Khamenei Funeral Draws Thousands as Iran Stages Nationwide Week of Mourning 
US Ambassador Prioritizes Cook Islands Critical Minerals, Warns of China’s Pacific Influence 
France Battles Mediterranean Wildfires as Heatwave Fuels Fire Risk 
Russian Attacks Kill Three in Eastern Ukraine as Civilian Casualties Mount 
OpenAI Proposes 5% U.S. Government Stake Amid AI Policy Talks 
US Appeals Court Limits ICE Detention Without Bond Hearings After 90 Days 
EU Chip Industry Faces Growing Risks From China Export Controls and U.S. Technology Dependence: Report 
Venezuela Interim President Defends Earthquake Response as Death Toll Climbs 
Air Force Investigates Officer After Capitol Protest Calling for Trump, Vance Impeachment 
Zelenskiy Urges Trump’s Support to Help End Russia-Ukraine War 
Taiwan Simulates Chinese Blockade and Invasion in Major Civil Defense Drill 
Iran Holds State Funeral for Ali Khamenei as Security Fears Shape Succession 
Trump Offers to Help Advance Ukraine Peace Talks in Call With Putin 
South Korea Warns Won Is Undervalued, Boosts FX Coordination With Japan 
JD Vance Says Britain Needs Major Political Change as Leadership Transition Looms 
Trump Administration Declines USMCA Renewal, Opens Talks on New Trade Changes 
Trump Marks America’s 250th Anniversary With National Mall Rally Amid Political Divide 
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.
