President Biden Cringe HBCU Comment During Howard Commencement
President Biden's heart might be in the right place, but his mouth is often somewhere else -- which was seen again Saturday ... this while addressing Howard University graduates.
POTUS was tapped as the key commencement speaker during the college's graduation ceremony this weekend, and there's one remark he made during his speech that's getting a little side-eye ... both due to his delivery and perhaps even his not-so-veiled intention.
Joe was talking about white supremacy, which he says is the most dangerous terroristic threat to America ... and encouraged everyone to stand up against it. Nothing wrong there in and of itself; however ... what he said afterward got some double takes, especially online.
You can tell he went off script a bit when he added ... "And I'm not just saying that because I'm at a Black HBCU. I say (it) wherever I go." There were some chuckles in the crowd.
Of course, HBCU stands for Historically Black College and University ... so there's no need for an extra descriptor to emphasize that it's a Black institution -- it's already in the acronym. On its face, this just a typical and innocent Biden gaffe ... not the end of the world, really.
The bigger issue, it would seem, is the fact that he felt the need to specifically mention he wasn't just saying this because he was at an HBCU, with a predominantly Black student body and faculty. Of course, you could argue that's (probably) exactly why he's mentioning it in this setting ... and that this whole thing comes across as pandering and kinda empty.
BTW, this isn't the first time Biden's put his foot in his mouth when it comes to talking to or about Black people -- there've been several instances over the past few years where he's made some eyebrow-raising remarks... which have all gotten backlash to varying degrees.
The one that comes to mind for many is when he said during a 'Breakfast Club' interview that any Black person who had trouble deciding between him or Donald Trump in the 2020 election ... wasn't Black. Charlamagne tha God pushed back on that and said it had nothing to do with Trump, arguing JB wasn't guaranteed a vote just because he wasn't Trump.
Another one bites the dust.
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Barack & Michelle Obama Arrive For Sasha's USC Graduation
Barack and Michelle Obama are in L.A. for a very special occasion -- one that has nothing to do with show biz or political fundraising ... they're here to watch their daughter Sasha get her diploma.
The former POTUS and FLOTUS were dressed to the nines Friday as they pulled up to the University of Southern California to watch their youngest walk the stage to receive her undergraduate degree.
Sasha transferred in 2022 from the University of Michigan to USC, where she studied Psychology.
And, Barack and Michelle are looking like all the other proud parents -- strolling around campus with huge smiles on their faces -- except, of course, they've got Secret Service agents in tow.
Sasha's older sister Malia Obama was on hand, too.
As you know, Malia graduated from Harvard back in 2021, and she's since taken on a big job in TV. You'll recall, writer/actor/rapper Donald Glover hired her as a writer for his Amazon series "Swarm," and he has only had great things to say about her.
Here's another milestone for Michelle and Barack to celebrate. Congrats to them and, of course, Sasha!
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Donald Trump Posts Fake Anderson Clip ... Trump Ripped CNN a 'New Ass****!!!'
Donald Trump's piling on CNN in the wake of his town hall by posting a doctored clip of Anderson Cooper saying Trump owned CNN during the event ... but with far more colorful language.
Trump is clearly relishing the fact CNN is getting tons of blowback from the left for giving him a platform -- and he spiked the football with this fake video of Anderson reacting to the end of the town hall. As the crowd roars for Trump, you see Anderson say "That was President Donald J. Trump ripping us a new ass****."
Put politics aside, for just a moment, and the clip is pretty hilarious. However, it's also a stark reminder of just how petty and self-congratulatory Trump can be.
Trump didn't produce the spoof -- it was uploaded by YouTube user, "Borg Clone" -- but the ex-prez clearly endorses the message ... which is that Trump's getting the last laugh on the network that hosted him.
As we reported ... Anderson Cooper, the real one, addressed the backlash against CNN by saying viewers shouldn't wall themselves off from Trump, or any politician, just because they hate their policies or personality.
We're sure Anderson still stands by that, but Trump's sophomoric showboating has gotta make it a little harder.
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Anderson Cooper Blasts Trump While Defending CNN ... After Town Hall Outrage
Anderson Cooper's bashing former President Donald Trump for "disturbing" behavior and remarks during CNN's town hall -- but he's also responding to the waves of people dragging the network for giving Trump a platform.
