President-elect Donald Trump unveiled a series of high-profile Cabinet appointments on Friday night, headlined by the selection of hedge fund manager Scott Bessent as his nominee for Secretary of the Treasury. If confirmed, Bessent would become the first openly gay person to hold the position.

Bessent, 62, is a billionaire investor and founder of Key Square Capital Management, a hedge fund with deep roots in global markets. A longtime associate of Soros Fund Management, Bessent has emerged as a vocal advocate of Trump’s economic policies. Despite previously supporting Democratic candidates, Bessent now aligns with Trump’s vision of economic revival through tax cuts and tough trade measures targeting China.

“This election is the last chance for the U.S. to grow its way out of this mountain of debt without becoming a European-style socialist democracy,” Bessent said in August, signaling his focus on deficit reduction.

Trump praised Bessent as a “world-renowned international investor and geopolitical strategist” in a statement on Friday, adding that he was confident in Bessent’s ability to steer the nation’s economic policies.

Key Economic and Domestic Picks

Trump also announced other major appointments:

• Russell Thurlow Vought as Director of the Office of Management and Budget. A veteran of the Trump administration, Vought is known for his conservative fiscal policies and role in shaping the right-leaning “Project 2025” blueprint, although Trump distanced himself from the plan during his campaign.
• Lori Chavez-DeRemer, a former Oregon congresswoman, was nominated as Secretary of Labor. Trump touted her ability to unite business and labor interests, a key component of his “America First” agenda.
• Scott Turner, a former NFL player and director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council under Trump, was picked to head the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Health and National Security Picks

Trump’s health-related nominations include:

• Janette Nesheiwat, a family medicine doctor and Fox News contributor, as Surgeon General.
• Dave Weldon, a former congressman and medical doctor, to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
• Martin Makary, a surgeon and Johns Hopkins professor, as Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

On the national security front:

• Alex Wong, a former State Department official who played a role in negotiations with North Korea, was tapped for Deputy National Security Adviser.
• Sebastian Gorka, a conservative commentator with decades of experience in counterterrorism, was named Senior Director for Counterterrorism at the White House.

Controversies and Challenges Ahead

Several of Trump’s appointees are expected to face intense scrutiny during Senate confirmation hearings.

• Pete Hegseth, nominated for Defense Secretary, has been accused of misconduct during his military service.
• Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vaccine skeptic and Trump’s pick for Health and Human Services Secretary, has sparked bipartisan concerns.
• Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman turned Trump ally, has been nominated as Director of National Intelligence despite accusations of spreading misinformation and promoting pro-Russian narratives.

A Historic Senate Test

While Republicans will hold a slim 53-47 majority in the Senate next year, intense Democratic opposition means Trump can afford to lose only four GOP votes to secure confirmation for his nominees. Despite this, modern U.S. political precedent suggests that presidents are typically granted deference in filling their Cabinet, with no nominee being rejected since 1989.

The appointments highlight Trump’s focus on loyalty and ideological alignment as he builds his administration. Each nominee reflects a mix of traditional Republican priorities and Trump’s disruptive approach to governance, setting the stage for a potentially contentious confirmation process.

China announced on Friday that it would extend visa-free entry to citizens of nine additional countries. The move, effective November 30, aims to attract more tourists and business travelers amid a broader push to stimulate economic activity.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian confirmed that travelers from Bulgaria, Romania, Malta, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Estonia, Latvia, and Japan will be eligible for 30-day visa-free stays in China. This expansion brings the total number of visa-free countries to 38, marking a significant shift from the three countries that held this status before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Strengthening Regional and Bilateral Ties

The inclusion of Japan, a notable addition, reflects China’s recent efforts to repair relations with its neighbor after a series of diplomatic disagreements. Tensions between the two nations have been exacerbated by Tokyo’s increasingly vocal stance on the Taiwan issue and disputes over the release of treated radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear plant. However, a deal reached in September on the Fukushima matter may have paved the way for improved ties.

