Trump-warns-of-more-US-troop-deaths-after-3-American.jpeg

Trump warns of more US troop deaths after 3 American service members were killed in the Iran conflict

Three American service members have been killed and five seriously wounded as part of combat operations against Iran, the US military said on Sunday.

It is the military’s first acknowledgement of any US losses since American forces began striking Iran alongside Israel on Saturday.

“Several others sustained minor shrapnel injuries and concussions — and are in the process of being returned to duty,” said US Central Command, which oversees Middle East operations.

CENTCOM did not specify how or where the service members were killed and wounded or whether the losses were sustained during offensive or defensive operations. It declined to offer additional information.

“The situation is fluid, so out of respect for the families, we will withhold additional information, including the identities of our fallen warriors, until 24 hours after next of kin have been notified,” CENTCOM said in a statement, adding that combat operations will continue.

President Donald Trump on Sunday vowed vengeance for the service members killed.

“As one nation, we grieve for the true American patriots who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation, even as we continue the righteous mission for which they gave their lives,” he said.

“And sadly, there will likely be more,” Trump added. “Before it ends. That’s the way it is.”

Trump had said on Saturday that the US could suffer losses as a result of the conflict with Iran.


A missile launches from a US warship during operations against Iran.

The US military did not say where or how the casualties occurred.

US Central Command



“The lives of courageous American heroes may be lost, and we may have casualties. That often happens in war,” Trump said in a video address to the nation. “But we’re doing this — not for now — we’re doing this for the future, and it is a noble mission.”

Dozens of people have been killed and wounded by Iranian strikes in Israel and the United Arab Emirates, and hundreds of people in Iran have been killed and wounded by US and Israeli strikes, according to local authorities.

The Israeli military said on Sunday that it has killed 40 senior Iranian commanders, as well as the country’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

A wide range of American forces — on land, in the air, and at sea — have participated in the airstrikes against Iran, targeting the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ (IRGC) command and control facilities, air defenses, missile and drone launch sites, and military airfields.

US forces have also been involved in air defense operations to shield American assets and allies across the Middle East from hundreds of Iran’s retaliatory missile and drone attacks.

Iran has fired missiles at US forces based in Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and the UAE and has also targeted other Middle East countries, including Israel, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Iraq.




Source link

Trump-says-Iranian-Supreme-Leader-Ayatollah-Khamenei-was-killed-during.jpeg

Trump says Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei was killed during strikes on Iran

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed during the massive joint US-Israeli strikes on the country, President Donald Trump said in a Truth Social post on Saturday.

“Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead,” Trump wrote. “He was unable to avoid our Intelligence and Highly Sophisticated Tracking Systems and, working closely with Israel, there was not a thing he, or the other leaders that have been killed along with him, could do. This is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country.”

Khamenei, 86, was in power for almost 40 years, and his reign was marked by high tensions with the US and the West more broadly, as well as a recent brutal crackdown on Iranians protesting high inflation. Tensions with the US have centered on Iran’s longstanding support for terrorism and its pursuit of nuclear weapons.

In recent weeks, as the US urged Iran to make a new nuclear deal, the American military has been building up its forces in the Middle East. The buildup has been accompanied by heated rhetoric and warnings from both Washington and Tehran.

Missiles struck several high-value targets in and around Tehran, including Khamenei’s compound near Tehran and his offices in the capital. Khamenei’s location during the strikes was previously unknown.

During President Donald Trump’s video statement announcing the start of “major combat operations” against Iran on Saturday morning, the president called for Iranian citizens to “take over your government.” He said, “This will be probably your only chance for generations.” Trump has recently made similar comments in favor of regime change in Iran.

Separately, Israel has repeatedly issued threats against Khamenei. In June 2025, after joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran, Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz said Khamenei “cannot continue to exist,” calling him a dictator. Other Israeli officials, like Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have made similar statements.

Khamenei became Supreme Leader in 1989, acting as the ultimate authority across all branches of the Iranian government and the military. Khamenei was also the country’s religious leader and was granted the title of ayatollah, a title for high-ranking clerics in Shia Islam, Iran’s official state religion.

His death marks a major upheaval amid US combat operations against Iran, which both the US and Israel said was aimed at eliminating imminent threats to Americans and Israelis. The American operation, called “Epic Fury,” has involved a mixture of land, air, and sea assets, including Tomahawk missiles, High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, and drones.

It remains to be seen how Khamenei’s death will affect the fate of the Iran’s regime, which is bolstered by the hardline Revolutionary Guard Corps and a vast internal security force.

Iran’s retaliatory strikes targeted US bases across the region, with US assets and partner forces, including Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, involved in air defenses.




Source link

Trump-says-US-has-started-major-combat-operations-against-Iran.jpeg

Trump says US has started ‘major combat operations’ against Iran as strikes hit Tehran

President Donald Trump announced early Saturday that the US had begun “major combat operations in Iran.”

“Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime, a vicious group of very hard, terrible people,” he said in a video statement posted on Truth Social.

The US and Israel carried out airstrikes against Iran on Saturday, following months of tensions between Tehran and Washington.

The Israeli government first announced the airstrikes, which were carried out in broad daylight, as “preemptive.”

“The government of Israel has carried out a preemptive strike against the Islamic Republic to eliminate threats against the country of Israel,” Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said in a statement carried by government channels.

“As a result, a missile and drone attack against Israel and its civilian population is expected in the near future,” he added.

A US official confirmed to Business Insider that American forces were involved, adding that the strikes were ongoing.

Footage circulating on social media appeared to show explosions and plumes of smoke in Iran.

The attack marks the second time that the Trump administration has taken military action against Iran. In June 2025, the US bombed the country’s nuclear facilities as part of Operation Midnight Hammer, and Trump said at the time these had “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear sites.

