A moment of celebration at PNC Park quickly turned tragic on Wednesday night, May 1, when a fan fell from the stands during a Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Chicago Cubs game, prompting concern from players, spectators, and his hometown community.

The fan, identified as 20-year-old Kavan Markwood of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, fell approximately 21 feet onto the right-field warning track during the bottom of the seventh inning. The incident occurred just after a go-ahead double by Pirates legend Andrew McCutchen.

Witnesses told TribLive that Markwood had removed his shirt and poured beer on himself in celebration before losing his balance over a 36-inch railing in Section 142. Emergency personnel, including team trainers, EMS, and police, responded immediately.

Markwood was stabilized on a backboard and transported to Allegheny General Hospital, where he remains in critical condition. Authorities have confirmed the incident is being treated as accidental.

The fall occurred behind the iconic 21-foot Clemente Wall, a tribute to Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente. The Pirates organization later noted that the railing involved exceeds building code requirements.

Markwood, a 2022 graduate of South Allegheny High School, was known as a dedicated athlete. He played linebacker at Walsh University before transferring to Wheeling University, where he appeared in five games during the 2023 season and earned honors on the Mountain East Conference Commissioner’s Honor Roll. Former Wheeling coach Zac Bruney described him to TMZ Sports as “a very good young man” who had recently left the program to pursue work, with hopes of returning.

Back in McKeesport and the greater South Allegheny area, the community rallied around Markwood. South Allegheny athletic director Mike Brown called him “a standout athlete and a young man of character,” noting his strength and quiet perseverance. East Allegheny coach Frank Cortazzo echoed that sentiment, calling Markwood’s resilience “unmatched.”

District spokesperson Laura Thomson said to TripLive the entire school community is behind him. “Kavan is a fighter, and he’s going to need that strength now, but he has it,” she said.

The emotional weight of the incident was also felt within the Pirates organization. Team chairman Bob Nutting released a statement calling the event “devastating,” adding, “It was one of the most difficult moments many of us have ever experienced… Our fans are part of our family, and we’re keeping Kavan and his loved ones in our hearts.”

As with Doubs, the outpouring of concern for Markwood highlights how quickly celebration in sport can shift to fear, and how tightly woven athletes, fans, and communities remain, both on and off the field.

Ever since Kamala Harris had to leave the office of the Vice President, she has kept a relatively low profile. However, now it seems she is ready to make headlines again.

Keep reading to know more about what transpired.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris made her first major speech since she left office. She shared what she thought of the Trump administration, and her thoughts have caused a lot of opinions to pop up online.

On stage for the Emerge 20th Anniversary Gala, in her speech she used the example of the current political climate to demonstrate how it is a crucial turning point in American history.

She praised everyday American citizens, saying how she admired their resilience against a “man-made economic crisis” brought on by “reckless tariffs” and a disregard for court orders.

“We all know President Trump and his administration, and their allies are counting on the notion that fear can be contagious,” she said in her speech. She spoke so her voice was audible above the applause. She said, “But what they have overlooked is that fear is not the only thing that’s contagious. Courage is contagious.”

“The courage of Americans […] across the political spectrum, who are declaring that the president’s reckless tariffs hurt workers and families by raising the cost of everyday essentials, devastate the retirement accounts […] and paralyze American businesses […] forcing them to lay off people, to stop hiring or pause investment decisions,” she went on.

She went on to challenge the narrative being spun that America is heading towards disorder. She plead with people, saying, “Please, let us not be duped into thinking everything is chaos.

“What we are in fact witnessing is a high velocity event where a vessel is being used for the swift implementation of an agenda that has been decades in the making,” Harris said in her speech.

She went on to say, “We are living in a moment when the checks and balances, upon which we have historically relied, have begun to buckle.”

“We here know that when the checks and balances ultimately collapse […] that is called a constitutional crisis, and that is a crisis that will eventually impact everyone,” the former VP said. 

In her speech, she clearly said she hopes people will uphold democracy.

“Lock it in! Gear up for the hard work ahead, and please, always remember this country is ours. It doesn’t belong to whoever is in the White House, it belongs to you! It belongs to We, the People!” Harris emphasized in her speech .

The speech quickly began making rounds on social media as people began to focus on what Harris was saying.

One person commented, “Thanks for spreading some LOVE for America and the American people. Courage is contagious and LOVE for one another is contagious, too.” While another added, “Outstanding! Full of courage and Truth!”

While another person wrote, “Seeing her talk nonsense in circles again, I’m reminded how glad I am to be unburdened by what has been.” Another detractor added, “I’m a Democrat and I don’t wish to see or hear this woman ever again. Utterly irrelevant.”

All in all, there were a lot of reactions to the speech. Many people had opinions to share. What did you think about Kamala’s speech and her message? Let us know in the comments.

The idea of a “Trump 2028” presidency might sound far-fetched, but former White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon insists it’s a real possibility.

Despite the U.S. Constitution’s 22nd Amendment explicitly barring any individual from serving more than two terms as president, Bannon claims Donald Trump and his team are exploring “many different alternatives” to return to office; potentially for a third time.

Bannon’s remarks surfaced on the Apocalypse Now? podcast, where he confidently predicted that Trump would not only run again but “be in the White House signing executive orders” on January 20, 2029.

He doubled down in a separate interview with NewsNation, stating: “We have many different alternatives to make sure President Trump… is the President of the United States. And we will roll those out over time.”

His comments come shortly after unofficial “Trump 2028” merchandise hit the market, featuring slogans like “Rewrite the Rules”, a possible nod to overturning or bypassing the 22nd Amendment, which was introduced in 1951 following Franklin D. Roosevelt’s four-term presidency.

Legal experts, however, stress that a third term remains constitutionally prohibited. Law professor Danny Karon outlined three hypothetical workarounds to LADbible: Trump could run as vice president under an ally like JD Vance, be appointed vice president and ascend through succession, or attempt to amend the Constitution itself. But each scenario presents serious legal and political obstacles.

As for Trump himself, he hasn’t dismissed the idea. In a 2024 TIME interview, he acknowledged “loopholes that have been discussed,” though he added, “I don’t believe in using loopholes.”

And in an earlier interview with NBC, he claimed he was “not joking” about a possible third term, adding, “A lot of people want me to do it.”

For now, Trump remains focused on the 2024 race, but the conversation about 2028 is already underway if Bannon is to be believed.

As a vital organ that is crucial for critical metabolic functions within the body, the liver is crucial in aiding digestion, detoxification, nutrient storage and regulates cholesterol levels. When it comes to the worst drinks for your liver, most people immediately think of alcohol, but according to recent research, seemingly innocent beverages might be doing similar damage. Recent studies have highlighted how nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are fast becoming the most common chronic liver diseases.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) impacts 20–30% of the global population, and its prevalence continues to rise alongside increasing rates of obesity and metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes. NAFLD encompasses a range of liver conditions primarily linked to metabolic issues like obesity, abnormal lipid levels, and insulin resistance.

The main contributors to NAFLD are fat accumulation and liver inflammation. Growing evidence shows that high-sugar beverages—including sodas, fruit juices, and energy drinks—can overwhelm the liver with sugar, particularly fructose, leading to fat buildup and inflammation. Health experts caution that frequent consumption of sugary drinks like sodas and sweetened teas may worsen liver damage and heighten the risk of severe outcomes like cirrhosis and liver cancer. Below are eight foods and drinks that may harm your liver as much as alcohol.

1. Excessive Fruit Juice Consumption

Though fruit juice often disguises itself as a healthy choice, excessive intake poses risks. Many commercial juices are loaded with fructose, a type of sugar the liver metabolizes. Unlike whole fruit, juice lacks fiber, leading to a rapid spike in blood sugar and a heavy metabolic load on the liver.

Over time, the liver converts excess fructose into fat through lipogenesis, causing fat buildup and an increased risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). According to research, moderate fruit juice intake (up to two servings per week) may not be harmful. For better liver health, swap fruit juices for whole fruits whenever possible.

2. Sweetened Tea Beverages

Many bottled or pre-made iced teas contain significant amounts of added sugars, often in the form of high-fructose corn syrup. These sugars make contribution to the same liver fat accumulation seen with sodas and juices, increasing the risk of developing NAFLD. Brew your own tea and sweeten it lightly with honey or stevia to avoid unnecessary sugar. Honey is also loaded with antioxidants and is a sweetener that can help regulate blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

3. Energy Drinks

Energy drinks are notorious for their high caffeine and sugar content, and often contain herbal stimulants that can further strain the liver. According to studies, chronic energy drink consumption can elevate liver enzymes, indicating potential liver damage. The American Academy of Pediatrics strongly advises that children and adolescents avoid these beverages, citing their association with obesity, hypertension, and fatty liver disease. Energy drinks stand out for their capacity to disrupt liver function and overall metabolic health.

4. Sports Drinks

While marketed for hydration and electrolyte replacement, the majority of sports drinks are loaded with large amounts of sugar and excessive amounts of fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamins A,D,E,K. While sports drinks can provide mineral support for those engaged in intense physical activity (such as athletes), regular consumption for non-athletes can promote fat accumulation in the liver.

The liver only absorbs a finite amount of minerals and nutrients. It will then overwork to metabolise the excess minerals, sugars and vitamins into fat which can lead to NAFLD. Limiting sports drinks to periods of genuine need, such as after prolonged, intense exercise, can help protect your liver from unnecessary sugar and vitamins overload.

5. Soda (Regular & Diet)

Regular sodas are a well-known culprit, delivering large doses of sugar that drive liver fat buildup and NAFLD24. Even diet sodas, often containing artificial sweeteners, have been linked to metabolic changes that could negatively affect the liver. According to recent studies, excessive intake of artificial sweeteners in diet sodas may promote insulin resistance and fat deposits in the liver, especially in people with other risk factors. Regular and diet sodas both disrupt metabolic health and should be consumed sparingly, if at all.

Protecting Your Liver Starts with What You Drink

Your liver works tirelessly to filter toxins, metabolize nutrients, and maintain overall health, but the worst drinks for your liver, loaded with added sugars, artificial sweeteners, or stimulants, can sabotage its function. Regular consumption of sugary sodas, energy drinks, and sweetened teas drives fat accumulation and inflammation, raising your risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and even cirrhosis. However, liver damage is often reversible with dietary changes. Prioritize water, unsweetened teas, and whole foods rich in antioxidants and fiber to support liver repair.

Say good bye to the expensive pharmacy treatments — sage is a natural remedy known for its ability to reduce inflammation, boost memory, and relieve joint pain. Long valued in herbal medicine, this fragrant herb is rich in compounds that support brain health, joint function, and overall wellness.

Why Sage Works

Sage is loaded with powerful antioxidants, flavonoids, and anti-inflammatory compounds, making it effective for:

✔ Brain health – Improves concentration, memory, and may help prevent cognitive decline.
✔ Pain relief – Eases discomfort from arthritis, osteoarthritis, and joint stiffness.
✔ Anti-inflammatory action – Helps combat chronic inflammation linked to various health conditions.
✔ Immune support – Fights oxidative stress and supports overall wellness.

How to Use Sage for Maximum Benefits

🔹 Sage Tea (for memory & inflammation)

Boil 1 cup of water and add 1 tsp dried sage (or a few fresh leaves).
Steep for 10 minutes, strain, and drink once or twice daily.

🔹 Sage Infused Oil (for arthritis & joint pain relief)

Warm ¼ cup olive oil and add a handful of fresh sage leaves.
Let it infuse on low heat for 10 minutes, strain, and massage onto affected areas.

🔹 Sage Steam Inhalation (for headaches & relaxation)

Boil 2 cups of water, add a few sage leaves, and inhale the steam for 5-10 minutes.

Extra Tips for Best Results

Combine sage with turmeric or ginger for even stronger anti-inflammatory effects.
Stay hydrated to support joint lubrication and brain function.
Add fresh sage to meals for daily benefits!

With its natural healing properties, sage can help protect your brain, ease joint pain, and reduce inflammation—all without relying on pharmacy medications! 🌿✨

Americans love sugar more than any other food.

Sugar is linked to a whole medical manual of illnesses… insomnia, hair loss, obesity, allergies, bipolar disorder, hypertension, heart disease, and of course, diabetes.

And yet, many people still consider it a harmless treat.

But new research is rekindling the urgency of the war on sugar. Scientists have discovered the worst sugar scourge…. It fuels the spread of can.cer, especially breast can.cer.

And removing it from your diet can actually reverse can.cer growth.

Sugar: A Powerful Fuel for Can.cer

Researchers at MD Anderson Can.cer Center in Texas have found that sugar can transform localized, non-threatening can.cers into deadly malignancies that spread throughout the body.

The findings help explain what oncologists have noticed for years… Patients who eat sugary foods are more likely to have advanced can.cer.

Regular table sugar, or sucrose, is actually made up of two sugars: glucose and fructose. The study found that fructose caused tumors to grow larger and faster than glucose.

Fructose is primarily processed by the liver, while glucose is processed by the pancreas and other organs. These two different processing systems could explain the research findings.

Of course, the sugar industry attacked the study. They pointed out that fructose occurs naturally in fruit. The researchers countered that some fructose is necessary for the body. But Americans eat far more of it than they could ever ingest from fruit.

And fruits contain fiber and other healthy components mixed with fructose. Sugary drinks, the primary source of sugar in the American diet, provide no nutrition.

Three Healthy Natural Sweeteners

There are alternatives to sugar that do not pose major health risks:

Raw honey: Make sure it’s unprocessed: Refined honey can be as bad as sugar. Look for 100% organic raw honey. The darker the honey, the more nutrients and flavor it contains. It also offers antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, and antioxidant properties.

Blackstrap molasses: Don’t confuse this with regular molasses. Blackstrap molasses is a byproduct of sugarcane. It contains healthy minerals like iron, magnesium, calcium, and vitamin B6, which are unprocessed. It doesn’t flood your body with sugar. The sugar is released slowly. Beware of non-organic brown cane sugar: this is usually white sugar recolored with caramel.

Stevia: This low-calorie natural substance is made from the leaves of a plant native to South America. It has a very sweet taste, so you don’t need to use it much. It has a zero glycemic index, so it has no effect on your blood sugar. Some studies have shown that in extremely high doses, it can disrupt your liver, fertility, and metabolism. Make sure to use organic varieties.

Now you can satisfy your sweet tooth without risking can.cer.

But there’s something else you need to know about can.cer research… A small group of holistic doctors were quietly making breakthroughs in the field of can.cer.

Then, when their therapies started appearing, something terrible started to happen… These doctors started to disappear.

Another top Democrat is trying to push the narrative that Department of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth could be on the way out despite repeated denials from President Donald Trump.

During an interview on MSNBC, Colorado Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet predicted Thursday that Hegseth would be the next cabinet member ousted by Trump.

Bennet said, “I think there’s more to it. I think it is an extraordinary moment that even Donald Trump is admitting that he can’t sustain national security advisers who had the wisdom of sharing Signal chain with Jeffrey Goldberg. I think it’s probably the case that what President Trump is maddest about is the fact that he shared it with the reporter from the Atlantic. The real problem is that Secretary Hegseth, the secretary of defense, Somebody who should never have been confirmed to begin with shared battle plans and classified information on that Signal chain.”

He added, “As a member of the Intelligence Committee I’ve rarely seen anything as classified as what Pete Hegseth put out in that Signal chain. And I believe these drum beats are going to grow and grow and grow. And, you know you’ve seen President Trump said, there’s no way Waltz’s ever going to be ejected by his administration and now, he has been. I think Pete Hegseth will not be far behind.”

President Donald Trump dismissed ABC News’ Terry Moran’s question about his confidence in Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth as “stupid.”

In a prime-time interview marking his 100th day in office on Tuesday, Trump was asked about his discussions with Hegseth, who has recently drawn attention for using the encrypted Signal app for official business and the ongoing shake-up at the Pentagon that resulted in the departure of his top aides.

“Did you take him to the woodshed?” Moran asked at one point.

“I had a talk with him, and whatever I said, I probably wouldn’t be inclined to tell you, but we had a good talk,” Trump responded.

“He’s a talented guy, he’s young, he’s smart, highly educated, and I think he’s gonna be a very good defense- hopefully a great defense secretary, but he’ll be a very good defense secretary,” Trump added.

“You have 100% confidence in Pete Hegseth,” said in a follow-up.

“We will,” Moran replied.

President Trump supports Hegseth, according to White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt, following accusations that he communicated specifics of a March raid on Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis in a chat group with his wife, brother, and personal lawyer.

This is the second time recently that Trump has clarified that he’s standing by Hegseth, as some Democrats have called for him to resign because of a leaked Signal chat that contained information about a military strike in Yemen.

Last month, the president discussed the controversy following Hegseth’s accidental transmission of details about the strike to members of the administration in a Signal chat, which also included Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic. Goldberg published the full messages.

After several Democrats in Congress called for Hegseth to step down because of the scandal, reporters asked Trump if he thought Hegseth might want to resign.

“Hegseth is doing a great job, he had nothing to do with this. Hegseth. How do you bring Hegseth into this?” Trump replied.

Trump again played down the controversy over whether or not Hegseth shared secret information that could have put the operation at risk by focusing on the mission’s success.

“There was no harm done because the attack was unbelievably successful that night,” Trump said.

“Look, it’s all a witch hunt … you wanna ask about whether or not Signal works, I don’t know if Signal works, I think that Signal could be defective to be honest with you,” Trump said.

Tennessee Republican Sen. Marsha Blackburn said during an interview with Fox News that the biggest reason Democrats like Sen. Adam Schiff of California and others “fear” Kash Patel leading the FBI is because he knows their roles in perpetuating the “Russian collusion” hoax during President Donald Trump’s first term.

“I think, too they are very fearful of Kash Patel because Kash Patel knows what Adam Schiff and some of the others did with Russia collusion, and they know that he — knows the dirt on them, if you will, and I think they’re fearful of what he’s going to do and what he’s going to reveal and what he’s going to make known to the American people,” Blackburn told host Charlie Hurt.

“And they recognize that one thing Kash Patel is very devoted to is bringing transparency to what’s going on in Washington,” Hurt replied, which drew agreement from Blackburn.

“So to what degree with RFK Jr.. like Tulsi Gabbard do you think Democrats might hold it against them?” Hurt asked. “Because I think you’re right. I think that one of the things that really, really enraging them is that these are former Democrats, and they feel like they have to — I think it just drives them crazy and makes them so mad that these are Democrats who found a way to work on common sense solutions with President Trump.”

Blackburn responded: “You’re exactly right about that. It does make them angry, and so they’re wanting to punish them and the way they can punish them is to withhold their vote or to slow down their nomination. RFK Jr.. is going to do a great job at HHS and I tell you one thing.

“He is going to help us find these 300,000 children. I’ve been trying to find these kids since it was 75,000, and the Biden Administration has never responded to where these children are. RFK is going to get in there. He’s going to rework CMS with Dr. [Mehmet] Oz. He is going to work with [Dr.] Marty Makary to straighten out the FDA. He’s going to work with Dr. [Jay] Bhattacharyaat NIH,” Blackburn said.

“You’re going to see transparency. People want to know what really happened with COVID. I think we’re going to be able to find out what happened,” she added.

“Notably, Bhattacharya was a critic of the government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and was the plaintiff in the Supreme Court case, Murthy v. Missouri, where he argued that he was ‘unfairly censored’ on social media by the government for his views on the issue,” notes the Consortium of Social Science Associations regarding the professor of health policy at Stanford University’s nomination by Trump.

“While the case gained national attention, it was ultimately unsuccessful in a 6-3 ruling,” the organization noted further.

Of his NIH nominee, Trump said, “Dr. Bhattacharya will work in cooperation with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to direct the Nation’s Medical Research, and to make important discoveries that will improve Health, and save lives.”

A former federal prosecutor, Patel was appointed as senior counsel on counterterrorism for the House Select Committee on Intelligence in 2017 and later served as senior director of the Counterterrorism Directorate at the U.S. National Security Council in 2019.

He previously worked as a senior aide to then-Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Calif.) during Nunes’ tenure as chair of the House Intelligence Committee. In that role, Patel played a pivotal part in assisting Republicans with investigations into Trump and allegations of Russian interference in the 2016 election.

Patel played a key role in drafting the 2018 Nunes memo, which accused the FBI of misconduct in its application for a surveillance warrant on a Trump 2016 campaign aide.

As President Donald Trump marks his 100th day in office since his remarkable return to power, he has provided a combative and unapologetic defense of his administration’s policies in a wide-ranging interview. Trump’s approval ratings have remained low amid rising concerns over his economic decisions, particularly his aggressive trade policies. However, the president stood firm in his response to critics, including voters who expressed regret about their support, saying, “They did sign up for it, actually.”

The blunt exchange with ABC News veteran correspondent Terry Moran came as Trump faced scrutiny over the long-term effects of his policies. Despite his historically low approval ratings, Trump used the milestone interview to outline the direction of his second term and reaffirm his commitment to economic nationalism. The interview highlighted key areas of focus in his administration, including immigration, economic policy, and his foreign relations strategy.

Trump’s 100-Day Reflection: Defending Economic Nationalism

Trump’s centennial day in office marked a notable moment in his presidency, offering a chance for the president to reflect on his early accomplishments and clarify his approach to economic and national security matters. The interview, conducted in the Oval Office with the iconic Resolute Desk in the background, served as an opportunity for the president to not only defend his policies but also to set the tone for the remainder of his second term. While confident, Trump appeared combative when questioned about public concerns related to rising inflation and tariffs on Chinese imports.

Moran specifically asked about the growing frustration among some of Trump’s supporters who were beginning to experience buyer’s remorse, particularly regarding the tariffs that have caused consumer prices to spike and disrupted supply chains. “People are worried, even some people who voted for you, sayin’, ‘I didn’t sign up for this,’” Moran said, referencing voter concerns. Trump’s response, encapsulated in his eight-word remark, was sharp: “Well, they did sign up for it, actually.”

Economic Policies Under Fire: Long-Term Benefits or Short-Term Pain?

Trump’s retort—stating that voters knew what they were getting when they voted for him—sums up his stance on the trade war with China and his broader economic policies. While critics have raised alarms about the immediate economic strain his policies are causing, particularly with rising prices on goods from China, Trump continued to double down on his “America First” agenda.

Trump’s aggressive tariffs on Chinese goods, which have expanded in scope over the past few months, are central to his economic strategy. He justified these measures as necessary to combat what he sees as years of unfair trade practices by China. “That’s what I campaigned on,” Trump asserted. “We’ve been abused by other countries at levels that nobody’s ever seen before, and it’s not sustainable.”

However, many economists, including Mark Zandi of Moody’s Analytics, have warned that the long-term effects of these tariffs could be damaging to American consumers. Zandi estimates that U.S. households could face an additional $2,000 to $3,000 in costs annually due to increased tariffs. “Tariffs are a tax paid by American importers, ultimately passed on to American consumers,” Zandi explained, underscoring concerns about the practical burden of Trump’s trade policies.

Trump’s Economic Defense: Low Gas Prices and Promises of Recovery

Despite the concerns about tariffs, Trump remained confident in his economic policies, pointing to what he considers signs of progress. The President celebrated the recent drop in energy costs, particularly gasoline prices, as evidence that his policies were having a positive effect. “Energy is down,” Trump proudly declared. “Gasoline hit $1.98 in a few states during the last couple of days. It was $3.50 and $4.00 and $4.50. But gasoline is way down.”

However, fact-checkers have noted that gas prices are still significantly higher than the lows Trump mentioned, and the global market influences the price of oil, which makes attributing changes directly to Trump’s policies more complicated.

Trump also referenced a decrease in the price of eggs, a staple product whose rising costs had been a key issue under the previous administration. While he claimed that “eggs are down 87% since I got involved,” experts pointed out that this figure greatly exaggerates the actual decrease. Despite the inconsistencies in his claims, Trump persisted in framing these improvements as a sign of the success of his economic policies.

China Trade War: Is It Worth the Price?

The trade war with China, which has escalated under Trump’s leadership, remains a central issue for his administration. By expanding tariffs on Chinese goods, Trump aims to address what he perceives as unfair economic practices, including intellectual property theft and currency manipulation by Beijing. However, critics argue that these tariffs have resulted in higher prices for American consumers and disruption to supply chains, particularly in industries that rely on Chinese components.

