As the year 2025 ceases, here are some of the top events in politics that occurred at the White House during December.
Trump Administration Releases its National Security Strategy (NSS)
- On Dec. 4, the Trump administration released its National Security Strategy (NSS). The presidential document outlines the nation’s security priorities and goals. Each U.S. president releases an annual strategy, detailing the administration’s security interests.
DOJ Releases Redacted Epstein Files
- The Department of Justice released 12,285 documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, equating to less than one percent of the Epstein files.
- The Epstein Files Transparency Act was signed into law by Donald Trump on Nov. 19, requiring Attorney General Pam Bondi to release all documents and files related to Jeffrey Epstein by Dec. 19.
- On Dec. 19, the DOJ released thousands of documents and photographs regarding the infamous sex trafficker; however, much of the information was heavily redacted, to which survivors, critics, and political adversaries argued violates the law.
- On Dec. 23, The Guardian reported that Internet users and hackers discovered that much of the redaction in the released files can be undone using Photoshop techniques.
Trump Administration Announces Wage Garnishment for Default Student Loan Borrowers
- On Dec. 23, the Trump administration announced that it will begin garnishing the wages of default student loan borrowers. According to the Associated Press, the Department of Education announced it will send notices to around 1,000 borrowers during the week of Jan. 7, with more notices increasing each month of the year.
- Millions of student loan borrowers are already in “default,” meaning borrowers are 270 days past due on payments. However, the Education Department must give borrowers a 30-day notice before garnishing their wages.
The U.S. Conducts Strikes in Nigeria
- On Dec. 25, the U.S. conducted airstrikes against Islamic State militants in northwestern Nigeria. In a Truth Social post, Trump admitted that the targeted strikes against IS gunmen “targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians,” per the Associated Press.
- The U.S. has since confirmed that the attack was in collaboration with Nigerian officials.
ACA Subsidies Expire
- Enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, which helped reduce the cost of health insurance for millions of Americans, expired on Dec. 31. However, as of January 8, 2026, the House passed a bill supporting a three-year extension of ACA tax credits, despite pushback from GOP leaders.