British police have arrested former British Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on suspicion of misconduct in public office and are now investigating alleged links to convicted sex offenders Jeffrey Epstein.In keeping with standard practice under British law, police have not released Mountbatten-Windsor’s identity. However, when asked if he was in custody, police referred to an earlier statement confirming the arrest of a man in his sixties.
What links are being probed?
‘Epstein sent women to Britain’
Thames Valley Police are investigating allegations that another woman was allegedly brought to the UK by Jeffrey Epstein to have sex with Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the BBC reports. The meeting is said to have taken place in 2010 at Royal Villas in Windsor, Andrew’s former home. The woman was in her twenties and was not British. The renewed scrutiny follows the release of photos and other email exchanges between Andrew and Epstein. Following the revelations, Andrew moved from his home in Windsor to the Sandringham estate in Norfolk. Letters show the two remained in contact even after Epstein pleaded guilty in the United States to soliciting minors.
“Andrew sent classified documents to Epstein”
Another allegation being investigated is that Andrew may have shared potentially sensitive documents with Epstein while he was Britain’s trade envoy, AFP reported.Police said they were “evaluating” claims he sent trade-related reports to Epstein in 2010.“After a thorough evaluation, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of official misconduct,” the statement said. “As we work with our partners to investigate this alleged criminal conduct, it is important to protect the integrity and objectivity of the investigation.”
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer made it clear that “no one is above the law”, hours before former British prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested by police on suspicion of misconduct in public office, including “sending potentially confidential documents to a convicted sex offender while serving as the UK’s trade envoy”. Jeffrey Epstein.Starmer was responding to a question from the BBC about whether he thought Andrew should voluntarily agree to speak to British police.“I think that is a matter for the police. They will conduct their own investigations but one of the core principles of our system is that everyone is equal before the law and no one is above the law,” he said.He added: “This is a very important principle of our country… and it must apply in this case as it does in any other case.”He even said MPs were free to debate Andrew’s links to sex offender Epstein.The incident is said to have occurred in 2010 at Royal Lodge, Prince Andrew’s former residence. According to the BBC, the woman involved was in her twenties at the time and was not a British citizen. She claimed she was given tea and given a tour of Buckingham Palace after a night with Andrew, according to her lawyer.Police arrested Andrew on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The development marks a major shift in the long-running scrutiny surrounding his past relationships. Thames Valley Police, which polices the area west of London that includes his former home, said they had been reviewing allegations that he shared trade-related information with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in 2010. Under British law, police usually do not publicly identify suspects when they arrest them. Authorities did not name Mountbatten-Windsor directly but confirmed they had detained a man in his sixties when asked if he had been detained.Last month, the U.S. Department of Justice released millions of documents that shed more light on Andrew’s ties to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. Photos in the latest batch of documents reportedly appear to show him lying on top of a woman lying on the floor, and he is mentioned multiple times in many other documents.
