Donald Trump's mother: From a Scottish island to New York's elite
Mary Anne was one of tens of thousands of Scots who travelled to the US and Canada in the early years of the last century looking to escape economic hardship at home.
She first left Lewis for New York in 1930, at the age of 18, to seek work as a domestic servant.
Six years later she was married to successful property developer Frederick Trump, the son of German migrants and one of the most eligible men in New York.
The fourth of their five children, Donald John, as he is referred to on the islands, is now US president for the second time.
His mother was born in 1912 in Tong, about three miles from Stornoway, the main town on the isle of Lewis.
Genealogist Bill Lawson, who has traced the family tree of Mary Anne MacLeod back to the early 19th Century, says her father Malcolm ran a post office and small shop in his later years.
Economically, the family would have been slightly better off than the average in the township, he says.
However, life during and after World War One, in which 1,000 islanders died, was very hard and many young people were leaving the Western Isles.
The Isle of Lewis had also suffered the Iolaire disaster in 1919 when 200 servicemen from the island had drowned at the mouth of Stornoway harbour, coming home for the first new year of peace.
Mr Lawson says: "Mary Anne MacLeod was from a very large family, nine siblings, and the move at that time was away from the island.
"The move by Viscount Leverhulme to revive the island had gone bust and there was not much prospect for young people.
"What else could she do?"
Mr Lawson adds: "Nowadays, you might think of going to the mainland but in those days most people went to Canada. It was far easier to make a life in America and many people had relatives there."
The genealogist says President Trump's mother was slightly different in that her sister Catherine, one of eight members of the MacLeod family to have emigrated to America, had moved from Canada to New York.
When Catherine returned to Lewis for a visit in 1930, her 18-year-old sister Mary Anne went with her to look for work.
It appears that she found work as a nanny with a wealthy family in a big house in the suburbs of New York but lost the job as the US sank into depression after the Wall Street Crash.
Mary Anne returned briefly to Scotland in 1934 but by then she had met Fred Trump and soon returned to New York for good.
The couple lived in a wealthy area of Queens and Mary Anne was active with charity work.
Donald Trump still has three cousins on Lewis, including two who live in the ancestral home, which has been rebuilt since Mary Anne MacLeod's time.
All three cousins have consistently refused to speak to the media.
Speaking to the BBC in 2017 after Donald Trump's first presidential victory, John A MacIver, a local councillor and friend of the cousins, said: "I know the family very well.
"They are very nice, gentle people and I'm sure they don't want all the publicity that's around.
"I quite understand that they don't want to talk about it."
Mr MacIver said Mary Anne MacLeod was well-known and much respected in the community and used to attend the church on her visits home.
President Trump's mother became a US citizen in 1942 and died in 2000, aged 88.
But she returned to Lewis throughout her life and always spoke Gaelic, Mr MacIver says.
According to genealogist Bill Lawson, surnames are a relatively recent phenomenon on the islands and official records only go back to the early decades of the 19th Century.
His research took him back as far as John Roy MacLeod, which in Gaelic is Iain Ruaidh, named for a tendency to red hair.
Mary Anne Trump's paternal MacLeods came from Vatisker, a few miles further north of Tong.
Her great-grandfather Alexander Roy MacLeod and his son Malcolm were thought to have drowned together while fishing in the 1850s.
On Mary Anne's mother's side, the Smiths were among the families cleared from South Lochs area of Lewis in 1826.
The period of the Highland Clearances on the mainland had largely missed Lewis but after the Battle of Waterloo in 1815 some of the better lands for sheep-grazing on the island were cleared of tenants.
In most cases the displaced tenants were relocated elsewhere on Lewis rather than sent overseas.
According to Mr Lawson, all four lines of Mary Anne MacLeod's maternal ancestry had been moved to Stornoway parish from elsewhere on the island as a result of the Clearances.
His research also found another fishing tragedy when Donald Smith was drowned in October 1868 after his boat was upset in a squall off Vatisker Point.
His widow was left with three children, of whom the youngest, Mary - Donald Trump's grandmother - was less than a year old.
Mary succeeded her mother at 13 Tong, but it was the smallest of the crofts in Tong.