He addressed the outrage Thursday night as tempers continue flaring over Wednesday's town hall by calling out Trump's "lie after lie after lie," and inappropriate name-calling toward moderator, Kaitlan Collins, amongst other shocking moments.
Cooper acknowledged the anger toward CNN, saying people have every right to never tune in to the network again -- but then defended CNN by pointing out a cold, hard truth: Whether you like it or not, DT is the Republican frontrunner for president, and shutting out someone because you don't share their beliefs just isn't a healthy reality.
As you know, many called for CNN to boot Trump from their network ahead of Wednesday night's town hall -- especially after he was found liable this week in his battery and defamation trial with E. Jean Carroll.
As for why CNN viewers, or Trump haters, shouldn't look away -- Anderson says the roaring applause during some of Trump's bombastic comments should strike fear in people, as he says it was a sampling of roughly half the nation.
For what it's worth, the town hall drew more than 3 million pairs of eyeballs -- way higher than CNN's typical viewership around the same time, so the country was definitely watching it all go down. For better or worse.
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Charlize Theron Do You Hate On Drag Queens? Cuz I'll F*** You Up!!!
Charlize Theron is sending a crystal clear message to anyone bashing drag queens for being themselves ... saying she'll "f*** up" whoever accuses them of being a danger to kids.
The actress joined dozens of celebs in the recent "Drag Isn't Dangerous" telethon, and while she offered up plenty of kind words of support to drag queens, she followed those up with a threatening message.
She highlighted several dangers in America -- especially gun violence -- as real reasons to panic ... and by contrast, says watching a drag queen lip sync for their life should only bring people some serious serotonin.
Charlize is a big advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, in general, but it's also personal. Her 11-year-old adopted daughter, Jackson, was born male before identifying as female ... which Charlize has fully supported.
For those unaware, "Drag Isn't Dangerous" is fighting back against numerous bills in various state legislatures that focus on banning drag -- like the one passed in Tennessee, shutting down drag shows statewide. Fourteen other states have also introduced similar anti-drag bills.
The org already crushed its original $250K goal on its GoFundMe and is well past $580K as of Thursday morning ... and all proceeds go to nonprofits focused on LGBTQ+ activism.
FYI -- apart from Charlize, the big telethon was joined by Elizabeth Banks, Whitney Cummings, Billy Eichner, Leslie Jones, Melissa McCarthy, Amy Schumer, Ali Wong, David Cross, and Adam Lambert.
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Elon Musk Makes Play for Don Lemon on Twitter After Tucker Carlson Launch
Elon Musk is making a push to land a Don Lemon show on Twitter, just as Tucker Carlson's started his own show on the platform -- and Elon's goal seems to be balancing right and left.
Elon made his pitch to Don Wednesday morning with a tweet inviting him to do a show on the bird app. He included a dig at CNN's ratings, saying, "Maybe worth a try. Audience is much bigger."
The move comes after Tucker's Tuesday video tweet, announcing he'd be launching a "new version" of his TV show on Twitter -- a move that was quickly welcomed by the platform's owner.
Elon boasted, "On this platform, unlike the one-way street of broadcast, people are able to interact, critique and refute whatever [Tucker] or anyone may say."
He also made it clear he's not involved in Tucker's show or programming -- "We have not signed a deal of any kind whatsoever. Tucker is subject to the same rules & rewards of all content creators."
Of course, Don and Tucker were fired from CNN and Fox News, respectively, on the same day last month. On the heels of Carlson's announcement, Elon said he wanted more content creators, "particularly from the left" to follow suit.
He clearly thinks Don should be one of them.
BTW ... TMZ broke a story about News Nation pushing hard to land Lemon and Carlson. We're told the cable channel's cooled on both of them due to the news about Tucker's racist text messages, and Don's low ratings at CNN.
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George Santos Indictment's a 'Witch Hunt,' Y'all ... Deflects to Biden, Family
12:41 PM PT -- Rep. George Santos came out swinging during a press conference Wednesday -- this on the heels of him being arrested ... and he says he'll fight this case, which he calls a "witch hunt."
