Korean boyband BTS’s visit to the White House this week is the latest in a long line of celebrities who have been hosted there by US presidents.
The group travelled to Washington DC to meet with President Joe Biden in private, and also to discuss Asian representation and address hate crimes in the US.
“We were devastated by the recent surge of hate crimes, including hate crimes against Asian-Americans. To put a stop to this and support the cause, we'd like to take this opportunity to be heard once again,” the group said through their translator. “We are here today thanks to our army — our fans worldwide — who have different nationalities and cultures and use different languages.”
From Elvis Presley and Richard Nixon’s meeting, to Kanye West and Donald Trump’s face-to-face, here are 15 unforgettable celebrity visits to the White House.
Elvis Presley and Richard Nixon
Before Watergate destroyed Richard Nixon’s career, the King of rock ‘n’ roll Elvis Presley met the president at the White House on December 21, 1970.
Elvis was there to offer his services to promote the administration’s anti-drug campaign. This image of the pair is the most requested photograph in all the US National Archives.
James Brown and Richard Nixon
Like Kanye West would do decades later, the Godfather of Soul James Brown alienated a huge swathe of his fans when he met with the president at the White House.
Having previously performed at Nixon’s 1968 inauguration, the African-American singer visited in 1972 to show his support for the administration, whose conservative policies he publicly endorsed.
Pele and Gerald Ford
The Brazilian football star visited the White House in 1975 during the Ford administration.
Pele famously gave the president a quick football lesson on the White House lawn, showing him how to juggle the ball.
Pele was a repeat visitor to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue over the years, visiting presidents Richard Nixon, Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan.
Johnny Cash, June Carter Cash and Jimmy Carter
Johnny Cash and his family visited the White House on numerous occasions, meeting with Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush. But on June 14, 1977, it was Jimmy Carter’s turn to meet the Man in Black.
Cash and his wife, fellow musician June Carter Cash, went to the White House to be honoured for their work with the Industry Retraining and Employment programme for veterans.
Michael Jackson and Ronald Reagan
The King of Pop met the president on May 14, 1984, while being given a special honour.
The Man in the Mirror singer was given the Presidential Public Safety Communication Award at a White House ceremony for allowing his song Beat It to be used in a public service campaign raising awareness of teenage drinking and driving.
Princess Diana, Prince Charles and Ronald Reagan
While Prince Charles and Princess Diana were invited to the White House in 1985 by President Reagan, the event became more famous as the night Diana danced with Hollywood star John Travolta.
The gala dinner was held in the royals’ honour and marked Diana’s first trip to the US. Reagan famously muddled up the princess’s name twice during his welcome speech.
Elton John and Ronald Reagan
The British singer met with Reagan in the Oval Office back in 1982.
The meeting would later take on greater socio-political relevance, as the pair met when the first Aids cases were emerging in the US.
The Reagan administration famously ignored the illness, while Elton would go on to become an activist and fundraiser on behalf of those affected by HIV.
Bono and George W. Bush
The U2 frontman later admitted of his meeting with President Bush: “He didn’t want to see me.”
Bono visited the White House in 2005 to discuss global poverty, Aids and debt relief. The Oval Office meeting was controversial at the time owing to the pair's differing political beliefs.
Years later, Bono said of Bush: “I’ve become very fond of him. Underneath his armour, there’s passion, compassion. He has it.”
Jay Z, Beyonce and Barack Obama
The trio have developed a close relationship over the years, with the music power couple making numerous visits to the White House during the eight-year Obama administration.
In 2010, the couple brought their mums along to meet the president, returning in 2013 with their daughter Blue Ivy.
Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie and Barack Obama
In January 2012, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie visited the White House while they were in Washington DC for a screening of Jolie’s film In the Land of Blood and Honey.
A White House aide later said the president “spoke with Ms Jolie about her work to raise the profile of preventing mass atrocities and combatting sexual violence against women”.
Bob Dylan and Barack Obama
Another return visitor to the White House, celebrated American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan joined the Obama administration twice in 2010 and 2012.
Dylan’s second visit was to receive the Medal of Freedom, the country’s highest civilian honour.