After her marriage to Malcolm MacLeod, they were able to acquire the Smiths' original croft of 5 Tong and move there.
Donald Trump's mother Mary Anne was the youngest of their 10 children.
Her businessman son Donald visited the house in which his mother grew up in 2008.
On that trip, he said he had been to Lewis once before as "a three or four-year-old" but could remember little about it.
It is estimated he spent 97 seconds in the ancestral home during his whistle-stop tour.
At the time, he said: "I have been very busy - I am building jobs all over the world - and it's very, very tough to find the time to come back.
"But this just seemed an appropriate time, because I have the plane... I'm very glad I did, and I will be back again."
He was accompanied by his eldest sister Maryanne Trump Barry, a US federal judge, who regularly visited her cousins on Lewis before her death in 2023.
Mr Lawson says: "If you want to celebrate anyone, you should perhaps celebrate Maryanne, who has done a lot of work for the island.
"Donald arrived off a plane and then disappeared again. One photoshoot, that was it.
"I can't say he left much of an impression behind him."
Donald Trump and the Scots: A not-so special relationship
A quick guide to Donald Trump
Police Federation seeks legal advice ahead of Trump visit
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What is the productivity roundtable and why does it matter? You will have heard plenty about productivity and the government's roundtable to help fix what it says is a deep-rooted problem spanning several decades. But what exactly is the issue and what will the three-day meet help to do? AAP has broken all that down for you below. What is the Economic Reform Roundtable? A three-day event aimed at lifting living standards primarily by boosting productivity, which has stagnated in Australia and other western countries Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has promised it will deliver long-lasting change to the government's economic agenda What is Productivity? It's about squeezing more from less, allowing wages to grow and helps build things better and faster, such as homes and clean energy infrastructure Why is it important? Productivity has been in decline since 2016, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics Treasurer Jim Chalmers has said the roundtable will make the economy more productive over time, helping to lift living standards and make people better off The summit follows the Reserve Bank Of Australia downgrading productivity growth from one per cent to 0.7 per cent Ideas on the agenda Documents leaked before the summit suggest the government will consider cutting red tape to boost housing supply The Productivity Commission is calling for reduced regulation for artificial intelligence, while unions are calling for greater protections of workers from the risks of AI Proposals for tax reform, including calls from Independent MP Kate Chaney to increase Goods and Service Tax to 15 per cent A push from the Australian Council of Trade Unions for a four-day working week. What are some concerns? Leaked Treasury advice raised concerns that the outcomes of the roundtable have already been pre-determined The government has already ruled out large changes to tax like negative gearing. Shadow treasurer Ted O'Brien warned the summit would be a "privileged talkfest" without the chance of meaningful outcome Who is on the guest list? About 30 participants including leading economists, employers, business groups, unions and civil society representatives Prominent names include Reserve Bank governor Michele Bullock, Productivity Commission chair Danielle Wood, economist and policy adviser Ken Henry, independent MP Allegra Spender and NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey Some of the sectors represented include banking, universities, mining and superannuation The summit will run from August 19 to 21 at Parliament House in Canberra You will have heard plenty about productivity and the government's roundtable to help fix what it says is a deep-rooted problem spanning several decades. But what exactly is the issue and what will the three-day meet help to do? AAP has broken all that down for you below. What is the Economic Reform Roundtable? A three-day event aimed at lifting living standards primarily by boosting productivity, which has stagnated in Australia and other western countries Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has promised it will deliver long-lasting change to the government's economic agenda What is Productivity? It's about squeezing more from less, allowing wages to grow and helps build things better and faster, such as homes and clean energy infrastructure Why is it important? Productivity has been in decline since 2016, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics Treasurer Jim Chalmers has said the roundtable will make the economy more productive over time, helping to lift living standards and make people better off The summit follows the Reserve Bank Of Australia downgrading productivity growth from one per cent to 0.7 