This new round of strikes comes on the heels of negotiations between the US and Iran, part of the Trump administration’s efforts to pressure Tehran into a deal that would severely limit its nuclear and military capabilities. It also follows the withdrawal of Western diplomats from several Middle East countries.

In recent weeks, as Trump has issued repeated threats and warnings to Iran, pushing it to make a deal, the US has built up a large military footprint in the Middle East and nearby European waters.

The Pentagon has surged hundreds of fighter jets, aerial refueling tankers, reconnaissance planes, support aircraft, and warships into the region.

One complicating factor has been public resistance from US allies to operations against Iran. The UK barred the US from using its nearby bases, and Jordan said its bases couldn’t be used for attacks on Iran, despite imagery showing the US has shifted cargo planes and F-35 stealth fighters to one of its bases.

The significant US naval presence on station or taking up position in the area includes at least two aircraft carriers, more than a dozen guided-missile destroyers, and three littoral combat ships, which are designed for near-shore operations.

The two aircraft carriers — USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Gerald R. Ford — are each equipped with dozens of embarked fighters, electronic attack jets, early warning planes, and helicopters. The Lincoln’s air wing includes F-35 stealth fighters.

On Friday, a day after the Trump administration’s negotiations with Iranian officials in Geneva, White House official Dan Scavino posted a photograph on social media of eight B-2 Spirit stealth bombers on a runway, suggesting these aircraft could be used to strike Iran again.

This story is breaking. Please check back for updates.




Source link

Trump-orders-federal-agencies-to-stop-using-Anthropics-technology.jpeg

Trump orders federal agencies to stop using Anthropic’s technology

President Donald Trump says federal agencies won’t be using Anthropic’s technology anymore.

“We don’t need it, we don’t want it, and will not do business with them again,” Trump wrote on Truth Social on Friday.

It comes amid a dispute between the AI giant and the Department of Defense.

Trump said that there would be a six-month phase-out period for departments, including the Department of Defense, that are “using Anthropic’s products, at various levels.”

“WE will decide the fate of our Country — NOT some out-of-control, Radical Left AI company run by people who have no idea what the real World is all about,” Trump wrote.

Trump’s announcement comes just a few hours before the Friday evening deadline defense officials had given Anthropic to agree to the military’s terms of use for the company’s frontier model, Claude.

Earlier this week, the two parties came to an impasse over how the military can deploy Claude.

The issue appeared to revolve around two safeguards Anthropic was not willing to drop: mass surveillance of US citizens and autonomous weapons.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had given Anthropic’s CEO Dario Amodei until Friday, 5:01 p.m. Eastern Time to get on board with the military. Hegseth also warned that the government could invoke the Defense Production Act — a wartime law that gives the president broad authority over a company’s resources — and designate Anthropic as a supply chain risk.

Both would be unprecedented moves by the government against an American technology company, experts previously told Business Insider.

On Thursday, Amodei published a blog post stating that the Defense Department had added language to its contract allowing for “any lawful use” of its model.

A source familiar with the negotiations told Business Insider that this language effectively gave the military discretion over how it uses Claude.

The Anthropic CEO said in his post that the company would prefer to continue serving the department but that it could not “in good conscience accede to their request.”




Source link

FedEx-says-itll-refund-tariffs-to-customers-if-it-gets.jpeg

FedEx says it’ll refund tariffs to customers if it gets money back from the Trump administration

  • FedEx says it will refund customers for tariff charges if its own efforts to get a refund succeed.
  • On Monday, FedEx sued the Trump administration in trade court seeking a refund.
  • An exact timeline or process for refunds remains unclear after last week’s Supreme Court ruling.

FedEx says it will give you a refund if you used its shipping service and paid President Donald Trump’s unconstitutional tariffs — that is, if the company itself gets a refund from the government.

Days after the US Supreme Court ruled against many of Trump’s tariffs, FedEx filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration seeking a refund of the tariffs it had paid on behalf of customers.

If that effort is successful, the company said, it plans to pass that money on to the businesses and people it charged for those duties.

“Our intent is straightforward: if refunds are issued to FedEx, we will issue refunds to the shippers and consumers who originally bore those charges,” FedEx said in a statement on its website.

Right now, there’s no timeline or process for handling refunds, FedEx said, adding that it’s waiting “on future guidance from the government and the court.”

Rival UPS, which had not revealed plans to seek tariff refunds as of Friday, did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.

FedEx is one of many companies suing the Trump administration to recover some or all of the tariffs they paid.

Many US consumers have been hit directly by tariffs through international shipments carried by services like UPS and FedEx, Business Insider previously reported.

Some individual customers and businesses have had packages held up at customs for weeks, or tried to dispute tariff charges they say were incorrectly calculated, including at a 200% rate for Russian aluminum.

Do you have a story to share about tariffs? Contact this reporter at abitter@businessinsider.com or via encrypted messaging app Signal at 808-854-4501. Use a personal email address, a nonwork WiFi network, and a nonwork device; here’s our guide to sharing information securely.




Source link

Ellen Thomas Business Insider

President Donald Trump pitched a power fix that Big Tech has a head start in

The AI data center boom has triggered a dramatic spike in electricity costs, and President Donald Trump has a plan to stop it.

To do this, Trump said at Tuesday’s State of the Union address that he issued a mandate for data centers to build their own power plants.

Trump said he’d “negotiated” a ratepayer protection pledge with major technology companies and billed it as a unique solution to Big Tech’s mounting power demand that would also protect American consumers from higher electricity bills.

“They can build their own power plants as part of their factory,” Trump said.

Many data center sites have already started building their own power plants. The vast majority of this buildout will initially run on fossil fuels, despite tech giants’ clean energy commitments.

