White House

President Trump finally made it to Vietnam -- but he did it using a ton of taxpayer dollars ... and got a whole lot of nothin' out of it from North Korea.

TMZ did some digging on the cost of Trump's second summit with Kim Jong-un in Hanoi, and turns out it was at least $1.3 million ... much of which went toward putting Americans up for a couple of nights and making sure they were cozy.

According to federal procurement docs -- obtained by TMZ -- lodging alone for Trump and co. during the two-day summit -- which wrapped Thursday without a deal on nukes or sanctions -- ran Uncle Sam upwards of $632k between 3 hotels and miscellaneous costs.

The State Dept. footed the majority of that lodging bill, including a separate $157k for lodging at the Melia Hanoi Hotel -- where Kim Jong-un stayed and where the American press corp was staying as well ... before getting booted by Kim's camp.

According to reports, Kim became uneasy with the American press in such close proximity ... so they were ultimately moved to a new hotel.

But, wait ... there's more!!!

The conference rooms alone where Trump and Kim couldn't come to terms cost $316k, and things like lights, stereo systems, drapes and awnings ran about $100k all together. The Dept. of Defense dropped about $60k for leased internet lines.

John Legend and Chrissy Teigen want to test Donald Trump's theory that there will be riots in the street if he loses the 2020 election.

We got John and Chrissy Wednesday night in Bev Hills leaving Madeo, and asked what they made of Michael Cohen saying Trump once told him black people would never vote for him because they're too stupid -- among other incredibly racist things. JL & CT didn't bat an eye.

According to John, it's been well-established Trump doesn't like African-Americans and exhibits racist tendencies time and again.

12:53 PM PT -- The Trump Campaign spokesperson, Kayleigh McEnany, has issued a statement about Cohen's testimony, stating, "Michael Cohen is a felon, a disbarred lawyer, and a convicted perjurer, who lied to both Congress and the Special Counsel in a 'deliberate and premeditated' fashion according to the Special Counsel's Office. Now he offers what he says is evidence, but the only support for that is his own testimony, which has proven before to be worthless."

She continued, "Prosecutors said his actions were to ensure that he would 'profit personally, build his own power, and enhance his level of influence.' This is the same Michael Cohen who has admitted that he lied to Congress previously. Why did they even bother to swear him in this time?"

We got Michael Cohen arriving at the United States Capitol as he prepares to testify before Congress about the misdeeds of Donald Trump.

Our photog notices Cohen seemed calm. The photog knew he wasn't going to get a preview of the testimony, so instead, he asked what music Cohen listened to in preparation for the big day.

Cohen will say some shocking things about Donald Trump when he testifies at 10 AM ET before the House Oversight Committee. He calls Trump a racist, a conman and a cheat.

Among the things he'll say ... "He once asked me if I could name a country run by a black person that wasn't a 'shithole.' This was when Barack Obama was President of the United States."

He adds, "While we were once driving through a struggling neighborhood in Chicago, he commented that only black people could live that way. And, he told me that black people would never vote for him because they were too stupid."

He will also submit letters he says he wrote at Trump's direction, threatening high schools and colleges not to release his grades or SAT scores.

And, Cohen will submit a check that Trump wrote to him for $35,000 as re-payment for the Stormy Daniels hush money payment.

Cohen also says he lied to Melania about his affair with Stormy -- at Trump's behest -- and says it's one of his biggest regrets.

Samuel L. Jackson says Donald Trump was spot-on when he bragged he's done more for African Americans than Presidents past ... and it's all thanks to Trump's massive "plantation."

We got Samuel L. Monday at LAX and asked him about Trump's shot at Spike Lee in which Trump said, "Be nice if Spike Lee could read his notes, or better yet not have to use notes at all, when doing his racist hit on your President, who has done more for African Americans (Criminal Justice Reform, Lowest Unemployment numbers in History, Tax Cuts,etc.) than almost any other Pres!"

Jackson shot back ... essentially calling Trump a slave owner.

President Barack Obama was quick to show love for Zion Williamson after watching him suffer an injury 30 seconds into the Duke vs. NC game ... wishing the college star a speedy recovery.

