Critical minerals: the new arena of U.S.–China competition
The U.S. and China are locked in a growing struggle over critical minerals, the materials that power everything from electric vehicles and microchips ...
First Lady of the United States Melania Trump has unveiled the 2025 White House Christmas decorations under the theme “Home Is Where The Heart Is”. Around 1,500 volunteers helped Mrs. Trump deck the halls of the Presidential Residence with kilometres of ribbon and thousands of ornaments.
The White House is accessorised by 75 of Mrs. Trump’s signature wreaths with red bows, more than 50 Christmas trees, around 213 metres of garland, approximately 7.6 kilometres of ribbon, and 10,000 butterflies according to the statement.
Introducing the theme, the First Lady reflected that “the constant movement has taught me that home is not merely a physical space.”
“Rather, it is the warmth and comfort I carry within, regardless of my surroundings,” she added.
The First Lady says she urges the nation to “celebrate the love we hold within ourselves and share it with the world around us” this Christmas.
“After all, wherever we are, we can create a home filled with grace, radiance, and endless possibilities,” she concluded.
In a White House press release, it says the decorations adorning the Executive Mansion also emphasise transformation, tradition, and the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States with patriotic red, white and blue displays in the East Room.
At the centre of this year’s design is “Fostering the Future Red Room”, dedicated to the themes of belonging, resilience, and national character according to the White House.
The state parlour is illuminated with blue butterflies which the White House says symbolises “transformation and renewal,” reflecting the First Lady’s ongoing advocacy for the foster-care community, a cause she has supported since 2021.
The Blue Room’s official Christmas tree— an about 5.5-metre (18-foot) white fir—honours Gold Star Families, the immediate families of U.S. service members who lost their lives in the line of duty.
The ornaments on the tree represent every U.S. state and territory.
Two presidential portraits reside in the Green Room — one of George Washington, Founding Father and the first president of the United States, and one of the current President, Donald Trump. Both portraits are made up of 6,000 Lego pieces.
This year’s gingerbread house—made from more than 54 kilogrammes (120 pounds) of gingerbread—depicts the South Portico and a view of the Yellow Oval Room.
Renowned designer Hervé Pierre oversaw the décor and produced a limited-edition tour booklet capturing the holiday theme.
It is the second time Melania Trump has taken charge of the White House holiday decorations. She last did so in 2016, during President Trump’s first presidential term.
Rivers and reservoirs across Spain and Portugal were on the verge of overflowing on Wednesday as a new weather front pounded the Iberian peninsula, compounding damage from last week's Storm Kristin.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) unveiled a new underground ballistic missile base on Wednesday (4 February), just over a day before the start of mediated nuclear negotiations with the United States, slated for Friday in Oman.
Morocco has evacuated more than 100,000 people from four provinces after heavy rainfall triggered flash floods across several northern regions, the Interior Ministry said on Wednesday.
A second group of Palestinians receiving medical treatment arrived in Egypt from Gaza via the Rafah border crossing on Tuesday (3 February).
The World Health Organization has added the Nipah virus to its list of the world’s top 10 priority diseases, alongside COVID-19 and the Zika virus, warning that its epidemic potential highlights the global risk posed by fast-spreading outbreaks.
A Rome church has painted over an angel that had been restored to resemble Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, after the image triggered political and clerical criticism.
A restored angel in a Rome basilica has prompted political scrutiny after reports that its face now resembles Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
Melania, the new documentary about the U.S. First Lady Melania Trump that premiered Thursday, is drawing sharply contrasting reactions. Professional critics have slammed the film, giving it a 8% on Rotten Tomatoes, while ordinary viewers have embraced it, with audience ratings currently at 99%.
Hundreds of torchbearers filled the streets of Lerwick as Up Helly Aa lit the Shetland night.
American rapper Ye, formerly Kanye West, has apologised for his past antisemitic remarks in a full-page Wall Street Journal ad, attributing his behaviour to an undiagnosed brain injury and bipolar disorder.
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