When reached for comment on Wednesday morning, a White House spokesperson gave the following statement: “Major Tech companies will join President Trump at the White House next week to formally sign the Rate Payer Protection Pledge that he announced during his historic State of the Union address. Under this bold initiative, these massive companies will build, bring, or buy their own power supply for new AI data centers, ensuring that Americans’ electricity bills will not increase as demand grows. President Trump is committed to ensuring American AI dominance while simultaneously lowering costs for working families.”

A spokesperson for Amazon confirmed to Business Insider that it will attend the White House next week.

“The Ratepayer Protection Pledge is an important step. We appreciate the Administration’s work to ensure that data centers don’t contribute to higher electricity prices for consumers,” Microsoft vice chair and president Brad Smith wrote in an e-mailed statement.

A spokesperson for Anthropic referred Business Insider to a post on X made last night by Sarah Heck, the company’s head of external affairs.

“American families shouldn’t pick up the tab for AI. In support of the @WhiteHouse ratepayer protection pledge, Anthropic has committed to covering 100% of electricity price increases that consumers face from data centers,” Heck wrote.

Microsoft, Anthropic, and OpenAI have previously announced commitments to covering the costs of electricity consumption at their data centers, though details on those plans remain scant.

Big Tech is building its own power plants

In the last year, on-site power plants fueled mostly by natural gas have emerged as a key strategy for data center developers looking to stay ahead in the AI race. Meanwhile, US power demand has reached record highs.

Utilities in the US last year asked state regulators to approve $31 billion in rate increases, more than double the amount sought in 2024, according to research from PowerLines, a nonprofit advocate for utility customers. Many of those requests occurred in places experiencing heavy data center development, such as Virginia, Texas, Utah, and North Carolina.

Trump has framed data center developers building their own power plants as part of his broader promise to ensure that Big Tech pays for the infrastructure needed to power AI ambitions. For developers, building an on-site power plant can bypass long wait times for a grid connection.

Elon Musk’s xAI is the most prominent example of this. Musk has drawn intense scrutiny in Tennessee and Mississippi, where he has deployed unpermitted mobile generators to quickly get his data centers up and running.

Musk brought his first mobile generators to Memphis in 2024. In the US, dozens of data centers — about 30% of all planned data center capacity in the nation — plan to build their own power plants, according to a report issued this month from Cleanview, a data visualization software company that tracks clean energy and data center projects. Nearly all of that planned capacity — 90% — was added in 2025, Cleanview found.

In a review of permit documents, corporate filings, press releases, and local news stories, Cleanview identified 46 data center projects, many of them already under construction, that plan to draw power “behind the meter” by building on-site, private power plants that don’t need a grid connection or service from the local utility to run.

These include Meta’s plans to build an on-site natural gas plant for its data center in New Albany, Ohio, as well as Oracle and OpenAI’s plans to power their Project Jupiter data center site in New Mexico with two massive natural gas-fired systems.

While Big Tech companies often tout their commitments to clean energy, Cleanview’s review of behind-the-meter permit documents found that natural gas powered 75% of all equipment listed.

Tech companies have said they want to power AI with clean technology, such as small modular nuclear reactors and geothermal energy. Much of it is still years away from being deployed at scale.

Texas is becoming the top state for new data centers

Cleanview found that more than one-third of the behind-the-meter buildout is happening in Texas, which could soon overtake Virginia as the data center capital of the world.

Business Insider has reported on Oracle and OpenAI’s plan to power Stargate data centers in Texas with on-site natural gas plants, as well as Fermi America’s pitch to build the world’s largest combined data center and power plant in the state’s Panhandle region.

After Texas, the top five states with the most planned behind-the-meter capacity are New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Utah, and Wyoming. West Virginia, Tennessee, Ohio, Virginia, and North Carolina also have significant behind-the-meter projects.

Have a tip for this reporter? Contact Ellen Thomas at ethomas@insider.com or on Signal at 929-524-6964.




Source link

Kelsey Baker, Military and Defense Reporting Fellow

Medal of Honor pilot was hit repeatedly by machine-gun fire during the Maduro raid, Trump says, revealing mission details

President Donald Trump shared vivid details Tuesday night of the firefight that erupted as an American helicopter reached Nicolás Maduro’s compound during the US raid into Venezuela last month.

As the Chinook helicopter carrying elite US ground troops and piloted by Chief Warrant Officer 5 Eric Slover approached what the president had previously described as a fortress, “enemy machine guns fired from every angle,” Trump said during his State of the Union Address.

“Eric was hit very badly in the leg and hip,” the president said as he awarded the military’s top valor award, the Congressional Medal of Honor, to Slover.

Immediately following the January 3 raid to capture the then-president of Venezuela, Trump said that a helicopter got hit “pretty hard” and that “a couple of guys were hit.” Official details of the injuries were limited. His speech on Tuesday shed new light on what happened that night.


US Air Force crew chiefs watch as F-35A Lightning II's taxi following military actions in Venezuela in support of Operation Absolute Resolve, Jan. 3, 2026.

Stealth fighters and supersonic bombers were among the aircraft involved in the mission.

US Air Force Photo



After numerous American warplanes, including advanced stealth fighters, suppressed Venezuela’s air defense network, helicopters carrying ground troops moved in, approaching Maduro’s fortified compound.

Slover’s helicopter encountered “two machine gunners who escaped the wrath of the previous planes,” Trump said. As the bullets hit the aircraft, Slover “absorbed four agonizing shots, shredding his leg into numerous pieces,” he continued. “He was gushing blood.”

Helicopter pilots rely on both a control stick and floor pedals for maneuvering. Most helicopters have one main rotor and a small tail rotor to keep them from spinning, but a Chinook has two large rotors that balance each other.

Despite his serious wounds, Slover managed to maneuver his helicopter into position so that onboard gunners could “take care of business” and “eliminate the threat,” the president said, crediting Slover with “saving the lives of his fellow warriors from what could have been a catastrophic crash, deep in enemy territory.”

