White House
Thousands join ‘No Kings’ rallies against Iran war, Trump across US, Europe
Large crowds rallied across the United States and parts of Europe on Saturday under the banner of “No Kings,” protesting the war in Iran and President Donald Trump’s policies, particularly on immigration.
Minnesota emerged as the focal point of the demonstrations, where thousands gathered at the State Capitol in St. Paul. The flagship rally featured musician Bruce Springsteen, who performed and addressed the crowd, praising public resistance to increased immigration enforcement.
Springsteen performed a song inspired by the fatal shootings of two individuals by federal agents and said the response from Minnesotans had given hope to others across the country.
Protests were reported in all 50 states, from major cities like New York to smaller towns in Idaho. Organisers said more than 3,100 events were registered nationwide, with millions expected to participate.
Most demonstrations remained peaceful, although clashes were reported in Los Angeles, where police used tear gas after protesters allegedly threw objects near a federal detention centre. Some arrests were also made.
Participants voiced a wide range of concerns, including the Iran conflict, immigration crackdowns, and civil rights issues. In Washington, demonstrators marched near the Lincoln Memorial chanting slogans and holding placards critical of the administration.
Republican officials dismissed the protests, with a White House spokesperson claiming they lacked broad public support.
Rallies were also held internationally, including in London, Rome and Paris, where hundreds gathered at the Bastille. Organisers said similar events took place in more than a dozen countries.
Speakers at the Minnesota rally included public figures, activists and politicians, all urging continued resistance and civic engagement. Organisers said the movement is drawing increasing participation beyond major urban centres, reflecting wider national momentum.
9 days ago
Melania Trump shares spotlight with humanoid robot at White House tech event
Melania Trump drew attention at a recent education and technology summit in Washington, but this time she shared the spotlight with a humanoid robot.
On Wednesday, the former first lady attended the final day of a global summit held in the White House East Room, organized under her “Fostering the Future Together” initiative. The event brought together international representatives to explore how education, innovation, and technologies like artificial intelligence can help empower children.
Melania Trump entered the venue walking alongside the robot, both moving slowly down a red carpet. Just before entering the East Room, she paused while the robot continued forward, circling a table of panelists before stopping at the center of the room.
After briefly scanning the audience, the robot introduced itself as “Figure 03,” a humanoid created in the United States. It expressed gratitude for being invited and highlighted its role in supporting efforts to advance children’s education through technology. The robot also greeted attendees in multiple languages before exiting the room the same way it had entered.
Melania Trump later thanked the robot, joking that it was her first American-made humanoid guest at the White House.
The robot, developed by California-based Figure AI, was unveiled in October 2025 as a third-generation model designed to assist with everyday household chores such as cleaning, laundry, and dishwashing.
Figure AI’s CEO, Brett Adcock, said he was proud to see the robot become the first of its kind to appear at the White House. The company is among several competitors—including Boston Dynamics, Tesla, and firms in China working to develop advanced human-like robots capable of performing practical tasks.
12 days ago
Pokémon criticises White House for using its imagery in political meme
The Pokémon Company International has criticised the White House for using its imagery, including the popular character Pikachu, in a political meme posted online with the slogan “Make America Great Again”.
The company said it had no involvement in the creation or distribution of the meme and had not given permission to use its intellectual property.
Pokémon spokeswoman Sravanthi Dev said,“We were not involved in its creation or distribution, and no permission was granted for the use of our intellectual property.”
She added that the company’s mission is to bring people together and that it is not linked to any political viewpoint or agenda.
This is not the first time the company has objected to the Trump administration’s use of its content. In September, Pokémon also criticised a video that used its theme song and the slogan “Gotta catch ’em all” while showing arrests made by US border patrol and immigration agents as part of the administration’s deportation campaign.
The latest meme appears to use an image from the recently released game Pokopia for Nintendo. The slogan was written in a font similar to the game’s style, with a small version of Pikachu appearing behind the letter “e” in the word “make”.
