Breaking News: Trump Signs Peace Deal Between Rwanda and Congo; Lawmakers Receive Update from Admiral on Boat Collisions

On Thursday, President Trump received the presidents of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo in Washington for the formal signing of a peace agreement. Paul Kagame and Flix Tshisekedi also participated in a trilateral discussion with Trump.

The U.S. president's involvement in negotiations between the two African nations began earlier this year and reached a milestone on June 27, when the foreign ministers of Rwanda and Congo finalized an agreement outlining key peace principles.

Meanwhile, Admiral Frank M. Bradley, linked to the administrations disputed operations against Venezuelan boats suspected of drug trafficking, briefed select members of Congress on Thursday. The admiral, authorized by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to conduct follow-up strikes against survivors on wrecked vessels, presented video evidence to both Democratic and Republican lawmakers on the House and Senate Armed Services Committees.

Additionally, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is spearheading a review of U.S. vaccine policies. The Centers for Disease Control and Preventions vaccine advisory panel is expected to vote on recommendations for newborn Hepatitis B immunizations and broader childhood vaccination schedules on Friday.

Later on Thursday, President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will host the National Tree Lighting ceremony.

Analysis: U.S. Diplomacy and Domestic Priorities on Display

The meeting between President Trump, Paul Kagame, and Félix Tshisekedi marks a significant step in U.S. engagement in African peace processes. By hosting the formal signing of a peace agreement in Washington, the administration underscores its active role in mediating regional conflicts. The groundwork laid earlier this year by the foreign ministers demonstrates a structured diplomatic approach that now reaches a visible milestone.

On the domestic front, the briefing by Admiral Frank M. Bradley to Congress highlights ongoing security operations in the Caribbean, reflecting continued attention to counter-narcotics missions. The presentation of video evidence to lawmakers shows a level of transparency, though it also raises questions about rules of engagement for follow-up strikes on maritime targets.

Health policy developments under Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. indicate a review of vaccination strategies, with the CDC advisory panel set to vote on newborn Hepatitis B and broader childhood vaccination schedules. This emphasizes a balance between public health oversight and legislative scrutiny in shaping medical guidelines.

Together, these events demonstrate a dual focus of the administration: international diplomacy aimed at conflict resolution and domestic management of security and health priorities. The National Tree Lighting ceremony later in the day reflects traditional ceremonial duties continuing alongside these substantive policy actions.

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• Live updates: Trump signs Rwanda, Congo peace deal; Lawmakers hear from admiral on boat strikes