After landing, Slover told his co-pilot, who was also wounded but not as gravely, to “take over,” saying, “I’m about ready to pass out.” A total of seven US troops were injured during the raid.


US First Lady Melania Trump presents US veteran Captain E. Royce Williams with the Medal of Honor

US First Lady Melania Trump was involved in presenting US veteran Captain E. Royce Williams with the Medal of Honor.

ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP via Getty Images



During his State of the Union address, Trump also presented a second Medal of Honor to centenarian US Navy pilot E. Royce Williams, a veteran of World War II and the Korean and Vietnam Wars.

Three years ago, Williams was awarded the Navy Cross for “extraordinary heroism” in a Korean War air battle in which he was outgunned and outmatched in his F9F Panther by Soviet MiG-15 fighters but still managed to shoot down four of them.

The 1952 dogfight was classified for decades.

The Congressional Medal of Honor is usually awarded in solemn, less politically charged ceremonies at the White House. The award can take years, or even decades, as was the case for Williams, to be bestowed. It requires eyewitness accounts and has strict criteria. Other valor awards, such as the Navy Cross or Silver Star, can occasionally be upgraded to a Medal of Honor, a notoriously lengthy process.

The top award is bestowed upon troops engaged against an enemy of the US or an “opposing foreign force,” according to the military’s awards manual.

That the medal was awarded during the State of the Union elicited reactions from some veterans online who felt that the timing dampened the gravity of the award’s significance.

During the event, Trump reiterated his previously stated desire to receive the Medal of Honor.

“I’ve always wanted the Congressional Medal of Honor, but I was informed, I’m not allowed to give it to myself,” Trump told the crowd. “I wouldn’t know why I’d be taking it, but if they ever open up that law, I will be there with you someday.”




Source link

35-of-the-best-and-worst-looks-Melania-Trump-has.jpeg

35 of the best and worst looks Melania Trump has worn as first lady

Updated

  • Melania Trump’s style has been closely watched since she became first lady.
  • Her best first lady looks mix her personal style with a professional edge.
  • Melania Trump has also worn some controversial outfits over the years.

Melania Trump has been quietly reinventing her style in her second tenure as first lady.

Since she returned to the White House in 2025, she has largely struck a more subdued tone with her attire than she did when President Donald Trump first took office in 2017.

Since becoming first lady, Melania Trump’s style has often drawn attention, with some of her outfits proving controversial.

Take a look at some of the best and worst looks she’s worn during Donald Trump’s presidency.

Melania Trump paid homage to Jackie Kennedy when she debuted as first lady.

Donald and Melania Trump on Inauguration Day 2017.

Kevin Dietsch – Pool/Getty Images

Ralph Lauren Collection designed the knee-length, powder-blue dress Melania wore to Trump’s inauguration in 2017, along with the coordinating shrug and gloves.

She accessorized the outfit with pearl earrings and blue, pointed-toe heels.

The full ensemble evoked Jackie Kennedy’s style. From the bright color to the nod to one of America’s most iconic first ladies, Melania’s look was the perfect choice for her husband’s first inauguration.

Her custom gown for the 2017 inaugural balls featured standout three-dimensional detailing.


Donald and Melania Trump at the 2017 Inauguration Ball 2017.

Donald and Melania Trump at a 2017 inaugural ball.

Kevin Dietsch – Pool/Getty Images

Hervé Pierre custom-designed Melania’s off-the-shoulder dress for the inaugural ball.

The cream dress had an A-line silhouette, a thigh-high slit on one side, and three-dimensional fabric that curved across the bodice. A thin red belt cinched at the waist for a pop of color.

The dress felt high-fashion, connecting the first lady to her past as a model as she stepped into a new role.

Melania’s outfit for a visit to Texas in August 2017 got attention online.


Donald and Melania Trump in Texas in August 2017.

Donald and Melania Trump in Texas in August 2017.

JIM WATSON / AFP / Getty Images

In August 2017, the Trumps visited Corpus Christi, Texas, following Hurricane Harvey to assess recovery efforts.

The pair wore casual attire, with Melania arriving in a white button-down, black jeans, and sneakers. She also added a black baseball hat to her look that said “FLOTUS,” first lady of the United States, on the front.

Melania’s outfit quickly became a source of social-media chatter. Some said her hat called attention to her in the wake of the natural disaster, while others praised her casual outfit.

Her suit for a Canadian state visit in October 2017 was more fitting for the occasion.


Donald and Melania Trump with Justin and Sophie Gregoire Trudeau in October 2017.

Donald and Melania Trump with Justin and Sophie Grégoire Trudeau in October 2017.

Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images

When greeting Justin and Sophie Grégoire Trudeau at the White House in October 2017, Melania wore a gray pinstripe suit instead of a dress.

The suit featured high-waisted pants, and she paired it with a white button-down and an untied black tie. The outfit was unexpected for a first lady, offering a fun style moment.

The president and first lady had a rare matching moment in April 2018, wearing coordinating striped looks.


Donald and Melania Trump at Mar-a-Lago in April 2018.

Donald and Melania Trump at Mar-a-Lago in April 2018.

Mandel NGAN / AFP / Getty Images

In April 2018, the Trumps hosted Japan’s prime minister at the time, Shinzo Abe, and his wife, Akie Abe, at Mar-a-Lago, during which the first lady wore an off-the-shoulder dress from Carolina Herrera.

The dress was covered in black and white stripes, with thicker black stripes on the bodice and the pattern reversed on the midi-length skirt.

She added white heels to her look, and Trump wore a navy and white striped tie that matched his wife’s look. The coordinating outfits were an atypical but welcome choice for the couple.

The same month, Melania stunned in a black minidress and coordinating coat.


The Trumps, President Macron, and his wife at the White House in April 2018.