Secretary of the Treasury J.D. Vance, an outspoken supporter of Trump’s trade policies, described the tariffs as “painful but necessary medicine” to address the U.S.-China economic imbalance. “We’re engaged in economic competition with a regime that doesn’t play by the rules,” Vance explained. But analysts like Mark Zandi are concerned about the impact on American households, pointing out that tariffs function as taxes that fall on U.S. consumers, not just foreign producers.

Immigration and Border Security: A Key Success?

While Trump has faced economic setbacks due to his trade policies, he has seen more success in the area of immigration. Trump’s administration has taken steps to tighten border security and reduce illegal immigration, a cornerstone of his political platform during both his first term and his second. He boasted that his administration has “got it under control” when it comes to illegal crossings, though critics argue that many of the policies he credits as successful were implemented during the final months of the previous administration.

A key element of Trump’s immigration policy has been the revival of the “Remain in Mexico” policy, which forces asylum seekers to stay in Mexico while their claims are processed. While Trump defended the policy as essential for reducing fraudulent asylum claims, human rights groups have criticized it for placing migrants in dangerous and unsanitary conditions while they await their hearings.

Global Challenges: Foreign Policy and International Relations

The interview also covered several foreign policy issues, including ongoing tensions with Russia, Iran, and North Korea. Trump expressed pride in his efforts to build a personal relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, noting that they had exchanged “beautiful letters” since his return to office. However, critics argue that North Korea’s continued missile tests during Trump’s second term show that his personal diplomacy has yet to produce concrete results.

On Ukraine, Trump reiterated his belief that he could end the conflict within 24 hours if he were allowed to directly negotiate with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. While Trump declined to provide specifics on how this would be accomplished, his suggestion raised concerns among critics who questioned whether any peace plan could prioritize Ukrainian sovereignty without making unacceptable concessions to Russia.

Public Opinion: A Bleak Picture

Despite Trump’s continued confidence in his administration’s policies, public opinion remains largely unfavorable. A recent ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll revealed that 55% of Americans disapprove of Trump’s handling of his presidency, with only 41% expressing approval. This marks a stark contrast to the typical “honeymoon period” most presidents experience at the start of their terms, underscoring the deeply polarized nature of Trump’s second presidency.

Trump’s response to negative polling data was characteristic: he dismissed the numbers as “fake polls” generated by the “dishonest media.” He pointed instead to the enthusiasm at his rallies and the “tremendous support from the people who matter,” signaling that he views his base as more important than broad public opinion.

Conclusion: A Rocky Start and Uncertain Future

As Trump celebrates his first 100 days in office, his administration faces several challenges, from economic disruptions caused by tariffs to international tensions with North Korea and Russia. Despite his high confidence in his policies, his low approval ratings suggest a disconnect between his perception of his presidency and the public’s view.

The coming months will determine whether Trump can overcome these early struggles and deliver on his promises of economic revival and global influence. For now, however, it is clear that his leadership style continues to generate intense debate and uncertainty about the future of the country under his second term.

In an unexpected and bold statement, President Donald Trump has named himself as his “number one choice” to replace the late Pope Francis, sparking a wave of reactions. The 78-year-old U.S. President, who has previously emphasized his self-confidence in various arenas, made this revelation when asked who he thought should succeed the late pontiff, who passed away on Easter Monday following a stroke and subsequent heart failure.

While this suggestion might be viewed as a tongue-in-cheek remark, Trump’s serious tone and his claim to be a suitable candidate have raised eyebrows. Despite identifying as a non-denominational Christian, a branch of Protestantism, Trump expressed that he’d be a perfect fit for the role, asserting, “I’d like to be Pope. That’d be my number one choice.”

The President and Melania seen attending the pontiff’s funeral last weekend (Marco Ravagli/Future Publishing via Getty Images)

Pope Francis’ Legacy and the Search for His Successor

Pope Francis’ death has left a profound impact on the Catholic Church, as he was widely regarded as the “People’s Pope” for his focus on social justice, compassion for the poor, and openness to reform. His legacy, particularly his work on behalf of marginalized communities and his efforts to modernize certain aspects of the church, set a high bar for any potential successor.

With over 100 cardinals set to convene in the Sistine Chapel on May 7 to begin the secretive papal election process, the search for a new leader of the Catholic Church is underway. The process is steeped in centuries-old tradition, with strict criteria for potential candidates, including being male, unmarried, and baptized within the Catholic Church. Additionally, candidates must meet age and educational requirements, such as being at least 35 years old and having a strong background in theology or canon law.

While Trump’s statement about his desire to become the next Pope is more humorous than practical, it underscores his characteristic self-assuredness. His suggestion also seems to disregard one crucial detail: Trump is not Catholic. For many, the idea of a non-Catholic leading the Catholic Church is, to put it mildly, a stretch.

Trump’s Comments and a Potential U.S. Pope

While Trump jokingly named himself as his top choice for the papacy, he did express some openness about the possibility of a U.S. pope. “I must say, we have a cardinal that happens to be out of a place called New York who’s very good, so we’ll see what happens,” Trump added, subtly suggesting that a U.S. cleric could be a strong contender.

Though Trump didn’t specify which cardinal he was referring to, his comments align with broader speculation that the Catholic Church could one day elect a Pope from the U.S., a country with a significant Catholic population and increasingly influential role in global politics. A U.S. pope, however, would be unprecedented, and it remains to be seen whether such a development would be widely embraced by the Church’s global leadership.

Lindsey Graham Supports the Idea of a “Dark Horse” Pope

One prominent Republican who enthusiastically backed Trump’s playful suggestion was South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham. In a social media post, Graham called Trump a “dark horse candidate” for the papacy, encouraging the papal conclave and Catholic faithful to keep an open mind about the possibility. Graham, known for his close relationship with the president, added humorously, “The first Pope-U.S. President combination has many upsides. Watching for white smoke… Trump MMXXVIII!”

Graham’s support of the idea that Trump could one day be Pope reflects the strong political and personal connection between the two, with Graham suggesting that Trump’s unconventional approach could bring something new and exciting to the position.

Trump’s Recent Involvement in Papal Events

Trump’s interactions with the Catholic Church have not been without controversy, particularly during his attendance at Pope Francis’ funeral. His choice of attire for the event raised eyebrows, as some critics viewed it as inappropriate for such a solemn occasion. In addition, Trump was seen speaking with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy before the service, causing further chatter about the president’s focus on political matters in a religious setting.

Nonetheless, Trump’s presence at Pope Francis’ funeral, and his public comments about the papacy, highlight his ongoing role in global diplomacy and his willingness to engage with religious leaders and institutions, albeit in his own unique way.

Conclusion: A Playful, Yet Surprising Statement

While President Trump’s suggestion that he could be the next Pope is likely more of a playful remark than a serious political statement, it has captured the public’s attention, adding another layer to his unpredictable public persona. The papacy remains one of the most powerful and revered positions in the world, and the process of selecting a new pope will undoubtedly continue to be an important moment for both the Catholic Church and global affairs.

Trump’s comments may be seen as another example of his brash style and self-confidence, but they also highlight the ongoing conversations about the intersection of religion, politics, and leadership in the modern era. Whether or not a U.S. pope is in the future of the Catholic Church, one thing is certain: Trump’s involvement in the conversation is bound to generate continued debate.

“Madam, you don’t have a ticket. Kindly step off the bus,” the driver shouted, glaring at the frail old woman in her tattered coat, barely holding onto the handrail to keep from toppling over.

The bus was nearly empty. Outside, wet snow drifted lazily down. She remained silent, only clutching her battered shopping bag tighter.

“I said get off! This isn’t a nursing home!” the driver barked louder.

The bus appeared to freeze. Some passengers turned their heads away, pretending not to see. A girl near the window bit her lip in distress. A man in a dark overcoat scowled but didn’t move from his seat.

The old woman slowly moved toward the exit. Every step was a struggle. The doors flung open with a loud hiss, and an icy wind hit her face. She paused on the step, her gaze fixed on the driver.

And then she spoke:

“I gave birth to people like you once. With love. And now I’m not even allowed to sit.”

After that she stepped down and walked away.

The bus stayed standing with its doors open. The driver turned away, as though trying to hide from his own thoughts. Somewhere deep inside the bus, someone sobbed. The girl by the window wiped away tears. The man in the coat got up and headed for the door. One by one, the passengers began to leave the bus, leaving their tickets behind on the seats.

Within minutes, the bus was empty. Only the driver remained, sitting in silence, the unspoken “I’m sorry” burning inside him.

In the mean time, the old woman walked slowly down the snowy road. Her silhouette faded into the twilight, but every step she took radiated dignity.

The next morning, the driver came to work as usual. Everything seemed the same: early hour, thermos of coffee, route list. However something inside him had changed forever.

The driver couldn’t shake the restlessness. He had barely slept, haunted by the memory of her eyes — not angry, not offended, just… tired. And the words that echoed in his mind: “I gave birth to people like you. With love.”

When he drove his route, he found himself carefully scanning the faces of the elderly at the stops. He wanted to find her, though he wasn’t sure why. To help? To ask for forgiveness? Or at least to admit he was ashamed.

A week passed.

One evening, when his shift was ending, he spotted a familiar figure at the stop near the old market — small, stooped. The the same coat, same bag.

He stopped the bus, and stepped out.

“Grandma…” he said quietly. “I’m sorry. Back then… I was wrong.”

She lifted her eyes to him. And then… she smiled softly. No anger. No reproach.

“Life, sonny, teaches all of us something. The important thing is to listen. And you — you listened.”

He helped her onto the bus and seated her in the front. Along the way, he offered her some tea. They rode in silence. But it was a different kind of silence — warm, gentle. It seemed to ease both their hearts.

From then on, he always carried some extra tokens in his pocket — for those who couldn’t afford a ticket. Especially for grandmothers.

Every morning before starting his shift, he would recall her words. They became not just a reminder of his guilt, but a lesson — to be human.

Spring came suddenly. The snow melted quickly, and soon bouquets of snowdrops appeared at the bus stops — grandmothers selling them, three flowers wrapped in cellophane. He started recognizing their faces, greeting them, helping them onto the bus. Sometimes, he just smiled — and saw how much it meant to them.

However he never saw that particular grandmother again.

He looked for her every day. Asked around, described her. Someone said she might have lived near the cemetery, beyond the bridge. He even went there some times on his day off — without his uniform, without the bus. Just walking. Searching.

And one day, he found a modest wooden cross with a photograph in an oval frame. Those same eyes.

He stood there for a long time, silent. The trees whispered above, the sunlight filtering through the branches.

The next morning, a small bouquet of snowdrops lay on the front seat of his bus. He had gathered them himself. Next to it, he placed a cardboard sign he had cut out by hand:

“For those who have been forgotten. But who never forgot us.”

Passengers read the sign in silence. Some smiled. Some left a coin on the seat. And the driver simply continued on his way. Slower, more carefully. Sometimes he stopped a little earlier — so that a grandmother could catch up.

Because now he understood: Every grandmother is somebody’s mother. Every smile is someone’s thank you. And every “just a few words” — can change someone’s life.

I work as a project manager for a software business and thoroughly enjoy my work.

It pays me enough to support my small family.

Our two boys, Liam and Jake, are my main inspirations.

Liam, 12, has an inquisitive mind and an aptitude for science. Meanwhile, Jake, ten, is our little athlete.

Then there’s Kyle, my husband of 15 years.

Kyle is the calm in my madness, the constant presence that keeps our family grounded.

He worked as an operations manager for a logistics company, keeping him occupied while providing for us.

But everything changed one afternoon when Kyle strolled through the front door, holding a folder and appearing as if he had seen a ghost.

His face was pale, his lips pushed tightly together as he placed the folder on the table.

“Laura,” he began, his voice shaky, “I have muscular dystrophy.”

Muscular dystrophy. The words rang in my memory, causing my stomach to twist.

“I’m so sorry,” he whispered. “I didn’t want to tell you like this, but… I need to start tre:atme:nt. I think we’ll need to cancel the trip with the boys. I hate to do this to them, but…”

“I’m your wife,” I said, squeezing his hand. “We’ll get through this together.”

“We’ll need more money,” I murmured, staring at the ceiling.

“I can handle it.” I turned to face him, determination in my eyes. “I’ll get a part-time job after work. We’ll cut back on expenses. You’ll quit your job and focus on your health.”

The following day, I went to a neighborhood restaurant and got a job cleaning tables in the evenings. After concluding my day at the software company, I’d go right there to clean.

I gave practically all of the money I earned to Kyle for his trea:tmen:t. And I could see that he was changing. He seemed happier and more relaxed.

The routine became second nature. Work all day, clean tables at night, and go to bed fatigued.

I was exhausted, but seeing Kyle grin or hearing him say, “Thank you for everything, Laura,” made it all worthwhile.

“It’s best if I go alone,” he’d say. “I don’t want you missing work for this.”

I’ve never questioned it. I absolutely trusted him.

But then, one evening, something unusual occurred.

On my way to the restaurant, a white SUV drove up alongside me. The window gently rolled down, revealing a stunning woman with dark glasses and neatly styled hair.

She removed her sunglasses, revealing sharp, piercing eyes. “Is Kyle your husband?”

The woman inclined her head slightly, a knowing smirk appearing on her lips. “Oh, he’s more than okay. But you should really check where he goes for his ‘treatments.’ And while you’re at it, look at his bank statements.”

What was that about?

Her words echoed in my mind during the walk to the restaurant. Why would a random woman say that? And how does she know Kyle?

Kyle packed his customary bag the next morning and kissed my cheek before leaving.

“I’ll be back around three,” he said. “I’ve got two procedures today. The other one’s at night.”

When he departed, I went directly to his laptop.

My hands shook when I accessed his financial app.

No payments were made to medical facilities. There are no hospital expenses. No doctor’s expenses. Nothing.

Instead, I noticed restaurant bills, golf club memberships, high-end apparel stores, and even a fee for a weekend getaway to a destination I had never heard of.

Later that evening, I decided to follow him as he left for his “special session.”

He visited a little bar downtown. A spot where individuals may relax and unwind.

They laughed loudly and carelessly, and my heart broke into pieces.

“And she’s still giving you money?” another friend asked, shaking his head in disbelief.

“She even picked up a part-time job to make sure I’m covered. I gotta say, being married to someone so gullible has its perks.”

His words sliced into me like a knife.

As I was about to leave, I noticed the same white SUV outside the pub. When the woman from before saw me, she rolled down her window.

She sighed. “I’m sorry you had to find out this way. My boyfriend is one of his friends. When I heard what they were doing… I couldn’t stay silent. You deserved to know.”

The following morning, I took action.

I called his office and informed them that he was well enough to return to work.

Then I went to the bank and froze our joint accounts. With the remaining funds, I paid off our mortgage and established a new account in my name.

When I was done, I texted Kyle.

It read, Kyle, treat your vanity and your cruelty — that’s your real illness. Don’t bother coming home.

Then I packed my belongings, changed the front door lock, and brought the boys with me to my parents’ house. I did not want to see Kyle’s face again.

I filed for divorce and am currently waiting for it to be processed so I can get rid of the man who betrayed me in a way that I could’ve never imagined.

The House on Thursday, in a rare show of comity, unanimously passed a measure resurrecting a key office that advocates for the survivors of U.S. military veterans.

By a vote of 424-0, the House passed H.R. 1228, called the “Prioritizing Veterans’ Survivors Act,” which was a strong bipartisan vote to restore the Office of Survivors Assistance (OSA) to its original role under the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

The measure ensures that the office once more serves as the principal adviser on policies that affect military families and the survivors of loved ones lost in military service. The passage of the bill reverses a 2021 action that sidelined advocacy for veterans’ survivors, according to reports.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-Ariz.), amends Title 38, United States Code, “to clarify the organization of the Office of Survivors Assistance of the Department of Veterans Affairs,” according to GovTrack. The measure now heads to the Senate for consideration.

VA Secretary Doug Collins, a former GOP lawmaker from Georgia, recently said that he was supportive of Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency efforts to streamline his department as well as the rest of the government.

“I’m going to make decisions best for my employees and best for the veterans. They’re giving us good advice, looking with fresh eyes,” Collins told NewsNation. “We need to make sure we’re doing the best we can for those veterans out there.”

Also, in a recent video, Collins addressed “rumors” about reports there would be stiff cuts to VA benefits and veterans’ care under Trump.

“We’re putting Veterans number one back at the VA,” he said, noting that while change can cause some friction and uncertainty, caring for vets was still the primary mission.

Among the claims he disputed was that VA health care would deteriorate. Collins categorically rejected this assertion, stating that the department has fortified its health care and benefits by preserving 300,000 mission-critical positions to guarantee uninterrupted services. He also countered another rumor suggesting that Veterans’ benefits were being cut.

“They’re not,” he said, explaining that VA had redirected nearly $98 million toward Veterans’ care and services rather than reducing them.

Collins, a colonel and a chaplain in the Air Force Reserve, addressed the rumor that VA was laying off Veterans Crisis Line responders.

“We did not lay off any Veteran Crisis Line responders,” he noted, while assuring that those answering crisis calls remain in place to support veterans in need.

Collins then encouraged Veterans to obtain information directly from the VA rather than depending on the misinformation that circulates in political discussions.

“When you want the truth, come to me, not the Whopper line up on Capitol Hill,” he said, referring to politically motivated but untrue claims about cuts to VA services under the current commander-in-chief.

Collins did, however, send  “an email sent to employees Friday evening that the agency was extending an offer of deferred resignation or retirement prior to a reduction in the workforce that will take place later in the fiscal year,” Stars and Stripes reported.

“Employees approved for the program will receive full pay and benefits through Sept. 30, the end of the fiscal year, Collins said,” the outlet added.

Earlier this week, the House passed the Take It Down Act, a measure that would criminalize the publication of nonconsensual sexually explicit deepfakes.

The bill now heads to President Trump’s desk for his signature.

The bill cleared the House in a decisive 409–2 vote, with 22 members not voting. Reps. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and Eric Burlison (R-Mo.) cast the only votes against the measure, The Hill reported.

The bill would make it a federal crime to purposely post computer-generated, realistically looking pornographic images or videos that appear to depict identifiably real persons on social media or other platforms online.

Trump signaled last month that he intends to sign the measure into law.

Two foreign individuals who unlawfully voted in the 2024 presidential election are now in federal detention, thanks in large part to one of the Trump administration’s newest and most aggressive programs.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said on Tuesday that two Ukrainian nationals were detained for illegally voting in last year’s election, in collaboration with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The arrests are being heralded as a win for DOGE, the agency established by President Trump to reduce government waste and now to police immigration and election regulations.

“In partnership with @DOGE, @ICEgov arrested two Ukrainian nationals for illegally VOTING in the 2024 election,” Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem posted on X. “Under President Donald Trump, if you come to our country and break our laws, you will face the consequences.”

DOGE, established by executive order on January 20, arose from discussions between President Trump and tech entrepreneur Elon Musk. While the agency’s initial aim was to reduce government expenditure and bureaucracy, it has now extended its scope to include federal supervision.

Its members, who hold significant positions across many agencies, have the authority to reject contracts for scientific research, climate programs, and DEI initiatives—and, more recently, to aid with immigration crackdowns.

“In partnership with @DOGE, @ICEgov arrested two Ukrainian nationals for illegally VOTING in the 2024 election. Under President Donald Trump, if you come to our country and break our laws, you will face the consequences,” Noem wrote on X.

Tuesday’s arrests are the first publicly documented instance in which DOGE’s internal information networks directly resulted in law enforcement action related to voting fraud.

In his second term, President Trump has prioritized election integrity, threatening to hold foreign nationals accountable if they interfere with America’s democratic process.

Trump and Republican supporters have long criticized the Biden administration’s handling of election security, accusing Democrats of turning a blind eye to flaws.

Since taking office in January, President Trump has wasted no time fulfilling his pledges to secure the border, reform government inefficiencies, and defend election integrity—moves that have elicited passionate responses from across the political spectrum.

One of Trump’s trademark initiatives has been to restore law and order along the southern border. Since January, his government has deported around 139,000 people, suggesting a rapid shift toward harsher immigration enforcement.

Military troops often assist in sending federal agents to sanctuary cities that refuse to cooperate with immigration officials. A new presidential order publicly names municipal officials who block federal immigration operations, putting more transparency and pressure on these counties.

The government has also used the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to expedite deportations in situations with national security concerns, such as those of Venezuelan migrants.

Musk made headlines earlier this month when he questioned how members of Congress have become “strangely wealthy” despite their relatively modest government salaries.

Musk said his team at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) would look into how certain lawmakers have amassed generational wealth, the New York Post reported.

Musk was responding to a question from an attendee who asked whether DOGE had found any evidence of money transfers from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.), Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.).

“Yeah, so,” Musk began as he appeared to be organizing his thoughts. “There is a massive amount of corruption, but it is circuitous. So what happens is there’s money that — obviously it’s your taxpayer money — that is then sent to various government organizations who then send it to NGO’s, which an NGO is a non-governmental organization, but obviously it’s a government-funded non-governmental organization.”

“It’s just an organization. It’s just a government, and effectively there’s a giant fraud loophole which is that the government can send money to an NGO that is then no longer governed by the laws of the United States,” he continued.

On April 26, Donald Trump appeared at Pope Francis’ funeral in a bright blue suit, standing out from the crowds of dignitaries who were mostly dressed in black. After breaking the Vatican’s rules for a sacred papal funeral, the President was slammed by online users for being “so disrespectful” – but there might be a good reason he chose to “stick out” from the rest.

In February, when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Donald Trump and JD Vance at the White House, he was greeted by the president who scoffed: “You’re all dressed up!”

Zelenskyy was wearing a black military style outfit to his meeting, and Trump did not approve of his attire.

However, at the open-air funeral for Pope Francis on April 26, where world leaders, dignitaries and legions of faithful followers gathered to pay their respect to the spiritual leader who died April 21, Zelenskyy mostly followed the Vatican’s rules and appeared in a tailored all-black, more formal outfit than he wore to Washington D.C.

This time, it was the President of the U.S. who was dressed inappropriately.

Dress code

According to SkyNews, the dress code for a papal funeral “requires men to wear a dark suit with a long black tie and a button of the same colour on the left lapel of the jacket, where only Vatican honours can be placed. They are allowed to wear white shirts.”

Trump wore a white shirt under a bright blue suit that he paired with a light blue tie, while Melania followed Vatican protocol and appeared in a traditional black outfit – even on her 55^th birthday.

Former President Joe Biden and Prince William, who was representing King Charles III, also wore classic dark blue suits that closely aligned with the Vatican’s expectations.

‘Center of attention’

And social media exploded.

“One guy shows up in a blue suit to the Pope’s funeral. You will never guess who,” American criminal defence attorney and former state and federal prosecutor Ron Filipkowski tweeted.

“Can you believe Trump wore a blue suit and was so disrespectful at the Pope’s funeral? He makes everything all about him!” shared a second.

Referring to Zelenskyy’s February visit to the White House, actor Billy Baldwin offered his thoughts on Trump’s choice of fashion: “What’s worse? Zelenskyy not wearing a suit in the Oval Office…Or Trump, in a heavy drool… wearing a blue suit at the funeral of Pope Francis?”

A fourth netizen writes, “Donald Trump couldn’t even be respectful and wear a black suit to Pope Francis’ funeral like the rest of world leaders. He always has to stick out and try and be the center of attention.”

Meanwhile, not everyone blasted the U.S. President.

One suggested his blue suit signaled “rebirth, sovereignty, authority.” “Every world leader in black. Trump alone in blue. This was not just a funeral. It was a transition of power,” shares one netizen.

Another adds, “Trump should had worn a white suit, just to really make a lasting impression.”

Why he wore blue

While Catholics typically follow strict traditions when it comes to funeral attire, not all faiths hold the same expectations.

That might explain why Trump, a non-denominational Christian, Prince William from the Church of England, and President Murmu, who is Hindu, were all seen wearing blue instead of black. It’s possible their outfit choices were a subtle reflection of their non-Catholic backgrounds, rather than a break in respect.

Whether it was a calculated act, a faith-based choice, or simply a style preference, one thing’s clear: he got people talking, again.

And maybe, just maybe…that was the point all along.

Donald Trump and Melania Trump attended Pope Francis’ funeral in the Vatican on Saturday. The service drew dignitaries and world leaders from around the world to Rome for a final farewell, while more than an estimated 400,000 mourners lined the streets for the procession to his final resting place.

Though Donald made headlines for all the wrong reasons, Melania, it seemed, was sincere in her grief. Now, one body language expert has given her verdict on Donald and Melania’s behavior, and it was touching.

