A high-profile peace agreement orchestrated by the Trump administration between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is facing intense scrutiny, with critics labelling it a hollow gesture. The deal was signed in Washington DC on Friday 5 December 2025, but the ceremony was marked by a conspicuous lack of diplomatic warmth and ongoing violence on the ground.
A Chilly Ceremony and a Hot War
The leaders of Rwanda and the DRC attended the signing in the US capital, but observers noted they pointedly avoided eye contact and did not shake hands. This frosty atmosphere underscored the deep-seated tensions between the two nations. Most damningly, the fighting in the volatile eastern region of the DRC continued unabated even as the ink dried on the agreement. This stark contrast has led many to question whether the deal is a genuine effort for peace or merely political theatre designed to project an image of diplomatic success for the administration.
Security Scandal Engulfs War Secretary
In a separate but significant development, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth—now styled as War Secretary—is under mounting pressure following a damning report. The investigation found that Hegseth risked endangering the lives of American service personnel by using his personal, non-secure mobile phone to text operational details. This serious breach of security protocol has sparked calls for accountability and raised questions about the administration's handling of sensitive military information.
Domestic Policy: The Target on 'Little Kabul'
Meanwhile, on the home front, Donald Trump's intensified anti-immigration push is having a direct impact on communities across the United States. Sky News correspondent Martha filed a report from Fremont, California, home to a large Afghan immigrant community often nicknamed "Little Kabul." Residents there now find themselves in the crosshairs of the administration's policies, creating fear and uncertainty among those who sought refuge in America.
The politicisation of major events also continues to be a theme. As the draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup takes place, President Trump has again threatened to move matches away from cities run by Democratic mayors. This intervention raises further questions about the extent to which the global football spectacle is becoming a tool for domestic political leverage.
This episode of the Sky News 'Trump 100' podcast, available on Spotify and YouTube, delves into these pressing issues, examining the blurred lines between diplomacy, security, and domestic policy in the current political climate.