Kerala BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar and CM Pinarayi Vijayan (Photo/Agency)
New Delhi: Kerala BJP president Rajiv Chandrasekhar on Thursday lashed out at the chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan He objected to the talk of a sequel to “Kerala Story”, accusing him of hypocrisy and trying to distract from governance issues.Speaking to ANI, Chandrasekhar said the chief minister’s reaction is different now compared to previous incidents involving freedom of expression.“Pinarayi Vijayan has 45 days left as chief minister and he knows that on the 46th day, he will have to shift his residence. When a film against the BJP was released, we did not protest or say anything. He cited freedom of speech. Why does it suddenly become an issue when someone else makes a film against his political ideas? This is hypocritical. This is basically an attempt to divert the attention of the people of Kerala from his decade of failures,” he said.The Kerala Bharatiya Janata Party chief maintained that filmmakers have the right to create content and citizens have the right to choose what they watch.“I want to tell you, Pinarayi Vijayan, no one has appointed you as a protector. There is no need for you to behave like a protector of any community. Every Indian, every Malayalee today has been given the same basic rights. Stop fooling people. The film will be released because just like you have the right to watch the film, I also have the right to watch the film. Just like any director has the right to make a film, this director also has the right to make a film,” he added.Chandrasekhar also urged CM Vijayan not to create fear or threaten people with the release of the film.“If you have a problem with this, or if there’s something illegal in the movie, go to court. But don’t try to threaten others. Don’t try to use the chief minister’s position to create fear among people where we don’t allow it,” he said.Earlier in the day, Vijayan took strong exception to reports of a sequel to “Kerala Stories”. In a post on social media platform X, he alleged that the sequel is yet another attempt to spread communal discord in the state.“Reports of the release of the sequel to the hate-mongering film ‘Kerala Stories’ should be taken with the utmost seriousness. Having seen through the communal agenda and blatant lies of the first part, Kerala will once again defiantly reject this attempt to demonize our secular fabric. It is shocking that fabricated narratives aimed at fomenting communal discord are given a free pass, while critical expression in art is gagged. We must unite against these attempts to portray our harmonious land as a center of terror. The truth will always prevail,” Vijayan said.The makers recently released the trailer of ‘Kerala Stories 2’, which depicts the story of a Hindu woman trapped by a Muslim man in the name of love. The film is written by Amarnath Jha and Vipul Amrutlal Shah and directed by Kamakya Narayan Singh.The film is expected to be released in theaters on February 27.
Your pet doesn’t ask for much. A full bowl, a clean space, and a familiar face at the door. But somewhere between the morning rush and late night, the little ones slip through the missed feeding window, filling the air with dander and feeling guilty for leaving them alone at home again.
ultra high definition images
Loving pets in 2026 is more than just feelings. It’s about the systems you put in place when life gets busy. These tools keep their world consistent, clean, and secure, even when you’re not around.
February 20 is National Pet Day, a good time to stop and ask yourself whether the way you care for your pets is actually working. These five technical elements are designed to quietly fill in the gaps, and trust us, your pet will notice.
Loose fur is one of the biggest realities of living with pets, especially if you have a medium or long-haired dog or cat. The Dyson Pet Grooming Kit is designed to solve the problem of shedding at the source. As you brush, loose hair and dander are gently lifted from deep within the coat and drawn directly into the vacuum bin so they don’t end up on the couch or floor.
The slanted, smooth bristles help remove undercoat without tugging, while the extension hose allows for comfortable grooming. A practical option for regular, neat grooming at home.
How does it create an excellent pet grooming technology product?
By combining brushing and suction, it reduces loose hair, makes grooming calmer, and helps maintain a clean home without stressing your pet.
When you leave your pet alone at home, a little comfort goes a long way. The Qubo smart 360° camera lets you view crystal-clear 2K video at any time, covering the entire room with smooth pan and tilt motion. Whether you’re concerned about naps, pranks, or unusual activity, real-time app alerts help you stay informed without having to constantly check.
Two-way audio lets you talk to your pet, while night vision ensures visibility even in the dark. It’s easy to install and designed specifically for Indian homes, making it a practical addition to everyday pet monitoring.
How does this make for a great tech product for your pet?
It provides constant visibility, real-time alerts and two-way communication to help pet parents stay connected, reduce anxiety and monitor safety even when they are not around.
Pet homes often have to deal with more than just visible fur, dander, fine dust and residual allergens in the air, especially in enclosed rooms. The Dyson HushJet Purifier Compact is designed to handle this everyday problem quietly. It captures 99.97% of air pollutants as small as 0.3 microns, helping to create a cleaner breathing environment for pets and humans.
Wide room coverage, automatic sensing mode, adjusts purification effect according to indoor air quality. Low-noise operation makes it suitable even during sleep or rest time.
How does this make for a great tech product for your pet?
By quietly and continuously reducing airborne allergens and dander, it provides pets with better breathing comfort, calmer rest and a healthier indoor environment.
If your pet likes to explore or just hang out on walks, a GPS tracker can give you peace of mind. The FETACA GPS Pet Tracker provides real-time location tracking via a mobile app to help you know where your pet is at all times. In addition to location, it also tracks steps and walking routes, which is useful for understanding daily activity levels.