Donald and Melania Trump, Emmanuel Macron, and his wife at the White House in April 2018.

Al Drago/Getty Images

Melania greeted President Macron of France and his wife, Brigitte, in a black minidress and black pumps at the White House.

The standout feature of her outfit was a Givenchy tuxedo cape, which added a flair of personality to the otherwise simple look.

The semi-sheer dress she wore to a state dinner for the Macrons during the same trip was a little too busy.


Donald and Melania Trump at the White House in April 2018.

Donald and Melania Trump at the White House in April 2018.

Alex Edelman-Pool/Getty Images

The first lady changed into a silver Chanel dress for the dinner.

Most of the form-fitting dress was covered in textured fabric, while the top of the bodice and bottom of the skirt were made of a sheer, black fabric adorned with silver embellishments.

The fabrics didn’t blend well, making the dress look too busy. It would have been a better look without the sheer fabric.

In June 2018, Melania received backlash for wearing a jacket that said, “I really don’t care, do u?”


Melania Trump getting into a car while wearing a jacket that says

Melania Trump in June 2018.

Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

In June 2018, Melania visited an immigration facility in McAllen, Texas, where children were living, wearing a green Zara jacket that said “I really don’t care, do u?” on the back.

Critics said the jacket was insensitive to wear for the visit, critiquing both the first lady and the president for the fashion faux pas.

Melania’s former aide, Stephanie Grisham, wrote in her book “I’ll Take Your Questions Now” that the president yelled at Melania for wearing the jacket, though Trump and the first lady both said she wore it to send a message to the left-wing media.

A different bow would have improved her dress for an Independence Day celebration in July 2018.


Melania and Donald Trump in July 2018.

Melania and Donald Trump in July 2018.

Alex Edelman/Getty Images

Melania wore a floor-length wrap dress from Ralph Lauren to celebrate Independence Day 2018.

The blue-and-white gingham dress was fun and festive for the holiday, but the oversize red belt tied at her waist overwhelmed the look.

If the first lady had swapped the bow for a thinner belt, her dress would have been more effective.

Melania’s suit for a trip to Egypt in October 2018 also raised some eyebrows.


Melania Trump in October 2018.

Melania Trump in October 2018.

Tarek Wajeh/picture alliance via Getty Images

Melania posed for photos in front of pyramids in Egypt wearing cream trousers, a white blouse, a black tie, and a sand-colored Ralph Lauren blazer. A white-and-black boater hat completed the look.

The outfit may have been innocuously stylish in a different venue, but some social-media users thought the outfit looked similar to one worn by “Raiders of the Lost Ark” villain René Belloq during his visit to the pyramids in the film.

It wasn’t the first time Melania faced criticism for one of her outfits on her visit to Africa. During her tour of the pyramids and the Great Sphinx, Melania told reporters, “I wish people would focus on what I do, not what I wear,” following backlash for wearing a white pith helmet.

“You know what? We just completed an amazing trip,” she added. “We went to Ghana, we went to Malawi, we went to Kenya, here we are in Egypt. I want to talk about my trip, not what I wear.”

Brown pants weren’t a great choice for Melania’s evening arrival at the White House in December 2018.


v

Donald and Melania Trump in December 2018.

NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP via Getty Images

Donald and Melania Trump arrived at the White House on the evening of December 27, holding hands as they walked across the lawn.

While the president was in a suit, Melania wore a green jacket, light-brown pants, and matching shoes.

The pants might have been a better choice for a daytime look, as it was difficult for some to tell if the first lady was even wearing bottoms at first glance in the dark. The addition of sunglasses to her nighttime look was also an odd choice.

Melania’s outfit would have worked better during the day or with different pants.

In April 2019, Melania rocked a stylish polka-dot dress.


Donald and Melania Trump at the White House in April 2019.

Donald and Melania Trump at the White House in April 2019.

Xinhua/Ting Shen/Getty Images

In April 2019, the first lady was photographed at the White House in a black-and-white polka-dot dress designed by Alessandra Rich.

The high-neck dress was cinched at the waist with a black belt, coordinating with the dots on the dress, and it hit her mid-calf.

Melania wore a cream coat over her shoulders and her signature sunglasses, adding glamour to the feminine look.

Gloves brought an elegant touch to her look for a June 2019 state dinner in the UK.


Melania Trump and Prince Charles in June 2019.

Melania Trump and then-Prince Charles in June 2019.

VICTORIA JONES/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

During a visit to the UK, Melania attended a state dinner with the royal family in a Dior gown.

A layer of semi-sheer fabric covered the gown’s scooped neckline, forming points on the top of the bodice before transitioning into white fabric. The dress hugged her figure before flaring slightly at her waist.

Melania wore white, elbow-length gloves with the dress. The look was fitting for dining with royalty.

She appeared to take a page out of Kate Middleton’s fashion book when she and the president hosted the royals for dinner during the same trip.


Donald and Melania Trump in June 2019.

Donald and Melania Trump in June 2019.

CHRIS JACKSON/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Ahead of a dinner at Winfield House, where the American ambassador to the UK lives, Melania was photographed in a red Givenchy gown.

Melania’s floor-length dress was sleeveless and featured a built-in cape, a silhouette Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, often favors.

Melania’s yellow and pink outfit in December 2019 was almost too colorful.


Donald and Melania Trump in December 2019.

Donald and Melania Trump in December 2019.

Victoria Jones/Getty Images

During another visit to the UK in December 2019, Melania stepped out in a high-neck, cape coat from Valentino. The coat was mustard yellow, and Melania paired it with a pink dress and coordinating pumps.

The jacket was a big statement in and of itself, so the look would have been more effective if the first lady had worn a more neutral color with it than bright pink.

Melania’s black-and-white look for the Daytona 500 in February 2020 was stylish.


