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A hearing-impaired lip reader, Jackie Gonzalez, has attempted to decode a brief exchange between former US Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush during Donald Trump's inauguration ceremony. In a viral video, Gonzalez interprets Obama as saying, "Good to see you," before jokingly asking Bush, "How can we stop what's happening?" The context of the remark remains ambiguous, with some speculating it could refer to Trump's second term. Social media users reacted with amusement, suggesting that if Obama did make the comment, it was likely intended as a joke. Obama attended the ceremony solo, as his wife, Michelle Obama, opted to skip the event, marking her absence from both the inauguration and the recent funeral of former President Jimmy Carter. Notably, all three former presidents—Obama, Bush, and Bill Clinton—also declined to attend Trump's traditional inaugural lunch.
Published: Jan 22 2025, 7 am ISTeznews.inPresident Donald Trump has announced a significant $500 billion investment in artificial intelligence infrastructure, led by Japanese firm SoftBank, cloud computing giant Oracle, and OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT. The initiative, named Stargate, aims to build the necessary physical and virtual frameworks for next-generation AI advancements, including large-scale data centers. OpenAI's CEO Sam Altman, SoftBank's Masayoshi Son, and Oracle's Larry Ellison attended the White House announcement, with the project set to begin in Texas and expand nationwide. The initial investment will be $100 billion over the next four years, with SoftBank and OpenAI taking lead roles in financing and operations, respectively. The venture is seen as a boost for U.S. national security and economic growth, particularly as the tech sector grapples with increasing AI demands. Notably, Trump also repealed an executive order from his predecessor that imposed oversight on AI development, leaving the U.S. without comprehensive national guidelines.
Published: Jan 22 2025, 8 am ISTeznews.inOn his first full day in office, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio convened a Quad ministerial meeting with counterparts from Australia, India, and Japan in Washington, where they issued a strong warning against any coercive attempts to alter the status quo in the Indo-Pacific, a clear reference to China's maritime actions. The ministers reaffirmed their commitment to a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific," emphasizing the importance of upholding democratic values and territorial integrity. They condemned unilateral actions that threaten the region's stability, particularly concerning Taiwan. The meeting, significant as it occurred shortly after the inauguration of the Trump administration, highlighted the prioritization of countering China's influence. Additionally, plans were discussed for a Quad summit in India, reflecting the group's ongoing focus on regional security amid rising tensions with China, particularly in the South China Sea. Rubio reiterated the U.S. commitment to deter any potential Chinese aggression toward Taiwan.
Published: Jan 22 2025, 8 am ISTeznews.inUS President Donald Trump confirmed on Tuesday that he has withdrawn Secret Service protection for his former national security advisor John Bolton, citing that such security cannot be provided for life. Bolton, 76, who has faced threats, including an alleged Iranian assassination plot, expressed disappointment but not surprise at Trump's decision. During a White House briefing, Trump criticized Bolton, labeling him a "very dumb person" and revoking his security clearance, claiming Bolton disclosed sensitive information in his memoir. Bolton highlighted the ongoing threats against him, referencing a 2022 criminal case against an Iranian official linked to the plot against him, and contrasted his treatment with that of former President Joe Biden, who extended his protection in 2021. The State Department has offered a $20 million reward for information regarding the alleged Iranian mastermind behind the assassination attempt.
Published: Jan 22 2025, 6 am ISTeznews.inIn a significant diplomatic gesture, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Mike Walz held their inaugural international meetings with India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in Washington, D.C. Jaishankar's visit coincided with the inauguration of President Donald Trump as the 47th president. The meetings, which included a Quad ministerial gathering with counterparts from Australia and Japan, underscored the priority the new administration places on India within its foreign policy framework. During their discussions, Rubio and Jaishankar explored the extensive India-U.S. strategic partnership and addressed various regional and global issues. Jaishankar expressed optimism about future collaboration, highlighting the Quad's role in promoting stability in the Indo-Pacific. Following the meetings, he attended Trump's inauguration, where he described it as an "honor" to represent India, further engaging with key members of the new administration.
Published: Jan 22 2025, 6 am IST