Full Episode: Sunday, December 28, 2025 - abc-world-news-this-week Recap

Podcast: abc-world-news-this-week

Published: 2025-12-29

Duration: 48 minutes

Guests: Mike Turner, Selina Wang, Sarah Isger

Summary

This episode covers the geopolitical tensions between the U.S., Ukraine, and Russia, with President Trump's diplomatic and military actions. It also delves into domestic political challenges and the Supreme Court's rulings affecting Trump's policies.

What Happened

The episode opens with the search for 19-year-old Sarah Stern who went missing near Jersey Shore, highlighting a local tragedy amidst larger geopolitical events. President Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Florida following Russia's drone and missile attacks on Kyiv, which resulted in casualties and power outages. Zelensky is seeking U.S. support for a peace plan that includes a demilitarized buffer zone in the Donbass region to end Russia's prolonged invasion of Ukraine.

In response to the Russian aggression, Trump has ordered missile strikes against ISIS targets in Nigeria, justifying the action as a defense of Christians being targeted by ISIS. The Supreme Court has played a significant role this year, notably blocking Trump's attempt to deploy National Guard troops in Chicago. This decision reflects ongoing tensions over Trump's use of executive power and the judiciary's checks on his administration.

Nancy Pelosi, focusing on winning the House for Democrats in 2026, discusses her confrontations with Trump and her legislative achievements, including the Affordable Care Act. She emphasizes the importance of Ukraine's security assurances and criticizes pro-Russia stances within American politics.

Congressman Mike Turner asserts that the U.S. must maintain its stance against Russia, declaring that one cannot be 'America first' while supporting Russian interests. This highlights the broader Republican perspective on national security and foreign policy.

The episode also touches on domestic political dynamics, with Trump's tariff strategy credited for economic growth despite public dissatisfaction due to increased consumer costs. In a surprising development, Marjorie Taylor Greene has become a critic of Trump following his lack of support for her political ambitions.

The assassination of Charlie Kirk has led to disarray within the political movements he influenced, underscoring the volatility in American politics. Meanwhile, New York City prepares for a shift in leadership as Zoran Mamdani is set to become the next mayor, marking a significant political development.

The Supreme Court's future rulings are anticipated to be crucial, as they will address several of Trump's executive orders. This judicial scrutiny is seen as pivotal in shaping the political landscape as Trump continues to test the limits of presidential power.

Key Insights