When asked about the criticism, the White House referred the BBC to a post on X by spokesman Kaelan Dorr.In the post, Dorr shared a 10-year-old Wall Street Journal article about former Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, who once referenced the mobile game Pokémon Go during the 2016 election campaign, saying she was trying to get supporters to “have Pokémon go to the polls”.
“Hey Mr Pikachu, big fan. Question for you – why no response to articles like this?” Dorr wrote on X, suggesting the company might have a political bias.
The Pokémon Company did not say whether it plans to take legal action over the use of its content.
During Donald Trump’s second term, the White House has frequently used popular internet memes on official social media accounts to promote its policies.
White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson earlier defended the approach, saying the administration was using engaging posts and memes to communicate the president’s agenda.
Recently, the White House also posted a video combining images from the war with Iran and scenes from the video game series Call of Duty.
Several artists and public figures have criticised the administration for using their content without permission. Comedian and podcaster Theo Von last year objected after the Department of Homeland Security used a clip of him in a video highlighting deportation numbers.
Von responded on X saying he did not approve the use of the clip and asked the agency to remove it.
Source: BBC
30 days ago
US looking at potential leaders for Iran: White House
The United States is reviewing potential candidates who could lead Iran, the White House said, a day after President Donald Trump suggested Washington should be involved in selecting the country’s next leader.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that US intelligence agencies and government officials were assessing possible figures who could take leadership in Iran, reports Al Jazeera.
“I know there’s a number of people that our intelligence agencies and the United States government are looking at, but I won’t get any further on that,” Leavitt said.
Her remarks came after Trump stated that the United States should play a role in determining Iran’s future leadership following the recent escalation of conflict in the region.
Leavitt also addressed Trump’s earlier statement that there would be no deal with Iran except “unconditional surrender.”
She said the president meant that Iran would effectively reach a state of unconditional surrender once it no longer posed a threat to the United States and once the objectives of the US military operation, named “Operation Epic Fury,” were fully achieved.
“When the president, as commander-in-chief of the US armed forces, determines that Iran no longer poses a threat to the United States of America and the goals of Operation Epic Fury have been fully realized, Iran will essentially be in a place of unconditional surrender, whether they say it themselves or not,” Leavitt added.
1 month ago
Netanyahu to press Trump to widen Iran nuclear talks during White House meeting
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to meet President Donald Trump at the White House on Wednesday, where he is expected to push for expanding ongoing talks with Iran beyond its nuclear program.
The meeting comes as Trump said he believes Tehran is willing to strike a deal. “We’ll see what happens. I think they want to make a deal,” Trump told Fox Business Network on Tuesday. “I think they’d be foolish if they didn’t. We took out their nuclear power last time, and we’ll have to see if we take out more this time.” He added, “It’s got to be a good deal. No nuclear weapons, no missiles.”
Netanyahu’s office said he wants any new agreement to also address Iran’s ballistic missile program and its backing of armed groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah.
“I will present to the president our outlook regarding the principles of these negotiations the essential principles which, in my opinion, are important not only to Israel, but to everyone around the world who wants peace and security in the Middle East,” Netanyahu said before leaving Israel.
The two sides recently held indirect talks in Oman and signaled cautious optimism. However, deep mistrust remains.
Trump’s world order looms over Europe ahead of crucial Munich security summit
Tensions are still high after last June’s 12-day war between Israel and Iran. A series of airstrikes, including U.S. attacks on Iranian nuclear sites, killed nearly 1,000 people in Iran and around 40 in Israel. Trump claimed at the time that Iran’s nuclear capabilities were “obliterated,” though the full extent of the damage remains unclear. Recent satellite images have shown renewed activity at some sites.
Israel has long demanded that Iran stop enriching uranium, curb its missile program and cut ties with regional militant groups. Iran has rejected those demands, saying it would only accept limits on its nuclear activities in exchange for relief from sanctions.
The U.S. has strengthened its military presence in the region, deploying an aircraft carrier and other assets. Meanwhile, countries including Turkey and Qatar have urged restraint, warning that further escalation could destabilize the Middle East.