You've heard about it by now ... Zion's Nike shoe blew out shortly after tip-off Wednesday night, resulting in a mild knee sprain. Obama was sitting in the front row when it all went down.

"Zion Williamson seems like an outstanding young man as well as an outstanding basketball player," #44 tweeted after the game. "Wishing him a speedy recovery."

It didn't take an expert lip reader to figure out Obama's reaction to the injury -- cameras captured Barack's shocked look while he mouthed the words, "His shoe broke!"

LeBron James -- who's also a big fan of Zion -- tweeted out support for the young star as well, saying, "Hope young fella is ok! Literally blew thru his [shoe]."

The freak injury didn't stop Obama from being fan-friendly with the Cameron Crazies ... dappin' up all the folks who packed into the crowded arena for the big game.

Check out the footage we got from inside the arena showing Barack posing for pics before the game -- and meeting fans throughout the night.

The Blue Devils ended up losing 88-72 without their superstar ... and Zion's status will be evaluated on Thursday.

Being president is pretty cool ... but Barack Obama's biggest accomplishment came on the hardwood ... 'cause 44 says he's the man behind Stephen Curry's dangerous jumper!!

Obama and Curry hosted a town hall meeting for the My Brother’s Keeper Alliance in Oakland on Tuesday ... and naturally, Barry had to let the jokes fly when introducing the 2-time MVP.

"Even Bulls fans have to acknowledge that it's been fun to watch the Warriors and the greatest shooter of all time -- because I gave him some tips right before, about 5 seasons ago, there's film of this in the White House."

Steph doubled down on the quip ... saying Obama fixed his "chicken wing" jumper as well as his resume ... calling him "the best mentor" (which might not be a joke).

The duo traded zingers before getting serious about helping minority youth in America, the work their MBK Alliance has accomplished in the 5 years of its existence ... and what needs to happen moving forward.

Steph Curry and Barack Obama's bromance took another step forward with a dinner date ... although Ayesha Curry and a couple o' Legends were there too.

The Currys sat down with 44 for a serious power dinner Monday night in San Francisco at Ayesha's restaurant, International Smoke. Her collaborator and chef, Michael Mina, posed with the smiling trio and shouted out Barack, saying ... "No greater privilege than to cook for this man on Presidents Day. Thank you for the highest honor @barackobama!"

The star power at the dinner table didn't stop there -- John Legend and Chrissy Teigen showed up to make it a fab fivesome. Chrissy also shared a shot of herself enjoying a drink with Chef Michael.

You'll recall, Steph set up a meeting last month in Washington, D.C. between his BFF and his Golden State Warriors teammates ... who opted out of meeting President Trump to celebrate their NBA Championship.

As for why they're all in the Bay Area ... Barack, Steph and John are all taking part in the My Brother's Keeper conference in Oakland, aimed at supporting boys and young men of color. It's being hosted by the Obama Foundation.

Good eats, good cause ... good times!

Donald Trump's old golfing buddy, George Lopez, is not down with POTUS' new, $50k golf simulator at the White House ... telling TMZ Sports the guy should be focusing on his job, not his stroke.

ICYMI -- The Donald recently had a room-sized golf simulator installed in the personal quarters at 1600 Penn ... and it's reportedly a big upgrade from what Barack Obama had during his presidency.

G Lo -- who has hit the links with Trump prior to becoming #45 -- tells us the move is "unnecessary" ... and Trump should put his time into fixing the country's issues.

"This fool needs to stop napping 60 percent of the time and he needs to get to work, because this is some bullsh*t that's going on," Lopez says.

"It's a bad look."

George never holds back when he talks about 45. He's been critical of the Prez since he went from reality star to candidate, and even went as far as to fake pee on his Hollywood Star last year.

21 Savage may be deported, and not because he's ineligible to stay in the United States ... it's because of Donald Trump.

We now understand MOST of what went down with 21's arrest and looming deportation. Here's how it goes.

Sources directly connected to the case tell TMZ ... the decision to arrest and deport 21 Savage was made months ago by the Atlanta bureau of ICE. At that time, ICE decided it would arrest Savage and hold him without bond until he could be deported.

