(AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, File)

Donald Trump on Saturday announced his nomination of Charles Kushner, father of Trump son-in-law Jared Kushner, to serve as United States Ambassador to France. Trump famously issued a presidential pardon for the elder Kushner in 2020 just before leaving office.

Jared Kushner, who is married to Ivanka Trump, served as a senior adviser to the first Trump administration, but has said he does intend to be part of the second.

His father Charles was convicted of tax evasion and witness tampering in 2005, in a prosecution by then-US Attorney Chris Christie in New Jersey. Kushner served two years and was pardoned in 2020 along with Paul Manafort, Roger Stone, and others by Trump.

“I am pleased to nominate Charles Kushner, of New Jersey, to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to France. He is a tremendous business leader, philanthropist, & dealmaker, who will be a strong advocate representing our Country & its interests,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post he shared on Saturday of the Thanksgiving weekend.

I am pleased to nominate Charles Kushner, of New Jersey, to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to France. He is a tremendous business leader, philanthropist, & dealmaker, who will be a strong advocate representing our Country & its interests. Charlie is the Founder & Chairman of Kushner Companies, one of the largest & most successful privately held Real Estate firms in the Nation. He was recognized as New Jersey Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst & Young, appointed to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council, & served as a Commissioner, & Chairman, of the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, as well as on the Boards of our top institutions, including NYU.

Congratulations to Charlie, his wonderful wife Seryl, their 4 children, & 14 grandchildren. His son, Jared, worked closely with me in the White House, in particular on Operation Warp Speed, Criminal Justice Reform, & the Abraham Accords. Together, we will strengthen America’s partnership with France, our oldest Ally, & one of our greatest!

Trump’s nominations and appointments for various positions in his second term have continued after he finished his full list of Cabinet-level names last week.

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump dances after speaking at a campaign rally at PPG Paints Arena, Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Matt Freed)

President-elect Donald Trump announced 100% tariffs on countries that move to replace the US dollar on Saturday.

In a Truth Social post, Trump took aim at “BRICS Countries” — meaning Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates — over longstanding efforts to do away with the US dollar currency.

Trump demanded a “commitment” from these countries that they will “neither create a new BRICS Currency, nor back any other Currency to replace the mighty U.S. Dollar.”

“The idea that the BRICS Countries are trying to move away from the Dollar while we stand by and watch is OVER. We require a commitment from these Countries that they will neither create a new BRICS Currency, nor back any other Currency to replace the mighty U.S. Dollar or, they will face 100% Tariffs, and should expect to say goodbye to selling into the wonderful U.S. Economy. They can go find another ‘sucker!'” he wrote.

Any country that tries to move away from US currency should “wave goodbye to America,” Trump added.

“There is no chance that the BRICS will replace the U.S. Dollar in International Trade, and any Country that tries should wave goodbye to America,” he wrote.

Trump also said on Truth Social that he spoke with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau this week about efforts to stop drug smuggling at the border. The meeting followed Trump announcing tariffs on all goods from Canada, as well as Mexico and China.

“Prime Minister Trudeau has made a commitment to work with us to end this terrible devastation of U.S. Families. We also spoke about many other important topics like Energy, Trade, and the Arctic. All are vital issues that I will be addressing on my first days back in Office, and before,” he wrote.

Screenshot via Joe Rogan Experience

Joe Rogan revealed this week that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky attempted to appear on his podcast.

On the latest episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, which was released only to Spotify, Rogan held a four hour-plus conversation with fellow comedians Shane Gillis, Mark Normand, and Ari Shaffir that covered a number of topics, including Rogan’s feelings on the war between Ukraine and Russia.

Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022 and Rogan has argued the countries should be brought to the negotiating table to avoid World War III. In an episode of his podcast last week, Rogan blasted President Joe Biden for shifting his position on Ukraine’s use of ballistic missiles.

“Zelensky says Putin is terrified. Fuck you, man. Fuck you people. You people are about to start World War III,” Rogan said about missile launches.

Rogan expressed similar concerns this week, but shocked his guests when he revealed Zelensky “tried to come on” his podcast.

“They tried to get Zelensky on. I was like, what are you talking about?” Rogan said.

Rogan did not detail the offer any further. Shaffir asked about Rogan’s booking process and Rogan said he weighs decisions based on whether he wants to be involved with a certain issue, adding he wanted to stay out of the presidential election originally.

Rogan’s three hour-plus interview with President-elect Donald Trump shortly before the election has been the subject of debate for many pundits, especially in light of the fact that Vice President Kamala Harris also had an offer to come on but did not do so.

Rogan said this week he agreed to all of Harris’s teams demands for the interview except keeping the conversation to an hour and having to travel to the vice president. He said he at one point agreed to no talk of marijuana legalization and internet censorship. Harris’s team claimed scheduling did not work out and Trump’s own taping at Rogan’s Texas studio stood in the way of their opening to have the vice president on.

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.

