Joe Biden has faced criticism from conservatives for allegedly using former President Jimmy Carter’s death as an opportunity to criticize Donald Trump. When asked what Trump could learn from Carter, Biden responded emphatically, “Decency, decency, decency.”

Biden elaborated, saying, “Can you imagine Jimmy Carter walking past someone in need and just continuing on? Can you imagine Jimmy Carter judging someone based on their appearance or speech?”

This remark sparked backlash, with some arguing that Biden should have focused on honoring Carter’s legacy instead of targeting Trump. Critics accused Biden of hypocrisy, questioning his authority to speak on “decency.”

Radio host Jorge Bonilla expressed outrage on X, writing, “The unmitigated gall of corrupt Biden lecturing Americans on decency off of Carter’s death.”

Radio host Hugh Hewitt criticized Biden’s record, writing, “Is it ‘decent’ to have misled the American public for years about your condition, aided by a complicit and complacent legacy media? The greatest cover-up in modern American political history—and the greatest media scandal—is still unacknowledged by anyone close to President Biden or by most legacy media figures. Their sunk costs are enormous, but they refuse to cut their losses and admit the cover-up or their complicity.

Carter passed away on Sunday, December 29, at the age of 100. Trump commended the former president’s legacy, stating on Truth Social, “Those of us privileged to serve as President recognize it as an exceptionally exclusive role, and only we truly grasp the immense responsibility of leading the Greatest Nation in History.”

The president-elect further remarked, “Jimmy faced significant challenges during his presidency at a crucial moment for our nation and devoted himself tirelessly to improving the lives of all Americans. For his efforts, we owe him our deepest gratitude.”

Elon Musk recently criticized the H1-B visa program as “broken” and proposed a potential solution shortly after declaring he would “go to war on this issue” and telling critics to “F— yourself.” As debates intensify within the MAGA base over the immigration program for highly skilled workers, Musk acknowledged some of the criticisms surrounding it.

‘The program is broken and needs reform’

Responding to claims that H1-B visas are used to hire low-wage programmers and developers, Musk suggested raising the minimum salary significantly and imposing an annual cost to maintain the visa. He argued that these changes would make it more expensive to hire overseas workers compared to domestic talent. “I’ve been very clear that the program is broken and needs major reform,” Musk stated.

He further expressed optimism about reforms made during the Trump administration, adding, “I’m confident that the changes will make America much stronger. A rising tide lifts all boats.”

Musk’s personal connection to H1-B visas

Musk, a naturalized U.S. citizen born in South Africa, entered the country on an H1-B visa and has frequently highlighted its importance. He maintains that visas are essential due to the shortage of U.S. citizens capable of fulfilling the tech industry’s needs.

Recently, Musk defended the program on X, saying, “The reason I’m in America, along with many critical people who built SpaceX, Tesla, and hundreds of other companies, is because of H1-B visas.” He doubled down on his stance, writing, “Take a big step back and F— YOURSELF in the face. I will go to war on this issue the likes of which you cannot possibly comprehend.” Musk also emphasized that the visas are necessary to attract “the top ~0.1% of engineering talent.”

Growing opposition and defense of H1-B visas

Criticism of H1-B visas resurfaced following the December 22 appointment of venture capitalist Sriram Krishnan as senior policy adviser for artificial intelligence (AI) in the upcoming Trump administration. Critics like Laura Loomer expressed frustration over the perceived influence of “tech bros” with more lenient views on immigration within Trump’s inner circle.

Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy defended the program, which allows up to 65,000 skilled foreign workers into the U.S. annually. Proponents argue that it is essential for attracting top-tier talent to advance fields like AI. However, detractors claim the program is exploited by companies seeking cheaper labor.

Despite previously labeling the H1-B program as “very bad for workers,” Donald Trump recently expressed support for it. “I have many H-1B visas on my properties,” Trump stated in an interview with the New York Post. “I’ve been a believer in H-1B. I have used it many times. It’s a great program.”

Russia has called for restraint in speculating about the cause of the Azerbaijan Airlines plane crash, emphasizing the importance of awaiting the official investigation’s findings.

“The investigation into the Azerbaijan Airlines crash is ongoing, and it is inappropriate to speculate before its conclusions are released,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated on Thursday.