per cent Ideas on the agenda Documents leaked before the summit suggest the government will consider cutting red tape to boost housing supply The Productivity Commission is calling for reduced regulation for artificial intelligence, while unions are calling for greater protections of workers from the risks of AI Proposals for tax reform, including calls from Independent MP Kate Chaney to increase Goods and Service Tax to 15 per cent A push from the Australian Council of Trade Unions for a four-day working week. What are some concerns? Leaked Treasury advice raised concerns that the outcomes of the roundtable have already been pre-determined The government has already ruled out large changes to tax like negative gearing. Shadow treasurer Ted O'Brien warned the summit would be a "privileged talkfest" without the chance of meaningful outcome Who is on the guest list? About 30 participants including leading economists, employers, business groups, unions and civil society representatives Prominent names include Reserve Bank governor Michele Bullock, Productivity Commission chair Danielle Wood, economist and policy adviser Ken Henry, independent MP Allegra Spender and NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey Some of the sectors represented include banking, universities, mining and superannuation The summit will run from August 19 to 21 at Parliament House in Canberra One year anniversary of coffee attack that shocked Australia nears The mother of the baby who made global headlines a year ago when a stranger threw hot coffee in his face is pleading with authorities to not let the man allegedly behind the attack escape accountability. Luka, nine months old at the time, had the hot drink thrown in his face in a Brisbane park on August 27 last year. The alleged offender fled Australia to China and no significant updates on investigations has been provided by police. Luka's mother has since taken to social media to say she does not want to wait another year for justice. "He's received synthetic skin grafts, skin needling, and laser treatments for his burns," she wrote, according to the ABC. "Every procedure is a painful reminder of what was done to him — and of the justice that still hasn't come." Queensland Police told the ABC it is committed to securing justice for the family however criminal lawyer Glen Cranny SC told the public broadcaster without a reciprocal extradition agreement, it would be difficult to achieve. The mother of the baby who made global headlines a year ago when a stranger threw hot coffee in his face is pleading with authorities to not let the man allegedly behind the attack escape accountability. Luka, nine months old at the time, had the hot drink thrown in his face in a Brisbane park on August 27 last year. The alleged offender fled Australia to China and no significant updates on investigations has been provided by police. Luka's mother has since taken to social media to say she does not want to wait another year for justice. "He's received synthetic skin grafts, skin needling, and laser treatments for his burns," she wrote, according to the ABC. "Every procedure is a painful reminder of what was done to him — and of the justice that still hasn't come." Queensland Police told the ABC it is committed to securing justice for the family however criminal lawyer Glen Cranny SC told the public broadcaster without a reciprocal extradition agreement, it would be difficult to achieve. Two children inside home where woman found dead A woman has been found dead at a home in regional Victoria, where two children were inside at the time. Police were called to Christie Ave in Cobram - about 260km north of Melbourne - at about 5am on Tuesday. The body of a 32-year-old woman was found inside. Two young children - both unharmed - were also inside the home. A 45-year-old man, who police say was known to the woman, has been arrested. 'Detectives from the Homicide Squad are headed to the scene and will interview the man in relation to the woman's death,' a Victoria Police spokesperson said. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers. - NewsWire A woman has been found dead at a home in regional Victoria, where two children were inside at the time. Police were called to Christie Ave in Cobram - about 260km north of Melbourne - at about 5am on Tuesday. The body of a 32-year-old woman was found inside. Two young children - both unharmed - were also inside the home. A 45-year-old man, who police say was known to the woman, has been arrested. 'Detectives from the Homicide Squad are headed to the scene and will interview the man in relation to the woman's death,' a Victoria Police spokesperson said. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers. - NewsWire New wall along footpath causing drama on the Gold Coast Construction in the front yard of a property on one of the Gold Coast's most exclusive streets is causing quite a stir – but council says the owners have done nothing wrong. The property on Hedges Avenue, which runs along the coastline in Mermaid Beach, has undergone extensive changes recently and developers have opted to build a wall right up to its boundary. But that has severely restricted access for pedestrians, and with added fencing while construction occurs, it has forced people into the road. Councillor Nick Marshall ordered an investigation after receiving multiple complaints from the community but it turns out the owners are well within their rights. 