As for why ICE wanted Savage held without bond, we've learned they incorrectly believed 21 had a felony conviction, which would have disqualified him from being able to post bond. As we reported, 21's 2014 drug conviction was vacated and sealed in the Fall -- which effectively erases it -- but court records weren't updated, so all ICE saw was the conviction.

Now, this is super weird ... we've learned just days ago ICE headquarters in Washington D.C. got involved in the case, and when they did, ICE had already figured out 21 was not a felon and therefore should have been released on bond. Our sources say ICE in D.C. IGNORED the fact that the conviction was erased and doubled down, saying 21 should NOT be released. No one we've spoken to has any idea why D.C. took such a position when it was not supported by the facts.

Keep reading ... we're getting to Trump.

We've confirmed ICE was on the scene with various other local and federal law enforcement agencies when 21 was arrested on Super Bowl Sunday with a plan to arrest him. We're told ATF first took 21 into custody and literally handed him over to an ICE agent on the spot.

Our ICE sources say they had no other involvement in the other arrests at the scene ... they were only there to arrest Savage. It is unclear why ICE needed to be part of that operation ... why didn't they just go to 21's home and arrest him in the months prior to the sting?

As we reported, 21's lawyers went to court Tuesday and convinced a judge to bond 21 out. As for next steps, 21's application to stay in the U.S. will be processed, and it's virtually certain it will be approved because he qualifies on every count. He has dependents in the country, he has no convictions, and he's been here more than 10 years. There are no obstacles in his way ... EXCEPT TRUMP.

Turns out Trump changed the immigration policies from Obama and Bush. We're told Trump's marching orders are to deport people who have a pending visa application -- even if it's a slam dunk -- and they can come back if and when it's approved.

We've learned, before 21 Savage was released Tuesday, ICE agents told him they would drop deportation proceedings if he voluntarily left the country. We're told he passed and will fight to stay.

BTW ... 21 filed his application to stay in the U.S. in 2017 and it takes around 4 years for ICE to process it, so the stakes are high.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has some refreshing thoughts on the highest office in the land ... she has no issues with a sitting President lighting up.

We got AOC Tuesday afternoon on Capitol Hill, and the instantly powerful Congresswoman made it clear ... if you don't have a problem with your Prez enjoying a drink, you should feel the same way about weed.

AOC knows a thing or two about liquor ... she's a former bartender. And, AOC is a strong supporter of the legalization of marijuana.

Ganja has been a political hot potato for years, with politicians sidestepping questions about smoking.

2020 Presidential hopeful Kamala Harris made fun of Bill Clinton's famous line about not inhaling when she was on "The Breakfast Club" this week, acknowledging she's partaken in the past ... then quickly adding, it was a long, long time ago. The message ... don't worry, she doesn't smoke.

Seems politicians are still afraid of losing voters over sativa stigmas ... but not AOC!!!

Michelle Obama just rocked the house at the 2019 Grammy Awards -- and before she could even get four words out on the importance of music ... she was interrupted by cheers.

The former First Lady made a surprise appearance Sunday at the Grammys alongside Jada Pinkett-Smith, Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez and host Alicia Keys. After Jada discussed respecting everyone's voice in the music industry, Michelle took the mic ... but had a hard time getting her speech started 'cause people were losing their minds.

Eventually, after Michelle told folks to settle down, she talked about the wide ranging musical genres that got her through tough moments in life, and reiterated just how impactful music is to pretty much everyone.

In typical Obama fashion, Michelle sounded just as good as ever in her delivery ... and this reception proves she's still one of America's favorite people to hear from.

Tough act to follow, for sure.

It's Grammy season, which means we're due for another outlandish Joy Villa outfit to grace the red carpet ... this time, she's here dressed as President Trump's border wall.

The alt-rock singer -- who's super conservative -- showed up to the Staples Center Sunday ahead of the big show wearing a silver "build the wall" gown, complete with faux barbed wire on her shoulders and a spiked crown on her head. Lady Liberty would be ... proud?

Joy told reporters that her 'BTW' ensemble was custom made by Designers Allinger of Desi Designs -- and, of course, she wore it to make a political statement, per usual. If her "steel" colored dress didn't tell you that ... her MAGA handbag hits the point home.