The relationship between Pope Francis, Donald Trump, and First Lady Melania Trump has had its ups and downs. Francis held his papacy for 12 years, during which time he met with three US presidents. His first encounter was with Barack Obama in 2014. Obama was in the midst of his second term as president when he and the pope held a meeting in Rome. Though they had differing views on many issues, their discussion was said to have been a success.

The then-president revealed that specific differences didn’t arise during his meeting with Francis. Rather, they spoke about human rights and religious freedom and, as Obama explained, “the responsibilities that we all share to care for the least of these—the poor, the excluded.”

“I was extremely moved by his insights about the importance of us all having a moral perspective on world problems and not simply thinking in terms of our own narrow self-interests,” Obama added.

Obama invited the Pope to visit him at the White House — and in 2015, he did. During the US visit, prior to which the pope had met with Fidel Castro in Cuba, Francis became the first pontiff ever to address a joint session of Congress. At the time, tens of thousands of people had gathered at the Capitol’s West Lawn to watch the speech on screens.

Pope Francis relationhip with Donald and Melania Trump

The same day, Pope Francis met with a person who was vice president at the time but would become President of the United States: prominent Catholic Joe Biden. Before his death, Francis was to meet one more president – Donald Trump – and his wife, Melania. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Trump was said to have a rather pessimistic view of Francis. Just days after the pope was elected in 2013, Trump questioned him and his actions.

“I don’t like seeing the Pope standing at the checkout counter (front desk) of a hotel in order to pay his bill,” Trump wrote on X, then Twitter, at the time, per CNN. “It’s not Pope-like!”

Meanwhile, in 2015, when Trump became the Republican presidential candidate frontrunner, he said Francis seemed “like a pretty good guy,” though he counterweighted that by claiming he was too political.

Just months later, Trump said that the pope didn’t understand the illegal immigration facing the US, to which Pope Francis responded that Trump wasn’t “a Christian” after he championed deporting immigrants and the building of his infamous wall along the Mexico border.

“A person who thinks only about building walls, wherever they may be, and not building bridges, is not Christian,” he told journalists. “This is not the gospel.”

Trump’s response? Labeling Francis’ opinion as “disgraceful.”

Melania Trump’s interactions with Donald at Pope Francis’ funeral

Donald and Melania Trump arrived in Rome on Friday for Pope Francis’ funeral. The funeral service was held in St. Peter’s Square, and besides the President and First Lady of the United States, many dignitaries and royals were in attendance.

Some of them included Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Prince William, Argentine President Javier Milei, French President Emmanuel Macron, King Felipe VI of Spain and Queen Letizia, and Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, among others.

After the funeral service, an estimated 400,000 people took to the streets to bid farewell to Pope Francis as his coffin was transferred in procession to his final resting place. Pope Francis wrote in his will that he wanted to be laid to rest in the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, about three miles from the Vatican, as opposed within the Vatican.

Melania Trump wore an all-black outfit for the occasion. She was praised for wearing the Mantilla Veil to show her respect to the late pope – the First Lady was seen shutting her eyes several times in mourning.

Donald and Melania interacted several times during the funeral service. Judi James, a body language expert, has since analyzed their behavior toward one another.

“I think that [Trump] was very aware that it was also his wife’s birthday, and also he seemed very mindful of the fact that Melania did seem to be in a reasonable state of mourning,” James told The Sun, adding that they shared a rare affectionate moment before boarding Air Force One on Friday when Trump wrapped his arm around his wife’s waist.

Body language reveals Donald’s ‘touching’ moment with Melania at funeral

At Pope Francis’s funeral, Melania, who is originally from Slovenia, a predominantly Catholic country, appeared emotional. James said that made Donald Trump more affectionate towards his wife.

“When they stood in front of the coffin, we could see him place an arm round her to get her into position. He was much more tactile with her,” James continued explaining and said that the couple “caught on another’s eyes” when they sat down before the ceremony began.

“He spoke to her. He made a smile, he made a laugh. And although that might be normal for most couples, for those two, that is quite a rare event. So they were very warm together.”

In recent years, Donald and Melania Trump have certainly not been known for being overly affectionate towards one another. Following Election Night, when Donald Trump won the 2024 Presidential Election, one expert claimed that Melania showed no happiness towards her husband. Meanwhile, a recent bombshell book by author Michael Wolff claimed that their marriage is not in the best of states.

Donald and Melania rarely discuss their marriage and feelings for each other publicly. In his book, All or Nothing, Wolff claims that Melania has no feelings left for her husband. According to excerpts from the book, Wolff claims Melania has no interest in living near him day-to-day either.

“She f***ing hates him”, a “Mar-a-Lago patio confidant,” told Wolff.

Donald and Melania Trump’s ‘rocky’ marriage

In his book, Wolff continued to give more insights into Donald and Melania’s marriage. In one extract, Wolff described how Melania reportedly laughed at her husband’s presidential campaign’s effort “to get her to accompany her husband” on the trail. She wasn’t seen on the campaign trail once, except in the last months leading up to the election.

“Since the first indictment in New York, when Melania had simply laughed at the campaign’s effort to get her to accompany her husband (‘Nice try’), it had been clear that she wasn’t going to show up. During the past year, she had yet to make a single campaign appearance. In only one instance in 2023 did she even appear on the plane—and then only hitching a ride. Magically, the Melania issue had not, in the White House years nor the Mar-a-Lago years—with both staffers and press quite aware of the Trumps’ nontraditional living arrangements and their careful distance from each other— become an issue,” Wolff wrote.

“Melania continued to be an additional freak-out, absolutely refusing every entreaty to speak or even to appear side by side with her husband. He had never faced point-blank questions from the media about their relationship. But what if ‘Where’s Melania?’ started now in earnest?” he continued.

“But that was all before the shooting…now the attempt on Trump’s life not only made him again incontrovertibly the central figure of the moment, if not the age, giving him a maximum hero’s electoral mantle, but it also repositioned his convention as the joyous and abject coronation of which he dreamed.”

Melanai Trump praised for her outfit at Pope Francis’ funeral

For Pope Francis’ funeral, Melania Trump wore a fitting all-black outfit accompanied by a lace veil, also known as a Mantilla, as a mark of respect. The reason behind the Mantilla lies in the Catholic faith. According to the Catholic Company, it is “often worn by faithful women as a way of emulating Mary, who is the archetype of humility.” Moreover, the mantilla “signifies the role of women as a life-bearing vessel.”

Melania closed her eyes several times during Pope Francis’s service as she paid her respects. Online, several people noticed her wearing the veil and praised her for it.

“Ultimate class and reverence, Melania Trump wearing a Mantilla Veil,” one user wrote on X, per Express, while a second added: “Melania was perfect this time by wearing black and a mantilla.”

A third stated: “First Lady Melania Trump honored Pope Francis with a stunning black lace veil and elegant attire at his funeral, reflecting her deep appreciation for the moment. Her attire not only paid homage to her own Catholic faith but also echoed the iconic style of Jacqueline Kennedy, making it a significant fashion statement.”

Rest in peace, Pope Francis. Please share this article on Facebook to honor the late pope.

You should know this as soon as possible to avoid risks.

The kitchen appliance you should unplug before going to sleep to avoid a fire is usually the air fryer or sometimes toaster ovens.

Why?

These devices can overheat or have electrical faults even when not in active use.
Some air fryers and toaster ovens have poor wiring or cheap internal components that might fail over time, leading to short circuits or spontaneous ignition.
Leaving them plugged in overnight increases the risk of electrical fires, especially if your outlet isn’t top quality or if there’s a power surge.

👉 Other risky appliances include: electric kettles, coffee makers, and old microwaves — but air fryers and toaster ovens are especially emphasized lately because of rising incident reports.

Many people are unaware that certain popular drugs can adversely impair their memory and brain function. It is critical to investigate whether the medications you are taking may be contributing to your cognitive deterioration. Some drugs taken without sufficient supervision can have negative consequences on the brain. How can we keep our thoughts safe while addressing other conditions?

The Risks of Omeprazole for the Brain

Omeprazole is commonly recommended to treat symptoms including heartburn. It is classified as a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), along with lansoprazole, pantoprazole, and esomeprazole. Although these drugs reduce stomach acid production, their long-term usage has been associated to substantial hazards to brain health.

Anticholinergics: The Hidden Side of Popular Drugs

Anticholinergic medications are used to treat a variety of illnesses, including Parkinson’s disease and urinary problems. They function by inhibiting acetylcholine, a critical neurotransmitter involved in memory and learning. Studies reveal that they raise the risk of dementia. For example, a University of Washington research that tracked over 3,500 older persons for ten years discovered that those who used anticholinergics on a regular basis had a 54% increased risk of acquiring dementia.

Corticosteroids and Brain

Corticosteroids are prescribed to treat a variety of inflammatory and autoimmune disorders. However, long-term use, particularly orally, can result in major side effects such as disorientation, anxiety, and depression. According to a British study, long-term use of corticosteroids raised the risk of getting dementia.

Benzodiazepines provide a silent risk to memory.

Benzodiazepines, including alprazolam and diazepam, are used to treat insomnia and anxiety. Although beneficial in the short term, long-term use increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and causes lasting brain damage. According to one study, 40% of patients who use these medicines report various neurological effects, including trouble concentrating.

They are also linked to increased risks of physical and mental dependence, making it difficult for many patients to quit. To address anxiety and insomnia, doctors are contemplating non-pharmacological treatments including behavioral therapy.

Amphetamines and the Memory Trap

Amphetamines are used to treat ADHD. Although they temporarily increase concentration, persistent usage can cause memory loss and other long-term cognitive deficits. They are physically and emotionally addicting and can lead to significant complications such as heart arrhythmias.

It is critical that healthcare practitioners closely monitor their medications. Non-pharmacological interventions, such as behavioral treatment, should also be investigated.

First-generation antihistamines: Relief Now, Problem Tomorrow

First-generation antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine, are used to treat allergies but might cause cognitive impairment due to their anticholinergic properties. A recent study found that continuous use is related with an increased risk of dementia.

For long-term allergy treatment, less hazardous options, such as cetirizine, are preferred. Before taking these medications for an extended period of time, you should contact with your doctor.

Tricyclic antidepressants can cause memory loss.

Tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline, boost the availability of many neurotransmitters while simultaneously having anticholinergic effects. This raises the risk of dementia and cognitive impairment, particularly in older persons.

Statins and cognitive function

Statins, such as simvastatin, lower cholesterol, but long-term use might induce memory issues and mental disorientation. Some studies show an increased risk, while others demonstrate protection against dementia with attenuated results.

Side effects such as muscle aches and digestive issues can have an impact on quality of life. Discuss potential side effects with your doctor and keep track of any cognitive issues.

Two foreign individuals who unlawfully voted in the 2024 presidential election are now in federal detention, thanks in large part to one of the Trump administration’s newest and most aggressive programs.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said on Tuesday that two Ukrainian nationals were detained for illegally voting in last year’s election, in collaboration with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The arrests are being heralded as a win for DOGE, the agency established by President Trump to reduce government waste and now to police immigration and election regulations.

“In partnership with @DOGE, @ICEgov arrested two Ukrainian nationals for illegally VOTING in the 2024 election,” Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem posted on X. “Under President Donald Trump, if you come to our country and break our laws, you will face the consequences.”

DOGE, established by executive order on January 20, arose from discussions between President Trump and tech entrepreneur Elon Musk. While the agency’s initial aim was to reduce government expenditure and bureaucracy, it has now extended its scope to include federal supervision.

Its members, who hold significant positions across many agencies, have the authority to reject contracts for scientific research, climate programs, and DEI initiatives—and, more recently, to aid with immigration crackdowns.

“In partnership with @DOGE, @ICEgov arrested two Ukrainian nationals for illegally VOTING in the 2024 election. Under President Donald Trump, if you come to our country and break our laws, you will face the consequences,” Noem wrote on X.

Tuesday’s arrests are the first publicly documented instance in which DOGE’s internal information networks directly resulted in law enforcement action related to voting fraud.

In his second term, President Trump has prioritized election integrity, threatening to hold foreign nationals accountable if they interfere with America’s democratic process.

Trump and Republican supporters have long criticized the Biden administration’s handling of election security, accusing Democrats of turning a blind eye to flaws.

Since taking office in January, President Trump has wasted no time fulfilling his pledges to secure the border, reform government inefficiencies, and defend election integrity—moves that have elicited passionate responses from across the political spectrum.

One of Trump’s trademark initiatives has been to restore law and order along the southern border. Since January, his government has deported around 139,000 people, suggesting a rapid shift toward harsher immigration enforcement.

Military troops often assist in sending federal agents to sanctuary cities that refuse to cooperate with immigration officials. A new presidential order publicly names municipal officials who block federal immigration operations, putting more transparency and pressure on these counties.

The government has also used the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to expedite deportations in situations with national security concerns, such as those of Venezuelan migrants.

Musk made headlines earlier this month when he questioned how members of Congress have become “strangely wealthy” despite their relatively modest government salaries.

Musk said his team at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) would look into how certain lawmakers have amassed generational wealth, the New York Post reported.

Musk was responding to a question from an attendee who asked whether DOGE had found any evidence of money transfers from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.), Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.).

“Yeah, so,” Musk began as he appeared to be organizing his thoughts. “There is a massive amount of corruption, but it is circuitous. So what happens is there’s money that — obviously it’s your taxpayer money — that is then sent to various government organizations who then send it to NGO’s, which an NGO is a non-governmental organization, but obviously it’s a government-funded non-governmental organization.”

“It’s just an organization. It’s just a government, and effectively there’s a giant fraud loophole which is that the government can send money to an NGO that is then no longer governed by the laws of the United States,” he continued.

The FBI is putting up a multi-agency security team to safeguard Deputy Director Dan Bongino 24 hours a day, including within agency headquarters.

Bongino would be the first deputy director to have such a detail, which may need up to 20 agents, according to the article. Last week, the FBI sent a canvas to agents, asking for volunteers to take time off from their regular responsibilities to protect Bongino as part of a “temporary duty assignment,” which meant that various sets of agents would rotate.

According to the story, Bongino is a former Secret Service agent and New York police officer who could carry a pistol but chose not to due to his preference for detail.

In contrast, the former deputy director, Paul Abbate, had one part-time agent who accompanied him to various engagements. According to the investigation, Abbate only provided detailed information about his trips abroad.

“The question is, what is the actual risk and threat here, or does he just want a detail? This is taxpayer money we’re talking about,” former senior FBI official Frank Figliuzzi told NBC News.

Full security details are generally saved for the FBI director and U.S. attorney general, according to the report.

FBI Director Kash Patel and FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino have promised to bring change to what they have called a broken institution.

Bongino took to X, formerly known as Twitter, on Sunday night to provide an update on the FBI and what might be coming next.

“Headed back to DC today after spending a day back home with my wife and daughter. As I dive back into work, I want to reassure you that nothing that is happening here is happening by accident. Because of the sensitivity of what the FBI deals with, both the Director and I have to be circumspect in what we can make public. Bad guys read this stuff too. Neither one of us came here to play games,” Bongino wrote.

“Measure us by results. You will see them. But just because you don’t see something happening right this second, doesn’t mean it isn’t happening. I’ll conclude by stating that not every result is going to please everyone. That’s just pandering, it’s not leadership. Complex problems require diligence and a reform-oriented process to create lasting changes. Or else you’re simply putting a bandage on a gushing wound. Let’s do it right. God bless America, and all those who defend Her,” he added.

In a second tweet, Bognino declared, “I’d like to add this: Your comments and criticisms are not only welcome, but they’re helpful. We work for you, the American people. Your feedback is invaluable. All I ask is that you consider the following feedback to the feedback. When you see something happen, and the entire story isn’t public, and the underlying facts aren’t all public, it may appear counterintuitive to our reform agenda.”

“I promise you, it’s not an accident. Ask yourself, why I would sign on to something like this otherwise. Is it a desire to be wealthy, famous, ‘connected,’ or to be a future lobbyist? If that sounds ridiculous, it’s because it is,” Bongino said.

“I realized when I signed up that I’d never be able to fully explain some decisions we make due to legal and ethical constraints. But that’s a pill I agreed to swallow when I swore in. In conclusion, I realize asking you to “trust me” is a waste of time. Watch what happens, continue to demand results, be cautious of narrative “traps,” let time put the puzzle pieces together, and what we’re doing will make sense. I see and hear you and your feedback. Thanks for your time,” he concluded.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court issued an administrative order on Tuesday directing Milwaukee Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan to be “temporarily relieved of her official duties.”

Dugan was arrested and charged with obstruction of an official procedure on Friday after evidence surfaced that she had concealed an illegal immigrant from federal authorities, according to a criminal complaint. She was also charged with hiding a person to avoid detection and arrest, Fox News reported.

The order on Tuesday reads that Dugan “is temporarily prohibited from exercising the powers of a circuit court judge in the State of Wisconsin.”

The state Supreme Court said that the ruling would be in force “until further order of the court.”

The Wisconsin Court System confirmed to Fox News on Tuesday afternoon that Dugan would not return to the court this week, and that her workload will be handled by other judges.

Dugan is scheduled to appear in federal court on May 15 to face criminal obstruction of a federal agency and a misdemeanor allegation of hiding a person to assist them evade arrest.

On Friday, the FBI detained Dugan for allegedly sheltering a previously deported illegal immigrant in the jury chamber to prevent him from being caught by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials.

Federal authorities from ICE, FBI, CBP, and DEA sought to apprehend Mexican citizen Eduardo Flores-Ruiz following his scheduled criminal court appearance before Dugan on April 18 to face three misdemeanor battery charges for allegedly assaulting two persons.

According to the lawsuit, Dugan ordered the police to go to the chief judge’s office and, following his hearing, took Flores-Ruiz and his attorney out a restricted jury door, bypassing the public area where agents were waiting to aid him in escaping arrest.

Dugan appeared in federal court in Milwaukee on Friday but made no public remarks during the short hearing, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Her attorney, Craig Mastantuono, told the court, “Judge Dugan wholeheartedly regrets and protests her arrest. It was not made in the interest of public safety.”

Dugan rejected local accusations that she had hidden the illegal immigrant from ICE.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel said that Dugan reacted to the allegations in its publication last Tuesday, saying, “Nearly every fact regarding the ‘tips’ in your email is inaccurate.”

Attorney General Pam Bondi blasted Dugan’s actions on Fox’s “America Reports.”

“We could not believe that a judge really did that,” Bondi said. “You cannot obstruct a criminal case. And really, shame on her. It was a domestic violence case of all cases, and she’s protecting a criminal defendant over victims of crime.”

Bondi said Flores-Ruiz beat up two people, “a guy and a girl.”

“[He] beat the guy, hit the guy 30 times, knocked him to the ground, choked him, beat up a woman so badly; they both had to go to the hospital,” she said.

Democrats expressed outrage after FBI Director Kash Patel revealed Friday that Judge Dugan had been arrested for allegedly assisting an illegal immigrant in evading detention by immigration authorities.

Circuit Judge Monica Isham responded by announcing she would stop hearing cases to avoid putting herself or her staff at risk if asked to take similar actions as Judge Dugan.

“Yesterday, Judge Hannah Dugan of Milwaukee County stood on her Oath in the very building she swore to uphold it and she was arrested and charged with felonies for it. Enough is enough,” she added.

“I have no intention of allowing anyone to be taken out of my courtroom by ICE and sent to a concentration camp, especially without due process as BOTH of the constitutions we swore to support requires. Should I start raising bail money?” Isham asked.

“I will not put myself or my staff who may feel compelled to help me or my community in harms [sic] way,” she concluded.

Tensions between the U.S. and Canada are high — and things are getting personal.

In a bold and blistering statement, newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney took direct aim at President Donald Trump, throwing fuel on an already fiery relationship between the neighboring nations.

A historic comeback

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has officially won the Canadian parliamentary election. A former banker with no previous political experience, Carney took over as leader of the Liberal Party earlier this year.

His party is now set to form Canada’s next government, marking a historic comeback for a party that seemed on the brink of collapse just a few months ago.

Supporters erupted in cheers at a packed Ottawa sports arena, where the Liberals held their election night celebration, after Canada’s national broadcaster CBC projected a win for Carney shortly after 10:00 p.m. EST.

In his first address to the nation, the 60-year-old Liberal leader didn’t hold back, warning Canadians of a shifting global landscape — and the growing pressure from their powerful southern neighbor.

“Humility is also about recognizing that one of the responsibilities of government is to prepare for the worst, not hope for the best,” Carney told his supporters. “As I’ve been warning for months, America wants our land, our resources, our water, our country – never.”

“But these are not idle threats,” he continued. “President Trump is trying to break us so that America can own us – that will never, that will never ever happen. But we also must recognize the reality that our world has fundamentally changed.”

Not backing down

The speech came just weeks after Carney took over from former PM Justin Trudeau, who stepped down after more than a decade in power.

By now, it’s impossible to ignore the escalating tension between Trump and Canada. It all started with his shocking proposal to make Canada the 51st state.

The U.S. president took things further by mocking Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, calling him the “Governor of Canada,” and claiming that the U.S. is spending an astonishing $200 billion a year to support Canada.

The ongoing trade war and tariff threats has sparked growing resentment among Canadians toward their neighbor, and a sense of patriotism has surged in the country.

Many Canadians have canceled trips to the U.S., begun boycotting American products, and even voted earlier than usual. A record 7.3 million Canadians cast their ballots before election day.

And Mark Carney made it clear that he’s not backing down from Trump’s remarks.

“We are over the shock of the American betrayal,” he said, “but we should never forget the lessons. We have to look out for ourselves and above all we have to take care of each other.”

Will call Trump

He added that any future sit-down with Trump would be on equal footing.

“When I sit down with President Trump, it will be to discuss the future economic and security relationship between two sovereign nations, and it will be with our full knowledge that we have many, many other options than the United States to build prosperity for all Canadians.”

He also urged Canadians to stick together during what he called a national crisis.

“Now in the face of this crisis, united we are buying Canadian. We are exploring everything this country has to offer. We are supporting our friends and neighbors in the crosshairs of President Trump, through a crisis that we did not create.”

The world held its breath this weekend as Pope Francis was laid to rest — but it wasn’t just the solemnity of the occasion that made headlines.

Donald Trump’s outfit drew instant backlash, Melania’s behavior left onlookers puzzled, and a public snub involving French President Emmanuel Macron sparked international buzz. And as if that wasn’t enough, President Joe Biden found himself under fire for a reason that was anything but flattering.

‘Extremely inappropriate’

The weekend became a deeply emotional chapter in the Vatican as the world gathered to bid farewell to Pope Francis in a history-making funeral at St. Peter’s Square on April 26, 2025.

But as dignitaries, pilgrims, and faithful Catholics gathered in mourning, a surprising moment involving former U.S. President Joe Biden sparked a wave of online outrage.

Biden, who attended the funeral alongside his wife, Jill, stirred controversy by taking selfies upon arrival — an act many considered deeply inappropriate during such a solemn event. Social media exploded with criticism.

“Snapping selfies at the Pope’s funeral is extremely inappropriate,” one user posted on X.

Another added, “Wow, selfies at a funeral. That’s messed up.”

Despite no longer being President, Biden was among high-profile attendees and was seated toward the back of the foreign dignitaries’ section. Among those snapping photos with him was Ugandan MP Thomas Tayebwa, who later shared one of the images in a tribute post, calling the late Pope his “spiritual leader.”

But for many online, it was the timing of the photos — not the sentiment — that raised eyebrows. One person commented, “Notice how Biden is using the Pope’s funeral for photo ops?!!” sparking accusations of political grandstanding.

Meanwhile, another couple drew attention — but for a very different reason.

Critics argue that funerals are meant to be somber, reflective events — not photo ops — and snapping personal pictures, especially ones that seem posed or casual, can come off as deeply disrespectful to both the grieving family and the memory of the deceased.

Using a funeral for self-promotion or social media content can come across as insensitive or tone-deaf, regardless of intent.

Fake Melania theory

Donald and Melania Trump also attended the funeral, but it wasn’t long before “Fake Melania” theories resurfaced. A clip of the couple boarding a plane in the U.S. went viral the day before the funeral, with viewers claiming Melania looked “off.”

“Definitely not Melania; hair too light and no heels,” one netizen wrote.
Another said, “Her face looks like it’s melting off.”

Despite the speculation, Melania appeared at the Vatican in a black coat, heels, and a lace veil — elegant and traditional. But even at the service, more drama followed.

According to a forensic lip reader interviewed by The Daily Mail, Melania allegedly nudged Donald during the Mass to participate in the “sign of peace” ritual.

