US First Lady Melania Trump on Thursday (November 15) discussed cyber safety and the impact of the internet on children, with a particular focus on cyber-bullying.

"Today's technology provides people with digital shields to hide behind and being anonymous often takes the place of being caring and responsible, which can lead to children and adults feeling empowered to be kind and at times cruel," she told the Family Online Safety Institute's (FOSI) annual conference in Washington where she talked about promoting civility online.

She also repeated prior claim that she feels like she is the most, or one of the most, bullied persons in the world.

"It is not news or surprising to me that the critics and the media have chosen to ridicule me for speaking out on this issue. And that's OK. I remain committed to tackling this topic," she told her audience.

Melania Trump has chosen cyber bullying focus issue as the American First Lady, leaving some to say there is irony in the decision because of her husband's reputation as a bully towards his critics, especially on social media.

President Trump has frequently used his twitter account to attack his rivals, the media, and other public figures on topics ranging from their physical appearance to their intelligence.

The same day his wife was to speak at the cyber safety event, Trump sent out a stream of early morning tweets that began in the 3 o'clock hour lashing at critics with disparaging language like "Democrat thugs," "Crooked Hillary", former FBI agent Lisa Page "&amp; her lover", among other things. 
&nbsp;

US First Lady Melania Trump on Thursday (November 15) discussed cyber safety and the impact of the internet on children, with a particular focus on cyber-bullying.

US First Lady Melania Trump on Thursday (November 15) discussed cyber safety and the impact of the internet on children, with a particular focus on cyber-bullying. "Today's technology provides people with digital shields to hide behind and being anonymous often takes the place of being caring and responsible, which can lead to children and adults feeling empowered to be kind and at times cruel," she told the Family Online Safety Institute's (FOSI) annual conference in Washington where she talked about promoting civility online. She also repeated prior claim that she feels like she is the most, or one of the most, bullied persons in the world. "It is not news or surprising to me that the critics and the media have chosen to ridicule me for speaking out on this issue. And that's OK. I remain committed to tackling this topic," she told her audience. Melania Trump has chosen cyber bullying focus issue as the American First Lady, leaving some to say there is irony in the decision because of her husband's reputation as a bully towards his critics, especially on social media. President Trump has frequently used his twitter account to attack his rivals, the media, and other public figures on topics ranging from their physical appearance to their intelligence. The same day his wife was to speak at the cyber safety event, Trump sent out a stream of early morning tweets that began in the 3 o'clock hour lashing at critics with disparaging language like "Democrat thugs," "Crooked Hillary", former FBI agent Lisa Page "& her lover", among other things.

Melania Trump decries cyber bullying as Trump lashes at critics via tweets

An angry Donald Trump removed a senior advisor Wednesday after First Lady <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-under-pressure-from-melania-to-fire-top-aide-source-177177">Melania Trump demanded her sacking</a>, with more heads set to roll in a White House reshuffle triggered by infighting and setbacks in the midterm elections.

Melania Trump made the extremely rare demand for deputy national security advisor Mira Ricardel to be fired on Tuesday, saying "she no longer deserves the honour of serving in this White House."

The protocol-busting move followed a falling out that press leaks say was partly linked to a dispute over seating arrangements on the plane that took the first lady for a tour of African countries in October. Ricardel was also reportedly blamed for negative news coverage of Melania Trump.

The first lady got her way Wednesday when presidential spokeswoman Sarah Sanders announced that Ricardel "departs the White House to transition to a new role within the Administration."

The start to the second half of Donald Trump's first term is enveloped in gloom as the president surveys the damage from the midterms, tension with some of America's closest allies, and now turmoil inside the administration.

On Wednesday, he was quoted by right-wing website The Daily Caller saying that a wider reshuffle is coming.

"A lot of people want to come in, a lot of politicians who have had very successful careers want to come in," he said.

'Adult in the room'

The biggest name on the chopping block, according to multiple US media reports, is chief of staff John Kelly.

A retired Marine Corps general, he has often been referred to as "the adult in the room" during Trump's drama-prone administration, even if critics say he has done little to temper the president's most damaging outbursts.

Now Kelly's days are numbered, according to the unconfirmed but mounting leaks to US media.

His position, tenuous for months, has been undermined further by reports that he also clashed with Melania Trump -- a relatively backstage first lady who has rarely made her influence so obviously felt as this week.

Melania Trump was angry that Kelly had refused to promote some of her aides, reports say.

Nick Ayers, a 36-year-old chief of staff to Vice President Mike Pence and renowned political consultant, is reportedly high on the list to replace Kelly.

Another expected reshuffle casualty is Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, a Kelly ally who oversees the politically sensitive task of carrying out Trump's crackdown on illegal immigration.

Trump told The Daily Caller he'll make "a decision on homeland shortly."

Among Nielsen's critics has been National Security Adviser John Bolton, who last month was widely reported to have erupted in a shouting match with Kelly right outside the Oval Office over her performance. 

Clouds gather over Trump

Donald Trump has been in a funk since last week's midterms which saw Democrats seize control of the House of Representatives, ending the Republicans' dominance of both chambers of Congress.

While the Republicans held their Senate majority, the Democratic win means the president will for the first time face an opposition that has teeth.

Democrats vow to use their control of powerful House oversight committees to go after Trump's nebulous personal finances and to protect an explosive probe into whether his 2016 election campaign colluded with Russian agents.

Pressure is mounting from the probe, as the special counsel Robert Mueller digs ever more deeply into the president's inner circle.

When Trump suddenly replaced his attorney general Jeff Sessions last week with a fierce critic of the Russia investigation, Matthew Whitaker, critics accused him of violating the constitution.

The Department of Justice ruled on Wednesday that Whitaker's appointment is in fact constitutional, but this will do little to calm claims that Trump's real goal is to defang the Russia probe, which he describes as "a witch hunt."

Abroad, there's no respite for the real estate billionaire either.

A weekend trip to Paris for World War I commemorations was marred by a row with President Emmanuel Macron. Trump mockingly referred to Germany's invasions of France during the two world wars, while also berating America's European allies in NATO over their defense spending.

The other main takeaway from Trump's trip was a PR blunder when the White House canceled his plan to visit an American military cemetery due to rain grounding the presidential helicopter.

An angry Donald Trump removed a senior advisor Wednesday after First Lady Melania Trump demanded her sacking, with more heads set to roll in a White House reshuffle triggered by infighting and setbacks in the midterm elections.

An angry Donald Trump removed a senior advisor Wednesday after First Lady Melania Trump demanded her sacking, with more heads set to roll in a White House reshuffle triggered by infighting and setbacks in the midterm elections. Melania Trump made the extremely rare demand for deputy national security advisor Mira Ricardel to be fired on Tuesday, saying "she no longer deserves the honour of serving in this White House." The protocol-busting move followed a falling out that press leaks say was partly linked to a dispute over seating arrangements on the plane that took the first lady for a tour of African countries in October. Ricardel was also reportedly blamed for negative news coverage of Melania Trump. The first lady got her way Wednesday when presidential spokeswoman Sarah Sanders announced that Ricardel "departs the White House to transition to a new role within the Administration." The start to the second half of Donald Trump's first term is enveloped in gloom as the president surveys the damage from the midterms, tension with some of America's closest allies, and now turmoil inside the administration. On Wednesday, he was quoted by right-wing website The Daily Caller saying that a wider reshuffle is coming. "A lot of people want to come in, a lot of politicians who have had very successful careers want to come in," he said. 'Adult in the room' The biggest name on the chopping block, according to multiple US media reports, is chief of staff John Kelly. A retired Marine Corps general, he has often been referred to as "the adult in the room" during Trump's drama-prone administration, even if critics say he has done little to temper the president's most damaging outbursts. Now Kelly's days are numbered, according to the unconfirmed but mounting leaks to US media. His position, tenuous for months, has been undermined further by reports that he also clashed with Melania Trump -- a relatively backstage first lady who has rarely made her influence so obviously felt as this week. Melania Trump was angry that Kelly had refused to promote some of her aides, reports say. Nick Ayers, a 36-year-old chief of staff to Vice President Mike Pence and renowned political consultant, is reportedly high on the list to replace Kelly. Another expected reshuffle casualty is Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, a Kelly ally who oversees the politically sensitive task of carrying out Trump's crackdown on illegal immigration. Trump told The Daily Caller he'll make "a decision on homeland shortly." Among Nielsen's critics has been National Security Adviser John Bolton, who last month was widely reported to have erupted in a shouting match with Kelly right outside the Oval Office over her performance. Clouds gather over Trump Donald Trump has been in a funk since last week's midterms which saw Democrats seize control of the House of Representatives, ending the Republicans' dominance of both chambers of Congress. While the Republicans held their Senate majority, the Democratic win means the president will for the first time face an opposition that has teeth. Democrats vow to use their control of powerful House oversight committees to go after Trump's nebulous personal finances and to protect an explosive probe into whether his 2016 election campaign colluded with Russian agents. Pressure is mounting from the probe, as the special counsel Robert Mueller digs ever more deeply into the president's inner circle. When Trump suddenly replaced his attorney general Jeff Sessions last week with a fierce critic of the Russia investigation, Matthew Whitaker, critics accused him of violating the constitution. The Department of Justice ruled on Wednesday that Whitaker's appointment is in fact constitutional, but this will do little to calm claims that Trump's real goal is to defang the Russia probe, which he describes as "a witch hunt." Abroad, there's no respite for the real estate billionaire either. A weekend trip to Paris for World War I commemorations was marred by a row with President Emmanuel Macron. Trump mockingly referred to Germany's invasions of France during the two world wars, while also berating America's European allies in NATO over their defense spending. The other main takeaway from Trump's trip was a PR blunder when the White House canceled his plan to visit an American military cemetery due to rain grounding the presidential helicopter.

President Trump fires senior advisor criticised by first lady Melania

President Donald Trump could not attend a commemoration in France for US&nbsp;soldiers and marines killed during World War One on Saturday because rain made it impossible to arrange transport, the White House said.

The last minute cancellation prompted widespread criticism on social media and from some officials in Britain and the United States that Trump had "dishonoured" US&nbsp;servicemen.

The president was scheduled to pay tribute at a ceremony at the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery in Belleau, about 85 km (50 miles) east of Paris, with his wife Melania. But light steady rain and a low cloud ceiling prevented his helicopter from travelling to the site.

"(Their attendance) has been cancelled due to scheduling and logistical difficulties caused by the weather," the White House said in a statement, adding that a delegation lead by Chief of Staff John Kelly, a retired general, went instead.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-macron-agree-on-defence-after-insulting-european-army-spat-176575">Macron suggests Europe raise its own army to protect itself from </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-macron-agree-on-defence-after-insulting-european-army-spat-176575">US</a>

The decision prompted a rash of criticism on Twitter, with Nicholas Soames, a British member of parliament who is a grandson of former Prime Minister Winston Churchill, saying that Trump was dishonouring US&nbsp;servicemen.

"They died with their face to the foe and that pathetic inadequate @realDonaldTrump couldn't even defy the weather to pay his respects to the Fallen", Soames wrote on Twitter.

White House officials said the decision was taken due to the weather and cited security concerns in hastily arranging a motorcade. Similar concerns prevented Trump from reaching the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea a year ago when foggy weather prevented his helicopter from landing.

Ben Rhodes, who served as deputy national security adviser for strategic communications under President Barack Obama, said the excuse about the inclement weather did not stand up.

"I helped plan all of President Obama's trips for 8 years," he wrote on Twitter. "There is always a rain option. Always."

Despite the light rain, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel held a moving ceremony in Compiegne, northeast of Paris, to mark the 100th anniversary of the signing of the World War One armistice.&nbsp;

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau attended his own ceremony to pay tribute to Canadian troops killed at Vimy Ridge, on the battlefields of northeastern France.

Around 70 leaders, including Trump, are scheduled to gather at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris on Sunday morning to mark the commemoration of the centenary of the end of the war, when some 10 million soldiers were killed during four years of grinding conflict.

It was not clear what Trump decided to do instead of attending the cemetery. The White House said he was at the residence of the US&nbsp;ambassador in Paris. During that time he sent a tweet wishing a "Happy 243rd Birthday" to the US&nbsp;Marine Corps.

The president is scheduled to take part in a ceremony at the Suresnes American Cemetery to the west of Paris on Sunday afternoon, when he is expected to make formal remarks.

President Donald Trump could not attend a commemoration in France for US soldiers and marines killed during World War One on Saturday because rain made it impossible to arrange transport, the White House said.

President Donald Trump could not attend a commemoration in France for US soldiers and marines killed during World War One on Saturday because rain made it impossible to arrange transport, the White House said. The last minute cancellation prompted widespread criticism on social media and from some officials in Britain and the United States that Trump had "dishonoured" US servicemen. The president was scheduled to pay tribute at a ceremony at the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery in Belleau, about 85 km (50 miles) east of Paris, with his wife Melania. But light steady rain and a low cloud ceiling prevented his helicopter from travelling to the site. "(Their attendance) has been cancelled due to scheduling and logistical difficulties caused by the weather," the White House said in a statement, adding that a delegation lead by Chief of Staff John Kelly, a retired general, went instead. Also read: Macron suggests Europe raise its own army to protect itself from US The decision prompted a rash of criticism on Twitter, with Nicholas Soames, a British member of parliament who is a grandson of former Prime Minister Winston Churchill, saying that Trump was dishonouring US servicemen. "They died with their face to the foe and that pathetic inadequate @realDonaldTrump couldn't even defy the weather to pay his respects to the Fallen", Soames wrote on Twitter. White House officials said the decision was taken due to the weather and cited security concerns in hastily arranging a motorcade. Similar concerns prevented Trump from reaching the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea a year ago when foggy weather prevented his helicopter from landing. Ben Rhodes, who served as deputy national security adviser for strategic communications under President Barack Obama, said the excuse about the inclement weather did not stand up. "I helped plan all of President Obama's trips for 8 years," he wrote on Twitter. "There is always a rain option. Always." Despite the light rain, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel held a moving ceremony in Compiegne, northeast of Paris, to mark the 100th anniversary of the signing of the World War One armistice. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau attended his own ceremony to pay tribute to Canadian troops killed at Vimy Ridge, on the battlefields of northeastern France. Around 70 leaders, including Trump, are scheduled to gather at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris on Sunday morning to mark the commemoration of the centenary of the end of the war, when some 10 million soldiers were killed during four years of grinding conflict. It was not clear what Trump decided to do instead of attending the cemetery. The White House said he was at the residence of the US ambassador in Paris. During that time he sent a tweet wishing a "Happy 243rd Birthday" to the US Marine Corps. The president is scheduled to take part in a ceremony at the Suresnes American Cemetery to the west of Paris on Sunday afternoon, when he is expected to make formal remarks.

