The Latest: The US national debt hits a record $40 trillion

The United States' debt reached a staggering record of $40 trillion on Wednesday, a milestone marked just five months after the country hit a previous high of $39 trillion in March. Defense costs, social programs, and interest on the growing deficit are primarily responsible for this enormous figure of federal spending. Just a month before that, in October, the debt stood at $38 trillion.

White House legislative affairs director James Braid is stepping down, having played a crucial role in advancing the administration's legislative agenda during the Republican-controlled Congress. Vice President JD Vance lauded Braid's contributions, calling him "brilliant" and "one of the hardest workers you will ever meet." After Braid leaves, the USS George Washington aircraft carrier has arrived in the Middle East to replace the USS Abraham Lincoln, which had been in the region for a record-breaking continuous deployment while supporting the Iran war.

However, concerns have been raised about mental health issues and supply shortages among sailors on the Lincoln. The Democratic Party has added five new candidates to their 'red to blue' program, aimed at securing majority control of the House by presenting strong contenders for leadership roles.