Japan had visa-free access to China prior to the pandemic, and its reinstatement fulfills a long-standing request from Tokyo. Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi welcomed the announcement, expressing hope that the measure would facilitate smoother exchanges between the two nations.

Expanding People-to-People Exchanges

Beyond tourism, China has emphasized the importance of fostering people-to-people exchanges to strengthen its relationships with other nations. Lin highlighted that participants in academic, cultural, and other exchange programs would now be eligible for visa-free entry, reflecting Beijing’s commitment to promoting educational and professional interaction.

The permitted length of stay for visa-free travelers has also been extended from 15 to 30 days, a change expected to make travel more appealing for longer-term visits.

A Gradual Reopening Post-Pandemic

China’s border restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic were among the strictest globally, and the country reopened to international travel significantly later than most. Since lifting its restrictions, Beijing has progressively expanded visa-free access.

• In July 2023, citizens of Brunei and Singapore saw the restoration of their visa-free privileges.
• By December 1, 2023, six European nations—France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia—were added to the list.

This phased approach underscores China’s cautious yet deliberate efforts to reignite its tourism and travel sectors, which were heavily impacted during the pandemic.

Economic and Tourism Impacts

The visa-free initiative aligns with broader efforts to boost inbound tourism and business travel, key drivers of China’s service sector. Official figures show that between July and September 2023, the country recorded 8.2 million foreign entries, with 4.9 million arriving visa-free, according to the state-run Xinhua News Agency.

Notably, countries like Thailand have also introduced visa-free entry for Chinese citizens, seeking to attract China’s vast pool of outbound tourists. This reciprocal easing of travel restrictions highlights the interconnected nature of regional economies and their reliance on tourism.

A Strategic Move

China’s decision to expand visa-free access is not just an economic measure but also a diplomatic one. By facilitating smoother travel for citizens of key nations, Beijing signals its intention to rebuild international relationships strained by geopolitical tensions and pandemic-era isolation.

For its part, Japan appears cautiously optimistic about the development, and other nations are likely to monitor the program’s success closely. If effective, the visa-free initiative could serve as a model for further opening China’s borders and reintegrating its economy into the global landscape.

Kenya’s President William Ruto has cancelled more than $2.5 billion in contracts with India’s Adani Group after the company’s founder, Gautam Adani, was indicted in the United States on charges of bribery. The decision, announced during Ruto’s state of the nation address on Thursday, represents a significant blow to the conglomerate’s international expansion and comes amid growing scrutiny of its global operations.

Cancelled Contracts

Two major deals with Adani Group were terminated:

1. Airport Development: A nearly $2 billion agreement to construct a second runway and upgrade the passenger terminal at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in exchange for a 30-year lease.
2. Energy Infrastructure: A $736 million public-private partnership signed last month for the construction of power transmission lines.

Ruto directed agencies within the Ministries of Transport and Energy to immediately halt the procurement processes. He attributed the cancellations to “new information provided by investigative agencies and partner nations,” a veiled reference to the U.S. indictment.

The announcement drew applause from lawmakers in parliament and resonated with a public increasingly critical of the deals, which many viewed as opaque and lacking in accountability.

Adani Group Allegations and Denials

The U.S. indictment accuses Gautam Adani and seven co-defendants of paying approximately $265 million in bribes to Indian government officials to secure lucrative contracts. These allegations add to existing controversies surrounding the Adani Group, including a 2023 report by short-seller Hindenburg Research, which accused the company of improper governance practices and financial irregularities—claims the Adani Group has consistently denied.

In a statement responding to the U.S. charges, the Adani Group dismissed the allegations as baseless and pledged to pursue “all possible legal recourse.”

Criticism and Protests in Kenya

The Adani Group’s deals in Kenya have faced mounting opposition, particularly the airport project, which was proposed in March under a procedure bypassing competitive bidding. It only became public knowledge through a social media leak in July, sparking public outcry.

In September, a Kenyan court temporarily blocked the airport deal following a lawsuit that argued it failed to provide value for money to taxpayers. Despite the controversies, senior government officials, including Ruto, defended the agreements until recently. Energy Minister Opiyo Wandayi, for instance, told senators hours before the president’s announcement that the power transmission deal would proceed as no corruption had been detected in its awarding.

