Hello. Today we're reporting from Kyiv, which has faced a surge of drone attacks as the aerial conflict between Russia and Ukraine intensifies. James Waterhouse and Toby Luckhurst share the story of a 14-year-old girl who was killed in her bedroom. We keep our focus on the US political transition, looking today at new Trump appointee Elon Musk's proposal of cutting $2 trillion from government spending. Meanwhile, nominations for Trump's upcoming administration keep coming.  

QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Elon Musk's $2 trillion question

 Musk’s proposed cuts of $2 trillion would represent around a cut of around 30% of total federal government spending. Credit: Reuters

Elon Musk has been appointed to co-head a new Department of Government Efficiency by US President-elect Donald Trump. At a rally last month, the tech billionaire suggested it would be possible  to cut “at least $2 trillion” (£1.57 trillion) from US government spending by eradicating “waste”.

How realistic is Elon Musk's proposal?

To answer that, it’s helpful to break down the total spending figure. The US federal government spent $6.75 trillion (£5.3 trillion) in the most recent fiscal year. Around $880bn goes on interest payments on the national debt, which cannot be reduced without putting the US government in default. Around $1.46 trillion goes on Social Security, which must be spent by law on those eligible - primarily pensioners. These payments, as well as Medicare spending, are mandated by law.

So what could be cut more easily? 

So-called “discretionary” US government spending includes defence ($874bn), transportation ($137bn) and education, training, employment and social services ($305bn). In theory, discretionary spending would be easier for the incoming Trump administration to cut than mandatory spending. In total, discretionary spending accounted for only $1.7 trillion in 2023.

Could this amount to Musk's proposed cuts?

Musk did not specify if he would aim to deliver $2 trillion in savings in a single year, or over a longer period. But many US public finance experts, including those in favour in principle of reductions in US government spending, are sceptical savings on such a scale can be found in the near term without either a collapse in the delivery of important government functions or sparking major public resistance.

• The latest: Republicans have gained full control of Congress after winning the House of Representatives, according to CBS News projections. Meanwhile, , Trump has nominated Congressman Matt Gaetz for attorney general. Our live page has all the analysis you need.

• Watch: Republicans are set to control the White House, the House and the Senate. Sumi Somaskanda explains what this means for Trump's second term.

• In the Senate: Republicans have elected John Thune, a long-serving senator from South Dakota, as their new leader in the chamber.

THE BIG PICTURE

Are we dating the same fraudster?

Raymond McDonald has left a trail of shattered emotions longer than his 20-year conviction record. Credit: BBC

A prolific romance fraudster is currently serving the latest in a string of prison sentences for scamming women out of thousands of pounds through false promises of love and a luxury lifestyle. While there are fears he could be responsible for "hundreds" more victims, women have organised to fight back.

And finally... in England

Rural England is known for its green meadows, charming villages and imposing mansions, but Google Maps now features an unusual monument. "The Blue Car",  a crashed car that has not been moved in more than two months, has been signposted on the website as a "historical landmark" - the reviews, so far, are overwhelmingly positive.