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Former Vice President Mike Pence took a swipe at his former boss, President Donald Trump, on Wednesday over Trump’s comments about Ukraine and Russia.

Why It Matters

Though Pence and Trump started out as allies, the former vice president became a pariah in the MAGA world at the end of Trump’s first term after he refused to block Congress from certifying Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 election.

Pence and Trump’s icy relationship has since thawed a bit, most notably when the two shook hands while attending former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral.

Pence also attended Trump’s inauguration and said on X (formerly Twitter), in part, “We encourage all our fellow Americans to join us praying for President Trump and Vice President Vance as they assume the awesome responsibility of leading this great Nation.”

Former Vice President Mike Pence is seen arriving at the inauguration ceremony for Donald Trump in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2025. (Photo by Julia Demaree Nikhinson / AFP) (Photo by JULIA DEMAREE NIKHINSON/AFP via Getty Images)

What To Know

Appearing at a news conference Tuesday, Trump spoke about the Russia-Ukraine war and falsely suggested Ukraine had initiated the conflict. Russia annexed parts of Ukraine in 2014 and launched a military invasion against its neighbor in 2022.

Ukraine “Should’ve ended [the war] in three years,” Trump said Tuesday. “You should have never started it. You could have made a deal.”

Responding to Trump’s comment, Pence said on X, “Mr. President, Ukraine did not ‘start’ this war. Russia launched an unprovoked and brutal invasion claiming hundreds of thousands of lives. The Road to Peace must be built on the Truth.”

Pence also linked to a Fox News article with the headline, “Russia invades Ukraine in largest European attack since WWII.”

Trump also took aim at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Truth Social on Wednesday, criticizing him over his handling of the conflict and lambasting him over his poll numbers. Trump also called for Ukraine to hold an election during the war, which it cannot do since the country is under martial law.

“I love Ukraine, but Zelenskyy has done a terrible job, his Country is shattered, and MILLIONS have unnecessarily died – And so it continues…..,” Trump concluded in his post.

What People Are Saying

Dillard University Professor Robert Collins told US via text on Wednesday: “This is basically just a case of Trump parroting the propaganda, talking points from Putin. But this should not surprise anyone. Putin and Trump have had a close personal relationship for many years, starting during Trump’s first term. Trump has always argued that it is in the best interest of the US for him to maintain a close personal relationship with Putin, because that is how he can avoid any sort of military conflicts with Russia.

“Long-term, down the road, there will be negative political consequences simply because the majority of Republicans in Congress do not share Trump’s affection for Putin. Eventually, Trump will start losing Republican votes on foreign policy issues, simply because Republican members of Congress understand they have to run for reelection, so they cannot appear to be sympathetic to Putin. Trump never has to run another election. So he’s not worried about the political fallout,” Collins said.

CNN anchor Jim Sciutto responded on X to Pence’s remarks: “When has a former vice president so directly contradicted the president he served under?”

Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer of New York wrote on X Wednesday: “Trump’s comments about the war in Ukraine sounded straight from a Russian propaganda playbook. It’s disgusting. The Ukrainian people did not start this war. Vladimir Putin did. The staggering suffering and destruction they have endured is all because of Vladimir Putin.”

President Donald Trump has insisted that he will not cut Social Security benefits.

Speaking to Fox News’ Sean Hannity on Tuesday, Trump said: “Look, Social Security won’t be touched, other than if there’s fraud or something. It’s going to be strengthened. But it won’t be touched.”

He also vowed there would be not cuts to Medicare and Medicaid. “None of that stuff is going to be touched,” he said.

But he added: “Now, if there are illegal migrants in the system, we’re going to get them out.”

President Donald Trump speaking at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida on Tuesday.

Why It Matters

Social Security benefits are a vital source of income for tens of millions of Americans.

An estimated 53 million retirees—roughly 16 percent of the population—were collecting monthly payments at the end of 2024.

Meanwhile, Medicaid is the largest program providing medical and health-related services to low-income individuals, and Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people aged 65 or older, and for some younger individuals with certain disabilities or conditions.

