Congress and the White House face major budget decisions in 2025, with risks of sequestration, debt ceiling battles, and shutdowns—including one this week. Here’s a breakdown of key milestones and what’s at stake, in particular, for U.S. defense spending. 🧵

Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Keith Kellogg just delivered a major speech at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) on how the war in Ukraine could end. He laid out Trump’s approach to resolving the conflict—in his words, the most challenging foreign policy situation ahead. Thread with his main points 🧵⬇️

How did Democrats respond to Trump's SOTU? Some defiance, some subtle protest. Rep. Al Green (TX) was removed—a first for a SOTU. Some reps left early. Others held signs reading “Musk Steals” “Save Medicaid” and “False.” Full response on this here 👇

Trump delivered his first SOTU of his second term last night. Quite a watch. What stood out? Did Europe even get a mention? What does it all mean moving forward? I broke it down on DLF & Deutsche Welle this morning—here’s a short thread with my key takeaways:🧵:

Post MSC, getting several questions about a US withdraw from NATO. The strategy of this administration is at times unclear, but here’s an overview of what’s possible. Many point to a 2023 law that blocks withdrawal without Congress. But Trump might have a way around it—one he’s used before. 🧵

Joined @news.dw.com yesterday to discuss Trump’s restructuring of democratic institutions, his and Musk’s vision for the US, as well as global implications.

Great convo partners in Annika Brockschmidt (@ardenthistorian.bsky.social) and Erik Kirschbaum. Link👇

www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQqo...

Striking, no response from Scholz or Merz yet. CDU’s Norbert Röttgen: "Nothing in US announcements is particularly surprising. They make it clear once again that Europe must organize its own security if it wants to survive. Restoring security must be the next German government’s top priority."

European leaders have largely pushed back on latest in US UKR policy: UK Def Sec Healey: “On stepping up for Ukraine, we are and we will." Also: "It's the Ukrainians that are doing the fighting. It's for them to decide when to start talking and on what terms."

Hegseth’s remarks come just ahead of a landmark Trump-Putin call: Trump announced negotiations to end the Ukraine war will start “immediately” after a “lengthy and highly productive” conversation with Putin. Europe/UKR not mentioned as being part of negotiations. Full statement ⬇️

Trump and Putin's long-anticipated call along with SecDef Hegseth’s NATO visit... major shifts are underway in US defense and security policy vis-a-vis Ukraine/EUR as the Munich Security Conference nears. What was said, and what are the initial responses? A brief thread 🧵⬇️

Great to welcome US Consul General Shah to the BSt! In these uncertain times, we discussed the vital role of exchange—especially for young people—in strengthening U.S.-German ties. As a past beneficiary, I fully support this and look forward to future collaboration, especially in Ostwestfalen.

Was a pleasure to join this @ceps-fp.bsky.social TTC expert consultation in Sept. The report has now been released by the @ec.europa.eu.

Main takeaway: The TTC requires adjustments, but remains a vital platform to find 🇪🇺🇺🇸 alignment on trade and tech issues.

futurium.ec.europa.eu/en/EU-US-TTC...

"Stranded" in Amsterdam on the way from Berlin back to South Carolina for the holidays... I can think of worse places... 🇳🇱

Berlin's Weihnachtsmärkte are in full swing! A couple scenes from the Humboldt Forum🎄

Still reflecting on yesterday's Thanksgiving celebration in Nienburg (Weser), a charming 🇩🇪 city that’s hosted this "Fest" for 17 years thanks to its sister city connection in the 🇺🇸. It’s a heartening reminder of the power of subnational transatlantic ties, even in times of political turbulence.