Kanye West and Donald Trump
The rapper was invited to the Oval Office in October 2018. During the visit he wore a “Make America Great Again” cap and spoke to reporters for 10 minutes on a range of subjects including mental health, manufacturing and the 13th Amendment. West also said he related to President Trump’s “male energy”.
Kim Kardashian and Donald Trump
The reality TV star visited the White House in March 2020 to discuss prison reform with Trump.
Kardashian was accompanied by three women, former prisoners Crystal Munoz, Judith Negron and Tynice Hall, who each had their sentences commuted by Trump at Kardashian’s behest.
Olivia Rodrigo and Joe Biden
The Gen Z singer was invited to the White House to encourage young people to get the Covid-19 vaccine.
During her visit on July 14, 2021, the good 4 U singer took to the White House press briefing room podium to “lend my support to this important initiative".
BTS and Joe Biden
The Korean boyband met with President Biden on May 31, to discuss Asian inclusion and representation, and to address anti-Asian hate crimes in the US.
Each of the seven members of the group spoke at the podium in the White House press briefing room, with an interpreter on hand to translate.
Their meeting with Biden was held behind closed doors, with a White House official saying that the group would be filming "digital content" for White House social media channels.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Types of bank fraud
1) Phishing
Fraudsters send an unsolicited email that appears to be from a financial institution or online retailer. The hoax email requests that you provide sensitive information, often by clicking on to a link leading to a fake website.
2) Smishing
The SMS equivalent of phishing. Fraudsters falsify the telephone number through “text spoofing,” so that it appears to be a genuine text from the bank.
3) Vishing
The telephone equivalent of phishing and smishing. Fraudsters may pose as bank staff, police or government officials. They may persuade the consumer to transfer money or divulge personal information.
4) SIM swap
Fraudsters duplicate the SIM of your mobile number without your knowledge or authorisation, allowing them to conduct financial transactions with your bank.
5) Identity theft
Someone illegally obtains your confidential information, through various ways, such as theft of your wallet, bank and utility bill statements, computer intrusion and social networks.
6) Prize scams
Fraudsters claiming to be authorised representatives from well-known organisations (such as Etisalat, du, Dubai Shopping Festival, Expo2020, Lulu Hypermarket etc) contact victims to tell them they have won a cash prize and request them to share confidential banking details to transfer the prize money.
If you go
The flights
Etihad (etihad.com) flies from Abu Dhabi to Luang Prabang via Bangkok, with a return flight from Chiang Rai via Bangkok for about Dh3,000, including taxes. Emirates and Thai Airways cover the same route, also via Bangkok in both directions, from about Dh2,700.
The cruise
The Gypsy by Mekong Kingdoms has two cruising options: a three-night, four-day trip upstream cruise or a two-night, three-day downstream journey, from US$5,940 (Dh21,814), including meals, selected drinks, excursions and transfers.
The hotels
Accommodation is available in Luang Prabang at the Avani, from $290 (Dh1,065) per night, and at Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp and Resort from $1,080 (Dh3,967) per night, including meals, an activity and transfers.
Cherry
Directed by: Joe and Anthony Russo
Starring: Tom Holland, Ciara Bravo
1/5
Who was Alfred Nobel?
The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.
- In his will he dictated that the bulk of his estate should be used to fund "prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind".
- Nobel is best known as the inventor of dynamite, but also wrote poetry and drama and could speak Russian, French, English and German by the age of 17. The five original prize categories reflect the interests closest to his heart.
- Nobel died in 1896 but it took until 1901, following a legal battle over his will, before the first prizes were awarded.