What To Know

Trump had previously sworn that he would not cut Social Security benefits, although there was confusion over some of his remarks.

In March last year, Trump told CNBC: “There is a lot you can do in terms of entitlements, in terms of cutting.

“And in terms of, also, the theft and the bad management of entitlements—tremendous bad management of entitlements—there’s tremendous amounts of things and numbers of things you can do.”

However, he told Breitbart days later: “I will never do anything that will jeopardize or hurt Social Security or Medicare. We’ll have to do it elsewhere. But we’re not going to do anything to hurt them.

“There’s so many things we can do… there’s so much cutting and so much waste in so many other areas, but I’ll never do anything to hurt Social Security.”

Trump also said in January this year that his administration would “love and cherish” Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.

“We’re not going to do anything with that, unless we can find some abuse or waste,” he said. “The people won’t be affected. It will only be more effective and better.”

Several Democratic lawmakers, former government officials and advocacy groups have raised issues with Trump’s handling of the Social Security Administration (SSA), which is responsible for paying benefits. It comes after confirmation from Elon Musk that Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) officials would be conducting an audit.

Musk has claimed there is rampant fraud taking place at the SSA, including payments being made to millions of long-dead recipients, which has been widely disputed.

Last week, Musk reported that he was “100 percent certain that the magnitude of the fraud in federal entitlements… exceeds the combined sum of every private scam you’ve ever heard by FAR.”

Last weekend, acting commissioner Michelle King—a 30-year veteran of the agency—resigned from her role over DOGE’s alleged access to SSA data.

Meanwhile, Republicans are still considering cutting billions of dollars from Medicaid, which could jeopardize health care for the 80 million U.S. adults and children who rely on it.

Medicaid, which cost $880 billion in 2023, is mainly funded by federal taxpayers who contribute up to 80 percent of the expenses in some states.

To reduce costs, the GOP-controlled Congress is looking at implementing work requirements and potentially offering states a reduced, fixed-rate of funding.

What People Are Saying

Elon Musk wrote on X, formerly Twitter, on February 17: “I love the people. We just want to fix the waste and fraud that is bankrupting the country. The scrutiny on me is extreme, so it’s not like I could ‘get away’ with something, nor do I have any incentive to do so.”

Martin O’Malley, the former SSA commissioner, said according to the The Washington Post: “At this rate, they [DOGE] will break it. And they will break it fast, and there will be an interruption of benefits.”

What Happens Next

Any wholesale cut to Social Security benefits is unlikely. Despite its $1.5 trillion annual cost, the benefits are extremely popular with the American electorate.

Taylor Swift reportedly ‘needs space’ after being dragged into Blake Lively’s legal battle with Justin Baldoni

Blake Lively allegedly used Taylor Swift as an intimidation tactic with Justin Baldoni

Taylor Swift is still keeping her distance from Blake Lively as the actress’s legal battle with It Ends With Us director Justin Baldoni intensifies.

Weeks following initial reports of a rift between the close friends, Swift still “needs space” after her name was dragged into the lawsuit.

“Taylor is really hurt by this whole situation and feels like a pawn,” they claimed.

According to the insider, Swift has been “taking a break” from her friendship with Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds.

“Taylor wants nothing to do with this whole ordeal,” the source said. “She has always been a loyal friend to Blake and doesn’t appreciate being thrown into this at all.”

The tension reportedly stems from Baldoni’s countersuit, which revealed texts in which Lively allegedly referred to Swift as one of her “dragons.” Baldoni also claimed he was pressured by “two of the most influential and wealthy celebrities in the world” to accept Lively’s rewrites for a key rooftop scene in It Ends With Us.

While the texts don’t specify names, many believe Lively was referring to Swift and Reynolds. 

Taylor Swift is still ‘keeping her distance’ from Blake Lively after getting ‘hurt’

Blake Lively allegedly used Taylor Swift as an intimidation tactic with Justin Baldoni.

Taylor Swift is still keeping her distance from Blake Lively as the actress’s legal battle with It Ends With Us director Justin Baldoni intensifies.