The NY congressman was surrounded by media in his home state as he addressed the indictment against him -- which alleges he's partaken in wire fraud and money laundering, among other criminal charges. Santos says he's innocent, and will prove so in court.
He says he has evidence that he'll fork over to prosecutors to clear his name, but was a little wishy-washy on what exactly that might be. Another highlight from his presser -- his whataboutism on President Biden and his family ... who he says are more guilty than him.
Finally, Santos says he will not resign ... and plans to continue his reelection campaign.
11:28 AM PT -- TMZ has confirmed George Santos pled not guilty and has been released on $500,000 bond.
George Santos has just been arrested for a variety of alleged misdeeds, including lying.
Santos has been charged with 13 counts of wire fraud, money laundering, theft of public funds and making false statements to the House of Representatives.
Santos was taken into custody by the FBI and is expected to be arraigned later today.
U.S. Attorney Breon Peace said when the indictment was unsealed, he "seeks to hold Santos accountable for various alleged fraudulent schemes and brazen misrepresentations," adding, "He used political contributions to line his pockets, unlawfully applied for unemployment benefits that should have gone to New Yorkers who had lost their jobs due to the pandemic, and lied to the House of Representatives."
Santos has been caught in a web of lies since his election victory last November. Some of his Republican colleagues wanted him expelled, but the leadership was radio silent on the issue.
According to the indictment, 2 of his supporters each transferred $25,000 to an account that was supposed to go to his campaign but was then transferred to a personal account. Santos allegedly used the funds to buy designer clothes and withdraw cash for personal debts.
It'll be interesting how Speaker Kevin McCarthy deals with Santos now.
Originally Published -- 7:00 AM PT
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Donald Trump Goes Nuclear on E. Jean Carroll, Judge ... After Losing $5 Million Jury Sexual Abuse Verdict
Donald Trump ripped into his perceived enemies Tuesday night after a jury found him liable for sexual abuse and defamation in the E. Jean Carroll civil trial.
The 45th President posted a series of videos to his Truth Social platform, condemning Carroll, the judge and jury in the case and New York City where the trial was held.
As you probably know, Trump was ordered to pay Carroll $5 million in damages for abusing her in a Bergdorf Goodman dressing room in the '90s and then defaming her years later by calling her a liar.
In the footage, Trump first directed his ire toward Judge Lewis A. Kaplan, labeling him a "Trump-hating, Clinton-appointed judge, who went out of his way to make sure that the result was as negative as it could possibly be."
The 2024 Republican presidential frontrunner also said the jury was from an "anti-Trump area," meaning NYC, a place where he could never get a fair trial. BTW ... the verdict was unanimous and quick.
Trump then said he would appeal the jury's decision because he doesn't know Carroll from a hole in the wall. He went on to say the trial was a "scam" and "political witch hunt" (No surprise there). He also said the verdict was a "disgrace to our country."
And he wasn't done yet. Trump described Carroll as a liar whose case was financed by Democratic operatives, but it wasn't clear who he was referring to. He also mentioned fighting back against “this stuff,” implying a rigged justice system, so the country doesn't fall into an abyss.
As for why the jury ruled against him ... jurors heard him via taped deposition say for a million years male celebs have groped women, adding "unfortunately or fortunately."
Of course, Trump's legal woes might only just be starting. Last month, he was criminally indicted in the Stormy Daniels hush money case in Manhattan.
He also faces possible criminal charges in two federal cases involving the January 6th riots and for allegedly pilfering classified government documents.
Trump could also face a criminal indictment in Fulton County, Georgia, over his purported role in trying to overturn the 2020 presidential election.
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Kanye West Political Team 'Cleaning House' ... Treasurer Resigns
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Kanye West's political team members are dropping off one by one after Milo Yiannopoulos took over as his political director ... who tells us they're "cleaning house."
TMZ's obtained a letter filed to the Federal Election Commission, from Kanye's 2020 campaign committee treasurer, Patrick Krason, saying he resigned Monday morning. For context, Ye hasn't officially said he's running for prez in 2024, so it seems "Kanye 2020" is still being used as the name of his political action committee.
Krason says he notified higher-ups of his resignation, and "they have been made aware of the requirement to name a new treasurer within 10 days." He also says he made the rest of the team aware they can't raise or spend any funds until they find a new treasurer.