The adjustable waist belt is designed to be lightweight and comfortable for dogs, adult cats, and other small animals without causing irritation. A practical and safe companion for pets who love the outdoors.
How does this make for a great tech product for your pet?
It combines real-time tracking, activity monitoring and a comfortable design to help pet parents stay safe while keeping an eye on their pet’s movement and health.
Busy days and unexpected delays should not disrupt your pet’s feeding routine. The HIFOCUS 4L Smart Automatic Pet Feeder is designed to keep meals consistent even when you’re not home. With app-controlled scheduling and portion control, it helps cats and dogs maintain healthier eating habits.
A built-in 1080p HD camera with night vision lets you check in during your meal, while two-way audio lets you talk to your pet remotely. The large hopper, anti-clog design and easy-to-clean bowl make it a reliable daily feeding solution.
How does this make for a great tech product for your pet?
It combines precise feeding schedules, remote monitoring and interaction to help reduce missed meals, overeating and pet anxiety while giving owners greater control and peace of mind.
What factors to consider before purchasing pet technology products
Your pet’s comfort comes first: Technology should never cause stress to your pet. Look for lightweight designs, low noise levels, pet-safe materials, and features that don’t interfere with natural movement or daily activities.
Ease of use in everyday life: If an app or device feels complicated, it won’t be used. Simple setup, intuitive controls, and reliable performance are more important than bells and whistles.
Security and reliability: Check for stable connections, secure data handling, solid build quality, and backup options like battery support or offline capabilities in case of power or Wi-Fi issues.
The value of real problem-solving: Good pet tech should solve real problems — shedding, feeding schedules, safety or monitoring — not just words on paper.
Maintenance and ongoing costs: Consider cleaning, filter changes, subscriptions or consumables. Not only should the product be affordable, but it should also be maintained over the long term.
Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay updated with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has affiliate partnerships, so we may get a share of the revenue when you make a purchase. We are not responsible for any claims relating to the products under applicable law (including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act 2019). The products listed in this article are in no particular order of preference.
New Delhi: President of France Emmanuel Macron Harsh criticism of social media companies and their technology executives, accusing them of falsely portraying themselves as defenders of free speech. “Some of them claim to support free speech. We support free algorithms with full transparency,” Macron said, speaking at an artificial intelligence summit in the nation’s capital.
‘Bulls***t’: Macron slams social media for ‘free speech’ rhetoric, calls for algorithmic transparency
Politico quoted him as saying: “Free speech is pure nonsense if no one knows how you’re being led.”“We know that all algorithms are biased. There’s no doubt about it. When you talk about social media, where their influence is so great that you don’t know how the algorithm was developed, how it was tested and where it’s going to lead you – that can be a huge democratic bias,” he added.In the past ten years, European Union Lawmakers in Brussels have introduced sweeping legislation aimed at limiting the power of major technology platforms. Landmark measures such as the General Data Protection Regulation, the Digital Services Act and the Digital Markets Act aim to strengthen privacy protections, curb anti-competitive behavior and impose stricter obligations on content moderation. However, Washington considers some elements of these laws to be incompatible with the U.S. Constitution’s protections for speech.The dispute has since expanded into a broader political conflict, with U.S. officials and several technology companies warning that Europe’s rules verge on censorship. European leaders countered that the regulations were necessary to tackle illegal content, disinformation and platform abuse. The most outspoken among them is Macron, who has repeatedly called for tighter restrictions on social media access for young users – a stance that has gained traction in parts of Europe as public concerns about online harms grow.
veteran Pakistan pacemaker Muhammad Amir A stern warning has been issued to India opener Abhishek Sharma At the start of the 2026 T20 World Cup, the batsman took three consecutive ducks. Aamir flagged down Aamir ahead of India’s high-profile clash with Pakistan in Colombo last Sunday Abhishek The batsmen’s early struggles are now causing further concern. In India’s final Group A match against Netherlands on Wednesday, Abhishek fell in the hands of Aryan Dutt on the third ball of the first over. He tried to pull the ball but his pace was defeated as the ball skidded past and hit the stumps. The sack was his third in as many games, having faced just eight passes in three games.
How Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma hurt India? T20 World Cup
With this, Abhishek equaled the Indian record for most ducks in the T20 World Cup, joining Ashish Nehra. Pakistani Shahid Afridi Sri Lanka’s Tillakaratne Dilshan topped the list with five ducks each. speak on pakistani show game is sharkAamir compared Abhishek’s early struggles to those faced by Pakistan opener Syam Ayub in the initial PSL campaign. He stressed that young batsmen are quickly tested by quality bowlers who find technical flaws. “Saim faced the same problem a few years back when he was in the PSL. He was a rookie and bowled blind. No one knew his weaknesses as most of his shots were on the leg side. Now, if you bowl at the third or fourth stump line, it’s difficult for him to make decisions. Even in his last two games, he was dismissed in the off-side game. Unless he improves his off-side game, he can’t progress. Strong bowlers will always test your weaknesses and push you out of your comfort zone,” Aamir said. He specifically added on Abhishek’s situation: “The same is true for Abhishek. He wants every ball to go into slot so that he can bat. But in the bigger stages, or in ODIs, har ball lapete mein nahi le sakte (you can’t hit every ball in pressure cricket). Salman Agha and Aryan Dutt got him out in a similar manner. International cricket exposes you.” Team India will be hoping Abhishek can overcome this poor form and get back into his rhythm ahead of the Super Eight stage.
New Delhi: A man was detained by the Rajasthan police in Kota on Thursday after he allegedly uploaded a video threatening to shoot Congress MP and opposition leader Rahul Gandhi and 25 other MPs of the party.According to police, the man who calls himself Raj Singh in the video is the spokesperson of the right-wing group Karni Sena and had issued threats over the recent incident in the Lok Sabha.He alleged that 25 MPs verbally abused Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla during the first part of the recently concluded budget session of Parliament, angering the BJP and Karni Sena workers, PTI reported. In the purported video, Singh warned that if such an incident happened again, they would “enter the MP’s home” and cause damage. He also directly threatened Gandhi, saying, “If such an incident happens again, we will enter the homes of those MPs and vandalize them. I believe this incident happened on the orders of Rahul Gandhi. Rahul Gandhi, listen carefully, if such an incident happens again, we will break into your home and shoot you,” Singh said in the video.He further stated that if these 25 congressmen are not arrested within 24 hours, “we will shoot them one by one.”“If these MPs are arrested within 24 hours, that’s no problem. Otherwise, we will shoot them one by one,” he said.After the video surfaced on social media, Kota police swung into action and detained the accused. Kota police chief Tejaswani Gautam told the Press Trust of India news agency that the man had been detained at the Borkheda police station and was being questioned over the video.The video reportedly shows a picture of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Speaker Om Birla shaking hands hanging on the wall behind the accused.Both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Karni Sena have denied any links with the man. Bharatiya Janata Party’s Kota city president Rakesh Jain said the party had no connection with the people in the viral video. “I would like to clarify that the person in the viral video has no connection with the BJP. The Bharatiya Janata Party is a disciplined and nation-building party. Such language and behavior are completely contrary to our ideology and moral values. “Senior Kanisena leaders also said the accused had no connection with the group. Police said further investigation is ongoing.Reacting to the alleged death threat issued by the Karni Sena to Rahul Gandhi, Congress MP KC Venugopal said: “Look at the atmosphere created by the BJP ecosystem and the Sangh Parivar ecosystem. They are not even allowing Rahul Gandhi to speak in Parliament. They are disrespecting the opposition leader… The Sangh Parivar system is saying that they will kill Rahul Gandhi along with 25 MPs. No FIR has been sanctioned.” Registered. This is a clear example of anarchy. We know how to protect our Opposition Leader, we don’t care about all these things. Rahul Gandhi also knew how to protect himself; he did not care about his own life. “
GTA school bus cancellations: Winter storm disrupts travel in Toronto, Hamilton areas
a strong winter storm Freezing weather sweeping across southern Ontario on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 resulted in widespread school bus cancellations in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA), disrupting the morning routine of thousands of families due to the freezing conditions. rainice and snow create dangerous road conditions. Environment Canada issued a winter storm warning and freezing rain warning for much of the region ahead of the storm, predicting a mix of snow, ice pellets and freezing rain would make travel hazardous throughout the day.In response, several school boards, including the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) and the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB), canceled all bus transportation for the day, but the schools themselves remained open. In surrounding areas of York and Peel, Durham, Halton and Waterloo, school bus services, taxis and special needs routes have also been suspended due to dangerous conditions, with the board urging families to keep their children at home if it is unsafe to travel.