The crash involved an Embraer EMBR3.SA passenger jet near the city of Aktau in Kazakhstan on Wednesday, resulting in the deaths of 38 people. The aircraft had diverted from Russian airspace, an area recently defended by Moscow against Ukrainian drone attacks.

Speculation and Early Theories
The crash has ignited widespread speculation, including claims that the aircraft might have been downed by Russian air defenses—a theory Moscow has categorically denied.

Authorities in Kazakhstan have reported that 38 bodies were recovered from the crash site, and 29 survivors were hospitalized. The aircraft had diverted to Kazakhstan due to adverse weather in Russia and was originally en route to Makhachkala before redirecting to Aktau, 310 kilometers east across the Caspian Sea.

Preliminary findings suggest a possible bird strike, though aviation experts have expressed skepticism. Social media footage from the crash site has raised doubts, with some suggesting the damage is inconsistent with a bird collision. Alternative theories, including the possibility of a missile strike, have surfaced but remain unverified.

Peskov reiterated the importance of awaiting official conclusions, saying, “Speculation at this stage is premature and unhelpful.”

Passenger and Crew Information
The Embraer 190 was carrying 62 passengers, including citizens of Azerbaijan, Russia, and other nations, along with five crew members. Azerbaijan Airlines confirmed the aircraft had undergone a comprehensive technical inspection in October, with no reported issues before the flight. Airline President Samir Rzayev emphasized that a thorough investigation is underway and declined to comment on speculation about the crash’s cause.

The airline has suspended all flights to Grozny and Makhachkala until the investigation concludes, prompting questions about potential safety concerns in the region’s airspace. Independent aviation expert Andrei Litvinov noted, “Such a decision suggests significant concerns about airspace safety.”

Conspiracy Theories and Regional Context
The crash has fueled conspiracy theories, including claims that the plane may have been hit by a Russian anti-aircraft missile amid heightened regional tensions. Makhachkala and Grozny have recently been targeted by Ukrainian drone strikes, amplifying speculation about the possibility of an accidental or deliberate attack.

Reports from sources like The Wall Street Journal and aviation safety consultants Osprey have pointed to the timing and location of the crash relative to recent drone activity. However, these theories remain speculative, and Kazakh emergency services stress that the investigation is ongoing.

As investigators work to uncover the truth, authorities have urged all parties to avoid jumping to conclusions until official findings are released.

Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence (MND) reported on Thursday that five PLAN (People’s Liberation Army Navy) vessels were detected operating around Taiwan until 6 a.m. local time.

“Five PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were monitored until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. #ROCArmedForces have responded accordingly. No flight path illustration was provided as no PLA aircraft were detected operating around Taiwan,” the MND announced in a post on X.

On Wednesday, the MND reported three Chinese military aircraft and six naval vessels operating in the region. Among these, one PLA aircraft entered Taiwan’s eastern Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ).

Earlier on Tuesday, the ministry detected eight Chinese military aircraft and five naval vessels operating near Taiwan until 6 a.m. local time. Of the eight aircraft, six crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern and southwestern ADIZ.

The increased military activity comes amid heightened tensions following the White House’s announcement of arms sales and military assistance to Taiwan. China’s foreign ministry strongly opposed the move, calling the “Taiwan issue” the core of China’s interests and a “red line” in China-US relations, according to Taiwan News.

In response, a spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry criticized the US arms package, stating it “seriously violates the one-China principle and the three Sino-US joint communiques, particularly the ‘August 17’ communique.” The spokesperson accused Washington of undermining China’s sovereignty and security interests, sending a “seriously wrong signal to ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist forces,” and “playing with fire.”

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte also condemned China’s stance on Taiwan, accusing Beijing of “bullying Taiwan” and pursuing control over critical infrastructure in ways that could destabilize societies. He expressed concerns about China’s growing military capabilities, particularly its nuclear arsenal, which is projected to surpass 1,000 warheads by 2030, compared to 200 in 2020.

Recent weeks have seen a noticeable increase in Chinese military maneuvers around Taiwan, with multiple incursions into Taiwan’s ADIZ. These actions are seen as attempts by Beijing to assert its territorial claims over Taiwan and intimidate the island amid ongoing US and international support for its sovereignty.

The Taiwan Strait remains a hotspot for regional tensions, with Taiwan condemning China’s actions as threats to its sovereignty and regional stability. Beijing, however, maintains that Taiwan is part of its territory and asserts its right to reunify, including by force if necessary.