Axios

The Department of Homeland Security on Friday announced it would extend Temporary Protected Status for immigrants from Venezuela, El Salvador, Ukraine and Sudan for 18 months.

Why it matters: The extensions protect immigrants before the start of the incoming administration, as President-elect Trump has promised hardline immigration policies and threatened ending TPS.

President-elect Trump said late Thursday that a meeting is in the works with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss ending the Kremlin's invasion of Ukraine.

Why it matters: Trump said on the campaign trail that he would swiftly end the nearly three-year-old war in Ukraine within 24 hours of taking office.

The Biden administration and President-elect Trump's team closely coordinated to push for Gen. Joseph Aoun to be elected as the new president of Lebanon, a U.S. official and a source familiar with the issue told Axios.

Why it matters: The election of Aoun, a U.S. ally, broke the political deadlock that left Lebanon without a president for more than two years.

Democratic support for a bill sanctioning the International Criminal Court ticked up Thursday as the House passed the measure a second time.

Why it matters: The House voted to approve the same bill last year, but with Republicans now in control of the Senate and, soon, the White House, it has a chance of becoming law this time.

The Lebanese Parliament on Thursday elected the commander of the Lebanese armed forces Gen. Joseph Aoun as the country's next president.

Why it matters: Lebanon hasn't had a president for more than two years while the country's leaders tried to reach consensus on a candidate, which has exacerbated Lebanon's deep political and economic crisis.

President-elect Trump — whose power was immense after his comeback win, enhanced by the coming full Republican control of Congress — has expanded that power substantially in the nine weeks since his victory.

Why it matters: It's rare, if not unprecedented, for a newly elected leader to have so many world leaders and CEOs shift their policies or posture so blatantly during the transition to curry favor with a new president.

Fresh off their bruising 2024 losses, Democrats seem to more willing to engage with Republican legislation on issues like immigration and Israel.

Why it matters: The dynamic is putting some "messaging bills" that House Republicans passed in the previous Congress on a path to actually becoming law.