The Gaza conflict is also expected to be discussed during the talks, as Washington weighs its broader diplomatic efforts in the region.
1 month ago
Trump blasts UN, presses Greenland control in rare White House briefing
President Donald Trump delivered a rare, nearly two-hour-long appearance at a White House press briefing on Tuesday, using the platform to highlight what he described as his administration’s achievements, criticise the United Nations and double down on his push for the United States to take control of Greenland, a move that has drawn sharp resistance from America’s European allies.
The extended briefing came on the anniversary of Trump’s inauguration and a day before he is scheduled to address global leaders, billionaires and policymakers at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. His trip comes at a time of rising tensions with NATO allies over his aggressive posture on Greenland and his threat to impose new retaliatory tariffs on several European countries.
During the wide-ranging and often meandering session with reporters, Trump leafed through a thick packet of documents that he said listed hundreds of accomplishments from his first year back in office. He claimed his administration had achieved more than any previous government in a similar period and said it would take more than a week to read through the full list.
At several points, Trump turned his focus to foreign policy, renewing his argument that the United States must take control of Greenland for national security reasons, citing concerns about growing strategic competition in the Arctic. While he struck a slightly more conciliatory tone near the end of the briefing, saying Washington and NATO would “work something out,” he repeated his view that U.S. control of the territory is necessary.
Trump also took aim at the United Nations, saying the global body has failed to live up to its potential and has been ineffective in resolving conflicts. He promoted his idea of a Trump-led “Board of Peace,” initially conceived as a small group of world leaders to oversee the Gaza ceasefire plan, but now envisioned as a broader body that could help mediate international disputes.
“The United Nations just hasn’t been very helpful,” Trump said, adding that while he believes the organisation should continue, his proposed board could one day play a major role in peacemaking efforts.
The president’s remarks come as European leaders have warned that his threats to impose new tariffs on countries backing Denmark over Greenland could trigger a major trade dispute and strain long-standing trans-Atlantic ties. France and several other EU members have already signalled they are prepared to respond if Washington moves ahead with punitive measures.
Trump said his speech in Davos on Wednesday would focus on what he called the “tremendous success” of his administration and would recap progress made over the past year. The White House has previously said his address would centre on his affordability agenda, particularly housing, in an effort to convince Americans that his policies can ease cost-of-living pressures.
Speaking to reporters, Trump said other countries needed to hear his views on energy and immigration and suggested that his leadership had brought stability in several conflict zones, a claim that has been disputed by critics and fact-checkers.
The marathon briefing, marked by frequent digressions and a mix of domestic and foreign policy topics, underscored Trump’s combative style and his willingness to use high-profile appearances to press his most controversial priorities.
With European leaders already gathered in Davos and Greenland expected to dominate the agenda, Trump’s appearance at the forum is likely to be closely watched for signs of whether he will seek to defuse tensions or continue his hardline approach.
2 months ago
Trump signs tax and spending cut bill at White House
President Donald Trump signed his new package of tax breaks and spending cuts into law on Friday during a Fourth of July picnic at the White House, marking a major legislative victory he hopes will define his second-term legacy.
The multitrillion-dollar legislation, which extends Trump’s 2017 tax cuts and imposes significant reductions to social programs, was signed in front of Republican lawmakers, Cabinet members, and supporters on the White House driveway.
House Speaker Mike Johnson presented Trump with the gavel used during the bill’s final passage, which Trump banged down after signing the measure.
The president had set the national holiday as his deadline for Congress to deliver the bill, which passed with near-unanimous Republican support. Fighter jets and stealth bombers flew overhead as part of the Independence Day celebrations.
“America's winning, winning, winning like never before,” Trump told the crowd, referring to last month's bombing campaign against Iran's nuclear program. “Promises made, promises kept, and we've kept them.”
The South Lawn was decorated in red, white, and blue, with music from the US Marine Band and pop hits from Chaka Khan and Huey Lewis adding Trump’s signature style to the festivities. Trump spoke for 22 minutes before signing the bill, highlighting what he described as a string of recent victories, including the Iran campaign and favorable US Supreme Court rulings.