100 years of end of WWI: Trump cancels memorial service for US soldiers — because of rain

A plane carrying US First Lady Melania Trump was forced to turn back Wednesday after smoke appeared in the cabin, journalists on the flight said.

She was on her way from Washington to Philadelphia when there was "a minor mechanical issue," according to her spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham.

"Everything is fine and everyone is safe," Grisham said in a statement.

The airplane returned to Joint Base Andrews, an air force facility used by the White House outside Washington, DC.

CNN and other US networks said that reporters aboard the plane noticed smoke in the cabin and were told to hold wet towels over their faces if it got worse.

The smoke dissipated and the aircraft returned without further incident.

Trump was on her way to visit a Philadelphia hospital specializing in treatment of mothers with opioid use disorders and babies born with addictions to drugs they were exposed to while still in the womb.

A plane carrying US First Lady Melania Trump was forced to turn back Wednesday after smoke appeared in the cabin, journalists on the flight said. She was on her way from Washington to Philadelphia when there was "a minor mechanical issue," according to her spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham.

A plane carrying US First Lady Melania Trump was forced to turn back Wednesday after smoke appeared in the cabin, journalists on the flight said. She was on her way from Washington to Philadelphia when there was "a minor mechanical issue," according to her spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham. "Everything is fine and everyone is safe," Grisham said in a statement. The airplane returned to Joint Base Andrews, an air force facility used by the White House outside Washington, DC. CNN and other US networks said that reporters aboard the plane noticed smoke in the cabin and were told to hold wet towels over their faces if it got worse. The smoke dissipated and the aircraft returned without further incident. Trump was on her way to visit a Philadelphia hospital specializing in treatment of mothers with opioid use disorders and babies born with addictions to drugs they were exposed to while still in the womb.

Melania Trump's plane turns back after smoke appears in cabin

Melania Trump dismissed Friday the widespread talk about her husband President Donald Trump's reported affairs with a porn star and others, saying she has "more important things to think about."

Addressing for the first time allegations that have swirled around her husband the first lady brushed off speculation that her marriage is troubled and insisted she loves life in the US capital.

In a lengthy ABC television interview, Trump did not deny the many stories of her husband's philandering. But she also made clear she does not dwell on it.

"It is not a concern and focus of mine," she said. "I'm a mother and a first lady, and I have much more important things to think about and to do."

"I know people like to speculate and media like to speculate about our marriage," she added.

"It's not always pleasant, of course, but I know what is right and what is wrong and what is true and not true."

The interview, excerpts of which were released by ABC ahead of a full broadcast Friday evening, came after nearly two roller-coaster years in the White House, during which Melania was frequently thought to be on the verge of breaking with President Trump, as one woman after another came forth claiming they had been paid to be quiet about their affairs with him.

But she gave no hint to ABC as to how the stories affected her.&nbsp;

Asked whether she loved her husband, she answered: "Yes, we are fine. It's what media speculate, and it's gossip. It's not always correct stuff."

Mysterious, impenetrable &nbsp;

In a White House known for its inability to keep secrets, the 48-year-old Slovenia-born former fashion model, Trump's third wife, remains mysterious and impenetrable to the American public.

She gave the interview to ABC while she was on her first solo trip abroad last week, to Africa where she sought to promote her humanitarian efforts and US Agency for International Development projects.

Sitting in jodhpurs with a safari pith helmet at her side, Trump was poised and confident as she responded to uncomfortable questions on her personal life with the real estate billionaire who now leads the United States.

She is not the first lady to suffer gossip about a president's unfaithfulness. Hillary Clinton endured husband Bill Clinton's dalliance with Monica Lewinsky in the Oval Office, and John F. Kennedy, president from 1961-63, was a serial cheater on wife Jackie.

But Donald Trump's brash behavior has left his wife constantly under the Washington microscope, facing questions about whether she will leave him and move back to New York with their son Barron.

She scoffed at such talk in the ABC interview. "I am enjoying it. I really love to live in the Washington and the White House," she said.

'Most bullied person'&nbsp;

In Africa, she visited hospitals and schools and a wildlife park in Ghana, Malawi and Kenya, speaking to students and feeding a baby elephant, before stopping in Egypt to visit the Giza pyramids.

She hinted to ABC that life in the White House was not easy, dealing with people she didn't always trust. "You always need to watch your back," she said.

She also explained one reason why she had made fighting cyber bullying a target of her "Be Best" campaign.

"I could say I'm the most bullied person in the world," she said, or "one of them, if you really see what people are saying about me."

More comfortable facing a still camera than a microphone, Trump has taken much longer than most first ladies to open up to the media.

The interview came just over three weeks before the midterm congressional elections, in which Trump's record is expected to play a big part in how voters cast their ballots.

Flak for fashion choices&nbsp;

Also like past first ladies, Melania is constantly under the microscope for her fashion choices, which lean toward well-cut, refined but not flashy clothes from Ralph Lauren and French-American designer Herve Pierre.

She took heavy flack in June when she wore a $39 Zara jacket that had "I really don't care, do u?" written on the back, as she embarked on a trip to the Mexican border to see immigrant children who had been separated from their parents under her husband's much criticized policy.

Tthe target of that message was unclear.

Donning a pith helmet during her Nairobi stop last week, and then an "Indiana Jones"-style Panama hat while in Egypt, Melania Trump also drew fashion maven reprimands as "insensitive" to the continent's colonial history.

Reporters should "talk about my trip and not what I wear," she responded during the journey.

Melania Trump dismissed Friday the widespread talk about her husband President Donald Trump's reported affairs with a porn star and others, saying she has "more important things to think about.

Melania Trump dismissed Friday the widespread talk about her husband President Donald Trump's reported affairs with a porn star and others, saying she has "more important things to think about." Addressing for the first time allegations that have swirled around her husband the first lady brushed off speculation that her marriage is troubled and insisted she loves life in the US capital. In a lengthy ABC television interview, Trump did not deny the many stories of her husband's philandering. But she also made clear she does not dwell on it. "It is not a concern and focus of mine," she said. "I'm a mother and a first lady, and I have much more important things to think about and to do." "I know people like to speculate and media like to speculate about our marriage," she added. "It's not always pleasant, of course, but I know what is right and what is wrong and what is true and not true." The interview, excerpts of which were released by ABC ahead of a full broadcast Friday evening, came after nearly two roller-coaster years in the White House, during which Melania was frequently thought to be on the verge of breaking with President Trump, as one woman after another came forth claiming they had been paid to be quiet about their affairs with him. But she gave no hint to ABC as to how the stories affected her. Asked whether she loved her husband, she answered: "Yes, we are fine. It's what media speculate, and it's gossip. It's not always correct stuff." Mysterious, impenetrable In a White House known for its inability to keep secrets, the 48-year-old Slovenia-born former fashion model, Trump's third wife, remains mysterious and impenetrable to the American public. She gave the interview to ABC while she was on her first solo trip abroad last week, to Africa where she sought to promote her humanitarian efforts and US Agency for International Development projects. Sitting in jodhpurs with a safari pith helmet at her side, Trump was poised and confident as she responded to uncomfortable questions on her personal life with the real estate billionaire who now leads the United States. She is not the first lady to suffer gossip about a president's unfaithfulness. Hillary Clinton endured husband Bill Clinton's dalliance with Monica Lewinsky in the Oval Office, and John F. Kennedy, president from 1961-63, was a serial cheater on wife Jackie. But Donald Trump's brash behavior has left his wife constantly under the Washington microscope, facing questions about whether she will leave him and move back to New York with their son Barron. She scoffed at such talk in the ABC interview. "I am enjoying it. I really love to live in the Washington and the White House," she said. 'Most bullied person' In Africa, she visited hospitals and schools and a wildlife park in Ghana, Malawi and Kenya, speaking to students and feeding a baby elephant, before stopping in Egypt to visit the Giza pyramids. She hinted to ABC that life in the White House was not easy, dealing with people she didn't always trust. "You always need to watch your back," she said. She also explained one reason why she had made fighting cyber bullying a target of her "Be Best" campaign. "I could say I'm the most bullied person in the world," she said, or "one of them, if you really see what people are saying about me." More comfortable facing a still camera than a microphone, Trump has taken much longer than most first ladies to open up to the media. The interview came just over three weeks before the midterm congressional elections, in which Trump's record is expected to play a big part in how voters cast their ballots. Flak for fashion choices Also like past first ladies, Melania is constantly under the microscope for her fashion choices, which lean toward well-cut, refined but not flashy clothes from Ralph Lauren and French-American designer Herve Pierre. She took heavy flack in June when she wore a $39 Zara jacket that had "I really don't care, do u?" written on the back, as she embarked on a trip to the Mexican border to see immigrant children who had been separated from their parents under her husband's much criticized policy. Tthe target of that message was unclear. Donning a pith helmet during her Nairobi stop last week, and then an "Indiana Jones"-style Panama hat while in Egypt, Melania Trump also drew fashion maven reprimands as "insensitive" to the continent's colonial history. Reporters should "talk about my trip and not what I wear," she responded during the journey.

'We are fine': Melania Trump dismisses gossip about marriage

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-central-america-will-help-with-your-development-if-you-cut-down-migration-170966">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-central-america-will-help-with-your-development-if-you-cut-down-migration-170966"> to Central America: Will help with your development if you cut down migration</a>

US Vice President Mike Pence told Central American countries on Thursday the United States was willing to help with economic development and investment if they did more to tackle mass migration, corruption and gang violence.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/save-ganga-crusader-gd-agarwal-dies-after-111-day-fast-govt-says-most-demands-met-170978">Save Ganga crusader GD Agarwal dies after 111-day fast: Govt says most of his demands met</a>

Veteran environmental activist GD Agarwal died at a Rishikesh hospital on Thursday, 111 days after he began a fast for a pollution-free Ganga. He was 86.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/kanye-west-hugs-trump-muses-on-presidential-run-170975">Kanye hugs Trump who says rapper could be a future US President</a>

Does rap megastar Kanye West support Donald Trump? He loves him -- and proved it Thursday by suddenly striding from his chair at a surreal White House meeting to hug the president.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/im-most-bullied-person-in-world-melania-trump-on-be-best-initiative-170959">I'm the most bullied person in the world: Melania Trump</a>

When asked in an interview why she chose cyberbullying as a pet cause, US President Donald Trump's wife had a surprising answer.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-will-review-paks-bailout-application-to-imf-including-debt-position-170968">US will review Pak's bailout application to IMF, including debt position&nbsp;</a>

The United States has said it will review Pakistan's bailout request to the IMF from all angles, including the country's debt position, as it appeared to have held the huge Chinese debt responsible for it.

&nbsp;

US to Central America: Will help with your development if you cut down migration US Vice President Mike Pence told Central American countries on Thursday the United States was willing to help with economic development and investment if they did more to tackle mass migration, corruption and gang violence.

US to Central America: Will help with your development if you cut down migration US Vice President Mike Pence told Central American countries on Thursday the United States was willing to help with economic development and investment if they did more to tackle mass migration, corruption and gang violence. Save Ganga crusader GD Agarwal dies after 111-day fast: Govt says most of his demands met Veteran environmental activist GD Agarwal died at a Rishikesh hospital on Thursday, 111 days after he began a fast for a pollution-free Ganga. He was 86. Kanye hugs Trump who says rapper could be a future US President Does rap megastar Kanye West support Donald Trump? He loves him -- and proved it Thursday by suddenly striding from his chair at a surreal White House meeting to hug the president. I'm the most bullied person in the world: Melania Trump When asked in an interview why she chose cyberbullying as a pet cause, US President Donald Trump's wife had a surprising answer. US will review Pak's bailout application to IMF, including debt position The United States has said it will review Pakistan's bailout request to the IMF from all angles, including the country's debt position, as it appeared to have held the huge Chinese debt responsible for it.

News brief: Big stories of the day

When asked in an interview why she chose cyber bullying as a pet cause, US President Donald Trump's wife had a surprising answer.

"I could say I'm the most bullied person on the world," Melania Trump told ABC News in an interview that took place during her trip this month to Africa.

When pressed, the US First Lady said that she could certainly be "one of them, if you really see what people saying about me."

That, she said, is "why my 'Be Best' initiative is focusing on social media and online behaviour."&nbsp;

ABC on Thursday released clips of the interview ahead of a longer piece set to air Friday.

The 48-year-old former model may be smarting from <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/melania-trumps-wardrobe-choices-during-africa-trip-stirs-controversy-170144">online and press mockery</a> for her attire during last week's trip to Ghana, Malawi, Kenya and Egypt.

Her use of a white pith helmet while on safari in Kenya drew comparisons to a 19th-century colonial administrator.

At her final stop in Egypt, she wore white pants, a pleated white shirt and a black tie with a beige jacket -- with comparisons to Michael Jackson, fictional character Carmen Sandiego, and the French archaeologist villain in the first Indiana Jones movie.

In rare comments to the press before departing Egypt Trump said she wanted "to talk about my trip and not what I wear."

But it's impossible not to talk about Melania Trump without noticing her attire.

In June she raised eyebrows when she visited an immigrant children's shelter in Texas wearing a trench coat with the words "I really don't care, do u?" emblazoned on the back.

Earlier, in August 2017, she departed the White House to visit Hurricane Harvey flood victims sporting stiletto heels -- but later in Texas appeared wearing white sneakers.

Despite the catty online comments, Trump said that her time in the White House has been positive.

"I am enjoying it. I really love to live in Washington and the White House," she told ABC.

Trump also said that she would support her husband -- who has a long history of using Twitter to demean and belittle his opponents, sometimes using sexist language -- if he wants to run for a second term as US president.

When asked in an interview why she chose cyber bullying as a pet cause, US President Donald Trump's wife had a surprising answer. "I could say I'm the most bullied person on the world," Melania Trump told ABC News in an interview that took place during her trip this month to Africa.

When asked in an interview why she chose cyber bullying as a pet cause, US President Donald Trump's wife had a surprising answer. "I could say I'm the most bullied person on the world," Melania Trump told ABC News in an interview that took place during her trip this month to Africa. When pressed, the US First Lady said that she could certainly be "one of them, if you really see what people saying about me." That, she said, is "why my 'Be Best' initiative is focusing on social media and online behaviour." ABC on Thursday released clips of the interview ahead of a longer piece set to air Friday. The 48-year-old former model may be smarting from online and press mockery for her attire during last week's trip to Ghana, Malawi, Kenya and Egypt. Her use of a white pith helmet while on safari in Kenya drew comparisons to a 19th-century colonial administrator. At her final stop in Egypt, she wore white pants, a pleated white shirt and a black tie with a beige jacket -- with comparisons to Michael Jackson, fictional character Carmen Sandiego, and the French archaeologist villain in the first Indiana Jones movie. In rare comments to the press before departing Egypt Trump said she wanted "to talk about my trip and not what I wear." But it's impossible not to talk about Melania Trump without noticing her attire. In June she raised eyebrows when she visited an immigrant children's shelter in Texas wearing a trench coat with the words "I really don't care, do u?" emblazoned on the back. Earlier, in August 2017, she departed the White House to visit Hurricane Harvey flood victims sporting stiletto heels -- but later in Texas appeared wearing white sneakers. Despite the catty online comments, Trump said that her time in the White House has been positive. "I am enjoying it. I really love to live in Washington and the White House," she told ABC. Trump also said that she would support her husband -- who has a long history of using Twitter to demean and belittle his opponents, sometimes using sexist language -- if he wants to run for a second term as US president.