Walmart is one of countless retailers with Black Friday sales this year. If you're interested in the best tech on sale today, see our best Black Friday tech deals page for a broader view of all the best discounts you can get right now. Prices are accurate as of the time of writing, but you can expect them to fluctuate and inventory to sell out, so you may not want to hesitate if you see a sale that grabs you.

If you're interested in tech and tend to shop at your local Walmart, I've rounded up some of the best I could find from Walmart's Black Friday sale, including a soundbar, Apple Watch, headphones, and a few TVs.

Q-Symphony-Amp up your audio with the greatest duo of all time—Samsung TVs paired with Samsung sound

SAMSUNG Q-series 3.1ch. Dolby ATMOS Soundbar with Q-Symphony HW-Q6CC

$199.00 at Walmart

$379.00 Save $180.00

Get Deal

Get Deal

$199.00 at Walmart

$379.00 Save $180.00

Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking places sound all around you1

Apple AirPods (3rd Generation)

$169.99 at Walmart

$190.39 Save $20.40

Get Deal

Get Deal

$169.99 at Walmart

$190.39 Save $20.40

Xbox Series X 1TB Digital Edition Robot White + Extra Xbox Wireless Controller Robot White

Xbox Series X 1TB Digital Edition Robot White + Extra Xbox Wireless Controller Robot White

$489.98 at Walmart

$509.99 Save $20.01

Get Deal

Get Deal

$489.98 at Walmart

$509.99 Save $20.01

Bigger display with up to 30 percent more screen area. A thinner, lighter, and more comfortable desi

Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS, 42mm, Black, S/M 130-180mm, Sports Band)

$329.00 at Walmart

$399.00 Save $70.00

Get Deal

Get Deal

$329.00 at Walmart

$399.00 Save $70.00

Connect via Class 1 Bluetooth with your device for wireless listening

Beats Solo3 Wireless Apple W1 Chip Headphones (Black)

$99.00 at Walmart

$129.95 Save $30.95

Get Deal

Get Deal

$99.00 at Walmart

$129.95 Save $30.95

Self-lit OLED 4K - LG OLED has over 8.3 million self-lit pixels that turn on and off individually fo

LG B3 Series OLED 55" 4K HDR 120Hz Smart TV

$798.00 at Walmart

$1,699.99 Save $901.99

Get Deal

Get Deal

$798.00 at Walmart

$1,699.99 Save $901.99

SEE 3 MORE

If the sound on your TV isn't great, getting a soundbar can be a smart upgrade. The Samsung HW-Q6CC is a soundbar and subwoofer combo with HDMI eARC connection to give you that high-quality audio we all want. It's $199 (originally $379), a bargain.

The Xbox Series X 1TB Digital Edition with an extra controller is $489.99 (originally $599.99).

The Series 10 is the best Apple Watch for most people, and if you fit the bigger 46mm band, you can get it for $349 (originally $399). If you need more options, Amazon has it starting at $359.

The Beats Solo3 have been dethroned by the newer Solo 4, but that means you can get the older model for $99 (originally $199).

If you're shopping for a TV, Walmart has great options. The LG OLED B3 Series starts at $798 (originally $1,199) for the 55-inch, a great price if you're looking for a premium option. The new Samsung 55" Class Q60DB QLED 4K is a strong mid-tier choice at $498 (originally $648)—a great price for a 55-inch QLED. For those looking for the best budget option, I wouldn't go any cheaper than the 50-inch Hisense CLass R6 Series, currently $138 (originally $238).

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.

The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (12th Gen, 2024) is now $129.99 for Black Friday, down from $159.99—its lowest price yet, according to price-tracking tools. It’s a nice upgrade from the basic Kindle, featuring a larger 7-inch screen, three color options, an adjustable warm-and-cool front light, and a waterproof build (IPX8 rated). It comes with 16GB of storage, which is more than enough for eBooks but might feel a bit tight if you’re big on audiobooks (for which you'll need Bluetooth headphones since this model has no headphone jack). Additionally, if audiobooks are your thing, the Signature Edition with 32GB storage might be a better option for you.

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2024)

$129.99 at Amazon

$159.99 Save $30.00

Get Deal

Get Deal

$129.99 at Amazon

$159.99 Save $30.00

The Paperwhite comes with dual-band wifi (though cellular connectivity is still missing) for downloading eBooks, audiobooks, and magazines from the Kindle store. You can also upload your own documents and sideload third-party apps like Libby to borrow library books, a feature gradually rolling out to all Kindles through the latest firmware updates. The 300 ppi display of the Paperwhite ensures sharp text, while 16 levels of grayscale make it a great option for classic E-Ink reading. That said, this PCMag review notes that the screen has a slightly yellower tone than the previous generation (not a major issue, but worth mentioning). Another thing to note is the lock screen ads that come by default—removing them will cost you an extra $20.

The battery life of the Paperwhite is estimated at up to 12 weeks on a single charge, though how long it actually lasts will depend on your reading habits and brightness settings. At this price, the Paperwhite is an excellent value, especially for readers who want a waterproof device they can take anywhere. However, if you want more storage or features like wireless charging, the Signature Edition ($154.99, down from $199.99) might be worth the upgrade.