Donald and Melania Trump at the Daytona 500 in February 2020.

Donald and Melania Trump at the Daytona 500 in February 2020.

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

Melania’s black Dior sundress was fairly simple. The midi-length dress featured a V-neckline and a white, dotted pattern.

The white lace belt from Alaïa and white Christian Louboutin pumps she wore with the dress made the look cohesive, and she also added sunglasses to the outfit.

The look balanced Melania’s personal style and traditional first lady attire.

A pink dress Melania wore during the virtual Republican National Convention in August 2020 would have been better without the bow detailing.


Donald and Melania Trump in August 2020.

Donald and Melania Trump in August 2020.

SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images

Melania appeared alongside Trump in a hot-pink midi-dress from Jason Wu at the 2020 RNC.

The dress featured a boat neckline and a flared skirt, and two black bows sat on the waistline, which appeared to be cinched with elastic. Melania wore black pumps with the dress.

The bows on the dress could have been chic, but they looked a bit crumpled throughout the night, particularly because they sat atop the ruched waistline and contrasted so heavily with the pink fabric. The dress would have been a better fit if there had been just one or no bows on the waistline.

She wore a pleated dress at the 2020 RNC, but the green color felt out of place.


Donald and Melania Trump in August 2020.

Donald and Melania Trump in August 2020.

Alex Wong/Getty Images

Melania wore a cape dress to close out the RNC, choosing a neon-green piece from Valentino.

The ankle-length, high-neck dress was covered in vertical pleats and featured two swaths of fabric flowing out from her shoulders like a cape. She added a thin pink belt and pink pumps to the outfit.

The silhouette was beautiful, but the green color was an odd choice for the RNC. Vanity Fair reported that it allowed social-media users to easily make memes out of the outfit using green screen technology.

If she had worn the dress in a different color, Melania’s look would have been a slam dunk.

In November 2020, Melania wore a gingham coat that featured a stylish, built-in scarf.


Melania Trump in November 2020.

Melania Trump in November 2020.

NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP via Getty Images

Melania oversaw the delivery of the 2020 White House Christmas tree in a gingham coat from Balenciaga.

The loose-fitting coat featured an off-center line of buttons, and the collar formed a scarf that wrapped around one of Melania’s shoulders. Quarter-length sleeves showed off the first lady’s black gloves, just as the knee-length hem spotlighted her black boots from Alaïa.

The look was effortlessly chic.

Melania’s final outfit as first lady in January 2021 offered a full-circle moment.


Donald and Melania Trump in January 2021.

Donald and Melania Trump in January 2021.

ALEX EDELMAN / AFP / Getty Images

When Trump left office in January 2021, Melania chose to wear an all-black outfit.

She paired a form-fitting Dolce & Gabbana dress with a cropped Chanel coat, gloves, Christian Louboutin pumps, and dark sunglasses.

The look seemed to nod to Jackie Kennedy, just as her first outfit as first lady did. However, the darker hues spoke to the more somber tone of the day for the Trumps.

Melania also made headlines for changing into a beachy dress before arriving at Mar-a-Lago later in the day.

When she returned to the White House on January 20, Melania set a new tone as first lady.


Melania Trump and Donald Trump on Inauguration Day 2025.

Melania Trump and Donald Trump on Inauguration Day 2025.

Scott Olson/Getty Images

Rather than wearing another pastel look to mark the beginning of her husband’s second term as president, Melania donned navy and white for the 2025 inauguration.

Adam Lippes designed her coat, which she paired with a white scarf, navy pumps, and a custom boater-style hat from Eric Javits. Boater hats are typically worn in summer, but the wool piece Melania wore offered a winter version.

Although the hat got some negative attention online as people compared it to the one the Hamburglar or V in “V For Vendetta” wore, Melania’s inaugural outfit was a savvy choice. The look set a serious tone, blending professional style with Melania’s personal taste.

Melania also managed to pull attention from Trump with the look, which was a feat considering how many eyes he had on him throughout the day.

And her custom dress for the 2025 inaugural balls had a modern edge.


Donald Trump and Melania Trump onstage at the 2025 Inaugural Ball, with a screen showing red, white, and blue lights behind them. He's wearing a black tux, and she's wearing a white strapless gown with a black strip of fabric zig-zagging across the bodice and straight down the skirt,

Donald Trump and Melania Trump at the 2025 inaugural ball.

Jim WATSON / AFP

Melania opted for another custom Hervé Pierre dress for the 2025 inaugural balls, arriving in a black-and-white dress that felt like a continuation of the fashion story she started with the look she wore during the day.

The strapless dress had an off-the-shoulder neckline, and a zig-zag of black fabric adorned the bodice before framing a slit on one side of the skirt.

A coordinating choker with a brooch completed the stylish gown.

Melania’s trench coat for the 2025 Easter celebration went against tradition.


The Trumps at the 2025 Easter celebration at the White House.

The Trumps at the 2025 Easter celebration at the White House.

Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

Traditionally, Easter fashion calls for pastel tones and festive prints like gingham, allowing people to have fun with their outfits.

However, Melania arrived at the 2025 Easter Egg Roll at the White House in a simple cream trench coat from Mackage and heels designed by Roger Vivier.

The subdued look was a shift from Melania’s more colorful outfits for previous Easter celebrations at the White House. Likewise, Mackage, a brand founded and headquartered in Canada, was a surprising choice for the first lady, given the ongoing trade dispute between the US and its northern neighbor.

Later that month, the first lady wisely chose an outfit made by Italian designers for Pope Francis’ funeral.


Donald Trump and Melania Trump at Pope Francis' funeral in April 2025.

Donald Trump and Melania Trump at Pope Francis’ funeral in April 2025.

Salvatore Laporta/KONTROLAB/LightRocket via Getty Images

Melania joined her husband at Pope Francis’ funeral at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.