Weeks following initial reports of a rift between the close friends, source tells Page Six that Swift still “needs space” after her name was dragged into the lawsuit.

Taylor is really hurt by this whole situation and feels like a pawn,” they claimed.

According to the insider, Swift has been “taking a break” from her friendship with Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds.

“Taylor wants nothing to do with this whole ordeal,” the source said. “She has always been a loyal friend to Blake and doesn’t appreciate being thrown into this at all.”

The tension reportedly stems from Baldoni’s countersuit, which revealed texts in which Lively allegedly referred to Swift as one of her “dragons.” Baldoni also claimed he was pressured by “two of the most influential and wealthy celebrities in the world” to accept Lively’s rewrites for a key rooftop scene in It Ends With Us.

While the texts don’t specify names, many believe Lively was referring to Swift and Reynolds. 

Davy, a Zimbabwean-born entrepreneur, launched the venture in 2020

Chelsy Davy shuts down her luxury travel company after financial struggles

Prince Harry’s former girlfriend, Chelsy Davy, has officially closed her luxury travel company, Aya Luxury Travel, after facing persistent financial difficulties. 

Documents filed on Monday reveal that the company, which specialised in high-end African getaways, is being struck off at Companies House, leaving behind nearly £22,000 in unpaid debt, reported GB News.

Davy, a Zimbabwean-born entrepreneur, launched the venture in 2020 with the vision of curating bespoke travel experiences. 

However, the business struggled to recover from the setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which heavily impacted the global travel industry.

Despite her efforts, the financial burden proved insurmountable, leading to the dissolution of the company. Any remaining assets will be transferred to the Crown unless objections are raised.

Davy, who famously dated Prince Harry from 2004 to 2009, has since moved on, marrying hotelier Sam Cutmore-Scott in 2022. 

While she maintained an amicable relationship with the royal family, attending both Prince William and Prince Harry’s weddings, her entrepreneurial ambitions have now taken a significant hit.

Madonna is taking a trip down memory lane, particularly her albums ‘Bedtime Stories’ and ‘Confessions on a Dance Floor’

The Queen of Pop is ‘putting her heart and soul’ into her new album

Madonna is taking fans on a trip down memory lane.

On February 7, the Queen of Pop, 66, revealed on Instagram that she’s gearing up to rerelease her 1994 album Bedtime Stories, following last week’s announcement of a Confessions on a Dance Floor sequel.

“Bedtime Stories Re-release and Vinyl coming soon,” Madonna wrote alongside a sultry video of herself posing in a pink slip dress, soundtracked by the album’s dreamy track, Bedtime Story.

Originally released in October 1994, Bedtime Stories marked a shift toward R&B and smooth, mid-tempo grooves, spawning hits like Secret and Take a Bow — the latter spending seven weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The album also featured Human Nature, a bold clapback to critics, and Bedtime Story, co-written by Björk. It peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and has since been certified triple platinum.

The re-release comes as Madonna is also in the studio with longtime collaborator Stuart Price, crafting a follow-up to 2005’s Confessions on a Dance Floor. 

“My Valentine’s Day gift to all my fans is to let you know I’m putting my heart and soul into my new music and I can’t wait to share it with you,” she wrote, adding, “Confessions Part 2.”

Future King William, Queen Kate Middleton embark on new journey

Prince William, Kate Middleton set new rules ahead of destined roles

Prince William and Kate Middleton, who are currently being prepared for their destined roles in the royal family, took a major decision about how they plan on managing things together.

The Prince and Princess of Wales, who are currently enjoying their half-term holidays with their children, Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, six, are making new rules before they become King and Queen.

The royal couple, who have always prioritised their family first, have made a promise to ensure spending quality time despite their responsibilities in the royal family.

“It was so rejuvenating that William and Kate have vowed to do a getaway every month this year,” an insider told InTouch Weekly. “Some trips will be for a few days or a couple of weeks and other times probably a night or two will be all they can manage but the important thing is that they carve out time.”

The report comes after the William, who is the President of British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA), skipped this year’s star-studded ceremony and traded it for a getaway with his wife and children.