'Neither the builder or the owner have actually done anything wrong because the boundary line for the property is just 80cm off the road and, at some point, the road was widened and the path crossed into the boundaries,' he said, the Gold Coat Bulletin reported. Construction in the front yard of a property on one of the Gold Coast's most exclusive streets is causing quite a stir – but council says the owners have done nothing wrong. The property on Hedges Avenue, which runs along the coastline in Mermaid Beach, has undergone extensive changes recently and developers have opted to build a wall right up to its boundary. But that has severely restricted access for pedestrians, and with added fencing while construction occurs, it has forced people into the road. Councillor Nick Marshall ordered an investigation after receiving multiple complaints from the community but it turns out the owners are well within their rights. 'Neither the builder or the owner have actually done anything wrong because the boundary line for the property is just 80cm off the road and, at some point, the road was widened and the path crossed into the boundaries,' he said, the Gold Coat Bulletin reported. Grim rain record broken for Sydney Well those in Sydney won't be too surprised to learn that its been the wettest August in 27 years. And while it's been a miserable few years in terms of rain, the past six-year period has actually broken an unwanted record. Analysis from the ABC's meteorologist Tom Saunders shows that the period from January 2020 to now is the wettest six-year stretch seen since records began at Sydney's Observatory Hill in 1858 – and there's still four months to go. Saunders says there has been stronger and more frequent winds from the east, bringing more moisture in from the Tasman Sea, and said it could lead to Sydney and other parts of the east coast shifting to wetter climates over time. Well those in Sydney won't be too surprised to learn that its been the wettest August in 27 years. And while it's been a miserable few years in terms of rain, the past six-year period has actually broken an unwanted record. Analysis from the ABC's meteorologist Tom Saunders shows that the period from January 2020 to now is the wettest six-year stretch seen since records began at Sydney's Observatory Hill in 1858 – and there's still four months to go. Saunders says there has been stronger and more frequent winds from the east, bringing more moisture in from the Tasman Sea, and said it could lead to Sydney and other parts of the east coast shifting to wetter climates over time. Flybuys rolls out checkout savings at Bunnings Those with a Flybuys account will be pleased to learn they can now opt to use their points at the checkout in Bunnings. "Whether it's potting mix, power tools, or prepping for a weekend DIY project, members can unlock value when they shop in-store, with every 2,000 points equivalent to $10 off, applied directly at the checkout," Bunnings and Flybuys announced on Tuesday. The option will commence today across Australia following a successful trial in WA, and mirrors a system successfully rolled out by Coles previously. Those with a Flybuys account will be pleased to learn they can now opt to use their points at the checkout in Bunnings. "Whether it's potting mix, power tools, or prepping for a weekend DIY project, members can unlock value when they shop in-store, with every 2,000 points equivalent to $10 off, applied directly at the checkout," Bunnings and Flybuys announced on Tuesday. The option will commence today across Australia following a successful trial in WA, and mirrors a system successfully rolled out by Coles previously. Tragic details after baby found in drain Police have launched a major investigation after a baby's body was discovered inside a stormwater drain in Perth's northern suburbs. Tradesmen cleaning the drains on La Salle Road made the tragic discovery in Alexander Heights at about 1pm on Monday. The baby was 'just days old' and found wrapped in a sheet, The West Australian has reported. A police spokesman said multiple resources had been sent to the location as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. It is understood ambulance crews were initially called but were stood down. Police also issued an emergency alert on Monday evening to all Perth maternity hospitals with concerns for the welfare of the mother. Detectives remained at the scene late on Monday, after police spent the afternoon doorknocking nearby residents. It has been reported a large portion of the road remained blocked off to the public well into Monday evening. - NewsWire Police have launched a major investigation after a baby's body was discovered inside a stormwater drain in Perth's