She wore a black coatdress designed by Dolce & Gabbana for the occasion, as well as lace gloves and a lace veil from the fashion house.

Wearing an Italian designer was fitting for the occasion since the Catholic Church is based in the country, though Melania also favors Dolce & Gabbana when she isn’t in Italy.

Melania wore a pretty yet pricey dress to see “Les Misérables” at the Kennedy Center in June.


Donald Trump and Melania Trump at The Kennedy Center in June 2025.

Donald Trump and Melania Trump at the Kennedy Center in June 2025.

Shannon Finney/Getty Images

Melania chose a $3,900 Bottega Veneta dress for the show.

The dress had an asymmetrical neckline and gold detailing on the shoulder and waist. Melania paired the designer gown with silver and gold Christian Louboutin pumps.

The dress was pretty, but Melania’s black and white looks for Trump’s second term are starting to feel a bit repetitive. A pop of color could have made the dress stand out more.

A few days later, she wore an American designer for the US Army’s 250th anniversary parade.


Donald Trump and Melania Trump at the Army 250th Anniversary Parade.

Donald Trump and Melania Trump attended the Army’s 250th anniversary parade in Washington, DC, on June 14, 2025.

DOUG MILLS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Melania appeared alongside Trump at the US Army’s 250th anniversary parade in Washington, DC, wearing another suit from Adam Lippes.

Both her $2,490 jacket and $1,190 skirt were cream-colored, with a subtle navy pinstripe pattern. The double-breasted jacket and pencil skirt had a looser, relaxed fit.

Blue Christian Louboutin heels completed the ensemble.

Melania wore another stylish striped look at a meeting at the White House in September.


Melania Trump attends a meeting at the White House in September 2025.

Melania Trump attends a meeting at the White House in September 2025.

Brian Snyder/Reuters

On September 4, Melania attended a meeting of the White House Task Force on Artificial Intelligence Education.

She wore a soft gray linen suit that featured white pinstripes. The jacket was oversized, and the pants were wide-legged. The first lady added structure to the look with a fitted white T-shirt and a white belt.

Stilettos completed the chic menswear look.

The bright yellow dress she wore to a state banquet at Windsor Castle was memorable, but it looked slightly out of place at a dinner with royals.


Queen Camilla, King Charles, Donald Trump, and Melania Trump standing side-by-side in an ornately decorated room.

Queen Camilla, King Charles, Donald Trump, and Melania Trump at St George’s Hall for a state banquet.

Doug Mills/POOL/AFP via Getty Images.

On September 16, the president and first lady arrived in the UK for a state visit. The following evening, they attended a state banquet with King Charles III, Queen Camilla, and other members of the royal family.

Melania wore a bright yellow dress designed by Carolina Herrera to the dinner. The dress had an off-the-shoulder neckline, a column skirt, and a slit on the side. She added even more color to the ensemble with a wide, purple belt and bright green, dangly earrings.

It was nice to see Melania add some color to her wardrobe in 2025, but the bright hue and belt made the dress look a bit too casual for the event. The silhouette was pretty, but the first lady may have been better off wearing the gown in a more subdued color.

Later the same month, Melania wore a chic white suit, but a different top could have improved it.


Donald Trump and Melania Trump arrive at the White House in September 2025.

President Donald Trump and Melania Trump arrive at the White House in September 2025.

SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images

On September 23, Melania accompanied the president on a visit to the UN General Assembly, wearing a white blazer and tailored pants from Dolce & Gabbana.

The suit was a strong choice, as the contrast of the long blazer and cropped pants felt professional and chic, and the cream Christian Louboutin shoes she paired with the look were stylish, too.

However, the camel-colored blouse from Max Mara that she wore with the suit was almost too close to Melania’s skin tone. The look would have popped more with a different colored shirt.

Melania could have worn a more festive look for the 2025 Halloween celebration at the White House.


President Donald Trump and Melania Trump at the White House on Halloween 2025.

President Donald Trump and Melania Trump at the White House on Halloween 2025.

JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images

When the president and first lady passed out candy at the White House on Halloween, neither opted to wear a costume. Instead, Melania donned a wool coat from Marni, which nodded to the holiday with orange trim on the collar, pockets, and lining.

She wore the khaki-colored coat buttoned to the collar, and it cinched at her waist with a thick belt — one of her go-to silhouettes. She paired the coat with taupe Manolo Blahnik heels.

While the orange aspects of the look had a subtle Halloween feel, the outfit just didn’t feel festive enough for the holiday, especially when compared to the plethora of decorations covering the White House for the event. Melania would have made a stronger statement in a full orange coat or a black and orange look.

For dinner at the White House in November 2025, Melania chose an elegant green gown.


Melania Trump at the White House in November 2025.

Melania Trump at the White House in November 2025.

Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

On November 18, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, dined at the White House during his visit to the US.

Melania donned a $3,350 Elie Saab dress for the occasion. The deep-green dress featured a strapless neckline, and ruching on both the bodice and the skirt added texture. A slit broke up the floor-length skirt, and Melania completed the look with black heels and sparkly earrings.

Every bit of Melania’s look seemed designed to welcome Crown Prince Mohammed. The dress was similar in color to Saudi Arabia’s national flag, seeming to nod to the nation. Plus, in November 2024, Elie Saab marked 45 years of his brand with “1001 Seasons of Elie Saab,” a massive fashion show held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Her sparkly dress for a New Year’s Eve celebration in December 2025 was a nice change of pace.


Donald and Melania Trump at Mar-a-Lago in December 2025.

Donald and Melania Trump at Mar-a-Lago in December 2025.

Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Melania celebrated the end of 2025 at Trump’s annual party at Mar-a-Lago wearing a sparkly, silver gown.