I'm the most bullied person in the world: Melania Trump

US First Lady Melania Trump has spoken out about the #MeToo movement, saying she supports women who have come forward with claims of sexual misconduct but wants them to offer "hard evidence."

The comments from the 48-year-old Trump came in a wide-ranging interview given to ABC News last week in Kenya, during her four-nation solo trip to Africa.

"I support the women and they need to be heard. We need to support them. And also men, not just women," Trump said in excerpts of the interview released Wednesday by ABC on "Good Morning America."

But the first lady said accusers must back up their allegations with firm proof.

"We need to have really hard evidence," she told ABC.

"You cannot just say to somebody... 'I was sexually assaulted' or 'You did that to me.' Because sometimes the media goes too far and the way they portray some stories, it's not correct. It's not right."

Her husband President Donald Trump has faced multiple allegations of infidelity and sexual harassment -- all claims he has repeatedly denied or swatted aside.&nbsp;

His latest pick for the US Supreme Court, Brett Kavanaugh, saw his nomination nearly go up in flames after a university research psychologist accused him of sexually assaulting her when they were teens.

Trump backed Kavanaugh, and the US Senate eventually confirmed him to the court after a protracted, rancorous nomination process.

Also in the ABC interview, the first lady talked about how her wish to work on certain projects has been stymied by organizations who do not approve of her husband's administration.

"I feel they are choosing the politics over helping others," Melania said. When asked to name some of the groups, she declined, saying only: "They know who they are." 
&nbsp;

US First Lady Melania Trump has spoken out about the #MeToo movement, saying she supports women who have come forward with claims of sexual misconduct but wants them to offer "hard evidence.

US First Lady Melania Trump has spoken out about the #MeToo movement, saying she supports women who have come forward with claims of sexual misconduct but wants them to offer "hard evidence." The comments from the 48-year-old Trump came in a wide-ranging interview given to ABC News last week in Kenya, during her four-nation solo trip to Africa. "I support the women and they need to be heard. We need to support them. And also men, not just women," Trump said in excerpts of the interview released Wednesday by ABC on "Good Morning America." But the first lady said accusers must back up their allegations with firm proof. "We need to have really hard evidence," she told ABC. "You cannot just say to somebody... 'I was sexually assaulted' or 'You did that to me.' Because sometimes the media goes too far and the way they portray some stories, it's not correct. It's not right." Her husband President Donald Trump has faced multiple allegations of infidelity and sexual harassment -- all claims he has repeatedly denied or swatted aside. His latest pick for the US Supreme Court, Brett Kavanaugh, saw his nomination nearly go up in flames after a university research psychologist accused him of sexually assaulting her when they were teens. Trump backed Kavanaugh, and the US Senate eventually confirmed him to the court after a protracted, rancorous nomination process. Also in the ABC interview, the first lady talked about how her wish to work on certain projects has been stymied by organizations who do not approve of her husband's administration. "I feel they are choosing the politics over helping others," Melania said. When asked to name some of the groups, she declined, saying only: "They know who they are."

#MeToo: Melania Trump favours women but asks them for 'hard evidence'

US First Lady Melania Trump has spoken out about the #MeToo movement, saying she supports women who have come forward with claims of sexual misconduct, but wants them to offer "hard evidence."

The comments from the 48-year-old Trump came in a wide-ranging interview given to ABC News last week in Kenya, during her four-nation solo trip to Africa.

"I support the women and they need to be heard. We need to support them. And also men, not just women," Trump said in excerpts of the interview released Wednesday by ABC on "Good Morning America."

But the first lady said accusers must back up their allegations with firm proof.

"We need to have really hard evidence," she told ABC.

"You cannot just say to somebody... 'I was sexually assaulted' or 'You did that to me.' Because sometimes the media goes too far and the way they portray some stories, it's not correct. It's not right."

Her husband President Donald Trump has faced multiple allegations of infidelity and sexual harassment -- all claims he has repeatedly denied or swatted aside.&nbsp;

His latest pick for the US Supreme Court, Brett Kavanaugh, saw his nomination nearly go up in flames after a university research psychologist accused him of sexually assaulting her when they were teens.

Trump backed Kavanaugh, and the US Senate eventually confirmed him to the court after a protracted, rancorous nomination process.

Also in the ABC interview, the first lady talked about how her wish to work on certain projects has been stymied by organizations who do not approve of her husband's administration.

"I feel they are choosing the politics over helping others," Melania said. When asked to name some of the groups, she declined, saying only: "They know who they are."

&nbsp;

US First Lady Melania Trump has spoken out about the #MeToo movement, saying she supports women who have come forward with claims of sexual misconduct, but wants them to offer "hard evidence.

US First Lady Melania Trump has spoken out about the #MeToo movement, saying she supports women who have come forward with claims of sexual misconduct, but wants them to offer "hard evidence." The comments from the 48-year-old Trump came in a wide-ranging interview given to ABC News last week in Kenya, during her four-nation solo trip to Africa. "I support the women and they need to be heard. We need to support them. And also men, not just women," Trump said in excerpts of the interview released Wednesday by ABC on "Good Morning America." But the first lady said accusers must back up their allegations with firm proof. "We need to have really hard evidence," she told ABC. "You cannot just say to somebody... 'I was sexually assaulted' or 'You did that to me.' Because sometimes the media goes too far and the way they portray some stories, it's not correct. It's not right." Her husband President Donald Trump has faced multiple allegations of infidelity and sexual harassment -- all claims he has repeatedly denied or swatted aside. His latest pick for the US Supreme Court, Brett Kavanaugh, saw his nomination nearly go up in flames after a university research psychologist accused him of sexually assaulting her when they were teens. Trump backed Kavanaugh, and the US Senate eventually confirmed him to the court after a protracted, rancorous nomination process. Also in the ABC interview, the first lady talked about how her wish to work on certain projects has been stymied by organizations who do not approve of her husband's administration. "I feel they are choosing the politics over helping others," Melania said. When asked to name some of the groups, she declined, saying only: "They know who they are."

Melania on #MeToo: She supports women, but 'hard evidence' needed

Melania Trump's wardrobe choices during Africa trip stir controversy 

Melania Trump concluded her trip to Africa on Saturday by voicing support for her husband's controversial Supreme Court pick and urging people to pay less attention to what she wears.

The U.S. first lady said the message of her tour to Ghana, Malawi, Kenya and Egypt was to show the world that "we care."

The stylish former model also said she did not always agree with her husband’s tweets and shared her opinions with him directly, even though he did not always follow her advice.

The four-country trip was a coming out of sorts for the U.S. first lady on the world stage. It was her first major solo trip abroad and a rare example of a time when she has answered questions by reporters on a variety of topics.

Speaking in Cairo on the tour's final leg, Trump praised her husband's Supreme Court choice, Brett Kavanaugh, and said she was glad he and his accuser had a chance to be heard following allegations of sexual assault prior to Saturday's Senate approval of his nomination.

"I’m glad that Dr. Ford was heard. I’m glad that Judge Kavanaugh was heard," Trump said, referring to psychology professor Christine Blasey Ford, who accused Kavanaugh of sexually assaulting her.

Trump declined to say whether she believed Ford.

"We need to help all the victims, no matter what kind of abuse they had," she said. "I’m against any kind of abuse."

The first lady rarely talks to reporters, and she chose a historic site to do so, near the Great Sphinx.

Asked about her wardrobe choices, the first lady lamented the fact that her clothes drew more attention than her work on children's issues.

“I wish people would focus on what I do, not what I wear,” she said, before posing for pictures in front of some of Egypt's greatest landmarks.

Trump drew some criticism for wearing a white pith helmet during a safari in Kenya because of its association with the exploitation of Africans. That type of hat was favored by 19th century European colonialists.

It was not the first time her clothing choices have sparked controversy.

The first lady spurred outrage earlier this year when she wore a jacket bearing the words “I really don’t care, do u?” during a trip to a Texas shelter that housed migrant children separated from their parents.

CONTROVERSY DISMISSED

Trump flew to Cairo from Nairobi earlier on Saturday on the last stage of her visit to Africa. President Trump has been quoted as saying immigrants from Africa came from "shit-hole countries," though he has denied making the remark.

"Nobody discussed that with me (during the trip), and I never heard him saying those comments. And that was anonymous source and I would leave it at that," she said.

The first lady said she did not always agree with her husband's tweets and shared her opinions with him. He listened sometimes, and sometimes did not, she said.

“I give him my honest opinion and honest advice," she said. "I have my own voice and my opinions, and it’s very important for me that I ... express what I feel.”

Trump received a warm welcome from Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and his wife, Entissar, at the presidential palace in Cairo before she headed to visit the Pyramids and the Great Sphinx.

She wore slacks and a tie as she stepped off the plane in Cairo, where she proceeded to the presidential palace, an ornate cream stone building with arabesque designs.

Trump made a brief stop at the heavily fortified U.S. Embassy in downtown Cairo, driving through streets nearly deserted because of a national holiday marking the 45th anniversary of Egypt's 1973 war with Israel.

Trump has focused on her signature issue of campaigning for children with stops at a hospital, primary school and an orphanage.

Speaking near the Sphinx, Trump said that the message of her trip has been to show "that we care. And we want to show the world that we care."

Melania Trump concluded her trip to Africa on Saturday by voicing support for her husband's controversial Supreme Court pick and urging people to pay less attention to what she wears.

Melania Trump concluded her trip to Africa on Saturday by voicing support for her husband's controversial Supreme Court pick and urging people to pay less attention to what she wears. The U.S. first lady said the message of her tour to Ghana, Malawi, Kenya and Egypt was to show the world that "we care." The stylish former model also said she did not always agree with her husband’s tweets and shared her opinions with him directly, even though he did not always follow her advice. The four-country trip was a coming out of sorts for the U.S. first lady on the world stage. It was her first major solo trip abroad and a rare example of a time when she has answered questions by reporters on a variety of topics. Speaking in Cairo on the tour's final leg, Trump praised her husband's Supreme Court choice, Brett Kavanaugh, and said she was glad he and his accuser had a chance to be heard following allegations of sexual assault prior to Saturday's Senate approval of his nomination. "I’m glad that Dr. Ford was heard. I’m glad that Judge Kavanaugh was heard," Trump said, referring to psychology professor Christine Blasey Ford, who accused Kavanaugh of sexually assaulting her. Trump declined to say whether she believed Ford. "We need to help all the victims, no matter what kind of abuse they had," she said. "I’m against any kind of abuse." The first lady rarely talks to reporters, and she chose a historic site to do so, near the Great Sphinx. Asked about her wardrobe choices, the first lady lamented the fact that her clothes drew more attention than her work on children's issues. “I wish people would focus on what I do, not what I wear,” she said, before posing for pictures in front of some of Egypt's greatest landmarks. Trump drew some criticism for wearing a white pith helmet during a safari in Kenya because of its association with the exploitation of Africans. That type of hat was favored by 19th century European colonialists. It was not the first time her clothing choices have sparked controversy. The first lady spurred outrage earlier this year when she wore a jacket bearing the words “I really don’t care, do u?” during a trip to a Texas shelter that housed migrant children separated from their parents. CONTROVERSY DISMISSED Trump flew to Cairo from Nairobi earlier on Saturday on the last stage of her visit to Africa. President Trump has been quoted as saying immigrants from Africa came from "shit-hole countries," though he has denied making the remark. "Nobody discussed that with me (during the trip), and I never heard him saying those comments. And that was anonymous source and I would leave it at that," she said. The first lady said she did not always agree with her husband's tweets and shared her opinions with him. He listened sometimes, and sometimes did not, she said. “I give him my honest opinion and honest advice," she said. "I have my own voice and my opinions, and it’s very important for me that I ... express what I feel.” Trump received a warm welcome from Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and his wife, Entissar, at the presidential palace in Cairo before she headed to visit the Pyramids and the Great Sphinx. She wore slacks and a tie as she stepped off the plane in Cairo, where she proceeded to the presidential palace, an ornate cream stone building with arabesque designs. Trump made a brief stop at the heavily fortified U.S. Embassy in downtown Cairo, driving through streets nearly deserted because of a national holiday marking the 45th anniversary of Egypt's 1973 war with Israel. Trump has focused on her signature issue of campaigning for children with stops at a hospital, primary school and an orphanage. Speaking near the Sphinx, Trump said that the message of her trip has been to show "that we care. And we want to show the world that we care."

Melania Trump wraps up Africa visit, laments attention on her clothes

Melania Trump nearly knocked over by baby elephant in Kenya

US First Lady Melania Trump on Tuesday kicked off her first major solo trip in Ghana's capital Accra, aiming to cast a positive light on her embattled husband's administration.&nbsp;

A relaxed-looking Trump smiled and waved as she stepped off an overnight flight from Washington to be met on the red carpet by her Ghanaian counterpart Rebecca Akufo-Addo.

She beamed as she was welcomed by a troupe of traditional drummers and dancers. "Thank you very much," she said with a smile.

The former model, whose choice of clothing is keenly watched, changed from a safari-inspired departure outfit of suede trench coat and leopard print heels to a red and white striped dress with white pumps by the time she arrived in West Africa.

She is scheduled to visit a hospital in Accra to learn about newborn health and also have tea with Mrs Akufo-Addo at the presidential residence, Jubilee House.

The 48-year-old is promoting her Be Best initiative, her official agenda unveiled in May designed to improve children's well-being.&nbsp;

Her office said it will also "showcase" the work of the US Agency for International Development (USAID), even at a time when her husband's government is looking to slash US aid across the world.

But unlike her predecessors, her visit will be followed closely to see if she can build bridges after the president reportedly dismissed Africa as a collection of "shithole countries".

In addition to Ghana, she is due to visit Malawi, Kenya and Egypt before returning to Washington early on October 7.

'Rorschach test in Louboutins'&nbsp;

The enigmatic US first lady has typically stayed out of the spotlight since her husband became president yet she has made headlines for rare public appearances.&nbsp;

In June, she made a surprise visit to Texas to visit detained children at the Mexican border, wearing a jacket emblazoned with the words "I really don't care. Do U?"

No one knew who the message was intended for, leaving it -- and her -- up for interpretation.&nbsp;

This ambiguity has led some pundits to describe her as a "Rorschach test in Louboutins" after the interpretative ink blots used in psychoanalysis and the luxury shoes.