Legal Implications

Legal experts suggest that the Adani Group may challenge the cancellations through arbitration, particularly concerning the power transmission contract, which had already been signed.

“Any dispute resolution framework is likely to lean toward the state, considering the fact that the deal has been cancelled on the basis of integrity issues,” said George Kamau, a Kenyan lawyer specializing in public procurement.

A Shift in Kenya’s Approach

Ruto’s decision reflects a broader move to distance his administration from controversial deals and bolster Kenya’s reputation for governance. It also highlights the impact of international collaboration on combating corruption. By citing “information from partner nations,” Kenya signals its readiness to align with global standards on accountability, a step likely to resonate with the international community.

The cancellations come at a time when Kenya is grappling with rising public debt and pressure to improve infrastructure. While the termination of these high-profile deals may reassure critics of Adani’s practices, they also raise questions about the country’s strategy to attract foreign investment and develop critical infrastructure.

For the Adani Group, the fallout represents a growing challenge to its global ambitions as scrutiny intensifies over its business practices.

President-elect Donald Trump’s nomination of former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi as the next leader of the Department of Justice (DOJ) marks a calculated move to navigate the complexities of Senate confirmation while solidifying his administration’s commitment to his “America First” agenda.

Bondi, a long-time Trump ally, replaces Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) as the nominee, following Gaetz’s withdrawal amid mounting controversy over his candidacy. Her selection underscores Trump’s preference for loyalists who have demonstrated unwavering support during pivotal moments of his political career, including her role as a senior adviser during his first impeachment defense.

Matt Gaetz Withdraws as Trump’s Pick for Attorney General Amid Ethics Concerns

Bondi served as Florida’s attorney general from 2011 to 2019, gaining prominence for her legal challenges against Obama-era policies such as the Affordable Care Act. Her tenure also included high-profile defenses of conservative social policies, including the state’s ban on same-sex marriage.

Her relationship with Trump extends beyond their shared ideological alignment. She was a visible figure in his impeachment defense and a vocal supporter during his legal battles, including attending his New York hush money trial. Bondi currently chairs the Center for Litigation at the America First Policy Institute and maintains ties to Ballard Partners, a lobbying firm central to Trump’s orbit.

Bondi’s nomination comes just days after Gaetz, initially tapped for the role, stepped aside, citing concerns that his appointment had become a distraction. Gaetz’s nomination had faced significant opposition due to his controversial past, including an investigation into alleged sex trafficking. Though the DOJ declined to pursue charges, his polarizing reputation and difficulty securing Senate support ultimately forced his withdrawal.

Unlike Gaetz, Bondi is seen as a more confirmable candidate, earning immediate praise from key Republican senators. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), set to chair the Senate Judiciary Committee, described her nomination as a “grand slam” and predicted a smooth confirmation process.

While Bondi’s partisan alignment aligns closely with Trump’s vision for a reshaped DOJ, her nomination is not free from scrutiny.

In 2013, she faced allegations of improperly accepting a $25,000 donation from Trump while deciding whether to pursue fraud claims against Trump University. Although she ultimately opted not to join the suit, questions about the donation’s influence remain unresolved.

Bondi also drew criticism for requesting a delay in the execution of a convicted murderer to accommodate a campaign fundraiser, a move she later publicly apologized for, admitting it was inappropriate.

Her vocal support of Trump’s baseless claims of widespread voter fraud in the 2020 election may also resurface during her confirmation hearings, potentially sparking concerns over her commitment to the impartial administration of justice.

Bondi’s nomination signals a broader shift in Trump’s approach to the DOJ. Her leadership could prioritize investigations into issues that resonate with the Republican base, including election integrity and allegations of corruption targeting political opponents. Trump has repeatedly criticized the DOJ under President Joe Biden as “weaponized” against conservatives, and Bondi’s nomination reflects his intent to realign the department’s priorities.