“You should do it,” she reportedly whispered.

“Oh, alright,” Trump muttered before reluctantly shaking hands with French President Emmanuel Macron.

And in a personal touch, Melania later revealed the funeral took place on her birthday.

“I prayed for healing and peace in the world,” she shared on Instagram.

Spontaneous applause

Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21 at the age of 88 after suffering a stroke, had spent months battling health complications.

Despite serious setbacks, he continued his duties until the very end — his final public blessing coming just one day before his passing.

As his body lay in state, mourners filled St. Peter’s Square — some wrapped in Argentine flags, others clutching rosaries. When the final prayer ended, spontaneous applause broke out—an emotional farewell to the first pope from the Americas.

But while the world grieved, the Biden selfie saga — and the ongoing Melania rumors — proved that even at a funeral for a global icon, controversy is never far behind.

At the end of the day, is taking a selfie at a funeral really that big of a deal? Some argue it’s disrespectful, but others might say it’s just another way to capture a memory, even in a somber setting. Does a quick photo take away from the gravity of the moment, or is it just a sign of the times? What do you think — should funerals be off-limits for selfies?

Veronika calmly lowered the cup of cooling coffee. Her fingers, adorned with rings—gifts from her husband over twenty years of marriage—fluttered slightly. Through the vast panoramic window of the Bellagio restaurant, the view of the evening city unfolded, yet she noticed neither the twinkling lights nor the bustling waiters.

Her entire world had diminished a single table at the opposite end of the room.

— What a coincidence! — she muttered, watching Igor tenderly caress the hand of a young brunette. — What an amazing coincidence…

How many times had she asked her husband to take her to this very restaurant? Ten? Twenty? “Honey, I’m tired,” “Sweetie, maybe another time,” “Verochka, I have an important meeting”—excuses multiplied year after year until she finally stopped asking.

And now she saw him, reclining casually in his chair, laughing so honestly as if he had regained fifteen years of youth.

A waiter approached her table:

— Would you like anything else?

— Yes, — Veronika raised her eyes, in which something resembling merriment snapped.

— Please bring the bill from that table over there. I’d like to give a gift.

— Pardon?

— That man in the burgundy blazer is my husband. And I want to pay for their dinner. Just, please, don’t mention who exactly did it.

The young man looked at the unusual customer with amaze but bended. Veronika took out her credit card.

“Spend on yourself, my dear,” he had said then.

After settling the bill, she stood and, as she passed by her husband’s table, slowed her pace for a moment. Veronika glared: how many times had she been blind when she didn’t want to see the obvious?

Stepping outside, she took a deep breath of the cool evening air.

“Well then, Igor, you chose this. Now it’s my turn.”

At home, Veronika first started her shoes and walked into her study.

Strangely, her hands no longer trembled. Inside, an amazing calm reigned—as if after a long illness the fever had finally descended.

— So, where do we start? — she asked her reflection in the mirror.

Opening her laptop, Veronika methodically created a new folder titled “New Life.” She replaced an old box of documents from the closet—the very one that Igor had never bothered to even open.

— It really pays to be cautious, — she murmured.

The house documents were exactly where she had left them five years ago. The house… her little fortress, bought with the money from selling her grandmother’s apartment. Back then, Igor was just developing his business and kept repeating:

— Veronichka, you understand that all funds are needed for business development right now. I’ll make it up to you later.

She understood. She had always understood everything. That’s why she registered the house in her name—just in case.

The next peice was the bank accounts. Veronika opened her online banking and methodically began to examine the flow of funds. She knew exactly which amounts belonged to her personally thanks to her habit of checking all finances,

Her phone shaked—a message from Igor:

— Running late at an important meeting. Don’t wait for dinner.

Veronika smiled:

— An important meeting… Yes, dear, I saw just how important it was.

She contacted Mikhail Stepanovich—the family lawyer. Or rather, now her personal lawyer.

— Good evening, Mikhail Stepanovich. I’m sorry for the late call, but I need a consultation. Does ten o’clock tomorrow work for you? Excellent. And one more thing… Let’s meet not in the office, but at the “Swallow” café. Yes, that’s right—the matter is tender.

The morning started with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. Igor, who had returned after midnight, was still asleep, while Veronika was already sitting in the kitchen, reviewing her documents.

For the first time in twenty years of marriage, she was excited by her habit of noting down every little detail.

— Good morning, dear. How did yesterday’s meeting go?

— Productive. We planned a new contract.

— Oh? And what is this… contract called?

— What do you mean?

— Nothing special. I’m just curious about your affa:irs,

— I have to go; I have a meeting.

— A meeting? With whom? — now his voice carried a note of worry.

— With the future, — she replied.

Mikhail Stepanovich was already waiting at a table in the far corner in the “Swallow” café.

— Veronika Alexandrovna, I must admit, your call sh0cked me

— Lately, many things surprise me, — she said

— Tell me, Mikhail Stepanovich, how quickly can a divorce be finalized if one party owns most of the jointly acquired property?

— Pardon… what?

— You know the house is bought in my name, don’t you? And most of the funds in the accounts are my personal savings. I want to know my rights.

— You know, — he said towards the end of their meeting, — I’ve never seen such a prepared woman. Usually, in these situations, everyone worked on emotion.

— And I don’t want to act on emotion,

— I want to give a special gift.

After leaving the café, she headed straight to the bank. It was time to begin her plan.

At the bank, Veronika spent nearly three hours

— So then, — she summarized, — we close the main account, transfer the funds to a new one registered solely in my name. And block the cards.

— And what about your husband? — the manager asked carefully.

— He will keep his salary card. I think thirty thousand a month is enough for… important meetings.

Next on her plan was the travel agency.

— Hello. I need a tour to Italy. The Tuscan valley, two weeks, the most picturesque places.

— For two? — the young woman asked out of habit.

— No. Just for me. And the sooner, the better.

That evening, upon returning home, she found Igor in an unusually agitated state.

— Veronika, do you know why our joint cards are blocked?

— Really? — she said surprisingly. — Perhaps it’s a system glitch. We’ll check it tomorrow.

— But I needed to pay for… — he faltered.

— Pay for what, dear?

— Perhaps for dinner at the restaurant?

Igor paled:

— You… you were there?

— Oh, don’t worry,

Their twentieth wedding anniversary day came.

Veronika woke up early, put on her favorite black dress, and neatly arranged her hair.

Igor came downstairs, holding a bouquet of roses:

— Happy anniversary, dear! I reserved a table at…

— At the Bellagio?

— No need. I have a special gift for you.

She handed him the folder:

— Open it. I’m sure you’ll want it.

— What is this?

— Have you lost your mind?

— No, dear. For the first time in twenty years, I’m thinking completely clearly,

— The divorce papers, confirmation of my sole ownership of the house, and… oh yes, the restaurant bill. I thought it would be right if I paid for our last dinner together.

— You can’t do this!

— This is my business! My house!

— Yours?

— Look at the documents more closely.

— You… you’re just taking harsh plan to me

— No, dear. I’m giving you a gift—I’m giving you freedom

— Where are you going? — Igor asked in a daze.

— To Tuscany. Remember, I always dreamed of visiting there?

At the doorway, she looked back:

— You know what’s most surprising? I’m truly happy to you. If it weren’t for your… meeting, I would never have dared to transform my life.

A taxi was already waiting outside.

— To the airport? — the driver asked.

— Yes, — Veronika smiled. — To a new life.

My in-laws always treated paying a bill like it was somehow beneath them — as if doing so would tarnish their image.

Every family meal turned into the same absurd performance: they’d pat their pockets, feign surprise, and insist they’d forgotten their wallets at home.

Initially, I gave them the benefit of the doubt. But after it happened over and over, I saw it for what it was — plain stinginess.

They just believed the “less wealthy” relatives would cover for them.

But my mom? She’s not the type to fall for games.

She might not own flashy things, yet she’s sharp, proud, and refuses to be played by people who think money makes them better.

But for all their wealth, they had a peculiar habit that made my stomach knot every time we got together: they never, ever paid their share at restaurants.

“They did it again,” I complained to my husband, Dan, after his parents had slipped out of a restaurant while he was in the bathroom, leaving us with a $300 bill. “Your dad literally pretended to get a phone call!”

Dan sighed, his shoulders slumping as he pulled out his credit card. “I know, I know. They’ve always been like this.”

“But they have more money than they know what to do with! Your mom’s purse cost more than our monthly rent!”

“Trust me, I’ve tried talking to them about it. They just… I don’t know. That type of money doesn’t mean much to them, so they don’t see anything wrong with it.”

Over the years, it became a dreaded routine of elaborate orders, expensive wines, and then the clockwork excuses.

“Oh, I left my wallet at home!” his mother would announce, patting her designer handbag.

“I need to take this call,” his father would mumble, already halfway to the door.

Tyler, Even Dan’s brother, and his wife Jen had adopted the family tradition, and become masters of the dine-and-dash.

Nobody called them out. Not the friends who were stuck with the bill, or their business associates who whispered about it later.

Then came the invitation.

“Mom’s planning to celebrate her 60th birthday with a dinner at that fancy Italian restaurant downtown,” Dan told me one evening. “She told me about it yesterday. She wants the whole family there.”

“When is it?” I asked, already feeling my wallet cringe.

“Next Friday. Which is good news for us since we’ll be out of town, but here’s the thing — since we can’t come, they want to invite your mom.”

I froze. “My mom? Why?”

“She mentioned wanting to get to know her better,” Dan said, but I smelled a rat.

My mother-in-law had never shown much interest in getting to know my mom before. In reality, she’d mentioned on several occasions that they didn’t have much in common.

This was looking a lot like a setup.

Unfortunately, we couldn’t even run interference.

Dan and I had planned a weekend getaway in Mexico months ago, a rare chance to celebrate our anniversary without interruption. The dates overlapped, and our tickets were non-refundable.

“We have to warn her,” I said, reaching for my phone.

My mom picked up on the third ring.

“Hi, sweetie! How are you?”

“Mom, Dan’s parents want you to attend his mom’s birthday dinner—”

“Yes! She texted me an hour ago. I’m looking forward to it.”

A knot of dread formed in my belly. “Mom, I need to tell you something important about Dan’s parents…”

I explained their pattern, their tactics, and how they’d surely try to stick her with the bill. I was getting worked up just talking about it, my voice rising with each example.

But my mom just laughed. “Oh, honey, don’t worry so much.”

“Mom, I’m serious. They do this every time. They’re going to order the most expensive things on the menu and then disappear when the check comes.”

“I’ll be just fine,” she said with a calm that baffled me. “Your mother-in-law seems very excited about her birthday. I wouldn’t miss it.”

“But—”

“Don’t worry, sweetheart. I’ll handle it.”

As I hung up, I turned to Dan.

“I don’t think she took me seriously… she’s walking into a trap.”

“Maybe they won’t do it this time,” he offered weakly. “It’s a birthday celebration, after all.”

I looked at him. We both knew better.

The night of the dinner, Dan and I were at our bed-and-breakfast three hours away.

All evening, I kept checking my phone, half-expecting a panicked call from my mom. But nothing came.

It wasn’t until the next morning that I got a text from her: Had a lovely evening. Call me when you get home.

The suspense was k-il-ling me.

After we got back on Sunday, I called her.

“So?” I demanded without preamble. “What happened?”

“Well, it was quite an interesting night.”

My mom said the evening started predictably enough.

My in-laws arrived at the restaurant dressed to the nines, my mother-in-law draped in jewelry that could’ve funded a small country.

They were seated at the best table in the house — a corner spot with a view of both the garden and the pianist.

“They ordered everything, honey. Everything.” My mom’s voice was tinged with amazement.

“They had appetizers I couldn’t pronounce, bottles of wine that the waiter had to unlock from some special case. Your father-in-law got the wagyu steak that was literally covered in gold flakes.”

“And you?” I asked, already cringing.

“Oh, I just had pasta and water. I wasn’t very hungry.”

Smart woman. Minimize the damage.

“And then what happened?”

“Well, when the bill came, it was like watching a play where everyone knew their lines. Your mother-in-law suddenly remembered she’d left her purse at home. Your father-in-law patted his pockets and made a show of realizing his wallet was in the car.”

“I knew it,” I groaned.

“Your brother-in-law, Tyler, claimed he needed to check on his babysitter, and his wife followed him. One by one, they all disappeared, leaving me sitting there with a bill for over $1500.”

“Mom!” I nearly shouted. “Tell me you didn’t pay that!”

“Of course not,” she said, too calmly. “I called the waiter over and ordered dessert.”

“You what?”

“The chocolate soufflé. And a glass of their most expensive port. The waiter looked confused, but I just smiled and said I was still celebrating.”

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.

“But… I don’t understand, Mom. If they pulled their usual disappearing act, and you didn’t pay the bill, then what happened?”

“Well, when the waiter brought my dessert, I asked him to call the manager over for me. His name is Robbie. You must’ve heard me mention him.”

“Robbie? From your teaching days?”

“The very same! He was that sweet boy who always brought me an apple, remember? He owns three restaurants now.”

My mom had been an elementary school teacher for 30 years before retiring. Apparently, she’d taught half the town, including, it seemed, successful restaurant managers.

“We had a lovely chat,” Mom continued. “We caught up on old times. I told him I was waiting for my dinner companions to return with their wallets, and he thought that was just hilarious.”

I smiled. “Oh, I think I see where this is going.”

“Robbie and I cooked up a little plan,” Mom said. “He called your in-laws and very politely informed them that their party had left without paying, but not to worry, they could come back and settle the bill. Otherwise, he’d have to contact the authorities about a dine-and-dash situation.”

I gasped. “He didn’t.”

“Oh, he did. And he put it on speakerphone so I could hear. Your father-in-law started sputtering excuses about going to get cash from an ATM. But Robbie just said, ‘Well, sir, that’s wonderful news. We’ll be expecting you back shortly.’”

“Did they come back?”

“Like their designer pants were on fire,” my mom chuckled.

“Your mother-in-law was practically purple with rage. But what could they say? They’d been caught red-handed.”

“And the bill?”

“Robbie added a 25 percent ‘inconvenience fee’ for their little disappearing act. All in all, it came to just over $2000.”

I sat in stunned silence before bursting into laughter. “Mom, you’re my hero.”

“The best part was this morning,” she continued. “Your mother-in-law called to thank me for coming. And then she made a point of saying, ‘Just so you know, we always pay our own way at family dinners. Always have.’”

“The nerve of them!”

“Some people only learn when there’s a consequence, honey. I think your in-laws just got an expensive lesson.”

She was right.

In the next months, something miraculous happened. Whenever we went out to eat with Dan’s family, my mother-in-law would loudly announce at the beginning of the meal, “Everyone, we’re paying separately tonight.”

The waiter would nod, confused by her emphatic tone, while Dan and I exchanged knowing looks.

Bladder can.cer often develops silently, with subtle symptoms that are easy to overlook. However, early detection greatly improves the chances of successful treatment. Understanding the warning signs could save your life — or the life of someone you love.

Here’s what you need to know:

What Is Bladder Can.cer?

Bladder can.cer starts when abnormal cells in the bladder begin to grow uncontrollably. Over time, these cells can form tumors and spread to other parts of the body if left untreated. According to the American Cancer Society, bladder can.cer is one of the most common can.cers, particularly among older adults.

Early diagnosis is critical, but many cases are caught late simply because symptoms were mistaken for less serious issues, like urinary tract infections (UTIs) or aging-related changes.

10 Warning Signs of Bladder Can.cer

If you experience any of these symptoms, don’t ignore them. Consult a healthcare professional as soon as possible.

1. Bl00d in the Urine (Hematuria)

One of the earliest and most common signs. Your urine may appear pink, orange, or dark red — or you might only detect blood through a lab test.

2. Frequent Urination

Feeling the need to urinate more often than usual, even when your bladder isn’t full, can be a war:ning sign.

3. Painful Urination (Dysuria)

A burning sensation or pain when urinating can signal more than just an infection — it could be cancer.

4. Urgency to Urinate

A strong, sudden urge to urinate, even if little comes out, shouldn’t be ignored.

5. Difficulty Urinating

Starting or maintaining a steady urine stream may become difficult as the cancer grows.

6. Lower Back Pain

Pain in the lower back or around the kidneys can indicate that cancer has spread beyond the bladder.

7. Pelvic Pain

Persistent pain or pressure in the pelvic area is another symptom that warrants medical evaluation.

8. Unexplained Weight Loss

If you’re losing weight without trying, it could be a sign that your body is fighting cancer.

9. Fatigue

Can.cer can drain your energy levels, leaving you feeling tired or weak even after rest.

10. Swelling in the Legs

Swelling in the lower limbs can occur when bladder cancer spreads and affects the lymphatic system.

Who Is Most at Risk?

Certain factors increase your chances of developing bladder cancer, including:

• Age: Most patients are over 55.
• Gender: Men are more likely to develop bladder cancer than women.
• Smoking: Smokers are three times more likely to get bladder cancer.
• Chemical Exposure: Workplace exposure to certain industrial chemicals.
• Chronic Bladder Issues: Frequent infections or bladder inflammation.

When to See a Doctor

If you notice any of these symptoms — especially bl00d in your urine — see a doctor right away. Don’t assume it’s just a minor infection or aging. Early-stage bladder cancer is highly treatable, but delaying diagnosis can allow it to spread and become more dangerous.

Final Thoughts

Your body often gives you clues when something isn’t right. Recognizing the signs of bladder cancer early can make all the difference. Stay informed, listen to your body, and seek medical advice promptly if you notice any concerning changes.

Missouri GOP Sen. Josh Hawley on Monday reintroduced legislation that would ban members of Congress and their spouses from trading stocks while serving in office, reports noted.

Hawley first introduced the “PELOSI Act” in 2023, but it stalled under President Joe Biden’s administration. Since then, the proposal has gained bipartisan support, and President Donald Trump recently stated he would “absolutely” sign such a ban if it reaches his desk, Fox News reported.

“Members of Congress should be fighting for the people they were elected to serve—not day trading at the expense of their constituents,” stated Hawley (R-Mo.). “Americans have seen politician after politician turn a profit using information not available to the general public. It’s time we ban all members of Congress from trading and holding stocks and restore Americans’ trust in our nation’s legislative body.”

The PELOSI Act would prohibit lawmakers and their spouses from holding, purchasing, or selling individual stocks while serving in office. However, they would still be allowed to invest in diversified mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, or U.S. Treasury bonds.

If enacted, current members of Congress would have 180 days to comply with the new rules, and newly elected lawmakers would be required to comply within 180 days of taking office.

Those who fail to comply with the PELOSI Act would be required to forfeit any stock profits to the U.S. Department of the Treasury and could face monetary penalties imposed by the House and Senate ethics committees.

“Members of Congress should be fighting for the people they were elected to serve—not day trading at the expense of their constituents,” Hawley told Fox News Digital in a statement. “Americans have seen politician after politician turn a profit using information not available to the general public. It’s time we ban all members of Congress from trading and holding stocks and restore Americans’ trust in our nation’s legislative body.”

Trump endorsed the ban during a Time magazine interview on Friday and specifically mentioned Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), the former two-time House Speaker, who has been criticized for years by Republicans for her and her husband Paul Pelosi’s spot-on stock trading that has seen their wealth soar past $240 million — on a salary of about $180,000 annually.

“I watched Nancy Pelosi get rich through insider information, and I would be okay with it. If they send that to me, I would do it,” he said of a trading ban.

“You’ll sign it?” the reporter pressed.

“Absolutely,” Trump responded.

Democrats in the House have also come out in support of a ban, with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries tossing his weight behind the legislation last week.

“Former House Speaker and Democratic Rep. Nancy Pelosi of California made a 65% profit on her stock trading portfolio in 2023, according to an analysis of House of Representatives financial disclosure records by the group Unusual Whales,” the Daily Caller reported in January.

“Pelosi and her husband Paul, a venture capitalist in San Francisco, have long been known for their jointly held stock portfolio, which has made significant profits in recent years. In 2023, the Pelosi portfolio’s profits were driven by trading options contracts — which allow the holder to purchase a stock at a lower price than its market value — and outperformed the Standard and Poor’s 500 Index of the U.S. stock market’s largest companies by a margin of 40%,” the DC added, citing Unusual Whales.

Jeff Hauser, the director of the Revolving Door Project, told the New York Post regarding the excessive profits: “It’s a sign of quasi-insider trading that’s corrupt and should be banned – it’s either an addiction to risk or a sign of corruption.”

“There are teams of people at sophisticated hedge funds that exist to find minor arbitrage opportunities to make a profit. It’s preposterous to think they are finding profit where Bridgewater or Renaissance Capital is missing it,” Hauser continued.

The Take It Down Act, a measure that would criminalize the publication of nonconsensual sexually explicit deepfakes, passed the House on Monday and now heads to President Trump’s desk for his signature.

The bill cleared the House in a decisive 409–2 vote, with 22 members not voting. Reps. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and Eric Burlison (R-Mo.) cast the only votes against the measure, The Hill reported.

The bill would make it a federal crime to purposely post computer-generated, realistically looking pornographic images or videos that appear to depict identifiably real persons on social media or other platforms online.

Trump signaled last month that he intends to sign the measure into law.

“The Senate just passed the Take It Down Act. Once it passes the House, I look forward to signing that bill into law,” Trump told a joint session of Congress in early March. “And I’m going to use that bill for myself too if you don’t mind, because nobody gets treated worse than I do online, nobody.”

First Lady Melania Trump also voiced her support for the bill, attending a roundtable on the measure last month. She promptly praised its passage on Monday evening.

“Today’s bipartisan passage of the Take It Down Act is a powerful statement that we stand united in protecting the dignity, privacy, and safety of our children,” the first lady wrote in a statement.

The measure was sponsored by Senate Commerce Chair Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota) in the upper chamber, while Representatives Elvira Salazar (R-Florida) and Madeline Dean (D-Pennsylvania) were the co-leads on the House version.

Cruz celebrated the bill’s passage on Monday, calling it a “historic win in the fight to protect victims of revenge porn and deepfake abuse.”

“By requiring social media companies to take down this abusive content quickly, we are sparing victims from repeated trauma and holding predators accountable,” he noted in a statement.

Massie took to the X platform to explain his “no” vote, writing, “I’m voting NO because I feel this is a slippery slope, ripe for abuse, with unintended consequences.”

The measure is the first youth online safety bill to clear Congress this session, giving lawmakers a rare win after related proposals stalled last year. Tech-safety advocates and families have spent years lobbying for laws like the Take It Down Act, aiming to hold tech companies accountable for social media harms to children, The Hill noted.

Many online safety advocates are backing the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), which would establish rules governing the features tech and social media companies offer to children.

Though the Senate passed KOSA 91–3 last session, it stalled in the House amid GOP leadership’s concerns that it could curb free speech.

While some lawmakers worry Trump’s ties to Big Tech might lead him to oppose the measure, Sen. Ted Cruz told The Hill last month that he doesn’t expect that to occur, said The Hill.

“Every conversation I’ve had with the Trump administration on this topic has evidenced a commitment to protecting free speech and ending Big Tech censorship,” he said, pointing to the president and first lady’s support of the Take It Down Act.

Certain tech policy groups, including Americans for Responsible Innovation (ARI), an AI advocacy group, hailed the passage of the bill.

“For the first time in years, Congress is passing legislation to protect vulnerable communities online and requiring tech giants to clean up their act,” ARI President Brad Carson said. “This bill is going to make a difference in the lives of victims and prevent another generation from being targeted with non-consensual intimate deepfakes.”

Others, meanwhile, said they were worried that the legislation could wind up stifling free speech.

“The TAKE IT DOWN Act is a missed opportunity for Congress to meaningfully help victims of nonconsensual intimate imagery,” said Becca Branum, the deputy director of the Center for Democracy and Technology’s Free Expression Project.

“The best of intentions can’t make up for the bill’s dangerous implications for constitutional speech and privacy online,” she said Monday.

As global leaders gathered at the Vatican to pay their respects to the late Pope Francis on Saturday, Melania Trump’s outfit caught the attention of onlookers for its elegance and adherence to tradition. However, it wasn’t just the First Lady’s graceful choice of attire that captured the public’s eye—her husband, President Donald Trump, also made waves with his clothing choice, drawing widespread criticism for opting for a blue suit instead of the traditional black often expected at such solemn occasions.

