalist Bill Melugin reported on the allegation, citing both DHS statements and information he received directly from ICE officers working in Minnesota.
“DHS just posting on social media a short time ago, accusing the Hilton hotel brand of refusing service to ICE agents in the state of Minnesota,” Melugin said.
“This is their X post, essentially saying Hilton is doing a coordinated campaign to stop ICE officers from booking hotels in Minnesota.”
Melugin explained that DHS shared screenshots documenting the alleged refusals.
“They posted a couple of screenshots of email exchanges showing staff at at least one Hilton Hotel telling them we researched you, we found out your immigration agents and we are not going to provide you service,” he said.
According to Melugin, similar reports have come in from multiple ICE officers stationed in Minnesota, suggesting the issue extends beyond a single property.
“Sandra, I can tell you, it is not a one off,” Melugin said.
“I’ve gotten texts from other ICE officers on the ground in Minnesota, showing me screenshots of other Hilton Hotels denying them service specifically because they are immigration agents.”
The allegations have prompted further inquiry from both DHS and Melugin’s reporting team. Melugin said his team is actively working to verify the claims and is seeking an official response from Hilton.
“Our team on the ground is looking into it, and has reached out to Hilton for comment, and we’ll update our viewers when we hear more on that front,” he said.
WATCH:
Mexico’s Sheinbaum Rejects U.S. Troops on Mexican Soil After Trump Cartel Warning
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Monday rejected the idea of U.S. troops entering Mexico and criticized what she described as foreign intervention in Latin America, following recent U.S. military action in Venezuela and comments from President Donald Trump warning that drug cartels are “running Mexico.”
As Fox News reported, speaking at a press conference in Mexico City, Sheinbaum said Mexico would not accept outside military involvement and emphasized national sovereignty as a core principle of her administration.
“We categorically reject intervention in the internal affairs of other countries,” Sheinbaum said, according to an official transcript released by her office.
“I don’t believe in an invasion; I don’t think it’s something they take seriously,” Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum said Monday in her first press conference since US forces snatched Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro https://t.co/KK92c3s8nw
— Bloomberg (@business) January 5, 2026
“The history of Latin America is clear and forceful. The intervention has never brought democracy; it has never generated well-being or lasting stability. Only people can build their own future, decide their path, exercise sovereignty over their natural resources, and freely define their form of government.”
Her remarks followed a U.S. military operation carried out Saturday in Caracas, Venezuela, during which American forces extracted former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, from their compound.
U.S. authorities said the two were transferred to the USS Iwo Jima and flown to New York, where they were arraigned Monday in Manhattan.
Maduro faces four federal charges: narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, possession of machine guns and destructive devices, and conspiracy to possess machine guns and destructive devices.
Flores is charged with three counts, including cocaine importation conspiracy and weapons-related offenses.
In Mexico City, Sheinbaum said the arrest of Venezuela’s former leader and warnings from Trump that Mexico must “get their act together” would not alter Mexico’s position on sovereignty and self-determination.
Trump made the comments Sunday while speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One. He described Sheinbaum as a “terrific person,” but said criminal organizations dominate large parts of Mexico.
“We’re going to have to do something. We’d love Mexico to do it, they’re capable of doing it, but unfortunately, the cartels are very strong in Mexico,” Trump said.
Sheinbaum responded by stressing ongoing cooperation between Mexico and the United States in combating drug trafficking, organized crime, and the flow of fentanyl, while rejecting the notion of direct U.S. military involvement.
“I don’t believe in an invasion. I don’t even think it’s something they’re taking very seriously,” Sheinbaum told reporters in Spanish when asked about a possible U.S. intervention, according to Reuters’ translation.
—¿Usted tiene miedo, como asegura Donald Trump? —preguntó la reportera.
—Je, je, je… son formas de hablar del presidente Trump. Yo no creo en una invasión, ni siquiera creo que ellos lo estén tomando muy en serio —respondió Claudia Sheinbaum.@Claudiashein pic.twitter.com/LL2T1jj8vR
— José Díaz (@JJDiazMachuca) January 5, 2026
She also said Trump has repeatedly raised the idea of allowing U.S. troops into Mexico during phone calls between the two leaders.
“We have said no very firmly — first because we defend our sovereignty, and second because it is not necessary,” Sheinbaum said.
Mexican officials did not indicate any change in bilateral security cooperation but reiterated that enforcement operations on Mexican soil would remain under Mexican control.