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The move seems like it may relate to the bigger picture ... Kanye's political director Milo Yiannopoulos tells TMZ they are, "Cleaning house and professionalizing Ye's political team."
As we reported, Kanye re-hired Milo last week, and he instantly gave the boot to the rapper's right-hand man, Nick Fuentes, and Ali Alexander, one of Ye's political advisors.
Looks like some serious restructuring is going on ... and all before Kanye decides whether to officially throw his hat in the presidential race.
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Donald Trump Grabbing Women by P**** Nothing New ... 'Unfortunately or Fortunately'
Donald Trump's infamous "Access Hollywood" quote isn't just locker room talk, apparently -- he repeated it while under oath for a deposition in the E. Jean Carroll case ... and added a pretty shocking clarification.
During Trump's depo -- recorded on video last October -- Carroll's attorney, Roberta Kaplan, is grilling him about his treatment of women, generally, and raises the hot mic remarks he made during the 2005 interview with Billy Bush: "And when you're a star, they let you do it. You can do anything, grab them by the p****. You can do anything."
The attorney asks, "That's what you said, correct?" ... and without blinking he responds, "Well, historically, that's true with stars. If you look over the last million years, I guess that's been largely true."
He then, stunningly, added ... "Unfortunately or fortunately."
Trump was being deposed because Carroll is suing him for battery and defamation, and the trial is ongoing right now in NYC. Carroll claimed Trump raped her in the '90s, and he responded by calling her story a "hoax," and declaring she's not his type.
During the depo, he also called her a "nut job" and a "whack job."
Closing arguments are expected to begin Monday, unless Trump decides he wants to testify.
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John Legend Hey Megyn Kelly, Here's The Attention You Ordered ... Chrissy Attack Is Desperate
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John Legend is firing back at Megyn Kelly for going after his wife, Chrissy Teigen ... he says Megyn is desperate to get conservatives back on her side.
We got John at MÍRAME in Beverly Hills Thursday, and asked him about Megyn's negative reaction to Chrissy's outfit for the White House Correspondents Dinner ... and the singer didn't hold back.
John says Megyn's critique is a gross attempt for attention, which he says she needs now that she's no longer working for FOX.
What's more, John thinks Megyn is going after Chrissy in an attempt to win back Donald Trump supporters.
ICYMI ... Megyn ripped Chrissy's dress, labeling Teigen "elitist" for having "minions" and "serfs" holding the train of her dress. Megyn also chided Chrissy for exposing her underwear with a sheer fabric gown.
John says Megyn sounds desperate and should just shut up ... and he defends his wife as being kind, loving and down to Earth.
While John admits it's not normal to have people carrying someone's dress train down the street, he says it's just part of the deal when Chrissy goes to a big event.
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Kanye West Milo Yiannopoulos Back Leading YE24 Campaign ... Nick Fuentes Booted
Kanye West is full steam ahead on his presidential campaign, bringing his former collaborator Milo Yiannopoulos back into the mix, and their first order of business ... firing Ye's controversial right-hand man, Nick Fuentes.
TMZ obtained emails sent from Milo -- now officially YE2024's Director of Political Operations -- to Nick, and in one he says, "Your services on Ye’s exploratory team are terminated ... and will not be required for any possible future campaign."
You'll recall, Nick is the white nationalist who accompanied West during his trip to see Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago last fall.
Milo also fired off an exit email to Ali Alexander, another one of Ye's political advisors, who was recently forced to apologize after being accused of asking teenage boys for sexual pictures.
We reached out to Milo, and he confirmed the details in the e-mails. He also says he's been in L.A. for the past week, talking to Ye about his presidential aspirations.
You'll recall, Milo was reportedly removed from the campaign team last year after Ye's controversial interview with Alex Jones ... and he reportedly blamed Nick and Ali for his firing.
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Now that Milo's back in the saddle, it would seem his next mission is finding out just how serious Ye is about running for the White House -- and, after that, addressing the antisemitism West spewed for months.
That ridiculous Jonah Hill theory he floated won't cut it on the campaign trail.
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Prince William, Kate & Kids Walkin' Into Westminster ... Coronation Rehearsal Time!
The Royal Family is gearing up for King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla's coronation ... so, the next in line to the throne is front and center with his brood practicing their part in the ceremony.