This isn't Joy's first rodeo with right-leaning outfits. She showed up to last year's Grammys wearing a pro-life dress, which also had an on-the-nose accessory.

Her 2018 fashion choice was apparently a big hit with DT's fam ... Joy told us that Eric Trump's wife, Lara, gave her rave reviews ... calling her dress "stunning."

Considering Joy has been rockin' MAGA gear to the Grammys since at least 2017, something tells us this is gonna be an ongoing thing as long as Trump's in office.

Donald Trump is going to be in good health for the duration of his Presidency ... this according to his doctor.

Trump's doc, Sean P. Conley, just released the results of the First Patient's physical in broad strokes, and they're one for the history books. Dr. Conley says Trump "is in very good health and I anticipate he will remain so for the duration of his Presidency, and beyond."

So many questions. First, is the doctor predicting good health 2 years or 6 years into the future? Second, what if Trump keeps eating junk food and doesn't exercise? After all, good health today doesn't ensure good health a year from now.

Third, how far is "beyond?"

You may recall ... after last year's physical, Trump's then-physician Rear Adm. Ronny Jackson said the Prez was in excellent health and "might live to be 200 years old" if he improved on diet and exercise.

Move over, Patriots ... here's a team that's JACKED UP to visit Donald Trump's White House to celebrate their championship win -- the North Dakota State Bison!!!

NDSU football just won the FCS title for the 7th time in the last 8 years ... beating Eastern Washington 38-24 last month -- and they wanted a trip to 1600 Penn. Ave. to celebrate.

So, North Dakota state senator John Hoeven just got on the horn with No. 45 ... AND BOOM, THE WHITE HOUSE PARTY IS ON!!!

Hoeven says in a statement, a date for the celebration hasn't officially been set yet ... but it sure sounds like the squad is stoked for the invitation.

"With NDSU’s history of excellence, it is only fitting that they be honored at the White House," Hoeven says ... "and we look forward to working with the President to coordinate the visit.”

Remember, the last college football team to hit the White House for a championship dinner was treated to some fast food burgers and fries.

Tom Brady's not giving up any clues as to whether he'll visit President Trump at the White House with his teammates ... not any verbal clues, anyway.

A reporter from NBC asked Brady point blank Thursday morning if he plans to go to DC. Tom paused, looked at the crowd gathered at a Gillette event and simply said, "Next question."

So, if Tommy Terrific isn't gonna say anything ... his body language might have. He definitely seemed frustrated by the reporter's question -- even though he had to know it was coming.

Remember, Tom passed on the White House visit back in 2017 after he and Trump -- who were previously famous buddies -- had a falling out.

Back then, Brady's wife, Gisele Bundchen, was very vocal about her dislike of Trump and his policies. Brady even admitted after the 2016 election that Gisele had put the kibosh on his politics talk.

Although Brady didn't answer today ... sources tell us Gisele's position, if anything, has hardened against Trump since 2017.

We think you just saw the end result of that position -- Tommy ain't talking.

2:51 PM PT -- Gloria Steinem has just weighed in on Trump's speech, and she says the country needs a different President!

We got the famed feminist leader at LAX Wednesday, and she tells us Trump did himself no favors by shouting out the new wave of women in Congress ... because she says their election was a reaction against him.

And, wait until you hear Gloria's message to the Prez ... safe to say she ain't a fan of the Electoral College.

Donald Trump missed something big when he congratulated all the women who were elected to Congress ... they are actually there to keep him from ruining America -- such are the sentiments of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

We got the instantly powerful Congresswoman leaving Capitol Hill after her first State of the Union speech, and she wasted no time eviscerating the Prez.

She told our photog Trump got trolled when female Representatives stood and cheered after he applauded their strength in numbers. As AOC says, the women are almost all Democrats who are in a righteous battle against him.

She found the speech "weird" and turned Trump's own fantasy against him. You'll recall, Trump talked about what America would be like if he wasn't POTUS. Well, AOC also has fantasies of what America would look like without Trump.

Our photog, Colin, pivoted and asked about 21 Savage's arrest by ICE, and AOC makes it clear ... the arrest is a symptom of a much larger problem.