(AFP) – Even by his standards, President Donald Trump generated a pile of eye-popping news items this week. Here are some of the highlights:
– **Oval Office bust-up**
A photo-op in the White House with President Volodymyr Zelensky degenerated into a shocking public quarrel that could prolong Ukraine’s war with invading Russian forces. “What you’re doing is very disrespectful to this country,” Trump said, nearly shouting. Zelensky tried to make his case, but was repeatedly rebuffed. Trump finally called an end to the fractious exchange with the words: “It is going to be great television, I will say that.”
– **RSVP the king**
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer laid it on thick with Trump, handing the president a hand-signed letter from King Charles III inviting him for an unprecedented second state visit to London. Reading the invitation in front of a throng of journalists, Trump appeared deeply flattered that he had been invited to Windsor Castle. Starmer also gave him a golf cap in the Trump family tartan, while his wife Melania got a scarf from the posh store Liberty and a Downing Street candle.
– **AI: Trump and Netanyahu topless**
The US president posted an AI-generated video depicting war-ravaged Gaza rebuilt as a seaside Trump-branded resort, with a towering golden statue of himself and bearded belly dancers. The clip’s soundtrack included the lyrics “Donald’s coming to set you free, bringing the light for all to see,” and “Feast and dance, the deal is done, Trump Gaza number one.” Among the AI scenes was Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sipping cocktails in swimsuits by a pool, while another showed Elon Musk dancing under a shower of cash.
– **US, Russia, NKorea: UN allies**
The United States sided with Russia twice at the United Nations, as Washington sought to avoid condemnation of Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine three years ago. The votes highlighted a seismic shift at the UN, where Washington had previously led votes for resolutions that lambasted its historic competitor and often enemy Moscow. A European-backed text won 93 votes for at the General Assembly and 18 votes against — with Washington siding with Russia, Belarus, North Korea, and Sudan.
– **Ebola prevention ‘accidentally canceled’**
Starring at Trump’s first cabinet meeting, Elon Musk admitted his dramatic government cuts were not perfect. “For example, with USAID, one of the things we accidentally canceled very briefly was Ebola prevention,” he said with a giggle, insisting there was no actual interruption. But current and former staff told US media that USAID’s Ebola prevention work has indeed been largely halted since Musk took an axe to the aid agency.
– **Le Bromance, still on?**
They hugged, they gripped hands, they touched knees and they backslapped. French President Emmanuel Macron and Trump rekindled their touchy-feely bromance at the White House. But when Trump repeated a false claim that Europe would get its aid money back from Ukraine, Macron interrupted to explain the cash was “like the US — loans, guarantees, grants.” Trump smirked and said, “If you believe that, it’s OK with me.”
© 2024 AFP