The funeral of Pope Francis, held at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, brought together international dignitaries to honor the pontiff, who passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88. Among those in attendance were the Trumps, who arrived in Rome the night before the service. While Melania adhered to traditional funeral dress, wearing a black dress and a black lace veil—an outfit praised for its modesty and respect for Catholic customs—Donald Trump’s blue suit stood out as a departure from the expected somber attire.

Melania’s Modesty: A Contrast to Trump’s Attire

Melania Trump’s funeral ensemble was widely praised online for its graceful simplicity and respect for the event’s religious significance. The First Lady wore a black dress paired with a delicate black lace veil, a look that adhered to traditional Catholic funeral customs, where women often wear veils as a sign of respect. Admirers took to social media to praise her for honoring these traditions, with one person on X (formerly Twitter) commenting, “First Lady Melania wearing the traditional lace veil, in respect and flowing tradition as she and @POTUS arrive at the Funeral of Pope Francis. @FLOTUS is so elegant and respectful.”

Another individual added, “Melania looked a perfect First Lady.” Her understated yet elegant look quickly became a point of admiration, with many highlighting her attention to the solemnity of the occasion.

In contrast, Donald Trump’s choice of a blue suit raised eyebrows. While the blue suit itself was sharp and polished, many felt it was inappropriate for a funeral, a time traditionally associated with mourning and respect. “I was wondering why Donald Trump wore a blue suit,” one Twitter user remarked, continuing, “I get it now. He is different from the others. Melania is dressed traditionally for a Catholic funeral in the meantime. As one person put it on Twitter, ‘Trump is a supreme embarrassment.’”

US First Lady Melania Trump attends the funeral of Pope Francis (Image: Getty Images)

The Criticism of Trump’s Attire

Trump’s attire sparked considerable online debate, with many pointing out that the traditional color for funeral attire, especially for Catholic services, is black. His decision to wear a blue suit stood in stark contrast to the sea of black that filled the church. “Respect? Not even a black suit is on him. At least Melania is dressing all in black, with a modest black veil, for the funeral,” one social media user wrote, clearly disappointed with the President’s disregard for the expected decorum.

The criticism of Trump’s outfit also raised larger questions about his attention to detail and the optics of such high-profile events. Given his history of defying traditional expectations, the blue suit was seen by some as another example of Trump standing out, intentionally or not, at a moment that called for quiet reverence.

While Melania’s choice to wear a traditional black dress and veil was widely seen as a reflection of her personal understanding of the occasion, Trump’s decision to wear a blue suit became a symbol of his often controversial public persona, one that seems to reject conventional norms in favor of asserting individuality. However, whether or not that was the intent behind his choice remains up for debate.

Behind the Scenes: Trump’s Interaction with Melania and Other Leaders

As the Trumps arrived at the Vatican, a subtle moment between the couple was also noticed by viewers. According to lip-reading expert Nicola Hickling, Melania shared a brief exchange with her husband as they descended from Air Force One the night before the funeral. Trump reportedly said, “Ready,” to which Melania responded, “Of course,” before they walked towards the gathered crowd. This small detail gave viewers a glimpse of the First Lady’s calm demeanor and grace in the midst of such a high-profile event.

Once at the Vatican, the President and First Lady attended the outdoor service in the front row alongside other world leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron. Prior to the service, Trump also had a private meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, marking their first face-to-face meeting since tensions between their respective countries have been at the forefront of global geopolitics. The two leaders reportedly had a “very productive discussion,” according to a White House spokesperson.

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump attend the funeral of Pope Francis (Image: AP)

Trump’s Remarks on Pope Francis and the Funeral

While attending the funeral of Pope Francis, President Trump acknowledged the late pope’s influence on global issues, despite the fact that they had disagreed on many subjects, including immigration and climate change. Trump told reporters that he was attending the funeral “out of respect” for the pope, who had often clashed with him over his stance on migrants and environmental policies.

The relationship between Trump and Pope Francis had been strained early in their interaction, especially after the Pope criticized Trump’s proposed border wall during the 2016 U.S. presidential campaign. However, despite their differences, Trump has made it clear that he respects Pope Francis’s work and his ability to reach a global audience.

The Funeral: A Moment of International Diplomacy

The funeral of Pope Francis also served as a significant moment of international diplomacy, with world leaders coming together despite their differences. The U.S. delegation, led by the Trumps, was joined by a range of dignitaries, including Macron, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and other notable figures. It was a rare occasion for leaders with differing views on key issues to share a moment of respect for a figure who had shaped global discourse on issues such as poverty, climate change, and the treatment of refugees.

While Trump’s attire and stance on certain issues may have garnered attention, the broader political and diplomatic significance of the event was clear. The funeral served as a moment for leaders to set aside their differences and reflect on the passing of one of the most influential popes in modern history. Despite the focus on Trump and Melania’s differing styles of dress, the gathering was a reminder of the complex global relationships that shape international diplomacy.

The Trumps’ Relationship with the Vatican and Pope Francis

The Trumps’ relationship with the Vatican and Pope Francis has had its ups and downs. While there were early clashes between the two, particularly over immigration policies and environmental issues, the Trumps have made efforts to highlight their respect for the Catholic Church. Melania, a devout Catholic, has maintained a more cordial relationship with the Vatican, often attending mass and participating in Catholic events in a manner befitting her role as First Lady.

During their visit to the Vatican in 2017, Melania and Donald Trump were received by Pope Francis in a formal meeting, where the pope and the president shared a respectful but distant exchange. The visit made headlines for its formal nature, with Trump and the Pope engaging in polite conversation while navigating their ideological differences.

At Pope Francis’s funeral, Melania’s decision to wear traditional attire reflected her respect for Catholic customs, while her husband’s more unconventional choice of a blue suit highlighted his consistent defiance of traditional norms. For many, the contrast between their two outfits was symbolic of the broader differences in how the Trumps approach global diplomacy and ceremonial occasions.

Public Reaction and Reflections

Public reactions to the funeral attire were mixed, with many praising Melania’s traditional choice, while others criticized Trump for his decision to wear a blue suit. Some observers noted that the First Lady’s choice to wear a black dress and veil aligned with her personal faith, while Trump’s attire seemed to be a statement of individuality, even in a moment of mourning. The contrast between the two outfits reflected the broader divide in their public personas, with Melania often opting for more traditional and reserved appearances, while Trump’s fashion choices frequently defy convention.

As the world continues to navigate complex global issues, the Trumps’ appearance at Pope Francis’s funeral was a reminder of the powerful symbolic messages that leaders send through their public actions and appearances. Whether intentional or not, their attire sent a clear message about their respective roles in international diplomacy—Melania, embodying grace and tradition, and Trump, continuing to stand apart from conventional expectations.

Conclusion: A Moment of Reflection Amidst Public Scrutiny

The funeral of Pope Francis was a moment of deep reflection for many leaders around the world, yet it also highlighted the ongoing challenges of balancing personal style with public expectations. Melania Trump’s graceful adherence to tradition was widely admired, while her husband’s decision to wear a blue suit generated a wave of commentary, both critical and supportive. The public’s focus on their attire may have overshadowed the event’s more significant diplomatic and personal aspects, but it also underscored the powerful role that symbolism and tradition play in shaping the narrative around global leadership.

As the Trumps continue to navigate their roles on the world stage, moments like this funeral serve as both opportunities for reflection and reminders of the complexities of diplomacy, leadership, and the enduring power of symbolism.

Donald Trump came in for criticism on Saturday for supposedly “disrespecting” protocol at the funeral of Pope Francis.

World leaders and high-ranking dignitaries gathered in Rome this weekend for the Pope’s final send-off at the Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica, after a requiem mass at St Peter’s Basilica.

It’s estimated that over 200,000 people attended the funeral procession at St Peter’s Square, paying tribute to the former head of the Catholic Church, who died from a stroke and heart complications at age 88. Some 50 world leaders were in attendance, as well as royalty from a number of countries.

Pope Francis passed away last Monday, April 21, just one day after making a public appearance to offer greetings from a balcony at St Peter’s Basilica.

Tributes soon poured in from all over the world. Francis was a progressive pope – that in and of itself was enough to draw criticism from some – but a beloved and inspiring figure who worked tirelessly to the end.

Joining other world leaders to pay his respects to the late sovereign of the Vatican City State was President Donald Trump, accompanied by his wife, First Lady Melania Trump.

And it should hardly come as a surprise that Trump managed to court controversy even on a day where everything should have been as by-the-book and straightforward as possible.

The POTUS was called out online for a number of things at Pope Francis’ funeral, with one particular moment being dubbed a “disgrace”. Meanwhile, Trump’s presence was labeled by some of his harsher critics as nothing more than an attempt to appeal to his Catholic voters.

First and foremost, Trump’s attire was called into question, after the 78-year-old wore a navy blue suit to the ceremony instead of the traditional all-black perhaps more expected at a Catholic funeral.

In the president’s defense, he wasn’t the only individual to opt for blue instead of black (Prince William wore a dark blue suit as well), but there were plenty of people online who interpreted Trump’s decision as proof of a lack of respect.

Not only that, but Trump was also accused of overstepping the carpeted boundary around Pope Francis’ coffin. It’s claimed that attendees cannot step on the carpet beneath the coffin as it symbolizes the ‘holy ground’ that is reserved for the late pontiff.

Trump’s and Melania’s shoes tip-toed onto the sacred rug, according to reports, while others adhered to the aforementioned rule.

Yet I think we can safely say that these things paled in comparison to certain other things Trump allegedly did during the funeral ceremony, including using his phone, briefly ‘nodding off’ and later chewing gum – and all this while sat in the front row.

Trump was seen on one occasion leaning forward and typing on his phone, before looking up and putting it away. He also began to chew gum before eventually appearing to embrace a power nap by way of shutting his eyes and letting his mouth hang agape.

One critic wrote on Twitter: “Trump at the Pope’s funeral. No traditional black suit, hunched over and sleeping! Just blasphemous!”

Another said: “Donald Trump couldn’t even be respectful and wear a black suit to Pope Francis’ funeral like the rest of world leaders. He always has to stick out and try and be the center of attention.”

“Of course Trump is the only jacka** wearing a blue suit and blue tie to a funeral….such an embarrassment,” penned a third.

What do you make of Donald Trump’s behavior at the funeral for Pope Francis?

A professional lip reader claims to have uncovered what Donald Trump said to Melania during Pope Francis’ funeral in Vatican City on Friday (April 26).

The U.S. President and First Lady were among thousands of mourners, including world leaders like Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who gathered at St. Peter’s Basilica to honor the late pope, who died on Easter Monday at the age of 88.

Ahead of the funeral service, Trump and Zelenskyy reportedly had a brief, informal meeting; the first time the two had been face-to-face since their heated exchange at the White House in February.

As the service got underway, Trump stood out sharply among the largely black-clad crowd, wearing a bold blue suit. Melania, a practicing Roman Catholic, wore a traditional black blazer and pencil skirt, complemented by a dark lace veil.

Although there were initial suggestions the Trumps might be seated toward the back, live TV coverage showed them placed prominently among the dignitaries.

At one point, cameras captured a short exchange between the couple as the congregation stood midway through the two-hour service. Nicola Hickling, a self-described forensic lip reader from Lip Reader Limited, told the Express that she believes she deciphered Trump’s words: “I’ll go over and speak to him.”

It’s unclear exactly who Trump was referring to, but Hickling noted that Melania appeared to respond with a brief “side-eye” glance, without verbally replying.

Trump, who was raised Presbyterian but later identified as a non-denominational Christian, has long courted Catholic voters. Speaking to Fox News about his attendance at the funeral, Trump said: “I just thought it was out of respect. I won the Catholic vote — by a lot — and I think that’s the first time a Republican ever did. I have a great relationship with Catholics. Very simple.”

He added, “We did well with the Catholic vote — I got 56% — and honestly, I don’t know how they got any of the rest.”

Melania’s Catholic faith has been a significant part of her public image; she was the first Catholic First Lady to live in the White House since Jacqueline Kennedy. In 2017, after meeting Pope Francis during an official visit to the Vatican, Melania described the experience as unforgettable, even bringing rosary beads to be blessed by the pontiff.

Reflecting on the moment in a post on X (formerly Twitter), she wrote: “Today’s visit with His Holiness Pope Francis @Pontifex is one I’ll never forget. I was humbled by the honour. Blessings to all.”

The world has said its last goodbyes to Pope Francis. The Argentinian-born pope was buried on Saturday in front of thousands of mourners, with many world leaders and dignitaries having traveled to Rome for the service.

Among them were Donald and Melania Trump, who journeyed to Italy to be a part of the sendoff. But was Melania really there? Well, there’s now a conspiracy theory online claims it wasn’t her but a body double.

Pope Francis has been mourned by millions worldwide. Born Jorge Bergoglio, he was pope for 12 years before passing away on Monday, April 21 at 88. Francis wasn’t an ordinary pope for many reasons.

He advocated for support for immigrants and those experiencing poverty, while refusing to live a lavish lifestyle. When Francis was elected, he declined to use the grand papal apartment on the top floor of the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace, instead moving into a modest two-room residence in the Domus Sanctae Marthae, previously used for guests. He also refused to accept the $32,000 monthly salary from the Catholic Church.

Wearing traditional clothing is a significant aspect of a pope’s role – and while some want to uphold traditions no matter what – Francis had other ideas.

Just a few weeks after he had been elected pope, his aides urged him to wear white trousers to match his white cassock. Speaking to NPR, Francis’ biographer, Auster Ivereigh, claimed the pope declined, saying: ”No thanks. I don’t want to look like an ice cream seller.”

The pope enjoyed spending time with “ordinary people,” helping those in need. Just a day before his death, though his health was waning, he decided to pass through the crowd in St. Peter’s Square in his so-called popemobile without the bulletproof glass around him. The crowd was estimated to be 50,000 people strong, and Francis smiled as he hugged members.

Pope Francis dead at 88

On Monday, April 21, the Vatican sadly announced his death.

“Dear brothers and sisters, it is with profound sadness I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced on the Vatican’s TV channel. “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.”

Pope Francis also left a will with his last wishes before his passing – and it included some quite special arrangements,

“Feeling that the sunset of my earthly life is approaching and with lively hope in Eternal Life, I wish to express my testamentary will only with regard to the place of my burial. I have always entrusted my life and my priestly and episcopal ministry to the Mother of Our Lord, Mary Most Holy,” Francis wrote.

“Therefore, I ask that my mortal remains rest awaiting the day of resurrection in the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. I wish that my last earthly journey conclude precisely in this ancient Marian sanctuary where I went for prayer at the beginning and end of each Apostolic Journey to confidently entrust my intentions to the Immaculate Mother and thank Her for her docile and maternal care. I ask that my tomb be prepared in the niche of the side nave between the Pauline Chapel (Chapel of the Salus Populi Romani) and the Sforza Chapel of the aforementioned Papal Basilica as indicated in the enclosed attachment.”

Donald and Melania Trump attended Pope Francis’ funeral service

Pope Francis continued: “The tomb must be in the earth; simple, without particular decoration and with the only inscription: Franciscus. The expenses for the preparation of my burial will be covered by the sum of the benefactor that I have arranged, to be transferred to the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and of which I have provided appropriate instructions to Mons. Rolandas Makrickas, Extraordinary Commissioner of the Liberian Chapter.”

The funeral for Pope Francis went ahead on Saturday. The Italian government confirmed that over 100 foreign delegations were in attendance. Donald Trump and his wife, Melania Trump, arrived in Rome on Friday, as did Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Other attendees included Argentina’s President, Javier Milei, the British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, the French President, Emmanuel Macron, and Prince William.

The funeral mass began at 10 a.m., local time on Saturday in St Peter’s Square, with more than 200,000 pilgrims lining the streets. Francis’ casket, a simple zinc-lined wooden coffin, was then transferred in procession to Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica, about 2.5 miles away.

Francis’ body was covered in a red chasuble, a damask, and a gold-colored papal miter for the funeral. He was the first pope since Leo XII in 1903 to be buried outside the Vatican.

Now Pope Francis is buried, and mourners can visit his tomb to pay their respects. For the funeral, as Francis was the first pontiff from South America, representatives, including Argentine President Javier Milei, from his home country, sat in the front row. The same went for Italian President Sergio Mattarella, who also sat in the front row as the pope is the bishop of Rome,

Melania Trump’s ‘awkward’ meeting with the pope

Donald and Melania Trump walked into St Peter’s Square for the service just before it started. They were seated next to Estonian President Alar Karis, King Felipe VI of Spain, and Queen Letizia of Spain.

Melania Trump and Pope Francis had met once, though their meeting was reportedly awkward. Melania had previously claimed to be fluent in Italian, though a translator was on hand when she met the pope in 2017. Francis asked Melania if she fed her husband a special Slovenian cake called potica.

It quickly became apparent that Melania didn’t understand. She then turned to the interpreter, who explained his question. Melania then answered: “Potica, yes.”

In 2020, author and Washington Post reporter Mary Jordan revealed new details about the meeting in an unauthorized 2020 biography about Melania, The Art of Her Deal. Jordan claimed that the pope had received information that Melania spoke Italian before their encounter.

When Pope Francis extended his hand to Melania, she said, “Thank you. Nice to meet you,” in English, according to Jordan. However, the pope answered in Italian.

“She looked at him and said nothing,” Jordan wrote in The Art of Her Deal.

When a Vatican aide handed Melania Trump a rosary for the pope to bless, she again answered in English, “Oh, I would love it. Thank you. Grazie,” she said.

Melania Trump’ outfit for Pope Francis’ funeral service

Although Melania answered in English, she was familiar with at least some Italian words. When the pope asked where they were off to next, the First Lady replied, “I’m going to visit a hospital, for bambinos. Thank you so much.”

Melania Trump wore an all-black outfit for Pope Francis’ funeral service. According to Women’s Wear Daily, the outfit was from Italian designer label Dolce & Gabbana. The First Lady’s outfit was a double-breasted coat paired with a black mantilla and black gloves. The Italian fashion giant appears to be a popular choice for Melania, as she has worn Dolce & Gabbana several times in the past.

“She’s always had a great relationship with Dolce & Gabbana. She is a very faithful person and has been wearing their outfits for a long time. It made sense to chose them given the place of religion in Italian culture,” photographer Régine Mahaux told WWD.

Melania Trump appeared solemn at the funeral service. One can imagine she has had a close relationship with the papacy as Slovenia, per WWD, is 74 percent Catholic. However, while pictures of Donald and Melania arriving in Rome and attending Pope Francis’s funeral service have gone out to the world, some question whether she was even there.

X-account Call to Activism posted the video of Melania and Donald walking to the helicopter shortly before departing from the US to travel to Rome, captioning the video: “What do you notice about the way Trump and Melania just walked to the helicopter today?”

New body-double conspiracy involving Melania Trump

Many commented on the picture, and some believed it was possibly an imposter who stood in Melania’s shoes, not the First Lady herself.

“Melania never wears flat shoes either…I’m betting that this is the fake body double Melania because the real Melania did not want to have to go and stay with Trump overseas for the entire trip,” one person wrote.

Another wrote: “Fake Melania,” while a third stated, “Look at her face That’s NOT Melania.”

Another person added, “I don’t notice how they walked to the helicopter, but from the back, that is not Melania or DJT, IMO. Melania wouldn’t wear an off-the-rack coat. ” A fifth person claimed that Melania wasn’t even present at the pope’s funeral but that it was a body double.

This is not the first time Melania Trump has been accused of using a body double. On Election Day, November 6, last year, Medias Touch editor Ron Filipkowski shared a clip of Melania stating that she had “been wearing sunglasses inside all day today,” the conspiracy theories began spreading,

Some claimed she had been swapped with a body double for the cameras. “This is absolutely, categorically not Melania,” one X user wrote. “This imposter’s been wearing sunglasses indoors all day.” 

“Fake Melania”

A second said: ‘How is a man who walks around with a fake wife even a contender for president?’ Another X user claimed: “The check didn’t clear in time for the real Melania to make an appearance, so they had to bring the doppelganger off the bench.”

As reported by the Daily Beast at the time, another user stated that several details ‘proved’ it was a “fake Melania.”

“Rings missing, wrong nail style & length, no smile lines in the jawline [or] lower cheek, bust is half the size it should be,” one stated, while another said that the woman in the video looked “20 years younger” than Melania Trump.

What do you think of this? Could Melania have used a body double, or is it just a crazy conspiracy theory? Please share this article on Facebook with friends and family and give us your opinion!

The nun who made headlines for breaking protocol to grieve at Pope Francis’ coffin has now spoken publicly about the emotional moment.

Sister Geneviève Jeanningros, a longtime friend of the late Pope, was among millions of Catholics mourning Francis’ death. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Francis led the Catholic Church for 12 years before passing away at age 88 on Easter Monday (April 21) following a stroke.

Elected pope in March 2013 after Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation, Francis’ leadership was marked by a focus on inclusion, a value that deeply connected him with Sister Geneviève.

Their friendship dates back to 2005, when Geneviève traveled to Buenos Aires for the reburial of her aunt, Leonie Duquet, a nun who had died during Argentina’s dictatorship in the 1970s. Then-Archbishop Bergoglio had approved the reburial, and the encounter sparked a bond that would last nearly two decades.

Geneviève, who has been a strong advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, formed a close relationship with Francis. Over the years, she and a group of LGBTQ+ members would meet weekly with him. As recently as last July, Francis traveled to Ostia to visit his 81-year-old friend.

On Wednesday (April 23), as Francis lay in state at St. Peter’s Basilica, Sister Geneviève approached his casket to say a personal goodbye — despite Vatican protocol limiting access to male clergy only.

Clutching a tissue, the nun wiped away tears as she stood near the coffin in a moment that quickly went viral. According to NBC News, no one intervened, allowing her a few private moments of mourning.

Speaking to Noticias Telemundo on Friday (April 25) at the Vatican, Geneviève described Francis as “a father, a friend, and a brother.” She also revealed that she had been visiting to pay her respects every day, not just during the widely shared moment.

“Many people told me: when you go to see the Pope, take us with you,” she told the Vatican press service. “I cried for them too.”

Geneviève also recounted her last visit with Francis, when she brought Laura Esquibel, a transgender woman from Paraguay. “I was the first trans woman to shake his hand,” Laura said. “I’ve seen him seven times; we had lunch together. I liked him a lot.”

Since the funeral, Sister Geneviève has declined further interviews, explaining that the grief is overwhelming. “No, I can’t. I don’t want to talk to anyone, I’m sorry,” she said, according to GI. “I can’t because it’s too much, you know? I liked him a lot, that’s it.”

More than 250,000 mourners visited Francis’ coffin before his funeral, with thousands more filling St. Peter’s Square for the final farewell. Among the world leaders and dignitaries were U.S. President Donald Trump — whose behavior at the funeral drew sharp criticism — UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Prince William, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

What if the answer to your sleepless nights was concealed in a simple infusion? A combination of nearly forgotten plants could transform your sleep. This ancient cure, gentle yet quite efficient, promises to change your insomnia into a lengthy, restorative sleep. So, what precisely is it? Read on…

Having difficulty sleeping? Here’s why this cure may improve your life.

Insomnia, nighttime awakenings, and difficulties falling asleep… Many individuals now view sleep as a luxury. According to Public Health France, roughly one-third of the French population suffers from sleep disturbances. Between stress, screens, and the hurried speed of our days, our internal clock frequently loses track.

What if, instead of counting sheep or using sleeping drugs with well-known adverse effects, you tried a peaceful, natural therapy that has been practiced for centuries?

The secret: a herb with powerful calming effects.

Valerian is the protagonist of this miraculous healing. This plant, sometimes known as “nature’s Valium,” has been utilized to relax the nervous system since ancient times. It promotes quicker sleep, lowers nightly awakenings, and enhances overall sleep quality. It acts like a warm blanket in the winter, reassuring, enveloping, and relaxing.

But that is not all. This remedy’s success is due to the combination of various botanicals. When combined with passionflower, which is known to soothe the anxious mind, and lemon balm, which relieves muscle tension, valerian reaches its full potential.

How to prepare this remedy at home?

No need for fancy equipment or spending a fortune on supplements: you can prepare it like a simple herbal tea.

Ingredients :

• 1 tablespoon dried valerian root (about 5 g)
• 1 tablespoon of dried lemon balm leaves (5 g)
• 1 tablespoon of passionflower flowers (5 g)
• 250 ml of boiling water

Preparation :

• Boil the water.
• Add the herbs to a teapot or cup.
• Pour in the hot water, cover and let it steep for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Strain, then drink this infusion 30 minutes before bedtime.