SUZUME
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SUE%20GRAY'S%20FINDINGS
%3Cp%3E%22Whatever%20the%20initial%20intent%2C%20what%20took%20place%20at%20many%20of%20these%20gatherings%20and%20the%3Cbr%3Eway%20in%20which%20they%20developed%20was%20not%20in%20line%20with%20Covid%20guidance%20at%20the%20time.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%22Many%20of%20these%20events%20should%20not%20have%20been%20allowed%20to%20happen.%20It%20is%20also%20the%20case%20that%20some%20of%20the%3Cbr%3Emore%20junior%20civil%20servants%20believed%20that%20their%20involvement%20in%20some%20of%20these%20events%20was%20permitted%20given%20the%20attendance%20of%20senior%20leaders.%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%22The%20senior%20leadership%20at%20the%20centre%2C%20both%20political%20and%20official%2C%20must%20bear%20responsibility%20for%20this%20culture.%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%22I%20found%20that%20some%20staff%20had%20witnessed%20or%20been%20subjected%20to%20behaviours%20at%20work%20which%20they%20had%20felt%20concerned%20about%20but%20at%20times%20felt%20unable%20to%20raise%20properly.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%22I%20was%20made%20aware%20of%20multiple%20examples%20of%20a%20lack%20of%20respect%20and%20poor%20treatment%20of%20security%20and%20cleaning%20staff.%20This%20was%20unacceptable.%22%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Five personal finance podcasts from The National
To help you get started, tune into these Pocketful of Dirham episodes
·
Balance is essential to happiness, health and wealth
·
What is a portfolio stress test?
·
What are NFTs and why are auction houses interested?
·
How gamers are getting rich by earning cryptocurrencies
·
Should you buy or rent a home in the UAE?
UK%20-%20UAE%20Trade
%3Cp%3ETotal%20trade%20in%20goods%20and%20services%20(exports%20plus%20imports)%20between%20the%20UK%20and%20the%20UAE%20in%202022%20was%20%C2%A321.6%20billion%20(Dh98%20billion).%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EThis%20is%20an%20increase%20of%2063.0%20per%20cent%20or%20%C2%A38.3%20billion%20in%20current%20prices%20from%20the%20four%20quarters%20to%20the%20end%20of%202021.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EThe%20UAE%20was%20the%20UK%E2%80%99s%2019th%20largest%20trading%20partner%20in%20the%20four%20quarters%20to%20the%20end%20of%20Q4%202022%20accounting%20for%201.3%20per%20cent%20of%20total%20UK%20trade.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
TOP%2010%20MOST%20POLLUTED%20CITIES
%3Cp%3E1.%20Bhiwadi%2C%20India%0D%3Cbr%3E2.%20Ghaziabad%2C%20India%0D%3Cbr%3E3.%20Hotan%2C%20China%0D%3Cbr%3E4.%20Delhi%2C%20India%0D%3Cbr%3E5.%20Jaunpur%2C%20India%0D%3Cbr%3E6.%20Faisalabad%2C%20Pakistan%0D%3Cbr%3E7.%20Noida%2C%20India%0D%3Cbr%3E8.%20Bahawalpur%2C%20Pakistan%0D%3Cbr%3E9.%20Peshawar%2C%20Pakistan%0D%3Cbr%3E10.%20Bagpat%2C%20India%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cem%3ESource%3A%20IQAir%3C%2Fem%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Essentials
The flights
Emirates, Etihad and Malaysia Airlines all fly direct from the UAE to Kuala Lumpur and on to Penang from about Dh2,300 return, including taxes.
Where to stay
In Kuala Lumpur, Element is a recently opened, futuristic hotel high up in a Norman Foster-designed skyscraper. Rooms cost from Dh400 per night, including taxes. Hotel Stripes, also in KL, is a great value design hotel, with an infinity rooftop pool. Rooms cost from Dh310, including taxes.
In Penang, Ren i Tang is a boutique b&b in what was once an ancient Chinese Medicine Hall in the centre of Little India. Rooms cost from Dh220, including taxes.
23 Love Lane in Penang is a luxury boutique heritage hotel in a converted mansion, with private tropical gardens. Rooms cost from Dh400, including taxes.
In Langkawi, Temple Tree is a unique architectural villa hotel consisting of antique houses from all across Malaysia. Rooms cost from Dh350, including taxes.
A MINECRAFT MOVIE
Director: Jared Hess
Starring: Jack Black, Jennifer Coolidge, Jason Momoa
Rating: 3/5
Mina Cup winners
Under 12 – Minerva Academy
Under 14 – Unam Pumas
Under 16 – Fursan Hispania
Under 18 – Madenat
Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
- Travel distance: Limited
- Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
GIANT REVIEW
Starring: Amir El-Masry, Pierce Brosnan
Director: Athale
Rating: 4/5