But as Melania Trump attempts to step out of her husband's shadow, this trip has been seen as an attempt for her to carve her own diplomatic path.&nbsp;

She has previously travelled alone to Canada and joined her husband on several foreign visits.

Spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham said the Africa tour is close to her heart. "This is her trip, her initiative," she said.

That hasn't stopped Donald Trump from weighing in last week, when he told journalists that his wife was "making a big trip to Africa".&nbsp;

"We both love Africa. Africa is so beautiful, the most beautiful part of the world, in many ways," he added.

The US president has yet to travel to Africa since taking office.

Melania Trump's visit to Ghana will inevitably draw comparisons to when former president Barack Obama and his wife Michelle visited Ghana in 2009.&nbsp;

During that visit, Barack Obama gave a speech to parliament saying "Africa doesn't need strongmen, it needs strong institutions".

He also toured the Cape Coast Castle, a former slavery outpost, with his family.&nbsp;

Ghana is seen as a haven of stability in an often turbulent region but despite the interest back home, the first lady's visit did not appear to have generated similar fervour locally.

Unlike the Obamas' visit, the roads from the airport were not packed with onlookers while there was little fanfare in the local media, according to an AFP reporter on the ground.

US First Lady Melania Trump on Tuesday kicked off her first major solo trip in Ghana's capital Accra, aiming to cast a positive light on her embattled husband's administration.

US First Lady Melania Trump on Tuesday kicked off her first major solo trip in Ghana's capital Accra, aiming to cast a positive light on her embattled husband's administration. A relaxed-looking Trump smiled and waved as she stepped off an overnight flight from Washington to be met on the red carpet by her Ghanaian counterpart Rebecca Akufo-Addo. She beamed as she was welcomed by a troupe of traditional drummers and dancers. "Thank you very much," she said with a smile. The former model, whose choice of clothing is keenly watched, changed from a safari-inspired departure outfit of suede trench coat and leopard print heels to a red and white striped dress with white pumps by the time she arrived in West Africa. She is scheduled to visit a hospital in Accra to learn about newborn health and also have tea with Mrs Akufo-Addo at the presidential residence, Jubilee House. The 48-year-old is promoting her Be Best initiative, her official agenda unveiled in May designed to improve children's well-being. Her office said it will also "showcase" the work of the US Agency for International Development (USAID), even at a time when her husband's government is looking to slash US aid across the world. But unlike her predecessors, her visit will be followed closely to see if she can build bridges after the president reportedly dismissed Africa as a collection of "shithole countries". In addition to Ghana, she is due to visit Malawi, Kenya and Egypt before returning to Washington early on October 7. 'Rorschach test in Louboutins' The enigmatic US first lady has typically stayed out of the spotlight since her husband became president yet she has made headlines for rare public appearances. In June, she made a surprise visit to Texas to visit detained children at the Mexican border, wearing a jacket emblazoned with the words "I really don't care. Do U?" No one knew who the message was intended for, leaving it -- and her -- up for interpretation. This ambiguity has led some pundits to describe her as a "Rorschach test in Louboutins" after the interpretative ink blots used in psychoanalysis and the luxury shoes. But as Melania Trump attempts to step out of her husband's shadow, this trip has been seen as an attempt for her to carve her own diplomatic path. She has previously travelled alone to Canada and joined her husband on several foreign visits. Spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham said the Africa tour is close to her heart. "This is her trip, her initiative," she said. That hasn't stopped Donald Trump from weighing in last week, when he told journalists that his wife was "making a big trip to Africa". "We both love Africa. Africa is so beautiful, the most beautiful part of the world, in many ways," he added. The US president has yet to travel to Africa since taking office. Melania Trump's visit to Ghana will inevitably draw comparisons to when former president Barack Obama and his wife Michelle visited Ghana in 2009. During that visit, Barack Obama gave a speech to parliament saying "Africa doesn't need strongmen, it needs strong institutions". He also toured the Cape Coast Castle, a former slavery outpost, with his family. Ghana is seen as a haven of stability in an often turbulent region but despite the interest back home, the first lady's visit did not appear to have generated similar fervour locally. Unlike the Obamas' visit, the roads from the airport were not packed with onlookers while there was little fanfare in the local media, according to an AFP reporter on the ground.

Melania Trump kicks off Africa tour in Ghana

Finally, Melania Trump has reappeared. 
 
After more than three weeks out of the public eye, the first lady strolled into a White House event&nbsp;Monday&nbsp;for military families and swept away the wild speculation that she was incapacitated or had otherwise vanished. 
 
The White House did not allow journalists to cover the Gold Star event out of respect for the families, which meant Mrs. Trump was seen in person only by the 40 or so families and administration officials who attended. Others had to keep an eye on social media. 
 
Video posted on Twitter showed the first lady, who wore a black sleeveless dress and her trademark stilettos, strolling into the East Room accompanied by President Donald Trump. He showed her to a front-row seat across the aisle from Vice President Mike Pence before heading to the microphone. 
 
"She looked beautiful," said retired Sgt. 1st Class Diana Pike. Pike's son, Chief Petty Officer Christian Pike, of Peoria, Arizona, died in 2013 from injuries suffered in Afghanistan. "She just looked so beautiful." 
 
Trump joked about all the speculation that his wife had supposedly left him but said she was doing fine, Pike said. 
 
The first lady later tweeted several photos of the event, including two of her seated alongside the president. 
 
Mrs. Trump was last seen publicly during the overnight hours of May 10 when she and the president welcomed home three Americans who had been detained in North Korea.&nbsp;Four days later, the White House announced that she had been hospitalized to treat a benign kidney condition. 
 
The closest first lady parallel to Mrs Trump's time out of the public spotlight is Bess Truman, who did few events as first lady because of discomfort around the media, said Anita McBride, a veteran of three Republican administrations who last served as chief of staff to first lady Laura Bush. Mrs Truman also spent a lot of time in Missouri with her mother. 
 
Nancy Reagan spent several weeks out of public view after a mastectomy, but continued to meet with staff and do other work behind the scenes. 
 
Public interest in and news media coverage of first ladies exploded during the Obama administration, the first White House to extensively use social media to spread its brand, McBride said. But first ladies are not elected and technically are still private citizens, and each one gets to tailor the job to suit her. 
 
"She is going to do this job her way," McBride said of Mrs Trump. "It's her style and we just have to accept that." 
 
Mrs Trump stayed in the hospital for five days and has kept out of public view since returning home May 19. She has been meeting with staff and working on upcoming projects, according to spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham. 
 
Grisham said the Gold Star families' event was important to Mrs Trump and had been on her calendar for some time. 
 
It's still unclear when the first lady will make an appearance in public. She's not scheduled to accompany Trump to an annual world leaders' summit in Canada this weekend, or when he meets with North Korea's leader in Singapore next week.&nbsp; 
 
Her absence sparked all kinds of wild speculation, but the first lady has shown no interest in making an appearance just to knock down rumors. 
 
 
She sent early signals that she will not bow to speculation or public expectations about what she should be doing.&nbsp; 
 
Her first clue that she would be a different first lady came when she decided to continue living at Trump Tower after her husband took office in January 2017, citing a desire to maintain stability for her son's schooling. She and son Barron officially moved to the White House last June. 
 
 
"Mrs Trump is very strong and independent," Grisham said.&nbsp;

After more than three weeks out of the public eye, the first lady strolled into a White House event Monday for military families and swept away the wild speculation that she was incapacitated or had otherwise vanished

Finally, Melania Trump has reappeared. After more than three weeks out of the public eye, the first lady strolled into a White House event Monday for military families and swept away the wild speculation that she was incapacitated or had otherwise vanished. The White House did not allow journalists to cover the Gold Star event out of respect for the families, which meant Mrs. Trump was seen in person only by the 40 or so families and administration officials who attended. Others had to keep an eye on social media. Video posted on Twitter showed the first lady, who wore a black sleeveless dress and her trademark stilettos, strolling into the East Room accompanied by President Donald Trump. He showed her to a front-row seat across the aisle from Vice President Mike Pence before heading to the microphone. "She looked beautiful," said retired Sgt. 1st Class Diana Pike. Pike's son, Chief Petty Officer Christian Pike, of Peoria, Arizona, died in 2013 from injuries suffered in Afghanistan. "She just looked so beautiful." Trump joked about all the speculation that his wife had supposedly left him but said she was doing fine, Pike said. The first lady later tweeted several photos of the event, including two of her seated alongside the president. Mrs. Trump was last seen publicly during the overnight hours of May 10 when she and the president welcomed home three Americans who had been detained in North Korea. Four days later, the White House announced that she had been hospitalized to treat a benign kidney condition. The closest first lady parallel to Mrs Trump's time out of the public spotlight is Bess Truman, who did few events as first lady because of discomfort around the media, said Anita McBride, a veteran of three Republican administrations who last served as chief of staff to first lady Laura Bush. Mrs Truman also spent a lot of time in Missouri with her mother. Nancy Reagan spent several weeks out of public view after a mastectomy, but continued to meet with staff and do other work behind the scenes. Public interest in and news media coverage of first ladies exploded during the Obama administration, the first White House to extensively use social media to spread its brand, McBride said. But first ladies are not elected and technically are still private citizens, and each one gets to tailor the job to suit her. "She is going to do this job her way," McBride said of Mrs Trump. "It's her style and we just have to accept that." Mrs Trump stayed in the hospital for five days and has kept out of public view since returning home May 19. She has been meeting with staff and working on upcoming projects, according to spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham. Grisham said the Gold Star families' event was important to Mrs Trump and had been on her calendar for some time. It's still unclear when the first lady will make an appearance in public. She's not scheduled to accompany Trump to an annual world leaders' summit in Canada this weekend, or when he meets with North Korea's leader in Singapore next week. Her absence sparked all kinds of wild speculation, but the first lady has shown no interest in making an appearance just to knock down rumors. She sent early signals that she will not bow to speculation or public expectations about what she should be doing. Her first clue that she would be a different first lady came when she decided to continue living at Trump Tower after her husband took office in January 2017, citing a desire to maintain stability for her son's schooling. She and son Barron officially moved to the White House last June. "Mrs Trump is very strong and independent," Grisham said.

After 24 days out of sight, Melania Trump finally reappears

The first lady of the United States, Melania Trump will not attend the upcoming G7 summit in Quebec, Canada the White House said on Sunday.

According to the statement, she will also not attend the much-anticipated summit between Donald Trump and North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un in June.

“She will not attend the G7 and there are no plans for her to travel to Singapore at this time,” news agency Reuters quoted&nbspher spokeswoman, Stephanie Grisham, as saying.

Recently underwent a surgery, Melania Trump has not made any public appearance since May 10 when she welcomed three Americans home, who had been held prisoners in North Korea.

She was released from the hospital on May 19 after she underwent a surgical procedure related to a Kidney.

As the first lady has kept herself out of public meetings for several days there have been many speculations regarding Melania's absence.

In response to those speculations, she tweeted on May 30,

“I see the media is working overtime speculating where I am & what I’m doing. Rest assured, I’m here at the @WhiteHouse with my family, feeling great, & working hard on behalf of children & the American people!” she wrote on Twitter.

She had attended the G7 summit held in Italy last year. This year's G7 meeting is scheduled to take place on June 8-9 while the Singapore summit between Trump and Kim Jong-un will take place on June 12.

&nbsp

Recently underwent a surgery, Melania Trump has not made any public appearance since May 10 when she welcomed three Americans home, who had been held prisoners in North Korea

The first lady of the United States, Melania Trump will not attend the upcoming G7 summit in Quebec, Canada the White House said on Sunday. According to the statement, she will also not attend the much-anticipated summit between Donald Trump and North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un in June. “She will not attend the G7 and there are no plans for her to travel to Singapore at this time,” news agency Reuters quoted&nbspher spokeswoman, Stephanie Grisham, as saying. Recently underwent a surgery, Melania Trump has not made any public appearance since May 10 when she welcomed three Americans home, who had been held prisoners in North Korea. She was released from the hospital on May 19 after she underwent a surgical procedure related to a Kidney. As the first lady has kept herself out of public meetings for several days there have been many speculations regarding Melania's absence. In response to those speculations, she tweeted on May 30, “I see the media is working overtime speculating where I am & what I’m doing. Rest assured, I’m here at the @WhiteHouse with my family, feeling great, & working hard on behalf of children & the American people!” she wrote on Twitter. She had attended the G7 summit held in Italy last year. This year's G7 meeting is scheduled to take place on June 8-9 while the Singapore summit between Trump and Kim Jong-un will take place on June 12.

US first lady Melania Trump will not attend G7 and Singapore summit: White house

United States First Lady Melania Trump on Saturday returned to the White House after a successful kidney procedure, the office announced in a statement.

Melania was discharged from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland after five days, The Hill reported.

Her spokeswoman, Stephanie Grisham, has declined to release additional details, citing Trump’s right to privacy.

"She is resting comfortably and remains in high spirits. Our office has received thousands of calls and emails wishing Mrs. Trump well, and we thank everyone who has taken the time to reach out," the White House said in a statement.

Donald Trump heralded his wife’s arrival home with a tweet in which her name was spelled incorrectly.

“Great to have our incredible First Lady back home in the White House,” Trump wrote. “Melanie is feeling and doing really well. Thank you for all of your prayers and best wishes!”

The tweet was quickly superseded with another that spelled the first lady’s name correctly.

"Our great First Lady is doing really well. Will be leaving hospital in 2 or 3 days. Thank you for so much love and support!" Trump tweeted.

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Great to have our incredible First Lady back home in the White House. Melania is feeling and doing really well. Thank you for all of your prayers and best wishes!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/997909163379449857?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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On Monday, Melania's operation for a "benign" kidney condition was completed successfully.

As per a White House official statement, Melania underwent an embolisation procedure to treat a benign kidney condition.

According to New York Times, Johns Hopkins Patients' Guide to Kidney Cancer describes the kidney procedure as an arterial embolisation in which a special sponge-like material is placed into an artery that supplies blood to the kidney. A thin tube catheter is inserted into a vessel in the leg and into the main vessel feeding the kidney.

'Melanie is feeling and doing really well,' Trump tweeted. The tweet was quickly replaced by another than spelt Melania's name correctly

United States First Lady Melania Trump on Saturday returned to the White House after a successful kidney procedure, the office announced in a statement. Melania was discharged from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland after five days, The Hill reported. Her spokeswoman, Stephanie Grisham, has declined to release additional details, citing Trump’s right to privacy. "She is resting comfortably and remains in high spirits. Our office has received thousands of calls and emails wishing Mrs. Trump well, and we thank everyone who has taken the time to reach out," the White House said in a statement. Donald Trump heralded his wife’s arrival home with a tweet in which her name was spelled incorrectly. “Great to have our incredible First Lady back home in the White House,” Trump wrote. “Melanie is feeling and doing really well. Thank you for all of your prayers and best wishes!” The tweet was quickly superseded with another that spelled the first lady’s name correctly. "Our great First Lady is doing really well. Will be leaving hospital in 2 or 3 days. Thank you for so much love and support!" Trump tweeted. Great to have our incredible First Lady back home in the White House. Melania is feeling and doing really well. Thank you for all of your prayers and best wishes! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 19, 2018 × On Monday, Melania's operation for a "benign" kidney condition was completed successfully. As per a White House official statement, Melania underwent an embolisation procedure to treat a benign kidney condition. According to New York Times, Johns Hopkins Patients' Guide to Kidney Cancer describes the kidney procedure as an arterial embolisation in which a special sponge-like material is placed into an artery that supplies blood to the kidney. A thin tube catheter is inserted into a vessel in the leg and into the main vessel feeding the kidney.