Screenshot via Joe Rogan Experience

CNN anchor and chief national security analyst Jim Sciutto warned on Thursday that Americans should not “dismiss” as “bluster” Elon Musk’s threat of the death penalty against Alexander Vindman, a key witness during Donald Trump’s first impeachment trial.

Musk wrote on X Wednesday, “Vindman is on the payroll of Ukrainian oligarchs and has committed treason against the United States, for which he will pay the appropriate penalty.” Vindman, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel who worked at the National Security Council during Trump’s first term, has not been investigated or tried for treason, an offense that carries up to the death penalty.

Sciutto commented on Musk’s wild accusation, saying, “The accusations and threats are becoming more constant – each targeting a new “enemy within” where the “crime” apparently is not being on his side. Government employees one day, a US veteran the next. This of course mimics Trump’s strategy of demonize and divide. I wouldn’t dismiss it as bluster.”

Vindman himself hit back at Musk, writing, “Elon, here you go again making false and completely unfounded accusations without providing any specifics. That’s the kind of response one would expect from a conspiracy theorist. What oligarch? What treason?” He added:

Let me help you out with the facts: I don’t take/have never taken money from any money from oligarchs Ukrainian or other otherwise.

I do run a nonprofit foundation. The https://ift.tt/pNfix5s to help Ukraine defend itself from Russia’s unprovoked attack on Feb 24, 2022. I served in the military for nearly 22 years and my loyalty is to supporting the U.S. Constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic. That’s why I reported presidential corruption when I witnessed an effort to steal an election. That report was in classified channels and when called by Congress to testify about presidential corruption I did so, as required by law.

You, Elon, appear to believe you can act with impunity and are attempting to silence your critics. I’m not intimidated.

Musk, the world’s richest man who immigrated to the U.S. from South Africa, has been given an official role in the next Trump administration after being one of Trump’s biggest megadonors during the election.

Russian pro-democracy activist Garry Kasparov also sounded the alarm on Musk’s threat, writing, “America, this is your next four years, or longer. Oligarchs protected by Trump accusing former public officials of the gravest crimes without evidence or even pretense to provide any. Trial by social media, which of course is owned by said oligarch. Russia in the Wild West 90s.”

__

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.

The Anker MagGo Power Bank (10K) is now available for $53.99, down from $89.99, and comes in black, blue, green, purple, and white. It packs a 10,000mAh battery capacity, offering 27W wired charging through a USB-C port and 15W wireless charging for iPhones (12 series and up). And with Wireless PowerIQ (Anker's proprietary fast-charging tech) and the Qi2 standard, it claims to charge the latest iPhones more efficiently. The magnetic hold of this power bank is said to be strong enough to keep your phone securely in place, whether you’re charging it vertically or horizontally. That said, the wireless charging area lacks padding, which could be a concern if you’re particular about avoiding scratches.

Anker MagGo Power BAnk, 10,000mAh Battery Pack

$53.99 at Amazon

$89.99 Save $36.00

Get Deal

Get Deal

$53.99 at Amazon

$89.99 Save $36.00

This power bank comes equipped with a foldable/flip-out stand, so you can prop up your phone while it charges, and if you turn it sideways, it doubles as a hands-free setup for streaming or browsing in landscape mode. However, it’s a bit on the bulkier side, so it's better suited for tossing into a bag than pocketing it with your phone attached. If portability is your top priority, the Anker 321 MagGo (5K), now $19.99 (down from $25.99), might be a more practical option.

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.

In just a few months, we'll be starting seeds for the spring garden season. If you're interested in starting seeds, you'll need a growing system, like the one I've outlined here. It doesn't have to be complicated: You'll need trays to grow your seeds in, heat mats, and grow lights. The lights turn out to be the key ingredient.

I've been relying on Barrina LED grow lights for the past five years and I've been very happy with the results. They've been quite reliable—none of them have burned out yet. I like the flexibility I have in how I string them together (you daisy-chain them using the included cords), so that as the season progresses or winds down, I can turn on a few, then some, and finally all, and then reverse it. If you want to add on additional systems later, you can. The Barrina systems are really flexible, and I've appreciated their customer service.

Best of all, the grow lights I use all seem to be on deep discount right now. Usually, you choose the length you need based on how long your shelves are, and run them the long way. I have four lights running the entire length of my shelf, and that provides the right amount of light needed to germinate and grow my vegetable starts. They have reflectors that focus the light on the plants below, rather than the entire room, and they produce almost no heat.

Barrina T5 Grow Lights

$49.99 at Amazon

$78.99 Save $29.00

Get Deal

Get Deal

$49.99 at Amazon

$78.99 Save $29.00

• 6 pack of Barrina Grow Lights 3FT 5000K Daylight White Full Spectrum Plant Lights

• 6 pack of Barrina 4FT T8 Plant Grow Light Full Spectrum

That's not all you'll need for your seed starting station—you can pick up the heat mats you'll need, too (and they're also on sale).