northern suburbs. Tradesmen cleaning the drains on La Salle Road made the tragic discovery in Alexander Heights at about 1pm on Monday. The baby was 'just days old' and found wrapped in a sheet, The West Australian has reported. A police spokesman said multiple resources had been sent to the location as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. It is understood ambulance crews were initially called but were stood down. Police also issued an emergency alert on Monday evening to all Perth maternity hospitals with concerns for the welfare of the mother. Detectives remained at the scene late on Monday, after police spent the afternoon doorknocking nearby residents. It has been reported a large portion of the road remained blocked off to the public well into Monday evening. - NewsWire Australia slams Israel's 'unjustified' visa move Foreign Minister Penny Wong has slammed Israel's decision to revoke visas for Australian representatives to the Palestinian Authority as 'unjustified'. Her counterpart in Israel, Gideon Sa'ar, announced the move overnight in response to Australia cancelling a visa for a far-right Israeli MP. It is the heaviest blow to the bilateral relationship, which has been severely strained by the Albanese government's opposition to large-scale civilian suffering in Gaza. 'At a time when dialogue and diplomacy are needed more than ever, the Netanyahu Government is isolating Israel and undermining international efforts towards peace and a two-state solution,' Senator Wong said in a statement. 'This is an unjustified reaction, following Australia's decision to recognise Palestine. 'We will continue to work with partners as we contribute international momentum to a two-state solution, a ceasefire in Gaza and release of the hostages.' Read more from NewsWire here. Foreign Minister Penny Wong has slammed Israel's decision to revoke visas for Australian representatives to the Palestinian Authority as 'unjustified'. Her counterpart in Israel, Gideon Sa'ar, announced the move overnight in response to Australia cancelling a visa for a far-right Israeli MP. It is the heaviest blow to the bilateral relationship, which has been severely strained by the Albanese government's opposition to large-scale civilian suffering in Gaza. 'At a time when dialogue and diplomacy are needed more than ever, the Netanyahu Government is isolating Israel and undermining international efforts towards peace and a two-state solution,' Senator Wong said in a statement. 'This is an unjustified reaction, following Australia's decision to recognise Palestine. 'We will continue to work with partners as we contribute international momentum to a two-state solution, a ceasefire in Gaza and release of the hostages.' Read more from NewsWire here. Trump laughs at Zelensky's suit joke Donald Trump couldn't help but laugh. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who of course is a former comedian, took control in the White House on Monday (local time), just months after a difficult encounter with Trump where he was heavily criticised in front of the cameras. One of Trump's qualms that time was Zelensky's attire. His olive green military-style outfit was called out by suit-wearing Trump, and some reporters in the room appeared to share the opinion a more formal outfit was needed. Zelenskiy's garb at that February meeting featured in a disastrous session with Trump in which the two leaders bickered and the Ukrainian president was escorted out of the White House early, without lunch. On Monday, backed by European allies, Zelensky showed up for his talks with Trump wearing more formal attire, with Trump visibly impressed. A reporter who had asked Zelensky in February why he was not wearing a suit complimented the Ukrainian leader on the attire he chose for his latest visit. "You look fabulous in that suit," the reporter said. Trump chimed in: "I said the same thing". Clearly far more comfortable with proceedings, he managed to get a cheeky last response to the journalist. "You're wearing the same suit," he told the reporter, drawing laughter from the room. "I changed." You can watch the moment below. Donald Trump couldn't help but laugh. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who of course is a former comedian, took control in the White House on Monday (local time), just months after a difficult encounter with Trump where he was heavily criticised in front of the cameras. One of Trump's qualms that time was Zelensky's attire. His olive green military-style outfit was called out by suit-wearing Trump, and some reporters in the room appeared to share the opinion a more formal outfit was needed. Zelenskiy's garb at that February meeting featured in a disastrous session with Trump in which the two leaders bickered and the Ukrainian president was escorted out of the White House early, without lunch. On Monday, backed by European allies, Zelensky showed up for his talks with Trump wearing more formal attire, with Trump visibly impressed. A reporter who had asked Zelensky in February why he was not wearing a suit complimented the Ukrainian leader