Good morning. Today we cover some of the leading U.S. news stories via Mini-memeorandum.
Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas addressed a judicial conference, expressing frustration over criticisms he and his wife have faced, labeling Washington, D.C., as a “hideous place.” He highlighted challenges of dealing with mean-spiritedness but emphasized the importance of not letting it change one’s character. Thomas faced criticism for unreported luxury trips, while his wife, Ginni Thomas, was criticized for promoting unsubstantiated claims on social media. Despite not directly addressing the criticisms, Thomas discussed the impact of reckless behavior on one’s reputation. He also expressed a dislike for Washington, preferring the company of “regular people” during RV trips. Additionally, Justice Brett Kavanaugh spoke at a separate event, discussing how unpopular court decisions can become integral to American constitutional law over time – Clarence Thomas says critics are pushing ‘nastiness’ and calls Washington a ‘hideous place’ (The Associated Press/NBC News ~ SUPREME COURT)
Barron Trump, the youngest child of former President Donald Trump, has declined an invitation to serve as a delegate for his father at the Republican National Convention. While initially supportive, Barron’s mother, Melania Trump, cited prior commitments for his decision not to participate. It remains uncertain whether Barron will attend the convention, which takes place in July. Other members of the Trump family, including Donald Jr., Eric, and Tiffany, will serve as delegates for Florida, their father’s current residence and voting state. Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner are not confirmed participants, and Melania Trump has largely kept Barron out of the public eye, protecting his privacy. Despite his declining the role, Donald Trump expressed joy at his son’s potential involvement, describing Barron as “very cute” and suggesting his interest in politics – Trump’s youngest son Barron ‘declines’ to be RNC delegate, his mother Melania says (BBC News ~ World/US & Canada)
Police conducted raids to disband pro-Palestinian student encampments at several US campuses, including the University of Pennsylvania, MIT, and the University of Arizona, Tucson. The encampments, established in response to Israel’s military operation in Gaza, were cleared amidst tensions and clashes with demonstrators. The University of Pennsylvania’s encampment, present for over two weeks, was dismantled following pressure from Pennsylvania’s governor. Pro-Palestinian protests have spread across US campuses in recent weeks, resulting in thousands of arrests. The raids involved a significant police presence and, in some instances, the use of tear gas and pepper balls to disperse protesters. University administrations have taken a zero-tolerance approach to enforce campus use policies amidst escalating tensions. Additionally, a pro-Palestinian demonstration at George Washington University was disrupted by police following the dismantling of a two-week-long encampment – Police disband pro-Palestinian student encampments across the US (The Guardian UK edition ~ News/World/US/US campus protests)
Barron Trump, the youngest son of former President Donald Trump, has declined an offer to serve as a delegate for the Republican National Convention this summer. His decision was communicated by Melania Trump’s office, citing “prior commitments.” While Barron, who recently turned 18, was elected as an at-large delegate for Florida, it remains uncertain if he will attend the convention. Unlike his siblings, Barron has largely stayed out of the public eye during his father’s presidency, with Melania Trump being protective of his privacy. Reports suggest that Barron has shown an interest in politics, with Donald Trump acknowledging his son’s interest and political advice. Despite Barron’s absence from public events, he has been involved behind the scenes in supporting his father’s political endeavors – EXCLUSIVE Melania Trump reveals son Barron, 18, has pulled out of being a delegate nominating his father for president because he has ‘prior commitments’ (Mail Online News)
Barron Trump has decided not to serve as an at-large convention delegate for his father, Donald Trump, at the Republican National Convention. The announcement, made by Melania Trump’s office, cited “prior commitments” as the reason for Barron’s withdrawal from the event. This decision came shortly after Donald Trump expressed approval of Barron’s role at the convention, despite mistakenly stating his son’s age. Barron, who turned 18 in March, was selected by the Republican Party of Florida as an at-large delegate, along with other family members. Trump’s ongoing hush money trial will recess to allow him to attend Barron’s high school graduation ceremony – Change of plan: Barron Trump will no longer be a delegate at the Republican convention (USA Today News ~ Elections 2020)
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