Why Greater Toronto Areabus Canceled, what? weatherforecast explain
The decision to eliminate buses while keeping schools open reflects growing concerns about icy roads, poor visibility and freezing precipitation that could make school bus transportation particularly dangerous. Environment Canada says even small amounts of ice accumulation and freezing rain can create slick, dangerous surfaces on roads and sidewalks, significantly increasing the risk of accidents for large vehicles and student drop-off points.For the Greater Toronto Area and adjacent areas, the forecast calls for snow and ice pellets up to 10-15 centimeters thick in many areas, as well as strong winds and the risk of slippery roads throughout the day and night. In some areas of southwestern Ontario, thick ice accumulation also prompted broader warnings of travel disruptions, power outages and downed trees as the storm system continued to move through the province.In affected areas, the board implemented severe weather protocols early on, notifying parents about transportation suspensions through online alerts, school websites and social media. Many families took to social platforms to share reactions, from students’ hopeful “snow day” chatter to frustrated parents dealing with logistics and workplace responsibilities as buses were canceled but classes were still in session.
Impact of GTA bus cancellations on students, families and commuters
Although schools remain open, the cancellation of bus services has had a significant knock-on effect. Parents and caregivers are working to develop alternative transportation plans, coordinate pick-ups and drop-offs or arrange for last-minute stay-at-home arrangements when possible. Students who rely on buses to get to school, especially those in regions such as Peel, Halton and Durham, are most affected as walking long distances in icy conditions may be unsafe. Many local transit services, including GO Transit, have adjusted schedules or warned riders that service will be slower and platforms will be slippery due to the weather, adding to the disruption for commuters other than school transportation.Some parents and community members took to social media to discuss the logic of eliminating buses while keeping schools open, arguing that for safety reasons, road conditions are severe enough to take buses out of service and schools should be closed, especially if walking or driving conditions remain precarious. However, school boards often close schools entirely during extreme weather conditions, relying instead on transportation cancellations and encouraging families to make individualized safety decisions.
Storm impacts wider across Ontario
The Greater Toronto Area isn’t the only area affected by this active winter pattern. Similar disruptions were reported in Simcoe County, Waterloo Region and Guelph, where school bus services were also canceled due to severe weather conditions, but schools in all areas remained open.Meanwhile, meteorologists are tracking winter precipitation in southern and central Ontario, where a mix of freezing rain, ice pellets and snow could cause ice to form on trees and power lines, increasing risks to infrastructure and possibly causing power outages in some communities.Even though schools remain open, school busing is canceled in many areas of Ontario, please check board notices for the latest local conditions. Dangerous conditions caused by snow and freezing rain are affecting roads and travel in the Greater Toronto Area and beyond. Plan ahead and travel with caution, icy roads and poor visibility may persist throughout the day. Parents may choose to keep their children home if travel appears unsafe, as the board generally allows absence for such weather-related decisions.
India’s Shivam Dube celebrates his half-century (ANI Photo)
Ahmedabad: For those who will be selected in the Indian team only if: Hardik Pandya Injured and even struggling to find his place in the Mumbai team for a season, Shivam Dube has come a long way. His ability to bat in sixes has earned him a spot in the 2024 T20 World Cup, with selectors preferring him over the renowned finisher Linku Singh.