Prince William and Kate Middleton were at Westminster Abbey Wednesday morning -- with Prince George, Prince Louis, and Princess Charlotte in tow for one of many run-throughs before Saturday's ceremony.
William and 9-year-old George have some big parts to play in this weekend's coronation ... with William pledging allegiance once Charles is crowned by the Archbishop of Canterbury, and George taking on the role of one of the Kings' 4 Pages.
Can't have the kid messing up, so these rehearsals are crucial!
The man and woman of the hour, King Charles and his Queen, were also on hand Wednesday -- apart from them, Charles' sister Anne was in the building, too ... all a part of the not-so top-secret rehearsal.
As we reported, Prince Harry -- despite all the bad blood -- will be attending his father's big day. He was not at the family run-through, and it's unclear how involved he will be in the coronation itself.
Meghan Markle got an invite too, but won't be heading overseas with her hubby.
FYI -- a Buckingham Palace ballroom had reportedly been recently turned into a mock version of the Westminster Abbey location where people have been able to work through the layout and rehearse on a more private scale.
For more royal drama, tune into our podcast Spilling Royal Tea, dropping every Thursday wherever you get your podcasts.
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White House Correspondents' Dinner MSNBC's Stephanie Ruhle ... Eats It at After-Party!!!
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D.C. was lit Saturday night at an after-party following the White House Correspondents' Dinner, and apparently so were some of the correspondents!!!
MSNBC anchor Stephanie Ruhle was yukking it up and feelin' the beat with fellow anchor Symone Sanders-Townsend ... posing for pics when she just collapsed. No harm, no foul ... Ruhle bounced back up, with a little help, and was back at it.
The party went down at the French Ambassador's residence in D.C. People were dancing and, we're guessing, drinking some as the shindig blazed on. Stephanie hit the ground at 1 AM. No word on how long the party lasted.
The event's a big deal in D.C. Ariana Madix and Lisa Vanderpump were guests at the Dinner and A.M. had to love it when host Roy Wood Jr. compared her ex, Tom Sandoval, to Tucker Carlson.
Hope the headache's manageable today!
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Joe Biden Running for President ... Harris by His Side
President Joe Biden is ready to do it all again and run for reelection -- with VP Kamala Harris right at his side.
Biden made the big announcement in a slick 3-plus minute campaign video released Tuesday morning, prominently featuring the incumbent democrats and putting to rest speculation that Harris would be replaced on the ticket. The announcement also foreshadowed a possible rematch between Biden and former president and top Republican candidate Donald Trump, who lost to Biden in the 2020 election.
In the video, Biden and Harris are seen together at the White House and on the campaign trail, warmly greeting and chatting with people. Biden's voice plays over the footage as he explains that Americans continue to be in a battle for the soul of the country.
In the years ahead, Biden says pivotal questions still remain about whether Americans will have more or less freedoms and individual rights. He ends his speech with this, "That's why I'm running for reelection."
Although Biden's announcement came as no surprise -- he'd been hinting at it for months -- the 46th President has been dogged by criticism of his heightened age and mental and physical fitness. If he were to win reelection, Biden would be 82 at the start of his second term.
A recent NBC news poll showed that 70 percent of Americans and more than half of Democrats would like to see someone other than Biden on the ticket, citing his age. But, the poll also revealed that a whopping 88% of Democrats would definitely or probably vote for Biden against his opponent in the general election.
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Donald Trump A Slice of Life ... Trump Offers Half-Eaten Pizza to Fans
Donald Trump tried to ingratiate a crowd of supporters with pizza, but he suggested the prized piece was a slice he had half-eaten.
Trump showed up at a pizzeria in Fort Myers, Florida Friday ... sort of a pizza party after his speech at the Lee County Republican Party's Lincoln Reagan Dinner. Yeah, pizza after dinner may be a little much.
Trump's at the cash register, egging on the crowd ... "Enjoy the pizza, enjoy the pizza!"
Not one to shy away from the likes of a good pizza pie, Trump chomped into a piece and mused, "Does anybody want a piece that I've eaten?"
We hope it's a joke, but based on history he may well think a half-eaten Trump slice is worth more than a whole, and there are probably supporters of his who feel the same.