Trump welcomes Melania home after kidney procedure, misspells her name

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday took to Twitter informing about his wife Melania Trump's health.&nbsp;

"Our great First Lady is doing really well. Will be leaving hospital in 2 or 3 days," Trump tweeted.&nbsp;

He thanked everyone for all the love and support.&nbsp;

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Our great First Lady is doing really well. Will be leaving hospital in 2 or 3 days. Thank you for so much love and support!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/996366330436648960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Melania Trump had undergone a kidney procedure on Monday morning for a&nbsp;kidney condition.<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4NQrKY3Hsm4" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

According to reports, the First Lady underwent a minor embolization procedure wherein blood's flow is restricted to a tumour.

According to reports, the First Lady underwent an embolization procedure

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday took to Twitter informing about his wife Melania Trump's health. "Our great First Lady is doing really well. Will be leaving hospital in 2 or 3 days," Trump tweeted. He thanked everyone for all the love and support. Our great First Lady is doing really well. Will be leaving hospital in 2 or 3 days. Thank you for so much love and support! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 15, 2018 × Melania Trump had undergone a kidney procedure on Monday morning for a kidney condition. According to reports, the First Lady underwent a minor embolization procedure wherein blood's flow is restricted to a tumour.

Melania Trump undergoes kidney procedure; 'doing really well,' tweets Trump

Former first lady Barbara Bush was remembered on Saturday as a sharp-tongued but caring figure whose devotion to her family was matched only by her commitment to public service.

Four former US&nbsppresidents were among some 1,500 mourners who gathered at a Houston church for her funeral, after the matriarch of one of the country's most prominent political dynasties died on Tuesday at age 92.

Bush, the wife of the 41st president of the United States, George HW&nbspBush, and the mother of the 43rd, George W&nbspBush, was lauded at a televised but invitation-only service at St Martin's Episcopal Church, where she and her family have been members since the 1950s.&nbsp

"She was candid and comforting, steadfast and straightforward, honest and loving," said the historian and author Jon Meacham, who wrote a biography of George HW&nbspBush and was one of three eulogists whom Barbara Bush herself selected before her death.

"Barbara Bush and George Bush put country above party, the common good above political gain and service to others above the settling of scores," he said.

Former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, current first lady Melania Trump, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former first lady Michelle Obama were all on hand for the service.

President Donald Trump, who clashed with the Bush family during his 2016 campaign, did not travel to Houston. The White House said this week he wanted to avoid disrupting the service with added security.

In a Twitter post, Trump said his "thoughts and prayers are with the entire Bush family."

Former President Jimmy Carter was overseas and unable to attend.

Another of Bush's sons, former Florida governor and 2016 presidential candidate Jeb Bush, also delivered a eulogy, as did her longtime friend Susan Baker, the wife of former Secretary of State James Baker.

In their remarks, Meacham and Baker emphasized Bush's role as a mother and grandmother, with Baker describing her as a "tough but loving enforcer" whose 73-year marriage to her husband was a real-life fairy tale.

Hours before the service`s scheduled start at 11 am&nbsplocal time (1600 GMT), security was tight, with bomb-sniffing dogs checking media equipment and police officers searching bags.

Guests arrived at a different church several miles away to be bussed to the venue, walking past a throng of media.

Bush made it possible for her husband to have "the arc of his life," said Karl Rove, who served as a chief political adviser for George W&nbspBush and spoke with him a few days ago.

"This is a family of great faith, of great conviction," Rove said. "He has every comfort, every confidence of where his mother is."

Following Saturday`s service, Bush will be buried on the grounds of the George HW&nbspBush Library and Museum at Texas A&M University in College Station, next to her daughter, Robin, who died of leukemia at the age of 3. The motorcade carrying her body will traverse both

George Bush Drive and Barbara Bush Drive on its way to the burial site.

Members of the public paid their respects on Friday when Bush lay in repose at the church. The 93-year-old George HW&nbspBush, seated in a wheelchair in front of the casket, greeted mourners in turn with a handshake.

Four former US presidents were among some 1,500 mourners who gathered at a Houston church for her funeral, after the matriarch of one of the country's most prominent political dynasties died on Tuesday at age 92

Former first lady Barbara Bush was remembered on Saturday as a sharp-tongued but caring figure whose devotion to her family was matched only by her commitment to public service. Four former US&nbsppresidents were among some 1,500 mourners who gathered at a Houston church for her funeral, after the matriarch of one of the country's most prominent political dynasties died on Tuesday at age 92. Bush, the wife of the 41st president of the United States, George HW&nbspBush, and the mother of the 43rd, George W&nbspBush, was lauded at a televised but invitation-only service at St Martin's Episcopal Church, where she and her family have been members since the 1950s. "She was candid and comforting, steadfast and straightforward, honest and loving," said the historian and author Jon Meacham, who wrote a biography of George HW&nbspBush and was one of three eulogists whom Barbara Bush herself selected before her death. "Barbara Bush and George Bush put country above party, the common good above political gain and service to others above the settling of scores," he said. Former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, current first lady Melania Trump, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former first lady Michelle Obama were all on hand for the service. President Donald Trump, who clashed with the Bush family during his 2016 campaign, did not travel to Houston. The White House said this week he wanted to avoid disrupting the service with added security. In a Twitter post, Trump said his "thoughts and prayers are with the entire Bush family." Former President Jimmy Carter was overseas and unable to attend. Another of Bush's sons, former Florida governor and 2016 presidential candidate Jeb Bush, also delivered a eulogy, as did her longtime friend Susan Baker, the wife of former Secretary of State James Baker. In their remarks, Meacham and Baker emphasized Bush's role as a mother and grandmother, with Baker describing her as a "tough but loving enforcer" whose 73-year marriage to her husband was a real-life fairy tale. Hours before the service`s scheduled start at 11 am&nbsplocal time (1600 GMT), security was tight, with bomb-sniffing dogs checking media equipment and police officers searching bags. Guests arrived at a different church several miles away to be bussed to the venue, walking past a throng of media. Bush made it possible for her husband to have "the arc of his life," said Karl Rove, who served as a chief political adviser for George W&nbspBush and spoke with him a few days ago. "This is a family of great faith, of great conviction," Rove said. "He has every comfort, every confidence of where his mother is." Following Saturday`s service, Bush will be buried on the grounds of the George HW&nbspBush Library and Museum at Texas A&M University in College Station, next to her daughter, Robin, who died of leukemia at the age of 3. The motorcade carrying her body will traverse both George Bush Drive and Barbara Bush Drive on its way to the burial site. Members of the public paid their respects on Friday when Bush lay in repose at the church. The 93-year-old George HW&nbspBush, seated in a wheelchair in front of the casket, greeted mourners in turn with a handshake.

Ex-US presidents among mourners as Barbara Bush lauded at funeral

President Donald Trump has already won a legal case against adult-film actress Stormy Daniels in arbitration, his spokeswoman said on Wednesday, a day after Daniels sued seeking to invalidate a &quot;hush agreement&quot; she signed with Trump&#39;s lawyer.

Daniels, whose legal name is Stephanie Clifford, said in the lawsuit that Trump never signed the nondisclosure agreement, designed to keep her quiet about an &quot;intimate relationship&quot; she said she had with him over a decade ago.

Trump&#39;s failure to sign renders the pact invalid, the lawsuit said.

Clifford has said she was taking legal action to be able to speak freely about the &quot;intimate relationship&quot; without fear of retribution.

According to the lawsuit, Clifford and Trump had an intimate relationship that began in the summer of 2006, not long after Trump&#39;s wife Melania gave birth to their son Barron and lasted well into 2007.

White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders denied Trump had an affair with Clifford and said arbitration over the legal case with the actress was won by the president&#39;s personal attorneys.

&quot;The president has addressed these (allegations by Clifford) directly and made very well clear that none of these allegations are true,&quot; Sanders said at Wednesday`s White House press briefing.

&quot;This case has already been won in arbitration and anything beyond that, I would refer you to the president&#39;s outside counsel.&quot;

A lawyer for the actress, Michael Avenatti, did not respond to a request for comment on Wednesday.

Clifford&#39;s lawsuit said Trump lawyer Michael Cohen initiated a &quot;bogus arbitration proceeding&quot; against her on February 27, without notifying her, as part of efforts to &quot;shut her up&quot; and &quot;protect Mr&nbsp;Trump.&quot;

Cohen&#39;s lawyer Lawrence Rosen said in a statement on Wednesday that Cohen obtained an order from an arbitrator prohibiting Clifford from disclosing confidential information related to the nondisclosure agreement.

Cohen has previously acknowledged he paid Clifford $130,000 in October out of his own pocket to not discuss her claims of an affair with Trump.

Asked about the payment by Cohen to Clifford, Huckabee Sanders said she was not aware Trump knew of it at the time.

Cohen did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Trump attorneys John Dowd and Jay Sekulow were not immediately available for comment.

Stormy Daniels said in the lawsuit that Trump never signed the nondisclosure agreement, designed to keep her quiet about an 'intimate relationship'

President Donald Trump has already won a legal case against adult-film actress Stormy Daniels in arbitration, his spokeswoman said on Wednesday, a day after Daniels sued seeking to invalidate a "hush agreement" she signed with Trump's lawyer. Daniels, whose legal name is Stephanie Clifford, said in the lawsuit that Trump never signed the nondisclosure agreement, designed to keep her quiet about an "intimate relationship" she said she had with him over a decade ago. Trump's failure to sign renders the pact invalid, the lawsuit said. Clifford has said she was taking legal action to be able to speak freely about the "intimate relationship" without fear of retribution. According to the lawsuit, Clifford and Trump had an intimate relationship that began in the summer of 2006, not long after Trump's wife Melania gave birth to their son Barron and lasted well into 2007. White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders denied Trump had an affair with Clifford and said arbitration over the legal case with the actress was won by the president's personal attorneys. "The president has addressed these (allegations by Clifford) directly and made very well clear that none of these allegations are true," Sanders said at Wednesday`s White House press briefing. "This case has already been won in arbitration and anything beyond that, I would refer you to the president's outside counsel." A lawyer for the actress, Michael Avenatti, did not respond to a request for comment on Wednesday. Clifford's lawsuit said Trump lawyer Michael Cohen initiated a "bogus arbitration proceeding" against her on February 27, without notifying her, as part of efforts to "shut her up" and "protect Mr Trump." Cohen's lawyer Lawrence Rosen said in a statement on Wednesday that Cohen obtained an order from an arbitrator prohibiting Clifford from disclosing confidential information related to the nondisclosure agreement. Cohen has previously acknowledged he paid Clifford $130,000 in October out of his own pocket to not discuss her claims of an affair with Trump. Asked about the payment by Cohen to Clifford, Huckabee Sanders said she was not aware Trump knew of it at the time. Cohen did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Trump attorneys John Dowd and Jay Sekulow were not immediately available for comment.

Trump won Stormy Daniels legal case in arbitration: White House

US First Lady Melania Trump on Friday chose not to leave the White House with her husband as planned to catch a flight to Florida, after a second woman claimed she had an affair with the now president.

The 47-year-old Slovenian-born model skipped the helicopter ride from the White House to Joint Base Andrews, deciding instead to take the longer motorcade on her own to meet Donald for the flight to the Sunshine State for a long holiday weekend.

Reporters traveling with Trump were prevented from seeing the First Lady arrive on the plane, but she did exit the plane at West Palm Beach with Trump.&nbsp;

The pair walked down the stairs together, Melania in dark sunglasses, but she did not smile.

The flight came just hours after former Playboy model Karen McDougal claimed she and Trump had a sexual relationship in 2006, months after Melania Trump gave birth to the president&#39;s youngest son Barron.

McDougal also described complex legal and financial agreements that were used in an alleged bid to cover it up.

The White House did not reply to a request for comment. But in a statement to The New Yorker, an unnamed spokesperson said the president had denied having a relationship with McDougal, calling the claims &quot;fake news.&quot;

And the first lady&#39;s spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham tried to pour cold water on any speculation about the first couple&#39;s relationship, saying: &quot;&quot;With her schedule, it was easier to meet him on the plane.&quot;

Deal with a tabloid 

According to The New Yorker, the nine-month relationship between Trump and McDougal ended quietly, but years later -- during the 2016 presidential campaign -- she sold her story.

The New Yorker reported that on August 5, 2016, McDougal agreed to give the company which owns the National Inquirer tabloid exclusive rights over &quot;any romantic, personal, or physical relationship she has ever had with any &#39;then-married man.&#39;&quot;

The deal is alleged to have been worth $150,000, but the story never ran.

&quot;I&#39;m the one who took it, so it&#39;s my fault, too. But I didn&#39;t understand the full parameters of it,&quot; McDougal told The New Yorker of the alleged payment.

The National Enquirer is owned by David Pecker, who has claimed to be a friend of Trump&#39;s. The tabloid endorsed Trump&#39;s bid for the presidency.

In a statement, the tabloid&#39;s owner, AMI, said that the suggestion that it &quot;engages in any practice that would allow it to hold influence over the President of the United States is laughable.&quot;

The model&#39;s story strongly echoes allegations of an affair between Trump and the porn star Stephanie Clifford -- known as Stormy Daniels -- during the same period.

In that case, the president&#39;s personal lawyer Michael Cohen admitted to paying Daniels $130,000 but refused to say why.

After that admission, Daniels&#39; agent has said she feels free to speak out.

&quot;Everything is off now, and Stormy is going to tell her story,&quot; manager Gina Rodriguez told US media

 
&nbsp;&#39;Lawful&#39; payment to porn star&nbsp;

Good governance groups believe that Cohen&#39;s payment could constitute a campaign donation and breach election financial rules.

Cohen has refused to say why he paid Daniels the vast sum but he claims he was not reimbursed by the &quot;Trump Organization nor the Trump campaign.&quot;

&quot;The payment to Ms Clifford was lawful, and was not a campaign contribution or a campaign expenditure by anyone,&quot; Cohen said.

Trump declined to comment on the issue. The White House has dodged questions about whether allegations of an affair are true, claiming the matter was dealt with during the campaign.

Last month, celebrity magazine In Touch published a 2011 interview with Daniels in which she details having &quot;textbook generic&quot; sex with Trump.