on the attire he chose for his latest visit. "You look fabulous in that suit," the reporter said. Trump chimed in: "I said the same thing". Clearly far more comfortable with proceedings, he managed to get a cheeky last response to the journalist. "You're wearing the same suit," he told the reporter, drawing laughter from the room. "I changed." You can watch the moment below. Children targeted in e-bike crackdown Children are the target of Queensland Police's latest e-bike crackdown as momentum to get to grips with their illegal use continues to grow nationally. Police in Brisbane have launched Operation X-ray Stamp this month to target the illegal and dangerous use of e-scooters and e-bikes along the city's popular Kedron Brook Bikeway. "With many offences involving children, the operation strongly focuses on educating both children and their parents about their responsibilities and the consequences of allowing their child's illegal use of these devices," Queensland Police said on Tuesday. 'The main issues we see with e-scooters and e-bikes include unlicensed driving of unregistered vehicles, speeding, dangerous driving such as swerving in and out of pedestrians, and illegal modifications," Senior Sergeant Saskia Toohey said. 'Our focus is on education and engagement, but the QPS will take enforcement action, including issuing fines or confiscating non-compliant devices, if necessary, to stop unsafe behaviour." So with the latest effort to get to grips with the issue, we're asking you if you think authorities are doing enough when it comes to the illegal use of e-transport. Have your say below. Children are the target of Queensland Police's latest e-bike crackdown as momentum to get to grips with their illegal use continues to grow nationally. Police in Brisbane have launched Operation X-ray Stamp this month to target the illegal and dangerous use of e-scooters and e-bikes along the city's popular Kedron Brook Bikeway. "With many offences involving children, the operation strongly focuses on educating both children and their parents about their responsibilities and the consequences of allowing their child's illegal use of these devices," Queensland Police said on Tuesday. 'The main issues we see with e-scooters and e-bikes include unlicensed driving of unregistered vehicles, speeding, dangerous driving such as swerving in and out of pedestrians, and illegal modifications," Senior Sergeant Saskia Toohey said. 'Our focus is on education and engagement, but the QPS will take enforcement action, including issuing fines or confiscating non-compliant devices, if necessary, to stop unsafe behaviour." So with the latest effort to get to grips with the issue, we're asking you if you think authorities are doing enough when it comes to the illegal use of e-transport. Have your say below. Trump makes big promise to Ukraine Donald Trump has told President Volodymyr Zelensky the US would help guarantee Ukraine's security in any deal to end Russia's war there, though the extent of any assistance was not immediately clear. Trump made the pledge during an extraordinary summit at the White House, where he hosted Zelensky and a group of European allies days after Trump met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska and months after a disastrous Oval Office meeting that saw Trump and Vice President JD Vance publicly criticise the Ukrainian leader. A peace deal appeared far from imminent, however. Just before the talks began, Russia's Foreign Ministry ruled out the deployment of troops from NATO countries to help secure a peace deal, adding complications to Trump's offer. Both Trump and Zelenskiy said they hoped Monday's gathering would eventually lead to three-way talks with Putin. The Kremlin has not yet publicly accepted such a meeting, and it remains to be seen whether Putin, whose forces have been slowly grinding forward in eastern Ukraine, is prepared to sit down with Zelenskiy or make meaningful concessions. Read more here. Donald Trump has told President Volodymyr Zelensky the US would help guarantee Ukraine's security in any deal to end Russia's war there, though the extent of any assistance was not immediately clear. Trump made the pledge during an extraordinary summit at the White House, where he hosted Zelensky and a group of European allies days after Trump met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska and months after a disastrous Oval Office meeting that saw Trump and Vice President JD Vance publicly criticise the Ukrainian leader. A peace deal appeared far from imminent, however. Just before the talks began, Russia's Foreign Ministry ruled out the deployment of troops from NATO countries to help secure a peace deal, adding complications to Trump's offer. Both Trump and Zelenskiy said they hoped Monday's gathering would eventually lead to three-way talks with Putin. The Kremlin has not yet publicly accepted such a meeting, and it remains to be seen whether Putin, whose forces have been slowly grinding forward in eastern Ukraine, is prepared to sit down with Zelenskiy or make meaningful concessions. Read more here.
