Melania Trump: ‘I never had a relationship with Epstein’
Melania Trump: ‘I never had a relationship with Epstein’
First Lady Melania Trump has refuted links to Jeffrey Epstein, stating to journalists at the White House that all allegations connecting the two “must stop right now.” During an unannounced remarks session on Thursday, she advocated for legislative investigations into Epstein’s alleged sex trafficking operations.
“Any claims about my ties to Epstein need to end today,” she asserted.
Artemis II Mission Highlights
Astronaut Jeremy Hansen, Canada’s first to venture into deep space, received a direct call from the prime minister as part of the Artemis II expedition. Ahead of the crew’s expected return on Saturday, BBC Science Editor Rebecca Morelle interviewed the team, highlighting their historic achievement of surpassing previous records for Earth travel. The mission’s three-day lunar orbit phase has now commenced, with astronauts sharing updates via video links to their loved ones.
NASA’s latest innovation, a “universal waste management system” for the 10-day mission, was showcased as the crew prepared for liftoff. The Orion spacecraft, launched from Florida, marks the first human Moon journey in five decades. Despite delays and technical hurdles, the rocket successfully entered Earth’s orbit, with Morelle observing the event from just three miles away.
Protests and Economic Context
Large demonstrations against the Trump administration unfolded in major U.S. cities, culminating in the third round of No Kings rallies. Meanwhile, fuel prices in the U.S. reached a new high of $4 at the pump, driven by ongoing tensions with Iran. In Alabama, BBC correspondent Gary O’Donoghue spoke with a farmer who, despite financial strain, remains a vocal Trump supporter.
The National Mall featured a symbolic installation titled “A Throne Fit for a King,” critiquing Trump’s White House renovation projects. As the country grapples with economic challenges, the annual CPAC conference in Texas saw mixed reactions among conservatives about the current financial climate. Airports faced unprecedented delays due to a partial government shutdown, with TSA staff operating without pay.