“Kate and William were able to take a lovely family vacation with total peace and privacy. She got back on skis and appreciated it with a whole new sense of wonder.”

The decision also comes after Kate underwent a nine-month cancer battle last year and has a new perspective on life. The princess is eager to cherish live a little more and wants “more trips with her extended family” after navigating a tough year.

The insider added that Kate is “fully aware that they will have a ton on their plates with work” and she is “100 percent ready to roll up her sleeves and handle what needs to be done”.

However, Kate also believes that “life is too precious not to enjoy it as well”.

Royal family releases delightful moments from Queen Camilla and Prince Harry’s pal meeting

Queen Camilla sends message to Prince Harry from Buckingham Palace party

Queen Camilla lit up Buckingham Palace by hosting a star-studded gathering, leaving the royal fans delighted.

The Queen celebrated people from the entertainment industry who are working wholeheartedly to flourish the National Theatre.

The event was attended by Hollywood A-listers including Kate Cate Blanchett, Andrew Garfield and renowned comedian James Corden, who is a close pal of Prince Harry.

In the shared video on the royal family’s official Instagram page, Camilla was seen sharing a light-hearted moment with the Duke of Sussex’s pal, which is interpreted as a pleasant message for Harry from King Charles’ wife.

The message alongside the video reads, “Shining a spotlight on the wonderful work of @nationaltheatre – on stage, on screen, and in schools!”

“The Queen hosted a reception, with some very special performances, to celebrate the talented actors, staff, and supporters behind the National Theatre, of which Her Majesty has been Patron since 2022.”

Notably, Prince Harry and James Corden’s friendship is not hidden from anyone. The Duke also appeared on the comedian’s The Late Late Show.

President to address Florida gathering of investors and tech moguls after he and billionaire ally Elon Musk took part in Fox News sitdown with Sean Hannity to defend DOGE cost-cutting actions and firings

Donald Trump will attend a conference hosted by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund in Miami on Wednesday, mingling with global financiers and tech executives in the hope of securing further U.S. investment.

The president and “first buddy” Elon Musk took part in a primetime sitdown with Fox News on Tuesday in which host Sean Hannity mused it was like “interviewing two brothers”.

The duo insisted the media was “trying to drive us apart” and offered a show of unity as they defended the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)’s cost-cutting actions and mass firings.

Earlier, Trump had sparked fresh concern over the Ukraine war during a press conference at Mar-a-Lago by declaring the country “should never have started” the conflict, even though its territory was invaded by Russian troops acting on Vladimir Putin’s orders, not vice versa.

The president further dismissed Ukrainian anger over being denied a place at talks between U.S. and Russian negotiators in Riyadh.

“I hear they’re upset about not having a seat. Well, they’ve had a seat for three years,” Trump said, also deriding his counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky’s poll ratings and suggesting he “may” meet Putin before the end of February.

Meghan Markle unveils new brand ‘As Ever’ with symbolic logo

Meghan Markle’s new brand  has sparked controversy over its design

Meghan Markle has launched a new lifestyle brand, As Ever, replacing her previous venture, American Riviera Orchard. 

The sudden rebranding has drawn attention, not only for its unexpected shift but also for the symbolism embedded in its logo.

The emblem, featuring a palm tree flanked by two hummingbirds, is believed to carry deep personal significance. According to reports, the hummingbirds were included as a nod to Prince Harry, who has long been fascinated by the species. 

In his memoir Spare, Harry shared a moment when a hummingbird entered their home shortly after they returned from the UK following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II—an event he saw as meaningful.

However, Meghan’s new brand has also sparked controversy. Officials in Majorca, Spain, have pointed out a striking resemblance between her logo and the town’s historic coat of arms, raising concerns over originality.

Following the official announcement of As Ever, Meghan quickly ramped up its promotion, renaming her previous Instagram account and sharing a new post.

With As Ever, Meghan appears to be crafting a brand that merges personal storytelling with luxury branding, but the controversy surrounding its design may bring unexpected challenges.