Trump’s First Lady Clarifies Her Relationship with Epstein

First Lady Melania Trump addressed recent speculation, stating, “I never had a relationship with Epstein.” She emphasized that she was not Epstein’s victim and clarified that her husband was not introduced to Donald Trump by the convicted sex offender. According to Trump, the couple met by chance at a New York City gathering in 1998.

“I never had a relationship with Epstein,” said Melania Trump, distancing herself from the allegations. She added, “I met my husband by chance at a New York City party in 1998.”

Artemis II Mission Breaks Records

The Artemis II crew, consisting of four astronauts, has set a new distance record from Earth during their 10-day mission. This marks the first crewed Moon flight in 50 years, now in Earth’s orbit after delays and technical challenges. The Orion spacecraft’s journey has reached its third day, with the crew sharing experiences via video call for their families.

Space Exploration Advances

Rebecca Morelle, the BBC’s Science Editor, observed the launch of the most powerful rocket ever built from Florida. The mission, which includes the first Canadian astronaut to travel into deep space, has been a significant milestone for NASA. A new “universal waste management system” was also introduced for the 10-day voyage.

Crew Preparation and Mission Context

Training for the Artemis II flight took place at the Johnson Space Center in Texas following the crew’s selection in 2023. The spacesuits are engineered to safeguard astronauts during launch, landing, and emergency situations. The US aims to achieve the first lunar landing by 2028, positioning Artemis II as a critical step toward that goal.

Other News Highlights

As the Iran conflict intensifies, fuel prices in the US have surpassed $4 at the pump for the first time since 2022. The BBC’s Gary O’Donoghue interviewed a farmer in Alabama who remains steadfast in supporting President Trump despite economic struggles. Meanwhile, large protests against the Trump administration occurred in multiple US cities, including the third No Kings rally.

The National Mall hosted an installation titled “A Throne Fit for a King,” critiquing Trump’s White House renovations. Additionally, the airport faced prolonged delays due to a partial shutdown, with TSA agents working without pay. At the CPAC conference in Texas, conservative attendees expressed mixed opinions about the current economic state.