Later, Trump and First Lady Melania appeared on the Truman Balcony to watch fireworks, waving to the crowd as chants of “USA, USA” echoed across the lawn. They danced to “Y.M.C.A.” before departing for New Jersey.
The legislation fulfills several of Trump’s key campaign pledges, including eliminating taxes on tips and Social Security income. Trump called it his “highest-profile win yet” and said, “Our country is going to be a rocket ship, economically.”
However, the bill has drawn sharp criticism from Democrats, labor leaders, and advocacy groups, who argue it benefits the wealthy at the expense of working families.
AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler said in a statement, “Today, Donald Trump signed into law the worst job-killing bill in American history. It will rip health care from 17 million workers to pay for massive tax giveaways to the wealthy and big corporations, amounting to the country’s largest money grab from the working class to the ultra-rich.”
Trump demands Fed's Chair Powell 'resign immediately'
The legislation slashes Medicaid and food stamps by $1.2 trillion and significantly increases immigration enforcement. The Congressional Budget Office projects that nearly 12 million more people will lose health insurance under the new law and estimates it will add $3.3 trillion to the federal deficit over the next decade.
The bill passed the House on Thursday with only two Republican defections and no Democratic support. In the Senate, it cleared by a single vote, with North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis announcing he would not seek re-election after opposing the bill. Vice President Vance cast the tie-breaking vote.
The package reverses major policies from the Obama and Biden administrations, including the rollback of Medicaid expansion and the elimination of tax credits for renewable energy initiatives.
Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin described the bill as “devastating,” saying it “sealed the fate of the Republican Party, cementing them as the party for billionaires and special interests — not working families.” He predicted the GOP would lose its congressional majority, calling the bill “a full betrayal of the American people.”
Trump, however, defended the legislation, saying Democrats oppose it because of their “hatred” for him or the country. “Their standard line is to say Republican legislation is dangerous or everybody's going to die,” Trump said. “We can't let them get away with it. It's actually just the opposite, everybody's going to live.”
Trump warned supporters to dismiss Democratic criticism, saying, “If you see anything negative put out by Democrats, it's all a con job.”
The bill is expected to be a major issue in next year’s midterm elections, with Democrats planning rallies, voter drives, and other campaigns to highlight the cuts to social programs.
Although Trump claimed the package is “very popular,” recent polling suggests mixed public opinion. A Washington Post/Ipsos poll found support for elements like eliminating taxes on tips and increasing the child tax credit, but majorities opposed cutting food assistance and spending $45 billion on migrant detention centers.
Additionally, around 60% of respondents called the projected $3 trillion increase to the national debt “unacceptable.”
9 months ago
Trump marvels at wealth of his Arab hosts while he eyes White House and Air Force One upgrades
Donald Trump, widely recognized as one of the world’s most powerful and well-known figures, leads the United States—the largest economy and most formidable military force on the globe.
Yet during his recent trip to the Middle East, the American president appeared somewhat envious of the luxury enjoyed by his Arab counterparts.
He marveled at the Qatari palace’s marble, calling it “perfecto” and remarking that it was “very hard to buy.” He also praised the striking modern architecture in Saudi Arabia, describing the skyline as filled with “gleaming marvels.” In contrast, he expressed dissatisfaction with Air Force One, calling it “much smaller” and “much less impressive” than the planes used by Gulf leaders.
During the flight, Trump noted that the Gulf nations all fly “brand-new Boeing 747s,” while he was traveling in a nearly 40-year-old version.
His eagerness for a newer aircraft is so strong that he has reportedly considered accepting a 747 donated by Qatar—despite the potential issues. Such a move raises concerns about the plane’s security features, the high cost of retrofitting it for presidential use, and the possibility of violating the U.S. Constitution, which prohibits presidents from accepting gifts from foreign governments. Trump has not cited any urgent national security reason for bypassing the new Air Force One jets currently under development by Boeing.