Her appointment also comes amid other controversial nominations for Trump’s cabinet, including Pete Hegseth for the Department of Defense and Tulsi Gabbard for Director of National Intelligence. Bondi’s relatively stronger standing in Senate circles could serve as a stabilizing factor in an administration facing mounting challenges in filling key roles.

Bondi’s confirmation process will likely focus on her legal record, her close ties to Trump, and her role in controversial moments, such as her handling of the Trump University case. However, her partisan credentials and unwavering loyalty to Trump position her as a formidable contender to lead a restructured DOJ under the president-elect.

If confirmed, Bondi will inherit a department facing immense scrutiny and calls for reform. Her ability to navigate these pressures while maintaining credibility within and outside the administration will define her tenure. For Trump, the nomination is another step in reasserting control over an institution he perceives as a critical front in his ongoing political battles.

Africa’s aviation sector is grappling with a severe financial bottleneck, with $950 million in airline revenues trapped due to foreign exchange shortages, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The figure accounts for 57% of all aviation funds globally that remain inaccessible to carriers.

Speaking at the African Airlines Association’s Annual General Assembly in Cairo, IATA Director-General Willie Walsh issued a stark warning about the broader implications of the crisis. “If airlines cannot repatriate their revenues, they cannot sustain service. Economies will suffer if connectivity collapses,” Walsh stated.

Nigeria, which once held the largest share of Africa’s blocked airline funds, has made significant progress. By mid-2023, restrictive currency policies had prevented the repatriation of $850 million in airline revenues, leading major carriers, such as Emirates, to suspend operations. However, a concerted effort by authorities has reportedly resolved 98% of the issue.

Elsewhere, challenges persist. Countries in Central and West Africa, particularly those using the CFA Franc, collectively account for over $300 million in trapped funds. This has forced airlines to curtail flights or, in some cases, cease operations altogether, disrupting regional connectivity and stifling economic activity.

The crisis over blocked funds underscores deeper systemic issues facing the continent’s aviation industry. High operational costs, inadequate airport infrastructure, and safety concerns continue to plague the sector. Despite being home to 18% of the global population, Africa contributes just 3% to global GDP and a mere 2% to global air transport, highlighting the untapped potential of the market.

Walsh praised Africa’s progress in improving safety standards but stressed the need for more widespread adoption of the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) registry. “Airlines on the IOSA registry outperform their peers globally. Africa has made progress, but more work remains,” he said.

The $950 million figure represents a 28% decrease in blocked funds since December 2023, a sign that progress is possible with concerted action. Walsh called on African governments, airlines, and international organizations to collaborate more effectively to eliminate remaining barriers to revenue repatriation.

“Smoother repatriation of funds is essential not just for airlines but for the economies they support,” he emphasized, pointing out the critical role aviation plays in facilitating trade, tourism, and investment across Africa.

Walsh also urged African airlines to participate in the Global Aviation Data Management (GADM) initiative, which would enhance safety monitoring and data-driven decision-making.

While the reduction in blocked funds is a step in the right direction, the situation remains precarious for many airlines operating in Africa. Without further systemic reforms, the region risks losing valuable air connectivity—a lifeline for many economies dependent on aviation for development.

The IATA’s call to action is clear: only through sustained cooperation between governments and industry stakeholders can the continent’s aviation sector overcome these obstacles and unlock its vast potential.

Former Republican Representative Matt Gaetz announced Thursday that he is withdrawing from consideration to serve as Attorney General in President-elect Donald Trump’s second administration. The decision follows mounting criticism and ongoing scrutiny of Gaetz’s alleged misconduct, which risked complicating Trump’s transition efforts.

“I had excellent meetings with Senators yesterday,” Gaetz wrote on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. “While the momentum was strong, it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance Transition.”

Ethics Report and Controversy

Gaetz’s decision comes on the heels of a contentious meeting by the House Ethics Committee, which failed to agree on whether to release a report from its long-running investigation into Gaetz. The inquiry focused on allegations of sexual misconduct and payments to two women, reportedly totaling more than $10,000, some of which the women claimed were for sex.