She recalled meeting Trump at a celebrity golf tournament in 2006, shortly after Melania gave birth to Barron.

Reporters traveling with Trump were prevented from seeing the First Lady arrive on the plane, but she did exit the plane at West Palm Beach with Trump.

US First Lady Melania Trump on Friday chose not to leave the White House with her husband as planned to catch a flight to Florida, after a second woman claimed she had an affair with the now president. The 47-year-old Slovenian-born model skipped the helicopter ride from the White House to Joint Base Andrews, deciding instead to take the longer motorcade on her own to meet Donald for the flight to the Sunshine State for a long holiday weekend. Reporters traveling with Trump were prevented from seeing the First Lady arrive on the plane, but she did exit the plane at West Palm Beach with Trump. The pair walked down the stairs together, Melania in dark sunglasses, but she did not smile. The flight came just hours after former Playboy model Karen McDougal claimed she and Trump had a sexual relationship in 2006, months after Melania Trump gave birth to the president's youngest son Barron. McDougal also described complex legal and financial agreements that were used in an alleged bid to cover it up. The White House did not reply to a request for comment. But in a statement to The New Yorker, an unnamed spokesperson said the president had denied having a relationship with McDougal, calling the claims "fake news." And the first lady's spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham tried to pour cold water on any speculation about the first couple's relationship, saying: ""With her schedule, it was easier to meet him on the plane." Deal with a tabloid According to The New Yorker, the nine-month relationship between Trump and McDougal ended quietly, but years later -- during the 2016 presidential campaign -- she sold her story. The New Yorker reported that on August 5, 2016, McDougal agreed to give the company which owns the National Inquirer tabloid exclusive rights over "any romantic, personal, or physical relationship she has ever had with any 'then-married man.'" The deal is alleged to have been worth $150,000, but the story never ran. "I'm the one who took it, so it's my fault, too. But I didn't understand the full parameters of it," McDougal told The New Yorker of the alleged payment. The National Enquirer is owned by David Pecker, who has claimed to be a friend of Trump's. The tabloid endorsed Trump's bid for the presidency. In a statement, the tabloid's owner, AMI, said that the suggestion that it "engages in any practice that would allow it to hold influence over the President of the United States is laughable." The model's story strongly echoes allegations of an affair between Trump and the porn star Stephanie Clifford -- known as Stormy Daniels -- during the same period. In that case, the president's personal lawyer Michael Cohen admitted to paying Daniels $130,000 but refused to say why. After that admission, Daniels' agent has said she feels free to speak out. "Everything is off now, and Stormy is going to tell her story," manager Gina Rodriguez told US media 'Lawful' payment to porn star Good governance groups believe that Cohen's payment could constitute a campaign donation and breach election financial rules. Cohen has refused to say why he paid Daniels the vast sum but he claims he was not reimbursed by the "Trump Organization nor the Trump campaign." "The payment to Ms Clifford was lawful, and was not a campaign contribution or a campaign expenditure by anyone," Cohen said. Trump declined to comment on the issue. The White House has dodged questions about whether allegations of an affair are true, claiming the matter was dealt with during the campaign. Last month, celebrity magazine In Touch published a 2011 interview with Daniels in which she details having "textbook generic" sex with Trump. She recalled meeting Trump at a celebrity golf tournament in 2006, shortly after Melania gave birth to Barron.

Melania shuns cameras as second woman alleges Trump affair

US President Donald Trump on Friday visited a Florida hospital to offer comfort to those wounded in a mass school shooting after the FBI admitted it mishandled a tip about the troubled teen behind the massacre that left 17 dead.

The arrival of Trump and his wife Melania came at the end of a difficult day for the families of those killed in Wednesday&#39;s rampage at a high school in Parkland, Florida, who learned that the carnage could perhaps have been averted.

The FBI, the top US law enforcement agency, admitted it had received a chilling warning in January from a tipster who said the 19-year-old gunman, Nikolas Cruz, could be planning a mass shooting, but that agents failed to follow up.

At Broward Health North Hospital, where Trump met with survivors of the shooting, the president thanked the doctors, nurses and first responders for their &quot;incredible&quot; work, and described the carnage as &quot;very sad.&quot;&nbsp;

He and his wife were also expected to visit the Broward County sheriff&#39;s office &quot;to meet with the law enforcement officials whose bravery helped save lives,&quot; a White House official said.

The president&#39;s visit to Parkland -- an area about 50 miles (80 kilometers) north of Miami -- came amid growing anger among parents and students in the south Florida city over America&#39;s seeming unwillingness to toughen gun control laws.

&quot;My princess wasn&#39;t safe in that school,&quot; said Andrew Pollack, speaking at the funeral of his 18-year-old daughter Meadow. &quot;Please pray that this horrific tragedy never happens to another family.&quot;

Lori Alhadeff, whose 14-year-old daughter Alyssa was killed at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, made an emotional appeal to Trump on camera with tears rolling down her face.

&quot;We need action! Action! Action!&quot; Alhadeff urged in an interview with CNN, addressing Trump as the father of an 11-year-old son of his own.

&quot;Let&#39;s protect Barron, and let&#39;s also protect all these other kids here in Parkland, in Florida, and everyone everywhere else,&quot; she said.

Admitting error &#39;isn&#39;t going to cut it

The FBI made a stunning admission earlier in the day, saying a &quot;person close to Nikolas Cruz&quot; made a call to the agency&#39;s public tipline on January 5 to &quot;report concerns about him.&quot;

&quot;The caller provided information about Cruz&#39;s gun ownership, desire to kill people, erratic behavior, and disturbing social media posts, as well as the potential of him conducting a school shooting,&quot; the FBI said in a statement.

The information from the caller &quot;should have been assessed as a potential threat to life&quot; and forwarded to the agency&#39;s Miami field office, it said.

Instead, &quot;no further investigation was conducted.&quot;

&quot;We have spoken with victims and families, and deeply regret the additional pain this causes all those affected by this horrific tragedy,&quot; said Federal Bureau of Investigation director Christopher Wray, who took up his post in August.

Wray said he was &quot;committed to getting to the bottom of what happened,&quot; and Attorney General Jeff Sessions ordered an immediate review to ensure &quot;effective response to indications of potential violence.&quot;

But Florida Governor Rick Scott nevertheless called for the FBI chief to step down, saying the failure to act was &quot;unacceptable.&quot;

&quot;Seventeen innocent people are dead and acknowledging a mistake isn&#39;t going to cut it,&quot; Scott said.

The January warning to the FBI was not the first it had received about Cruz, who used an AR-15-style semi-automatic rifle that he legally purchased a year ago to spray classrooms with bullets.

In September, the FBI was alerted to a message posted on YouTube, in which a user named Nikolas Cruz vowed: &quot;I&#39;m going to be a professional school shooter.&quot;

The FBI said it had looked into it at the time but was unable to identify the person who made the post.

Illogical

Trump&#39;s visit to the Parkland area -- not far from his Mar-a-Lago resort, where he was spending the long President&#39;s Day weekend -- was not announced in advance, perhaps because he risked being greeted with angry demands for action on laws that allowed Cruz to amass an arsenal.

&quot;It&#39;s illogical that the law says a minor can&#39;t have a drink, but can buy a gun,&quot; said 47-year-old Mavy Rubiano, whose child survived the shooting.

In Washington, the political response so far makes it clear that the powerful pro-gun National Rifle Association -- which spent $30 million to support Trump&#39;s election in 2016 -- remains formidable.&nbsp;

On Thursday, Trump&#39;s nationally televised address made no mention of guns, or of previous mass shootings.

The president focused instead on offering sympathy to the families of the victims and the need to provide better mental health care.

Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan said it was not a time for arguing over gun control, while Republican Florida Senator Marco Rubio said new gun laws alone would not stop shootings.&nbsp;

As with previous mass shootings, the focus of gun control advocates was the easy availability of the AR-15, a civilian version of the US military&#39;s M16.&nbsp;

Millions have been sold around the United States, and AR-15-style rifles were used in the mass shootings in Las Vegas, Sutherland Springs, Texas and Newtown, Connecticut.

The disclosure sparked angry disbelief from members of the Miami suburb of Parkland still reeling from Wednesday's massacre and led Florida's governor to call for the FBI chief to resign

US President Donald Trump on Friday visited a Florida hospital to offer comfort to those wounded in a mass school shooting after the FBI admitted it mishandled a tip about the troubled teen behind the massacre that left 17 dead. The arrival of Trump and his wife Melania came at the end of a difficult day for the families of those killed in Wednesday's rampage at a high school in Parkland, Florida, who learned that the carnage could perhaps have been averted. The FBI, the top US law enforcement agency, admitted it had received a chilling warning in January from a tipster who said the 19-year-old gunman, Nikolas Cruz, could be planning a mass shooting, but that agents failed to follow up. At Broward Health North Hospital, where Trump met with survivors of the shooting, the president thanked the doctors, nurses and first responders for their "incredible" work, and described the carnage as "very sad." He and his wife were also expected to visit the Broward County sheriff's office "to meet with the law enforcement officials whose bravery helped save lives," a White House official said. The president's visit to Parkland -- an area about 50 miles (80 kilometers) north of Miami -- came amid growing anger among parents and students in the south Florida city over America's seeming unwillingness to toughen gun control laws. "My princess wasn't safe in that school," said Andrew Pollack, speaking at the funeral of his 18-year-old daughter Meadow. "Please pray that this horrific tragedy never happens to another family." Lori Alhadeff, whose 14-year-old daughter Alyssa was killed at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, made an emotional appeal to Trump on camera with tears rolling down her face. "We need action! Action! Action!" Alhadeff urged in an interview with CNN, addressing Trump as the father of an 11-year-old son of his own. "Let's protect Barron, and let's also protect all these other kids here in Parkland, in Florida, and everyone everywhere else," she said. Admitting error 'isn't going to cut it The FBI made a stunning admission earlier in the day, saying a "person close to Nikolas Cruz" made a call to the agency's public tipline on January 5 to "report concerns about him." "The caller provided information about Cruz's gun ownership, desire to kill people, erratic behavior, and disturbing social media posts, as well as the potential of him conducting a school shooting," the FBI said in a statement. The information from the caller "should have been assessed as a potential threat to life" and forwarded to the agency's Miami field office, it said. Instead, "no further investigation was conducted." "We have spoken with victims and families, and deeply regret the additional pain this causes all those affected by this horrific tragedy," said Federal Bureau of Investigation director Christopher Wray, who took up his post in August. Wray said he was "committed to getting to the bottom of what happened," and Attorney General Jeff Sessions ordered an immediate review to ensure "effective response to indications of potential violence." But Florida Governor Rick Scott nevertheless called for the FBI chief to step down, saying the failure to act was "unacceptable." "Seventeen innocent people are dead and acknowledging a mistake isn't going to cut it," Scott said. The January warning to the FBI was not the first it had received about Cruz, who used an AR-15-style semi-automatic rifle that he legally purchased a year ago to spray classrooms with bullets. In September, the FBI was alerted to a message posted on YouTube, in which a user named Nikolas Cruz vowed: "I'm going to be a professional school shooter." The FBI said it had looked into it at the time but was unable to identify the person who made the post. Illogical Trump's visit to the Parkland area -- not far from his Mar-a-Lago resort, where he was spending the long President's Day weekend -- was not announced in advance, perhaps because he risked being greeted with angry demands for action on laws that allowed Cruz to amass an arsenal. "It's illogical that the law says a minor can't have a drink, but can buy a gun," said 47-year-old Mavy Rubiano, whose child survived the shooting. In Washington, the political response so far makes it clear that the powerful pro-gun National Rifle Association -- which spent $30 million to support Trump's election in 2016 -- remains formidable. On Thursday, Trump's nationally televised address made no mention of guns, or of previous mass shootings. The president focused instead on offering sympathy to the families of the victims and the need to provide better mental health care. Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan said it was not a time for arguing over gun control, while Republican Florida Senator Marco Rubio said new gun laws alone would not stop shootings. As with previous mass shootings, the focus of gun control advocates was the easy availability of the AR-15, a civilian version of the US military's M16. Millions have been sold around the United States, and AR-15-style rifles were used in the mass shootings in Las Vegas, Sutherland Springs, Texas and Newtown, Connecticut.

Trump visits Florida shooting survivors, FBI admits it missed tip

A second woman has made allegations of an affair with Donald Trump, describing complex legal and financial agreements in an alleged bid to cover it up.

Former Playboy model Karen McDougal claims that she and Trump had a sexual relationship in 2006, months after first lady Melania Trump gave birth to the president&#39;s youngest son.

The White House did not immediately reply to a request for comment, but in a statement to NBC a spokesperson said the president had previously denied having a relationship with McDougal, calling the claims &quot;fake news.&quot;

According to the New Yorker, the nine-month relationship ended quietly, but years later -- during the 2016 presidential campaign -- McDougal sold her story.

The New Yorker reported that on August 5, 2016, McDougall agreed to give the company which owns the National Inquirer tabloid exclusive rights over &quot;any romantic, personal, or physical relationship she has ever had with any &#39;then-married man.&#39;&quot;

The deal is alleged to have been worth $150,000, but the story never ran.

The National Enquirer is owned by David Pecker, who has claimed to be a friend of Trump&#39;s. The tabloid endorsed Trump&#39;s bid for the presidency.

The company did not reply to a request for comment.

&quot;I&#39;m the one who took it, so it&#39;s my fault, too. But I didn&#39;t understand the full parameters of it,&quot; McDougal told the New Yorker of the alleged payment.

The model&#39;s story strongly echoes allegations of an affair between Trump and the porn star Stephanie Clifford -- known as Stormy Daniels -- during the same period.

In that case, the president&#39;s personal lawyer admitted to paying Daniels $130,000 but refused to say why.

Good governance groups believe that could constitute a campaign donation and could breach election financial rules.

The White House did not immediately reply to a request for comment, but in a statement to NBC a spokesperson said the president had previously denied having a relationship with McDougal, calling the claims "fake news."

A second woman has made allegations of an affair with Donald Trump, describing complex legal and financial agreements in an alleged bid to cover it up. Former Playboy model Karen McDougal claims that she and Trump had a sexual relationship in 2006, months after first lady Melania Trump gave birth to the president's youngest son. The White House did not immediately reply to a request for comment, but in a statement to NBC a spokesperson said the president had previously denied having a relationship with McDougal, calling the claims "fake news." According to the New Yorker, the nine-month relationship ended quietly, but years later -- during the 2016 presidential campaign -- McDougal sold her story. The New Yorker reported that on August 5, 2016, McDougall agreed to give the company which owns the National Inquirer tabloid exclusive rights over "any romantic, personal, or physical relationship she has ever had with any 'then-married man.'" The deal is alleged to have been worth $150,000, but the story never ran. The National Enquirer is owned by David Pecker, who has claimed to be a friend of Trump's. The tabloid endorsed Trump's bid for the presidency. The company did not reply to a request for comment. "I'm the one who took it, so it's my fault, too. But I didn't understand the full parameters of it," McDougal told the New Yorker of the alleged payment. The model's story strongly echoes allegations of an affair between Trump and the porn star Stephanie Clifford -- known as Stormy Daniels -- during the same period. In that case, the president's personal lawyer admitted to paying Daniels $130,000 but refused to say why. Good governance groups believe that could constitute a campaign donation and could breach election financial rules.