Why is this treatment so effective?

This herbal mixture directly affects the parasympathetic nerve system, which regulates relaxation and digestion. Whereas stress triggers our “survival mode,” this natural combination presses the “pause button.” In other words, it relieves pressure in the same way that a warm bath does after a long day.

Unlike regular sleeping drugs, there is no drowsiness when you wake up, and there is no addiction. It’s a soft solution, similar to singing lullabies to a child.

It’s a common sight in many neighborhoods: suddenly, in the middle of the quiet night, dogs begin barking incessantly. But have you ever wondered what it means when this happens? Why do dogs seem to get restless at the same time during the night?

In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind this phenomenon, its implications, and what might be happening when you hear multiple dogs barking simultaneously.

Why do dogs bark so much at night?

Dogs are social animals, and their behavior can often be influenced by several factors, especially when they’re in an unfamiliar or threatening environment. Nighttime barking is often a way for dogs to express anxiety, fear, or react to stimuli they can’t identify. Some of the most common reasons include:

1. Nearby hazard alerts

Dogs barking profusely at night is often a response to the presence of something strange in their surroundings. They may be alerting other dogs to the presence of an intruder, whether it’s a wild animal, a stranger approaching the area, or even an unknown person lurking around.

Dogs are very sensitive to sounds and movements at night, and a sudden change can trigger their protective instinct.

2. Reactions to other animals

Dogs, especially those unaccustomed to seeing certain animals, may react by barking if they hear noises coming from other species, such as coyotes, foxes, or even other dogs.

This behavior intensifies at night because dogs’ senses, such as hearing, are more active during this time.

3. Insecurity or fear

Barking can also be a sign of fear. Because it’s darker and there are fewer visual stimuli, dogs feel more vulnerable at night. This can generate anxiety that expresses itself through barking.

If a dog senses something isn’t right, or that it’s not in control of the situation, it may start barking, and if other nearby dogs sense the same thing, they’ll follow suit.

4. Social calls or communication between dogs

Sometimes, barking can simply be a form of communication. Dogs may be trying to connect with other dogs in the area. If one starts barking, nearby dogs are likely to respond.

This is particularly common in areas where dogs are more territorial and feel the need to set boundaries or alert others to their presence.

5. Change in the behavior of nocturnal animals

Nighttime is when many animals become more active, and dogs may be reacting to their activity.

From rodents to larger animals like foxes or deer, any moving creature can trigger a reaction in dogs, who respond with a loud alert.

What should you do when you hear a lot of dogs barking?

If you’ve experienced these types of nighttime noises, you’re likely feeling uncomfortable or worried. Here are some recommendations on what to do when you hear multiple dogs barking at the same time:

Stay calm: Remember that dogs often bark instinctively, and it is not always a sign of immediate danger.

Observe the environment: If possible, try to investigate if there is any visible cause, such as animals in the surroundings, or strange people nearby.

Avoid going out if it’s dangerous: If the situation seems out of control or if you notice anything out of the ordinary, it’s advisable not to go out without caution, especially if it involves wild animals or intruders.

Consult local authorities: If the barking is persistent or excessive, and you are concerned about the reason behind it, you can contact local animal control or police to investigate further.

Conclusion

Hearing multiple dogs barking at the same time during the night is a common experience, but it’s often linked to a need for alertness, protection, or communication between them. Whether it’s the presence of an intruder, nearby animals, or even just a social call, dogs react to what they perceive in their environment.

While most of the time it doesn’t pose an immediate danger, it’s always important to be aware of changes in your neighborhood and ensure your environment remains safe for you and your pets.

Dog won’t stop barking at owner’s car — what they find under the hood leaves them stunned

Dogs with great instincts can often detect things that humans can’t see. In one viral TikTok video, a dog keeps barking at his owner’s car, leading to them saving a little life.

A woman named Savannah says in a TikTok video that her puppy “wouldn’t stop whining” at her car at 6 in the morning.

The owners was concerned, so they checked under the hood of the car but didn’t see anything unusual. The dog continued to whine, so they decided to spray it down with a hose.

But then, they noticed something run out from the car — a little baby kitten!

The little stray had been hiding in the hood of the car, and would’ve probably gone unnoticed if the dog hadn’t alerted its owners.

Thankfully, the kitten was in good hands, because Savannah has much experience caring for animals, who seem to always come into her life in unexpected ways.

“This is the 3rd baby animal I’ve found in 35 days,” she wrote on TikTok. “It feels like a joke at this point.”

She took the kitten in, and while she says the cat was initially “spicy” and hissing at her, he soon warmed up to her. But she didn’t keep the kitten for good — instead, her friend Cody offered to take in the cat.

As if it was fate, Savannah says she just said goodbye to her own pet cat a month ago, so she sent the kitten to her new home with all her leftover cat food and supplies. “I’m happy I have someone to share those things with,” she wrote.

“I wish you happiness in your new home and I’m really glad you picked my car to hide in.”

Thank you for saving this little kitten and getting him a new home! What a miracle he was found under the hood of that car!

Please share this heartwarming story!

The nurse gently asked, “Anna Sergeyevna, the documents are ready. Who will be taking you home?”

Her eyes studied Anna, whose fragile face was shadowed by dark circles.

“I’ll manage on my own,” Anna responded, trying to sound confident.

The nurse looked concerned. A week had passed since the difficult childbirth, and still, no one had been there for her. Ivan hadn’t visited even once.

Anna carefully held her newborn daughter, Liza, in one arm, while the nurse assisted with Mitya, the second baby. The money she had was barely enough for milk and bread to last until the end of the month, leaving her unable to afford a taxi.

At the bus stop, she waited, clinging to the hope that Ivan had been scared. She remembered his words two years ago when he proposed: “I want a son and a daughter, just like you.” Fate had granted her both, in one single moment.

But when she arrived home, she was met with silence and stale air.

“Ivan?” she called out. “We’re home.”

Ivan appeared, tightening his robe. His cold, detached gaze swept over Anna, the babies, and the bags—almost as if he were seeing strangers.

Without emotion, Ivan spoke, “I’ve been thinking… this isn’t for me.”

“But you said—”

“I changed my mind,” he shrugged, as though discarding a broken item. “I’m still young. I want to live my life, not deal with diapers.”

“I’m leaving,” he said, avoiding her eyes. “I’ll stay at Seryoga’s for now and figure things out later.”

“The place is in your name. I’m not dealing with custody or child support. Your choice to give birth, your problem now.”

With that, he spat on the floor near the couch, grabbed his bag and coat, and slammed the door behind him.

Anna, overwhelmed with grief and disbelief, crawled to the couch, clutching her babies to her chest. This was her new reality.

“We’ll survive,” she whispered to herself, repeating the mantra that would carry her through the years ahead.

Three years passed.

Anna worked a night shift on the farm, covering for a sick coworker. The children stayed with a neighbor who had become like a second mother to them.

One evening, Anna returned home exhausted but smiling. She carried a loaf of bread, a can of milk, and a bag of caramels.

“Mom!” the children rushed to her, their arms wrapping around her.

“There’s going to be a party at the kindergarten,” she said, catching her breath. “For moms and dads.”

“We should invite Daddy,” Mitya suggested.

Anna’s heart sank. The moment she had feared had arrived. Her children were growing up and starting to ask difficult questions.

“You don’t have a dad,” she said quietly.

That night, the children cried—not from hunger or pain, but from the realization that something was missing.

Anna held them close, now teenagers, on the brink of a new life. Her hope, her reason, and her heart torn in two.

“Mom, was Dad really a bad person?” Mitya asked.

“No,” she replied, her voice heavy. “Not bad. Just weak. He was afraid of responsibility.”

She didn’t sleep that night, knowing that the time would soon come when her children would need to know the full truth about their father—the truth she had sheltered them from for so long.

Years passed.

Liza noticed a man standing near the school gate, his eyes scanning the crowd. Mitya looked up and saw him too. Their eyes met—exactly like Ivan’s.

“Hello,” the man said, his voice hoarse. “You’re Liza and Mitya, right? Anna’s children?”

The silence stretched, the years of unanswered questions weighing heavily between them.

“I’m your father,” Ivan finally said. “I’m Ivan.”

“I just wanted to talk… to see you,” he stammered, a lifetime of regrets in his voice. “Maybe it’s not too late. I’ve been thinking a lot.”

Mitya’s voice was calm but firm. “Mom’s home. If you want to talk, go to her.”

“I know I’m to blame,” Ivan murmured. “I’ve lost everything. But… I wonder if I could still get to know you?”

“You don’t know anything about us,” Liza said, her voice trembling with anger. “You have no right to show up like nothing happened.”

Ivan lowered his head, defeated by the years of mistakes.

Without another word, Liza and Mitya walked away together, side by side. Ivan watched them leave, his eyes filled with regret, and for the first time in years, real tears welled up in his eyes.

When Anna saw her children enter, she knew something had happened. Mitya’s pale face and Liza’s stiff posture told the story.

Anna covered her face with her hands, a storm of emotions raging inside her—anger at Ivan, fear for her children, and an odd sense of relief that he was still alive and had remembered them.

“I didn’t want him back,” she thought. “Without him, we became better. Stronger. A real family.”

The three of them embraced—three bodies, three hearts, beating as one.

Family disputes over inheritance are often a major source of tension, especially when relatives feel entitled to a larger share. When Wendy’s mother pa:ss:ed away, her sister Cynthia argued that Wendy didn’t deserve an equal portion, claiming she hadn’t shown enough commitment to their mother.

Things came to a head during a recent visit to their childhood home, leaving Wendy emotionally exhausted and unsure how to proceed. Seeking advice, she reached out for guidance.

This is Wendy’s story:

Hello,

My name is Wendy. I’m 35 years old and a mother to twin 8-year-old boys. My older sister, Cynthia, who is 37, devoted nearly a decade of her life to caring for our ill mother.

Meanwhile, I focused on raising my own family. Last week, our mother pa:ss:ed away. Since then, Cynthia has refused to share the inheritance, accusing me of being a “selfish child who forfeited her family rights.”

The real sh0ck, however, came when I found out that before her d3ath, our mother had legally transferred all her assets to Cynthia. This includes about $85,000 in savings, a parcel of land, and, most painfully, our family home.

What hurts the most is that my mother and I were always on good terms.

She had often reassured me that the house would belong to both of us. Yet the documents are legitimate, and her signature is there.

Now, I feel deeply hurt, betrayed, and overwhelmed. It’s crushing to be judged and shut out simply because I didn’t follow the same path as my sister.

At this point, I’m at a loss. I don’t know whether I should contest the inheritance, confront my sister, or simply accept the situation and try to move on.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

— Wendy

Drooling during sleep is a common phenomenon that occurs in many people. Although in most cases it is completely normal, in some cases it may be related to certain health problems or sleep habits. Below, we’ll explore the most common causes and when it might be a sign of something more serious.

Common Causes of Nighttime Drooling

Muscle Relaxation

During deep sleep, especially during REM sleep, the body’s muscles relax, including those of the mouth and jaw. This can cause the mouth to open slightly and saliva to flow out instead of being swallowed as it does when we are awake.

Sleeping Position

Sleeping on your stomach or side makes it easier for gravity to release saliva. On the other hand, those who sleep on their backs tend to swallow saliva more easily, reducing drooling.

Nasal Congestion

When your nose is stuffy due to allergies, colds, or sinusitis, you breathe more through your mouth, causing saliva to flow uncontrollably.

Excess Saliva Production

Some people produce more saliva than normal, which is known as hypersalivation. This can be due to oral infections, swollen tonsils, or reactions to certain foods and medications.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Acid reflux can irritate the throat and stimulate excessive saliva production. Those with reflux often experience nighttime drooling along with heartburn.

Neurological Disorders

Some conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, cerebral palsy, or stroke can affect facial muscle control, making swallowing difficult and causing excessive drooling.

Medication Use

Some medications, such as sedatives, antipsychotics, and certain antibiotics, can increase saliva production or relax the mouth muscles, promoting nighttime drooling.

When is nighttime drooling a concern?

If drooling is frequent, excessive, or accompanied by other symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, breathing problems, or loud snoring, it is advisable to consult a doctor. It may be a sign of sleep apnea or another underlying condition that needs treatment.

Check This Out:

Tips to Reduce Nighttime Drooling

Sleep on your back to prevent saliva from flowing backward.

Treat nasal congestion with nasal rinses or antihistamines.

Maintain good oral hygiene to reduce infections.

Consult a specialist if drooling is excessive and persistent.

In most cases, drooling while sleeping is harmless, but if it becomes bothersome or excessive, identifying the cause can help find an effective solution.

Over the years, the use of pills to treat illnesses has increased, as have their negative effects on health.

Although they can be considered one of the preferred tools for treating various illnesses, the truth is that frequent use of certain pills can cause serious damage to the health of your internal organs.

Especially your kidneys, which are some of the most important organs for the proper functioning of your body. They are responsible for expelling toxins from your body, so their deterioration represents a danger to your overall health.

Below is a list of pills that you should not take frequently, due to their strong impact on your kidney health.

Although these medications are available in pharmacies, their use can cause pain and impair your body’s natural functioning. These include:

Lithium: Commonly used to treat bipolar disorders

Anticonvulsants: Such as phenytoin and trimethadione

Chemotherapy medications: Especially interferons, pamidronate, cisplatin, carboplatin, cyclosporine, tacrolimus, quinine, mitomycin C, and bevacizumab, which can cause serious kidney damage.

Propylthiouracil, pills for treating thyroid problems.

Pills used for heartburn relief: omeprazole, lansoprazole, pantoprazole, rabeprazole, and esomeprazole.

Antivirals such as acyclovir, which works to treat herpes, and indinavir and tefonovir, which are used to treat HIV.

Captopril, used for high blood pressure.

Bone and joint medications: Infliximab, which treats arthritis, and chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine, which treat malaria and systemic lupus erythematosus.

White House Border Czar Tom Homan revealed on Monday morning a rough estimate of how many illegal aliens he believes are in the United States.

During an early morning White House press briefing, Homan said that he believes there are at least 20 million illegal aliens in the country, including about 700,000 with criminal charges “walking the streets.”

“Look, I started in the Board Patrol in 1984. I’ve been at this for over 40 years. I’ve worked for six presidents, starting with Ronald Reagan. Every president I ever worked for took border security seriously because you can’t have national security if you don’t have strong border security. We got to know who’s coming in, what’s coming in, where it’s coming in, why it’s coming in, right?” Homan said.

“Even President Obama and President Clinton took some steps to secure the border because they understood national security was important. Joe Biden was the first president in the history of this nation who came into office and unsecured a border on purpose. That’s just a fact. We handed the Biden Administration — after President Trump’s first administration, we handed the Biden Administration the most secure border in my lifetime and he unsecured it on purpose,” he added.

Homan continued, “Now President Trump and this administration here, the success is unprecedented. We beat Trump’s first administration on border success. Border numbers are at historic law. Today, as I’m standing here, we have the most secure border in the history of this nation. And the numbers prove it.”

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that President Donald Trump’s administration is in “the beginning stages of carrying out the largest deportation campaign in American history.”

“Today we kick off 100-day week with a focus on the president’s historic effort to secure our southern border. Later this afternoon, President Trump will sign an executive order on law and order and another executive order on sanctuary cities,” Leavitt said.

“The first EO will strengthen and unleash America’s law enforcement to pursue criminals and protect innocent citizens. The second EO is centered around protecting American communities from criminal aliens, and it will direct the attorney general and secretary of Homeland Security to publish a list of state and local jurisdictions that obstruct the enforcement of federal immigration laws,” she added.

“After these are signed, the president will have signed more than 140 executive orders already, rapidly approaching the total number signed by the Biden Administration over the course of four years in office,” Leavitt added.

“Trump Administration is working 24/7 to successfully arrest and deport these illegal criminals and foreign terrorists from our communities. We are in the beginning stages of carrying out the largest deportation campaign in American history. Over this past weekend, it was announced that through Operation Tidalwave, a joint effort between ICE Miami and Florida law enforcement agencies, nearly 800 illegal aliens were arrested during the first four days alone,” Leavitt said.

“Among those arrested were a Colombian murderer, alleged MS-13 and 18th Street gang members, and a Russian with a red notice for manslaughter. And on the other side of the country, in the early Sunday morning hours, DoJ and DHS together launched a joint raid of an illegal alien underground nightclub used by Tren de Aragua in Colorado Springs, Colorado. DHS took more than 100 illegal aliens into custody, and many drugs and weapons were also seized,” she said.

Leavitt concluded, “Operation Tidalwave is a preview of what is to come around this country, large-scale operations that employ our state and local enforcement partners to get criminal, illegal aliens off our streets. As always, President Trump and our entire administration are grateful for the courageous law enforcement officers who are putting their lives on the line every single day to protect their fellow Americans and to keep our country safe.”

The acting head of the Internal Revenue Service plans to step down after disagreeing with the decision to share tax data on illegal immigrants with federal law enforcement.

Commissioner Melanie Krause will become the third IRS leader to leave the agency since the start of the year. The agency has been turbulent because left-wing ideologues have decided to follow their political leanings rather than their pledge to serve as non-partisan government employees.

On Monday, the IRS and the Department of Homeland Security finalized an agreement allowing taxpayer data to be shared with federal immigration authorities to assist in locating undocumented immigrants.

According to the Washington Post, officials from the Treasury Department, under which the IRS operates, had largely sidelined Krause recently as they pushed to grant immigration authorities access to private taxpayer information, likely because they knew she would oppose the agreement.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem signed the data-sharing agreement, despite warnings from IRS attorneys that the arrangement likely violated federal privacy laws, the report said.

“Melanie Krause has been leading the IRS through a time of extraordinary change,” a Treasury spokesperson said in an emailed statement confirming her resignation.

Without mentioning the data agreement, the spokesperson noted further that the agency was “in the midst of breaking down data silos that for too long have stood in the way of identifying waste, fraud, and abuse and bringing criminals to justice.”

Krause’s predecessor, Doug O’Donnell, stepped down as acting commissioner after declining to sign a similar data-sharing agreement with the Department of Homeland Security in February. The last Senate-confirmed IRS commissioner, Danny Werfel, resigned on President Donald Trump’s first day in office.

Krause has chosen to apply for a deferred resignation program currently offered by the IRS, according to a source familiar with her decision. The individual, speaking on condition of anonymity, said her decision to step down was influenced in part by concerns over the recently finalized data-sharing agreement, Reuters noted.

The IRS began implementing sweeping workforce reductions on Friday, dismantling its civil rights office and initiating mass firings that could eliminate up to 25% of its staff.

The cuts are part of a broader overhaul of the federal workforce that has already resulted in the loss of more than 200,000 jobs. President Donald Trump has appointed billionaire Elon Musk to lead the effort to restructure and streamline the federal government through his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) team.

Earlier this month, Musk told Texas GOP Sen. Ted Cruz that “magic money computers” within the U.S. government are generating payments “out of thin air,” leaving lawmakers clueless about federal spending.

Speaking on Cruz’s podcast, Musk revealed that 14 such systems exist within the U.S. Treasury and other agencies, transferring large sums without the necessary evidence to justify the payments.

Musk claimed that in departments housing one of these systems, reported spending could be off by as much as 5 percent of the budget when presented to Congress, while Cruz suggested that these improper payments could potentially total “trillions” of dollars.

“They’re mostly at Treasury,” Musk said about the computers discovered by his U.S. Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, “but there’s some at [Health and Human Services], there’s one or two at State, there’s some at [the Department of Defense].”

“I think we’ve found now 14 magic money computers. They just send money out of nothing,” he told the Texas Republican senator.

Expounding on DOGE’s discovery, the unconventional entrepreneur explained that the presence of these computers prevents the Treasury Dept. from fully informing lawmakers about the federal government’s total spending.

“You may think that government computers all communicate with each other, synchronize, and accurately calculate where funds are going, making the numbers you see as a senator the real ones. They’re not,” he said.

California Democrat Sen. Adam Schiff shared a startling anecdote on Friday’s HBO “Real Time” with Bill Maher about the moment he realized his party was in trouble.

The well-known architect of the false “Trump-Russia collusion” narrative acknowledged that his party could potentially lose power in deep-blue California, as a recent poll found 50% of respondents would consider voting for a Republican governor in 2026.

He said he believes rampant crime is a concern, as he sought to distance himself from the soft-on-crime policies he has supported for years.

“So we’re going to have to change how we do business in California. We’re going to have to address people’s legitimate concerns about crime,” he said after years of supporting liberal so-called ‘soft on crime’ policies.

“I was in South San Francisco two years ago after I had an experience in the city that all too many people had when my luggage was stolen out of my car. They tell you don’t ever leave your luggage in the car. I never do until the one time I did. And of course it got stolen,” he said.

Organized theft rings, similar to flash mobs, have become common in California as the penalties for stealing items valued under $950 have been reduced.

With that in mind, the senator spoke of a conversation he had with a cashier at a local Target store as the host quipped, “You went there by yourself, not an assistant?”

“I uh… I think I went there… well yes, I had somebody drop me off at the store,” he said as the audience laughed.

“Well, he was honest in admitting it, right?” Maher quipped.

He said that the cashier was “hard to find” just to unlock some common items like shampoo.

“So that’s one thing. And then I get to the cashier. The cashier asked me if I wanted one of those Target bags with a little bullseye on it. And I said, ‘yes, that Target bag is going to be my luggage for the next two days,’” he said.

“And she asked me what happened. And I told her and she basically said in not so many words that Democrats are a***oles,” the senator said.

“And I thought, you know,  if the cashier in South San Francisco at 10 o’clock at night believes that Democrats are a***oles because the shampoo is locked up and my stuff got stolen out of the trunk, we’ve got a major problem that we have to address,” he said.

Earlier this month, however, Schiff expressed frustration over the Democratic Party’s lack of a “coordinated response” to President Donald Trump during an interview with ABC’s Jonathan Karl.

“I think the lack of a coordinated response in the State of the Union was a mistake, and frankly, it took the focus off of where it should have been, which is on the fact that the president spoke for an hour and 40 minutes and had nothing to say about what he would do to bring down costs for American families that were watching that lengthy address, sitting at the kitchen table hoping he would offer something to help them afford a new home or pay their rent, afford health care, or afford child care,” Schiff said.

The lawmaker addressed the critiques by Pennsylvania Democratic Sen. John Fetterman, where he called the Democrats’ situation “a sad cavalcade of self-owns and unhinged petulance.”

“They’re destroying the economy, and they’re making it harder and harder for Americans to afford things. That’s where we need to keep the focus, that’s why we lost the last election, because we weren’t laser-focused on the high cost of living and what they’re doing now is just making it so much worse,” Schiff claimed — falsely, according to the most recent economic data.

Diplomatic Protocols Upended as US President Secures Prime Placement Despite Initial Reports
In a surprising and highly discussed turn of events at Pope Francis’ funeral today (April 28), US President Donald Trump secured a coveted front-row seat despite earlier reports suggesting he would be relegated to a “third-tier” position based on traditional Vatican protocol. The unexpected seating arrangement has sparked considerable discussion online and in diplomatic circles worldwide, particularly in light of the President’s prior public complaints about seating at high-profile international events.

The solemn funeral proceedings for Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21 at the age of 88 after a brief illness, drew an estimated 500,000 mourners to St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City. The massive crowd stretched beyond the boundaries of the square itself, filling nearby streets and viewpoints as the faithful gathered to bid farewell to the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church. Among the distinguished attendees were numerous world leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, all gathered to pay their respects to the late pontiff whose 12-year papacy was marked by calls for social justice, environmental stewardship, and reform within the Church.

The funeral, which began at 9:30 am local time, followed nine days of mourning during which Pope Francis’s body lay in state at St. Peter’s Basilica, allowing pilgrims from around the world to pay their final respects. Vatican officials estimated that more than 1.5 million people filed past the pontiff’s body during this period, with some waiting in line for up to 12 hours to spend a brief moment in the presence of the late Holy Father.

The Intricate Politics of Papal Funeral Seating: A Centuries-Old Diplomatic Dance
Prior to the funeral, Vatican experts and diplomatic sources had extensively outlined the traditional seating hierarchy for papal funerals, which typically follows a strict protocol that has evolved over centuries of diplomatic practice within the Holy See. The Vatican’s approach to seating arrangements represents one of the most complex and nuanced systems in international relations, reflecting both ancient traditions and subtle diplomatic messaging that can affect international relations for years to come.