Although the Justice Department previously investigated these allegations and declined to bring charges, the ethics probe remained a contentious issue. Gaetz’s resignation from Congress earlier this week, shortly after his nomination, effectively ended the committee’s jurisdiction over the matter.

The ethics investigation and Gaetz’s resignation have intensified bipartisan calls for greater transparency. Several senators demanded access to the ethics report, citing its relevance to their constitutional role in vetting Cabinet nominees.

Reactions to Gaetz’s Withdrawal

The Trump transition team defended Gaetz, accusing critics of attempting to undermine the administration’s mandate to reform the Justice Department.

“The Justice Department reviewed every financial transaction Matt Gaetz ever undertook and found no wrongdoing,” a Trump spokesperson said. “These leaks are a politically motivated effort to derail a necessary overhaul of our legal institutions.”

Despite Trump’s public support for Gaetz, the nomination faced significant opposition. Gaetz’s tumultuous tenure in Congress—marked by controversial actions, including his role in ousting then-House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in 2023—had alienated some Republican lawmakers.

Senate Pushback and Support

In meetings with senators on Wednesday, Gaetz encountered resistance from members of both parties. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, who met with Gaetz and Vice President-elect JD Vance, emphasized a fair confirmation process but acknowledged the weight of the allegations.

“These allegations will be dealt with in committee,” Graham said. “But [Gaetz] deserves a chance to confront his accusers.”

The Senate has not formally rejected a Cabinet nominee since 1989, but Gaetz’s candidacy presented a significant test of that tradition.

What’s Next for Trump’s Attorney General Nomination?

Gaetz’s withdrawal leaves Trump without a nominee for one of the administration’s most critical roles just two months before inauguration. The position of Attorney General is particularly pivotal in light of Trump’s stated priorities to reform the Justice Department and address what he has described as political bias within the agency.

Trump’s next nominee will likely face similar scrutiny, given the heightened partisanship surrounding his return to the White House and the enduring controversies tied to his administration.

Gaetz’s withdrawal marks a rare setback in Trump’s efforts to solidify his Cabinet but underscores the complexities of navigating a politically divided and scrutinizing Senate.

Sir Gavin Williamson, a prominent British Member of Parliament and former Secretary of Defense, revealed discussions with U.S. officials close to President-elect Donald Trump about the potential recognition of Somaliland as an independent nation.

Speaking to British media, Williamson expressed optimism that Trump, known for decisive action during his first term, might champion Somaliland’s recognition when he takes office in January 2025. However, he cautioned that such a process might take longer than anticipated due to the complexities of international diplomacy.

“We had good meetings with key political figures. We understood each other,” Williamson stated, reflecting on his discussions with members of Trump’s transition team. He pointed to Trump’s history of bold decisions, including the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Somalia in 2020, as evidence of the president-elect’s capacity to confront long-standing geopolitical challenges.

Williamson has been a vocal advocate for Somaliland’s recognition since his tenure as the UK Defense Secretary (2017–2019), during which he visited Somaliland’s capital, Hargeisa. He has since championed the cause in the British Parliament and maintained active engagement with Somaliland’s leadership.

Somaliland declared its 1960 independence back from Somalia in 1991 following the collapse of the central government in Mogadishu. Despite functioning as a independent state with its own government, currency, and military, it remains unrecognized internationally.

Williamson’s advocacy aligns with the broader aspirations of Somaliland’s leadership, which received renewed focus following the November 2024 election of Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro as Somaliland’s president. Irro defeated outgoing President Muse Bihi Abdi in a landmark election lauded for its transparency.

President-elect Irro inherits a complex political landscape. Among his key priorities are addressing conflicts in the Sool region through dialogue and resolving tensions surrounding a contentious agreement with Ethiopia, which allowed access to Somaliland’s coastline. This agreement has strained relations between Ethiopia, Somalia, and other regional powers, including Egypt and Eritrea.

