Trump Uses Children’s Book Reading To Bash Obama President Donald Trump participated in a children’s book reading event as part of a series hosted by Vice President Mike Pence’s wife, Karen Pence, known as “Storytime with the Second Lady.” During the event, Trump selected the book “President’s Play!” published by the White House Historical Association. The activity, intended to engage young audiences with historical figures, became a platform for Trump to make personal and political remarks. When asked by Pence if he ever read for fun, Trump responded, “I end up reading mostly newspapers. I usually read stories about myself.” His answer drew attention, as it highlighted his focus on self-promotion rather than leisure reading. The comment was met with mixed reactions, with some observers noting the irony of a president who frequently uses media appearances to shape his public image. As Trump read through the book, he made several remarks about past presidents, often expressing admiration for Democratic leaders. He praised former President Bill Clinton, stating, “I like Bill Clinton a lot, still do,” and described Jimmy Carter as “a very nice man.” These comments contrasted with his usual criticism of opponents, showcasing a rare moment of bipartisan praise. However, Trump’s remarks were not limited to historical figures—he also made self-deprecating jokes, including a quip about his physical appearance. At one point, Trump joked, “I don’t know if I look good in a bathing suit, I haven’t had a bathing suit in a long time,” a reference to his frequent public comments about his physique. He also made a light-hearted remark about President William Howard Taft, the heaviest U.S. president, saying, “I have to be careful so I don’t supersede his record.#donald_trump #bill_clinton #mike_pence #white_house_historical_association #karen_pence
Hong Kong Pro-Democracy Tycoon Jimmy Lai Will Not Appeal Conviction Jailed Hong Kong pro-democracy tycoon Jimmy Lai has decided not to appeal his conviction under the city’s national security law. Members of his international legal team informed the BBC that domestic lawyers were explicitly instructed by Lai to abandon any appeal. The reasons for this decision were not disclosed, and the team declined further comment. Lai was found guilty of conspiracy to publish seditious material and conspiracy to collude with foreign forces—charges he has consistently denied. He received a 20-year prison sentence last month, marking the most severe punishment under the national security law since its implementation in 2020. A separate fraud conviction, which carried a six-year sentence, was overturned in a recent legal appeal. The national security case centered on a meeting Lai had with former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo during the 2019 pro-democracy protests. Lai has maintained that the meeting was purely informational and unrelated to foreign policy influence. He has denied using his foreign contacts to interfere with Hong Kong’s affairs. Lai, a British citizen and founder of the pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, is among the most prominent figures arrested under the national security law. His case has drawn global attention, with Hong Kong’s chief executive, John Lee, praising the sentence as a necessary response to Lai’s “evil deeds.” Lee claimed the newspaper had radicalized young Hongkongers during the protests. International critics, including the United Nations’ human rights chief Volker Türk, have condemned the conviction, calling it incompatible with international law. Türk urged the verdict to be “promptly quashed.#jimmy_lai #john_lee #mike_pence #mike_pompeo #volker_turk