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It sounded like a case of keeping up with the Joneses, only in this case the Joneses are oil-rich leaders of Middle Eastern autocracies. For a former real estate developer with flamboyant tastes, Trump’s trip has been a tantalizing peek into the lives of his more opulent counterparts.
“The job you’ve done is second to none,” Trump told Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, gazing up at his surroundings in the palace known as the Amiri Diwan. “You look at this, it’s so beautiful. As a construction person, I’m seeing perfect marble. This is what they call perfecto.”
There have been other lavish touches on the trip, which will wind up with a stop in the United Arab Emirates. Air Force One received fighter jet escorts, honor guards stood by with golden swords in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and the presidential limousine was welcomed by riders on camelback in Doha, Qatar.
“We appreciate those camels,” Trump told Al Thani. “I haven’t seen camels like that in a long time. That was some greeting.”
He continued to praise Qatar at a state dinner, where he mused that there “wasn’t a tree out of place” in the landscaping. Trump was astounded by the accommodations in Lusail, a new city outside of Doha that was built from the ground up.
“This is not your normal house. This is a palace,” he said after signing the guest book.
Nothing was said about the migrant workers who raced to develop the country’s infrastructure for the World Cup tournament three years ago, or Qatar’s lack of political freedom, which makes possible such elaborate central planning.
The Republican president’s admiration reflects an aesthetic and political vision at odds with American tradition. After declaring independence from the British monarchy, the Founding Fathers wanted to eschew anything that suggested royalty. Even as the United States emerged as the global superpower, the country and its leaders emphasized a facade of humility.
But that’s never been Trump’s style. The billionaire’s New York City penthouse is embellished with gold and marble, and parts of his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida are modeled after France’s Palace of Versailles.
After winning a second term last year, Trump is eager to bring the same approach to the presidency, and it’s likely that his visit to the Middle East will fuel his desire for renovations. The White House, despite its grandeur, can be quite cramped. Office space is limited, and state dinners are sometimes held in a fancy tent to accommodate enough guests.
Trump said he wants to build “a beautiful, beautiful ballroom like I have at Mar-a-Lago, as beautiful as can be.” He promised to foot the $100 million bill.
“I think we’ve outgrown the tent stuff, right, don’t you think?” he said recently.
Trump has also talked about paving over the lawn in the Rose Garden, turning it into a patio with “gorgeous stone” that would be easier for holding events.
Some upgrades have already taken place, particularly in the Oval Office. There are gold accents to the fireplace, doorway arches, walls and other areas of the room. The walls have become increasingly packed with portraits of past presidents. A model of a new Air Force One — complete with a paint scheme that echoes his personal jet — sits on a table in the center of the room.
One prized addition is a copy of the Declaration of Independence, which is concealed behind a curtain to protect it from sunlight. He sometimes dramatically unveils the document for guests.
“You see the new and improved Oval Office as it becomes more and more beautiful,” the president told Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney during a recent visit. He said it’s been renovated “with great love and 24-karat gold — that always helps too.”
10 months ago
Zelenskyy departs White House without signing minerals deal following heated exchange in Oval Office
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy left the White House on Friday without signing a key minerals agreement after a tense confrontation with U.S. President Donald Trump in the Oval Office. The unexpected fallout from the meeting has raised concerns about its impact on global affairs.
Zelenskyy had been expected to finalize a deal granting the U.S. increased access to Ukraine's rare earth minerals and participate in a joint press conference with Trump. However, plans unraveled after a heated exchange between the leaders, which played out in front of the media.
The implications of the disagreement on the minerals deal remain uncertain. Trump had stressed that the agreement was crucial to repaying the U.S. for over $180 billion in aid sent to Kyiv since the onset of the war. It is also unclear what steps Trump expects Zelenskyy to take to get the deal back on track.
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Following the dispute, Trump’s top advisers asked Zelenskyy to leave the White House. The confrontation escalated when Trump accused Zelenskyy of being “disrespectful” and warned, “You’re gambling with World War III.” He criticized the Ukrainian leader for failing to show sufficient gratitude for America’s support.
