After skipping Jimmy Carter's funeral, Michelle Obama will also miss Donald Trump's inauguration. This prolonged absence of Michelle Obama triggered speculation over her rocky relationship with Barack Obama. However, the decision to skip both these events could have been taken just to avoid a face-to-face meeting with Donald Trump. A body language expert said they displayed no signs of togetherness at their December outing.
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The FBI has issued a warning about potential 'copycat or retaliatory attacks' after Shamsud-Din Jabbar, an ISIS sympathiser, drove a truck into crowds on New Year's Day in New Orleans, killing 14 people. The authorities highlight the increasing use of vehicle ramming by extremists inspired by foreign terrorist organisations.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth denied sharing sensitive 'war plans' with a journalist accidentally included in a Signal group chat. The group discussed operational specifics about Houthi terrorist airstrikes, with Hegseth and other officials involved in coordinating the US response.
In her first press briefing, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended President Trump’s executive order ending birthright citizenship for children of illegal migrants, calling it "unconstitutional" and affirming plans to challenge legal opposition. She also emphasized aggressive immigration enforcement and confirmed the imposition of tariffs on Canada starting February 1, with potential duties on Mexico and China.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, known for his military-style clothing, was questioned about not wearing a suit. During a tense visit to Washington, a confrontation with US President Donald Trump led to an abruptly cancelled minerals deal and accusations of disrespect and insufficient gratitude by Trump.
Hamas is willing to release the remaining hostages in Gaza if Israel agrees to a permanent ceasefire, despite Israel's insistence on Hamas' disarmament. Peace talks have reached a standstill, and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens as military operations intensify.
British treasurer Rachel Reeves said Saturday that London was a "natural home" for Chinese finance during a visit to Beijing in the shadow of bond market turmoil back home. Speaking at the reopening of long-suspended finance talks between the two countries, Reeves said London was a "natural home for China's financial services firms and your clients raising capital, and a launchpad for Chinese firms seeking to build a global footprint".
Former Congressman Devin Nunes, CEO of Truth Social, has been appointed by President Trump to chair the President's Intelligence Advisory Board. Trump lauded Nunes' experience, particularly his investigation into alleged FBI misconduct. This appointment reflects Trump's integration of media allies into key government positions.
The US took up human rights issues with Bangladesh's interim government, amid tension with India over attacks on minorities. During a phone call, US national security adviser Jake Sullivan and Bangladesh chief adviser Muhammad Yunus stressed the importance of protecting human rights, though Bangladesh's official account omitted this discussion.
Elon Musk's claims about millions of dead Americans receiving Social Security benefits are debunked by experts. He misinterpreted data from SSA's Numident database, which includes outdated records. Actual Social Security fraud is minimal, with issues more related to overpayments to living recipients. SSA has safeguards to prevent deceased individuals from collecting benefits.
Qatar, Egypt, and the US announced a ceasefire and hostage release agreement between Israel and Hamas to begin on January 19. The deal involves three stages: release of hostages, halting military operations, and significant humanitarian aid, with the long-term goal of rebuilding Gaza and lifting the blockade.