According to these long-established protocols, Catholic royalty would receive the most privileged front-row placement—a tradition dating back to medieval times when Catholic monarchs were considered special defenders of the faith with unique spiritual relationships to the papacy. This first tier would traditionally include monarchs from nations such as Spain, Belgium, and Monaco, whose royal families maintain strong Catholic identities.

The second tier would be reserved for non-Catholic royals and heads of constitutional monarchies, including attendees like Prince William representing the United Kingdom, King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands, and representatives of other royal houses across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. This positioning acknowledges their status as heads of state while recognizing the distinction between Catholic and non-Catholic leadership.

Only in the third tier would elected heads of state and government leaders be positioned, arranged according to specific diplomatic precedence rules that have been refined over centuries of international practice. This hierarchical structure reflects the Vatican’s unique position as both a religious entity and a sovereign state with the world’s oldest diplomatic service.

“The Vatican’s seating protocol at papal funerals isn’t merely logistical—it’s a physical manifestation of how the Holy See views the order of the world,” explained Dr. Isabella Romano, professor of Vatican diplomatic history at Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. “Every position communicates something about relationships, status, and the complex interplay between religious and secular authority.”

Multiple news outlets, including The Washington Post, Reuters, and Le Monde, had reported that within this third tier, world leaders would be arranged alphabetically by their country’s name in French—a common diplomatic practice at international events that traces back to the 19th century when French was the predominant language of international diplomacy. This arrangement would have potentially placed the United States (États-Unis in French) representative between those of Estonia (Estonie) and Finland (Finlande), several rows back from the front and far from the central action of the ceremony.

MSNBC specifically reported that the Holy See press office had provided diplomatic correspondents with preliminary information indicating Trump would be seated between Estonian President Alar Karis and Finnish President Alexander Stubb, firmly establishing him in what protocol experts were describing as “third-tier” seating—a placement that would have been technically appropriate according to traditional Vatican diplomatic practice but potentially uncomfortable for a U.S. president accustomed to prominent positioning at international gatherings.

Diplomatic historian Dr. Lawrence Whitehall of Oxford University noted: “In the rarefied world of diplomatic protocol, especially at events of this magnitude, seating isn’t just about physical comfort—it’s about visibility, prestige, and symbolic proximity to power. Being placed several rows back can be interpreted, rightly or wrongly, as a statement about a nation’s importance in the eyes of the host.”

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The Delicate Art of Diplomatic Choreography: Balancing Tradition, Politics, and “Big Egos”
Despite these firmly established traditions, the actual implementation of seating arrangements involves considerations far beyond the rigid application of protocol. Cardinal Vincent Nichols, the leader of Catholics in England and Wales and a highly respected figure within Church hierarchy with decades of experience navigating the intersection of religious and political realms, offered rare behind-the-scenes insight into the complex human considerations that go into such high-stakes seating arrangements.

In a candid and revealing interview with PA news agency in Rome three days before the funeral, Cardinal Nichols explained that beyond the standard protocols that look straightforward on paper, Vatican planners must carefully navigate a minefield of potential diplomatic incidents by taking into account historical rivalries, current geopolitical tensions, personal animosities between leaders, and what he diplomatically referred to as “big egos”—a gentle acknowledgment of the reality that many world leaders arrive with significant expectations about their placement and visibility.

“These arrangements require extraordinary diplomatic skill and institutional memory that few organizations outside the Vatican possess,” Cardinal Nichols noted during the 45-minute interview at the Venerable English College in Rome. “You’re dealing with world leaders who all have their own expectations and sense of status, while simultaneously trying to honor traditional protocols that have been in place for centuries and managing practical security considerations for over 100 protected persons in a single location. Sometimes necessary adjustments must be made to avoid potential conflicts or diplomatic incidents that could overshadow the solemnity of the occasion.”

Cardinal Nichols went on to reveal that the Vatican’s diplomatic corps, led by the Secretariat of State, begins planning these seating arrangements months or even years in advance for anticipated papal funerals, creating multiple contingency plans based on different scenarios of which leaders might attend. This preparation includes consulting diplomatic archives that document previous interactions between the Holy See and world leaders, reviewing seating arrangements from past major Vatican events, and maintaining awareness of evolving international tensions that might necessitate keeping certain leaders separated.

“The Vatican diplomatically functions as neutral ground—perhaps the last truly neutral diplomatic territory in today’s polarized world,” explained Ambassador Miguel Ángel Moratinos, former Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs who has attended previous papal funerals. “This neutrality creates both opportunity and obligation. At events like papal funerals, leaders who might refuse to be in the same room elsewhere will sit in proximity, but this requires exquisite care in the arrangements to ensure the solemn purpose isn’t undermined by political tensions.”

Several Vatican sources, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of diplomatic preparations, confirmed that special attention is typically given to potentially complicated relationships—ensuring appropriate distance between representatives of nations in active conflict, managing complex protocol questions around leaders whose legitimacy might be contested by others present, and delicately handling the practical needs of aging dignitaries or those with health concerns without creating perception of preferential treatment.

“The funeral of a pope represents one of the most complex diplomatic events in the world,” noted Dr. Francesca Corrao, professor of Diplomatic Studies at LUISS University in Rome. “You have representatives from over 100 countries, including nations that don’t formally recognize each other, all gathered in a relatively small space while the world watches. The seating plan functions as a physical map of international relations—which is why changes to expected arrangements, like what we’ve seen with President Trump’s positioning, attract such significant attention.”

A History of Seating Sensitivities: Trump’s Well-Documented Concerns About Diplomatic Positioning
The unexpected seating arrangement at Pope Francis’ funeral has drawn particularly intense scrutiny and speculation because of President Trump’s previous well-documented public comments regarding diplomatic seating arrangements, especially his pointed remarks about American representation at Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in September 2022, which he did not attend as he was not in office at the time. Former President Joe Biden represented the United States at the royal funeral and was seated in the 14th row at Westminster Abbey, behind the President of Poland and ahead of the Czech Republic’s representative.

Trump had publicly and forcefully criticized this placement in a series of social media posts that received significant media attention at the time. “This is what happens when you have weak leadership. No respect for America anymore. DISGRACEFUL!” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. In a follow-up post that has been repeatedly quoted in diplomatic circles, he elaborated: “If I were president, they wouldn’t have sat me back there – and our Country would be much different than it is right now. In Real Estate, like Politics and Life, LOCATION IS EVERYTHING!!!”

These comments, which diplomatic experts characterized as unusual in their direct criticism of funeral seating arrangements, sparked considerable discussion about protocol and presidential expectations. Dr. Elizabeth Morgan, former State Department Protocol Officer, explained at the time: “Funeral seating follows established diplomatic protocols, not assessments of national power or prestige. These arrangements are typically made according to constitutional position, length of service, or other objective criteria rather than subjective evaluations of a nation’s importance.”

Nevertheless, Trump’s comments reflected his well-established sensitivity to matters of status and positioning at international events—a characteristic that has been noted throughout his political career. During his first administration, numerous reports emerged from diplomatic sources about the president’s concern with symbolic indicators of status, from handshake dynamics to chair size at bilateral meetings.

“President Trump has consistently demonstrated awareness of and concern for the symbolic aspects of diplomatic engagement,” noted Dr. Richard Haass, president emeritus of the Council on Foreign Relations, in a 2020 analysis. “While all leaders care about these matters to some degree, the former and current president places unusual emphasis on visible indicators of respect and status in international settings.”

These previously expressed concerns about diplomatic positioning have now resurfaced with remarkable relevance in light of today’s events, with political analysts, diplomatic correspondents, and social media commentators all speculating about whether Trump’s previous public complaints might have directly or indirectly influenced the Vatican’s seating decisions. Some observers have suggested that Vatican protocol officials, aware of these sensitivities, might have made adjustments to avoid potential controversy, while others have proposed that American diplomatic representatives could have negotiated more aggressively for prominent placement.

Former Ambassador to the Holy See Francis Rooney offered his perspective: “The Vatican is extraordinarily skilled at navigating diplomatic sensitivities while maintaining their protocols. They would be well aware of previous presidential comments and likely factored various considerations into their final arrangements while maintaining appropriate dignity for the occasion.”

The White House has not officially commented on the seating arrangements or any potential negotiations about them, and Vatican officials have maintained their traditional discretion regarding the diplomatic aspects of the funeral arrangements. However, a source close to the Vatican’s Secretariat of State, speaking on condition of anonymity, acknowledged: “All diplomatic missions make requests regarding arrangements for their leaders. Some are more assertive than others in these requests.”

“The Blue Suit Incident”: Presidential Attire Becomes Focal Point of International Commentary
While President Trump ultimately secured a prominently visible position at the funeral that contradicted early reporting about “third-tier” placement, his choice of attire rather than his seating position has rapidly generated the most significant and widespread criticism. In what many diplomatic observers are already referring to as “the blue suit incident,” the President arrived at St. Peter’s Basilica wearing a vibrant navy blue suit with a bright blue tie rather than the traditional black formal wear that is universally recognized as appropriate mourning attire at funerals, particularly for an event of this historic magnitude and religious significance.

The stark visual discrepancy was immediately apparent in both live broadcasts and photographs, as television cameras repeatedly panned across the assembled dignitaries. In these shots, Trump’s blue attire created a visually jarring contrast against the somber sea of black-clad world leaders, religious figures, and diplomats who had meticulously adhered to the traditional funeral dress code that was explicitly outlined in the diplomatic guidance provided to all attending delegations.

“The Vatican’s diplomatic protocol office provides very clear guidance on appropriate attire for papal funerals,” explained Monsignor Giulio Bellini, former Vatican Master of Ceremonies who has helped organize three previous papal funerals. “For men, this is explicitly a black suit with a black tie or the traditional formal attire of their country if it incorporates mourning elements. These guidelines are communicated well in advance to all diplomatic missions and are considered a fundamental aspect of showing respect for the deceased pontiff.”

Indeed, footage and photographs from the funeral showed remarkable uniformity among the other attendees. French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, and dozens of other world leaders all wore black suits with black ties. Even leaders from nations with complex relationships with the Vatican carefully observed this protocol—President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Turkey and President Ebrahim Raisi of Iran both wore appropriately somber black attire despite representing predominantly Muslim nations with historical complications in their relationships with the Holy See.

Most notably, even leaders known for distinctive personal style choices or who represent nations with their own traditional formal wear made concessions to the somber dress code. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, often seen in his signature colorful attire, wore a simple black suit and tie, while Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman appeared in a black version of the traditional thobe rather than the typical white. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, known for his sometimes playful approach to diplomatic fashion, was dressed in a classically understated black suit with a black tie.

Trump’s decision to wear blue instead of black was not only visually prominent but particularly noteworthy given both his previous career in business where dress codes and etiquette would have been emphasized, and his familiarity with appropriate attire for solemn occasions during his first administration. The President’s typical preference for dark suits with bright red or blue ties at standard diplomatic functions is well-documented, but diplomatic experts noted that funerals traditionally call for specific modifications to standard formal wear.

“There’s a universal diplomatic language communicated through attire, and wearing black to a funeral transcends cultural differences—it’s perhaps the most widely recognized protocol in international relations,” observed Ambassador Capricia Penavic Marshall, who served as Chief of Protocol of the United States during the Obama administration and authored the book “Protocol: The Power of Diplomacy.” “When a leader chooses not to observe this basic protocol, especially when all other leaders have, it doesn’t go unnoticed and can be interpreted, fairly or not, as a deliberate statement.”

The visual impact of Trump’s blue suit amid the sea of black attire quickly generated intense reaction across traditional and social media platforms. Within hours of the first funeral images being broadcast, “Trump Blue Suit” was trending on multiple social media platforms, with commentators ranging from diplomatic experts to ordinary citizens weighing in on the protocol breach.

Social media users were particularly quick and pointed in criticizing what many viewed as a significant breach of funeral etiquette and diplomatic protocol:

“Trump is literally the only world leader without the basic respect to wear black at Pope Francis’ funeral. He’s a disgrace to America and the world. God bless Pope Francis,” wrote one Twitter user in a post that received over 25,000 reshares within hours.

Another user commented with evident frustration: “What is it with Trump that he did not even have the decency to wear a black tie, never mind he wore a bright blue suit. This is a FUNERAL for one of the most significant religious leaders in the world, not a campaign rally or business meeting. Basic respect seems impossible.”

A third viral post added: “Look at our tone deaf, self-absorbed President Trump wearing blue at Pope Francis’ funeral while EVERY other world leader wore appropriate black attire. Not a day goes by that this makeup-covered moron doesn’t embarrass us on the world stage. This isn’t about politics—it’s about basic human decency and respect.”

The criticism extended beyond social media to traditional news outlets, with commentators across the political spectrum noting the departure from funeral protocol. Conservative columnist George Will remarked on Fox News that “regardless of one’s politics, certain occasions call for observing basic traditions of respect,” while progressive MSNBC host Rachel Maddow devoted a segment to examining the “visual diplomatic message, intentional or not” sent by the President’s attire choice.

Some defenders of the President suggested on social media and conservative news outlets that the blue suit might have been an unintentional oversight or that the dark navy might have been intended as a suitably somber alternative to black. However, protocol experts quickly pointed out that the advance diplomatic communications regarding the funeral would have explicitly addressed appropriate attire, and that the distinction between navy and black in funeral contexts is well-established in diplomatic and social etiquette.

Complex Diplomatic Signals: Experts Analyze the Mixed Messages of Positioning and Protocol
Diplomatic scholars, former ambassadors, and international relations experts from leading institutions around the world have begun offering substantive analysis of the day’s events, suggesting that both the unexpected seating arrangement and the President’s unconventional attire choice reflect the complex and often contradictory nature of international relations under the Trump administration—sending mixed diplomatic signals that experts are still working to fully interpret.

Dr. Elliot Franks, tenured professor of diplomatic studies at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service and author of the definitive scholarly text “Protocol as Power: Symbolic Communication in International Relations,” provided comprehensive context in an extensive interview with international correspondents: “In diplomatic circles, especially at events of this magnitude, both seating and attire are never merely logistical or aesthetic considerations—they function as sophisticated symbolic communications that convey messages about relationships between nations, respect for institutions, and adherence to international norms.”

“A front-row seat at an event like a papal funeral can suggest prominence and mutual respect between nations and institutions,” Dr. Franks explained, drawing on historical examples from his three decades studying diplomatic symbolism. “These placements are noticed and analyzed not just by the public but by diplomatic professionals who understand their significance. Similarly, dress code adherence is not trivial—it demonstrates cultural sensitivity, respect for traditions, and willingness to temporarily subordinate personal preferences to collective norms during moments of historical significance.”

Dr. Franks further elaborated that the combination of these two elements creates a particularly interesting diplomatic case study: “The juxtaposition we’ve witnessed today—securing an unexpectedly privileged seating position while simultaneously breaking with fundamental dress code traditions—sends a fascinatingly mixed diplomatic message that’s characteristically complex. It suggests both a desire for prominence and a reluctance to fully conform to established protocols, capturing a tension that has defined much of the current administration’s approach to international engagement.”

Ambassador James Melville, who served as a U.S. diplomat for 33 years including as Ambassador to Estonia before retiring in 2018, offered his professional assessment based on extensive experience with diplomatic protocol: “What makes today’s situation particularly unusual from a diplomatic perspective is the contrast between achieving what appears to be a protocol victory in seating while simultaneously committing what would normally be considered a significant protocol misstep in attire. In my decades representing the United States at high-level events, including funerals of heads of state, the guidance on appropriate mourning attire was always explicitly clear and considered non-negotiable.”

The diplomatic implications extend beyond mere appearance, according to Dr. Sophia Chen, Director of the Institute for Diplomatic Practice at the London School of Economics: “These symbolic choices—both the achievement of prominent placement and the deviation from universal mourning attire—will be meticulously analyzed by diplomatic corps around the world. They contribute to an overall perception of how the United States views itself in relation to global institutions, traditions, and norms. Every embassy worldwide will be sending analysis cables to their foreign ministries interpreting these signals.”

Several experts noted that the Vatican itself represents a unique diplomatic environment where such signals carry particular weight. “The Holy See isn’t just another diplomatic posting—it’s the oldest continuing diplomatic institution in the world, with traditions dating back centuries,” explained Professor Victoria Hartford, specialist in Vatican diplomacy at Catholic University of America. “Interactions with the Vatican are watched especially closely by the 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide and the 183 nations that maintain diplomatic relations with the Holy See. This makes both protocol achievements and deviations particularly significant on the world stage.”

Some analysts have suggested that the mixed messaging—prominent placement combined with protocol deviation—might reflect competing influences within the administration itself. “There’s a pattern we’ve observed where traditional diplomatic professionals within the State Department work to secure appropriate positioning and engagement for the President, while the President himself may make spontaneous decisions that don’t always align with their careful preparations,” noted Richard Haass, President Emeritus of the Council on Foreign Relations, speaking on CNN’s international affairs program.

Former White House Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci offered a different perspective, suggesting the combination might be strategic rather than contradictory: “President Trump has always had an acute understanding of visual communications and how to stand out in any setting. Being the only world leader in blue amid a sea of black, while also securing front-row positioning, ensures maximum visibility and distinctiveness—which has always been central to his approach in both business and politics.”

Whether strategic or unintentional, the diplomatic impact of today’s visual and protocol elements will likely continue to reverberate in international relations. “These moments matter because they become reference points in diplomatic memory,” concluded Ambassador Melville. “They contribute to overall perceptions of how nations view their relationships with international institutions and with established diplomatic traditions that have evolved over centuries to facilitate respectful engagement across cultural and political differences.”

The Vatican’s Strategic Silence: Analyzing the Holy See’s Non-Response
The Vatican has maintained its characteristic diplomatic discipline by not officially commenting on either the final seating arrangements or President Trump’s striking departure from funeral attire protocol. This institutional silence aligns with centuries of Holy See diplomatic practice, particularly during solemn religious occasions where public friction with world leaders is studiously avoided regardless of private concerns.

Vatican expert John Allen Jr., who has covered the Holy See for over three decades and authored 11 books on Vatican affairs, explained this approach in historical context: “The Vatican’s diplomatic corps, which predates the modern nation-state system, has perfected the art of strategic silence. During sacred liturgies, especially funerals, the Holy See typically maintains absolute focus on the spiritual dimension of the event rather than becoming entangled in potentially divisive protocol discussions, regardless of how unusual the circumstances might be.”

This disciplined non-response reflects what Vatican scholars refer to as the “centennial perspective”—the Holy See’s tendency to evaluate events within the context of centuries rather than news cycles, allowing short-term controversies to pass without official engagement while preserving relationships that span generations.

“The Vatican deals with civilizations and epochs, not just administrations or individual leaders,” noted Monsignor Lorenzo Baldisseri, former Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops, in a 2019 lecture on Holy See diplomacy. “This produces a distinctive diplomatic style characterized by patience, discretion, and an unwillingness to be drawn into temporary controversies that would distract from the Church’s eternal mission.”

However, this public silence does not indicate a lack of private reaction or discussion. Multiple sources close to Vatican protocol officials, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of diplomatic communications, have provided insight into the behind-the-scenes response. According to these sources, there was significant but contained discussion among Vatican diplomatic staff about the appropriate response to the President’s attire, with several options considered.

“There was definite surprise when the President appeared in blue rather than traditional mourning attire,” revealed one Vatican insider with direct knowledge of the day’s events. “Several senior prelates noted it immediately, and there was consultation about whether some subtle intervention might be appropriate—perhaps offering a black tie through diplomatic channels or making a discreet suggestion through the U.S. ecclesiastical delegation.”

Ultimately, according to three separate sources familiar with the discussions, the decision was made at a senior level to proceed without any intervention or comment. “The determination was that any action might create a secondary story that would detract from the solemnity of the occasion and the focus on Pope Francis’ legacy,” explained one source with direct knowledge of the decision-making process. “The priority was maintaining the dignity of the funeral proceedings and the spiritual atmosphere, even if that meant accepting what many internally viewed as a significant departure from expected protocol.”

This response aligns with what diplomatic historian Dr. Margaret O’Sullivan describes as “the Vatican’s hierarchical approach to diplomatic priorities”—a framework in which spiritual and ceremonial integrity takes precedence over protocol enforcement, particularly during sacred liturgies.

Vatican watchers noted that Pope Francis himself, known for his emphasis on mercy over rigidity and his oft-quoted rhetorical question “Who am I to judge?”, would likely have approved of this gracious approach that prioritized inclusion over protocol enforcement. Throughout his papacy, Francis frequently emphasized that the Church should function as a “field hospital” welcoming all rather than as a rigid enforcer of rules—a perspective that seems to have informed the diplomatic response to today’s unusual situation.

While official Vatican channels maintained complete silence on the matter, some Catholic commentators associated with the Church but not speaking in official capacities have been more forthcoming. Father James Martin, SJ, editor of America Magazine and a consultant to the Vatican’s Dicastery for Communication, noted on his personal social media: “In Catholic tradition, we’re taught that funeral masses are ultimately about God’s mercy rather than human judgment. Perhaps there’s some appropriate symbolism in focusing on the spiritual purpose of today’s liturgy rather than on protocols, however traditional they may be.”

Whether this diplomatic restraint will continue in the aftermath of the funeral remains to be seen. Typically, the Vatican’s diplomatic communications follow carefully calibrated timelines, with direct private communications preceding any public statements. Several diplomatic experts suggested that while public criticism remains highly unlikely, it would not be unprecedented for subtle messages about protocol expectations to be communicated through diplomatic channels in the days following such a high-profile deviation from traditional practice.

Historical Context: Funeral Diplomacy Through the Ages
Today’s events at Pope Francis’ funeral add another chapter to the long and fascinating history of what diplomatic historians call “funeral diplomacy”—the complex interplay of protocol, symbolism, and international relations that often unfolds at high-profile memorial services for world leaders and religious figures. Throughout modern history, these solemn occasions have frequently served as unexpected diplomatic stages where seating arrangements, interactions, and even attire choices have carried significant international implications that sometimes echo for decades.

This is far from the first time that funeral seating arrangements and diplomatic behavior at memorial services have created ripples across the international community. The phenomenon has been documented across continents and political systems, with several particularly notable examples standing out in diplomatic archives and scholarly analysis.

At the funeral of former South African President Nelson Mandela in December 2013, then-President Barack Obama’s unexpected handshake with Cuban leader Raul Castro captured global attention and made front-page

Pope Francis’ Legacy
Lost somewhat in the controversy is the significance of Pope Francis’ own legacy. As the first Jesuit pope and the first from the Americas, Francis was known for his humility and his focus on issues of social justice, environmental stewardship, and interfaith dialogue.

Many observers have noted the irony that a pope who consistently eschewed pomp and circumstance in favor of simplicity would have his funeral become a stage for status-conscious positioning among world leaders.

“Pope Francis would likely have found the whole discussion about seating arrangements contrary to his message of humility and service,” noted Vatican expert Marco Politi. “He consistently prioritized the marginalized over the powerful, sitting with refugees and prisoners rather than kings and presidents.”

During Pope Francis’ funeral, Melania Trump was seen subtly guiding her husband, Donald Trump, on proper etiquette.

As world leaders gathered in Vatican City to pay respects, a lip-reading expert claimed Melania told Trump, “You should go do it,” referring to the handshake tradition during the “sign of peace.” Trump reportedly replied, “Oh, alright,” before shaking hands with leaders like Emmanuel Macron and Alexander Stubb.

Despite criticism over wearing a blue suit instead of black, Trump used the event to push diplomatic goals, hinting at progress in talks between Russia and Ukraine. His earlier remarks about trade deals also drew backlash, with some calling his tone disrespectful.

Still, his decision to engage during the ceremony marked a rare moment of diplomacy.

On the outskirts of the city, in a quiet and peaceful place, there was a small establishment called “Corner.” This place did not strive for popularity among the fashionable crowd but mainly attracted locals with its homely atmosphere. For the third year, Alina had been working there.

On the eve of a new workday, the young woman was methodically wiping the tables, lost in anxious thoughts about the upcoming rent payments. Her financial situation had grown increasingly difficult ever since her mother passed away. She had to take on extra work hours, and the long-cherished dream of obtaining a higher education had gradually faded away.

— Alina, wake up! The guests will be arriving soon, — came the voice of Zina, the experienced, elderly cook.

Startled, Alina hurried off to the kitchen. Strict but fair, Zina always treated her warmly, feeding her during lunches and occasionally giving her some baked goods.

— Coming, Zina Petrovna! — Alina replied, straightening her apron.