Trump warns Zelenskyy to quickly negotiate war's end with Russia or risk not having a nation to lead
During the nearly 45-minute meeting, tensions escalated in the final 10 minutes, particularly after Vice President JD Vance confronted Zelenskyy about his skepticism regarding Russia’s commitment to diplomacy. Zelenskyy had highlighted Russia’s repeated violations of ceasefire agreements, arguing that President Vladimir Putin could not be trusted. Trump countered by asserting that Putin had never broken agreements with him.
Vance further criticized Zelenskyy for raising concerns about Putin in front of American media. As Zelenskyy attempted to respond, Trump raised his voice, declaring, “You’re gambling with the lives of millions of people.” He also positioned himself as neutral in the war, claiming that Zelenskyy’s deep distrust of Putin was an obstacle to achieving peace.
Shortly after the meeting, Trump told reporters he sought an “immediate ceasefire” but questioned whether Zelenskyy was truly committed to peace. Meanwhile, Zelenskyy appeared on Fox News, acknowledging that the confrontation was “not good for both sides.” He emphasized that Ukraine could not abruptly change its stance on Russia and insisted that any peace negotiations must come with security guarantees against future Russian aggression.
In a social media post following the meeting, Trump declared that Zelenskyy was “not ready for peace” and had “disrespected the United States” in the Oval Office. He suggested that Zelenskyy could return only when he was prepared to negotiate peace.
Democratic leaders swiftly criticized the administration for the diplomatic breakdown. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer accused Trump and Vance of “doing Putin’s dirty work.” The contentious exchange was particularly striking given Trump’s recent remarks describing U.S. support for Ukraine as a “worthy cause.”
Initially, the meeting had started on a cordial note, with both leaders speaking positively about each other. However, when Zelenskyy raised concerns about trusting Russia, Vance rebuked him for addressing such disagreements publicly. The tone of the conversation quickly shifted, with Trump and Vance portraying Zelenskyy as ungrateful. Trump warned that such an attitude could affect future American support, while Vance urged Zelenskyy to “just say thank you.”
After leaving the White House, Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to the American people on social media, thanking them for their continued support. However, White House officials reportedly viewed his body language and remarks as “hostile.” Trump was particularly displeased when Zelenskyy brought up security guarantees, as Trump had intended to focus solely on the minerals deal.
Former officials noted that while President Joe Biden had also been frustrated with Zelenskyy at times, he had kept such criticisms private—unlike Trump, who made his displeasure public.
At one point during the tense discussion, Trump warned Zelenskyy, “You’re not in a good position. You don’t have the cards right now.” Before the meeting concluded, he remarked, “This is going to be great television.”
As Ukraine continues to resist Russian advances, Kyiv remains determined to secure security guarantees in any potential peace deal. Many Ukrainians fear that a rushed agreement with excessive concessions to Moscow could allow Russia to regroup and launch future offensives.
Trump ally Sen. Lindsey Graham expressed doubt about whether relations between Trump and Zelenskyy could be repaired, saying, “I don’t know if you can ever do a deal with Zelenskyy anymore.”
The contentious meeting also heightened concerns that Trump could negotiate a peace deal favoring Russia. His administration has already engaged in direct talks with Russian officials in Saudi Arabia without inviting European or Ukrainian representatives—an unprecedented move that breaks from past U.S. policy.
Following the Oval Office fallout, European leaders reaffirmed their support for Ukraine. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised Zelenskyy’s resilience, stating, “His dignity honors the bravery of the Ukrainian people.” Meanwhile, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni proposed an urgent summit between the U.S. and European allies to discuss the future of Western unity and its approach to the Ukraine crisis.
“A divided West weakens all of us and benefits those who seek our downfall,” Meloni warned.
1 year ago
Trump Administration shuts down White House Spanish-language page, social media
Within hours of President Donald Trump’s inauguration, the new administration took down the Spanish-language version of the official White House website.