Second woman alleges Trump affair -- and cover-up

Twitter had a field day when it learned that the official Twitter handle of Melania Trump -- run by the Office of First Lady Melania Trump -- follows only five people including Former US President Barack Obama.&nbsp;

The first lady follows her husband Donald Trump&#39;s private Twitter account, his presidential account along with Vice President Mike Pence and his wife&#39;s Twitter account.

In a comic tweet, British novelist Matt Haig noted that &quot;It&rsquo;s a lovely bit of husband-trolling that Melania Trump only follows five people and one of them is Barack Obama,&rdquo; she tweeted last Friday.

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It&#39;s a lovely bit of husband-trolling that Melania Trump only follows five people and one of them is Barack Obama.
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It is not clear when did the first lady start following Obama.

Melania Trump&#39;s @FLOTUS Twitter account has 240 tweets with a whopping 9.78 million followers.&nbsp;

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It is not clear when did the first lady start following Obama

Twitter had a field day when it learned that the official Twitter handle of Melania Trump -- run by the Office of First Lady Melania Trump -- follows only five people including Former US President Barack Obama. The first lady follows her husband Donald Trump's private Twitter account, his presidential account along with Vice President Mike Pence and his wife's Twitter account. In a comic tweet, British novelist Matt Haig noted that "It’s a lovely bit of husband-trolling that Melania Trump only follows five people and one of them is Barack Obama,” she tweeted last Friday. It's a lovely bit of husband-trolling that Melania Trump only follows five people and one of them is Barack Obama. — Matt Haig (@matthaig1) February 2, 2018 × It is not clear when did the first lady start following Obama. Melania Trump's @FLOTUS Twitter account has 240 tweets with a whopping 9.78 million followers.

Melania Trump's first lady Twitter handle follows five people including former President Obama

First Lady Melania Trump made a very visible return to the public stage Tuesday by attending her husband&#39;s maiden State of the Union address, her first official appearance since accusations of infidelity surfaced about the president.

The enigmatic wife of Donald Trump emerged publicly for the first time since she fed the Washington rumor mill by cancelling her trip to Davos, Switzerland, leaving her husband to attend last week&#39;s World Economic Forum on his own.

Melania&#39;s no-show in Davos came on the heels of a bombshell report that Trump had a fling with porn star Stormy Daniels in 2006, just months after his wife gave birth to their son.

But for Trump&#39;s big night in Congress, Melania arrived smiling and waving, to warm and extended applause -- dressed in a crisp cream white pantsuit that stood in contrast to the black donned by Democratic lawmakers in solidarity with the victims of sexual harassment.

Minutes later, her husband took the floor and exchanged waves with his wife.

Among Trumps&#39; guests in the first lady&#39;s box were a US Marine corporal who stepped on an explosive device and lost both legs while deployed in Iraq in 2007; first responders who helped save hurricane victims in Louisiana and Texas, and parents of children killed by the gang MS-13.

Breaking with tradition, the first couple arrived separately to the Capitol, because, according to the first lady&#39;s spokesperson Stephanie Grisham, she was accompanying guests.

Afterwards, the first lady was seen being escorted out of the gallery by a military officer, as Trump spoke with lawmakers and administration officials on the House floor.

It was not immediately clear whether the Trumps returned together to the White House.

The Melania mystery

As the 47-year-old wife of a 71-year-old man known for past lewd remarks about women, and whose two past divorces became public spectacles, Melania Trump is dogged by speculation that they lead largely separate lives.

Speculation flared anew when The Wall Street Journal reported on January 12 that Trump had paid Daniels $130,000, one month before the November 2016 election, to keep their adulterous liaison quiet.

The porn star was questioned anew about the reports as a guest given star billing Tuesday on late night ABC talk show &quot;Jimmy Kimmel Live!&quot;

But Daniels, reportedly bound by the non-disclosure agreement about the alleged fling, revealed little -- laughing awkwardly, flashing tight-lipped smiles and deflecting Kimmel&#39;s questions at every chance.

&quot;I thought this was a talk show, not a horror movie,&quot; she said as Kimmel read from the transcript of a 2011 In Touch magazine interview, only recently published and reportedly about the liaison.

As for Melania, her opinions and goals have remained a mystery to millions of Americans.

She is a former model who once posed nude in her husband&#39;s private jet, and the first foreign-born wife of a US president in nearly 200 years.

She spent her first months as first lady living in New York, and refused to move to the White House until their young son Barron finished the school year.

She makes few public speeches, and is rarely seen in Washington.

Breaking with tradition, the first couple arrived separately to the Capitol.

First Lady Melania Trump made a very visible return to the public stage Tuesday by attending her husband's maiden State of the Union address, her first official appearance since accusations of infidelity surfaced about the president. The enigmatic wife of Donald Trump emerged publicly for the first time since she fed the Washington rumor mill by cancelling her trip to Davos, Switzerland, leaving her husband to attend last week's World Economic Forum on his own. Melania's no-show in Davos came on the heels of a bombshell report that Trump had a fling with porn star Stormy Daniels in 2006, just months after his wife gave birth to their son. But for Trump's big night in Congress, Melania arrived smiling and waving, to warm and extended applause -- dressed in a crisp cream white pantsuit that stood in contrast to the black donned by Democratic lawmakers in solidarity with the victims of sexual harassment. Minutes later, her husband took the floor and exchanged waves with his wife. Among Trumps' guests in the first lady's box were a US Marine corporal who stepped on an explosive device and lost both legs while deployed in Iraq in 2007; first responders who helped save hurricane victims in Louisiana and Texas, and parents of children killed by the gang MS-13. Breaking with tradition, the first couple arrived separately to the Capitol, because, according to the first lady's spokesperson Stephanie Grisham, she was accompanying guests. Afterwards, the first lady was seen being escorted out of the gallery by a military officer, as Trump spoke with lawmakers and administration officials on the House floor. It was not immediately clear whether the Trumps returned together to the White House. The Melania mystery As the 47-year-old wife of a 71-year-old man known for past lewd remarks about women, and whose two past divorces became public spectacles, Melania Trump is dogged by speculation that they lead largely separate lives. Speculation flared anew when The Wall Street Journal reported on January 12 that Trump had paid Daniels $130,000, one month before the November 2016 election, to keep their adulterous liaison quiet. The porn star was questioned anew about the reports as a guest given star billing Tuesday on late night ABC talk show "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" But Daniels, reportedly bound by the non-disclosure agreement about the alleged fling, revealed little -- laughing awkwardly, flashing tight-lipped smiles and deflecting Kimmel's questions at every chance. "I thought this was a talk show, not a horror movie," she said as Kimmel read from the transcript of a 2011 In Touch magazine interview, only recently published and reportedly about the liaison. As for Melania, her opinions and goals have remained a mystery to millions of Americans. She is a former model who once posed nude in her husband's private jet, and the first foreign-born wife of a US president in nearly 200 years. She spent her first months as first lady living in New York, and refused to move to the White House until their young son Barron finished the school year. She makes few public speeches, and is rarely seen in Washington.

State of Union address: Melania braves public eye after Trump cheating claim

In recent times, Hollywood has been hit by a string of sexual misconduct allegations on probably the biggest stars of the industry, which include Kevin Spacey, Harvey Weinstein, Dustin Hoffman, besides many others.

Many A-list actresses like Gwyneth Paltrow, Angelina Jolie and Rose McGowan came forward with their horrible experiences last year.Meryl Streep, probably the most popular Hollywood star has now opened up about the sexual misconduct scandal in Hollywood, and the criticisms she faced in the wake of allegations against producer Harvey Weinstein.

While speaking to New York Times, when asked how she felt about people waiting for her to give a response, she said, &quot;I don`t want to hear about the silence of me. I want to hear about the silence of Melania Trump. I want to hear from her. She has so much that`s valuable to say. And so does Ivanka. I want her to speak now.&quot;

As for how much she knew about Weinstein`s behaviour towards the actresses, Streep reiterated that she knew nothing concrete.&quot;In terms of Harvey, I really didn`t know. I did think he was having girlfriends. But when I heard rumours about actresses, I thought that that was a way of denigrating the actress and her ability to get the job. That really raised my hackles. I didn`t know that he was in any way abusing people. He never asked me to a hotel room. I don`t know how his life was conducted without people intimately knowing about it,&quot; explained Streep.

When asked about her reaction to the Weinstein story, Streep shared, &quot;I found out about this on a Friday and went home deep into my own life. And then somebody told me that on `Morning Joe` they were screaming that I haven`t responded yet. I don`t have a Twitter thing or - handle, whatever. And I don`t have Facebook. I really had to think. Because it really underlined my own sense of cluelessness, and also how evil, deeply evil, and duplicitous, a person he was, yet such a champion of really great work.&quot; 
 
The Into the Woods&nbsp;star further added, &quot;You make movies. You think you know everything about everybody. So much gossip. You don`t know anything. People are so inscrutable on a certain level. And it`s a shock. Some of my favourite people have been brought down by this, and he`s not one of them.&quot; 
 
Meanwhile, on the work front, Streep will be next seen in Steven Speilberg`s The Post&nbsp;alongside Tom Hanks.The flick is slated to release on January 12.&nbsp;

Streep has been questioned as to why she has kept mum on the scandal that has rocked Hollywood

In recent times, Hollywood has been hit by a string of sexual misconduct allegations on probably the biggest stars of the industry, which include Kevin Spacey, Harvey Weinstein, Dustin Hoffman, besides many others. Many A-list actresses like Gwyneth Paltrow, Angelina Jolie and Rose McGowan came forward with their horrible experiences last year.Meryl Streep, probably the most popular Hollywood star has now opened up about the sexual misconduct scandal in Hollywood, and the criticisms she faced in the wake of allegations against producer Harvey Weinstein. While speaking to New York Times, when asked how she felt about people waiting for her to give a response, she said, "I don`t want to hear about the silence of me. I want to hear about the silence of Melania Trump. I want to hear from her. She has so much that`s valuable to say. And so does Ivanka. I want her to speak now." As for how much she knew about Weinstein`s behaviour towards the actresses, Streep reiterated that she knew nothing concrete."In terms of Harvey, I really didn`t know. I did think he was having girlfriends. But when I heard rumours about actresses, I thought that that was a way of denigrating the actress and her ability to get the job. That really raised my hackles. I didn`t know that he was in any way abusing people. He never asked me to a hotel room. I don`t know how his life was conducted without people intimately knowing about it," explained Streep. When asked about her reaction to the Weinstein story, Streep shared, "I found out about this on a Friday and went home deep into my own life. And then somebody told me that on `Morning Joe` they were screaming that I haven`t responded yet. I don`t have a Twitter thing or - handle, whatever. And I don`t have Facebook. I really had to think. Because it really underlined my own sense of cluelessness, and also how evil, deeply evil, and duplicitous, a person he was, yet such a champion of really great work." The Into the Woods star further added, "You make movies. You think you know everything about everybody. So much gossip. You don`t know anything. People are so inscrutable on a certain level. And it`s a shock. Some of my favourite people have been brought down by this, and he`s not one of them." Meanwhile, on the work front, Streep will be next seen in Steven Speilberg`s The Post alongside Tom Hanks.The flick is slated to release on January 12.

Meryl Streep slams Melania, Ivanka Trump for silence on sexual misconduct

US President Donald Trump has said the US will have a &quot;fantastic year&quot; ahead as he touted the economic success during his first year in office.

The remarks came as the president walked into the New Year&#39;s Eve party at Mar-a-Lago, his Palm Beach, with first lady Melania Trump.

The president said the country is already &quot;off to a very good start&quot; while highlighting some of provisions included in the Republican tax cut plan, his administration&#39;s first major legislative victory.

He touted opening Alaska&#39;s remote Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) to oil and natural gas drilling and repealing ObamaCare&#39;s individual mandate, which requires individuals to buy health insurance or face a fine, The Hill reported.

&quot;We are off to a very good start, as you know, with the great tax cuts and ANWR and getting rid of the individual mandate, which is very, very unpopular, as you know,&quot; he said.

&quot;We&#39;re going to have a great year. We&#39;re going to have a fantastic 2018,&quot; Trump said.

&quot;But we are going to have a tremendous year. Stock market, I think, is going to continue to go up. Companies are going to continue to come into the country. And they&#39;re doing it now, soon to be a record clip,&quot; he continued.

The president did not say much when asked about the latest wave of threats by North Korean Leader Kim Jong-Un, who touted in a New Year speech that he possesses nuclear weapons that are capable of striking mainland US.

&quot;We&#39;ll see, we&#39;ll see,&quot; he said.

High profile guests at the president&#39;s party included his children as well as other top government officials.

Trump and and Barron were both in tuxedos. First Lady Melania had a full length rose gold glittery gown with floral accents.

The remarks came as the president walked into the New Year's Eve party at Mar-a-Lago, his Palm Beach, with first lady Melania Trump.

US President Donald Trump has said the US will have a "fantastic year" ahead as he touted the economic success during his first year in office. The remarks came as the president walked into the New Year's Eve party at Mar-a-Lago, his Palm Beach, with first lady Melania Trump. The president said the country is already "off to a very good start" while highlighting some of provisions included in the Republican tax cut plan, his administration's first major legislative victory. He touted opening Alaska's remote Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) to oil and natural gas drilling and repealing ObamaCare's individual mandate, which requires individuals to buy health insurance or face a fine, The Hill reported. "We are off to a very good start, as you know, with the great tax cuts and ANWR and getting rid of the individual mandate, which is very, very unpopular, as you know," he said. "We're going to have a great year. We're going to have a fantastic 2018," Trump said. "But we are going to have a tremendous year. Stock market, I think, is going to continue to go up. Companies are going to continue to come into the country. And they're doing it now, soon to be a record clip," he continued. The president did not say much when asked about the latest wave of threats by North Korean Leader Kim Jong-Un, who touted in a New Year speech that he possesses nuclear weapons that are capable of striking mainland US. "We'll see, we'll see," he said. High profile guests at the president's party included his children as well as other top government officials. Trump and and Barron were both in tuxedos. First Lady Melania had a full length rose gold glittery gown with floral accents.

US will have a fantastic year ahead: Donald Trump in New Year Eve message

Google has released its list of top 10 trending people of 2017 globally, which is topped by former Today show host Matt Lauer who quit over allegations of sexual misconduct.