Bloomberg
18 minutes ago
- Bloomberg
Putin-Zelenskiy Possible Meet, UK Yield Tops Truss High, Desert Ski Resort Woes
Your morning briefing, the business news you need in just 15 minutes. On today's podcast: (1) US President Donald Trump called Vladimir Putin and urged the Russian leader to begin making plans for a summit with Volodymyr Zelenskiy, after meeting the Ukrainian president and European leaders at the White House on Monday. (2) The Trump administration is in discussions to take a stake of about 10% in Intel Corp., according to a White House official and other people familiar with the matter, a move that could see the US become the beleaguered chipmaker's largest shareholder. (3) The yield on long-dated inflation-linked bonds surpassed the highs seen during the gilt-market meltdown three years ago, the latest unwanted market milestone for the UK government. (4) The Treasury is examining the possibility of replacing stamp duty and introducing a new tax on the sale of UK homes worth more than £500,000 ($676,000), according to the Guardian. (5) Apple will no longer be forced to provide a so-called backdoor to American users' data to the UK government, US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard said in a post on X on Monday. (6) In 2022, Saudi Arabia announced one of its most ambitious endeavours to date: a sprawling ski resort in the heart of the dry Middle Eastern desert. It's becoming one of the most difficult tests yet of the kingdom's ability to pull off Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's grand ambitions
CNN
18 minutes ago
- CNN
Zelensky changed his tactics for Trump this time — and his outfit
During Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to the White House on Monday, he spoke with a familiar figure – a right-wing reporter who had famously called out his choice of attire during Zelensky's contentious meeting with President Donald Trump earlier in the year. This time, however, the tone – and the clothing – was markedly different. 'You look fabulous in that suit,' said Brian Glenn, a pro-Trump pundit who works for MAGA streaming startup Real America's Voice. 'I said the same thing,' Trump remarked, turning to Zelensky and telling him: 'Isn't that nice? That's the one that attacked you last time.' Zelensky, wearing a sharp black field jacket, black shirt and black slacks, quipped to the reporter: 'You are in the same suit. I changed, you did not.' It might seem like an innocuous exchange – but Zelensky's change in wardrobe reflects the shift in tactics he's taken in the months since that disastrous meeting in February, when Trump and Vice President JD Vance excoriated the Ukrainian president, calling him disrespectful and ungrateful in front of the world's cameras. The blowout argument in the Oval Office was over various things: the American leaders accused Zelensky of standing in the way of a peace agreement with Russia, while Zelensky expressed disbelief at the notion of diplomacy with the country that had invaded Ukraine. But before all of that, it was about Zelensky's outfit. Since the war began, Zelensky has become known for his military-style shirts, typically in army green or black, and cargo pants. It's the outfit he's worn in the many televised national addresses and speeches he's delivered throughout the conflict – as if to remind his audience they were looking at a wartime leader. Widely regarded as a gesture of solidarity with Ukrainian troops, the outfit has become synonymous with Zelensky. But when he showed up in his usual minimalist garb to the White House in February, Trump was instantly displeased. 'Oh, you're all dressed up,' he remarked sarcastically, as he greeted Zelensky and shook his hand. It felt particularly pointed from Trump – a showman and former television host who has meticulously cultivated his image over the years, from his customary suit and tie to his love of all things gold (a color that now covers the White House, from gold cherubs in the Oval Office to gold figurines on the mantle). Before the Oval Office meeting devolved into a shouting match, Zelensky was asked by the reporter, Glenn, why he was not wearing a suit in the United States' highest office. 'I will wear a costume after this war will finish, yes,' Zelensky said, responding in English. 'Maybe something like yours, yes, maybe something better. I don't know, we will see. Maybe something cheaper. Thank you.' Things went south from there. But almost immediately afterward, Zelensky went into damage control – publicly thanking Trump and the United States for their support of Ukraine, and working to repair his relationship with the president. He has been coached by some European leaders on how to better approach his counterpart – with many of those leaders showing up on Monday at the White House in a show of Western unity and support. During subsequent encounters with Trump this year, Zelensky also wore more formal clothing, including at the Vatican for Pope Francis' funeral and at a NATO summit in the Netherlands. Ahead of Monday's meeting, US and Ukrainian officials discussed Zelensky's attire – with the understanding he should not arrive wearing his usual military-style clothing, said a European official. It appears their move has paid off – with even Glenn taking a conciliatory tone after Trump praised Zelensky's new look. 'I apologize to you,' Glenn said, referring to their February interaction. 'You look wonderful.'
