India–U.S. Interim Trade Pact Cuts Auto Tariffs but Leaves Tesla Out 
Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi Secures Historic Election Win, Shaking Markets and Regional Politics 
U.S. Lawmakers to Review Unredacted Jeffrey Epstein DOJ Files Starting Monday 
Jack Lang Resigns as Head of Arab World Institute Amid Epstein Controversy 
China Warns US Arms Sales to Taiwan Could Disrupt Trump’s Planned Visit 
Israel Approves West Bank Measures Expanding Settler Land Access 
Anutin’s Bhumjaithai Party Wins Thai Election, Signals Shift Toward Political Stability 
New York Legalizes Medical Aid in Dying for Terminally Ill Patients 
China Overturns Death Sentence of Canadian Robert Schellenberg, Signaling Thaw in Canada-China Relations 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
Trump Congratulates Japan’s First Female Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi After Historic Election Victory 
Trump Says “Very Good Talks” Underway on Russia-Ukraine War as Peace Efforts Continue 
Ghislaine Maxwell to Invoke Fifth Amendment at House Oversight Committee Deposition 
Sydney Braces for Pro-Palestine Protests During Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s Visit 
Nicaragua Ends Visa-Free Entry for Cubans, Disrupting Key Migration Route to the U.S. 
US Pushes Ukraine-Russia Peace Talks Before Summer Amid Escalating Attacks 
Antonio José Seguro Poised for Landslide Win in Portugal Presidential Runoff 
It is only a matter of hours before first lady Melania Trump will now become a former first lady to make way for Dr. Jill Biden. On the eve of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris’ inauguration as the new president and vice president, Melania reflects on her tenure as first lady in her final message in the role.
In one of Melania’s last posts under the FLOTUS Twitter account, the soon-to-be-former first lady shared a seven-minute-long video message where she not only looked back at her time in the White House but also making special shoutouts and condemning the recent riots. Mrs. Trump first thanked the military service workers as well as law enforcement and those working in healthcare, whom she said inspired her when she assumed the role of first lady. She also thanked workers at the frontline during the pandemic which has now seen over 400,000 Americans dead. Melania also mentioned the recent riots at the Capitol, condemning the violence that ensued while also mentioning the initiative she may be leaving behind, Be Best.
“The past four years have been unforgettable. As Donald and I conclude our time in the White House, I think of all the people I have taken home in my heart and their incredible stories of love, patriotism, and determination,” said Melania.
“I ask every American to be an ambassador of Be Best. To focus on what unites us. To rise above what divides us. To always choose love over hatred, peace over violence, and others before yourself.”
Melania, alongside her husband Donald Trump, is expected to depart from the White House in the early hours of Wednesday, January 20. They will not be attending the inauguration and have broken tradition by declining to invite the Bidens over before the official transition would occur.
Although Melania may no longer be first lady, her supporters can still look forward to seeing her on social media. Contrary to her husband, who has been permanently banned from the platform, Melania’s last post under the FLOTUS account announced that she will be using the handle @MELANIATRUMP for her future updates and announcements.