The prospect of U.S. recognition under Trump’s administration could have significant geopolitical ramifications, potentially bolstering Somaliland’s bid for independence but also drawing scrutiny from Somalia and its allies.

While Williamson’s optimism highlights growing momentum for Somaliland’s recognition, the path ahead remains fraught with diplomatic hurdles.

President-elect Donald Trump has named Matt Whitaker, a former acting attorney general during his first presidency, as the United States ambassador to NATO. The announcement marks another unconventional appointment in Trump’s emerging administration, underscoring his emphasis on loyalty over traditional credentials for key roles.

Whitaker, 55, lacks formal experience in foreign or military policy, but Trump lauded him as a “strong warrior and loyal patriot” who will defend U.S. interests and foster stronger ties with NATO allies. Whitaker’s selection comes as NATO continues to navigate heightened tensions with Russia and shifts in global security dynamics, including Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.

A Critical Role Amid NATO’s Challenges

NATO, the 32-member military alliance headquartered in Brussels, has been a focal point of Trump’s rhetoric. During his first presidency, he repeatedly criticized allies for failing to meet NATO’s defense spending target of 2% of GDP. By 2021, six members had reached this benchmark. Today, 23 countries meet the goal, partly spurred by concerns over Russian aggression following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Trump’s past remarks on NATO have raised questions about U.S. commitment to the alliance’s collective defense clause. Speaking at a rally earlier this year, he recounted telling an ally that the U.S. would not defend their country unless it “paid its bills.” Such statements amplified concerns during his first term about the U.S. potentially undermining NATO’s unity.

Whitaker’s nomination signals Trump’s intent to reassert his vision for NATO’s future. Critics argue that Whitaker’s lack of direct experience in defense or diplomacy could hinder efforts to navigate the complex geopolitical challenges facing the alliance.

Who Is Matt Whitaker?

Whitaker, a former federal prosecutor from Iowa, briefly served as acting attorney general from November 2018 to February 2019, during the final stages of Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. Whitaker, a staunch Trump loyalist, faced criticism for his public skepticism of the investigation and his appointment, which bypassed Senate confirmation.

His close ties to Trump and previous roles in the administration appear to outweigh his lack of expertise in military or foreign policy in Trump’s calculus.

A Wave of Controversial Appointments

Whitaker’s selection is part of a broader pattern of unconventional appointments by Trump as he prepares to return to the White House.

• Pete Hoekstra, former ambassador to the Netherlands and chair of the House Intelligence Committee, was nominated as ambassador to Canada.
• Linda McMahon, former head of the Small Business Administration and co-founder of World Wrestling Entertainment, was tapped to lead the Department of Education, an agency Trump and many Republicans have sought to dismantle.
• Howard Lutnick, Wall Street financier and CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald, was named as the nominee for commerce secretary.
• Dr. Mehmet Oz, the celebrity television host who unsuccessfully ran for the Senate in 2022, was selected to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

The appointments highlight Trump’s prioritization of loyalty and name recognition over traditional qualifications, a hallmark of his first administration.

Whitaker’s nomination arrives at a pivotal moment for NATO. The alliance has grown more unified in response to Russia’s aggression, with Finland joining in 2023 and Sweden’s accession pending. However, internal divisions persist over defense spending, support for Ukraine, and the alliance’s future strategy.

Critics worry that Whitaker’s appointment could signal a return to Trump’s transactional approach to alliances, potentially undermining the cohesion NATO has built in recent years. Advocates, however, see an opportunity for the U.S. to leverage Whitaker’s loyalty to Trump to advance a tough stance on member contributions and alliance modernization.

Whitaker’s nomination, like many of Trump’s recent picks, is expected to face scrutiny from lawmakers and foreign policy experts. Whether his appointment strengthens U.S. leadership within NATO or deepens uncertainties about America’s commitment to the alliance remains to be seen.

As Trump prepares to assume office in January, his administration’s approach to NATO will be closely watched, particularly in light of growing global instability and shifting power dynamics. Whitaker’s ability to navigate these complexities will likely shape perceptions of both his role and Trump’s broader foreign policy agenda.