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Added on the 31/08/2020 19:50:26 - Copyright : AFPTV - First images
On the morning of January 20, 2021, Donald Trump and Melania Trump will depart the White House as President and first lady. According to tradition and proper White House etiquette, the outgoing First Couple observes a number of protocols in the peaceful transition of power. But the Trumps have no intention of doing so. Rather than offering the hand of friendship, they will be raising their well-manicured middle fingers. CNN reports the Trumps have refused to invite the Bidens inside the White House before departing. Nor will they welcome the Bidens on the steps of the North Portico, much less ride with them to the United States Capitol. After all, the outgoing President and his family have refused to attend President-elect Biden's inauguration ceremony entirely.
"It is certainly possible that Russia could make additional tactical gains in the coming weeks" against Ukraine, US national security advisor Jake Sullivan says during a White House news briefing. SOUNDBITE
The White House sends its condolences to the victims of a "terrible" shooting at a concert hall in the Russian capital Moscow. "Our thoughts are with the victims of this terrible, terrible shooting attack," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby tells reporters. "The images are just horrible and just hard to watch," he adds. SOUNDBITE
The United States announces an "emergency package of security assistance of $300 million" to Ukraine. "This is possible because of unanticipated costs savings in contracts that DOD negotiated to replace equipment we've already sent to Ukraine through previous drawdown," US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan tells reporters at the White House. SOUNDBITE
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has never asked for Western troops to fight Russia's invasion, the White House says after French President Emmanuel Macron said he would not rule out the idea. "President Zelensky isn't asking for that, he's just asking for the tools and capabilities. He's never asked for foreign troops to fight for his country," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby tells reporters. SOUNDBITE