DOGE: Created

Hi Global Recap readers,

The Trump-Vance transition team has released a statement that might come off as a troll—but it’s for real.

And much like the meme-filled, drama-packed US election cycle, today’s newsletter is definitely more about drama than, say… international diplomacy.

🫤 It’s just one of those days. Bear with us, guys…

🇺🇸 UNITED STATES
Trump Creates DOGE

US President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to lead the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

In anticipation of this announcement, Dogecoin has been skyrocketing in price, much like one of Elon’s rockets, and even more so after the announcement.

What’s its goal? It aims to dismantle bureaucracy, cut regulations, and restructure federal agencies.

The Appointment

• Musk and Ramaswamy will work to dismantle bureaucracy and cut regulations.

• Their work is set to conclude by July 4, 2026, as a "gift" to the country on its 250th anniversary.

The Mission

The department aims to bring an “entrepreneurial approach” to government.

• DOGE will provide advice and guidance from outside the government.

• It will work with the White House and Office of Management & Budget.

DOGE

This is Dogecoin’s daily price chart by the way.

💰️ Pure casino:

🇫🇷 FRANCE
Europe's Richest Man Sues Musk

Speaking of Elon Musk…

Europe's richest man, Bernard Arnault, is suing Elon Musk's social media network X, claiming the platform is using his newspapers' content without paying for it.

The lawsuit sets the stage for a courtroom showdown between the world’s two richest men, with its outcome potentially impacting digital content distribution.

The Lawsuit

• The lawsuit is jointly brought by Le Parisien and Les Echos, owned by Arnault's luxury empire LVMH.

• The newspapers argue they are due payment under rules allowing news outlets to receive remuneration from digital platforms.

The Support

Other major French newspapers back the lawsuit.

• Le Figaro and Le Monde are also supporting the legal proceedings.

• Unlike Google and Meta, X has not agreed to negotiate with French news publishers.

The Courtroom Showdown

The case will be heard in Paris next May.

• This sets up a legal battle between Bernard Arnault and Elon Musk.

• Arnault and Musk have traded places as the world's richest man numerous times in recent years.

The Stakes

The outcome could impact digital content distribution.

• The lawsuit highlights ongoing tensions between news publishers and digital platforms.

• A ruling in favor of Arnault could set a precedent for other news outlets seeking remuneration.

🇨🇳 CHINA
Pollution Ruins Air Show

China's biggest air show kicked off with a grand display of its fighters, aimed to showcase China's latest aircraft to the world.

It was supposed to be a huge spectacle but it had one problem: Pollution.

The Opening

Heavy smog obscured the opening of China's air show.

• The Bayi aerobatics team, flying J-10 fighters, took off just after 10 a.m. local time.

• Low visibility made it difficult to see the fighters and their colored smoke trails.

The Weather

Poor air quality affected the event.

• Accuweather reported "poor" air quality in Zhuhai due to high levels of nitrogen dioxide.

• The smog continued to obscure aircraft flypasts an hour after the event opened.

The Performances

Aerobatics teams struggled with visibility.

• The 150-foot-long YY-20 jet refueler and the Red Falcon team, flying Hongdu JL-8 fighters, were also affected.

• But if there’s any consolation: Footage of rehearsals showed clearer skies before the event.

The Context

This doesn’t bode too well for China, who is trying to shed its reputation for pollution.

• The country has reduced smog levels by 41% from 2013 to 2022.

• However, 99.9% of China's population still lives in areas where pollution exceeds WHO guidelines.

🇨🇳 CHINA
Man Rams Car into Crowd, Killing Many

A 62-year-old man in China allegedly drove his car into a crowd at a sports complex in Zhuhai, killing 35 people and injuring dozens more.

However, this is not a political statement, as it may seem.

The attack, which occurred on November 11, is believed to be linked to the man’s dissatisfaction with his divorce settlement.

The Incident

A man drove his car into a crowd, killing 35.

• The attack took place at a sports complex in Zhuhai, Guangdong province.

• The injured include senior citizens, teenagers, and children.

The Motive

The suspect was reportedly unhappy with his divorce settlement.

• Investigators found evidence and statements from acquaintances indicating his dissatisfaction.

• The suspect, referred to by his surname Fan, allegedly drove in a loop, hitting people in all areas of the running track.

The Aftermath

The suspect is in a coma from a self-inflicted wound.

• Fan reportedly stabbed himself in the neck after the attack.

• He is currently hospitalized and in a coma.

The Response

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for "all-out efforts" to treat the injured.

• Xi announced that the suspect will face "severe punishment."

• Videos of the aftermath show people on the ground, some calling for help and others administering CPR.

🇾🇪 YEMEN
Navy Destroyers Attacked by Houthis

Two US Navy destroyers were attacked by Houthi terrorists while sailing through the strait between Yemen and Djibouti on Monday.

The attack involved a barrage of drones and missiles, which were successfully intercepted by the ships.

🤔 One thing that is puzzling is: Why is the US constantly just taking these hits as if everything’s normal? Where’s the decisive response that will put an end to this and not put US military personnel in line of fire?

Maybe the military-industrial complex requires constant fighting to stay in business?

The Attack

Houthi terrorists launched a coordinated attack on US Navy destroyers.

• The USS Stockdale and USS Spruance were targeted by at least eight drones, five anti-ship ballistic missiles, and three anti-ship cruise missiles.

• The ships successfully engaged and defeated the incoming threats.

The Response

The US Navy and Air Force retaliated with precise airstrikes.

• The strikes targeted multiple Houthi weapon storage facilities.

• F-35C Lightning II fighter aircraft were involved in the retaliatory strikes.

The Context

The attack is part of ongoing violence in the region.

• Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, have been targeting commercial shipping and US naval forces.

• This incident follows a series of attacks on US forces in Syria by Iranian-backed militias.

The Claims

Houthis falsely claimed to have hit the USS Abraham Lincoln.

• Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree claimed they hit the Lincoln with missiles and drones.

• Pentagon officials confirmed the Lincoln was not attacked.

The History

US ships have faced multiple attacks in the region since October 2023.

• The last publicly acknowledged attack occurred in September when destroyers intercepted Iranian missiles launched at Israel.

• Seven warships were awarded the Combat Action Ribbon for actions under enemy fire between October 2023 and April 2024.