Designed by The New Arrivals, the $1,450 dress was sleeveless, with a scooped neckline, hugging Melania’s figure as it flowed into a midi-length skirt. She paired the dress with bedazzled Christian Louboutin shoes and loose waves.

The look was festive and fitting for Florida weather, offering a refreshing change from her more subdued style.

Melania’s black ensemble for the premiere of her documentary was lackluster.


Melania Trump attends the premiere of

Melania Trump attends the premiere of “Melania” in January 2026.

Taylor Hill/WireImage/Getty Images

The first lady attended the premiere of her documentary “Melania” in a Dolce & Gabbana skirt suit.

Black buttons lined the center of the jacket, which was cinched at Melania’s waist with a black belt. The column skirt hit her mid-calf, spotlighting her black pumps.

The outfit might have been fine for any number of first lady engagements, but it felt too understated for the premiere of her film.

A black gown with a professional flair may have been more appropriate for the occasion.

Melania looked underdressed for a White House dinner in February 2026.


Donald and Melania Trump arrive at the National Governors Association Evening Dinner in February 2026.

Donald and Melania Trump arrive at the National Governors Association Evening Dinner in February 2026.

Al Drago/Getty Images

Trump invited only Republican governors to the National Governors Association dinner, which was held in the East Room of the White House on February 21.

The event seemed to have a formal dress code, as indicated by most attendees’ ensembles. The president and other men in attendance wore tuxedos, while women, including Usha Vance, wore gowns. Melania, though, went more casual for the event.

She paired silver, patterned Dolce & Gabbana pants with a black blouse that had tie detailing. Metallic pumps and shiny earrings completed the outfit.

Melania’s look may have been a good choice for a girls’ night, but it wasn’t fancy enough for a formal dinner at the White House. A gown with the same texture as her pants would have been a better choice.

Her dark suit for the 2026 State of the Union address was a solid choice.


Melania Trump wore a pantsuit to the State of the Union.

Melania Trump wore a pantsuit to the State of the Union.

SAUL LOEB / AFP

After wearing the designer to the dinner at the White House, Melania tapped Dolce & Gabbana again for her State of the Union look.

She wore a deep charcoal suit from the brand, featuring a tailored jacket and wide-legged pants. She kept the look simple, pairing it with a white blouse, black Manolo Blahnik pumps, and stud earrings.

The outfit struck a nice balance between simplicity and luxury.




Source link

Trump-tells-tech-giants-to-power-their-own-AI-ambitions.jpeg

Trump tells tech giants to power their own AI ambitions

  • President Donald Trump said he’s told top tech companies they must pay more for electricity near data centers.
  • Trump made the announcement during the State of the Union. He did not name the companies.
  • Big Tech’s data center push is driving up US electricity demand and costs.

President Donald Trump said Tuesday that top tech companies have to cover their own power needs when they are building data centers.

“We’re telling the major tech companies that they have the obligation to provide for their own power needs,” Trump said during his State of the Union address on Tuesday evening, adding, “They can build their own power plants as part of their factory so that no one’s prices will go up, and in many cases, prices of electricity will go down for the community.”

Trump said he negotiated a new “rate-payer protection pledge.” He did not specify what the pledge entailed or which companies had agreed to it.

“They’re going to produce their own electricity,” he said.

Tech companies have already begun building their own off-grid infrastructure.

Politico first reported on the pledge earlier on Tuesday, saying tech companies had agreed to pay more for electricity in places near data centers. A White House spokesperson confirmed the report to Business Insider but did not provide additional details.

The announcement comes as Big Tech companies spend hundreds of billions of dollars to build AI infrastructure and data centers, driving up electricity demand in the US. Utility costs are rising across the US as a result of the increased electricity demand for data centers, a report from the Center for American Progress found.

Trump has previously said Americans should not have to pay higher electricity costs due to data centers, and that the companies that build them “must pay their own way.”

Decisions about utility costs are typically made at the state and local levels. It’s unclear how the newly announced pledges would be implemented.




Source link

Trump-kicks-off-State-of-the-Union-touting-his-economic.jpeg

Trump kicks off State of the Union touting his economic agenda

President Donald Trump is zeroing in on what he calls America’s “roaring economy.”

The president is giving his annual speech to a joint session of Congress. He opened the event focused on his administration’s economic agenda, especially inflation rates and consumer prices.

“I inherited a nation in crisis with a stagnant economy,” Trump told lawmakers, adding that his administration has driven down inflation and mortgage rates, along with energy prices. He touted an increase in jobs in the construction sector, the strong stock market, and how the administration “lifted a record number of Americans off food stamps” with their updated SNAP rules.

The president added that he and Republican allies delivered the “largest tax cuts in American history” in their latest budget bill, alongside promises to end taxes on tips, overtime, and Social Security. And he mentioned Trump Accounts, a newly-launched federal investment account for children that will be available in July.

“A short time ago, we were a dead country,” he said. “Now we are the hottest country anywhere in the world.”

Throughout his second term, the Trump administration has leaned into affordability issues, especially high prices on consumer goods. The White House has touted budget changes in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, tax breaks for middle- and higher-income Americans, and a recently-launched TrumpRx prescription platform. In some cases, the president has reached across the aisle for economic priorities, like a long-time Democrat-backed policy to rein in credit card rates.

As for the job market, growth has been the lowest in decades aside from recessions, and Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency took a sizable swing at the federal workforce. The administration hopes the pending appointment of former Wall Streeter Kevin Warsh to replace Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell will be a path toward lower interest rates in 2026, which could juice hiring — at the risk of growing inflation.

A YouGov and MarketWatch poll published February 24 found that 83% of Americans believe affordability has worsened or remained stagnant under Trump’s second term.

Trump is expected to speak for at least two hours this evening, covering topics like the Supreme Court tariff ruling, AI investment, immigration, and foreign policy.

This is a developing story. Check back here for updates.




Source link