The Latest: Trump gave $45,000 cash to Natalie Harp amid gifts to White House aides

President Donald Trump bestowed significant holiday presents on four White House aides, as revealed by recent financial disclosures from the administration. A White House official, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that the practice of gifting Christmas presents to individuals within his inner circle has been a consistent tradition during his time in office.

The first annual payment for the gift amounted to $205.00 plus GST for a year. This subscription would subsequently automatically renew at $233.00 plus GST every 52 weeks, offering a 10% discount off the regular annual price of $259.35. The offer was available exclusively to new and qualified returning subscribers, with the option to cancel at any time.

In a separate matter, the Justice Department has initiated subpoenas to compel testimony before a Florida grand jury in an investigation aimed at unraveling an alleged intelligence community conspiracy against President Trump. This escalation in the ongoing year-long probe represents a significant development in the legal proceedings surrounding the former president.

Amidst the holiday season, President Trump took to social media to share a controversial map depicting the United States extending its borders across North America, Greenland and Iceland. The map, adorned with red, white and blue stars and stripes, gained attention for its potential implications. During this period, Trump's social media presence stirred controversy as he discussed the possibility of making Canada the 51st state and his longstanding interest in taking control of Greenland, a self-governing territory of Denmark.

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen expressed concern, stating that the map's portrayal was "disturbing and completely inappropriate" and implied a need to curb Trump's maximalist vision. In response, Iceland's Foreign Secretary summoned the U.S. Ambassador Billy Long and conveyed the post's unacceptable nature, according to national broadcaster RÚV.

In a growing trade war, the United States has banned the import of certain dairy products, motorcycles and most alcoholic beverages from Canada, effective September 29. This move follows retaliatory tariffs imposed by Canada earlier in the week on $20 billion worth of U.S. imports. Canada's response to these tariff moves came after trade talks between the two countries had collapsed last month.

Trump also directed the U.S. General Services Administration to exclude Canadian products from large, long-term government contracts until Canada grants "full and fair reciprocity" for American products. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized that Canada's approach is centered on fostering independence and vowed to accelerate these efforts, stating, "It's about ensuring that no country can hold us hostage and that we can live how we want to live."

A recent poll indicates that fewer Americans trust government certifications of election results as the 2026 midterms approach, with only 34% expressing a high level of trust in these certifications, down slightly from 40% in 2024.