The site — currently https://www.whitehouse.gov/es/ — now gives users an “Error 404” message. It also included a “Go Home” button that directed viewers to a page featuring a video montage of Trump in his first term and on the campaign trail. The button was later updated to read “Go To Home Page”.
Hispanic advocacy groups and others expressed confusion at the abrupt change and frustration at what some called the administration’s lack of efforts to maintain communication with the Latino community, which helped propel him to the presidency.
The Spanish profile of the White House’ X, @LaCasaBlanca and the government page on reproductive freedom also were disbanded. Meanwhile, the Spanish versions of other government agencies such as the Department of Labor, Justice and Agriculture remained available for users on Tuesday.
Asked about the changes, White House principal deputy press secretary Harrison Fields responded Tuesday that the administration is “committed to bringing back online the Spanish translation section of the website.”
“It’s day two. We are in the process of developing, editing and tweaking the White House website. As part of this ongoing work, some of the archived content on the website went dormant. We are committed to reloading that content in a short timeline," he said without elaborating.
Trump removed the Spanish version of the page in 2017. At that time, White House officials said they would reinstate it. President Joe Biden reinstated the page in 2021.
The page's removal coincided with Trump’s first-day wave of executive orders highlighted by the launch of an illegal immigration crackdown that was one of his key campaign pledges. Trump on Monday declared a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border and announced plans to send U.S. troops to help support immigration agents and restrict refugees and asylum.
According to 2023 Census Bureau estimates, about 43.4 million Americans — 13.7% of the U.S. population age 5 and older — speak Spanish at home. The U.S. has no official language.
Monica Rivera, a brand and communications strategist in New York City of Puerto Rican and Cuban descent, said the shutdown sends a clear signal.
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“There are 43 million Latinos who speak Spanish as their first language and removing access to information directly from the White House draws a distinct line as to who they are serving and more dangerously, signals to the administration’s MAGA base that we as Latinos are ‘other’ and a less significant part of this country," Rivera said.
Anthony Hernandez, a paralegal in the nation's capital, wasn’t initially aware of the move and said it suggests what the coming years of a second Trump presidency would look like, with specific issues making headlines while “minor but equally malicious things like that go unnoticed.”
“A move like shutting down the Spanish White House page and X profile serves no purpose other than to cut off resources for millions of Hispanic Americans and immigrants attempting to enter the United States legally," Hernandez said. "And it’s a slap in the face to the millions of Hispanic voters that supported him in this recent election.”
Trump’s secretary of state, Marco Rubio, is Cuban American and speaks Spanish. At his swearing-in Tuesday, he gave remarks in Spanish, thanking God, his family and Trump.
Meanwhile, Hispanic leaders and communication strategy experts expressed surprise with the page's removal, given Trump’s popularity with certain Latino voters.
“If the White House is seriously interested in engaging with Latinos, the second largest group in this country, then they need to make sure that updates can also be distributed in Spanish, a preferred language for millions in our community,” said Frankie Miranda President and CEO of the Hispanic Federation.
He called that a way to ensure "everyone is a part of the civic process.”
Kris Klein Hernández, a U.S. historian specializing in race, gender, and sexuality at Connecticut College, said the content removal from official White House websites not only limits the access available to Spanish-speaking U.S. citizens and migrants but leads "some to question which constituencies the administration prioritizes.”
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Jeff Lee, former deputy cabinet secretary and deputy director of external and international affairs for former California Gov. Jerry Brown, said the move seems counterintuitive given the opportunity to “showcase” policy changes, especially ones related to economics and border security.
“I didn’t see any other language mediums that got the kibosh. So I think that’s a really interesting thing to single out — if that’s the case," Lee said.
AP VoteCast, a nationwide survey of more than 120,000 voters, found Trump won a larger share of Black and Latino voters than he did in 2020, and most notably among men under age 45. Young Latinos, particularly young Latino men, also were more open to Trump than in 2020. Roughly half of young Latino men voted for Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris, compared with about 6 in 10 who went for Biden.
1 year ago