T20 World Cup | Albie Morkel holds press conference on South Africa’s bowling strength and Rabada’s form
The all-rounder for Mumbai and Chennai Super Kings will be India’s ‘silent’ (unobtrusive) yet violent (highly explosive) hero in the 2026 T20 World Cup. In a game where India’s top players have largely struggled to counter the spinners, Dube’s impactful performance and contribution deserved a gold medal. Dube strengthened his credentials as world cricket’s top power hitter by smashing 66 off just 31 balls, including six powerful sixes, in India’s final league stage match of the T20 World Cup against the Netherlands at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Wednesday night. Unlike modern T20 specialist batsmen, Dube doesn’t seem to have much need to improvise. The Mumbaikar stands motionless at the crease, using his long leverage, timing and raw power to give the ball a good hit if it falls inside his arc. In this game, the 32-year-old played 23 times (16 goals) and 27 times (17 goals) against Namibia and South Africa respectively. Pakistan In his previous two appearances in the 2026 T20 World Cup. In the build-up to the T20 World Cup, Dube scored 65 off 23 balls against New Zealand in the fourth T20I in Vizag last month. Dube took some time to watch on Wednesday and was lucky to survive an LBW appeal, which was reviewed by Dutch off-spinner Aryan Dutt. He scored just six of 11 goals before exploding in typical fashion. “It was a little difficult on the wicket but it was a situation where I like to bat and I enjoyed it even though I was under pressure for a while. [Colin Ackermann] The pitching was pretty good for me, four dot balls, which was good from my side, but I knew I was going to cover it later. [Some balls] Is skidding and staying low. One of the balls also spun. So, for me, it was like, yeah, I could hit him, but the situation called for something else. So, I had to play then,” Dube said at Wednesday’s post-match press conference. Since Dube knew he was capable of hitting big sixes, he was not bothered by a few dot balls at the start. “Yes, obviously when you hit dots in T20s, you feel the pressure. But as a player, as a batsman, I knew then that maybe now if I get two runs in 10 balls, in the next five balls, if I hit two sixes, it will be covered. So the idea stayed in my mind. Yes, the wickets are gone so it is important that we build partnerships so it doesn’t matter if 2-4 balls are dot balls but then it will be covered,” a smiling Dube said after receiving the Man of the Match award. A few years ago, Dube carried an unwelcome reputation: He was uncomfortable with the short ball and true speed. However, as time went on, the southpaw continued to work on his weaknesses and became a better player every year. On Wednesday, he knocked down three sixes off the Dutch pacers Logan VanBeek. Asked how he climbed the learning curve and overcome his shortcomings, Dube said: “When you play in these situations, you learn. So, I got a little smarter in this situation. I know, yes, this bowler can come to me with this ball, or a fast bowler can bowl a short ball or a slower ball – I’ve worked on those things. I’m much better now. Game awareness is important and from my perspective it has gotten better,” Dube said. “When I [first] Come to CSK [Chennai Super Kings]there’s one thing I’ve been struggling with. It was important to come back strong because I knew I could dominate. I worked really hard on the short game. I know it’s not easy [to make the changes]but I had to give it extra time and hit extra shots. That’s what I do. “ “I know all the bowlers and they will [try and] Block me as well,” Dube said. “They won’t bowl me yorkers or long balls. They will fall short. They would throw slow pitches to me. So I’m prepared, so I’m waiting. When I came today, it didn’t mean that I could get a high winning rate. [immediately]but sometimes I think, now is the time for me to go. I know today is my day. “ Till the 2024 T20 World Cup, Dube’s strike rate against pace in T20Is was 134, but now it has gone up to 172. Realizing that the pacers are aiming to give him some “chin music”, Dube is ready for the challenge. “I know all the bowlers and they will [try and] Block me as well,” Dube said. “They won’t bowl me yorkers or long balls. They will fall short. They would throw slow pitches to me. So I’m prepared, so I’m waiting. When I came today, it didn’t mean that I could get a high winning rate. [immediately]but sometimes I think, now is the time for me to go. I knew today was my day,” Dube said. Dube was all smiles when he was informed that this was his 50th match in the T20 World Cup and he also chose to bat for some of his excited teammates. “The question is who owns the day,” Dube said in a philosophical tone. “I think in our team we are all match-winners and anyone can hit a big six on any day and I feel like today was the day so I need to be smart and push myself and stay there until the end but I also need to get my strength back. That’s what I do. That’s why I’m a power hitter,” Dube said. As well as batting, Dube’s bowling is also outstanding – helped by many helpful sessions with a bowling coach and former South Africa pacer Morn Morkel ——has also been significantly improved. He performed well with the bat on Wednesday night, taking two in three overs and scoring 35 runs. captain, reflecting the team’s confidence in his seam bowling Suryakumar Yadav When the Netherlands needed 28 points in the final, it turned to Dube. Netherlands scored 10 runs and Dube took a wicket.