The day passed slowly: guests arrived and left the café, and she continued to perform her duties — taking orders, engaging cordially with clients, and serving food. By the end of the day, her legs reminded her of the long hours of work.

When there was little time left before closing, the door creaked open, and a man in an impeccable suit entered. His expensive accessories, especially his watch, spoke of significant wealth. He chose a seat by the window, pulled out his phone, and began typing something quickly.

Approaching with a notepad, Alina politely inquired about his order. The man looked up, and something like surprise flashed in his eyes, as if he recognized someone from his past.

— Bring me a double espresso, — he said, continuing to scrutinize the young woman intently.

This somewhat embarrassed her. She hurriedly jotted down the order, still feeling his persistent gaze upon her.

When it came time to settle the bill, Alina noticed a large banknote tucked under the receipt — she had never received such generous tips before. When she tried to return the money, she heard only a soft phrase: “Keep it, you deserve it.”

The following days repeated monotonously: the man came in, ordered coffee, and left generous tips. Zina Petrovna, noticing yet another gift of fate, asked with concern, “What does that gentleman want from you?”

— I have no idea, — Alina shrugged. — He just comes in, drinks coffee, and leaves money.

— Be careful, girl, — warned the cook. — Rich men don’t throw around their generosity like that.

Indeed, the man made no attempts to initiate conversation or show any ill intent. He simply came, observed, and left generous sums.

One evening, he left an amount equal to Alina’s monthly earnings. Unable to contain herself, she chased him down in the parking lot.

— Wait! — she exclaimed, holding the money in her hands. — What does all this mean?

The man turned, and in the light of the streetlamps, his face appeared weary.

— My name is Pavel Andreevich, — he said after a pause. — Let’s meet tomorrow at the café “Melody.” There, I will explain everything.

https://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/pagead/ads?gdpr=0&client=ca-pub-2784012275087167&output=html&h=280&slotname=6061028273&adk=2699223282&adf=775149692&pi=t.ma~as.6061028273&w=640&abgtt=11&fwrn=4&fwrnh=100&lmt=1745786295&rafmt=1&format=640×280&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftimelesslife.info%2Fpoor-waitress-received-huge-tips-from-a-man-but-later-learned-why-he-did-it%3Ffbclid%3DIwY2xjawJ7dPxleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETExTURtYlRrZkh3MVhKZjRFAR63Z3cniCBK9Xu6b-p_Z8xBC9Dtv7OxRnyMfUmxC_oBWtcP5N3FNHaTSlsRag_aem_EMao2uu3Nfo0nWBJXbbGnw&fwr=0&fwrattr=true&rpe=1&resp_fmts=3&wgl=1&uach=WyJtYWNPUyIsIjE0LjIuMSIsImFybSIsIiIsIjEzNS4wLjcwNDkuODUiLG51bGwsMCxudWxsLCI2NCIsW1siR29vZ2xlIENocm9tZSIsIjEzNS4wLjcwNDkuODUiXSxbIk5vdC1BLkJyYW5kIiwiOC4wLjAuMCJdLFsiQ2hyb21pdW0iLCIxMzUuMC43MDQ5Ljg1Il1dLDBd&dt=1745786286725&bpp=1&bdt=179&idt=139&shv=r20250423&mjsv=m202504220101&ptt=9&saldr=aa&abxe=1&cookie=ID%3D341434c255116812%3AT%3D1723152493%3ART%3D1745786008%3AS%3DALNI_MYMryZMRYziJ42MWxiGyWsEFTT30w&gpic=UID%3D00000e8bf6393b74%3AT%3D1723152493%3ART%3D1745786008%3AS%3DALNI_Mb2T1jm6MUyUeKjr_iGtbvOxCIR3A&eo_id_str=ID%3D29cafd1310be0658%3AT%3D1738959778%3ART%3D1745786008%3AS%3DAA-AfjYFvgAh9iPqzl-n-HKPKN1L&prev_fmts=0x0%2C640x280%2C339x280%2C339x280%2C300x600%2C300x600&nras=5&correlator=4117975567094&frm=20&pv=2&u_tz=120&u_his=2&u_h=900&u_w=1440&u_ah=797&u_aw=1440&u_cd=30&u_sd=2&dmc=8&adx=231&ady=4587&biw=1440&bih=671&scr_x=0&scr_y=1920&eid=95358862%2C95358864%2C42531705%2C95354564%2C95358975%2C95359237%2C95344787%2C95359121&oid=2&pvsid=5490991251643801&tmod=1049318567&uas=3&nvt=1&ref=https%3A%2F%2Fmt.timelesslife.info%2F&fc=1920&brdim=0%2C25%2C0%2C25%2C1440%2C25%2C1440%2C792%2C1440%2C671&vis=1&rsz=%7C%7CeEbr%7C&abl=CS&pfx=0&fu=128&bc=31&bz=1&td=1&tdf=2&psd=W251bGwsbnVsbCxudWxsLDNd&nt=1&pgls=CAEaBTYuNy4x&ifi=3&uci=a!3&btvi=5&fsb=1&dtd=8490

— Why? — Alina asked in surprise.

— I will tell you tomorrow, — he replied, opening his car. — After work. It’s important for both of us.

That night she spent without sleep, pondering the possible reasons for such generosity. In the morning, she called her friend and told her about the strange man and the upcoming meeting.

— Are you out of your mind? — her friend cried in alarm. — What if he’s a dangerous person?

— In such a suit? — Alina smirked.

— Even worse! — countered her friend. — Send me his address, send me his photo, and call every half hour!

After work, Alina headed to “Melody,” where Pavel Andreevich was already waiting for her at a table in the corner.

— Hello, — she began as she sat down opposite him. — Enough with the riddles. Explain.

Pavel Andreevich sighed, his hands noticeably trembling.

— I’ll get straight to the point… I am your father, Alina.

The young woman was speechless. She had always believed that her father had abandoned them and never looked back.

— This can’t be, — she finally whispered.

— Your mother — Natalia Sergeyevna? — he asked. — She worked as a nurse in a hospital?

Alina nodded.

— Why? — she managed to choke out. — Why did you leave us?

— I was young, foolish, and made mistakes, — admitted the man. — I was offered a career in another city. I thought I would provide for you with money… then I met another woman.

Tears streamed down Alina’s cheeks. She had always wanted to meet her father, to ask him a thousand questions, but now she couldn’t find the right words.

— I tried to find you later, — Pavel Andreevich continued. — But you had moved somewhere, changed your number…

— My mother has been gone for two years now, — Alina said, wiping her tears. — She never told me anything about you.

Pavel Andreevich’s face reflected excruciating pain.

— Is there any way to redeem my guilt?

Alina only shook her head silently. So many moments were lost. Too much time had passed.…

— I just want to explain myself, — he continued, looking at his daughter with genuine remorse. — The story of our meeting is quite unexpected. One of my business partners lives near your café. It was he who mentioned you.

— And what did he say? — Alina wiped away a tear that had welled up.

— He said that a girl named Alina works there, who very much resembles your mother, — Pavel Andreevich paused. — When I saw you… you were an exact copy of Natasha.

Alina stared out the window. Outside, passersby hurried about their business, unaware of the storm of emotions raging inside her.

— I couldn’t find a way to approach you for a long time, — her father admitted. — So I simply observed. I left money, trying in some way to help.

— Time can’t be bought with money, — Alina almost whispered.

— I understand that, — Pavel Andreevich nodded. — But I need a chance. The past cannot be returned, but I can be here for you now.

Alina suddenly jumped up, causing her chair to creak. Several gazes from the other patrons turned in their direction.

— I need time to think, — she said shortly and hurried toward the exit.

At home, Alina wept for a long time. For years, she had harbored hatred for the unknown father. And now he stood before her, apologizing, and she didn’t know how to react.

The phone kept ringing day after day. Pavel Andreevich left messages that Alina mechanically deleted without even reading. She missed work, claiming illness.

Zinaida Petrovna, worried, stopped by her home with some homemade baked goods.

— Tell me what happened, — the cook gently asked as she sat on the edge of the sofa, stroking the girl’s hair.

Alina couldn’t hold back. All her words poured out in a torrent.

— What should I do now? — she asked, finishing her story.

— How do you feel about yourself? — Zinaida Petrovna studied her face intently.

— Anger, hurt, confusion, — Alina said, hugging her knees. — And a strange feeling, as if I had found something lost long ago.

— You know, — Zinaida Petrovna sighed, — life presents us with various trials. People make mistakes. Sometimes they realize it too late.

— Do you think he truly feels remorse? — Alina looked up.

— I’m not sure, — Zinaida Petrovna shook her head. — But the only way to know is to give him a chance.

After Zinaida Petrovna left, Alina sat by the window for a long time, gazing at the dark sky. The stars reminded her of her mother, who loved to watch them together.

The next morning, Alina picked up the phone. She dialed her father’s number.

— Let’s meet, — she said when Pavel Andreevich answered. — Today at six. In the park by the fountain.

Pavel Andreevich arrived half an hour before the scheduled time. Alina noticed him impatiently pacing around the fountain, straightening his tie, checking his watch.

— I have decided to give you a chance, — Alina said quietly as she approached unnoticed. — But that doesn’t mean I’ve forgiven you.

Her father’s face lit up with joy. He extended his hand, but then immediately lowered it, hesitant to embrace his daughter. They began a walk, slowly moving side by side and talking — for the first time in many years.

Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months. Pavel Andreevich showed Alina his world: business, corporate events, expensive cars.

— It’s incredible, — Alina remarked after one of the restaurant visits. — Yesterday I was a simple waitress, and today I’m here with you.

— It’s time we switched to a first-name basis, — her father said warmly with a smile.

Their relationship grew warmer. Pavel Andreevich shared stories of his life: how he built his business, his mistakes. Alina began to get used to the idea of having a father.

One day, Pavel Andreevich approached with a particularly solemn expression.

— I have a proposal, — he began, sitting next to Alina on the sofa. — I would like to pay for your university education.

Alina froze in surprise. This was her long-cherished dream, but to accept such a gift…

— No, I can’t, — she shook her head.

— Wait, listen, — Pavel Andreevich leaned in closer. — This isn’t an attempt to make up for my sins. It’s a desire to secure you the future I should have given you long ago.

Alina thought for a moment. His words were sincere.

— I’ll think about it, — she replied quietly.

A week later, Alina agreed. She chose the faculty of management. Pavel Andreevich paid for her education in full and even bought an apartment closer to the university.

Studying came easily. Alina quickly grasped the material. She began working at her father’s company: first as an assistant, then as a manager. Her cleverness and hard work were appreciated.

After several years, Alina sat in her father’s office discussing a new project. Pavel Andreevich looked at his daughter with pride.

— You know what I think? — he asked, leaning back in his chair. — You could become my deputy.

Alina raised her head in surprise.

— Really? — she asked.

— Very, — Pavel Andreevich nodded. — You’re talented. You have character. And you’re my daughter.

Alina looked out the window. Down below, people hurried about. Some were rushing to meetings, others were simply strolling. Everyone had their own story.

— I’m no longer that little girl, — Alina murmured quietly. — Not that waitress who counted every penny.

— You have grown stronger, — her father smiled.

— I still remember the pain, — Alina turned to him. — But I no longer live in the past.

Pavel Andreevich stood up and approached his daughter. He embraced her tightly.

— Thank you for giving me a chance, — he whispered.

— Thank you for not giving up, — she replied.

They stood by the window. Father and daughter, reunited by fate after a long separation. Ahead of them lay work. New projects. New challenges. They were building a future together. And that was more important than anything else.

Cloves are already well-known, although they are primarily utilized in sweets, particularly those with fruit. Banana and pumpkin sweets, for example, invariably include a tinge of clove.

However, it is used around the world to season far more than just sweets. Cloves can be used to flavor preserves, sauces (pure or tucked into an onion with a bay leaf), vegetables, cheeses, rice, and even meats.

But, in addition to adding taste to your recipes, cloves have a number of health benefits. After all, it’s not surprising that they’ve been used medicinally for thousands of years.

1. Clove promotes bl00d circulation.

The oil derived from cloves improves blood flow, which benefits the whole body. Furthermore, by aiding in blood purification, your skin will receive more nourishment and your immune system will be better prepared.

2. Clove is a natural pain reliever and antiseptic.

Eugenol, a natural antibacterial contained in cloves, helps erase acne scars, regulate skin health, and prevent the appearance of wrinkles. Clove tea can also help with headaches, menstrual cramps, fevers, toothaches, and sore throats.

3. Clove benefits the digestive tract.

Clove stimulates the secretion of gastrointestinal enzymes, improving digestion and alleviating indigestion, constipation, nausea, and stomach discomfort. It also boosts metabolism, resulting in faster fat burning, making it a natural weight loss tool.

4. Cloves are antioxidants.

Clove is a powerful antioxidant that combats free radicals and helps prevent skin damage. It has an incredible ability to produce hydrogen and prevent lipid peroxidation, which is the breakdown of polyunsaturated fats that are damaging to our bodies.

5. Clove is an oral antiseptic.

Clove compounds are already used in toothpastes to combat bacteria in the mouth and stomach. Thus, eating cloves can help you get rid of bad breath, prevent cavities, and relieve tooth and gum discomfort.

6. Clove benefits the thyroid and regulates cholesterol.

Clove benefits persons with hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism and prevents similar dysfunctions. It also aids in the management of high blood cholesterol.

7. Cloves are anti-inflammatory.

Cloves contain eugenol, which has anti-inflammatory effects. As a result, eating cloves can help minimize the symptoms of inflammation.

Ingredients:

• 5 to 7 whole cloves
• 1 cup (about 250ml) of water

Instructions:

• Take 5-7 cloves and rinse them gently.
• Boil the water and add the cloves.
• Let it simmer on low heat for 5–7 minutes.
• Turn off the heat, cover it, and let it steep for another 10 minutes.
• Strain and drink warm — preferably in the morning on an empty stomach.

Sometimes people do things that are so daring, kind, or unexpected that they feel like they came straight out of a movie. These aren’t instances of fame or large crowds, but of ordinary people making difficult decisions, stepping up quietly, or improving someone’s life when it counted the most. We selected a few actual examples in which someone’s deeds were so compelling that they remained in someone’s memory indefinitely.

Story 1: 

I was with my boyfriend when a woman came and pressed a sanitary pad into my hand. She said, “You need this.” I wasn’t on my period—I checked in the toilet. Something felt off. When I opened the pad, in shaky red ink and frantic writing, were two words: “Google him.”

At first, I didn’t understand. The only person with me was my boyfriend, someone I had only been dating for two weeks. Still, curiosity got the better of me. I took out my phone and searched his name, not expecting much. What I found left me stunned.

Turns out, my boyfriend is actually famous on TikTok. His videos go viral. He has this “experiment” where he dates or befriends people for a month, then shares his experiences online like some kind of social project.

My world collapsed. I thought I had finally found the one, only to realize I was just content for his next post. I left him there at the airport without saying a word.
I never saw that stranger again, but I thank her with all my heart. She saved me before I fell even deeper.

Story 2: 

I was 18 and had just moved to NYC by myself, trying to adjust to the lifestyle there (having come from a small town in the South). It was my first time using the train, and I had no idea how to buy a MetroCard.

So I’m standing there at the only working machine, with a line of people behind me, trying to buy a card. I was a little frantic because I knew people were waiting. People in the line started yelling at me to “Hurry up!” I started to get teary-eyed, which made me even more frantic.

Then, this guy stepped out of the line and told everyone to chill out. He came up, showed me step by step what to do, and paid for a 12-ride card for me. He patted me on the back and told me, “Next time someone yells at you, yell back, and they’ll leave you alone.”

At that moment, I didn’t feel so alone. Without his kindness and guidance, I probably wouldn’t have stayed up there and had all the great experiences I did. © Wiffle_Sn*** / Reddit

Story 3: 

Story 4: 

I was late three days in a row, right in the middle of probation. I thought I was going to be fired. What I didn’t know is my coworker Jake had told HR I was helping him deal with a “family emergency” and vouched that I was working late hours off the books. It wasn’t true — he just knew I was struggling to keep it together after a breakup.
HR let it slide. I got promoted six months later. He never mentioned it until years after we both left the company.

Story 5: 

I was having a full-blown panic atta.ck in the middle of the street. I had just lost my job and hadn’t told anyone. Out of nowhere, a woman came up to me, grabbed my hand, and said, “There you are! I’ve been looking for you.”

She whispered, “You okay?” and kept holding my hand. She walked me outside and sat with me until I could breathe. Then she said, “Happened to me once. Pay it forward,” and left. I never saw her again.

Story 6: 

Story 7: 

My first wife abandoned us when my son was an infant. It was rough, but I survived.
One evening I was at dinner with some friends. I had to change the baby; there was no table in the men’s room. I asked a lady leaving the ladies room if it was empty, and she checked for me, gave me the okay. While I was trying to get my diaper bag sorted, she came up and offered to change him.

I told her I had it, but she insisted, and put her arm around me. Apparently, I’d been holding in a breakdown the whole time, and she saw right through it. I cried for a minute while a total stranger changed my infant son, thanked her profusely, and went back to dinner with my friends carrying a little less weight on my shoulders. © PrintError / Reddit

Story 8: 

Flying home after Basic Training to spend Christmas with my family, I found out the flight was overbooked and there was only one seat left. The couple in front of me were debating which of them should take it.

The guy said, “You should take it, it’s your family. I’ll catch a later flight.” Then the woman looked back, saw me, and asked where I was headed. I mentioned I was going home to see my pregnant wife and my family. She then told the woman at the counter that I should get the last seat.

It ended up being the last Christmas with my dad, and my whole family wasn’t devastated. © jackfaire / Reddit

Story 9: 

Story 10: 

Senior year, my mom had a str0ke and I completely fell apart. Missed half a semester. I was ready to drop out.

One day, my thesis advisor called me into his office and handed me a binder. It was a “joint project” he said we had been working on — only, I hadn’t done any of it.
He did the research, wrote most of it, and left the last few pages blank. “Just fill this in,” he said. “They’ll pass you.”

I graduated on time. Still can’t talk about it without crying.

Story 11: 

Story 12: 

When I was 15 or 16, my parents dropped me off at the mall to meet up with my girlfriend. We had a small argument, and she dumped me on the spot, literally running into the arms of some guy she knew—right in front of me.

I was emotionally wrecked and called my parents no less than 30 times, but I got no answer. I was about to start walking the 8 miles back home when a kid in the grade above me came up and asked what was wrong. He drove me home and made me feel like my life wasn’t over. Thank you, Brian. © clappedhams / Reddit

President Donald Trump on Friday authorized the U.S. military to take control of public lands along the southern border with Mexico, according to multiple reports.

“Our southern border is under attack from a variety of threats,” Trump wrote in a National Security Presidential Memorandum released by the White House. “The complexity of the current situation requires that our military take a more direct role in securing our southern border than in the recent past.”

The memo builds on Trump’s declaration of a national emergency at the southern border on Inauguration Day. The declaration ordered a report within 90 days from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem “about the conditions at the southern border of the United States and any recommendations regarding additional actions that may be necessary to obtain complete operational control of the southern border, including whether to invoke the Insurrection Act of 1807.”

Trump’s memo authorizes the Pentagon to exert jurisdiction on federal lands, including the Roosevelt Reservation along the southern borders of California, Arizona, and New Mexico. It does, however, exclude federal Native American reservations “that are reasonably necessary to enable military activities … including border-barrier construction and emplacement of detection and monitoring equipment.”

The order also provides for the “transfer and acceptance of jurisdiction over such Federal lands in accordance with applicable law to enable military activities … to occur on a military installation under the jurisdiction of the Department of Defense and for the designation of such Federal lands as National Defense Areas by the Secretary of Defense.”

It authorizes Hegseth to “determine those military activities that are reasonably necessary and appropriate to accomplish the mission assigned” in Trump’s Inauguration Day executive order titled “Clarifying the Military’s Role in Protecting the Territorial Integrity of the United States.”

In conducting activities outlined in the presidential memo, “members of the Armed Forces will follow rules for the use of force prescribed by” Hegseth

The memo orders Hegseth, Noem, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins to “initially implement this memorandum on a limited sector of Federal lands designated” by the Defense secretary.

Within 45 days, Hegseth “shall assess this initial phase” and at any time can “extend activities … to additional Federal lands along the southern border in coordination Noem, Stephen Miller, Trump’s Homeland Security adviser, “and other executive departments and agencies as appropriate,” the memo adds.

Following Trump’s Inauguration Day emergency declaration, the Pentagon reportedly deployed an additional 1,500 troops to reinforce the 2,500 already stationed at the southern border during the Biden administration. Further steps soon followed, including the transfer of the 10th Mountain Division headquarters—along with its commanding officer, Maj. Gen. Scott Naumann—from Fort Drum in New York to Fort Huachuca in southeastern Arizona to lead the mission.

Naumann now oversees approximately 6,600 troops under the banner of Joint Task Force Southern Border, Newsmax reported.

For now, the role of active-duty military personnel at the southern border remains primarily supportive, assisting Customs and Border Protection with surveillance and detection, The Washington Post reported Friday. Under the 1878 Posse Comitatus Act, active-duty troops are generally prohibited from engaging in direct law enforcement activities, including detaining illegal immigrants, except in limited circumstances.

The memo comes as illegal border crossings have sharply declined since the beginning of President Trump’s second term. In March, Customs and Border Protection recorded 7,180 crossings at the southern border—down from a monthly average of 155,000 over the previous four years.

Daily apprehensions have also dropped to about 230, representing a 95% decrease from the Biden administration’s average of 5,100 per day.

A federal judge on Friday dismissed a lawsuit brought by churches challenging the Trump administration’s new policy permitting immigration officers to make arrests near churches, ruling that the religious groups failed to demonstrate sufficient harm to justify legal action.

A man suspected of stealing Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s purse has reportedly been arrested, according to the U.S. attorney in Washington, D.C.

What’s more, reports say that the male suspect who U.S. Attorney Ed Martin has not officially identified is in the country illegally, the New York Post reported, adding that a second migrant suspect is still at large.

The suspects stole “Noem’s pricey Gucci bag containing $3,000 in cash and other personal items,” The Post said.

Noem, 53, was on an Easter outing with her family at The Capital Burger in Washington, D.C., on April 20 when a masked thief stole her luxury shoulder bag, which also contained her driver’s license, passport, DHS badge, and apartment keys.

The suspect was arrested by DC Metro Police and the Secret Service, sources told The Post.

The suspect, believed to be part of a large East Coast robbery crew, is expected to appear in court early next week as law enforcement searches for his accomplice. Officials are also seeking a second suspect, who is reportedly an illegal immigrant as well.

Martin told a news outlet that there is no indication that Noem was targeted because of who she is.

“There is no indication it was because of that,” Martin told NBC News.

“It was frankly, it was a nice-looking purse. This was not an amateur. This was a person, a thief, that knew how to do this. You could see how he scouted the room out,” Martin added.

The bag—retail­ing for $4,400 according to the label’s website—was lying on the ground beside the former South Dakota governor’s table when it was taken, per a police complaint. Inside was a Louis Vuitton Clemence pouch, valued at $600.

Security footage shows a white man wearing an N95 mask, dark pants, a fur-collared jacket, and a ball cap lifting the DHS official’s bag before leaving the restaurant about a mile from the White House.

While the DC U.S. Attorney’s Office has yet to identify the suspect in custody, Blaze Media correspondent Julio Rojas reported on X that “a law enforcement source” in the nation’s capital told him the alleged thief is Mario Bustamante Leiva, a Chilean national who was previously arrested for similar criminal activity in London in 2015.

Conservative Brief could not confirm if the suspect currently in custody is Bustamante Leiva, however.

The Post noted that the suspect was seen looking around the restaurant before taking Noem’s bag, covering it with his jacket, and quickly leaving the premises, according to sources who described surveillance video.

“It was kind of shocking, actually, because it was sitting right by my feet. I actually felt my purse — he hooked with his foot and drug it a few steps away and dropped a coat over it and took it,” Noem, who oversees the Secret Service, US Customs and Border Protection and the Coast Guard, told podcaster Vince Coglianese.

“I thought it was my grandkids kicking me in the legs, but it was very professionally done,” she added. “It tells me that this happens all the time to people, and that they live in communities where this is a danger and it reaffirms why I’m here.”

The Secret Service secures the secretary, similar to the president and other high-ranking officials. It is unclear whether the detail was present inside the restaurant during the robbery.

Martin assured that the alleged robbers will never enter the country again now that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is involved in the case.