The list mostly includes people who have been accused of inappropriate sexual behaviour like Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein and actor Kevin Spacey.

Others in the list include American actress Meghan Markel, who started appearing in searches in the wake of her engagement to Britain&#39;s Prince Harry, Italian TV personality Nadia Toffa, &#39;Wonder Woman&#39; Gal Gadot and US First Lady Melania Trump.

One of the key figures of Trump administration, former national security advisor Michael Flynn has also made it to the list.

Read the full list below:

<ol>
	<li>Matt Lauer</li>
	<li>Meghan Markle</li>
	<li>Nadia Toffa</li>
	<li>Harvey Weinstein</li>
	<li>Kevin Spacey</li>
	<li>Gal Gadot</li>
	<li>Melania Trump</li>
	<li>Floyd Mayweather</li>
	<li>Michael Flynn</li>
	<li>Philippe Coutinho</li>
</ol>

The list mostly includes people who have been accused of inappropriate sexual behaviour like Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein and actor Kevin Spacey

Google has released its list of top 10 trending people of 2017 globally, which is topped by former Today show host Matt Lauer who quit over allegations of sexual misconduct. The list mostly includes people who have been accused of inappropriate sexual behaviour like Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein and actor Kevin Spacey. Others in the list include American actress Meghan Markel, who started appearing in searches in the wake of her engagement to Britain's Prince Harry, Italian TV personality Nadia Toffa, 'Wonder Woman' Gal Gadot and US First Lady Melania Trump. One of the key figures of Trump administration, former national security advisor Michael Flynn has also made it to the list. Read the full list below: Matt Lauer Meghan Markle Nadia Toffa Harvey Weinstein Kevin Spacey Gal Gadot Melania Trump Floyd Mayweather Michael Flynn Philippe Coutinho

The most-googled people of 2017

With lavish pageantry and an uncharacteristic <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-arrives-in-china-23738">personal flourish, Chinese President Xi Jinping on</a> Wednesday rolled out a red carpet welcome for US President Donald Trump at the Forbidden City, the ancient home of China&rsquo;s emperors.

While North Korea and trade are set <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-a-cruel-dictatorship-says-trump-in-seoul-23705">to dominate the formal part of the visit, which ends</a> on Friday, China has been keen to show the importance it puts on Trump&rsquo;s visit, the first by a foreign leader since the end of a key Communist Party congress last month where Xi cemented his power.

Trump and his wife Melania were whisked from Beijing airport - where they were met by China&rsquo;s top diplomat Yang Jiechi, a key player in the outreach to Trump since he won the election a year ago - straight to the Forbidden City.

Chatting over cups of tea, Trump showed Xi a video of his granddaughter Arabella Kushner singing in Mandarin and reciting classical Chinese poetry, prompting Xi to compliment her performance as worthy of an &ldquo;A+&rdquo;, Chinese state media said.

Xi said he hoped Arabella would visit China soon, noting that she was already a &ldquo;child star&rdquo; in China, the official Xinhua news agency said. A video of Arabella reciting a Chinese poem went viral on Chinese social media shortly after Trump&rsquo;s election last year.

In another break from precedent, Xi himself gave the Trumps a tour of the imperial treasures of the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage site cleared of tourists for the day, before the two first couples watched Chinese opera and an acrobatic display. &ldquo;That&rsquo;s something!&rdquo; Trump said after the show, as he and Xi walked away. &ldquo;We&rsquo;re having a great time.&rdquo;

China had widely been expected to pull out all the stops for Trump, who has pressed it to do more to control its neighbour North Korea and resolve a yawning trade gap with the United States.

The ceremony on Trump&rsquo;s arrival at Beijing&rsquo;s airport on Wednesday was also more elaborate than usual, with the Trumps met by a marching band and soldiers standing at attention. Smartly dressed children waving miniature Chinese and American flags jumped up and down as Trump&rsquo;s motorcade passed.

In another rare, if not unprecedented step, Trump&rsquo;s official ceremonial welcome at the Great Hall of the People on Thursday will be broadcast live on national television, state broadcaster CCTV said.While the sprawling palace complex in the centre of Beijing is a regular stop for visiting dignitaries, it is rare for a Chinese leader to provide a personal escort, confirmation of the &ldquo;state visit-plus&rdquo; treatment that China had promised for Trump.

With lavish pageantry and an uncharacteristic personal flourish, Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday rolled out a red carpet welcome for U.S President Donald Trump at the Forbidden City, the ancient home of China?s emperors.

With lavish pageantry and an uncharacteristic personal flourish, Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday rolled out a red carpet welcome for US President Donald Trump at the Forbidden City, the ancient home of China’s emperors. While North Korea and trade are set to dominate the formal part of the visit, which ends on Friday, China has been keen to show the importance it puts on Trump’s visit, the first by a foreign leader since the end of a key Communist Party congress last month where Xi cemented his power. Trump and his wife Melania were whisked from Beijing airport - where they were met by China’s top diplomat Yang Jiechi, a key player in the outreach to Trump since he won the election a year ago - straight to the Forbidden City. Chatting over cups of tea, Trump showed Xi a video of his granddaughter Arabella Kushner singing in Mandarin and reciting classical Chinese poetry, prompting Xi to compliment her performance as worthy of an “A+”, Chinese state media said. Xi said he hoped Arabella would visit China soon, noting that she was already a “child star” in China, the official Xinhua news agency said. A video of Arabella reciting a Chinese poem went viral on Chinese social media shortly after Trump’s election last year. In another break from precedent, Xi himself gave the Trumps a tour of the imperial treasures of the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage site cleared of tourists for the day, before the two first couples watched Chinese opera and an acrobatic display. “That’s something!” Trump said after the show, as he and Xi walked away. “We’re having a great time.” China had widely been expected to pull out all the stops for Trump, who has pressed it to do more to control its neighbour North Korea and resolve a yawning trade gap with the United States. The ceremony on Trump’s arrival at Beijing’s airport on Wednesday was also more elaborate than usual, with the Trumps met by a marching band and soldiers standing at attention. Smartly dressed children waving miniature Chinese and American flags jumped up and down as Trump’s motorcade passed. In another rare, if not unprecedented step, Trump’s official ceremonial welcome at the Great Hall of the People on Thursday will be broadcast live on national television, state broadcaster CCTV said.While the sprawling palace complex in the centre of Beijing is a regular stop for visiting dignitaries, it is rare for a Chinese leader to provide a personal escort, confirmation of the “state visit-plus” treatment that China had promised for Trump.

Watch: Trump, Xi watch Chinese opera in Beijing

&nbsp;

US President Donald&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;toured the Forbidden City with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Wednesday as he began the crucial leg of an Asian tour intended to build a global front against North Korea&#39;s nuclear threats.

After warning North Korea&#39;s &quot;cruel dictatorship&quot; against testing the United States during a speech in Seoul,&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;and First Lady Melania&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;were met by Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan for tea at the former imperial palace.

But the genial gathering will be followed on Thursday by a full day of thorny talks, with&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;looking to prod Xi into doing more to squeeze North Korea economically and to address China&#39;s massive trade surplus with the United States.

The&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;administration sees Beijing as the key to controlling Pyongyang, which depends on China for its economic survival and for 90 percent of its trade.

Earlier,&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;congratulated Xi on his reappointment as China&#39;s Communist Party chief, tweeting: &quot;I very much look forward to meeting with President Xi who is just off his great political victory.&quot;

Trump&#39;s use of the term &quot;political victory&quot; for the outcome of last month&#39;s Communist Party congress was seen by analysts as an attempt to conciliate Xi before tough talks on trade and North Korea.

&quot;He&#39;s laying it on thick to put Xi in a good mood because he will have unpleasant things to tell him,&quot; said Jean-Pierre Cabestan, China politics specialist at Hong Kong Baptist University.

Xi has prepared an extravagant &quot;state visit-plus&quot; for&nbsp;Trump, with opera and a lavish banquet, and the US leader has brought a business delegation along for the ride. Deals are expected to be signed, though they may not be enough to allay US concerns about China&#39;s massive trade surplus, which narrowed in October but remained high at a monthly $26.6 billion.

US President Donald?Trump?toured the Forbidden City with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Wednesday as he began the crucial leg of an Asian tour intended to build a global front against North Korea's nuclear threats.

US President Donald Trump toured the Forbidden City with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Wednesday as he began the crucial leg of an Asian tour intended to build a global front against North Korea's nuclear threats. After warning North Korea's "cruel dictatorship" against testing the United States during a speech in Seoul, Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were met by Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan for tea at the former imperial palace. But the genial gathering will be followed on Thursday by a full day of thorny talks, with Trump looking to prod Xi into doing more to squeeze North Korea economically and to address China's massive trade surplus with the United States. The Trump administration sees Beijing as the key to controlling Pyongyang, which depends on China for its economic survival and for 90 percent of its trade. Earlier, Trump congratulated Xi on his reappointment as China's Communist Party chief, tweeting: "I very much look forward to meeting with President Xi who is just off his great political victory." Trump's use of the term "political victory" for the outcome of last month's Communist Party congress was seen by analysts as an attempt to conciliate Xi before tough talks on trade and North Korea. "He's laying it on thick to put Xi in a good mood because he will have unpleasant things to tell him," said Jean-Pierre Cabestan, China politics specialist at Hong Kong Baptist University. Xi has prepared an extravagant "state visit-plus" for Trump, with opera and a lavish banquet, and the US leader has brought a business delegation along for the ride. Deals are expected to be signed, though they may not be enough to allay US concerns about China's massive trade surplus, which narrowed in October but remained high at a monthly $26.6 billion.

Watch: Trump arrives in China amid North Korea tensions

The American First Lady and the US President&#39;s first wife have had a bit of a spat.&nbsp;

It started with Ivana Trump -- Donald Trump&#39;s first wife -- saying she was basically the &quot;first lady&quot;.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Ivana was promoting her new book, &quot;Raising Trump&quot;.&nbsp;

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<h5>There is clearly no substance to this statement from an ex, this is unfortunately only attention-seeking and self-serving noise,&#39; Melania said</h5>
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<div class="share-blockquote"><a class="twitter popup" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=There is clearly no substance to this statement from an ex, this is unfortunately only attention-seeking and self-serving noise,' Melania said" target="_blank">&nbsp;</a></div>
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&quot;I have the direct number to White House but I don&#39;t really want to call him there because Melania is there, and I don&#39;t really want to cause any kind of jealousy or something like that because I&#39;m basically first Trump wife, OK? I&#39;m first lady, OK?&quot; Ivana said in an interview to ABC News.

The first lady, Melania Trump, was quick to respond.&nbsp;

She released a statement saying she had made the White House a home for Trump and their son Barron, and that she planned to use her title to &quot;help children, not sell books.&quot;

&quot;Mrs Trump has made the White House a home for Barron and the president,&quot; the statement said.

&quot;She loves living in Washington, DC, and is honored by her role as first lady of the United States.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&quot;She plans to use her title and role to help children, not sell books,&quot; it added.

&quot;There is clearly no substance to this statement from an ex, this is unfortunately only attention-seeking and self-serving noise,&quot; she added.

Ivana Trump is the mother of Trump&#39;s three eldest children: Donald Trump Junior, Ivanka, and Eric.

Trump has one other child, Tiffany, with his second wife, the actress Marla Maples. 
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'I'm basically first Trump wife, OK? I'm first lady, OK?' Ivana told ABC News in an interview to promote her new book 'Raising Trump'

The American First Lady and the US President's first wife have had a bit of a spat. It started with Ivana Trump -- Donald Trump's first wife -- saying she was basically the "first lady". Ivana was promoting her new book, "Raising Trump". There is clearly no substance to this statement from an ex, this is unfortunately only attention-seeking and self-serving noise,' Melania said × "I have the direct number to White House but I don't really want to call him there because Melania is there, and I don't really want to cause any kind of jealousy or something like that because I'm basically first Trump wife, OK? I'm first lady, OK?" Ivana said in an interview to ABC News. The first lady, Melania Trump, was quick to respond. She released a statement saying she had made the White House a home for Trump and their son Barron, and that she planned to use her title to "help children, not sell books." "Mrs Trump has made the White House a home for Barron and the president," the statement said. "She loves living in Washington, DC, and is honored by her role as first lady of the United States. "She plans to use her title and role to help children, not sell books," it added. "There is clearly no substance to this statement from an ex, this is unfortunately only attention-seeking and self-serving noise," she added. Ivana Trump is the mother of Trump's three eldest children: Donald Trump Junior, Ivanka, and Eric. Trump has one other child, Tiffany, with his second wife, the actress Marla Maples.

Ex factor: Ivana Trump says she is basically 'first lady', Melania responds 'no substance to statement'

US first lady Melania Trump looked stunning as she welcomed Narendra Modi&nbsp;to the White House on the&nbsp;Indian Prime Minister&#39;s first visit to the White House after Donald Trump&#39;s election to the presidency.

Melania Trump chose a floor-length yellow Emilio Pucci floral-print crepe gown&nbsp;for the occasion.

The first lady, who greeted PM Modi with a smile soon after his arrival, seemed to get along well with him, it appeared from the pictures.

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Welcome to the <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse">@WhiteHouse</a> Prime Minister Modi! <a href="https://t.co/JEAgtlUQcw">pic.twitter.com/JEAgtlUQcw</a>
&mdash; Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/FLOTUS/status/879440512234770432">June 26, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Melania and Donald Trump receive PM Modi at the White House. (Reuters)
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Melania Trump smiles as President Trump and PM Modi speak, shortly before the Indian PM&#39;s departure from the White House. (Reuters)
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The camaraderie between the Trumps and PM Modi was clearly evident.

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The camaraderie between the Trumps and PM Modi was evident. (Reuters)
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Melania, former Slovenian model and mother of a child,&nbsp;has often received rave reviews for her choice of outfits while hosting White House events.

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Melania Trump was stunning as she stepped out in a floor-length yellow Emilio Pucci dress to greet PM Modi

US first lady Melania Trump looked stunning as she welcomed Narendra Modi to the White House on the Indian Prime Minister's first visit to the White House after Donald Trump's election to the presidency. Melania Trump chose a floor-length yellow Emilio Pucci floral-print crepe gown for the occasion. The first lady, who greeted PM Modi with a smile soon after his arrival, seemed to get along well with him, it appeared from the pictures. Welcome to the @WhiteHouse Prime Minister Modi! pic.twitter.com/JEAgtlUQcw — Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) June 26, 2017 × Melania and Donald Trump receive PM Modi at the White House. (Reuters) × Melania Trump smiles as President Trump and PM Modi speak, shortly before the Indian PM's departure from the White House. (Reuters) × The camaraderie between the Trumps and PM Modi was clearly evident. The camaraderie between the Trumps and PM Modi was evident. (Reuters) × Melania, former Slovenian model and mother of a child, has often received rave reviews for her choice of outfits while hosting White House events.

At Trump-Modi meet, it was Melania who made heads turn

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