Trump praises Nicki Minaj’s beauty at Black History Month event
At a White House reception marking the 100th anniversary of Black History Month, U.S. President Donald Trump drew widespread attention, not just for policy rhetoric or historical recognition, but also for, in an off-the-cuff moment, he nicki minaj. In the East Room of the White House, Trump said: “I love Nicki Minaj. She was here a few weeks ago. She is so beautiful. “He added that her “skin is so beautiful,” and even joked about the length of her nails, asking her if they were “real,” something Minaj “didn’t want to ask.” The comments, filled with palpable enthusiasm and repeated references to her appearance and nails, quickly spread across social platforms and news feeds.The comments underscored Trump’s broader focus on Minaj in recent weeks. She has clearly aligned herself with the president politically, supporting initiatives such as his “Trump Accounts” initiative and describing herself as perhaps his “number one fan” in media appearances. Trump, for his part, has called her one of the most “successful” female rappers and has praised her in multiple public appearances, including a summit in January when she appeared on stage and joked about having long nails because of her influence.
Why Trump praises Nicki Minaj viral
Black History Month events often center on influential figures and the legacy of civil rights achievements. Trump spoke of legendary figures such as muhammad aliFrederick Douglass and Martin Luther King Jr., but an unexpected turn to widespread focus on the beauty and manicure of contemporary entertainers became the most popular part of his speech, eclipsing many other parts in social media coverage.Minaj is a globally recognized artist who has taken politically visible stances rare among musicians of her caliber, notably aligning herself with a Republican president. Her financial contributions to Trump-related causes and vocal support at public events have blurred the traditional lines between celebrity culture and national politics, making her a lightning rod for both admiration and criticism. This dynamic makes every interaction between her and Trump more newsworthy and more polarizing. Reactions on social media ranged from amusement to disbelief. Some observers mocked the surreal nature of Trump discussing Minaj’s nails and skin color in formal settings, while others saw it as a sign of deepening cultural ties between entertainment figures and political movements. Commenters on platforms like Reddit highlighted the strangeness of the moment, joking about the president’s attention to physical detail rather than adhering to the event’s historical themes.
Trump and Nicki Minaj join wider cultural conversation
The series of events sparked a larger, ongoing conversation about how politics and celebrity intersect in the digital age. A major pop culture figure publicly aligning himself with a polarizing political leader can change the traditional narrative about entertainment and governance. From Trump account summits to upbeat social media posts, Nicki Minaj’s apparent support for Trump has sparked debate among fans, pundits and political commentators about celebrity influence, voter engagement and the changing landscape of American political identity.
Nicki Minaj and President Donald Trump stand together on stage at the “Trump Account” event at Carnegie Mellon Auditorium in Washington. AP/PTI
At the same time, Trump’s remarks at a sobering national commemoration raised questions about his messaging strategy and the perception of combining personal praise with policy events, a practice that highly engages supporters and opponents alike.At a White House event on February 18 to mark Black History Month, Donald Trump publicly praised Nicki Minaj’s beauty and long nails, causing a stir over the personal nature of his comments. The moment comes amid Minaj’s apparent political support for Trump, including public appearances and support for his initiatives. The comments sparked viral reactions on social media and reflected a broader cultural debate about the influence of celebrities’ messages at politically and historically important occasions.
